Jan 27
Manchester United vs Manchester City: Preview
Only one week ago a Carlos Tevez brace gave Manchester City a slender 2-1 lead over Manchester United in the Carling Cup Semi-Final 1st Leg, but as United strolled to a 4-0 victory over Hull at the weekend, they sent out a clear message. We are top dogs in Manchester and will not be giving cup the trophy without a fight, Wayne Rooney is in inspired form and Sir Alex Ferguson will be going all out for victory.
City have won the League Cup on two previous occasions and coincidently the Final comes exactly 34 years after the last won the trophy, their last trophy. So the fans, players and management will be well aware of what this game means, especially as it is against bitter rivals United.
In the first leg United dominated for long spells and will not look to let a lead slip at Old Trafford this time around and as we are out of the F.A. Cup, Fergie will make retaining the Carling Cup a priority, so a full strength line-up is expected.
Edwin van der Sar will continue in goal with Tomasz Kuszczak an able deputy.
Rio Ferdinand will continue his comeback from injury and partner Jonny Evans in central defence, Patrice Evra will also take up his usual spot at left-back and Rafael should keep his place at right-back. Nemanja Vidic is out with a calf strain along with long term absentee John O’Shea.
With Ryan Giggs and Antonio Valencia rested at the weekend, expect both to start on the left and right side of midfield respectively against City. Paul Scholes should drop to the bench with Michael Carrick returning to the starting line-up to partner Darren Fletcher.
It is inevitable Wayne Rooney will start against City after a four goal haul against Hull, but his strike partner is a different story. Dimitar Berbatov replaced Michael Owen against Hull and it is highly unlikely the former Liverpool striker will start two games in a row.
Sir Alex has called for discipline from his side after the spat between Gary Neville and Carlos Tevez threatens to boil over in the 2nd Leg.
“We have enough experience of playing in big games to know it is important to keep your head. It is always a key factor. We have had feisty games against the likes of Leeds and Liverpool since I have been here. Player behaviour has always been good. It has never been an issue.” Said the United manager.
Manchester City want to establish themselves as the best team in the world, and since the arrival of Roberto Mancini the Blues have won five wins with one defeat since his arrival just before Christmas.
Carlos Tevez is in imperious form netting 13 times in his last 11 games, so he will be a key member of the City arsenal. Emmanuel Adebayor could have a part to play after returning from compassionate leave. Kolo Toure is also available upon his arrival back form the African Cup of Nations. Wayne Bridge and Joleon Lescott are both out with knee injuries and United nemesis Patrick Vieira is sidelined with a calf strain along with Roque Santa Cruz. Robinho could also play a part as his move to Brazilian side Santos has not been completed as yet.
Roberto Mancini has set his stall out well in advance, he will attack United.
“We don’t want to go to Old Trafford only to defend,” said the Italian tactician.
“It is possible we will have to defend if United attack. Then we will need to defend very well because they have so many good players. But we want to win, not just the tie, but at Old Trafford. To do that we must attack.” He added.
United have only conceded nine goals in 15 domestic games at home so far this season. While Ferguson’s semi-final record is exemplary, he’s been at the helm for 42 last-four matches and, of those, United have lost just six, including last week’s first leg. Let’s hope Sir Alex and the Red Army can silence Carlos Tevez once and for all.
Prediction: 2-1 United
Probable Line Up: van der Sar, Evra, Evans, Ferdinand, Rafael; Valencia, Fletcher, Carrick, Giggs; Berbatov, Rooney.
* * *
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- If you didn’t already know…
- Manchester United 2006/2007 Season Review
- Betting Preview: City favourites to beat United?
- The Manchester United Pledge
Tags: Game Preview
January 27th, 2010 at 12:10
Wes Brown at rightback?
January 27th, 2010 at 12:20
great preview David Schiavone but u missed a point, ferdinand can only play if he appeals aganist the ban imposed to him by the FA. And if he appeals and fails to revoke ban aganist him which will be reviewed tomorrow he get another match ban added to the 3 game ban.
January 27th, 2010 at 12:40
Nani boosted his chances of selection with his display over the weekend. Would like to see him for the first half, might just prove his worth.
January 27th, 2010 at 12:53
Nani should start. Valencia is good but Nani is better in current form.
January 27th, 2010 at 13:08
@Ab Kr: What is current form ??
Nani has been good for last match only but Valencia is through out the season.Nani will be used as substitute in 2nd half for Giggs.I want Neville to play today.It will really add a lot of entertainment .
January 27th, 2010 at 13:10
3-0 to Man Utd with goals from Rooney,Berba and Neville
January 27th, 2010 at 13:27
its OT throw nani and valencia in there
January 27th, 2010 at 13:34
@Don Pablo: i second that.
we give the citizens some beatin tonite. stong squad daivd, lets hope fergy doenst coward and play 451
January 27th, 2010 at 13:36
attack attack attack
January 27th, 2010 at 14:06
I’m really angry with Rio. We needed him so much for tonight and Sunday, and he goes and loses the plot against Hull. We may end up paying for that.
January 27th, 2010 at 14:14
How does the away game rule work in the Carling Cup? This is the sort of game I could easily see going to penalties. I have no doubt we can beat them, but with our tendency towards caution I doubt we will win by a two goal margin and you can always see City sneaking a goal. So Im going to predict we will beat them 2-1 and watch them crack under the pressure of a penalty shootout with Tevez missing a penalty and Rooney scoring.
January 27th, 2010 at 14:43
@colver: I think away goals only count after extra time. If we win 3-2 then it goes to extra time, and if that’s still the result at the end of ET they’d go through. I’m hoping for a 3-1. It’ll be 2-1 and we’ll hit them on the break late on as they look for an equalizer.
January 27th, 2010 at 14:53
Anyone else nervous, because I sure as fuck am
.
January 27th, 2010 at 14:55
@Munish Gupta: I don’t think Nani will feature. I have a feeling that he played to give others a rest for tonight’s game in mind
January 27th, 2010 at 14:56
I hope Tevez scores a hat-trick
January 27th, 2010 at 14:58
@Karl: I hope you get banned from Red Ranter
January 27th, 2010 at 15:03
@owen: NANI is good end of mate – live with it eh?
January 27th, 2010 at 15:06
@CraigMc: Nani is the best but to say that he is in good form when he has just played one game in 3 months is not justified.Nani should start today and will be by any Manager in the world but i doubt Fergie.I am sure he will show his Giggs love.
January 27th, 2010 at 15:12
does united or any club fine players for red cards?? I know the FA gives fine but what about clubs?
January 27th, 2010 at 15:12
@Karl: So do I, but in City’s net – so 3 own goals
January 27th, 2010 at 15:14
@Karl: More fucking fool Fergie then, because if he plays Dad’s army again, bye bye Wembley, and hello hello Man Untd fans barracking from everyone else in the country
. Fergie on his own can cost us this game!
January 27th, 2010 at 15:15
@CraigMc: I also want nani to be played in this match but i doubt saf will play him on the left ahead of giggs. i want nani from start as left winger and giggs as sub.
January 27th, 2010 at 15:20
@CraigMc:
Fergie will cost us this game.Team selection is going to be a huge factor today.
January 27th, 2010 at 15:22
@owen: Rooney will not score tonight mate – they will be around his every move like flies on a jam pot. IF Nani plays, he will be double marked AS ALWAYS because he is dangerous if unmarked getting those oppenent costly balls into the box for our forwards. Nani should have had at least 6 assists, if Little Mikey Owen and sad, sad, sad, Park on his arse – would have not missed sitters
January 27th, 2010 at 15:29
@CraigMc: Today is a great chance for Berba and Nani to establish themselves and prove Fergie wrong.I dont know how but i am feeling that Berba will score a hatrick .But Fergie can ruin my dream by playing his favourite 4-5-1
January 27th, 2010 at 15:34
check this argie does not know anything….. http://fourfourtwo.com/blogs/fourfourtwoview/archive/2010/01/27/tevez-shocked-to-hear-semi-final-has-two-legs.aspx and he has also won the carling cup with united.
January 27th, 2010 at 15:37
@ wtf is this defeatist attitude lads? “Fergie will cost us”!!!!!! Cost us how exactly? Train fares to Wembley?!!! We need to be positive here, we’ll trounce the Bitters tonight. I’m sure of it, 3-0 Rooney 2 Berba 1
January 27th, 2010 at 15:39
I’m sooooo worried we’re going to beat down the door, but not score, then get picked off in like the 75th minute on the break. We’ll score a late goal, but end up loosing with a draw. And of course it’ll be that boy Teveth.
Tosic to Cologne, Anderson somewhere, Smalling deal not yet done…what happened to our damn management team…
January 27th, 2010 at 15:47
@Beachryan: yes anderson is a problem. remember the community shield spat between fergi and ando. then ando not attending training after fergi scolded him for his poor performance in cc 1st SF and then missed training and dropped for hull game. now this appears http://www.tribalfootball.com/man-utd-rebel-anderson-spotted-brazil-vasco-da-gama-603271?
January 27th, 2010 at 16:35
@vanderberg: I’d be amazed if he and Fletcher didn’t start tonight.
I’d go with…
VDS
Brown Rio Vidic(if fit, otherwise Evans) Evra
Valencia Fletcher Anderson Nani
Rooney Berbatov
January 27th, 2010 at 16:52
@Karl: Why do you now support City?
January 27th, 2010 at 17:07
@vanderberg: Er, you do realize that article was sarcastic now, don’t you?
January 27th, 2010 at 17:12
@Traverse: Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.Plz start Red Nev today.
January 27th, 2010 at 17:14
@owen: Why? So he can clatter Tevez and get sent off? So Bellamy can beat him for pace all day long?
January 27th, 2010 at 17:19
@Red Ranter: I know red ranter but it was so funnily written couldn’t resist making a point out of it on poor argie.
January 27th, 2010 at 17:20
@Karl: of og’s
January 27th, 2010 at 17:20
According to Ben Hibbs, Norwegian midfielder Etzaz Hussain has signed professional forms with United. He’s 17. Eddy might be knowing more about him…
January 27th, 2010 at 17:21
Dont know which other competition does this now but the away goal rule only comes into play after the end of extra time…if its still a draw on away goals, then its penners…expect a long night.
January 27th, 2010 at 17:22
somebody answer my question please
does united or any club fine players for red cards?? I know the FA gives fine but what about clubs?
January 27th, 2010 at 17:32
@Traverse:
No.Because HE IS RED.He is the only one who can give Tevez,The bastard , proper answer.Win or loose but end the career of Tevez today.
January 27th, 2010 at 17:50
Any idea about telecast in India???
January 27th, 2010 at 17:56
Nani quoted in the news today
“”I’ve heard all the rumors, but my mission is to stay and help the club win more titles.”LINK
January 27th, 2010 at 18:09
@owen: You mean by kicking him and getting sent off. What’s the point of that? Cause it’ll be easier to win with 10 men yeah?
I’d rather play a team hat can (and should) win.
January 27th, 2010 at 18:10
Start with
VDS
Brown, Rio, Evans, Evra
Valencia, Fletcher, Giggs, Nani
Berbatov, Rooney
Hit them hard, put the game away early and then rest players for Sunday.
January 27th, 2010 at 18:16
I’ve got a bad feeling about this.
January 27th, 2010 at 18:31
@Grognard: We’re all worried, because the dogs abuse we’ll get from Citeh fans and the ABU media about some shift of power bullshit we’ll get heaped upon us. Layered nicely on top of our debt.
BUT……
……it’s only a worst case scenario. We have enough to beat them, and I think we will. If we start 4-4-2 and go for them with the atmosphere electric and score early we can properly do them. And put them back in their rightful place. Noisy neighbours at most.
BELIEVE.
January 27th, 2010 at 18:35
@ Grognard – yeah I feel that too. The pain of losing is potentially so much worse than the thrill of winning.
City knocking us out of a semi-final, leveraging one of our ex players…ouch…
January 27th, 2010 at 18:45
@Beachryan: that is a loosing mentality. and loosing is simply not on the table today
UNITED UNITED UNITED
January 27th, 2010 at 19:20
@ Gator – neither is drawing
!
January 27th, 2010 at 19:24
HYPE HYPE HYPE HYPE.
ATTACK. ATTACK.
ATTACK ATTACK ATTACK.
Can you tell I’m a little excited?
January 27th, 2010 at 19:24
Rooney basically implying what many of us already guessed: that Fergie tactically is a bit .. limited, shall we say…
January 27th, 2010 at 19:26
We are going to win this game. But there are conditions that need to be met first i.e.:
1. Play two out right strikers in their correct positions and two wingers and two CMs aka four-four bloody two.
2. Do not play Park ji Sung under any circumstances.
3. Attack bloody attack
4. No Anderson and Scholes in the same team.
5. No Giggs ,Scholes, Neville and Carrick in the same team because we need urgency and energy throughout.
I believe if we meet all these requirements we will win this game convincingly. Not necessarily comfortably but convincingly.
January 27th, 2010 at 19:26
Forgot the link..
January 27th, 2010 at 19:30
This is gonna be huge!
January 27th, 2010 at 19:33
Citeh haven’t won shit since Elvis died. Let’s help keep it that way.
January 27th, 2010 at 19:37
@NicoQB: Now does anyone believe me when I say Ferguson is a poor tactician. This is exactly what I said in the previous thread or the one before. Exactly the way Rooney put it. I also wrote a whole paragraph attributing Rooney’s recent success to Capello,talking about how he has placed him in his right position and introducing tactical awareness. But obviously when you call Ferguson a bad coach around here then you’ll get what’s coming to you. But at least Rooney has now come out and attributed Capello with his recent improvement and spoken of how he has improved him technically. Thank you Rooney.
January 27th, 2010 at 19:39
Watching MUTV, Interview with Fergie, admitting that Welbeck’s best position is through the middle, not out wide, and he needs games up top. Hence the loan. FINALLY.
January 27th, 2010 at 19:47
@Jay wire: Fergie is the greatest motivator and man-manager in the history of football (recently less so, imho).
But he is a bit pants tactically.
January 27th, 2010 at 19:47
alot of deals being done now late in jan hopefully we pull off a big one other than the lad from fullham.
January 27th, 2010 at 19:49
Attack, Attack — Attack Attack Attack
Champione Champione, Olé Olé Olé…
Glory glory Man United!
Rooney Rooney Rooney!
Let’s go win this one and put City back in their place!
January 27th, 2010 at 19:53
<a href="@Jay wire: “> Just so that I’m justified.
