Dec 01
Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur: Preview
Fresh from the Premier League triumph against Portsmouth, the Carling Cup is next for Manchester United. Last season’s beaten finalists, Tottenham Hotspur are the designated opposition and are likely to provide a stern test for the boys in red.
Expect a much-changed side from the weekend’s Premier League fixture at Fratton Park. Sir Alex Ferguson is likely to field the young guns as he usually does in this particular competition.
One player who should retain his place is Tomasz Kuszczak who performed admirably at the weekend. Though Ben Foster is looking for another chance to show he has an Old Trafford future and he may have to study penalties on his iPod as he did in last years final. Edwin Van der Sar has a knee problem so he is definitely ruled out.
The defence should remain fairly stable as, John O’Shea, Jonny Evans, Fabio and Rio Ferdinand are all out injured. Gary Neville should be replaced by Rafael, leaving Wes Brown and Nemanja Vidic to continue in the centre of defence. Patrice as usual will take up his left-back berth.
It should be all change in the midfield, though similar to the Besiktas quartet. Darron Gibson and Anderson look definite starters, while Ji-Sung Park will be looking to increase his fitness following a long spell on the sidelines. This leaves a place for Gabriel Obertan, Nani, who is feeling the wrath of Sir Alex after some unsavory comments regarding his position at United, and Zoran Tosic, who recently bagged a brace for the reserves, thus putting himself in Carling Cup contention.
The strikeforce will be three of Danny Welbeck, Federico Macheda and Michael Owen.
Sir Alex Ferguson has also reacted to criticism of his young players by journalists:
“Those lads need to be challenged and I thought they did okay, they did not deserve that kind of criticism. Those same people will be going cap in hand to them, begging them for interviews in a few years’ time, mark my words. It is so hypocritical. What is the difference between that and Alan Hansen doing it in front of millions? Yet one gets slaughtered for it and this guy gets off. Wonderful. What a world. I don’t need to motivate them with what has been said. Their future is well mapped out,” he asserted.
Tottenham visit Old Trafford knowing it has been almost two decades since they returned to London with a win at Old Trafford in any competition and face a United side that has not lost in this competition since being humbled by Coventry in 2007. In addition, United are yet to concede in the Carling Cup this season.
Spurs will no doubt field a strong line up, though, Woodgate, King, Cudicini and Luca Modric are all missing. Aaron Lennon will look to give Evra a tough time on the right and Defoe will be brimming with confidence after his recent five-goal haul against Wigan in the League. It must also be noted Peter Crouch is the competitions joint top scorer with four goals, three of which came against Preston.
Giovanni Dos Santos, the wonderkid and next big thing in world football has arrived back from Ipswich where he was on loan and has recovered from injury so he may play some part in Spurs’ game plan, as Harry Redknapp is of the opinion, Champions League qualification is more important for the North London side,
“You can win a cup and have a bit of luck on the way, but to get to a Champions League position would be done through a whole season. It would be great for us.”
It will prove to be a fascinating fixture and a good opportunity to see some of the younger talents lurking in the Old Trafford set-up.
Prediction: 2-1 United
Probable Line Up: Kuszczak, Rafael, Brown, Vidic, Evra, Obertan, Gibson, Anderson, Park, Owen, Welbeck
Betfair is the official Manchester United betting partner and is offering a free £25 bet when you register. Unlike other betting sites, Betfair allows you to place bets when the game is running and choose the odds at which you want to play. What allows you to do these things is you’re betting against other fans, not the bookie, so if you want better odds than are currently available, for example, you can place an order for a better price (but bear in mind that if your price is unrealistic your bet is unlikely to be accepted). So, give this a run if you’re up for it.
Related items from Red Rants:
- Tottenham v Manchester United – Match Thread
- Man Utd v Tottenham: Carling Cup Final Preview
- Preview: Reds vs Spurs
- How to Buy a Player From Spurs: A Primer
- Reds vs Spurs: 26 Aug, 2007 4pm BST
Tags: Game Preview
December 1st, 2009 at 17:54
Does anyone know where is this match telecasted in India??
December 1st, 2009 at 18:26
Kuszczak,
Rafael, Brown, Vidic, Evra,
Nani, Gibson, Anderson, Obertan
Macheda, Welbeck
@despicable, It’s on Zee sports at 1.30 AM.
December 1st, 2009 at 18:32
I’m utterly terrified of the thought of Aaron Lennon against Fabio/Rafael. Will get pwned.
Pretty sure we’re going to lose this one. Sucks for the kids, but hey, Tottenham will field a top-4 quality side against our inexperienced reserves. What do you think should happen.
Predicted team:
————Foster———–
-RedNev-Vida—Brown–DeLaet-
——Anderson-Fletcher——
-Obertan————-Nani—-
——-Welbeck-Macheda——-
With Owen, Berbatov and Scholes to feature at some stage. And no love for Tosic.
December 1st, 2009 at 18:34
hopefully you’ve all stopped wanking as Eddy claims. lol
as i asked on the portsmouth post does anyone know if we have to sport AIG’s new brand name Chartis Insurance across our kit or are we going to just drop the shirt sponsor untill the end of the season?
As i said earlie i work for Aviva and we were issued a notice that they are Re-Branding as of today which means they want rid of the AIG alias.
on tonights game i personally feel Arry isn’t going to field a weakened side as his team aren’t overworked as yet so we may come a cropper tonight should fergie field too weakened a team. I trust our fledglings but not against a near full strength spurs side as they are in good form of late.
1-0 spurs (if too many young faces play)
1-0 Us if there are just a few youngsters fielded.
then again Arry could surprise us all and play his b-team and if so we’ll rip-em a new arsehole!!!
December 1st, 2009 at 18:38
@despicable: It’s internet only here in the US.
Don’t know if you can get the ESPN360.com webcast in India.
December 1st, 2009 at 19:00
Anderson to score
December 1st, 2009 at 19:24
Nani to score 2
December 1st, 2009 at 19:25
@Footy4Eddy: Obertan to score
December 1st, 2009 at 19:28
Monkwahhdo to get a reply to his question!!
December 1st, 2009 at 19:37
David Schiavone is a quite clueless previewer, isn’t he?
December 1st, 2009 at 19:40
@Beachryan: Much better stuff than the preview there. I echo your thoughts about Lennon running the da Silvas ragged.
Hopefully though ‘arry will rest some f his big names.
December 1st, 2009 at 19:40
@Beachryan:
comment deleted
December 1st, 2009 at 19:59
I want Nani and Obertan to start! Wouldnt mind Berbatov playing either if fit, it would be good to have someone who can keep possession upfront if a lot of ‘kids’ play.
December 1st, 2009 at 20:02
@Monkwahhdo: Reply to your question:
No idea whatsoever, mate!
December 1st, 2009 at 20:04
@theres only one Keano: You are not new here. You are Steve, you’ve been banned, you are the racist prick that abused Dan earlier, and you are here on a different username. I should have checked the IP address earlier.
And now you are being a liar by saying you are new here.
Oh, and I know you are manutdchampions2008 or something on RoM. I know pretty well you aren’t a saint over there either.
You are the joke, so fuck right off where you came from.
December 1st, 2009 at 20:06
———Foster———–
Rafael–Nev–Brown–DeLaet
Obertan–Gibson–Anderson–Nani
———–Welbeck———
—–Macheda—————
December 1st, 2009 at 20:11
@NicoQB: Offical lineup?
December 1st, 2009 at 20:16
@NicoQB
I hope that wasnt sarcasm NicoQB?
December 1st, 2009 at 20:17
@Red Ranter: Now you know how I feel. Way to let him have it RR. What kind of an ego and sick mind does something like that? It’s sad and apathetic but I have to admit, he’s got a lot of nerve as well as signs of serious mental illness. He also has no concept on how IT works and how dumb he was by thinking he could change his name and get away with it.
December 1st, 2009 at 20:20
@NicoQB: It’s the Carling Cup so I won’t cringe in horror. By the way, does anyone know the extent of O’Shea’s injury? Haven’t seen him for a while and he would be a better choice than Neville any day of the week.
December 1st, 2009 at 20:20
@David Schiavone: Mission successful!!!
Hello!
December 1st, 2009 at 20:22
@NicoQB: Nice one. Haha!
December 1st, 2009 at 20:22
@Sir Red: Nope. Just my guess..
Seems like this is the real line up:
Kuzczack
Neville
Vidic
Brown
De Laet
Obertan
Anderson
Gibson
Park
Welbeck
Berbatov
December 1st, 2009 at 20:26
Line up plz
December 1st, 2009 at 20:27
@NicoQB: No no…Neville is definately out…Fergie said this
December 1st, 2009 at 20:27
You can watch the match here. Pretty reliable link, I am informed.
December 1st, 2009 at 20:28
@NicoQB: LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!!!
Nice one.
December 1st, 2009 at 20:31
GIRLS ARE AMAZING!!! without `em no one would be here plus they have boobs
http://www.facebook.com/pages/I-bet-males-can-reach-1-million-before-females-do-/186551194583?ref=mf
GOGOGO!!!
December 1st, 2009 at 20:33
W.I.F.E: Washing, Ironing, Fucking, Etc.
December 1st, 2009 at 20:36
@Footy4Eddy: Right. For the millionth time, you need to stop talking about girls and sex over here. Also, you must remember you are under 18. One must realise how many laws in how many countries we adults are breaking merely entertaining such conversation with you in the first place.
Hope you understand, and not take this the wrong way. But sometimes I need to tell you this.
December 1st, 2009 at 20:37
Gk: Kuzzy
RB: Neville
CB: Brown
CB: Vidic
LB: De Laet
RW: Obertan
CM: Gibson
CM: Anderson
LW: Park
ST: Macheda
ST: Welbeck
Nani not even on the bench….
December 1st, 2009 at 20:38
@NicoQB: haha, very good… I am here
December 1st, 2009 at 20:41
@Red Ranter: You know I`m just joking mate, I know(believe) for a fact that many people on this site like humor.
You know, I`m just trying to come up with a few funny stuff on this site and as long as it doesn`t bother anyone then what is the problem? 
But you`re the boss, I`ll follow your rules. I like you mate, just thought those quotes and stuff would only be kinda funny. Sorry, won`t repeat itself.
And I know for a fact that we are one of the blogs with the fewest female partakers, so those kind of jokes should only be funny!
