Feb 06
Manchester United vs Portsmouth: Preview
The first 3D football match and John Terry axed as England captain, football…bloody hell! Aside from drooling over the magnificent victory at the Emirates Manchester United must now refocus their thoughts as attention turns to the visit of the Premier League’s bottom side Portsmouth.
Avram Grant is probably on his way to another brothel to take his mind off the thought of the impending visit to Old Trafford. As United showed their superiority against Arsenal, a signal that the traditional New Year title push is underway, Portsmouth have on the other hand picked up one point in their last five games, are without a win since late October and have not beaten United in the League since 1957.
United on the other hand go into the match in fine form, one defeat since Christmas and that was the Carling Cup Semi-final 1st Leg, but the last three matches have seen a United raise the level performance greatly.
Therefore expect a number of changes given the visitors’ predicament.
In goal will be Edwin van der Sar, since his return he has only conceded 3 goals in 5 games since his return from compassionate leave. Tomasz Kuszczak will be on the bench after receiving some deserved praise from the United number one, “I thought he really played well in a difficult situation,” added Edwin, whilst talking about the defensive injury crisis.
With Rio Ferdinand serving the second match of a four-match suspension and Nemanja Vidic only rated as doubtful though he should make the bench, Wes Brown and Jonny Evans will continue as the centre-back pairing. Gary Neville should replace Rafael at right-back while the ever present Patrice Evra deserves a breather, so Fabio should step in at left-back given his impressive showing for the reserves last week.
It could be taken as blasphemy is Nani is not on the team sheet given his rousing performance on Sunday, only a few weeks ago his Old Trafford career seemed over, funny how things work out.
Sir Alex was full of praise this week, “In the case of Nani, like Rooney, I think we are seeing a player who is maturing. He’s a young lad who has come in from a different country and he has taken more time than some of the others to settle. But that sometimes happens. Sometimes you bring a player in from another country and they settle straight away, but with Nani you can see his progression over the last few games because he has been outstanding.” Said Ferguson
Nani should be joined by evergreen Ryan Giggs, given a something of a breather against Arsenal; he will be raring to go this weekend. In the middle of the park will be Anderson, given another chance to prove his worth to Sir Alex Ferguson and alongside him will be either Darron Gibson or Michael Carrick. Ji-Sung Park and Antonio Valencia will be looking to make an impact, if needed, from the subs bench.
Newly crowned January player of the month, Wayne Rooney is normally a certain starter, but with fears of burn out and some big matches coming up, he may well get a little time out. Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen will be desperate for some game time, and given the level of opposition they should be awarded an opportunity against Portsmouth.
For the away side, new signings Ricardo Rocha and Quincy Owusu-Abeyie will be pushing for their first starts for Pompey since joining in the transfer window. Nadir Belhadj, Hassan Yebda and Aruna Dindane all returned from the African Cup of Nations and played in the midweek game against Fulham. However Nwankwo Kanu has yet to arrive since being out on duty with Nigeria. Also out are Papa Bouba Diop and Michael Brown.
Looking to avoid defeat, a 4-5-1 formation will likely be employed by Pompey with Aruna Dindane playing as a lone striker. Four owners later and only four wins this season could be an inkling into the number of goals United will put past David James.
Avram Grant was in optimistic mood ahead of the clash, “I have no doubt the players will give everything again against Manchester United. When you see the fact that they keep coming onto the pitch, again and again, giving everything that is good. I always believe – and I do not want to see anyone in my team who does not believe. This is football – anything can happen. I saw Manchester United in their last game against Arsenal, okay they played a bit quick for us but you always have to face up to the challenge in a positive way.”
Pompey have won just one of their last 25 Premier League matches away from home, so do not expect this stat to change much after the game, it will likely read – Pompey have won just one of their last 26 Premier League matches away from home.
Prediction: 4-0 United
Probable Line Up: van der Sar, Fabio, Evans, Brown, Neville; Nani, Anderson, Gibson, Giggs; Berbatov, Owen
***
Betfair is the official Manchester United betting partner and we here at Red Rants have partnered with them to offer a free £25 bet when you register.
Unlike other betting sites, Betfair allows you to place bets when the game is running and choose the odds at which you want to play. What allows you to do these things is you’re betting against other fans, not the bookie, so if you want better odds than are currently available, for example, you can place an order for a better price (but bear in mind that if your price is unrealistic your bet is unlikely to be accepted).