January 27th, 2010 at 19:57
@[OPTI]Madschester United: What fucking place,They have been no where, and going no where!!None the less am Fuckin SHitting Maself, nervous as fuck.And totally twisted Gut.
Come on the lads,We are going to Wembley.
Enjoy the game lads, if that is possible it gonna be a roller coaster ride.
January 27th, 2010 at 19:57
Team news should be n about 15 mins….
January 27th, 2010 at 19:59
Henry Winter’s twitter:
January 27th, 2010 at 20:01
I hope I don’t sleep through the game. I had a physically draining day.
January 27th, 2010 at 20:01
I’m hoping for Brown Rio Vidic Evra at the back….
January 27th, 2010 at 20:03
@NicoQB: That’s all I have been saying all along. Don’t let the man take charge of the coaching of the team. His strength has always been his management of not just players but all around him. Yes even there he seems to have waned but I still believe he is the best manager around. In all of sports. But he is an aweful coach. CQ is clearly a bad manager but no doubt he is an excellent coach and that’s how they would compliment each other. And people wonder why we play badly or why players continue to regress and not progress on the pitch. But anyway you beat me to that article but thanks either way,at least I feel justified in a way.
January 27th, 2010 at 20:05
If we lose badly tonight, I can see Fergie axing some players. They need to bleed out there. This is what United is about. Semi final and bragging rights.
Who is the ref?
January 27th, 2010 at 20:06
Roy Keane, although Inge Haaland is running one of the lines…..
January 27th, 2010 at 20:12
VDS
RAFAEL RIO EVANS EVRA
CARRICK FLETCHER SCHOLES
NANI ROONEY GIGGS
WTF?!
SB : BROWN, OWEN, PARK, VIDIC, BERBA, VALENCIA PIG
January 27th, 2010 at 20:12
GIVEN
RICHARDS BOYATA KOPMANY GARRIDO
DEJONG BARRY ZABALETTA
SWP TEVEZ BELLAMY
January 27th, 2010 at 20:14
So the good news is Nani plays.
The bad news Scholes and Giggs instead of Berbatov and Valencia.
January 27th, 2010 at 20:16
Adebayour and Ireland on bench for City.
January 27th, 2010 at 20:17
@Traverse: hope its just for the first half
January 27th, 2010 at 20:18
Argh, why do we even own another world class striker if we’re going to persist with a 4-5-1…at home!!! Grrrrrrrrrrrr
Look at the goal threat we have out there:
Rooney – yes
Nani – meh
Giggs – no
Fletcher – no
Carrick – no
Scholes – no
Simply put – who the hell is going to score?! At least Park isn’t playing.
January 27th, 2010 at 20:20
@Traverse: Actually, if you remember Fergie’s interview after the first leg, he was literally gloating over the fact that United were in “complete control” in midfield. I did expect him to put out a 4-5-1 to some extent. 4-4-2 in the league game made me hope that we still might see it but looks Fergie is going for midfield control again.
January 27th, 2010 at 20:22
Oh fuck why the hell….
January 27th, 2010 at 20:23
@Beachryan: Only worry I have is that with Scholes and Fletcher sitting deep, Carrick will be in Anderson’s place. He is very poor in such a AMF role as we saw in Birmingham away game. I think we might see Fletcher on right and Giggs in the AMF role.
January 27th, 2010 at 20:25
Can someone post live streams please??
January 27th, 2010 at 20:25
Plz everyone read comment 25.
January 27th, 2010 at 20:25
I simply can’t get behind this lineup. Why in the name of Christ do we insist on playing this quasi 4-5-1 that has had absolutely zero success this season. The 4-4-2 we played this weekend against Hull created tons of chances for Rooney. Why isolate him again? Why in the hell do you spend 30 million pounds on a striker, and then not play him? Give the man some minutes out there. We desperately need him on the field to provide us with some possession. This is going to be a frustrating, frustrating match I fear.
January 27th, 2010 at 20:25
@Traverse: They are two dangerous shits, arent they. Adebayor is always a threat while Ireland pops up with goals many a time.
January 27th, 2010 at 20:26
@Sidharth: Think you are from india.Enjoy on Zee Sports
January 27th, 2010 at 20:26
if anyone has a bet365 login they are showing it
January 27th, 2010 at 20:27
giggs for berbatov is just mind boggling fergie..
man im prayin nani n rooney have a blinder….
oooof im scared now lads
January 27th, 2010 at 20:28
You can watch this game here:
http://bit.ly/cJqeb8
January 27th, 2010 at 20:31
@owen: Ya well my satellite service doesn’t offer the channel, so i’m fucked. I did kind of expect Fergie to deploy a 4-5-1/ 4-3-3 formation but what worries me a little is the fact that both Scholes and Giggs are in the same eleven.I pray to god that doesn’t hinder the our tempo tonight.
January 27th, 2010 at 20:32
Last time we played city midweek at Old Trafford we won 5 nil. Cantona, Hughes and 3 for Kancheslkis.
I’d enjoy that result with the names changed to Fletcher, Nani and 3 for Rooney!
January 27th, 2010 at 20:34
@ Traverse, gotta wince at that midfield, poor Rooney stuck up front alone, i’m changing my prediction to 2-0 with Rooney and Scholes scoring!! Still think we’ll beat them
January 27th, 2010 at 20:35
@Sidharth: I’d feel alot better if it were Giggs in the middle with Fletcher and Carrick, with Valencia on one wing and Nani the other.
January 27th, 2010 at 20:40
…am i dreaming or what..nani starting…there is light at the end of teh tunnel
January 27th, 2010 at 20:42
veetle.com — here for Sky’s coverage
Looks good quality!
January 27th, 2010 at 20:42
God..I’ll scream if its just Rooney upfront on his own!!!
January 27th, 2010 at 20:43
451 is disappointing given how we battered them with 442 — unless we actually play 433 with Nani and Giggs supporting Rooney.
January 27th, 2010 at 20:46
@Traverse: honestly i expected a central axis of Carrick and Fletch and i don’t really have a problem with that.I think they compliment each other rather well.
I would have preferred Scholes starting rather than Giggs, with Nani on the left and Valencia on the right. But i’m honestly not too fussed with the line up. We tend to set up this way in big games and i trust Fergie to get it right.
Come On United!!!!
Prediction : 2-0 United
January 27th, 2010 at 20:48
Prediction 3-1 Utd. Tevez Red Card!
Can United score? They always score!
January 27th, 2010 at 20:49
delighted to see Nani start, HUGE game needed by Rooney, Nani and Fletcher, getting nervous as fook. WHY? i’ve been askin myself that all day? oh yeah,its the giddy Bitters. Fuck em
January 27th, 2010 at 20:50
This is Mancini’s first derby game at United. Let’s teach him how United and OT do it!
January 27th, 2010 at 20:53
I just hope we give our all and come out fighting. If we do that they can’t match us.
January 27th, 2010 at 20:56
Park Ji Sung and Tevez are big buddies, hugging and kissing in the tunnel.
January 27th, 2010 at 20:59
@[OPTI]Madschester United: AYE but teve$ will be giving Park a blow job after the match, thats the difference
January 27th, 2010 at 21:01
And we’re off!
@Scotjimland: Haha!
January 27th, 2010 at 21:01
win , lose or draw i just hope someone kicks that cunt Bellendy
January 27th, 2010 at 21:02
@[OPTI]Madschester United: That’s showing Birmingham / Chelsea…..
January 27th, 2010 at 21:05
anymore streams…..please!!!
January 27th, 2010 at 21:21
I would have preffered nani and Valencia start with giggs coming on in the second half when peoples legs are a little tired. Scholes scares me because this is gonna be a heated game and his tackling was never his strong suit.
Hopefully Rooney comes thru for us, but um not holding my breath considering he is alone up top.
January 27th, 2010 at 21:23
In fairness to Giggs he has been our best player so far, spraying some incredible passes for Rooney, who predictably is isolated up front. Nani has also shown some nice touches
January 27th, 2010 at 21:23
For those of you in North America, do you know if this game is on setanta? If not I’m headed to the Fox and Hound.
January 27th, 2010 at 21:29
city are diving at every chance
January 27th, 2010 at 21:29
Satellite dish problems and me dropping dead tired means that I’ll skip this for just this once.
I hope that I’ll wake up to some good news. Ciao.
January 27th, 2010 at 21:37
The running man is running out of steam and aint it great to witness, being out passed out thought. Lets get at these Smurfs .
January 27th, 2010 at 21:41
off topic, but is anyone else salivating watching Cesc Fabregas? the man is sheer class…he just went on an Henryesque run and nearly scored….
January 27th, 2010 at 21:41
btw…does anyone have any streams?
January 27th, 2010 at 21:43
pathetic display so far! no teeth, no grit. Why did we not start with roo-berba or even Valencia!! Carrick is a disgrace. my aunt is faster than Carrick!
This is just not the United way of playing football. It has become dull and drab and boring to watch.
Get ready for a TROPHY-less season. not that its bad after 3 titles and a CL BUT it is the way we will capitulate and make this a trophy-less season that sucks!
January 27th, 2010 at 21:46
@Vivek: I would suggest you gave a wank over Ces, you lady boy gooner
January 27th, 2010 at 21:49
Can we put on a second striker at half time and bloody wait for the 75th minute when we’ll put 3 on for no reason please?
January 27th, 2010 at 21:50
ABSOLUTE COMPLETE RUBBISH! I’ve had with this team and this manager. Fucking coward.
January 27th, 2010 at 21:51
@Scotjimland:
Hey mate…I dont know what your problem is, I am in India and I dont get the channel the game is being shown, so I switched over to the Arsenal game and made an observation….This is a football blog site and I appreciate good football, whether from a United player or an Arsenal one….
January 27th, 2010 at 21:51
I told that Fergie will cost us this match.And he never proves me wrong.
January 27th, 2010 at 21:51
@Vivek: Go to http://www.veetle.com and select Channels then “The Rocket”. They are showing skysports at high quality (City vs. Utd).
January 27th, 2010 at 21:51
Nothing down the left, nothing up top with Rooney. Nani is doign well down the right but when he gets passed his man there’s nobody in the box to bloody pick out.
January 27th, 2010 at 21:52
@Traverse: Another striker please and NO HIGH BALLS!
Then remove Scholes too before he gets red-carded!
Then Score 3 goals (preferably one from corner/freekick).
Thanks
January 27th, 2010 at 21:53
Ferguson is history now.This man is gone case .
January 27th, 2010 at 21:57
@Vivek: well go and watch LeARSE, And in the mean time arrange me a chicken Tandori, mushroom pilau rice, 4 popadoms, ohhh and a garlic Nan.
January 27th, 2010 at 22:00
Complete rubbish. Rooney is isolated on his own up front and even when he gets the ball, he either misplaces a pass or is just outnumbered.
Nani keeps running into dead-ends and is showing terrible judgement going for the dribble when a pass would be a better option. Giggs is getting the ball to Rooney on occasion but what is the point when Rooney has no-one to pass to. And Carrick, Scholes and Fletcher are providing no support at all from midfield.
Really City are getting more of the play on our OWN ground. It is terrible. We need to play a 4-4-2 to improve our shape and get Carrick anf Fletcher to push forwards more. Scholes off!
Unless Nani improves dramatically second half, Valencia on for Nani.
January 27th, 2010 at 22:00
@owen: you are am mad Bastard, you know our bench right, and they are getting tired, its about in this case think through the 90 minutes.There Manager Manwho, Is Italian regards of his huffing and puffing, he will defend more in the last 45.
Come on you Reds
January 27th, 2010 at 22:00
we are defending like we have a result to defend… we dont have the personnel to play 4-5-1 either we attack or defend thats our only option with the squad we have. and guess what we are defending their result to the final omg~
January 27th, 2010 at 22:00
He praised Valencia till last day and benched him for this important one.
How can you start both Scholes and Giggs ??? Go Fergie.Take rest now.Do some thing for your grand children.Give time to your house.Decorate them in 4-5-1 way.I am telling this bcoz i admire you.Dont ruin 20 years success in 1 season.I cant see you getting humiliated by a Manager in his first season here bcoz we have seen you dominate persons like Wenger.
January 27th, 2010 at 22:03
@Scotjimland:
I think you will be speechless after 45 mins.Then make chicken tandoori for whole season.
January 27th, 2010 at 22:03
We need a goal and yet we play this 4-5-1 shit. Im sorry but maybe a change of personnel in the management is in order. Yes this is knee jerk but w cant keep hoofing long balls up to a one man strikeforce. Fuck this shit.
January 27th, 2010 at 22:04
@Scotjimland: mate that was not called for seriously….
January 27th, 2010 at 22:04
@owen:
Good one…i did not want to reply to that insult..bordering on r****m i might add….
January 27th, 2010 at 22:06
How has the general performance been? is there atleast some fight shown by the players?
January 27th, 2010 at 22:11
yesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
January 27th, 2010 at 22:11
SCHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLES! Fuck me!
January 27th, 2010 at 22:12
@Vivek: geT on veetle you old bag!
January 27th, 2010 at 22:12
@ the stretty end 2, come on lets put those cunts to the sword
January 27th, 2010 at 22:14
who scored???@[OPTI]Madschester United:
Thanks..I just got on…
January 27th, 2010 at 22:15
@[OPTI]Madschester United:
but my broadband sucks….its like a slideshow…..
January 27th, 2010 at 22:17
WE have got then racked like , I thought.
January 27th, 2010 at 22:25
@Sidharth: ohhh dont be such a big girls blouse, stick to blue moon, yer far more intersting there, capeesh
January 27th, 2010 at 22:26
Those fans throwing missiles at bellamy are a disgrace, I hope real fans like Craig sort them out. I have zero tolerance for rubbish like that.
January 27th, 2010 at 22:30
yesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss done deal
January 27th, 2010 at 22:31
sbs aisaUSiiacouaishaiusc suck it Tevez!
January 27th, 2010 at 22:31
aint I phones so cool
January 27th, 2010 at 22:32
@Johnsom33: it was done to evra at their pitch so…
January 27th, 2010 at 22:34
Nani beautiful pass to Fletcher who hesitates and gets blocked but it falls to Carrick who from a tight angle puts it into opposite corner.
Rooney just missed a sitter — from 5 yards out empty goal, wide!
January 27th, 2010 at 22:36
feking tevez man
January 27th, 2010 at 22:36
so lucky! Damn tevez!
January 27th, 2010 at 22:37
he piped rio out of nowhere
January 27th, 2010 at 22:37
@[OPTI]Madschester United: who the fuck are u Alan smith!