December 1st, 2009 at 20:41
Man Utd: Kuszczak, Neville, Brown, Vidic, De Laet, Park, Gibson, Anderson, Obertan, Welbeck, Berbatov.
Subs: Amos, Owen, Giggs, Tosic, Carrick, Fletcher, Macheda.
Tottenham: Gomes, Hutton, Bassong, Dawson, Bale, Lennon, Jenas, Palacios, Bentley, Defoe, Keane.
Subs: Walker, Huddlestone, Pavlyuchenko, Crouch, Naughton, Corluka, Rose.
December 1st, 2009 at 20:42
@Footy4Eddy: Berbatov instead of Macheda, sorry. The Italian lad is on the bench…
As are Amos, Owen, Carrick, Fletcher, Tosic and Giggs
December 1st, 2009 at 20:43
@Footy4Eddy: Are you sure about that team
December 1st, 2009 at 20:44
Spurs certanly ain`t gonna go easy on us…
Full strength side, if we beat them I will be huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuugely surprised! Still, come on lads! Get stuck in!
December 1st, 2009 at 20:45
@Footy4Eddy: Tosic over Nani…God save Nani now
December 1st, 2009 at 20:45
@owen: Berba instead of Kiko
December 1st, 2009 at 20:45
@Footy4Eddy: I am not against humour. I normally give people a free hand here more or less. But with you, lately it’s been a trend to be obsessed with sex. It’s not a bad thing, but talking endlessly about it can be a little annoying to many people. Not me in particular, but it’s quite possible that people may be put off if that gets too frequent.
December 1st, 2009 at 20:50
@Red Ranter: @Footy4Eddy: @David Schiavone:
December 1st, 2009 at 20:51
Foster not even on bench!
Seems he is 4th choice keeper now…
I fear Lennon’s gonna embarrass Gary…
December 1st, 2009 at 20:53
I feel sad for Nani.
Really he doesn’t deserve this.
December 1st, 2009 at 20:54
@Red Ranter: Really? You think I`ve done that too often?
Haven`t noticed it mate, I`m sorry then. I hadn`t noticed I had done it so often, or regularely lately. It`s just that when I find some jokes I may post them on this site, football or not. Just because I feel comfortable doing it here, but I guess I should take more notice to what I post here. Thought it had just been the occasional ounce now and then regarding these things, but I trust you have more control over this than I do. Sorry mate, won`t repeat itself, I swear! You know I just want the best being of this blog, I`ve got lots of mates here. 
December 1st, 2009 at 20:55
@NicoQB: Nani is not so bad …why Fergie is treating him like this???
December 1st, 2009 at 20:57
COME ON UNITED!!!
December 1st, 2009 at 20:59
@NicoQB: He deserves it, the twat has done nothing to spark a claim for a spot. Complaining to the media about my way of working with the team is unacceptable! The lad is full of himself, and should learn that he has to do the talking on the pitch rather than off it. The lad has got talent, but is a kinderegg! Brown on the outside, blonde on the inside. A retarded monkey would get a better score than him on a IQ test! Now, I will make him suffer because of his stupitity. Thoughtless twat should know better than go out to the press and fuck about my team!
Sincerely, Sir Alex Ferguson
Rarely have I been this dissapointed with Fergie, I really feel for Nani…
December 1st, 2009 at 21:00
I LOVE YOU BERBATOV WELCOME BACK, NICE HAIRCUT!
December 1st, 2009 at 21:00
@Footy4Eddy: No worries. It was meant as a word of advice. Not a threat.
December 1st, 2009 at 21:00
@ROOOOONEY: Easy on the caps mate
December 1st, 2009 at 21:02
Oh Anderson!!
December 1st, 2009 at 21:03
@Red Ranter: I understood that mate, I just wanted to be respectful towards you.
December 1st, 2009 at 21:04
LOL Andy what a shot!
December 1st, 2009 at 21:09
Thank God Berba got rid of that girly hairband!
December 1st, 2009 at 21:10
Wes Brown!
<3
December 1st, 2009 at 21:11
Too many mistakes. Let Tottenham into it.
December 1st, 2009 at 21:14
5 Live muppets wanking over Tottenham.
December 1st, 2009 at 21:15
@edwin: You can`t say “wank” on the internet…
December 1st, 2009 at 21:16
It`s raining in Manchester!!!
Wow!
December 1st, 2009 at 21:17
GIBBBOOOOOOO!!!!!!
GREAT GOALLL!!
December 1st, 2009 at 21:18
DARREN GIBSON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
December 1st, 2009 at 21:19
Now that was an Anderson assist.
December 1st, 2009 at 21:20
Darren Gibson is the best long range shooter in the Premier League. I`ve said it before, I`ll say it again. He`s mint!
December 1st, 2009 at 21:23
Ritchie De Laet- Worlds best defender in a few years time!
December 1st, 2009 at 21:24
De laet and vidic are worrying
December 1st, 2009 at 21:25
Park > Nani?
Really? 
December 1st, 2009 at 21:25
I finally caught up on last weeks 400+ posts about the 4-1 win against Portsmouth and the Ober-fan vs. Grognard vs. various cage fight/soap opera… and I am glad how well RR (and Grognard, believe or not) dealt with it. However…
Towards the end of the comment thread, I saw the following: @Onkar: “ARAB money + …”
Am I the only one who finds this a bit racist? Onkar, this is not meant to be a jab at you or calling you racist. I am just finding the comment and similar comments at least borderline racist. We don’t call United or Chelsea’s financial muscle JEW money or Liverpool’s YANKEE WASP money… I just find this constant mentioning of “Arab” money as a negative term in the context of football… Am I too sensitive or are you desensitized?
December 1st, 2009 at 21:27
@Footy4Eddy: Nani will be sold to bring in a better winger… we are a sell-to-buy club right now.
December 1st, 2009 at 21:29
Redlog.pl has a decent link.
December 1st, 2009 at 21:30
I Saw Hargo!
December 1st, 2009 at 21:32
VIDIC!
Amazing!
December 1st, 2009 at 21:33
Oh My God, Vidic what a tackle!!!
Looks like Nemanja is back? 
December 1st, 2009 at 21:35
Oh park….
Great stuff from Berba!!!
December 1st, 2009 at 21:35
Awesome link here
December 1st, 2009 at 21:40
gibbo
December 1st, 2009 at 21:41
Gibson wtf? The hatrick is on lol
December 1st, 2009 at 21:41
Darren Gibson is ON FUCKING FIRE!!!
December 1st, 2009 at 21:43
Oh wonderful wonderful stuff from the Right Foot of Darron Gibson!!
December 1st, 2009 at 21:44
Evening lads, this will give the youngsters so much needed confidence and a huge lift. Excellent performance so far, now go nail the shithoose lane actors.
December 1st, 2009 at 21:49
Oh dear, there goes the third…..
HT.
Definately not playing our best, but not as woeful as the Muppets on 5 Live would have you believe.
Gibson eh, Bloody hell!
There’s just no point in attacking us when Vidic is on song.. might as well give us the ball instead!! Hope he keeps this up!!
Need to tighten up the defence, and rise to the occasion!
December 1st, 2009 at 21:53
Boys are doing good, not great, but good.. need some chemistry going and we’ll dominate even more. Gibson is doing his first chances good with this display; him and Ando are two decent box to boxers and in a 4-4-2 that’s what u need.
Some more composure and intelligent passing, and we should win this one comfortably.
December 1st, 2009 at 21:59
I’m developing something of a pet hate for Darron Gibson.
Feckin ordinary in most aspects of his game but has a shot cast in 24-carat gold.
And Welbeck shows that when he’s not selfish, he’s a much better player. He could be another Berbatov, providing assists and all..
December 1st, 2009 at 22:00
Great performance for me so far… Hoping for more of the same and maybe a Berba goal or Gibson completing his hat-trick.
December 1st, 2009 at 22:00
We need to watch out second half. I still think Vidic is shaky, for some reason theres far too much space in the defence. De Laet is either nervous or fooled us with his earlier performances. He looks lost. Why is Obertan not taking men on, we already have so many backpassing wingers. Come on lad burn them with pace!
Anderson and Gibson have done well so far. Just need to protect the defence a bit more. Also Neville must not overlap if he cant get back. Lennon will destroy Obertan
Come on lads make it 3 early on so Tosic can come on for park
December 1st, 2009 at 22:02
Someone needs to replace Neville at half time. He got owned by Lennon and Bale. Too much pace for him.
December 1st, 2009 at 22:06
Only person who could replace him really is Fletcher which makes me wonder why we don’t have any defenders on the bench?
December 1st, 2009 at 22:06
COME ON UNITED!!!!
December 1st, 2009 at 22:15
Viva Ronaldoooo! We created youuuuuu!
He left for Madrid
Now he’s winning shit!
Viva Ronaldoooo!
December 1st, 2009 at 22:17
Fabio and Neville looking weak… Anderson is really doing well!
December 1st, 2009 at 22:18
@[OPTI]Madschester United:
December 1st, 2009 at 22:18
Bale is really impressing out there!
December 1st, 2009 at 22:18
@Red Ranter: neville’s having a hard time now than ever, guess we will see fletcher there soon
December 1st, 2009 at 22:20
Fans are amazing! I hear them more clearly than the commentator!
December 1st, 2009 at 22:21
Macheda and Carrick on!
December 1st, 2009 at 22:22
4-5-1…..wish we see tosic…why is park still on
December 1st, 2009 at 22:24
@[OPTI]Madschester United: I came up with it during the el classico and found it fitting after seeing Messi win Ballon D’Or… and we all know Real Madrid will lose 4-0 to any english side in the ECL
December 1st, 2009 at 22:30
December 1st, 2009 at 22:31
Good run from Anderson… Unlucky there lad.
December 1st, 2009 at 22:33
Thank God for Nemanja Vidic!
December 1st, 2009 at 22:38
Clattentwat with an utterly poor decision. Ridiculous.
December 1st, 2009 at 22:41
Tosic ON!!!
December 1st, 2009 at 22:43
This is all excellent, competion, even with the youngsters, Arise Lord Alex ferguson.
December 1st, 2009 at 22:44
suddenly the game lost its excitement when Anderson left… …
December 1st, 2009 at 22:46
Watching Gibson play is like watching an inexperienced male have sex: can’t hold, doesn’t have the necessary finesse but shoots at the first chance.
