Oct 03
Manchester United vs Sunderland: Preview
A former United stalwart returns to Old Trafford this weekend (along with a few other familiar faces), bringing along with him a Sunderland team that have endured something of a yoyo start to the season. Yes Steve Bruce skippered the Reds to three Premier League titles once upon a time but he will be desperately hoping to outwit his former mentor in the opposing dugout come Saturday.
To get the ball rolling, the Black Cats haven’t won at the Theatre of Dreams in some 41 years. With eight wins on the bounce for the Reds heading into the game, anything but victory would surely be deemed a disappointing result.
Following the hard fought triumph over an aesthetically pleasing Wolfsburg on Wednesday, three points at home in the Premier League is certainly a must in order to keep things ticking over. Sunderland, on the other hand, were 5-2 winners against Wolves in their last outing, a deceptively flattering scoreline as I’m sure those who witnessed the encounter will testify.
The main bits of team news from a United perspective refers to opposite ends of the pitch. After putting in a steady shift without covering himself in glory against the German champions, Tomasz Kuszczak will have to settle for a place on the bench as Ben Foster resumes as Edwin van der Sar’s Premier League deputy. Michael Owen’s latest injury, meanwhile, will keep him out of action for the forthcoming round of international fixtures next weekend.
At the back you would envisage little change with Ferdinand and Vidic at centre-back and Patrice Evra and John O’Shea on either side of them.
Ryan Giggs’ cameo on Wednesday evening brought about his 150th career goal for United and the landmarks are coming around thick and fast as a strike against Sunderland will see him notch up his 100th Premier League goal. Your guess is as good as mine as to who Fergie may decide to play on Saturday (you’ve probably a better chance of predicting the lottery results in fairness) but given the current rotation policy and that we should be afforded plenty of space, expect Scholes and Fletcher to possibly start with Nani and Valencia on the flanks as Park remains doubtful with a virus.
That leaves Rooney and Berbatov to head up the attack, a partnership that is showing signs of flourishing and should come to life against the frailties of a Sunderland defence that is hardly up there with the best in the league.
The big decision Steve Bruce will have to make is whether to sit back and soak up pressure or attack United from the off and hope for the best. Whatever tact the one-time United captain decides to go with, Darren Bent will undoubtedly start having scored eight in his last nine Premier League starts.
Speaking to the media, Ferguson explained that he is hardly relishing the task of picking his team with so many players fighting fit and on top of their games at the moment.
“We’ve a strong squad. The problem with having everyone fit is picking the right team,” he is quoted as saying by the Associated Press.
“Our two central midfielders – Michael Carrick and Anderson – were fantastic against Wolfsburg, and I thought Darren Fletcher and Paul Scholes were outstanding at Stoke. It is giving me a real headache.”
The United boss went on to praise the managerial work of his former player and that he expects Sunderland to achieve big things with Bruce at the helm.
“He’s had experience of the other side, from down there scrapping at Sheffield United, Crystal Palace, Huddersfield, Birmingham, and the job he did at Wigan in his second spell there last time was fantastic, almost getting them into a European place,” Ferguson added.
“Now he’s had the chance to spend some money and he’s looking good. Steve’s galvanised the club already, and you can see something great happening there. Hopefully not against us on Saturday.”
On the other side of the fence, Bruce paid tribute to Ryan Giggs, a player he labels one of the greatest to have graced the Premier League.
“He started in 1993 and where are we now, 2009? Jesus. And to play at the level he has been doing, he has to be the greatest ever player to have played in the Premier League” he is quoted as saying by the Telegraph.
“Not just because of his longevity but because he is playing for Manchester United and still getting man of the match awards.
“For me he is their best player, at his age as well.”
Saturday’s match will be the 13th time that Bruce has gone head-to-head with Sir Alex with the Scot possessing a record of ten wins and two draws to date. The former Birmingham City manager may fancy his chances more than ever before considering the form of Darren Bent but the likes of Vidic and Ferdinand haven’t been in opposition before now.
Anything but a comprehensive result will clearly be frowned upon and bar an absolutely unbelievable Sunderland performance a woefully poor United showing, a comfortable victory should prove the final outcome and put further pressure on Chelsea needing to gain a positive result against Liverpool the day after.
Prediction: 2-0
Related items from Red Rants:
- Man Utd v Everton: Preview
- Evra’s Ban Smacks of Inconsistency | Sunderland Preview
- Manchester United 2006/2007 Season Review
- The Academy: United v Sunderland – Preview
- The Manchester United Pledge
Tags: Manchester United News
Opti (541)
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Craig Mc (345)
Moscow is my heaven (272)
@NicoQB: Very good, not excellent. I have no problem with Martyn though. A good keeper.