January 27th, 2010 at 22:39
i just know its coming, they will get stage fright, we have been over the course!
lulu, love united love united
January 27th, 2010 at 22:41
Ferguson is really starting to look silly. Tevez has now scored three goals in the space of a week against us. With 18 goals to his name, could it be that Fergie just completely mismanaged Tevez in his last season at the club? You play Tevez regularly and build up his confidence and he will score goals. We failed to do that last season undermining his confidence and playing him irregularly.
Rooney really should have scored that chance-it is misses like that which cast doubt into the theory that Rooney is a world class striker.
But the game has completely opened up and we are looking sharp offensively. If we keep our defence together we could get another goal.
January 27th, 2010 at 22:46
@colver: If Rooney is world class striker then world means ‘Manchester’.He has almost cost us this match.
January 27th, 2010 at 22:49
fuck all the british especially me,
January 27th, 2010 at 22:50
Disregard last comment, my girlfriend is bored of the football so hijacking my account
January 27th, 2010 at 22:51
AS i told, you all, its thinking! get in there
January 27th, 2010 at 22:52
Rooney makes it 3-1!!!! Giggs is legend and still amazing- assist!
January 27th, 2010 at 22:53
yesssssssssssssssssssssssssss
January 27th, 2010 at 22:54
All is forgiven Wayne. Thanks for winning us the game!!!! What a way to silence the Blues. We were rubbish first half, but we created some superb chances second half and fully deserved to win! Giggs as usual with a superb assist and BAM a bullet header from Rooney!!
January 27th, 2010 at 22:54
@owen: say my name biatch!
January 27th, 2010 at 22:55
wemberly! wemberly! wemberly! We’re the famous Man United and we’re going to Wemberly!
January 27th, 2010 at 22:55
@owen: go self suck yerself m8, Glory Glory
January 27th, 2010 at 22:55
@owen: He more than made it up i guess.
January 27th, 2010 at 22:55
FUCK OFF BACK TO WASTELANDS!
THIS CITY IS OURS!!!!
January 27th, 2010 at 22:56
@[OPTI]Madschester United: and aint it fucking great
January 27th, 2010 at 22:56
@Scotjimland: Everyone should get a chance to feel (at least) a little bit of what’s going on here
January 27th, 2010 at 22:57
@Traverse: thats so true and in gr8 style. just fucking amazing.
January 27th, 2010 at 22:57
@owen: are you done yet mate
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA FUCKING HA 
January 27th, 2010 at 22:58
@colver: right
All you nay-sayser and Fergie-haters, suck it! He is genius… a game is 90 minutes — don’t forget that!
January 27th, 2010 at 22:58
What an exciting week. A blockbuster second half and now the Arsenal game to look forwards to at the weekend. Getting to a cup final without Ronaldo will give our lads some confidence and we have shown conclusively we are the best team in Manchester still!!! So City can takke their millions and get stuffed.
January 27th, 2010 at 22:58
Great result….cant wait to hear what the little twat from Argentina has to say..hope he got booed at every touch..
January 27th, 2010 at 22:58
How did Bellamy not get sent off for just kicking Evans’ legs from under him. Nowhere near the ball, can’t pretend it’s a challenge. Scholes’ was at least an attempt at a challenge, albeit a rubbish one.
January 27th, 2010 at 22:58
@ROOOOONEY: lol hahahaaa ROONEY ROONEY ROONEY ROONEY
January 27th, 2010 at 22:58
@[OPTI]Madschester United: Get a ticket m8!
January 27th, 2010 at 22:59
@Vivek: he did and bellamy was hit by a coin serves them right for the zippo that hit evra in the first leg.
January 27th, 2010 at 23:00
@Vivek: he did!
January 27th, 2010 at 23:02
34 years and counting BITCHES
Great second half by the lads. Could have scored six if not for some really poor finishing and a great save by Given on Fletcher. I still cannot believe that Rooney miss. Thank God he redeemed himself or Craig would have had a field day criticizing him. Fletcher and Giggs were immense in this game as was Scholes and our CB’s were outstanding. Still, no way should a team like United be playing with just one forward up top at home against their bitches. It’s just wrong. Now bring on Villa for some more revenge.
SUCKS TO BE CITY!
January 27th, 2010 at 23:02
@gator: Yeah your right, our fans throwing missiles is fine because city fans did it too. Get real, and grow up.
January 27th, 2010 at 23:02
@gator: No.He gave more than what he missed.So happy end to the climax.It is 4 at night here ,office from 8 in morning but you have to sacrifice something for being United Fan .
January 27th, 2010 at 23:03
@[OPTI]Madschester United: Fair point. I hang my head in shame.
January 27th, 2010 at 23:03
Fuck me pink, am blocked from blue moon, I wonder why!
January 27th, 2010 at 23:04
Wow. You gotta give City some credit, this felt like it mattered, despite being the mickey mouse cup!
January 27th, 2010 at 23:04
@Traverse: Webb was a disgrace. Another ref mistake worth mentioning is at Chelsea-Brum where the lines gave Chelsea a corner when it clearly went out for a throw-in (on the linesman’s side)
Respect the Ref? How can I when they suck so bad?
January 27th, 2010 at 23:04
Now we can all sing the song that befits Carlos Tevez return to Old Trafford. “The Bitch is Back”.
January 27th, 2010 at 23:04
Tevez interview says he wishes he took our offer and stayed at united
LINK
January 27th, 2010 at 23:05
Where is Garry Cook and his comments???Bastard.
January 27th, 2010 at 23:05
@Scotjimland: Mate, i really don’t get you, what the hell is up with you? You’re one immature little prat.
Anyways i’m delighted about the result but i’m really gutted that i couldn’t watch thanks to reasons beyond my control. Who played well for us?
January 27th, 2010 at 23:06
Well, I am out.
Good game today — let’s keep it up for Sunday.
Glory glory Man United!
January 27th, 2010 at 23:07
WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE FUCKING RROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
THIS!!!! IS!!!! FOOTBALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11
THIS IS WHY WE LOVE THIS GAME!!!! CITY FUCK OFF, UNITED FOR LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 27th, 2010 at 23:07
@owen: too true mate my guts have been in nots. Im at the office myself and my employees know to leave me be when they hear screams from the office. I flipped my desk when scholes scored and lost my voice when roony did. UNITED
January 27th, 2010 at 23:07
Scotjimland – why are you picking on others unnecessarily? your pleated Scottish skirt not fitting properly?
January 27th, 2010 at 23:08
@Sidharth: You are not advised to start with me. End off
January 27th, 2010 at 23:10
lets all be chuffed as fuck tonite, I am am an put those dreamers in there place.
January 27th, 2010 at 23:10
@Beachryan: It did matter to them and thats the only reason it mattered to us. Fergi will proly play the reserves at wembley
January 27th, 2010 at 23:10
Well, Carrick did make me eat my words by scoring a not-so-spectacular goal. Brilliant assist by Giggs the God! Did Nani take notes?
Still think Valencia is a better bet even though uni-dimensional!
…another injury time heart-rippler!alls well that ends well!
January 27th, 2010 at 23:12
@Scotjimland: And why exactly? What exactly are you going to do? Jump out of the monitor and thump me? Really mate, are you seriously trying to act tough on the internet!?! You realise you’re coming off looking like a total chump but anyways…
January 27th, 2010 at 23:12
@Scotjimland: You are such an immature one.
January 27th, 2010 at 23:12
@godzilla: would u like me to lift my kilt? yel see summit u aint got.
January 27th, 2010 at 23:16
@Scotjimland: No thanks Scotjim, dont have a microscope right now to see whats what you wanna show!
January 27th, 2010 at 23:17
personally i am seventh heaven i dont care for bitch fights. SAF tatics, pure gold
January 27th, 2010 at 23:19
@Sidharth: do you want to talk footie mate or argue. cheer up were celebrating here take that serious shit somewhere else
January 27th, 2010 at 23:21
sack fergi and slit my thought waaaaah
January 27th, 2010 at 23:23
@EduardoDaVinci4: EDDYYYYYYYYYY i cant stop smiling and laughing at how MASSIVE citeh are
BWAHAHAHHAHAHAHAA
January 27th, 2010 at 23:24
Wow. The Second half performance by the lads. Out-fucking-standing!. The player who impressed me most tonight was Luis Nani. It seems like the lad went for a brain transplant during his injury. He played in some seriously terrific balls and played a big part in two of the goals. Ryan Giggs- WOW. Rooney- I wanted blood after that miss. Really stupid miss but he did make up for it. Darren Fletcher, I think is now in the top 2 of all round midfielders. Almost got a goal. Finally Fuck off Tevez you Cunt!!!!
January 27th, 2010 at 23:27
@gator: Big slap on the back 2 you, its a night to be happy, there are posters on here that just cant smile
January 27th, 2010 at 23:27
it was a all round effort by the lad.every1 was great tonight.let continue our great form this weekend against arsenal.
January 27th, 2010 at 23:37
hats off to fergie for making another eat your words tactical dicision and playing 451, and secondly nani who as usual nobody gives enough credit for…he had a hand in both of the first two goals albiet one was suspect…but he was excellent tonight, drove at them and crossed with confidence…..enough to merit him over valencia tonight, his scoop which setup flecth and carrick for the 2nd goal reminded me of scholsey
January 27th, 2010 at 23:38
Great 2nd half performance that ultimately vindicates Fergie’s decisions. Still the 3 games vs City shows beyond doubt we are the far superior team, and starting with 4-5-1 at home was unnecessarily risky and cautious considering how all-important the first goal would be. Thankfully it fell to us and we never looked back. Much improved second half showing from Fletcher and Carrick, and Nani continued his good form from Saturday.
A good game against Arsenal on Sunday and I may actually start feeling good about the footballing side of affairs.
January 27th, 2010 at 23:39
@ebrahim: Here fuckin here. Will u be there? am finding it tricky to get a ticket!
January 27th, 2010 at 23:42
@RMJ: Note my words on here few and limited, tatics and SAF go hand in hand
January 27th, 2010 at 23:44
One thing is for certain,we deserved to win this game. City were crapping their pants. I don’t know if it was the crowd’s influence or something but they were just not confident at all. Only Tevez and Bellamy showed up for them. And maybe Richards. But one thing is for certain,we could have won that game better if not for the useless 4-5-1. Why do we play that system at home when we need to attack and get ourselves into the contest. And don’t tell me it’s that formation that won us the match. I thought the players were all playing out of their skin. I thought Nani was good,Evra as always and Rooney seems to be getting his groove back.
January 27th, 2010 at 23:46
Nani Nani, Nani Nani, Nani Nani Nani – ran his bollocks of, TRACKED BACK, fabulous control of the ball, and double marking on him – well Nuff said eh? Given a good run of games and when FIT the lad has a very good artillary in his game –
– love him. All those numptee radio/tv Nani dissenters raving about him tonight, saying he is coming good. Coming good, he has always been bloody good.
.
Rooney – lucky little bastard, didn’t look like he would score most of the game, but GOTTA give him accolade for getting the winner
And to Mr Tevez – yeah you joined the right club now mate – the LOSER club. Hope your patient because 34 years and counting – the Clock and banner stays in the Stretford end Mr Mancini!!!
January 27th, 2010 at 23:47
Roony and Fletch post match
January 27th, 2010 at 23:50
@Jaywire – Fergie was treating the game as a European night
– typical eh 
, still we are at Wembley and they are NOT. Mr Mancini will know now just how hard it is to beat Manchester United. Manchester is RED 
.
January 27th, 2010 at 23:54
off to drink my joy away
United will never die
January 27th, 2010 at 23:59
To all who pay attention, its cumming( not a wank fest over Puddle or Arse, or Rent BOYS), getting Shagged tonite in
January 28th, 2010 at 0:01
Scotjimland – Stop BOASTING about your immaculate assests under your kilt mate, and NO we don’t want to see – we are not Ladyboys
January 28th, 2010 at 0:18
@Craig Mc: No now he is playing well…before he was indecisive, now the balls are going into the area quickly. But good on the lad, we need him playing a few more games like this.
January 28th, 2010 at 0:23
@EduardoDaVinci4: Still doesn’t beat Mass Effect 2 mate.
January 28th, 2010 at 0:34
UNITED 3-1 GOBSHITES
LUHG
January 28th, 2010 at 0:35
that was class, very enjoyable second half. 1st half was painfull, watching Hail Mary balls getting hoofed up to our lone ranger Rooney. No support from our pedestrian midfield(again!) Thank fuck for half time……… then up pops the Ginga Ninja, bosh 1-0. yes oh yes, Fergie obviously had a chat with the casual strolling crew because all of a sudden, there’s an abundance of midfielders in every attack. Nani stepped up his game and his crossing is Beckhamesque, a joy to behold. Lovin it. Then Carrick,the invisable man decides to appear, takes his goal well, fair play son. I’m finally starting to enjoy this game now, when that Twat from Argentina scores a Bruce Lee special, right under Rios’ nose!!! Fuck this, and that cunt Adebayor was making me nervous. It was at this stage i realised i was in a pub half full of ABUs!! Anti football fans, is there anything worse? I thought we were going to rue that miss from Wayne, but our star man in red comes up trumps again after an inch perfect cross. Yes, oh yes, didn’t fancy extra time, especiallly with the Arse at the weekend. “Football, Bloody Hell!”
January 28th, 2010 at 0:58
@Grognard: just got ME2 in the mail mate…god i cant wait
January 28th, 2010 at 1:55
F**********************ING GET IN! Bring on the Arse!
And how about Rooney’s turn and 40yd pass to Giggs that led to Carrick’s goal? There’s only one player that I know can do that and he goes by the name of Wayne Rooney!
January 28th, 2010 at 2:04
Scholesy’s goal I mean!
January 28th, 2010 at 2:51
Well unless we really screw up the final, we should get one trophy this season at least. Im not going to celebrate too much because satisfying as it was to beat City, I do not want to treat them like an equal or make out like the Carling Cup is that important. We have bigger fish to fry. But there goes City’s only chance of a trophy. So Im glad we at least denied them bragging rights!
A few positives from the game. Second half when we realised we actually needed to score we were a lot more enterprising and played some beautiful football. Our central midfielders finally did their job and got forward a bit more, and Giggs and Nani were delightful on the flanks, cutting inside to good effect. It was a far cry from the first half where we played some disgraceful long ball football. It is amazing what a change in attitude can do.
