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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Also see: Manchester United v Manchester City preview.
Related items from Red Rants:
- Man Utd v Everton: Preview
- Manchester United 2006/2007 Season Review
- The Manchester United Pledge
- Man Utd v Stoke: Preview
- Derby County v Man Utd: Preview
Tags: Manchester United News
Opti (541)
Stephen (479)
RedDevilEddy (459)
Craig Mc (345)
Moscow is my heaven (272)
@owen: Look you are definitely getting me wrong here. I am well aware of everything you said.
On the subject of the Glazers I may have to disagree…its probably a lost cause…they will do whatever they have to do. People in power always get away with these things. I have been listening to Tony Blair giving a perfect example of this today.
As far as I can see the only chance of them leaving is a wholesale boycott and picket line outside the ground and not just once…a full on boycott of everything. Which would be a big statement but I think there are maybe too many day trippers at OT for it to be achieved…and it may create divisions amongst the support and ultimately affect the team.
Of course this would also require the help of utd fans worldwide but this would have to be initiated by match going fans….just as the Sky bid was and the Glazers initial purchase of Utd was. One of these succeeded and one failed, there were attempts to buy enough shares in the club by Shareholders United before the takeover but most people didnt really want to know and it would have required a massive amount of cash. All that happened was the Glazers brief experience with the lets say more militant members of our support.
The major problem was floating on the stock exchange but thats well acknowledged now…with hindsight obviously.
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@owen: As he clarified, he said he’s not against fans from abroad. Even I’m not from Manchester. Yet I don’t react the way you have so far.
@Dominic:
And regarding the ‘know your history’ point some of the most vocal critics on this blog are actually United fans since the 70s and 60s. So whether we agree with them or not, branding them idiots for being knee-jerk (and telling them to learn their history/going on about Ferguson’s unqualified success) etc, becomes a bit unnecessary and would only serve to antagonize the other person rather than getting your point across to him.
That’s all I’m saying.
And finally, if people criticize the things you believe in, it’s a better approach to justify why you disagree with them rather than casting a dim light on their own mental faculties. You may honestly be convinced of it in your mind, but you’re not going to win an argument by taking that approach. All you’ll serve is to force that person to close his mind further and refuse to listen to you.
And if after civilly arguing your point, you’re not able to get it across, then just move on to other things. I think that’s all you can do over the internet.
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@Dominic: I was just jesting there. Minor quibble. You can call me Einstein too if you please, but then that would be insulting to the great man.
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@colver: but at least we have some talent on the right in nani, if this resurgence on the right is legit.
I have heard the idea of valincia being pushed to the middle attributed to SAF. add a couple more ifs, if ando is going out and if david silva isnt coming in then I would love to see valincia get time in the middle.
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@WhiteY: true. his long passing from the wing have been good but short and threw passes are a different monster.
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@Red Ranter: OK now i leave it . The lads from Manchester can say anything but i am not going to leave UTD nor i am going to leave RedRant.If i did any wrong,forgive me bcoz it is better to concentrate on the most important game of the season so far than to discuss the topic which is most suited for the summer break when there is nothing except to discuss these never ending topics.
I hope it is over.If there is any grammatical mistake ,i am sorry bcoz i am totally drunk
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@Red Ranter: OK I really want to put this to bed now! You are right, you shouldnt call people idiots if you are trying to get your point across. Like I said I didnt call anyone in particular an idiot, so many good points raised here by everyone but there is one kind of attitude that has always wound me up when supporting Utd. And I know for a fact I am not alone on this. In fact, some people might not be as balanced as me when dealing with it!
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Thats that classy Chelscum for you.
What next from that family.
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@owen: Jeez, another drunk commenter? It’s becoming an epidemic here now. How many of you are drunk right now?
@Dominic:
Fair enough, but it’s because you were civil here, that you’ve been given the platform to air your views. Now let’s debate on topics that are less sensitive and more pertinent to United on the pitch eh?
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@Red Ranter: Am not
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The article seems to think Lloris would come to us. How would that work? Do we take Lloris on loan to see if he is up to replacing EVDS and if so buy him on a permanent deal? Or are we buying Lloris and as part of the deal sending Anderson off to Lyon on loan?