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@Red Ranter: That’s for sure. That was as good a goalkeeping clinic I have seen in a while. Typical that Fosterite would find fault with it but find no fault in Foster. Strange world we live in really.
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@NicoQB: If that helps you sleep at night mate, you go with it. But in my eyes you are wrong wrong wrong wrong wrong WRONG. He made no mistake that i could see. I don’t even like Casillas or any other Spanish player for that matter so praise coming from me is truly earned.
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@Red Ranter: It’s like comparing a ripe red apple with a rotting half eaten apple lying in the gutter. Casillas is so superior to Foster that even comparing them is insulting to him. He should be compared to Buffon or greats of the past, not some useless git who has to use both hands to stop a beach ball coming at him one mile per hour. And even then he leaves a rebound.
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@NicoQB: No but we know who you were alluding to and who you were trying to defend with your argument.
You say you aren’t a Foster fan but you seem to go way out of your way to defend him. Sounds to me like a true Fosterite.
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@NicoQB: That’s really quite sad, don’t you think.
Crying for a Muppets reunion I see. 
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@Isaidso: I never realized how evil Firefox was towards this site until I finally and permanently moved to Safari on my Mac. Gone are the freezes and cropping problems as well, now i can see my avatar. I’d suggest going away from Firefox if it’s causing you grief mate.
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@Isaidso: They will sell one day when they have truly worn out their welcome and when Fergie is gone and gone are the league titles and trips to Europe. When the club is suffering and trying to stay in the top 6 they will feel the pinch that their debt load won’t be able to handle. Then they’ll sell. Nobody should expect the status quo once Fergie leaves. Not with the spending budget these assholes give the manager.
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@Grognard: I’m pretty sure you folks are missing something. I’ve not had any problems with FF, Safari, IE8 and Chrome. I’ve tested this out even in my Macbook. It’s just weird.
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@Grognard: Don’t sweat it mate. I think this Foster argument has run its course (and I think I’ve said this same line for the millionth time)
And regarding being frustrated over people being wrong, I think this will help you tide over it.
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@Isaidso: I like his crosses, I don’t like his corners. His corner kicks have a lot to be desired and I can see why Berba doesn’t like them because they don’t come in with pace and on and arc that makes them great for heading. His normal crossing is good and he does often manage to get away a good cross when you don’t think he has the space or clearance to do so. To be honest, I think the little drop off and hill by the corner flags as well as the tight room gives him trouble on corners. It’s like opening your closet door, stepping in and then being told to kick a corner out of the room.
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@Red Ranter:
Shocking revelation. Very nice RR. I needed that, and yes you are correct, I too have had it with the Foster Defense Foundation and their attempt to make a toilet fly. 
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@Red Ranter: I’m sure a lot of the problem has to deal with all the cache and different types of files people have in their computers hard drive which may clash. Cache is always an iffy subject because even when you clear your cache, you don’t clear everything and there are remnant tags and files that may stay behind and cause problems or corruptions. But as far as my iMAC is concerned, stuffing Firefox in the delete box and finally going with Safari has done the trick. It runs faster and much more efficiently and all the problems are gone.
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@Grognard:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rDZHq-Jqx8
1st sevilla goal: He covered the near post but the ball still squeezed past him.
2nd sevilla goal: Caught in two minds as to whether he should claim the cross, maybe box it out or try to mkae a save by staying on the line.
Flawless, you say?
Look I acknowldege that Casillas was monstrous in that game, the reaction save at 4:00min was just *Madre Mia* Worthy of Thomas Price!
But no I am right, right, right, right, RIGHT!!!
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@Red Ranter:
Trying to shift the debate on other grounds I see!
And for the last time I’m not even defending Foster here! He’s been crap for the last few games, there I said it!
Just trying to show you that reputation often causes lambda fans to overlook mistakes that some players do.
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@NicoQB: What’s a lambda fan?
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Okay – lets try then RR.
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@Red Ranter: Ordinary. I don’t know if the adjective lambda applies in english though.
I’m not using it in a derogatory way though… A lambda fans usually gobble down media generalisations (such as John Terry being the best defender of the past 5 years) and stuff like that…
Everyone is prone to be one, especially when it comes to giving an opinion about leagues that they only follow fleetigly…
I may be a french football lambda fan for instance…
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@NicoQB: I am told I need to behave on here so I will refrain from saying what I really want to say. Suffice to say you know shit about goalkeeping. Harsh enough I guess.
I suggest you move on to other topics where your knowledge is less in question and where you don’t look so frakken desperate because frankly, you’ve got me howling in frustration while I hold back the laughs too. Casillas was flawless.