However just imagine if while playing cautious football in the first half, City had sneaked a goal. If that had happened there could have been a very different result. A better side than City would have punished us in the first half. When we play cautious football, other teams dominate us and put us on the backfoot. But when we go out there all guns blazing, there are still few teams in the world who can cope with us.
But I don’t expect Fergie to learn his lesson. A defensive mindset has permeated the team, and it is only when we fall behind that we rediscover our attacking personality and look like a good side.
Still it is good to know that when the chips are down we can pull a performance like the second half out of the hat! It was one of the most enjoyable performances Ive seen from us in a long time.
January 28th, 2010 at 4:06
@RM: I was wondering when someone was gonna mention that play for the first goal. Sublime piece of skill from the Roon, if giggs was 5 years younger he would have scored on that pass straight away.
January 28th, 2010 at 4:08
So much fucking fight, so much belief, so much resilience.
MY UNITED ARE BACK!!
January 28th, 2010 at 5:19
@Craig Mc: OK here’s my official reckoning:-
NANI BETTER THAN VALENCIA.
Go wank on that if you have to, but more skill and more movement off the ball makes him a hands down better choice.
Able to run at his defender, and to draw more than one of them, makes a clear difference.
I think Nani should now be part of our starting rotation!!
January 28th, 2010 at 5:41
Tevez now knows, that even if he scores 3 goals against us, he will still be on the loosing side!!
The money move just cant buy him a cup, because he will always have to go through OT to get it.
LOOSER!!
January 28th, 2010 at 5:53
@Redrich: Basically it’s like this, MAN UTD 4 TEVEZ 3. Team always beats the individual unless you are England playing against Maradona.
January 28th, 2010 at 6:35
@Grognard: The hand of god had nothing to do with this one. ROONEY made his mark and Citeh were fucked.
END OF!!!
January 28th, 2010 at 8:16
Great match.
Kudos to all of u. 
I really can not sit in front of a laptop\type on mobile like u guys when I am watching a match like that!
I’ve been in a good mood since yesterday… But, two things have soured the taste in my mouth a little bit for me right now.
1> Please stop Fergie bashing. I know everyone has a right to express their opinions.. But come on, you have to have a little more trust in the best manager in the world.
2> Since when has RedRants started accepting fucking racists into the site RR?
“@Vivek: well go and watch LeARSE, And in the mean time arrange me a chicken Tandori, mushroom pilau rice, 4 popadoms, ohhh and a garlic Nan.”
I really hope you do something about this. Its sad that I have to point out something like this before something is done about it.
January 28th, 2010 at 8:27
And one more thing:
@The jerk who made that above comment:
I consider watching ARSEnal when such an emotional united match(Emotional atleast for me) is going on a sin.
But I consider racism a crime worth hanging.
January 28th, 2010 at 9:17
my goodness, so that’s how it ended. Wow!!! Proudly UNITED. I believe the boys can go on a long run. Its all about staying off injuring and keeping this level of confidence. The Hull effect was in play. A clear confidence booster.Same turf.Same Stuff. On Sunday its the emirates. We have a chance to make history. We can really go on a long run. Lets show the world that you can never count UNITED out even when the chips are down. In the mist of this financial trauma, let unity keep d boys together and let them fire us on to the indelible pages of history. This is a history worth making. ONE UNITED
January 28th, 2010 at 9:28
United have a great chance of opening a gap between Us and Arsenal, after the draw with Villa, if we win on sunday, we can then hunt down chelsea..
January 28th, 2010 at 10:18
@echoprime – Some people see perceived racism where it doesn’t even exist! I think your comments are such a case mate!
January 28th, 2010 at 10:23
@Groggy – Bro whenever do you ever see Tevez play against ANY other team like he does against United??? I noticed he didn’t do his finger gestured talky signs, or ridiculous ear cupping when he scored last night
. His face at the end of the game – told a million sad bastard stories 
. Stuffed again Tevez!
January 28th, 2010 at 10:25
@Craig Mc: It was a bit mate, saying things like that are uncalled for, PS our boys were superb last night great atmosphere shame about the Bellamy incident and totally wrong but he is a serious WUM but coin throwing is a disgrace.
January 28th, 2010 at 10:25
@RedRich – I think I love you
– NANI – YES!
January 28th, 2010 at 10:28
@Craig Mc: I feel sorry for Karl he must be gutted Tevez didn’t get a hat trick.
January 28th, 2010 at 10:28
@Stephen – I think Vivek is asian though mate, so I don’t see the racism slur?
January 28th, 2010 at 10:32
@Stephen – aaagh yeah, poor Karl – I think he is at the local hospital as we speak, being prescribed sedatives to calm his Tevez hatrick delusions
. You okay Karl mate – sorry that Tev didn’t live up to your expectation Bro. Course if you meant a hat trick over both games, then you were right eh?
January 28th, 2010 at 10:35
I know mate but that fella Scotjimland said to Vivek.
January 28th, 2010 at 10:36
@Craig Mc:
Nani was good last night again, lets hope he really kicks on for us now because he could be really key for us.
January 28th, 2010 at 10:38
@Craig Mc: Actually that new Scot lad sometimes goes beyond limit.What he writes is tough to get and is very irritating.Vivek told that Cables are showing Arsenal match and he was pleading here to get some link for ours match.But he was responded in a way which i have never seen here before along with one another guy called Sidharth.
January 28th, 2010 at 10:43
When Nani loses the ball he doesn’t just stand around like Ronnie used to do, he at least tries to get it back
. Aaagh Ronnie mi man, I know you were watching last night, hearing the passion from us fans, seeing the fervour of our lads on the pitch, and you were CRYING right, wishing you were back with us in such a cauldron atmosphere. Tevez was just stood at the end of the game, looking up at the Stretford End euphoria among our fans, and very much regretting what he has given up, though he will NEVER admit it – his ego is too big for humility 
. What you doing today Tev – sitting at home crying counting your fistfuls of money no doubt!
January 28th, 2010 at 10:49
@Owen – I think our Scotjimland was probably a little boozed mate, as a lot of United fans would be watching this great game at home or down the pub. But he is just BANTERING with a bit of caustic celtic humour. Suppose it is a bit difficult to understand by folk who don’t understand scotsman sparring mate! He’s harmless – just having fun on blog I think!
January 28th, 2010 at 10:52
@Stephen – I’m confused Bro
. Who supposedly made racist slur – I though echoprime was accusing Vivek, but are you saying it was Scotjimland???
January 28th, 2010 at 10:55
@Craig Mc: Thank you Craig, you get me!Of course I am laughing and smiling.And just to clarify if I hurt anyone’s highly sensitive feelings I apoligise.But for fucks sake I am still waiting for my kerry oooot!
Still as high as a fucking kite, and loving this feeling, we well and truely showed them good last night, and it feels fucking great!
January 28th, 2010 at 11:42
@Craig Mc: Mate, if you see a guy with brown skin and then immediately start treating him like your servant, asking for Indian food and you dont call that racism, then I’m stumped.
The guy has apologised and let me leave it at that. I dont want to drag this out. Its something for RR to do and I trust his judgement completely. So that’s that.
January 28th, 2010 at 11:48
@echo prime: ? do I have Brown skin, Black? White?
Dont be a twat, Its only a laugh entertainment, while i dont type a lot of words on here, i try to make it short fast and snappy.
Discuss the match and our brilliant result, as you dont know me.Most lads that do just laugh at my humour, get over it eh.Simples.
January 28th, 2010 at 12:13
@ Craig,@Stephen, i’d say you were loving that lastnight. Apart from the trip to Wembley to look forward to, lads you’ve got braggin rights over your bitter mates. Now thats currency we can all deal with. Enjoy the slagging, loving the chant ” this city is ours,this city is OURS, fuck off back to wastelands, this city is OURS”
January 28th, 2010 at 12:37
@phoenix red:
I work with a couple of bitters mate and today is a good day! 
January 28th, 2010 at 12:39
btw i dont hear very much coming from the FM types, you know who you are! too busy eating humble pie!!!?? So Fergies’ gonna cost us!! yeah right!! i cant do smilies on my phone so “roll, roll, roll” Again, Dads army comes good, Giggs and Scholes were 2 of our better players, their passing and vision was World Class and sublime. I feel that this performance could be the catalyst to reinvigorate our season. Really looking forward to the Arsenal at the weekend. Come on you REDS
January 28th, 2010 at 12:55
@phoenix red: Funny that mug Donnibrasco hasn’t been on here of late have a pop at Rooney isn’t it?
January 28th, 2010 at 13:19
@ Stephen, yeah Bro all that bollox about world class. Wayne Rooney is world class, recognised by opposing players/fans. Alot of the Ronaldo man love got turned into Rooney hate, how the fuck that worked, i’ll never know. For me WAYNE ROONEY > Ronaldo and will always be. If you dont understand why ……….far be it from me to educate you. Red or Dead. United for life.
January 28th, 2010 at 13:33
Guys, explain this.
Is a “box-to-box” midfielder a position you play or a role in midfield? Hefty discussions with me mates here, they say that a box-to-box midfielder doesn’t exist. I know what a B2BM does, but is it a role or a position?
January 28th, 2010 at 13:50
@[OPTI]Madschester United: Not a tactical genius in my opinion. We could have won more comfortably with two upfront. All u need is Fletcher and Scholes in the middle and we will be more threatening on attack. The extra man in midfield is not productive unless you have an attacking midfielder or “box” support from the wingers
January 28th, 2010 at 13:52
@EduardoDaVinci4: It is definitely a role played by one of the Central Midfielder which is a position.You should know this better than me bcoz your favourite is supposed to be a B2BM
January 28th, 2010 at 13:53
@EduardoDaVinci4: Bryan Robson was the quintessential box to box midfielder, nowadays the player seems to be extinct you are either a holder of an attacking midfielder.
January 28th, 2010 at 13:56
Phoenix mi man, I don’t understand Bro – please do Rooney/Ronnie educate me
.
January 28th, 2010 at 13:56
@Jay wire: Will had support from the flanks in Nani and Giggs and Carrick who scored was playing quite high up the pitch.
January 28th, 2010 at 13:58
@Stephen – Donnibrasco doesn’t need to be on here lambasting Rooney – he has me to do it for him
January 28th, 2010 at 13:59
@Stephen:
Yesterday Fletcher was doing that job brilliantly.Lampard is very in this role.
January 28th, 2010 at 14:00
Phoenix mi man – ONE good Dad’s army day doesn’t make a summer Bro
January 28th, 2010 at 14:01
@owen: very good in above comment
January 28th, 2010 at 14:03
uhh totally out of topic, is that Kiko modeling in this website
http://www.stoneisland.com/
January 28th, 2010 at 14:10
@Craig Mc: But that army is still the best on their day.But any well they perform now days ,they dont get recognized.When ever Scholes play,after the match Grog will post and criticize Scholesy irrespective of how he played and rest of the posters will follow him.Scholes has given brilliant performances in 50% of games he has played this season which is greater than the so called ‘WORLD CLASS’.Yesterday also Scholes brought us in the match and totally dominated the midfield which is not an easy work against a combination of England and Holland starting eleven midfielders.But there was no mention about him by Fergie and he continued his song of ‘Rooney Song’ who almost cost us the match.
January 28th, 2010 at 14:29
I’m actually amazed at how many people are jumping on Nani’s side. When he wasn’t playing there were very few who were defending,notably the biased
Craig-Mc. I spoke of how he needed a decent run of consecutive games to prove his worth rather than the ridiculous treatment he got from Fergie. But all I got was “he’s been given his chance and everytime he plays he is aweful”. Now some are even talking of him being better than Valencia. People amaze me. Mob mentality and no opinion of their own. I always say SAF is a bad coach(albeit excellent manager) but no matter how much sense u make all I get is “so how do you think he has acquired all that success”. Now Rooney is the latest to justify this by attributing his technical improvement to Capello. I think I’ll be proved right in all that I say from now on
January 28th, 2010 at 14:31
@Jay wire: So Capello has improved Rooneys techincal ability, jeez I have heard it all now.
January 28th, 2010 at 14:37
@echo prime: I totally agree with number 2,but the owner of this site has instructed everyone not to budge into others’ fights as he is the only one who deals with such. But nothing has happened so far. I don’t agree with number 1 though. SAF is definitely one of the best if not the best manager in world football but that’s where it ends. He is an aweful coach in my opinion and I’ll continue to criticise him in that dept till he gets an assistant with the right technical abilities like when CQ was around. And anyway it will be quite boring when all ppl say is lies like “SAF is a tactical genius etc etc”.
January 28th, 2010 at 14:46
@EduardoDaVinci4: As far as I’m concerned it’s a role,in the same sense that a CAM or CDM is a role. The position is central midfield in all the cases but roles differ in these positions. You usually can’t tell the difference between Carrick and Scholes because they both hang around the centre circle but their roles are different
January 28th, 2010 at 14:52
@Stephen: But that only came in the 2nd half. Imagine if we had been a goal behind at half time. This would have happened if City had other players who decided to show up besides Tevez and Bellamy. They were actually trying to defend a slender lead and never took advantage of our initial cautious approach. Now we can’t keep banking on other teams to not show up in order for the 4-5-1 to work. It failed in the 1st leg and obviously there was no other option except to attack with everything in the 2nd half last night
January 28th, 2010 at 14:55
@Stephen: Yes. It was Rooney himself who said it. He improved him on the technical side of the game. This is from yesterday’s news if you wanna check. Don’t be too quick to be sarcastic before you have understood.
January 28th, 2010 at 15:01
@Jay wire: Jaysus M8 you type the most dreadfull Gobshite anyone can witness! Which Shitty players did not turn up, yes Barry had a bad game as did Garrido,but most shitty fans thought they played us off the park.
Just enjoy the thought of going to Wembley.
January 28th, 2010 at 15:02
@Craig Mc: People have knee jerk responses and it’s natural. If SAF uses 4-5-1 and wins he is a genius. If he uses the same system and loses then he screwed up. I maintain my views and opinions because they are collected over a period of time and with reasonable judgement not to be changed in every 90 min match
January 28th, 2010 at 15:08
@owen: I agree with you about Scholes whom I think apart from the Liverpool game I think has been ranging between good and great. Noone will acknowledge his role in our play because of the prejudice of him being “old” etc. But he deilvers most of the time. But for me it’s not the “old guard” that bothers me,it’s Ferguson’s tactics. That’s all.
January 28th, 2010 at 15:15
@owen: I think EVERY UNited player had a great game yesterday, and fought like fuck to get to the final of the – let me think now – the WORTHLESS Carling Cup.