Related items from Red Rants:
- Man Utd v Portsmouth: Preview
- Preview: Pompey vs Reds
- Portsmouth Preview
- Some NOTW Nonsense + Community Shield Preview
- Man Utd v Everton: Preview
Tags: Manchester United News
Opti (541)
Stephen (479)
RedDevilEddy (459)
Craig Mc (345)
Moscow is my heaven (272)
@Jay wire: His over dependence on Rooney and Evra has always concerned me. Rooney needs to be rested more as all these games will eventually catch up with him. Buying a quality striker who cannot only partner up with Rooney well but also be able to play the lone striker role when Rooney is rested would be a great thing.
Like?
0 
0
@Stephen: I concur. I’d rather have Spurs or Villa occupying the 4th spot
Like?
0 
0
@EduardoDaVinci4: You don’t have that much faith in Berba so that means u two have something u agree on
Like?
0 
0
@Stephen: I know he doesn’t have the ability or the attitude of Nani.
But then I’ve got to say the attitude of Nani has been exeptional! I can name at least 100 other players in the Premier League who would have had a mental breakdown had they gone through what Nani did, but instead Nani just showed what character he had and he has proven to become an immense player for us. As for ability, Nani is probably the most gifted player we have in the side. Yeah, Rooney is great and Scholesy is great and all that, but the skill of Nani combined with his vision and crossing ability makes him an amazingly rare player. If you combine every asset Nani inherites, both mentally and physically, I’ve gotta say we’ve got one hell of a player! Amazing!
But I believe that although Anderson doesn’t have the correct attidute right now, he will get it right. After all, he is a Manchester United player under the guidance of Sir Alex, Giggs, Scholesy, Neville etc. Some things, they just grow on you. Andy is two years younger than Nani, and the influence of the elders combined with the mature stars will help him a lot. Some things just grow on you, the people around him will make a difference. His head can be sorted, of that I am sure. As for his skill asset, some work at the gym and/or the practice ground after training will help him. I know it’s a lot which I demand, but somehow I know, I just know he will come good.
If you think I’m crazy, I certanly can’t blame you!
Well mate, if so… Smack my ass and call me Susan Boyle! 
Like?
0 
0
@Jay wire: I do have faith in all the Manchester United players. But… Berbatov has never been a United player for me. Sorry if it’s harsh, just the way I feel.
Like?
0 
0
@Jay wire: I’m sorry, mate, I just think he’s a dud for United.
You trying to rationalize the reasons why he is, doesn’t change my opinion.
What would change my opinion is Berbatov, himself, showing up to play with a 100% commitment to the team, for an extended run of games.
I think it’s laughable that anyone with a basic understanding of what is required of an top striker, can possible see him as anything other than a United misfit.
Like?
0 
0
@donibrasco: Exactly. This is a myth coming from the media. 1st myth is South American players are not suited to United’s game. We seem to have a “United style” that certainly rules out 90% of players out there. A personal myth about Berbatov is he slows us down. He plays calmly and let’s the ball roll and without huffing and puffing he seems to be slowing us down. Like Paul Scholes I call such players Hurricane Eyes. Very calm but they coordinate the stormers around them. If he made Tevez-Bellamy-Rooney like expressions with his face it woild help his cause. I’m surprised people don’t even see how Martin Jol used him to deadly effect with his speedy Spurs team. With Keane playing up top and in and around Berba finding pockets of space and Dimi picking him out. He doesn’t waste possession unnecessarily and knows there’s no point in trying to make hasty passes when players are not in good positions. I’m sure u also saw when he scored vs Pompey how he held the ball up with no one else in good positions. He could have just tried to lay it off to one of the arriving but well marked players and lost the ball. When he does release the ball quick it’s usually to devastating effect(note the excellent chip over defenders to the on rushing Valencia)
Like?
0 
0
@Redrich: I’m not trying to change your mind or opinion. I’m just disagreeing. People said Rooney will never be a great goal scorer but just a scorer of great goals. Nani doesn’t fit in and should be shipped off as soon as 1986. Some offered transportation to the airport only a few weeks back. We’ll just have to wait and see if he is a misfit.
Like?
0 
0
just a small point that is slighty off track, would people be worried that owen isnt getting enough of a chance to prove his england spot, i mean i personnaly believe he would be such an important personality to have with his experience and intelligence on the pitch.
you all know by now i really rate owen and his scoring ablility, we only have to look and the city game and the champions league hatrick to to acknowledge that this lad is not past it and still has plenty to offer. I really thought he was going to make a huge impact this season with all he has to prove (and he has proved his worth to me) its just a shame that fergie is in love with berbatov
and its a shame for england becuase me thinks fbio wont bring him now. i hope im wrong
Like?
0 
0
@EduardoDaVinci4: What is easily forgotten is right up to the end of Oct he was one of our better performers. He played well vs Spurs,vs Blackburn when he came on vs Dunderland vs Chelsea. Then rotation caught up with him and he never picked it up since. He’s young,he’ll come thru.