There Eddy, I made a sex joke.
December 1st, 2009 at 22:47
@[OPTI]Madschester United: the game is over as a contest m8, it just needs kill
ed and it is been, Enjoy
December 1st, 2009 at 22:52
@Red Ranter:
, well me for one enjoyed his lil pop at humour, it made me smile and i have wotched his posts for a while, along with most on here, fabulous entertainment all very bright and lively, i think this site needs more like,
He like me trust in our manager.
December 1st, 2009 at 22:53
when ever Bale has started for Tottenham they have not won and when ever
David Schiavone has written the preview Man Utd has never lost…
December 1st, 2009 at 22:54
yesssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss
awa to boozer , thank you for letting me join in
December 1st, 2009 at 22:54
FT.
Youngsters did well.
Tottenham faded.
Veni Vidi Vidic. MOTM
Some good goals from Gibbo.
Through to the Semis then!
Cant wait for the Weekend!
Evening All!
December 1st, 2009 at 22:54
@Red Ranter: Heheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey!!!
I love you mate!!
December 1st, 2009 at 22:55
@Scotjimland: I am one of a kind, aren`t i?
December 1st, 2009 at 22:58
Best performance by Vidic this season.
Welbeck back to his usual dilly dallying on the ball in the second half.
And Tosic (10min! Hurray!) has the one skill that Obertan lacks – he can pick a good pass.
Good, if functional performance.
December 1st, 2009 at 23:00
Quite a dull game but hey were through.Gibson played well passing was good. I just wonder if he can do the other things. De laet today showed he can play but he has such shit ball control. He overhits the ball everytime. It wasnt good but he does have good pace.
Macheda looked brilliant when he came on, he looked alive to the game. Obertan was very disappointing
Overall we beat a full spurs team and the way theyve being playing this season should make the result even more impressive
December 1st, 2009 at 23:01
@NicoQB: If Berbatov was quick enough he would have had a tap in from Obertan I think
December 1st, 2009 at 23:02
@Taehr: Shaky, Vidic?? Now way mate, he was mountainous, easily his best performance this season.
But I agree that Obertan should look to take on players a bit more. And ask Ryan Giggs for tips in how to perform the final pass.
December 1st, 2009 at 23:03
And now onto homework!!!
December 1st, 2009 at 23:04
@Taehr: Back from injury, plus he has been scoring two or three tap-ins like those already this season.
But a Giggs, or a Tosic (humor me!) would have passed it right in his feet.
December 1st, 2009 at 23:05
played very well in the first half, but should have killed them off in the second…agree with redranters assessment of Gibson
…but i think Fergie’s patience with him might pay off as it did with fletcher..De Leat showed has the defensive aspect of game down..Fabio and Rafael look out..also wished Tosic came on earlier
December 1st, 2009 at 23:05
All I could hear on sky tv AND radio 5 live was – United gate down by 20,000. They couldn’t believe we didn’t have a FULL HOUSE – I however could! Also they kept raving about Gibson and DeLaet. They reckon Delaet is an excellent positional defender, and did very well tonight! I think Richie just needs to improve on his end product a bit more as he advances, and make sure that his pass reaches the person he intended it too. As for Park WTF is he still at United. Wes Brown and Nemanjah – I love you guys, the rest of our players tonight who I haven’t already mentioned above – were so AVERAGE! SORRY, but truth will out!
December 1st, 2009 at 23:07
@Taehr: I’ll admit that Gibson also has good short range passing. I still think his longe range passing is to be desired, is a bit crap at defending, and limited creating/finding space for himself and his partners in midfield (that which Scholes does supremely well).
But he’s one to watch. If he does improve in other aspects of his game then he could gradually edge his way in our side, maybe even overtake Carrick!
December 1st, 2009 at 23:10
@CraigMc: De LAet was good defensively, but
craplimited offensively. I’ll take him over the da Silvas any day!December 1st, 2009 at 23:11
@CraigMc: Shit girly tattoo, though.
December 1st, 2009 at 23:13
@NicoQB: i would say he is better than fabio currently but rafael is more than adequate…kuzzy did very well today and should start every time ahead of foster no matter what
December 1st, 2009 at 23:13
@NicoQB: Welbeck – I agree about his dilly dallying, he hasn’t shown he has the game so far when he has played, to be able to NOT keep getting the ball stuck in his feet the whole bloody time. He is just a taller version of Park on his arse type player. Welbeck is so LAID BACK in his play he should be on a stretcher
. Macheda is all promise and that’s where his game ends. O and I do watch them regularly in the reserves too, and they are no different there. Fergie is backing them, so I hope he is right, or that egg is going to be wiped all over his face AGAIN!
December 1st, 2009 at 23:13
@owen: I knew that we were going to win when I saw Bale in the side.
He should have stuck to acting.
December 1st, 2009 at 23:16
@NicoQB: I think De Laet is one of those players that if given a run of game can really come on a a player. Hope Fergie picks him in the semis aswell. I hope we do not draw Chelsea that should be the final.
@CraigMc: That means Spurs were really crap!which they were
December 1st, 2009 at 23:18
@CraigMc: But Macheda was much better than anything Iv seen him this season. Welbeck I just do not like, I dont see how he cant control the ball properly
December 1st, 2009 at 23:35
@Taehr: The real Freescoring Spurs didn’t turn up tonight mate – apart from 1st 15 minutes, but if they had – well enough said – I will leave it to your imagination. I love Wes and Nemanjah – totally bloody fantastic pro’s. Gary didn’t do too bad a job either, otherwise Lennon wouldn’t have complimented him by moving over to Delaets side of field. He got nothing from Richie Delaet either and how often do you see Lennon as ineffective as that. Wes and Vida had Defoe and Keene well sorted, totally killed them off like swatting bugs mate. Andy had a lot of energy in MF tonight, and Berba kept the ball glued to his feet to break up their play. Rest to me were quite average as I said
December 1st, 2009 at 23:35
Good game, faded in the second but a fully deserved victory over a 1st string tottenham side. Who said the kids were rubbish, eh?
I’m glad Gibson put some eggs on their faces 
Fergie was right when he said it is crazy to criticise these kids, most of them are below 20; beckham and co didn’t break through until they were about 22!!
Anyhoot, impressed with Kusczy; great reactions and most importantly, positioning.
Brown and Vida were immense, and apart from Vida’s hazy period in the first, he was sublime. De Leat and Neville were overun by the wingers; I can understand Neville as he is ancient but De Leat looked nervous and I hope it was just one of those days.
Anderson and Gibson just complement each other and it showed. The flow from defence to attack was perfect, with Anderson driving forward and Gibson arriving late to take shots just outside the box. Obertan still looks to hesitate on beating defenders, he has the pace and the trickery, maybe not just the confidence yet; plus he is still lacking a decent final ball. Park is an intelligent footballer but a poor athlete. His runs, anticipation and link up play are great but his lack of strength and balance lets him down.
Berbatov is a sublime player but lacks aggression. This guy is Carrick as a striker. Nice touches, good control, just no hunger to score. Doesn’t rush to get in the box, doesn’t shoot enough and you’ll never see him even attempt at a half-chance. A proper poacher would have got on Obertan’s pass on the stroke of half time. The guy really slows our counter attack down; I guess we’ll just have to make up by having pacy wingers. Welbeck, decent player but has too many touches of the ball. When he decides to be unselfish, he creates goals but most times he just dilly dally’s too much and then seems unsure of what to do.
Macheda was a bright spark when he came on. The boy has guts, i’ll say that; 18yrs old and he looks and plays like a 20-something. Carrick, brought on simply to provide cover for the back four as tottenham were putting on some pressure. Tosic, not enough time, but he can pick a pass and actually beat a man by dribbling.
Happy for the kids, acquired some experience and much needed confidence; hopefully, some chemistry too. Plus, it will keep the detractors shut for a while. I bet that guy that criticised them in the papers would write a glowing piece on Gibson tmz; frackin hypocrites.
December 1st, 2009 at 23:43
@RMJ: Rafael = Fabio. Even in playing.
Both defensive liabilities imho. Let’s hoep they prove me wrong.
Once again Kuzszack played well though had a few fleeting moment when the ball came at his feet and he was under pressure. I’ll say it again, Foster is just as good as Kuzsz in ball hanling, but he’s just had terrible luck with deflections and had his confidence shot with the combination of bad luck and his own mistakes. Might well be on his way out.
December 1st, 2009 at 23:50
@CraigMc: I think they both have promise, but will more likely end up in another midtable club.
Welbeck is laid back, but that can be his deceiving body language. I thik he’s tooselfish for his own good as in the first half he played good passes and assumed an anchor role which he fared well with Berba. He should make a choice as to what kind of striker he is. I think he’s got the skills to be a good support type of striker (like Berba) but he wants to be a finisher, or creating his own chances (like Darren Bent)
Macheda, I still think he’s got more chance to make it here, but not that great a chance. At least he’s more direct that Welbeck, which is good in my book, and he does have good technique. But a bit like Owen, he’s only as good as the service he gets, so if the midfield do not give him good balls, he’s going to continually flatter to deceive.
December 1st, 2009 at 23:55
@Taehr: Among our crop of youngsters, Welbeck’s ball control is one of the best.
Its his slowness to make a decision on the ball and his erstwhile selfishness that are the real areas he should work upon.
December 1st, 2009 at 23:58
@Gabriel: I thought Anderson and Gibson were quite poor for some period in the first half. There were times when Spurs had most of the possession and that is my biggest gripe with this partnership.
Oh, Ando, why did you not have Gibbo’s shooting skills?
December 2nd, 2009 at 0:01
@Gabriel: As for Berbatov, yes a good striker on top of his game would have scored on Obertan’s low cross, but when Berba does play our attack looks so much better, I wonder why people some can’t see it.
Anyways, I’m off for now! Cheersla all!
December 2nd, 2009 at 0:12
@NicoQB: Yeah, spurs did have their share of the ball; it is to be expected. Jenas, Palacios and Huddlestone are 1st teamers for spurs and have played way more games together than Ando and Gibbon I presume? It’s all about chemistry, something which is improving between the two. Plus, Ando lacks composure, that is what is preventing him from shooting accurately and passing accurately. I believe someone said earlier, he always picks the right pass but executes it poorly. If Anderson can slow his process down for just a second, he would be a dynamite box-to-box player.