. Nah – what they all fought like fuck for, and SUCCEEDED was to retain the CROWN of Manchester champions. We are the champions from Manchester – though the Sheik of Arabi will be panicked now making offers for every talented player in sight 
. The cups, the cups, we have to BUY the cups – saysthe Sheik. SAF says – money means nothing in a derby game 
January 28th, 2010 at 15:15
@ JayWire, as far as i understand it, Capello encourages Rooney to stick around the box more, does that qualify as improving technical ability? So does that prove your point that Fergie is technically inept? Sorry mate, i dont buy it.
January 28th, 2010 at 15:30
@Craig, all the lads stepped up lastnight, great to see. Hopefully something has clicked, and we’ll see more consistancy for the rest of the season.
January 28th, 2010 at 15:33
@Jay wire: The problem is City don’t have other players of any consequence who could turn up mate.
. By the way Jaywire, your very serious today – I thought the rights of ownership to the ‘I am always right comment’ belonged to the Grogster 
.
January 28th, 2010 at 15:38
@phoenix red: I hope so Phoenix, and the FANS turned up last night as well, making OT hell on earth for City. I don’t know how SAF is going to fit Nani AND Valencia into the team, because no doubt Nani plays better down the right, and is better at crossing into the box than Valencia, but Valencia tho oft dire, has had some v good games too – so difficult. Who would want SAF’s job eh? Liam Gallgher – true bitter indeed – has told the media that SAF is a dustbin man and is just like TAGGART! I wonder if Gallagher has looked in the mirror at his own reflection lately?
January 28th, 2010 at 15:41
@CraigMc: Thats the problemn here, everybody wants to have there own lil slap on the back.Il just continue reading my new book, the rise of the Klu Kluk Klan
January 28th, 2010 at 15:48
@Jay wire: He is a genius. United almost always score at home. If we could keep a clean sheet first half with them running all over the pitch, they would tire, we would push forward. Scholes and fletcher were much better running forward second half and once we scored the game was over. Tevez’s flick was very very lucky but besides that they did not stand a chance.
Fergie got it spot on — and we beat a side that beat Chelsea 2-1.
The team + Fergie made me proud last night.
I BELIEVE!
January 28th, 2010 at 16:00
@Craig Mc: He’s scored a lot of goals this season mate so he must be doing it against other teams too. Still, I have no regrets that we let him go for two specific reasons. First he was way over priced and second, I always believed that we could buy a better forward than him for less.
January 28th, 2010 at 16:06
@EduardoDaVinci4: Box to box is an attitude more than a specific role. No player is told to be box to box because what they do happens out of instinct and desire. Rooney is a box to box forward and certainly nobody has trained him to be that. That’s just the boys desire and lack of discipline that causes him to be everywhere. The only true box to box midfielder I know is Essien and that is not taught, that just evolves out of the player normally.
January 28th, 2010 at 16:16
@CraigMc: For me it was a funny game. In the first half I was cursing the whole squad and especially Fergie for playing with no passion and playing 4-5-1 at home against a team like Man Shitty. The second half was like a button was pushed because the team that came out played beautiful aggressive football which showed us all that 4-5-1 can actually work if the players are hungry enough because most of those chances were not created by sheer talent as they were created by hunger and desire. Frankly, we wanted it much more than Shitty did except perhaps Carlito who still had a cause.
I was very impressed with Giggsy in that second half. In the first half he was making some nice moves and passes but his lack of pace was betraying him. In that second half he was fantastic and that cross he sent in to Rooney for the winning goal was simply Nani-like. As for Nani, many may think his performance was not great but I thought he was very good but unlucky. I counted at least four great crosses that just missed by hair of reaching their target and he made no mistakes. I especially remember a hell pass he made by the sidelines that ended up as nothing but was truly fantastic and had the player gotten to the end of it, it would have gone down as historic. The difference with Nani now and before is not just confidence, it;s about decision making. Not everything is always going to work out but he is not making dumb moves now and he is not letting a mistake make his confidence crash anymore. He also looks more aggressive and is willing to go at defenders and at pace. If he plays like that, I expect to see less of Valencia. His proper position is at RW and I think playing there has made a difference. Great to see the Lil Man back and contributing enormously. He really elevates this team greatly when he plays well.
January 28th, 2010 at 16:18
@CraigMc: It does, because it’s TRUE.
January 28th, 2010 at 16:25
@[OPTI]Madschester United: Fergie got it spot on after halftime. No doubt he gave the lads a little bit of the hairdryer because there was nothing right about the way the loped around in the first half not creating one solid chance. They sucked in the first half but he had a good motivational talk with them and that made the difference. Nobody is going to convince me that playing 4-5-1 at home is getting it right but when you can motivate the lads into giving a stronger effort by moving up a gear and showing more hunger, that makes a lot of difference. They looked committed in that second half and fought for every 50/50 ball and won it. If not for a lucky Tevez goal, they were flawless in that half the way they were when we beat Shitty earlier this season. We have to stop letting teams score cheap goals that are brought on by lack of concentration though. Defensively we were alright but Tevez and the Shitty had a few too many decent chances to score yesterday, especially in the first half. And now Rio has been banned for 4 games. It amazes me how Gallas, Terry and other cunts in the league can get away with murder all the time but when a United player makes a mistake, they always get punished. The elbow he though yesterday towards Tevez probably sealed his fate with the FA too
January 28th, 2010 at 16:28
@ROOOOONEY: Aye! It is.
January 28th, 2010 at 16:32
@Grognard: 4 games!
That is totally rididcolous!! Gallas killed a bolton player (that led to an arsenal goal) and nothing happened afterwards.
The FA is a political organization set to undermine United. Can’t respect them nor their under-qualified refs!
January 28th, 2010 at 16:34
@Grognard: Can Nani and Valencia appear in the same starting eleven… their combine pace would scare any opposing team!
January 28th, 2010 at 16:48
What interests me is these rumours of Valencia moving inside and becoming a central midfielder. As a winger he is good but I think his inability to beat a man and weak crossing lets him down. But in the centre his pace and stamina could help him get forward as well as tracking back, and he has an eye for goal and is a good all round player. What do people think?
January 28th, 2010 at 17:15
@[OPTI]Madschester United: “Gallas killed a bolton player” made me chuckle.
January 28th, 2010 at 17:26
Claim: The FA is a joke.
Proof: Sources at Bolton claim that Wiley told them in the aftermath of the game that the reason he had not punished Gallas was because he had not seen the incident. However, Wiley yesterday told the Football Association that he had indeed seen it – albeit only as two players “stretching” for the ball – but at the time he had not realised the severity of the challenge.
By acknowledging that he had witnessed it, Wiley closed off any possibility of retrospective action against Gallas.
- Then Ferdinand gets 4 match ban.
QED
January 28th, 2010 at 18:36
@phoenix red: No Rooney was the one who said Capello has improved him technically. What do you mean encourage him to play more around the box? He doesn’t encourage his players to perform certain roles,he instructs them. I didn’t say Rooney’s recent statements alone indicate that SAF is technically inept. But think of this,we all know how SAF has screwed Rooney over the last two seasons by playing him in unfamiliar positions and roles. Then as soon as Capello comes,he changes his role for England and goals start coming in for England. SAF realises this and is forced to play him upfront and goals start coming for club. Then Rooney himself pays homage to Capello and says he is responsible for the improvement of his technical side of football. Why no mention of SAF in that dept? Ronaldo has spoken of CQ’s influence on his technical education and Ferguson as a good mentor and father figure. What does that say? Ferguson is a motivator and manager,but not a coach on the technical side.
January 28th, 2010 at 19:58
I read this blog quite often but am never inclined to comment – but something really got my nose up – this myth that Fergie is somehow tactically inept.
We have had this for god knows how many years – but usually not from our ‘fans’(ie.Sky generation muppets) – from Kidd to McClaren to Quieroz…the only constant in this whole period is Ferguson and the bulging trophy cabinet.
The only time we maybe were tactically inept was the 90s when we were coming out of the wilderness from the European ban and English football got really left behind thanks to the scousers. Ferguson and United were the only ones that challenged in Europe for over 10 years, we dragged English football into the modern era single handedly.
United are now about as tactically astute as any team in the world – maybe to our aesthetic detriment – but to look at Ferguson as some dumb, one dimensional, sargeant major type is just plain stupid and niave. A classic comment I would expect from the Tim Lovejoy’s of this world.
Its also quite insulting to a proper United fan, from Manchester, who has followed the reds all over Europe. Pre-Fergie, pre-Glazer, pre-PLC, pre-Premiership, pre blanket TV coverage games – which, by the way, is a relatively recent thing – so god knows where all these ‘experts’ come from with their protestations about United…DVDs and MUTV I imagine.
I don’t blindly follow Ferguson but I do have the right to defend him when sofa bound idiots who probably cant even play football themselves trot out completely inaccurate stereotypes of the man.
‘Jog on’ I believe is the phrase.
January 28th, 2010 at 20:26
Also that whole attitude is exactly the same as people who think Wenger is some sophisticated, cultured man just because he has a French accent – when he is in fact just a complete football boffin and interested in little else. Ferguson however is very well read and has interests outside of football yet is still seen by some as this tactically niave, working class thicko who is nevertheless a really good motivator.
January 28th, 2010 at 20:43
@[OPTI]Madschester United: Only if Nani plays on the left side. Problem is he is less effective on that side.
January 28th, 2010 at 21:17
Jaysus, if any one thinks its only the Uk, that have crap referee’s, you need to be watching the African cup of nations.Algeria, reduced to 10 men for 2 yellow cards.The first one a complete and utter joke, are goalkeepers untouchable now.Just ruined a great semi final.
fabulous Post regards SAF.You convey a lot of lads thought’s.I imagine you are having a fabulous day in Manchester, revelling in your Glory.
Hay Dominic, Bonsoir
January 28th, 2010 at 21:17
@[OPTI]Madschester United: im sure that i didnt make it up but i remember somewhere reading that saf said the idea was always to push valincia into the middle as a acm.
He seems tough enough and maby getting him in the middle of the park will loosen him up. He alwayse seems stiff maby the line is stifling him?
January 28th, 2010 at 21:20
@colver: /\ this
January 28th, 2010 at 21:24
@[OPTI]Madschester United: and the papers all talking about action after bellamy was hit with a coin and they mention the tevez red nev fight but nothing on evra being hit with a lighter?
ABU
January 28th, 2010 at 21:31
@gator: Och come on m8, play the white man eh! I dont like the cunt either, but do we really want to return to all this violence. Bellend got hit with a bottle,nobody know’s if it was plastic or glass, but in fairness to the prat, he could have made much more of it.
I suspect we have not heard the end of this.I know and hear there is a debate going on elsewhere regards the trouble last night at OT.
January 28th, 2010 at 21:36
@Dominic: easy there that was a little too well thought out and well typed. For red rants man.
…but i agree Saf gets too much stick around here sometimes. I usually love to post wile watching the match but i had to cut my self off yesterday cuz i was sooo pumped and a few on here were killing my buzz.
But i always come back
January 28th, 2010 at 21:39
@Scotjimland: all im gettin at is that no one is talking about taking action about evra being hit with a missile bc they are ABU
January 28th, 2010 at 21:41
@Dominic: Bravo comrade, bravo!!! Very well said. Welcome mate.
January 28th, 2010 at 21:42
@Dominic: Mmmmmm proper United fans eh? And what exactly constitutes a PROPER United fan – by your evaluation only someone who comes from Manchester! I’m a Salford Red as everyone knows, so by your evaluation I would be a proper United fan – living in Manc Land as I do. I am a fanatic as most United Mancs, but I’d just like to say that I have met on this board United (not Manc born and bred) foreign fans worldwide, who are just as fanatical and PROPER fans as I am. What you think the United oversees supporters who can’t get to OT are all ignorant pricks who sit on sofas and therefore their opinions and observations on the game as somehow not as valuable because they are not able to get to Old Trafford to see every game? Said fans however they are viwing the game, can see exactly what us fans on the OT terraces can see. So I don’t agree with your sentiments Dominic – sorry!
January 28th, 2010 at 21:50
@gator: I know our little French star got hit with a lighter.But two wrongs dont make a right.Last night had the potential to turn well sour.I certainly aint going to wastelands on the 17th April, big revenge planned.
January 28th, 2010 at 21:50
@Scotjimland: Mate don’t even JEST about things like that – not if you don’t want more flak eh?
January 28th, 2010 at 21:55
@CraigMc:
come on m8, u know me eh, Just think in a pub, a poke a dig, but with humour.
Flak…………Do i resemble your therapist!
January 28th, 2010 at 21:59
@CraigMc: Hey Craig mi man, nice to see your boy Nani come good eh? Yes bro, he was intense against Shitty and hopefully he’ll improve even more. Also good to see Fergie playing the lad again after his showing against Hull. Against all predictions Fergie did start the lil man but nobody seems to show Fergie some love for leaving ‘consistent’ Valencia on the bench. Anyway, we face a predicament now at to how to play both Nani and Valencia consistently in the same starting line-up. Any ideas? By the way, any idea just where the heck Hargreaves might be at this time?
January 28th, 2010 at 22:11
@EduardoDaVinci4: It is definitely a *role* assumed by a player playing the position of CM.
as Stephen mentioned Robson was a good example, Keane was another one, he would make a last ditch tackle when the opposition ran off on a counter (helping in defence) and the next moment scoring in the box.
See: United vs/ Juventus
@ owen: Nah, I don’t think Lampard is box to box. As a matter of fact, he may be, but in my mind the box to box has to be a good DM also by trade… He’s not good enough defensively for that imho.
January 28th, 2010 at 22:16
@Scotjimland: Not a therapist, but a humorous little agitator Bro – so I just hope you got a flak jacket
January 28th, 2010 at 22:17
@Scotjimland: You are always joking and having fun… must be sunny where you live
@CraigMc: I agree with you. Living in Denmark and USA, I still consider myself a United fan of grande proportions… followed the team relentlessly (United Magazines, videos, games on the telly) when I was younger (when Schmeichel came) and now with internet streaming TV I am watching every game — I don’t see how that is a problem for you or other Mancunians?
Lastly,
3D football, really?
I still don’t have HD Premier league games —- (March 1st!!!!) — so cannot even image how crappy 3D football will be..