Like?
0 
0
@Jay wire: Mate he has missed sitter, after sitter, after sitter. I mean how much more opportunity and chances than the thousands he has had, does he need?
Like?
0 
0
@EduardoDaVinci4: I hear you Bro, and I hope your faith in the lad comes to great fruition someday soon mate!
Like?
0 
0
@[OPTI]Madschester United: It would be bloody awful for Mancs is the wastelanders make the top four. Most of the Mancs have to work alongside them and they would certainly suffer from megolamania and egomania IF they ever qualify for the top four. I would rather Spurs or Villa got the 4th spot to be honest. Also after all the gobshite coming from our noisy neighbours, it will be nice to shut their gobs again for A WHILE
.
Like?
0 
0
@Stephen: fERGIE has lied to Owen, who he told even as much as very recently that we have plenty of games, and Owen would get to play more, because he wants him to get the opportunity to go to the World cup – yeah Fergie, pul the other leg eh, it plays fucking looney tunes
. Owen has been treated like Nani – despicable!
Like?
0 
0
@donibrasco: Not a shit manager, but he certainly makes some shit buys sometimes. He is not without his errors you know our Mr Fergie
Like?
0 
0
@donibrasco: Aaaah it all becomes so clear now – you are an Arsenal supporter – right Donnie?
Like?
0 
0
@[OPTI]Madschester United: Banned from the blog mate, because he pissed off some of the bloggers here – of whom I am not one of them! They couldn’t live with his Gaelic lingo, or his text speak. Text speak is banned though for everybody, so he has no excuse there.
Like?
0 
0
@Grognard: Errrr Rooney has improved performances exactly because of his early nights. Why should he go whoring, he has a very nice Missus at home, and a baby son now. Responsibilities come with that, and IF as Rooney says he wants to become the world’s best and get the ballon de then he has to make sacrifices for it. We have enough John Terry cheaters on the missus mate. If a person wants to go a whoring, then don’t get married and have kids – simple AS!
Like?
0 
0
@Jay wire: I love little Mickey mate – he is a very good striker IF played regularly. Who else of our lot has scored a hat trick in a CL game, and against a German team, on their own patch, is no mean feat mate. Capello questioned Fergie’s credibility, when he went public to say – Owen scores a hat trick in a CL game, and he is never played again in the next games – WHY? Yeah Fabio WHY is the correct word to ask.
Like?
0 
0
@Jay wire: Would you rather people didn’t make excuses for him, and just say he is shit for us then mate?
Like?
0 
0
@Jay wire: Errrr Nani wasn’t bought as a 31 million pound striker, specifically to get the goals. Highly paid strikers are bought to score goals mate. Nani was bought to supply the ammunition, which he does superbly when he is played. Also Nani finds space, it is just that we don’t have many other good suppliers who can get the ball to him in a way that is meaningful. He whom I like to kick his arse Mr Rooney, seems to be striking up a bit of an understanding with Nani the last 4 games, and then Berba plays in the last game, and we did not have the same flow mate. Is it Berba’s fault – maybe not, but he doesn’t seem to have struck up any understand with anybody else, as he did perhaps with Robbie Keene. He certainly could have had an assist on Saturday if Diouf hadn’t rushed his shot from Berba’s deft pass, but that was against a very poor Pompey side Jaywire, and Berba doesn’t really do it in the big games, that is why SAF doesn’t play him!
Like?
0 
0
I get fairly philosophic before I go to bed…
My thought of tonight: Football is the best thing to have ever been created
I mean, what else could unite people around the whole globe? What else could make grown men cry and hug each other of pure joy? What else could create such fantastic moments which we will remember our whole life? It’s a magnificent thing, it’s far more than a sport. It’s even more than a religion! I tell ya, I bet my life on football being more dicussused every day than religion! Football is “the” thing, it’s amazing, bonding, marvellous, just pure incredibleism! Football… Bloody hell!
Like?
0 
0
At this rate I can easily see Rooney getting burnt out, picking up an injury and then doing crap next season.
Ronaldo can play every game because he is supremely athletic. But Rooney isn’t built like that and wear and tear will surely happen soon.
We have survived without Ronaldo because Rooney has turned it up several notches and become a lot more prolific in front of goal.
But without Rooney we would be royally screwed.
Im not going to bother giving my views on Berbatov. But if he really is injured and that is contributing to indifferent form, why not play Owen?
Once he has had a few games and got his touch back, you can guarantee he will show he is still the best finisher in this team. OK I accept the point that Owen does not do much for the team without the service. But when we play a 4-4-2 against a weak team, he will get chances, and he will put them away.