What I did like was the way they transitioned from defence to attack. Two proper box-to-boxers, defending, then driving forward, orchestrating attacks and shooting at goal. Put any combination of Ando, Fletch, Hargreaves and Gibson together and it will be the same thing. Carrick is just too lethargic to do this, he has actually become a defensive midfeilder at United, as opposed to the central one he was at spurs.
Also, Gibbo does have good ball control and link-up play. He is better offensively than he is defensively, no doubt. I hope he gets more playing time as we have not had a midfielder who can bury a shot consistently like scholes, for a long time.
December 2nd, 2009 at 1:23
Our kids beat Spurs 1st team 2-0. Nothing more to say. Good evenings work.
Oh and can we sell Park to Panathinaikos or Schalke or Fulham please.
December 2nd, 2009 at 2:08
@Traverse: we need a new Asian player if we get rid of him and ive seen us linked to the kid morimoto iron chef footy anyone?
December 2nd, 2009 at 2:38
@Red Ranter: Give him a break RR. He’s at an age where his hormones are in overdrive. You are right of course but poor Eddy is suffering from terminal horniness right now. I for one am envious being part of the generation that is the Viagra set.
December 2nd, 2009 at 2:39
@AndyCR7: Isn’t that great?
December 2nd, 2009 at 2:48
Well done Gibson. Other than that, same old same old. Nothing more to say on the game as I fell asleep watching it in the 60th minute. Good to see Berba back and with a spiffy haircut. Perhaps he could do us all a favor and send Anderson to his barber. Felt really good seeing Foster sitting in the stands. Made me feel all warm, safe and secure.
Park USELESS, Neville USELESS, Welbeck USELESS
December 2nd, 2009 at 3:56
Why does Neville still have a squad numbering?he’s taking advantage of fergies sentiment and loyalty right now. Neville should have retired when he hurt his ankle.
December 2nd, 2009 at 5:01
@Scotjimland: I am extremely SORRY my matey from the bottom of heart if it sounded out that way. I should rephrase it by saying that OIL MONEY or SAY NON FOOTBALLING MONEY from the sheiks of ABU DHABI + JOSE = TROPHIES….
I never meant to be RACIST matey.. You people know me now I am regular here and I am not a racist….
December 2nd, 2009 at 5:02
@Onkar: Oopps that was meant for OPTIMADCHESTER….
December 2nd, 2009 at 5:25
@Gabriel: I think Gibson was the living example of why playing inexperience repeatedly is a good thing.
He was was awful against the Turks and tonight he won us the game.
Berbatov started well with good supporting play, never got into good goal scoring positions himself, then faded in the 2nd half – story of his United career – Amen.
Lots of good things overall. Vidic woke up at some point and put in a very solid display. DeLaet looks to be a great defending fullback. Anderson was a busy bee and single handedly took control in MF (ala Mr. Fletcher), although his pass selection and shooting was still poor.
PIG was impressive and scary – lets just say he was impressively scary, and Neville looks like a scavenger out of a Dickens story – always hungry and sly but forever out of his class. It’s time for Gary to ask for more, no more!!
But it was impressive that such a team could hold a clean sheet against these buccaneering Spurs, and in the end make it a no contest.
Hail to the president of England!! (C. Tevez, circa 2008)
December 2nd, 2009 at 5:47
@Red Ranter: Typical Catholic though,… tries to make every shot count!
December 2nd, 2009 at 8:51
The shooting technique taught at Old Trafford is the root cause of the problem that anderson is facing.. His style of connecting with the ball is more barcelonaish or should i say spanish and not english.. When you watch replays after replays of the goals scored in both the leagues and the techinique of finishing involved, you’ll see the difference.. Remember the goal Iniesta scored against chelsea which knocked ‘em out of the champs league?.. that is the shooting technique i’m talkin about.. you dont get that kind of ball contact taught in england – thats the sad part..
December 2nd, 2009 at 9:12
@Merlinus: Erm, Gerrard and Lampard will disagree. He has shit shooting technique that’s all.
December 2nd, 2009 at 9:23
@RedRanter: No RR, what i meant to say was, the shooting technique taught in england is different from the one taught in spain.. i’m not going out to compare them to judge which one is better.. my point is, certain players may benefit from it, gerrard, lampard, bellamy, gibson – when you observe closely there is a similarity – straight back lift and they connect the ball on the foot just beneath the toe, while having their upperbody bent forward to keep the ball from flying above the goal. Ronaldo is also a product of this system, hitting shots which go rocket straight or swerving.. look at a ronaldinho’s shot or robinho’s shot – the difference is the backlift is towards the sides and the point of contact is a little towards the side of the foot, not directly beneath the toe – for them bending the body forward is not a total necessity. Anderson is that kind of player.. As i was saying, please do observe that iniesta’s goal of last year’s, body not bent forward, side of the toe and ball not in a straight trajectory – that was a spitting image of spanish coaching.
And to say brazillian players are more accentuated to that technique is an observation from my experience(even kaka’s is similar
December 2nd, 2009 at 9:57
Redknapp saying there is no atmosphere inside OT to a degree is right, but watching United away we generally out sing the home support simply because we are allowed to STAND UP at Old Trafford you are not allowed to stand and sing, which is rubbish even in Church you can stand and sing!!!Sorry for the rant.
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:00
@Merlinus: Rooney scores like that all the time.
Anderson’s problem is he tries to force the issue. He doesn’t pay any mind to placement. He needs to aim not just batter the ball.
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:11
@Traverse: He can aim well man, he has the vision – why do you think he’s able to hit outrageously long but accurate passes most of the time.. The shooting technique of england is not something brazillians get used to very quickly – well who was the last brazillian striker or cam in england, now don’t say elano, cause he doesn’t cut it.. May be anderson should try passing the ball into the goal – ha ha.. Rooney has a good arsenal.. He can also do the straight backlift shot – a.l.a – newcastle volley!..
The point is, may be they have to let him use his natural way of shooting instead of trying to ingrain a different – but conventional in england – shooting technique which he obviously finds difficult to get acclimitised to…
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:26
Anderson is the worst shooter of the ball I’ve ever seen!
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:30
@Merlinus: Are you saying that United are teaching Anderson a different style of shooting hence it is woeful?? My God mate I think you are viewing things through anderson tinted glasses, HE CANNOT SHOOT! Simple.
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:35
@Stephen: Yes and No
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:47
@Merlinus: Mate I think you are clutching straw if you think yes, accept the fact he can’t shoot, Gibson has been trained as has Scholes in the past and they can, it is the player not how he has been coached.
December 2nd, 2009 at 10:50
@Merlinus: FFS, Anderson barely speaks any english.
No offense to him and his supporters, but I doubt he would be able of such thoughts.
December 2nd, 2009 at 11:04
Strange match. We were quite poor in the first half I thought, much better in the second. The 442 really didn’t suit us, as Spurs always had an extra man open to pass to, and they have the technique to do so. Ratings:
Kusczak – 6.5 – Flapped on two crosses, but good otherwise. Think he’d improve with time on the pitch. Might have to learn to spell his name.
Neville – 2.0 – Stick a fork in him, he’s done. If he can’t defend like he used to and can’t attack like he used to, why is he on the pitch?
Vidic – 9.0 – Made one mistake in the first half, which he himself recovered. Absolutely immense from the Serb, best he’s played this year.
Brown – 6.0 – Does he seem a bit slow to anyone? A few terrible back passes, plus he is (as some may remember me complaining about in the 07/08 season) the other teams dream ball possessor. They basically close down everyone else so that he is the only one open, and he proceeds to f*ck up playing it to a teammate. Major limitation in his game, and he’s 30.
De Laet – 3.0 – I thought he was rubbish, got crossed over his head about 3 times, frequently leaving the back post open. Also his dribbling wasn’t nearly as effective as I’ve seen before and he kept randomly wondering around midfield when he lost it.
Gibbo – 7.0 – Would have a 6.5 if not for the two goals. He was alright. Good and tidy with short passing, no great penetrative ones. Actually got his defensive duties spot on, really plugged up the holes being left by the full backs/centre backs.
Anderson – 7.5 – Encouraging stuff from him. Some great runs, giving us an outlet like Ronaldo used to to transition defense to attack. Still tries the ridiculously difficult killer ball when keeping posession is sometimes needed, but much improved. What worries me is that he’s still pudgy as you like, and still can’t seem to last 90 minutes. Get that man on the stairmaster!
Obertan – 4.0 – Yes, we want him to be good, but he was awful. Did nothing except overhit an easy assist to Berbatov and didn’t provide any defensive cover where we needed it. Good at running really quickly, stopping and playing it backwards. Didn’t play with the confidence we’d seen to date. Then again, Bale was awesome.
Park – 4.0 – Did what Park does. Be everywhere at once, without being threatening or effective. Why he’s still with us I don’t know.
Berbatov – 7.0 – 1 more year til the Zidane bald spot is in full force. His technique is sex on a pitch, can anyone actually tackle him? That said, he was almost a CMF for much of the time he was on the pitch. Need him further up.
Welbeck – 5.0 – Is Danny the emperor’s new clothes? I don’t see it. Poor touch, poorer decision making and for all that supposed pace, doesn’t get in behind.
Carrick – 8.0 – Completely dictated the tempo when he came on, calmed us down and got us about 70% of possession in the final 15 minutes. Very mature performance.
Macheda – 7.0 – Showed more in 5 minutes that he might make it than Welbeck showed in 90.
Tosic – NA – Can we please give the lad enough time to rate? FFS…
December 2nd, 2009 at 11:21
@Beachryan: Park is exactly what Tosic isn’t.
He has energy, decent strenght on the ball (but does like to fall down on contact) and plugs it up in midfield. When he gets to the final third, he has no end product. (Though yesterday I thought he could have had an assist if Welbeck was a bit more prompt to shoot)
Tosic on the other hand is tiny and I expect less string in midfield but he can hit a final pass, shoot decently. In this sense he’s also better than Obertan.
Obertan btw, is much too shy for the talent he seems to possess. Seems like he never wants to run at his opposing full back, which is a shame with the trickery he’s got and the pace…
December 2nd, 2009 at 11:44
@NicoQB: I think we need to give Tosic a chance.