January 28th, 2010 at 22:18
@WhiteY: I was using my telescope last night and looked at the moon. I am pretty sure I saw Hargo sitting up there…
January 28th, 2010 at 22:21
@CraigMc: What I am saying is that attitude strikes of a certain type of fan, much more prevalent now than ever before, that has these type of knee jerk reactions and trot out tired old cliches that are run out in the media and are not based on fact – more wishful thinking. I have nothing against anyone supporting United and I know a lot of people care but if they slag off Ferguson unjustly I am going to give it back.
People use the word tactics without having any real concept of them and think they know how to run a football team when they really have no clue except maybe computer games. Whats more nobody really know what goes on at the training ground and in the dressing room and how much Fergie contributes or not. For this season as far as I can see Phelan is there just to put the cones out. Like I said before the only thing that keeps happening is winning trophies under Ferguson and nobody else…..so really….is that not evidence enough?
Plus it kind of does matter if you go to the game and see the whole pitch if you want to be specific about tactics. People, and Utd fans especially, should have learned a long time ago not to write off or underestimate Fergie.
And yes Im sorry but it is the little bit more special to support United if you are from Manchester. That is not a slur on anyone and I know there are people from all over the UK who have followed United home and away all their life and I think its truly amazing the club has such appeal globally, its a testament to the club. But there is more pride in supporting your local team and the whole culture and attitude of this club is because of the people from this city.
So to see people who still dont get it, and probably never will because they are from a completely different country and dont really know our club history or even football culture, slag off the man in football terms (some of his other dealings have really annoyed me – the FC United slur for example) after he has brought us so much success and left most United fans spoilt rotten is annoying. Very annoying. To me anyway, obviously not to you but each to their own and all that.
January 28th, 2010 at 22:21
@WhiteY: I’m wondering myself what happened to Hargo mate – I mean I thought he came thru the reserve game he recently played with no problems. Regarding Nani/Valencia – Ecuador play Valencia in the middle as attacking MF, and can’t understand why he is played on the wing in England. Go figure eh?
I am sick and tired of our youth players going out of cup games, not winning league etc – and showing very little fight. We are supposed to have the BEST youth academy players, and we have reputation for our academies – WHY that is I cannot imagine. I am not impressed with the attitude of our youth players, and should we once again put that down to English rather than foreign coaching staff with the youth???
January 28th, 2010 at 22:23
@Dominic: Just take the time to list the games where we have put in good, great and landmark performances with 4-5-1.
Now do the same thing with 4-4-2. Even 4-3-3.
No comparison, really.
You jog on, sir.
January 28th, 2010 at 22:27
@[OPTI]Madschester United: I am m8, i love my football, I love my club, I love life, always smiling and of course a tease, well to the split Arse Kind, fanny to non Scots.@[OPTI]Madschester United: Moon funnily enough I was there most of the night, its the worst thing a Scot can do to anyone, show them there arse.I had that Blue moon in my hand.
Owen is training. two days on 1 day off.
January 28th, 2010 at 22:29
@Dominic: I hear you Dominic, and I agree about special bond of Manc fans and the club we love. Yet Fergie isn’t perfect mate – I mean his square peg round hole methodology for the team – makes little sense to me, and I believe some of our formations have been laughable in these instances, not to mention frustrating. Yet I also agree that SAF has delivered success to Man Utd that will probably never be equalled again, and he deserves total accolade, respect and recognition for that from ALL UNited fans. I still think he makes some colossal boobs sometimes though – the CL final against Barca being the biggest. Still – fandom is a mixture of opinions, debate and BANTER – makes it so thoroughly enjoyable arguement though Dominic!
January 28th, 2010 at 22:31
@Dominic: fucking star, fuckin star. Christ can i give you a hug! mon cherie.
January 28th, 2010 at 22:33
@Dominic: It is very annoying too that you beieve that some of us are putting down Fergie by stating his limitations.
Despite believe that he IS limited tactically I would much rather he would never retire than have anybody else. A better manager does not exist, and will probably never exist for this club. But does that necessarily imply that we are allowed to point out our opinions on the some of the times he gets it wrong, or could be doing an even better job?
Not in my book.
January 28th, 2010 at 22:33
@[OPTI]Madschester United: I was looking at the moon too last night mate, and it wasn’t BLUE, but it was RED
.
January 28th, 2010 at 22:36
@CraigMc: point 315, I aint the fastest, but the smartest come backs.
I love you more today, than tommorow.I should type that in Gaelic, that would thro u. eh!
January 28th, 2010 at 22:37
gator, sorry mate, i didn’t realise you’d also had the idea of playing Valencia in the middle. I mean he is not bad as a winger, but I like wingers who can beat a man. With Anderson seemingly on the way out, apart from Fletcher we only have Carrick and Scholes in the middle, both who are so slow they just sit in a holding role. Gibson doesn’t really impress me. Valencia at least would get forward a bit more and he is solid defensively.
It is not ideal, but if Nani does make the right wing his own, it would be a way to make use of Valencia.
But we are still no further finding a left footed winger to replace Giggs and balance our side.
It is not ideal,
January 28th, 2010 at 22:40
@WhiteY: Can play Nani on the left and Valencia on the right. Giggs can play in the middle like he did quite often last year and was supposed to this year till faith was lost in Nani performing on the left.
Giggs in the middle as an attacking midfielder that can also switch positions with either winger to keep opposing defense guessing would be something I’d like to see. He can play in a supporting the striker role when we play 1 striker or even in a 4-4-2.
January 28th, 2010 at 22:41
Nite lads enjoy yer blog, for me it’s just fun.I am a good old lol, Scottish lad just Manchester united daftie.I will repeat without grovelling, sorry for anybody who took it the wrong way.Its meant in pure fun and with a wicked smile on my face.
Lets get at the deArse.
lulu. love united love united
January 28th, 2010 at 22:45
@CraigMc: When I think of United youth bro, honestly the one person that comes to mind is no other than Rafael da Silva. Honestly i shudder at times just thinking what that boy would become in 2yrs. Bloody monster with a gigantic heart, future United great, true and true.
That said, I think the ‘problem’ with our youth players is United itself and the notion in their heads that ‘this is my chance, maybe the only one and i’ve got to take it’. That in itself can be disconcerting to a man in his youth. The pressure to cut it at the world’s biggest club is IMMENSE bro, so most times is either they fold or if maybe even fortunately get loaned out.
Hopefully, Welbeck returns from his loan deal a more mature player. I think his gifted and Henry-esque, problem being he thinks too many things before he even gets the ball hence his poor first touch. Trying to do too many things at once never helps.
I do hope Hargo comes soon.
What’ll be your line for the Emirates trip?
January 28th, 2010 at 22:54
@Shimo: The only qualms I’d have with Valencia in the middle is his passing ability. Will he be patient enough to pick a telling pass?
January 28th, 2010 at 23:26
@Shimo: Not a bad suggestion mate – not bad at all. I would like to see SAF at least try that. Problem is, I can’t see him playing Giggsy, Nani and Valencia together!
January 29th, 2010 at 1:30
@Dominic: Welcome to the modern world, now everyone can enjoy our club and watch virtually every game. The only things us non-Manchester boys miss out on is the fantastic atmosphere on game days. Other than that we see the same thing you see on the pitch. It should be celebrated that we have massive fans on this site from North America, South America, Asia, Africa and of course Europe.
Regarding fergie, I don’t know how long you’ve been following this site but you would be hard pressed to find people on here who don’t love and appreciate Fergie. But don’t get mad when he gets called out for getting it wrong. Which he does from time to time.
January 29th, 2010 at 1:39
@Johnsom33: Ignore it m8, when i heard u spoke French, my eyes lite up. its just banter. Merci, a fucking great post. full stop
January 29th, 2010 at 1:47
@Dominic: buddie u just keep on posting u sound sane, unlke some mad bastards on here!
January 29th, 2010 at 2:17
@Dominic: Let’s see. Before we get to the whole Fergie issue,your view on the hierarchies of support are totally twisted. First of all,without the LOYAL global support United had over the last 20 years or so,we would be somewhere in the regions of Aston Villa. Secondly,just because you live in Manchester or even England,doesn’t mean u know more about the club than someone in the USA or India. Doesn’t even mean u appreciate the club better. So learn to appreciate one man who wakes up early in the wee hours of the morning,somewhere in North America just to watch a United game live. Someone from New Dehli risking his job by viewing live streams at work. If I’m not mistaken the top 2 United blogs on the web right now were both started by North Americans( incl this one-still need clarification). Some of us here in South Africa pay top dollar just to view the games on satellite and don’t even think the internet is free. So don’t talk about hierarchies when it comes to support. I’m not trying to fight but I just oppose that view.
January 29th, 2010 at 2:22
Now,on the second issue,I just don’t know why people think Fergie is an untouchable. He himself has said so ,many times that,and I qoute “no one is bigger than the club”. So that incl him. I personally appreciate his role,which was and has always been enormous,in leading us to glory year after year. But I’m not ignorant of his weaknesses. He has never been on the same technical level as the likes of Capello,or his good friend,Lippi or Spaletti or Mourinho or dare I say ,Wenger. Conversely,none of these tacticians have been on the same level as him in a managerial capacity. As in motivating,controlling and pushing players psychologically. Let’s look at his domestic success which I don’t even dare undermine. But one thing is for sure,England has always been last when it comes to the technical side of football since the late 80s. In the early 90s,Fergie began to take a firm grasp on domestic football. In those times,every single team in the Premiership played Route 1 football. Hoof it to the tall strikers or use the wingers to simply whip in cross after cross. Even Arsenal played like that. But the rest of Europe had developed to a more sophisticated way of football. Things began to change with the introduction of foreign coaches,like Ruud Gullit,Arsene Wenger,Gerard Houllier,Vialli etc. The scope of the Premiership changed,not that it wasn’t tough before,but,technical superiority and adaptability came to the fore.
That’s why as much as we did well domestically,we were poor in our continental exploits (2 trophies,both in 1991 before Barcelona 99),where tactical supremacy was the order of the day. We couldn’t compete with the likes of Ajax,Milan,Juventus,Barcelona etc,because they were more advanced technically. Football has changed and motivation alone won’t cut it. That’s why we hired CQ 1st in 2002-03,and immediately Real Madrid were after him and he left us after only one year. He returned in 04-05 and began applying his technical knowledge and was given reasonable autonomy in tactics( rumour has it Roy was not Keane on his tactics and autonomy given to him). Our style of play visibly changed and towards end of 05-06 we were given a taste of the famous “interchanging front four” and Giggs was moved centrally. Following season. Mind blowing football,semi final in Europe and only Berbatov and Drogba made it into Team of The Season as non-United players. Following season,European Champions and even Nani and Anderson had a good year. We were all making comparisons between the 99 team and that team and all of Europe feared United. Needless to say,CQ abandoned us again and we have been steadily regressing on the pitch since then.
Now be careful in your conclusions. I’m not trying to undermine Ferguson’s role,which I think was more significant. All I’m saying is,CQ took us to another level on the pitch and a combo of his technical capabilities and SAF’s unmatched management,made us an unstoppable machine. I feel I had to write all these long paragraphs for someone to see I’m not just a random Fergie hater and basher but I have seen over the years what his weakness is. He hasn’t adapted to the modern game technically and needs a capable deputy. That’s all. We will be unstoppable once more.
January 29th, 2010 at 2:58
@WhiteY: This is my thinking on our youth set up. We generally don’t have the right personnel throughout that understands player development. Technically and probably psychologically. In all honesty I think ,we have some of the best scouts in the world today. We failed to develop Rossi,even to become a reserve striker and yet there is talk of him flying to South Africa,again with Italy. Gerard Pique is already one of the best defenders,in fact,top 5 defenders in Spain,with a list that includes Ramos,Puyol and Pepe. He is definitely on the flight to South Africa. That tells me we have good scouts. But when they have made the deliveries,there’s no one who can build on it. Right now,we have a lot of promising young players like Will Keane and Josh King or Pogba. Add Welbeck and Macheda to that list and we could start a competitive league team. But none have been shown reasonable faith or guidance. Their intorduction to 1st team football,involves playing in curious positions(Welbeck) or 5 minute cameos in the irregular Carling Cup. All we seem to be good at is piling pressure on the young players. If they don’t perform well on their debut,it’s over. Back to the Reserves or Academy. If their passing is erratic,instead of teaching them how to pass in midfield,or defence or upfront, we banish them to the Reserves. We stole these youngsters from various academies across the world. Academies that were going on with educating them and refining their skills. These are rough diamonds that need to be worked on further on arrival. Their inconsistencies are to be expected and should not be an indication of why they are not “good enough”.
January 29th, 2010 at 3:23
@Shimo: That for me works. Personally,I don’t think Tony has the right skills to be successful in the middle. Central midfield in my opinion is the most difficult area in football. It requires a sharp,intelligent mind. Brilliant on the ball techniques and an ability to adapt as the game changes. These are all skills aquired over a period of time and to simply initiate such education on a 24 year old is predictably,destructive. I don’t know where people are getting this idea that he plays centrally for Ecaudor. Even at the World Cup he played as a winger and in many of the qualifiers. Yes he is sometimes employed thru the middle,but not as a matter of normalcy. That’s why I don’t buy this whole Rooney the new Scholes stuff.
January 29th, 2010 at 3:37
For all you US Reds, Fox Soccer Channel has started to uplink in HD today. A few people are reporting seeing the HD logo and even fewer still are actually seeing the HD offerings.
Some rumblings that some/most Cable/Satellite providers will have it available this WE. I’ll believe when I see it!!
However, if true, this could put off my visit to the opticians.
January 29th, 2010 at 4:09
@Jay wire: I am not suggesting Valencia nor Nani play centrally for extended periods of times in games but, we’ve seen both come inside and do well. They would still be primarily on the wings but, when you have players swapping positions (like we had for a few years) it makes it very hard for defenders to know who to pick up.
Even Rooney could pop up on the left and Giggs move up and Nani come in behind Giggs etc. A little more fluidity like we had in our game the last few years.
As consistent as Valencia has been (and ever improving) wouldn’t want to drop him from the line up and Nani playing like he has and the ability he has makes him a big threat – having both of them on the wings gives us great width. Still leaves room for Giggs though because we’ve been craving someone in the middle that can dribble at the hearts of defenses. Ando can do that but, he has been far too erratic (and maybe AWOL/out if the stories are true)
January 29th, 2010 at 4:36
@Shimo: If you check my response again you’d see I was agreeing with u mostly. You said Nani on the left and Valencia on the right with Giggs central. That’s what I agree with. Maybe not Giggs in the middle all the time. I quite support the whole interchanging front four and this has always been my song since 2008. We played that system with Saha,Ronaldo,Giggs and Rooney back in 06-07. It worked like a charm and we almost always dazed teams.In this current squad I’d love to see Fletcher and Scholes (used to be Anderson but he is on his way out now) in the middle and Tony on the right,Nani opposite and Rooney and The Count up top. All shifting positions,like a mini Total Football team upfront. Nani loves to cut inside and that’s why he always gives defenders problems. They always commit an extra man on him. This should free up Valencia and Rooney and with Berba double marked as well,it will be mayhem all the way.