Then when Berbatov comes back from injury he can see if he can do a Nani and blow everyone away with a couple of MOM performances. But I’m not holding my breath
Like?
0 
0
The only thing I think Rooney is missing this season…
… is getting a goal outside the 18-yard box.
Seriously, who would have thought that last season?! Wayne scoring 23 goals in a row without a single one of them being outside the box? What a season!
Like?
0 
0
@CraigMc: Berbatov,Rooney and Owen have all missed sitter after sitter. In fact esp Rooney. The only players I’d surprised to see missing sitters in world football are Pipo Inzaghi,Ruud van Nistelorooy and David Trezeguet. Maybe a confident Owen could be added to that list alongside the baby faced assassin. Anyone else would be playing well to their means when they miss sitters
Like?
0 
0
@CraigMc: That’s harsh… I liked him. Maybe he will come back with less racist remarks and be re-instated like some other guys have been (right?)… couldn’t he just change his email and name?
Either way….
@EduardoDaVinci4: Football is amazing — the sport is the ultimate drug… it’s history and intrigue is worth a Hollywood of movies and the on-pitch entertainment is spell-binding. Plus, the teasing of the World Cup and Euro’s keeps us wanting it more and more — this year’s world cup is going to be amazing. I am getting the goosebumps thinking about it. Imagine, Portugal vs. Argentina (Ronaldo vs. Messi) or Denmark winning the whole thing! AMAZING!
My best memories as a kid are footy-centric. 1992 Euros (DK!), 1994 World Cup (Baggio’s miss), 1998 world cup (DK vs. Brazil), 1996 Euros (Davor Suker, Gascoine, Poborsky), 2002 World Cup (Denmark beats France), etc….
Love it!
Like?
0 
0
@colver: When things go well today … let’s complain tomorrow
Are you guys ever happy?
Like?
0 
0
@CraigMc: Firstly it’s another myth that he doesn’t do well against bigger teams. His debut was at Anfield and he came out of that game with an assist. Ask Chelsea if u think he doesn’t do well against big teams. They’ll tell u of how he has tormented them while at Spurs.He has scored 4 past Chelsea probably better than Rooney’s record over same period. He scored against United and was tormentor in chief at in his last game as a Spurs player at OT. So definitely a myth.Secondly,if players status and performances were directly proportionate to their monetary acquisition values then Messi,Fabregas,Xavi,Kaka etc should not be playing anywhere higher than the Coca Cola Championship. Players have no control over the price on their heads. Certainly Ronaldo should top his 42 goal haul in Spain by quite a bit then. Also Nani did come with a reasonbly hefty price tag for a young raw player but I still thought ppl were being unfair talking about his price tag and Anderson’s.
Like?
0 
0
@[OPTI]Madschester United: He was warned, repeatedly, but he either didn’t get it or couldn’t be bothered to get it.
At any rate he thought the whole idea of RR’s requests to adapt to a more readable style, laughable – at that pointed he was booted!
Like?
0 
0
I’ve lost for Hargreaves. The player I was so excited to see at OT will probably do a Dean Ashton in all honesty. Since he was expected to be back by October last year he has not even featured for the Reserves. He has been removed from the Champions League squad by Richie de Laet. Fantastic. Now we’ll get a return date of September. Remember Neville anyone? That sucks
Like?
0 
0
Some whispers say that DirecTV and DISH Network will begin HD broadcasts of FSC this coming Wednesday.
Keeping my fingers crossed.
Like?
0 
0
@Jay wire: His recovery was always going to be on a wait and see basis, and it continues to this day.
The fact that he was removed from the CL squad really just means that he wasn’t going to help us in the tie with Milan and the quarter final if we progress.
I really hope for the best, but 18 months out of the game at this stage of his career could be terminal. He’s a tough cookie, though, and if anyone could come back from those surgeries, he can!!
Disappointing because with Ando flunking out, our CMF could have used a boost. Hope that Scholes doesn’t get banged up of suspended!!
Like?
0 
0
Okay before I crash just a few stats to ponder:
Berbatov vs Drogba and Anelka over the last 5 starts in the league
Berba:
Goals-4
Assists -2
Drogba:
Goals-4 goals
Assists-0
Anelka:
Goals-3
Assists-1
Tevez
Goals-4
Assists-0
To give you some perspective,prior to the Pompey game his last appearance in any capacity was back on the 16th of Jan vs Burnley when he started and scored. We played 4 games in between and he was involved in neither. In December he played 5 games 2 of them as a sub and produced 2 goals and 1 assist. He played zero games in November but was United Player of the month in October. So let’s assume he had been fit in Nov and had played in any of the 4 games between the 16th of Jan and 06 February he would certainly be above 10 goals right now. So let’s learn to take things into perspective ladies and gentlemen before we bash players.