December 2nd, 2009 at 11:45
@ Merlinus – You speak a lot of sense but I don’t think he is being taught this way of shooting. However you’re right when you say he can shoot. It’s all about composure and confidence. Something I tried telling RedRanter and he would not have it. He used to score brilliant goals before he came here. Quite a few for Gremio, Brazil’s U-17s and Porto. And they were good shots and goals. So he can shoot to score. Now people will talk about how the level of competition is lower in all those instances and I will agree. But it just validates my point that it’s all about composure and confidence and not technique. He will come good as he plays more. That’s why when a striker has experienced a goal drought then scores after a long period, you hear the coach saying more goals will come now. It’s not because of some magic potion that came with the ball but simply confidence.
December 2nd, 2009 at 11:49
I think Ando’s problem with shooting is that he always does it at the end of a dribble, and he’s always half-off balance when he dribbles. He never really sets himself properly, making sure his standing foot is next to the ball and so forth. It’s all about baby steps, like in tennis. Some players (Gerrard in particular) have the ability to strike a ball cleanly in full stride, and don’t have to adjust, but the vast majority (such as Scholes) use little steps to adjust their body to be ready to hit the ball. Ando tries to be like Gerrard, but doesn’t have the ability.
He’s been better this season though, has at least 10 or so shots on target (and 1 goal!)
On a side note, in 12 appearances for the first team, Gibson has 5 goals. Bloody hell, that puts Berbatov to shame!
December 2nd, 2009 at 12:02
@Merlinus: As soon as he gets infront of goal he has no aim. That’s the problem. He panics and scuffs his shots. It’s no suprise the goals he’s scored has been a freekick that was aimed, and a shot that he had zero time to think about.
December 2nd, 2009 at 12:02
@Beachryan: If you think Delaet was RUBBISH, says more to me about your poor judgement. Every Tom, Dick and Harry in the media, during the game and post game said he is a fantastic natural defender. Lennon got no joy out of Delaet, and neither did Bentley. So ONCE AGAIN I cannot agree with your ratings
.
December 2nd, 2009 at 12:06
@Stephen: He can shoot Stephen – he just can’t score
.
December 2nd, 2009 at 12:13
@Stephen: That’s mainly down to Trafford council Bro who said they would shut us down if fans stood during games
. Also because Man United board and management didn’t care enough about their fans to FIGHT to keep the Stretford End, as L’Pool did to keep the Kop. Therein lies the difference between the caring attitude of the two clubs. Fergie didn’t support us in keeping the Stretford End, or didn’t give enought fight anyway.
December 2nd, 2009 at 12:14
I admit a little composure for ando can do him no harm… He really is a special player…
December 2nd, 2009 at 12:28
@ CraigMC – I rated DeLaet low because of his performance, I could care less what the press think. Since when have they gotten it right?
Tottenham’s two best chances of the first half came from him being to near to Vidic, leaving his man open behind him. And one of those times Bale picked out that man, who he should have been marking. He did well against Lennon, however got skinned once and booked. Lennon was peripheral at that point. He gave away 3 or 4 free kicks in what would be a dangerous area if Bentley could cross. He also let in Hutton at about the 70th minute, who went right by him into the penalty area, but botched his cross.
He himself got forward once by my reckoning, when he played his cross behind everyone. Almost every dribble he attempted ended in lost possession, twice in the second half leaving him stranded down the pitch, with Park coming back to cover.
In conclusion, he didn’t stop Bentley without fouling him, didn’t create anything offensively and his poor positional sense led to Spurs’ best chance of the first half.
If you’d like to use examples to disagree, I’m happy to discuss it. But citing the press is just lazy.
December 2nd, 2009 at 12:33
@CraigMc: Totally in agreement there bro.
@Merlinus: More like special needs with his shooting.
December 2nd, 2009 at 13:00
I can’t believe some people are still shooting Gibson down. He is a youngster and as usual United fans have no time or sense of justice to youngsters. We were all crying about goals from midfield and the boy has been delivering. Yes he lacks in certain things but it’s nothing that can’t be rectified by a combination of training and experience.
December 2nd, 2009 at 13:03
@Jay wire: Spot on, we are desperate for a Lampard type of player from midfield who can chip in with goals he could be the awnser and save us £20m in the process.
December 2nd, 2009 at 13:07
@JayWire: Anderson son son is young too
December 2nd, 2009 at 13:09
@Merlinus: I think you are obsessed matey
December 2nd, 2009 at 13:14
@Stephen: Cheers..
….GNR…
“Its a mad obsession, always messin’ with my liiiiiiffeeeeeeee, I can’t stop thinkin’ ’bout doin’ it one more time..”
December 2nd, 2009 at 14:05
Macheda has signed a new 4 year deal.
December 2nd, 2009 at 14:24
@Beachryan: Lazy or not, the press have eyes and they could see, and were in harmony with the TV commentators, and United’s ex pros, who could also see. The lad was playing in wet, slippery conditions, and it is never easy for any defender to get his tackles and timing right in those conditions. I know he saved one certain goal from Spurs by being in the right position near the goal line. Whether you like it or not, more often than not he did get in a lot of good tackles, and he is definately better defensively than Rafael or Fabio. He does need to work more on the attacking part of his game, but in my mind he is very good defensively. And NO I dont agree with you, and NO I don’t have to give a great rambling answer on why
December 2nd, 2009 at 17:37
@Merlinus- Yes he is young and that’s why i was actually defending him about 10 posts back. Anderson is my 3rd favourite player after Wayne and The Count. I see a great future in him provided he is given opportunity at this club. As I predicted long back, as if it’s not common sense, the more he is played the better he becomes and the more confident he will be. And he has been improving in every game. He’ll come good, so will Gibson and Macheda and the rest of the promising young guns as long as they’re not treated like Nani and also not played out of position.
December 2nd, 2009 at 19:08
Hehehe!
Guess what?
December 2nd, 2009 at 19:10
@Red Ranter: I agree. His mechanics are wrong as most of the time he his body is not properly balanced and either too far back or too far forward. The lad actually has very poor body control but is outstanding at shielding the ball using his wide hips to protect it. But it when it comes to striking the ball the best way I can describe is mechanics would be to compare him to a golfer who has a tendency to slice the ball.
December 2nd, 2009 at 19:19
@Merlinus: This has nothing to do with Spain and England. These habits have been developed for years by players and originate from their native land. Anderson being Brazilian got this from playing in Brazil. As there are plenty of players from South America playing in Spain, you might easily assert that this is a Spanish league phenomenon but in fact, they shoot like that in Portugal and in Italy as well.
In Germany however you get both types as that nation has always borrowed from the English as well as from the South American influences. To be honest, I wouldn’t say Anderson has picked up any specific manner of striking the ball because his mechanics in that area are so poor that I have yet to compare them with anyone else. His body balance and control is all over the place. One minute his trunk is too far forward and all you get from him is a worm killer that screws away from the goal. The next attempt his trunk is too far back and he lofts a shot into the 40th row and then his next effort his trunk is to much to the side that he slices one towards the corner flag. He’s like a weekend golfer, all over the place. This is neither Spanish, Brazilian, English or Canadian for that matter. It’s simply Anderson and teaching him any style goes in one ear and seems to jettison out the other immediately.
December 2nd, 2009 at 19:21
@Stephen: Yet another example of the corporate culture taking over the sport and demanding rules and regulations be followed by the supporters that quashes their enthusiasm, spirit and ability to participate.
December 2nd, 2009 at 19:22
@Traverse: He can aim all he wants but until he actually learns the proper mechanics in striking a ball, he will always continue to miss badly.
December 2nd, 2009 at 19:29
@Stephen: I agree. Fact is if you look at Anderson’s entire game, it hasn’t improved one bit and it tells me that he is not a great student. He is not catching on to what they are trying to teach him and what they want him to do. He’s still that spastic headless chicken who seems to run aimlessly at times and who does many things with the ball without thinking and without any finesse or body control. He needs to know when to go 100% and when to slow it down, when to rip a ball 40 yards to a teammate and when to finesse a ball to them. As far as I can see, he is a one trick pony and his game is very tiresome and boring despite his passion and hustle. I like players like Beckenbauer or Riquelme who can do so much yet often look like they aren’t trying. They are hustling but it doesn’t look like it because they have total body control, their head is always up and they have the ability to slow down, use their skill and vision and then burst into full speed at a seconds notice and get by an opponent. Anderson is as predictable as Fergie is with bad referees.
December 2nd, 2009 at 19:33
@NicoQB: What does that say about him? Three years in England and still not able to speak English. Either incredibly stupid, simple, stubborn or unwilling. Tevez was the same way. You come to play in England, it’s important to try and learn the language. Ronaldo did, Vidic did, Evra did, etc etc. If he has tried to learn and has failed, then this explains a lot of his problem. He has a learning deficiency. Because lets face it, his game has not improved one bit in three years. Shocking really. At least it hasn’t regressed like Nani’s.
December 2nd, 2009 at 19:34
Grog can you answer me this question.
Are we changing the name of our shirt sponsor to Chartis Insurance to coinside with AIG Re-branding to Chartis Insurance.
Or
Are we dropping the shirt sponsor untill the end of the season where we begin the AON years??
I have asked twice already but i’m yet to recieve a response from anyone.
cheers
December 2nd, 2009 at 19:40
@Beachryan: Good job of ratings. Would have given Gibson an 8 though as he was flawless for the most part. Totally agree about Neville and Obertan. Obertan has great potential, one would have to be blind to not see it, but right now I stand by what I have said all along, he is flash with no substance. His end product is horrible and he still needs to find the courage to go at defenders rather than bail out like he always does. Ronaldo got better and better because of his ability and courage to go at defenders. Sometimes you will lose but quite often you will completely disable an entire back four by making mincemeat out of one fullback. Also agree on Park and Welbeck. For me they were just bodies on the field but offered absolutely nothing to the game. Welbeck is young but as far as Park goes, this is an old story. I honestly will never understand what Fergie sees in the lad?
December 2nd, 2009 at 19:42
@Beachryan: yea i vote gibbo to be one the bench for big games to bring on if we need a late goal. he may not be a constant starter but that shot should find him a place on the bench as a super sub.
December 2nd, 2009 at 19:46
@CraigMc: Sorry Craig, I like De Laet a lot but he was rubbish other than his nice block, which came from him doing a poor job of marking in the first place. Both our fullbacks were horse manure all night and Bale and Hutton looked like Lahm and Maicon running and penetrating last night. That was the fault of the fullbacks. Had the Spurs duo had a little end product to their efforts, they could have ripped us apart.