January 29th, 2010 at 4:47
Well yesterday probably was a good 4-5-1 warm up for the Arsenal game.
Probably see Ando in for Scholes, but Fletcher and Carrick should return.
Nani and Park on the wings, and a back line of Vidic (hopefully) Evans, Evra and Rafael.
Guess who’s gonna be the lone striker??
I think the game will be fairly open, with Le Arse trying to press through the middle and United trying to control MF through attrition.
My bet is it will be scoreless until late in the game – and I do think it’s our turn to score the late winner.
Arsenal 0 – 1 United.
January 29th, 2010 at 5:49
I think Dominic has some good points. Too many fickle backseat managers on the internet who think they know better, slag off fergie, call for his sacking when things aren’t so great and some even call for his sacking when we’re winning trophies! I love this whole idea that Queiroz was the person who made our team tick in 07/08… none of you having any ****ing clue what he even did and it pisses me off when Phelan then becomes a scapegoat, even though none of you having the slightest ****ing clue what exactly it is that he does.
Although, there are plenty of mancs who are the same so I think the whole “born and bred” thing is a load of bollocks used by pricks who just want to have one over on the rest.
/uberant
January 29th, 2010 at 6:00
@RM: when Phelan then becomes a scapegoat, even though none of you having the slightest ****ing clue what exactly it is that he does.
True, none of us have a clue what exactly Phelan is for.
January 29th, 2010 at 7:07
@RM: I know what CQ was doing at the club. Why? They shouted it on top of the OT roof tops when he came. More than that,player interviews indicated his role over the period of time he was here.Judging by his roles in the different youth teams he has coached eg the person at the helm of the Portuguese Golden generation in their U-17 days. People like Figo have come out paying homage to him and how he developed them in those days.
He coached South Africa’s national team before coming to United. A highly qualified coach of such calibre is not going to come to OT to arrange cones. He was hired clearly for his technical expertise.
If a well known chartered accountant is announced to join a certain organisation,it is illogical for people to raise eyebrows in confusion as to what role he has come to play. So I don’t know how many were asking questions about CQ’s role when he was hired. And if Phelan came to replace him then he took over the same role obviously. Who has called for SAF to be sacked on this forum? Who has implicated that CQ was the most instrumental in our success? I can only speak for myself and I already have. CQ together with SAF worked like a charm in their respective specialisations. When both were separated there was decline in each vacated space. CQ excellent coach as he is,is not a great manager and struggled to deal with personalities like Zidane and Ronaldo,and even with Portugal. SAF,great ,manager,but struggled with the right formula on the pitch and come on “we haven’t figured out where to play him”. End of
January 29th, 2010 at 9:06
@RM: O dear mate – who exactly ruffled your football feathers
.
January 29th, 2010 at 9:12
@Jay wire: The Ecuador training staff came out and said that they employ Valencia in AMF and that is his best position? I don’t watch Ecuador games, so I don’t know – but that is what the coaches at Ecuador said
January 29th, 2010 at 9:19
@Scotjimland: But Jim mi man, don’t you have an honours degree in top bastard-ism
. Not a bad degree to have IF EMPLOYED correctly 
.
January 29th, 2010 at 9:57
@Jay wire: The argument is that CQ has walked out on the club twice and would only come back to United if he were assurred the managers job when SAF retires which would be a disaster.
January 29th, 2010 at 10:45
No review yet? Check this one out, that I wrote in a state of high adrenalin after the match:
http://bigfourza.wordpress.com/2010/01/28/we-are-going-to-wembley/
January 29th, 2010 at 13:22
Vidic is back for the Arsenal game, so that’s a boost. Yet I wonder if anyone else feels that Vida has been fit for a while, but under Fergie reprimand for something or other. I believe personally he is on his way out, and will be very surprised if he is at OT next season. Also Red Nev has been great servant, but I sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo hope he isn’t playing at Le Arse, because Arshavin will skin him alive! Sorry Nev fans.
January 29th, 2010 at 14:27
I think I need to clear something up. I am not trying to put down people just because they are not from Manchester or the UK but there is an attitude sometimes on this blog which I dont reflects the thoughts of match going reds and the traditional fan base.
We have grown up defending our club at school, in the pub, at work and by going to matches where there can be a real sense of menace especially directed at us. Football, thank goodness, is still very tribal and has resisted becoming largely Americanised and watered down (apart from in the boardroom!) to a collection of adverts with a sport in between. I remember times when we were just a good cup side and I had to defend United then, but from fans of Liverpool, City, Everton etc. Now 20 years later after the most impressive trophy haul we could ever imagine I find it a bit frustrating that I now have to defend United from our own supposed fans and their crackpot impressions of the club.
There were even darker times before me in the 70s so I think most United fans are just happy to see us where we are now. Not to say we dont have our portion of moaners, but that will always be the case, or that everyone believes Ferguson is somehow perfect. But in the large part we are just grateful for the last however many years of success.
Also I think some of you over-estimate your knowledge of the club. My dad watched the babes, was at Wembley in ‘68 and saw us go down in the 70s. I was lifted over the turnstiles at OT since I was about 4 or 5 and have had my own season ticket for nearly 20 years (which I am now giving up). I have been at many of the key matches in our history from Barcelona at OT in 84, Wembley in 85 and beyond. This is not to say I am in any way some special case, there are thousands more, who grew up with United being a big part of their life and familys history and have gained experiences and knowledge which no manner of DVDs, blogs or TV can duplicate.
Its not about being from Manchester, United have a long history of accepting everyone and like I said before I am proud of that. I am also proud that we have a good fan culture at the club and some people here are frankly embarassing with their wild reactions. I am just trying to say that is not really the United way….or at least the United way of the last 50 years or so….its only really the last decade where the globalisation of the Premiership has brought a new breed of fan. In the 90s it was pretty much British, Irish and the odd Scandanavian supporters groups etc. but now we have fans from countries that dont have a football culture and to be honest….it shows here sometimes.
I have not even gone into the fact that a lot of fans (Mancunians included) have not really played football at any level themselves, which might be seen as a bit of hinderence if you want to see yourself as some tactical genius.
There are a lot more profound and difficult issues to deal with regards Fergie and Utd than the tactics he selects, which I think I have defended enough and I cannot really be arsed repeating myself on that issue.
But I have to say this, because I also realise people here will only read the bits they dont want to see, I enjoy reading this blog, lots of people bring lots of interesting things to the table and there is some great insight. Red Ranter and a good few others here are some of the best commentators on United you could wish for.
So I dont really give a toss where you come from, but when I see stuff that smacks of this attitude of a new breed of fan who really dont know what they are talking about in the grand scheme of things….you are gonna get it….both barrels
January 29th, 2010 at 14:38
@Johnsom33: For starters the atmosphere at OT is shit these days, its been in gradual decline for many years!
Secondly, I realise this is a bit picky, but being at the game gives you the best impression of the match. TV simply cannot show everything. If you really want to talk about individual performances or the teams shape its best to see it all with your own eyes and where you can see the whole pitch. I know its just a detail but its still true.
On the Fergie thing it wasnt whether he not made individual mistakes its the attitude of certain fans that annoyed me, the sweeping statements, the calling for heads to roll…its a bit of a joke really.
January 29th, 2010 at 14:43
@Dominic: Better you start your own blog and allow only blind posters like you
January 29th, 2010 at 15:15
@Jay wire: Regarding your first point you couldnt be more wrong…if we didnt have our International support we would still be the best supported team in the country, Villa have always stuggled to sell out their ground (except twice a year and the odd FA cup semi!).
United have never had this problem, even when there was a petrol crisis a few years ago we still filled OT with 60k plus. If you look at Uniteds finances you will see the huge amount that is generated by match tickets alone, around 50% of the total revenue I believe. We have always been the best supported team in the country, and its hard to argue otherwise if you look at our attendance figures, even in a time when football was not really on TV and even when we were in the second division.
By your logic of putting us with Villa are we presuming that they have these International supporters and we dont? Because otherwise that argument just doesnt stand up. United were the biggest club before Sky and when we weren’t winning the league and it will be forever thus.Its the premiership as a whole which has benefitted from globalisation not just United.
Your next point is even more laughable…I think it does mean more to someone who spends every weekend and lots of weekdays travelling over England and Europe, people who maybe dont earn that much money and put it into watching their team and not just for the football but for the friendships and fulfillment it gives them. People with generations of United support, people who have to fight the United cause at every turn…and not just on messageboards.
Oh but wait a minute! What about poor Chip in Ohio? He had to get up at 5am, get out of bed, walk into the lounge, turn on the TV and sit down. Not to mention poor Anjab in Mumbai, here he is working in his office and he has to risk streaming the match as he might get sacked….get a grip, do not elevate your own importance. If the bubble burst we would still be the biggest club in the country.
Also I know this blog is US based but it doesnt really prove anything? Its a blog, its not that important, most United fans conduct these conversations face to face so its no surprise the popularity of sites like this abroad where there is little football culture. Besides Red Ranter is a scholar, he is not a knee jerk idiot.
Your TV subscriptions count, of course they do, but you should really have a look at how much match tickets cost before making your argument, not to mention the fact match going fans are contributing in many other ways.
As for the knowledge thing…I am sorry but you are wrong…I have mentioned this on another post but in a nutshell there is no real history of being able to watch United on TV…its all recent. Knowledge is handed down and acquired over many, many years and it comes from its roots… Manchester and the club. It does not come from the internet, maybe in 30 years you could argue your point but at the moment you are just looking with your narrow blinkers at the recent history of football.
January 29th, 2010 at 15:44
@Dominic….Mate you forget to realise one important thing. Every one of us non-British fans would give an arm and a leg for a chance to visit Old Trafford and watch the games. I for one intend to do it atleast once in my lifetime. But do you know how much of a financial burden a trip to England would be for us? I would have to save up for atleast 2 years for a 1 week trip. You claim the ticket prices are way too high. Do you think if we lived in Manchester, that we wouldnt spend the money to go to games? And as for your scorn on waking up in the early hours to watch United games, you should try it once. I was up till 3.30 AM before the day of my School leaving exams, watching a United game. I was so nervous I couldnt concentrate at all and nearly flunked the exam. And in India flunking those exams pretty much screws up your life. Manchester United has been part and parcel of my lifr for some 10 years. now. So much so that even now I feel terribly depressed for an entire week whenever we lose (which unfortunately has been happening a lot this season)
So you being from Manchester does not make you a better fan than any of us. You support United since it is your boyhood club, and it has been everpresent all through your life. We started to follow United as soon as the TV boom brought it to us. The point is, you were born into the United backyard, we were not. We only had a chance to support United when the TV boom came, and we took it. I’m not claiming that makes us in any way superior to the match-going fans. I only implore you to realize that we are equally passionate about this great club
January 29th, 2010 at 15:47
@Jay wire: For christs sake I am not saying Ferguson is untouchable but he is owed patience at the very least. I would love to see actual evidence of this tactical inferiority to his supposed peers (note a particular 21st Century leaning – no mention of Sacchi or Hitzfeld) because I am sure those managers you mention might not take Ferguson so lightly. The only person who thinks hes cleverer than Fergie is Benitez, but he is a control freak with his Saturday Night Live routine on the touchline and is now another in a long list who Fergie has defeated.
It seems everything you write is from the football cliche handbook. Naming Houllier in the list of people who supposedly advanced English football is ridiculous. They all played their part for sure but from the day Fergie entered United he made us more professional and totally turned everything around…including removing the drinking culture and monitoring diets and fitness.
You also have a handy line in putting down English football. Need I remind you a certain club dominated Europe in the 70s and 80s. If it wasnt for the ban then maybe that would have continued. What happened instead was our football became more insular, hence the tactical niavity when we came out of the ban. But the first great United team could have also achieved a lot more if it wasnt for the foreigner rule…the Barcelona tie in 94 for example. Milan and Barcelona had unbelievable teams in this period but we never really got a good chance to take them on with our best 11.
Can I also remind you when you say that ‘even Arsenal’ played the long ball thats because of George Graham and the type of manager he was, they were one of the leading proponents of the long ball, they have not always played pretty football you know! Plus this type of football of wingers and crosses is the way we traditionally play the game, there is no rule book which says tippy tappy football is either the most effective or even the best to watch. There is a part of the way the English play the game which I would never want to lose and United are still the best example of exciting, British attacking football.
I cant even be bothered going on, but every hurdle Fergie has faced he has tackled it from Liverpool and their perch, from Juventus etc. etc.
To put it down to Carlos joining the club and causing some sort of revolution is just plain wrong.
January 29th, 2010 at 15:57
@Vivek: Point taken. I am not doubting anyones loyalty or committment. It is amazing you have that love for United….I have kept saying this here so if you read what I am saying I am really not trying to put anyone down….unless they get it wrong!
But a culture of moaning about United when we are still winning trophies does not strike me as the right thing to do given the traditions of the club and its fans. Everyone has a gripe about selections or tactics, its part and parcel of the game, but as I keep saying its the knee-jerk, wild statements which just look ridiculous to me and no doubt many, many others regardless of where they come from…including yourself maybe?!
January 29th, 2010 at 16:05
@owen: Not blind….just maybe a little more informed than you
January 29th, 2010 at 16:21
@Dominic: We did win the treble with McClaren as Fergies number two, beating Bayern, Inter and Juve on route not bad for a tactical incompetent?
January 29th, 2010 at 16:24
@Stephen:
But that was because of Brain Kidd! etc.etc.
January 29th, 2010 at 16:32
@Dominic: I have to say there was not more of a sick sight for a United fan to see Brian Kidd celebrating T**ez’s goal on Wednesday I must say.
January 29th, 2010 at 16:36
@Stephen: I know but I do kind of feel sorry for him…he was put in the wilderness and his career never really recovered.
If I was at United I would think twice about leaving…not many have done much after going. Of course Im sure Ronaldo will be one of the first to buck this trend.