Presumabely the idea behind the loan is to give Anderson some more playing time to give him the best chance of making it into the World Cup Squad. If he plays well at Lyon, makes the world cup squad, and impresses in the world cup-we would be able to sell him for a good fee.
But I think it spells the end of his United career. It is almost unprecedented for a player with as many appearances as he has had to be sent on loan.
Anderson has had more than enough chances to impress at Old Trafford and he has made zero progress over the last three years at the club. Ive also noticed evidence of a lack of fitness…he runs out of steam very easily. Also I see very little attacking talent. He doesn’t score, he doesn’t provide any assists, all he can do is hustle.
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@Dominic: “I don’t need to say too much at all to people who think that United are starting to slide,” he said. “Chelsea have a game in hand, but we’re still up there, in a good position in the Champions League and the final of the Carling Cup. I can’t see any slide from us at the minute.” -Wayne Roony
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@colver: It also suggests the end of Foster also, there is a double edge to this story.
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I’m not from Manchester. I’m not even from England! But I love this club with all my heart, I love it with passion. I owe a lot of gratitude to Manchester United, and I will repay their glory and amazing accomplishments with my support in bad days and in good days. Manchester United – More than a club!
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@CraigMc:
And please how do you know about Andersons sexual exploits with the ladies of the night!Am assuming here your not a Pimp, right! 
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@gator: Exactly!
But I think most people agree the team lacks one or two players, it needs a bit of flair, but stories of our (on the pitch) demise are just wishful thinking again. I think a lot of United fans saw this as a transition season but we are still in the running…not holding out too many hopes myself though!
I could honestly care less about how many people we play in midfield…this club is in a crisis in the boardroom thats so much bigger than tactics….and its only just started. If results start going badly it might really start kicking off.
Its easier to stomach a boycott when you are out of the running….such is life.
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@EduardoDaVinci4: IN Fact youngen you are a shining light.And a very learned one.
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Can I seek bloggers views on who you would wish to come 4th in the Epl.Think about it carefully.
This is assuming us as Champs for a historic 4 in a row.!!! Chelski second.lE Arse 3rd.
The contenders as you know, puddle(vomit) spuds, villa, shitty.
I think about this a lot, forward planning and that sort of stuff.
We need to put a nail finally in Puddle, no Champions league money, feenito, goodbye Torres, Gerrard,Reina.End off.
Do we want to put on hold shittys merciless rise, fucking yes we do, so keep praying, they dont make fourth.
Spuds is a no brainer, let them make 4th, there manager will not get them thro the qualifer stages( Done deal that’s my preference).
Villa, erm lets hope not either,O’neil is one shrewd cookie,Cl experience and would present a serious challenge,and give them a bucket of cash they have so far not had, which in turn would enable them to mount a serious Epl challenge 2010/11.
This is quite significant.
However Sol Campbell up against Wayne at the Emirates its gonna be such mouthwatering fun.Bring it on.
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@Scotjimland: I’m ok with either Villa or Spurs.
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@Red Ranter: Me also Boss, but as i indicate in prior post you gotta wotch O’neil, he is a smart cookie.But agree anyone other than the two you omit.Anyone for a Brummie as an outside bet!.
.
On a side note Boss i hope you saw no Racism in my post’s m8, that hurt me, cos it just is not in my make up(not that i use makeup)
It was just me enjoying the blog and having a laugh and fun during the game.
Anyhow. cheers Einstin lol
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So is United playing Arsenal this week in a very important game or will we continue discussing inane along the lines of “who has the biggest weener”
I say, let’s get back to game talk and football.
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@Scotjimland: If any statement you say involves stereotyping a person based on his nationality/ethnicity etc, it borders on racism. The other fella got offended too. Over the internet this kind of joking does not translate as well as when you do it face to face. So I’d suggest you refrain from this kind of stuff, because other people don’t know you personally enough to take as a joke.
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@[OPTI]Madschester United: yes they are m8, and it’s gonna be a cracker, with them losing midweek, we can truely put daylight between them and us.
Am building up in my head to match sadly i cant go, but will enjoy here and telly visual effects, with sound turned up huge.