Like?
0 
0
@Jay wire: Berbatov is pants!!
Like?
0 
0
@EduardoDaVinci4:
You can draw amazing parallels with another south american starlet Ever Benega (at Valencia). Heres a nice article about him:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2010/feb/08/valencia-ever-banega-liga-spain
Lets hope Andy can get his head sorted out (just like Benega) and become what we all thought he can become when he joined us. he is still very young and can learn from his mistakes from the past and move on. The only question is can he!!!
Like?
0 
0
@CraigMc: I have said nothing to infer iam an Arsenal supporter.Its just that we are quick to write off teams without analyzing the league situation.Despite what people think,they are not that far off.
Like?
0 
0
@donibrasco: I’m not accusing you of anything mate – it is just that you are always seemingly commenting on, and gushing about Le Arse!
Like?
0 
0
@Jay wire:
Jaywire, you remind me of myself battling for Nani – good on you mate! Fight on for Berba. I am not a statitician myself, so please tell me the opposition we played against in Berba’s last 4 games – thanks Jaywire!
Like?
0 
0
@Jay wire: Thing is Jaywire – did Spurs win any of those games Berba scored or assisted in against the big boys Chelsea or L’pool? Just interested to know mate? Ronaldo was a match winner, and he still is for Real Madrid.
Like?
0 
0
Jaywire, as you know in the BIG games, we don’t get a lot of chances, and when we do they have to be taken. I wouldn’t call Berba a KILLER instinct player. Were the goals he scored the last few games the goals that mattered, or were they goals that came after we were comfortable.
Like?
0 
0
@[OPTI]Madschester United: It’s a discussion board, so folk are just discussing mate
Like?
0 
0
@Jay wire: I agree with your Rooney comment mate – but he has Nani now to help him out
. By the way, Nani just like Tevez doesn’t like Berba – so I am with Lil man – and once again 
.
Like?
0 
0
@EduardoDaVinci4: Eddi how can you say that – when you know Rooney for a good portion of the season was missing sitter after sitter, with rugby type blazing of the ball into the stands
.
Like?
0 
0
@colver: That happens to most players from the big clubs in world cup year especially. But I agree with you that Little Mickey should get more opportunities and Rooney rested. That needed to be done though before Rooney hit his present form, but ALAS Fergie will not leave him out in his present hot streak. SAF couldn’t give a monkeys about England – Rooney is a United player, and SAF cares only about United.
Like?
0 
0
“I would not have got through everything without them. To me, they are the best fans in the world.” – DB7
Legend !!
Like?
0 
0
I miss ScottJimLand.. He was fun..
Like?
0 
0
@EduardoDaVinci4:
Like?
0 
0
href=”http://redrants.com/manchester-united-vs-portsmouth-preview-2/comment-page-5/#comment-106898″>Jay wire: I agree I remember Fergie saying that Neveille had a good chance of making the Cup final, I think he played 18 months after that game.
Personally and I hope that I am wrong but for me he is finished, he seems to have lost convidence in himself, or is that faith? We all hope he can return but he has been injured really since he signed and how on Earth did he pass a medical? Classic case of Fergie simply wanting his man regardless?
Like?
0 
0
@RR: “ScottJimLand was banned because he was not capable of writing a coherent post”..
He was actually conveying his thoughts quite clearly albeit with a little OTT eloquence.. Granted, his posts demanded extra attention span if one’s not quite so proficient in EnGlIsH.. But it was just a matter of getting used to it.. as for readers who were unable to decipher the flowery muddle 
of vocabulary, they could’ve just skipped his post instead of kicking up a storm of excrement demanding his exit.. damn.. Quite a few readers on this blog actually enjoyed appreciating his cut-throat sharp intellect.. I’m sorry to bring this up, but no real harm in giving him a second chance, I say..!
Like?
0 
0
@Stephen: Gotta admit though mate, Nev does keep getting those killer balls into the areas that we get, or should get (OH BERBA ?) goals from. When he moves in from the right side of the box, he is like mi man Nani for putting in some excellent crosses. Better than Rafael I have to say with his distribution, but is defending leaves a lot to be desired these days, and after all that is why he is on the field – to defend
. Nev times his runs too, whereas Rafael – even mi man Nani was telling him to stay more in his position, and come forward now and again. Evra gets forward too bloody much as well, leaving us exposed at the back too often with our recent patched up defence 
.
Like?
0 
0