January 29th, 2010 at 16:40
@Dominic..I also do not subscribe to the doomsayer views about Fergie. But when people are disappointed after a bad result, there is always a need to vent their anger and I consider these doomsday views as an expression of that anger. Deep in our hearts we know that Fergie is the soul of this club. He has built it brick by brick into the empire it is now. He has his faults, but no one, not even the self-proclaimed Special One could replace him immediately when he does call it a day
January 29th, 2010 at 16:44
@Dominic: It killed his career when he took Blachburn down and of course his illness was awful.
January 29th, 2010 at 16:45
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1246985/Manchester-United-misfit-Anderson-verge-Lyon-loan-deal.html
all you Andy detractors are about to get your wish. I’m a Andy believer but he needs regular games, so I’m happy about this move.
January 29th, 2010 at 16:52
@Stephen: He must also regret trying to buy Hartson with that slime ball Edwards behind Fergies back!
Its a testament to him that hes managed to go to Leeds and City and still been seen as a legend at Utd.
January 29th, 2010 at 17:03
@Vivek: Thats still no excuse for them. It would take a lot more than one or two results for me to carry on like that. Ferguson more than deserves the benefit of the doubt.
A sustained period of underachievement would be time to call it a day given his age. Not that he would need to be pushed in that case but at the moment given the complicated, wider circumstances around the club we need him in charge now more than ever.
Plus we are not really doing that bad…all things considered…some may say we are over-achieving even.
January 29th, 2010 at 17:12
@Dominic: I remember that mate, he won the European Cup mate and for that we are all greatful.
January 29th, 2010 at 17:15
@Johnsom33: We all wanted him to succeed mate but he simply hasn’t performed and one goal in two and a half seasons is awful,for me mentally he hasn’t got it to play for a big club he may do well but at a smaller club.
January 29th, 2010 at 17:22
@Stephen: He is a strange case. Apart from the fact he cant hit a barn door his body doesnt seemed to have matured that well. He looks a little podgy, he has that huge arse and still cant last 90 minutes. I have no idea if thats a natural thing or its because he doesnt put the work in…but I have my suspicions.
Of course people will blame Fergie! But he has proved himself more than patient with players in the past. Anderson has been given every chance and it he leaves United its nobody else’s fault. Ditto Nani but just maybe he had sorted his head out now?
January 29th, 2010 at 17:30
@Dominic: I agree he looks over weight this could be down to his party life style which he has a big reputation for, this isn’t the attitude for the modern day footballer at a big club.
He also for me isn’t sure what he is, people tell me he is an attacking midfielder, but attacking players can shoot he is also not a defensive player becuase he also isn’t agressive enough an really can’t tackle.
People always blame Fergie especially with Anderson because oddly he is popular but the player has to look at himself and deep down he knows he hasn’t done enough.
January 29th, 2010 at 17:36
@Jay wire: Well said mate. It’s great to see someone sticking up for the world of Mancunia, not just the municipality of Mancunia. United is a world brand for a reason. It’s because of fans like you and me and Eddy and others who come from different corners of the the planet and who sacrifice our time and money to support a club in North West England that’s slightly East of Scouse.
January 29th, 2010 at 17:38
@Johnsom33:
Perfect deal if there was one.
I don’t believe the Lloris story one second, but sending Ando on loan to Lyon could do him a world of good. He’d be a big fish in a smaller pond, and that might otivate him enough to elevate his game.
And someone there could teach him how to shoot in passing.
January 29th, 2010 at 17:40
@CraigMc: If Fergie was thinking like you and me he would neutralize Arshavin on the left with Wes Brown at RB, but of course Fergie won’t do that. I expect Rafael to be out there because he already has started for United vs Arsenal at the Emirates and even scored. Hope to Hell it’s not Neville.
January 29th, 2010 at 17:44
@Dominic: Man Utd was referrrer as biggest club of world,not richest club of Manchester.It is ahead of City bcoz of its base in Whole world.So speak like an educated one.
January 29th, 2010 at 17:52
@Johnsom33: It hasn’t happened yet and it probably won’t happen, according to the President of Lyon. If it does happen though, party time at my place and good riddance to bad rubbish.
January 29th, 2010 at 18:00
@Stephen: I think he is attacking midfielder who can’t shoot…great!
I so wanted him to do well but we may have hit the end of the road. The big problem is players attitude and the fact he almost certainly wont look at himself if he does leave, and without trying to start a shit storm, an attitude you dont often get with the home grown players. Fletcher and O’Shea had the personality, perseverance and graft to improve themselves, despite maybe not being the most naturally gifted – which I think Anderson probably is and why maybe he came ‘oddly popular’ as you rightly say. A couple of good performances in key games early on really helped him too.
Footballers have agents and sycophants around them that really dont help them address key issues….like being fat and not facing up and tackling your own deficiencies. Apparently Anderson is one of the worst for kicking up a fuss when not being selected but the plain facts show he has regressed from his first season and he has absolutely no right to complain.
But then just think of the signing-on fee he gets if he left…not to mention the agents fee. Football, like the financial industry, seems to still reward people more than anyone else, despite massive evidence of failure and mediocrity,.
January 29th, 2010 at 18:06
@owen: Grow up. United have always been above City. Always. Before you. Before me. Before television was invented. Before the fucking wheel was invented.
We have always been a bigger club in England and hence the world today. Back to school…and stay behind after lessons…extra history classes for you.
January 29th, 2010 at 18:10
FYI on Anderson – he is training with the squad http://www.gettyimages.com/Search/Search.aspx?contractUrl=2&language=en-US&family=editorial&p=Manchester%20United&assetType=image&ebd=2010-01-28
BenHibbs also said he is in squad for Sunday but, boss didn’t answer why he’d not been included in last two squads.
January 29th, 2010 at 18:17
@owen: Mate apart from the last few years United were the richest club in the world, and still acrue 50 times the revenue incoming than City ever do. Problem is Glazer steal the feckin lot
. Only for the Glazers saddling us with debt – we would still be the richest world club, and as far as incoming revenue we still are. Our revenue is just eaten up by Glazer debts!
January 29th, 2010 at 18:20
@NicoQB: With all those french lady prostitues for Andi to shag, I don’t think so mate. Shagging is Andi’s favourite pastime, and slacking off in training because of ladies and late nights. Ship him out pronto – he has no intention of applying himself, not to football anyway!
January 29th, 2010 at 18:23
@Dominic: This is the first time i have heard that you like chicken bcoz you own it.You are not a proper United fan but you are definitely an insult to this world wide blog which claims to be a place for Man Utd supporter from whole world.You are such an idiot that you told the whole history of Man Utd but you dont know know the place Man Utd owners belong to.Manchester is a small towm with around 10 lakh population ,half of them supports Shitty.More than that population from my country are blind supporters of this club.
If you are not 10 years old,then i should tell you that Manchester Utd is a world wide brand .You did not post your comment here for long time.I hope you again go back to READ ONLY policy.It will then be easy for non-Manchester posters to be here
January 29th, 2010 at 18:28
@CraigMc: Craig, Unfortunately due to the Glazer wankers we will be miles behind Madrid, Barca and even Bayern in turnover levels. They claim to be brilliant business people yet they are a bunch of ruthless chancers.
January 29th, 2010 at 18:51
@Dominic:
Are you sure? In the 70s they were regarded as the better or ,at least equal, team despite us having larger crowds.
January 29th, 2010 at 19:06
@Cyclops-Red: True. For a short while they were better than us but never bigger. And it was a long time ago and for a very short period.
January 29th, 2010 at 19:07
@owen: gibberish.
January 29th, 2010 at 19:17
Right, I had a read of all that, and Dominic, here’s the thing.
Being knee jerk is a part of being a fan. Personally it’s not how I roll, and I believe a lot of people on here would agree with that. But the topic of not being a Manchester-based fan is already a subject of ridicule for vast numbers of opposition fans and it sticks in my craw.
Even if I’m more considered in my approach towards following the club, I won’t begrudge those who are knee-jerk, because a lot of them have enough passion to care. I know a lot of commenters on this blog have been knee-jerk, but idiots a vast majority of them are certainly not.
I think if there is anything more knee-jerk, pub banter takes the cake. You’ll see people screaming at the telly or on the pitch. And the new “breed of fan” that you’re talking about is actually not the preserve of the rest of world anymore. The UK has seen more instances of this lately.
On this blog there are two camps: those who are more considered and those who pour their hearts out — frustrations, ecstasy everything. Which I think adds to the banter. A lot of these folks are men enough to acknowledge when they are wrong. It’s a cycle of being fans in a sport.
And I don’t even attempt to let my personal prejudice affect the way these people conduct themselves as fans (as long as they aren’t bigoted towards fellow fans or don’t get personal) Being a fan is a connection one feels towards his club.
It’s great for you if you feel closer to your club than others, but whether you accept it or not, the club has been snatched from the community that was Manchester a long time ago. Not by the global fans, but the Plcs., the current ownership etc. It’s a sad fact of life now.
The romance associated with the football club’s sense of community only exists in the hearts of the fans. And I think this is true of most Premier League clubs. If you want a community feel these days, the lower leagues, or grass roots football like I have here in my local city in the US is where I would go (the football is crap here, but the players play on wages that barely pay their bills — something that makes them feel like one of us)
The Premier League post-Sky has changed club-fan relationship forever. So we can crow all we want about the community, but like it or not, most clubs only want our money.
Most fans actually put up with a lot while supporting their clubs, but in the past it used to be worth it because the club also mostly cared. Sadly, these days, that sense of community argument remains consigned to the annals of history.
January 29th, 2010 at 19:22
@owen: Mate, he’s said what he had to say and till you retorted he didn’t get personal with anyone. What he said may be completely controversial as this subject (of Manc and non-Manc fans) has always been controversial.
So you could either choose to debate this in a civil manner or sit out and refrain from juvenile name-calling.
January 29th, 2010 at 19:30
@CraigMc: If those french slags can make Ando rediscover his form, he can shag them for all I care! Maybe he needs to find that *special* three legged one, just like fat Ronaldo did!
Fat Ronaldo I think (and Ronaldinho) relied most exclusively on their natural talent to shine instead and they were very much the party monsters.
If Ando can gain a semblance of form at Lyon he might have a chance of ending up a “good” midfield player. Wold class is still far off the agenda.
January 29th, 2010 at 19:36
Dominic:
Also an addition, we can’t enforce what’s appropriate commenting and what’s not here. That’s very subjective. So if you can construct an argument, without getting personal with another you have the right to say it. You will need to be prepared to take stick, as long as said stick is not ad-hominem or personal attacks.
Also, calling me a scholar makes me feel like an old bespectacled fart.
I have done my time in academia, and I do tend to have a more considered approach towards supporting the club, but I’m still a fan. Just saying. 
January 29th, 2010 at 19:37
@Red Ranter: It is really a shame that Man Utd should be associated Manchester only.Is it a local club???Why they are willing to promote themselves in Asia by giving contract to Park.When some one has followed this club for long time and has devoted his lot of time to watch them and one day he is told that you are not on same wavelength with those from the Manchester,how he will feel.Is this a Manchester local blog or Redrant???How many posters are here who are from Mnachester only???I am sorry if i have crossed any limit but believe me i have never though that i am a less supporter of Man utd ,even than Sir Alex.
January 29th, 2010 at 19:42
The subject of United fans not being from Manchester is decades old, going back to Munich as Im sure your aware. It really became a sticking point with the TV backed football boom of the 90s and a lot of myths were created which are still perpetuated today. But I already said I have never had a problem with it, in fact I think its a great thing. I never cared when people said ‘your from manchester and you support utd’…all that crap…because I knew the truth of how many reds live in this city. I also know that this club is truly great because its appeal went much wider…there are die hard utd fans everywhere….’we’re here we’re there…’ Its celebrated by Utd fans.
But what riles me now, as it did in the 90s when a lot of people got into football in the UK who were not interested before, is that you get people talking a whole lot of nonsense with little basis in history.
Believe me I am well aware that the soul has been ripped out of this club for reasons to numerous to mention. I have giving up my season ticket at the end of this season for this reason and would honestly prefer to watch FC United and just catch Utd on the telly.
Although things have got worse recently its hardly new news. We have always battled with the club owners, from the Edwards family to blocking the Murdoch bid and now the Glazers. Im not sure the club ever really cared and you can ask some of the Munich families and they may tell you the same thing. My loyalty is not to these business people and we have progressively got worse to the horrid situation we are left in today, but there is still a sense of community amongst supporters far and wide and long may that continue…but I for one have had enough paying more and more each season to satisfy a vile business model.
January 29th, 2010 at 19:52
@Red Ranter: Ok fair enough. I am not going to change anyones opinion but surely if you criticize things I really dont believe in and something I firmly believe a lot of like minded people would not believe in. And if that criticism forms the basis of ‘learn your history’ then so be it…not going to offer any apologies for that.
There seems to be some impression I have something against non-Manchester reds which is completely untrue. However I also sneakily know its a good leveller to get your point across! Fair enough?
January 29th, 2010 at 19:55
@owen: Im sorry if you are offended but did I attack you? Did I say anything directly to you before your nonsensical ramblings to me? Are you paranoid? Questioning what you previously thought?
Lets hope so….onwards and upwards
January 29th, 2010 at 19:58
@Dominic: Mate, I hear what you say and mostly I agree with you but we are now living in a much more “global” community especially when it comes to UNITED.
January 29th, 2010 at 20:11
@Cyclops-Red: I hear you. Unfortunately in order to try and get my point across that Fergie deserves a little more respect I had to resort to the whole ‘Manchester’ & ‘match going’ thing…which truth be told is not something I wear as some kind of badge. If you see the thread of my argument you can see I was slightly pushed into saying what I had to say. All I offered is my credentials as a Utd fan and questioned the knowledge of others…and nobody in particular…just a general vibe I got that smacks of something I have seen many times before watching football.
January 29th, 2010 at 20:15
@Dominic: No you never attacked me but it is also true you dont have to be black to support Obama.United is a global product and they do their business in whole world,not only in Manchester.Manchester United does not have a great history bcoz They have won lot but bcoz they are recognized through out the world for long time.Their success is one factor definitely but lot of clubs are more successful than Utd in Congo,Nigeria …but we dont follow them???Manchester Utd is not known for their local player only.Cantona was not a Manchester born lad.
There is a demand that Fans should take control of MAN UTD.But is it possible to do it from Manchester fans only( 1 billion pound is not a small amount).Why Grog is willing to contribute???Is he from Manchester???Half of Manchester will not contribute will not contribute bcoz they are BLUE but all of Indian Football fans will give bcoz majority of them are red.And mind you ,