Your feeling on the match please.I personally dont think they will play there tippy tappy football .There weakness is C/F.I think if we get Fletch on Fabregit, the game is ours.
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@Red Ranter: ok, with you over and out, 10/10 lol
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jaysus some people are so touchy, i get called a sweaty sock all the time, sheep shagger etc, yeah but unlike the Welsh , there sheep know the sound of a zip now!
Kilts away
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nite lads away to pub. great blog and all posters deserve right to post.if only my nurse new i was using her computer.
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@[OPTI]Madschester United: I have the biggest weener!
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@EduardoDaVinci4: And we love you for it mate. As for me, I’m keeping my trap shut on this subject because if I were to open it, Somebody would get barbecued Texas style. So I choose to stay silent because frankly, it’s not worth debating, and it’s boring the living fuck out of me. Peace.
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@Grognard: Same here mate, I just have nothing to offer this debate.
However I do sense that quite a few newbie party-liners are dragging their soapboxes on here, lately – and their lecturing tones are beginning to irritate me!!
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@Redrich: Agree 100%
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@Redrich: well yor a fine won. look here was last comment, why fuck why, am back the barmad widna ge me a blo job
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@Scotjimland: Please post in English.
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Why am i left feeling they are bum bois
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@Red Ranter: k
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@Dominic: Boardroom trouble BIGGER than tactics – Mmmmmmmmm! If tactics start to effect United’s winning trophies, and promote early exit from CL or PL running, I think you’ll find the tactics will cause more boardroom panic to our money grabbing bastard Glazers than anything else mate!
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@Grognard: Aint interested in commenting on this subject either, but I have’nt commented for a while so just thought I’d have my say.
People bleed United, wherever there is blood to bleed.
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@Scotjimland: I read the Newspapers mate – Ronaldo’s, Andi’s exploits are well reported and that regularly
. Don’t need to follow Anderson home with a pair of binoculars mate – thats the papparazzi’s job and they do it very well. Andi has been copped Bro 
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so who is getting real excited, for Sunday, i am totttaly hyper, il no do that in Gaeilic or french. bring it on lets shag the pedo at the Emirates
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@EduardoDaVinci4: Says he who was recently ready to support a certain other club because his Arsenal and Pool mates were giving him some stick during United’s poor form
.
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@Red Ranter: I must be the only TEETOTALER on this blog – never posted whilst drunk – its disgusting and impolite, and causes A FIGHT!
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@Scotjimland: Don’t speak too soon mate, because Anderson tried to shag Macheda’s girlfriend, and it caused a hell of a bust up at training at Carrington
. So the rumour goes anyway!
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@CraigMc: just for tonite lets dream m8, we can do this. i mean it’s a fuckin historty makin goal. we can TAKE them. pure landin shite
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soz rr, lmao, thats me lulu, getting so excited for next match, erm who????
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@CraigMc: post 440, best post of the night pure liar!
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@Scotjimland: If you can’t be bothered to compile a comment that I could possibly understand, please don’t bother at all.
You rantings make no sense to me, even if I could translate them, and if all you want to do is make rah, rah comments – wait until United score a goal or win a close game.
We pride ourselves here in being a little thoughtful in what we have to offer and to be honest with you, you’re not fitting in with this at all.
Please try to at least to make the effort to engage us in something more substantial than drunken banter!!
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@Cyclops-Red: Couldn’t agree more mate!
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come on you reds, lets get in there, pit that Pedo in place u just know it makes sense. nite lads great blog.
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@CraigMc: Uncalled for mate, I went through hell that week not only with my mates giving me stick but my grandma dying and parents having a big fight for no reason, then me mum getting ill…
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@Redrich: Aye men brother. I’m certainly not guiltless on here mate but I just think there is an attitude and a atmosphere bordering on Hooligan that’s starting to brew on here and it’s alienating a lot of the contributors who offer a lot to this blog and who also live abroad. I for one want nothing to do with the debate because it’s…..well lets just say I don’t care to discuss it. Take care mate. Talk to you on the flip side or when all this garbage ends.
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@Scotjimland: Mate, seriously, either start speaking English or fuck off.
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