I’m noticing a trend with you mate. When you take a liking to a player, you are incapable of ever giving him a bad rating I think he has a future but yesterday he proved that he was not ready for prime time.
December 2nd, 2009 at 19:51
@Merlinus: I honestly wished I could see what is so damned special about him? 35 years I have followed this game and seen the masters perform and I am at a loss to understand why I cannot see anything in terms of potential or great skill from Anderson. I’m not saying any of you are wrong or that I am wrong for that matter. I just don’t see it. And I have always taken great pride in being a strong judge of talent and my track record of nailing it when it comes to young players has been very strong. Yet this Anderson fellow is an enigma to me as so many seem to get stiffy’s when watching him. Since day one he has bored me to tears.
December 2nd, 2009 at 19:52
@Beachryan: I’d add that Hutton made a meal of him many times but just failed with his final ball.
December 2nd, 2009 at 19:55
@Jay wire: Experience and playing time and he could be another Paul Scholes without the tidiness and incessant back passes. I thought he showed great potential last season and I’m sorry, any time you have a midfielder that can hit the ball as well as that, then you have a jewel on your hands. Time will give him more experience and as long as he works on other elements of his game, he will be hard to keep out of the first team.
December 2nd, 2009 at 19:57
@CraigMc: He’s a winner mate, no doubt and last night he did have his moments, but what you seem to gloss over quickly are all the moments where he screwed up or where he was out of position. He was poor overall, and that is the truth mate. But yes, he is a good young player and one I want to see more of, but at RB.
December 2nd, 2009 at 19:59
@Monkwahhdo: Honestly mate, I have no Idea. I would guess that it’s just a temporary thing as the other contract does not take hold for a while and they need and advertiser on their shirt until then.
December 2nd, 2009 at 20:01
@Footy4Eddy:
You finally embraced your bisexuality, so now we can hear about your male adventures as well as your females ones?
December 2nd, 2009 at 20:14
I’d rather those adventures remain unknown. I’m speaking for myself here
December 2nd, 2009 at 20:17
@NicoQB: Whatte?!
Was actually gonna say that I believe Nani is off now, he even has Tosic ahead of him in the pecking order. Now Valencia, Giggs, Park, Tosic and Obertan are all ahead of him… Doesn`t look good, does it? 
December 2nd, 2009 at 20:47
@Footy4Eddy: That’s what’s happens when one cries wolf…
December 2nd, 2009 at 20:55
@NicoQB: WOLF!!!
December 2nd, 2009 at 21:07
Anderson is the worst shooter I`ve ever seen on a football pitch. Even I, the great Eddy, admits that! He is a great player, that he is, with massive potential. But he can`t shoot…
December 2nd, 2009 at 21:15
Streams for Arsenal-City?
December 2nd, 2009 at 21:41
I hope they don’t reprint the shirts with Chartis spalshed across the front,. It would look awful. When a company rebrands they ditch everything to do with the old trading name (i’e Norwich Union becoming Aviva) so wouldn’t want us sporting AIG anymore. Soooooo logic would dictate that we would have to bare the Chartis logo or as they haven’t paid us in full (we let them offa few mil allegedly) we could just go sponsorless (or sponsor a charity) untill the AON contract begins.
December 2nd, 2009 at 21:59
December 2nd, 2009 at 22:01
my manners are leaving me, Good evening lads
December 2nd, 2009 at 22:17
Sean wright phillips, the winner goal I guess. we will get them in the semis, hence we will be in the final of the mickey mouse cup
December 2nd, 2009 at 22:37
December 2nd, 2009 at 22:37
@Monkwahhdo: that would be nice to see maybe fergi’s cancer charity?
December 2nd, 2009 at 22:38
@Scotjimland: weiss imo
December 2nd, 2009 at 22:40
@gator:
December 2nd, 2009 at 22:41
December 2nd, 2009 at 23:39
FUCK HOILETT!!!
Can`t trust Paul Robinson on penalties, but still… COME ON BLACKBURN!!!!!
December 2nd, 2009 at 23:42
GET IN ROBBO!!!
December 2nd, 2009 at 23:43
A German missed?!!! HAHAHA
December 2nd, 2009 at 23:46
FuCK!
December 2nd, 2009 at 23:47
CHELSCUM OUT!!!!
December 2nd, 2009 at 23:48
YESSSSS!!!!WE can win the Cup…Manutd Villa Final!
December 2nd, 2009 at 23:49
Kakuta the villain…
Feel bad for the lad, but kinda ironic that he of all people would be the one to blame for a negative Chelsea result. Oh well… 
JANUARY IS GONNA BE AWESOME!!!!
*sorry for caps RR, I`m just a little exited…
*
December 2nd, 2009 at 23:52
Ballack –
. The cheating bastards are out – no matter what happens in the semi’s. Couldn’t have happened to a better bunch than those Chelsea CHEATS. I mean they have just been bleating FOR WEEKS about being THE INVINCIBLES – 
– yeah right – 
. Ancelloti’s face – a fucking picture – what a story it tells!
December 2nd, 2009 at 23:53
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Manchester-United-kill-Adem-Ljajic-deal-to-free-up-transfer-funds-for-Wolfsburg-striker-article241981.html
December 2nd, 2009 at 23:55
@Footy4Eddy: Just random paper talk mate, don`t believe it.
Never gonna happen, I don`t even think Fergie is so desperate to go for Dzeko anyway. At least not at the cost of Ljajic, who is rated as Uniteds next big thing.
December 2nd, 2009 at 23:56
@Footy4Eddy: I know that mate, but it`s still pretty weird. Why make up a story like that, it`s actually so unbelievable it may be real!
December 2nd, 2009 at 23:58
@Footy4Eddy: English press…
If you haven`t learned that yet, you know shit about English football and culture. Media could easily make an article about how a rat is supposed to be the second coming of Jesus Christ, they really are that stupid… 
Don`t believe it mate, no way it`s real.
December 2nd, 2009 at 23:59
@Taehr: Ummmmm – I wouldn’t be too sure of that mate – it will be Man Shitty 1st team against our 2nd stringers – s00000000000000000000000000000000000000
. Mark Hughes wants a cup and any cup will do – so he will play HIS FULL team squad. Won’t have much to crow about though if they beat our reserves – will they? Whereas if our reserves beat them – they will get press hammered for weeks – their pride will be down in the dust. They should beat our 2nd stringers though, and SAF will continue with them as he has promised them!
December 2nd, 2009 at 23:59
@Footy4Eddy: Didn`t actually beleive it, just read the headline and thought I`d post it here. Discussions regarding football are always welcome here so… Ljajic- What`s your thoughts about him?
December 3rd, 2009 at 0:03
@Footy4Eddy: Seems like a good player, although I feel that with his physical presence he may be further away from Kaka than we are to be believed. Anderson was thought to be the next Ronaldinho!
So he may not be so much of a Kaka, seems more like a strong Zidane to me. Yeah, probably similiar to Kaka but not that particular eye for a pass. Seems more like one to take men on and have a shot, and looking for that finesse thing which makes you go: 
O_O 
. Oh well, have only seen clips from him and a live game for the U-18 I think. Can`t say much about him until I have actually watched him live in the Premier League/better division. But from what I hear, he may become a great player for us.
December 3rd, 2009 at 0:07
@Footy4Eddy: Wait, you are Eddy!
Who are you and what do you want?
December 3rd, 2009 at 0:08
@Footy4Eddy: I`m you, mom just wanted me to tell you that it`s time to sleep, we got school tomorrow from eight to three. You coming?
December 3rd, 2009 at 0:08
@Footy4Eddy: Yeah, I`m coming mate. I`m tired, need some sleep to get through the day tomorrow. Nighty-night!
December 3rd, 2009 at 0:09
…………………………………
*Applause for my one man show*
………………………………….
And good night folks!
December 3rd, 2009 at 0:50
night Eddys! lol
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:29
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/manutd/6711461/Manchester-United-dismiss-suggestions-of-financial-crisis-over-Adem-Ljajic-move.html
No mention of Dzeko in this article….
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:46
@Footy4Eddy: And I who thought only one person, that of redranter and his imaginary friend grognard suffered from split personality…
December 3rd, 2009 at 1:59
Oi.
Worrying this. Scott the red reckons we have indeed pulled out of the Ljajic deal.
WTF is that all about?
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:05
@CraigMc: Are you honestly not making a mountain out of a mole hill? This is the fucking Carling Cup for Christ’s sake. It’s a useless competition that Fergie uses to bleed his youngsters. You think Ancelotti views at as anything vital? Big frakken deal. Lets see if your gloating and joy plays out with us beating them for the league and even CL. Then we can squawk all we like.
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:07
@Footy4Eddy: Load of bull crap.
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:07
@Footy4Eddy: Dzeko won’t come anyway as he has already said no to United because he wants to go to Milan.
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:45
@NicoQB: Read the daily’s. It’s a fact!!
Very, very interesting and I wonder if this spells the end of our kiddie investments.
Some reports say we are to use the money for a big name, some say we are broke and can’t afford the option. Official line is he has not progressed to the point where he’s better than what we’ve already got.
It’s hard to read, I think we’ll have to wait for the window and see what transpires!!
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:52
@Grognard: If you’re gonna take the foot off the pedal, this is competition to do it – no question!
It is good to see their fallibility, though and hope this implants memories of previous collapses.
United v Citeh semifinal will stir the juices though, mate – Carling Cup or not!
December 3rd, 2009 at 2:55
@NicoQB: Also , new 4 year contract for Macheda, makes you think SAF is settling in with what he’s got!
December 3rd, 2009 at 3:15
@NicoQB:
December 3rd, 2009 at 3:24
@CraigMc: Lots of second stringers, mate, but try keeping Rooney out of this dust-up!
Much pride here, and I think SAF will play a semi squad. Pairing Rooney with Macheda would be a good option, as would Fletcher with Gibson!!
December 3rd, 2009 at 3:32
@David Schiavone: If it’s worth anything to you mate, your shot at predicting the future wasn’t bad at all. A thankless task, that, and to try to read the mind of SAF, his team selection, and the result, is nigh on impossible!!
In hindsight, ya did good.