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@NicoQB: What the hell is lambda? Is that even a word? And you are a Foster fan, admit and move on. Just because you agree that he has been shit doesn’t stop you from defending him on his forlorn quest. You are an approved and entrusted member of the Societal Organization of Demented Operates of Forlorn Foster (abbreviated to “SODOFF” for short). Get the hint. I am tired of reading posts for his defense. Now we are slagging Casillas as a last ditch hope. Pathetic.
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@NicoQB: The fact you like French football tells me everything I need to know.
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@Grognard: Eat a peach, Demis Roussos.
If you would kindly re-read my posts:
1. In no way am I defending Foster or even comparing him with Casillas. The mere thought is ridiculous itself, and I’ve been saying how I approve that Casillas is one of the best, not even slagging him, yet its just what you want to read. And I’m sure that as you respond you’ll try to insinuate that I’ve been dissing Cassilas again.
2.@Grognard: I’ve given a video link of what I’ve seen casillas done wrong on the Sevilla goals, and argumenting them. If you’re so good at analysing everything related to goalkeeping why don’t YOU show me where he was flawless? Please don’t refrain yourself. And if you once again try to put what I’ve written down by making use of piques and jokes, I would take it for granted that you have nothing to argue with except your well-documented mastery of all things goalkeeping of course…
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Oh well, guess I’ll follow RR’s advice and go to sleep. Would’have done so too if I didn’t cut myself while fixing me a sandwich…
Viva San Iker!
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@Craig Mc: Bro I was angry back when Andrei was spouting off that nonsense. I was even angrier when some people on here were starting to actually belive the BS that Rooney was the better player and he made ronaldo’s goal scoring possible. What a load of bollocks. Like Fergie said, Ronaldo is miles ahead of anybody. Messi is going to be a legend, but he just doesnt offer everything that Ronaldos does.
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@NicoQB: And you video link proves to me you know sweet fuck all about goalkeeping. He had no chance or options to react any other way than how he did on both of those goals. Short fast paced crosses give a keeper no time to do anything and the shots were of the kind that are pretty hard to stop. So your point is wasted because you back it up with nothing substantial. As for Foster, I will believe what I want to believe because I have a gut feeling I am right about that. If not, then so be it. O h yes….and sticks and stones mate, sticks and stones.
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@NicoQB: Goodnight mate, no hard feelings. Sometimes we can get pretty feisty in arguing a point and in both our cases tonight, we got a bit feisty.
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@NicoQB: I think your being a tad bit harsh on casillas involvement in the 2 goals. The first one was hard and low, any keeper wouldhave done well to stop that. I dont fault foster for the bent goal on saturday because it was low and hard, Its saveable but by no means an easy save.
The second was an absoute defensive joke. Cassillas was right to be furious that a Sevilla player was completely unmarked 5 feet in front of the goal.
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I would be lying if I said that I wasnt a little concerned with the Glazers financial backing. but what Im truly scared of is that one of the arab billionaires will come in and buy Liverpool. We already see the dramatic boost in Shitty, and I have nightmares seeing liverpool with that kind of money.
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The big question I have is why does everyone take such delight in slagging off Nani after a poor game, yet Scholes gets a pass every fucking game. Schole redefined shit on saturday, saying he was worthless would be giving him too much credit. I called it before the game that he would struggle against the midfield of Cana and Cattermole, and he did. I dont have 1/1000th of the football knowledge that Fergie has, yet at times he seems to be blinded to his players shortcomings.
At this time scholes should only be used for carling cup games against lower league teams, he just doesnt have the pace anymore to compete in midfield.
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@Grognard: To be honest, if that was foster, it would have been down to poor footwork, poor positioning and slow reactions blah blah blah.
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Rafa in trouble: Rafa blamed for lack of success
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@ Johnsom – You’ll find that Scholes is given a pass for being the best midfielder in his league in the past 12 years. He was also utterly untouchable just a week ago against Stoke. So I can fully understand playing him. You can’t blame Fergie for that, and he hauled him off at half time, so acknowledged something was wrong with the Ginger Ninja.
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@Dan: Sad, pathetic and a really tired rant Dan. Give it up and give me a little buit more credit for being right all this time while you were ………….what’s the word I am thinking of?????……………..Oh yeah, WRONG.!
Isn’t you neck bothering you by now seeing as you have had your head in the sand all season? 
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@Grognard: That’s enough snideness for the day mate. Let it go. It’s crossing several lines today. I am with you on Foster, but calling people pathetic, ignorant, knowing sweet fuck all about keeping is insulting their intelligence whatever you may think of them personally. The odd comment thrown around is alright, but repeatedly doing it over and over again is pushing it. Just let it go. It’s pointless, and continuing to let yourself drawn into this debate isn’t useful to anyone right now.