December 3rd, 2009 at 4:05
Personally having seen so many instances of young players being over hyped especially within our own squad I am prepared to trust the opinion of the scouts. What we could use now is a bit of outfield experience…someone who could come into our squad and make a fairly immediate impact. Ideally a central midfielder as Hargreaves still hasn’t made his much promised recovery. But I would not complain about another striker as Owen has not impressed me so far and Welbeck and Macheda look nowhere near ready for regular first team action.
December 3rd, 2009 at 4:15
@colver: I agree, mate. We seem to be only a couple of key players away from the big time again!
But, alas, this doesn’t seem to be our direction, does it??
If the powers that be have deemed that our approach to regaining our lofty heights, is in bringing through the youngsters, then so be it!!
I personally don’t agree, it leaves massive room for error and leaves us fans stranded in limbo until they reach fruition.
But the alternative is to not support them anymore just because we don’t agree. I can’t do that, and so I’m up for this (with reservations) and will keep everything crossed that things work out.
December 3rd, 2009 at 5:19
I thought once deals are done they are there to stand, Is there anything by which clubs can go back,
http://www.dailyexpress.co.uk/posts/view/143786/Sir-Alex-Ferguson-No-deal-for-Adem-Ljajic
It might be a because of increasing number of youngsters in squad and the FIFA’s warning to fools…
December 3rd, 2009 at 5:21
@despicable: We only had an option on him, and we declined the option!!
December 3rd, 2009 at 5:23
@despicable: You know when stuff like this goes down, it’s often because bad shit has happened with the player.
Who knows?, maybe he broke some laws and was gonna be refused a visa??
December 3rd, 2009 at 5:40
@Redrich: @despicable: Detailed analysis of the situation here
December 3rd, 2009 at 5:44
Shame about Llaijac. I was really looking forward to seeing him. I cant believe he has suddenly turned crap after being dubbed the next big thing at United. I am sure that either the Glazers or Real Madrid are involved somehow…..
December 3rd, 2009 at 5:46
Also, I would nto be surprised to see the lad playing in Manchester in January, but in Blue rather than Red
December 3rd, 2009 at 5:50
And to think only 3 weeks back Fergie himself was bigging him up, when United applied for a work permit for him
December 3rd, 2009 at 5:53
@Red Ranter: Doesn’t really tell us any more than what’s already been reported, but interesting that their slant had devious undertones!!
I guess at this point, nothing much would suprise me.
December 3rd, 2009 at 6:04
Several questions can be raised if this fiasco is really true:
1. How can a player that Fergie himself bigged up a few weeks ago, and told to the media that United were applying for a work permit, suddenly turn crap?
2. Who made the decision? was it Fergie, or was it the Glazers?
3. If it was the Glazers, are we in that much trouble?
4. Have we found a better option? (Krasic for ex)
5. Why the f*ck are we still paying Nani and Neville king’s ransoms, but cant spare 10 mill for a bright young prospect?
I would personally hope option 4 is true, although it calls into question United’s morals in the transfer market, as this move is surely bound to screw a young player’s career
December 3rd, 2009 at 6:11
@Vivek: The Guardian are also making overtones about this being a financial decision.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/dec/03/manchester-united-adem-ljajic-transfer
The rumor mill begins to whirl!!
December 3rd, 2009 at 6:55
@Vivek: I don’t know about all the question but certainly know one thing that if we don’t win anything this season then we are officially finish… We are already totally screwed in term of finances it seems. And only thing that is keeping that is we are winning the trophys.. But, come may is don’t win one this season I won’t be surprised to see UNITED FOR SALE banner outside OT. I hope we will get some buyer or else we may go DIPPERS WAY.. or wait Oh my god may be LEEDS UTD’s way.. ….
December 3rd, 2009 at 7:11
Is it officially announced yet?
December 3rd, 2009 at 7:38
@Red Ranter: I hate to say it but yet again, the Glazer’s are proving Grognard right on all counts. This family is going to be the death of United.
December 3rd, 2009 at 7:39
@Vivek: They are paying Nani because they believe he will have a strong World Cup that will hopefully elevate his selling price because right now, they would get nothing much for him.
December 3rd, 2009 at 7:56
What the fuck is going on?!
I thought we had bought Ljjaic last January and had then loaned him out to Partizan for the rest of the season? Like we did with Diouf? Why would we pull out of the deal, we surely have fucking £10 million in the bank? £10 million, for fucks sake we are not that broke?! 
Are we…
December 3rd, 2009 at 7:58
Didn’t we paid in full and loaned him back to Partizan? How can we pull back then? I mean how can we send a player on loan if he’s not ours?
December 3rd, 2009 at 7:59
The mirror were the first to release these news, so don`t believe them. Pure English media bullshit! Still, it`s running in a lot of papers…
I! AM! CONFUSED!!!
Somebody tell me exactly what the fuck is going on!
December 3rd, 2009 at 8:01
@Grognard: I`d take Ljajic over Dzeko any day of the week…
December 3rd, 2009 at 8:10
Come to think of it, do we really need Ljajic? We have got lots of interesting players in the midfield position, young players with a bright future. Anderson, Gibson, Cleverley, Eikrem, Pogba… And in a few years time, probably others as well. Maybe we really don`t need Ljajic?
If he doesn`t arrive, Anderson should really play more often so that he can make that CAM role his own!
December 3rd, 2009 at 8:17
Young midfielders at United:
Anderson
)
Gibson
Petrucci
Pogba
Cleverley
Eikrem
Possebon(where the fuck is he these days?!
James
Ohi(my mate coming in next season I think, gonna talk to him next week)
Do we really need Ljajic?
December 3rd, 2009 at 8:20
@Footy4Eddy…
Well we do need someone to bring back that spark that seems to have deserted us. It might or might not be Llaijac, but from the looks of things we aren’t gonna get anyone. The Glazers are bleeding the club dry
December 3rd, 2009 at 8:23
Maybe they just found out that Ohi was so good we couldn`t have a Ljajic to stop his progress
December 3rd, 2009 at 8:23
@Footy4Eddy…
Even if we didnt need Llaijac, this is rather unethical by United. To get a young player’s hopes up and then dumping him in the last minute does not seem like something Fergie would do on his own accord. This has to be a strike-down from the top.
Fergie’s friday press conference is going to be entertaining….
December 3rd, 2009 at 8:24
@Vivek: Anderson can do it. And at the moment, I am actually starting to believe in Berbatov, for the first time since the dat we signed him. He has been good this season…
December 3rd, 2009 at 8:27
@Vivek: I know it`s unethical, if this had happend to me I would be heartbroken. I can tell you already that if this shit is real we will lose a lot of respect from footballers around the world…
IMO, we shouldn`t pull out of the Ljajic deal purely because of our reputation.
December 3rd, 2009 at 8:32
Get rid of Nani, Tosic and Park, fucks sake if the money of them combined is the reason we aint buying Ljajic then get fucking rid of them!!!
Nani is good, but never plays. Such a talent should not be tortured this way! Tosic and Park are jsut pure shit, Welbeck is a better winger than both of them combined! If we have Obertan, Giggs, Valencia, Welbeck and maybe another winger out there I don`t see why we should be selling them? Get your finger out of your ass Fergie, and make something happen!!! 
December 3rd, 2009 at 8:32
@Footy4Eddy..
Unfortunately I dont share your optimism. I dont see Anderson progressing and I still think Berba is a square peg in a round hole. Llaijac, from what I have seen would have been able to fill the left/right wing positions and unlike Valencia/Park/Obertan/Giggs, would have made more runs into the box, thus allowing Berba to drop deep and make the play.
December 3rd, 2009 at 8:41
We alreadt have a team bulit for the next 5-10 years.
*insert good keeper*
Rafael Evans De-Laet Fabio
Obertan/??? Pogba Anderson Ohi/???
Rooney Macheda/Welbeck/King/???
As you guys know I have massive faith in youth. So need to buy is only necessary when we see an area which is unsolvable. For us, that is keeper. Get Neuer or Akinfeev or someone great, and we are fine. Rafael, De Laet, Fabio and Evans are all great defenders with a huge future! And as we are the best club at getting through defenders(The defending Barca?), we should have more cover back there. In midifield we have very many players, read my eariler comment. Anderson, I KNOW, will come good, may be one of the best players in the world one day. Gibson is a good midfielder, and may turn out like Fletcher, “late peak”. Has a great shot, if he can work on other areas of his game he will be great one day. Pogba is good, Petrucci seems good, then we have many other midfielders so Ljajic may be unnecessary. Obertan is good, Ohi will become great, but we may need another winger sooner or later… Rooney will probably be here for the rest of his career, so trust him to be our starter for most games until he is in his 30es. King, Welbeck and Macheda all look good, but we may have to strengthen there one day. Still, that team is really good…
December 3rd, 2009 at 8:43
@Vivek: Trust Fergie
December 3rd, 2009 at 9:14
Its not even official yet and your all kicking up a fuss.
December 3rd, 2009 at 9:15
And if i remember correctly, we have already signed ljajic and hes been loans back out to partzian. Until i see something concrete, its all nonsense.
December 3rd, 2009 at 9:19
@Dan..
Then why hasnt someone at United denied the rumors?
December 3rd, 2009 at 9:24
@Redrich: Of course it’s a financial decision if it is true – because the supposed statement from a spokeman at United is that they have followed the lads progress, AND DO NOT THINK HE IS WORTH 10 million quid. As for the Glazers stripping the club of all its assets, it wouldn’t serve their purpose to do that. So all the SPECULATION is pointless, because nobody knows just exactly what is happening. It could be a BANK problem, that they in these hard financial times are pushing for more of their money lent back!
December 3rd, 2009 at 9:24
@Vivek: May be because the news broke at 0:05 English time, and now it`s only 08:25… It`s still early morning, United won`t rush at the middle of the night to deny or confirm any particular news.
December 3rd, 2009 at 9:28
Rumors suggesting we are in financial crisis and canceling this deal to fund the transfer of Dzeko… another striker!
Our current midfield would make even him look ordinary…
December 3rd, 2009 at 9:31
@Vivek: It may be no more than United finally deciding that they need to bring in some EXPERIENCED top players who already proved their ability on the big stage, and 10 million quid will go a long way towards getting one of such players – Krasic for example and SAF wants another great striker – soooooooo something has to go! Another thing to be considered is, if SAF doesn’t bring in any new blood in January, perhaps SAF himself may be off soon, and the money is being reserved for the new manager. Lets face it, its all ifs and buts SPECULATION.