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@Grognard: The problem I feel the Foster supporter has is they feel that he is not given enough time. Nad secondly they feel, just because he is new he is bashed every time he make a mess of thing and others like VDS or IKER they are seasoned so they don’t get this bashing because they are established.
Some part of this theory I agree. e.g. If EVDS would have let that Arshavin thuderbolt in he might not have got the stick that Foster got…But and big capital BUT… There is other side as well. Their theory says that established keeper don’t get the stick but they need to understand that those keepers are established because they grabbed there opportunity on the first instance. I mean, GK is one the most or dare I say the MOST imp position on football pitch where one mistake can cause your team loss of millions so no keeper on this earth is going to get as many opportunity as may striker will get. Its a thankless job that you should be master at.
I mean, Buffon, Iker, our Big dane, even EVDS all these people proved there mantle when they got there opportunity which Foster is falling short drastically and thats the problem. He should have been quick learner which he seems not and in Man UTD you don’t as many opportunities at highest level specially when you are a GK.
All the pro Foster people should look at what that Arsenal GK Mannone has done. He may not have the best of the technique but that lad has just grabed his opportunity with both hand. He just dominates his CB some times shouting, starring and not even thinking that he is just a rookie and they are seasoned campainger. Thats the character you need to be a top notch GK. He is intimidating, strong, great presence in box and dominates the play including his own CB. But, to add to all this what he has done and Foster couldn’t is he has Grabbed his opportunity with both hands…
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@Grognard:
No, what annoys me is the fact you think your word is law on goalkeepers. I dont give to shts about all the research you’ve done, all the videos you’ve watched and the books you’ve read. Whats pathetic is you think you kow more then everybody else. You’re not always right like you think you are, you get it wrong like the rest of us, so dont go around like you are perfect. You’re not.
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@Onkar: Even Chelsea’s backup keeper Hilario looked decent against Liverpool…
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@AndyCR7: Its not only about who looked good against whom but its about the attitude that you ahow and that is required to command that position in a team status of Man UTD…
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@johnsom33: Scholes doesn’t get a free pass from me. I love the ginger prince but his tackling is now more of a liability than his passing is an asset. His time has come.
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Has anybody yet noticed that they have removed chants from the FIFA 10?!?!?!
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The foster debate has to seriously be put to the shelf. Its like bashing your head on a concrete wall time and time again. The foster lovers aren’t willing to seed ground on what is obviously a lost cause and the haters keep coming up with the same arguments, i could read foster arguments from last week even last month and they would be no diffreant from what has been said. Blessed be the day when we are rid of ben foster so we can then debate about something new.
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@CraigMc:
– Hey presto – it worked! 
. Sometimes its easy to blame the machine, but its that my overworked/overactive brain gets mega tired and goes into collapse mood! Blame the insomnia – or is it the weekend lager consumptions leaving their mark on the brain power? 
Your guess guys!
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Oops
there is the brain sag again, the above post was meant to be addressed to Red Ranter not myself 
.
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@spizzy: Absolutely… I mean, even I am also fed up of this whole Foster thing. Thats why even when I was commenting I have kept it restricted to the 3-4 comments in all these days on Foster issue. I decided to stay away from this place for last two three days the moment I saw Foster made another mess against Sunderland…
But, have to agree… Can’t stay awya for more than couple of days though… Too addicted to Manchester UTD and RR blog… 
But the point is…. Is it even worth talking about him pages after pages…. He is just not good enough and he himself has proved it more than any body else. Nuff said….
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@ CraigMc: Here you go bro…. This is what is happening with NANI currently…. Should I pass it from the wings or Should I shoot it by cutting inside ala Ronaldo… Poor lad…
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After all the gloom doom talk since Sunderland Game some good news. According to ROM monster in making Ritchie De Leat has been offered a contract extension for three years….
Link: http://therepublikofmancunia.com/three-more-years-for-de-laet/
Deat Quotes from ROM:
“Alex Ferguson told me I’m very close to the first team,” said de Laet. “There has been talk of me going out on loan but Sir Alex said I can’t leave as he may need me. The new contract is a surprise and fantastic news.”
Great news I have to say for lad as well as for the club and supporters..
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@Onkar: Ahmen to that
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Im hungry…
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Seems VDS is gonna play in todays reserve match…
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@Onkar: People should get off his back and set him free to play make his own decisions. No wonder he is confused! Fergie will take him under his wing though, and that can only be good for the lad
. Any good friend of Ronaldo’s is good friend also of Fergie!
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