December 3rd, 2009 at 9:50
@Redrich: Bro United had 15-20 thousand empty seats on Tuesday, so that will have not gone down well when the club are scraping for every penny, and whether we like it or not, it IS DOWN to the 2nd stringers OUT THERE playing, and playing BORING football at that – sorry! I don’t care if Fergie does lambast about the kids being ctiticised, it cuts no ice with me, and I am not impressed in the Besiktas or the Spurs game – even tho we won the 2nd game – the standard and type of football was still joyless – sorry! I cannot see it continue to happen IF OT continue to be revealing so many empty seats – if Media reports are right. Anybody know what the gate attendance figures for Spurs game were????????
December 3rd, 2009 at 9:58
Ben Hibbs, the resident journalist at OT (and does interviews with players/manager for Manutd.com) said this: No official word at OT on Ljajic deal collapsing. Unless we release a statement today it’ll be dealt with at the presser tomorrow. Assistant boss Mike Phelan taking the press conf. tomorrow, interesting to hear what he says. Will let you know if I hear more.
December 3rd, 2009 at 9:59
This Lljajic stuff better not be true. If for no other reason than we shouldn’t have screwed around a 17/18 year old kid like that. Doesn’t paint us in a very good light. Am refreshing the official site to try and get a confirmation that it’s just the press being the press…
December 3rd, 2009 at 10:01
@Grognard: My God YOU sound like a VERY MIFFED Chelsea supporter. Did you see their game because I did – and they played MOSTLY FIRST TEAM STARS. Drogba, Ballack, Kalou, Zhirkov, Malouda, etc etc etc – and they played like men possessed, with Drogba and Ballack in particular doing their usual nasty petulant behaviour. They wanted to win the game, but were done over by Blackburn – so please don’t give me the old – ‘Its only the Carling cup shite’ Grog, because like I said Ancelloti’s and Chelsea STAR players faces told a different story to the one you are trying to put over. And since when did a United fan care about another United fan GLOATING over a Chelsea loss FFS.
December 3rd, 2009 at 10:04
@Red Ranter: Why is Phelan having the perss conferance instead of Fergie?!
December 3rd, 2009 at 10:05
@CraigMc: You saw the way they celebrated after the Ferreira goal? It wasn`t “just” the Carling Cup for them, looked like they just won the CL final or sumthing!
December 3rd, 2009 at 10:06
@Red Ranter: Why is Phelan taking that press conference RR – is SAF away maybe trying to do a deal for a NEW player maybe
December 3rd, 2009 at 10:11
@Footy4Eddy: That’s exactly what I am talking about Eddi mi man – well that and the fact that they have been telling the whole feckin world that they are the new invinvibles – and then Blackburn do them over
. What brought special joy to me, was that it was a NORTHERN England team that did over the Southerners once again. And if you knew the North/South divide – you would understand exactly where I am coming from. Besides it was good for Big Sam having had heart surgery, and lying in that hospital bed watching his Minnows kick Chelsea ARSE! 
December 3rd, 2009 at 10:13
Reading some very disturbing things today with regards to the Lijic deal. The comment in the Times that we had paid 16 million for Tosic and just agreed to buy Lijic made me laugh very loud. If that is true I will cry
Just a thought on this though, I have been reading many posts from fans saying ho can e be skint hat about the Ronaldo money. I am a bit sick of united fans going on and on about the Ronaldo money. It is widely believed that the Ronaldo deal as done 12 months before he left. I find this easy to buy in to as I do not believe that the biggest deal in world football for the world player of the year would be done over a 5 or 6 eek period. I do think a deal as done the year before he left. If that is the case and bearing in mind our current debt. I think our signings over the last 12 months came from the Ronaldo money. Spend the money before you have it seems to be the corner stone of the Glaziers business plan.
Bebs 32 million
Valencia 18 million
Obertan 2 million (or was it 4)
Diouf 1 or 2 million
Lijic 12 million
]Tosic 7 million
That adds up to about 70 million
I think a true indicator on this ill be in how quick e see a comment from Fergie. The longer it takes him to comment on the Lijic situation the orse I fear things are.
December 3rd, 2009 at 10:17
Boo I do not have permission to edit and my last post has a ton of typos due to my W key being fukd. I did try to edit
December 3rd, 2009 at 10:36
Even SkySports are running the story now…
December 3rd, 2009 at 10:46
@CraigMc: I understand the rivalery, because I believe North vs South in England is the same as West vs East here in Norway. East being the work class, alas where I come from, same as North England.
Oslo is actually divided in two teams, Lyn and Vålerenga. Lyn being West Oslo, Vålerenga being the East. Where I come from we have very close ties to Vålerenga, 5 players on their first team were my teammates previously. I still have close ties with them, and the best of them, a Nigerian-Norwegian 16 year old, is rated to become the best Norwegian player in modern history. Can`t say I disagree… We are good mates, and everytime we talk about when we were younger we look back to the breaks at school, when we played games against eachother. With him being the best player at the school, and a striker, and me being the best defender at the school, we were put on different teams so I could mark him every time. You can ask every guy who were at my school what they will remeber by the football at school, and they will point out the fiesty duels I had with him. For 4 years it was me against him… Man, what a time! 
I just love thinking back on it, it was just such a great time! He now plays for Vålerenga and for the Norwegian U18 side, their best player by a long shot. Scored against Italy recently, trust me you will hear a lot about him and Ohi in the future! 
December 3rd, 2009 at 10:47
http://www.sport.co.uk/cartoon/66/Arsenals_immaturity_is_exposed_by_the_lack_of_clean_sheets.aspx
This made me lol!
December 3rd, 2009 at 10:54
Son of a bitch…looks like it’s actually true. Ben Hibbs (who writes the Today at Old Trafford thing, and works for United I think) has just updated his twitter to say that the progress Gibbo and Cleverly are making have made United change their mind on Ljajic.
Shameful. F*ck you United, that’s just terrible. I hope the kid goes on to be awesome, and we feel stupid as you like.
(That said, Cleverly really is quite good. Gibbo, not so much)
December 3rd, 2009 at 11:24
It`s offical!!! We won`t be going for Ljajic!
http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid=%7BB4CEE8FA%2D9A47%2D47BC%2DB069%2D3F7A2F35DB70%7D&newsid=6643712
December 3rd, 2009 at 11:26
its up on the official site.. this just sucks!! quite disrespectful to a player!! feel sorry for the lad.. he would have been a bright prospect at Old Trafford.
December 3rd, 2009 at 11:29
This is not the United I fell in love with…
December 3rd, 2009 at 11:34
I hope he goes to some other club and makes United regret big time… This is unethical…
December 3rd, 2009 at 11:44
I can’t believe our club has f*cked him about this way. Bad day to be a United fan. I hope Fergie gets beaten down at the press conference tomorrow.
December 3rd, 2009 at 11:44
For the first time ever, I am ashamed to be a United fan. This sort of behaviour is highly unethical. I hope he makes it big else where and makes United regret their decision
December 3rd, 2009 at 11:46
Then he just wasn`t good enough… We have got to think of the best for this football club, one 18-year olds feelings shouldn`t make us throw away a trophy or such. He may have been promising, but if Fergie deems Cleverley, Gibson and Anderson better then it`s just goodbye to Adem. Cheerio Ljajic!
December 3rd, 2009 at 11:48
@Beachryan: Phelan is holding the press conferance…
@CraigMc: Found out why Phelard is holding the press conferance instead of Sir Alex!
December 3rd, 2009 at 11:49
Good day to stay home from school, eh lads?
Entertaining day transfer wise, I must say.
December 3rd, 2009 at 11:53
@Footy4Eddy: WE have a number of promising young midfielders, but how many are deemed worthy enough to become world class?
Very few, I gather.
Let us separate defensive young midfielders and offensive ones:
DM:
Pogba
C.Evans
James
AMs:
Cleverley
Gibson
Petrucci
Possebon
Morrisson
Obertan
..
Of these I’m sorry to think that Possebon has made a big mistake of going to Braga and right now he’s got about next to zero chance of making it here. Shame as I thought he was more talented than most on the ball.
Gibson has basically etched his name in the squad. Are we going to regret this? I’m saying it again, unless he steps up other aspects of his game (defensive, energy, pace, long passing, assists) we are not going to be playing better football with him in the side. Of course we might be scoring more though.
Cleverley, with his current exploits is bound to be given substantial playing time next season.
THe others are still somewhat unknown quantities, it seems we’ve got a few good Central Midfielders, and Morrisson was being touted as the on truly gifted midfielder, but word is he’s got massive attitude problems.
Obertan. We all know about him now, great talent, dodgy final ball.
Ljajic now. Right Midifelder , cum winger. No competition at youth level really. The only other winger that’s been talked about is Morrison.
And even then at 10Million, I doubt he would have played youth games, most probably he would be eased much in the same way Obertan has been. By all accounts he’s a much better passer.
Does he have a place in this squad? At 10 million I find it a bit of an aberration to buy a kid who we’re not sure will figure prominently at some point in time. Look at the Tosic debacle. Tosic should have been given his chance, no doubt about this. Dwight Yorke, I think was known to elevate his game when playing with the first team.
Now, I feel sad for Ljajic and his family and all the Serbs at OT, who must be feeling somewhat affected by it. Its a ruthless, cruel decision and bound to hit a young boy like him hard. Like Beachryan, I hope he goes on to make a great career without us, and we come to regret our choice on not signing him.
Zidane, Gascoigne, Ronaldinho, …
Ljajic?
December 3rd, 2009 at 11:55
But if Krasic does come then all is forgiven!!!
(Not really, but at least we would get proven talent instead of promising one)
December 3rd, 2009 at 11:59
Yeah.. This behavior is just not acceptable from the club with such a great tradition of young players being a part of the club. I am really sad for the guy, as you just can’t play with the emotion of some young player like this. I mean the boy must have been anticipating this for whole year and not suddenly you are saying that you are not good enough, its not great ethics towards any youngster.
I am feeling ashamed today…. I am sorry….
December 3rd, 2009 at 12:00
@Footy4Eddy: Entertaining in a bad way for me.
December 3rd, 2009 at 12:01
@NicoQB: I`ve not seen a lot from Ljajic, and I`m pretty sure very few on this site have… So how can you say he was deemed to be world class? No offence, but Ferguson is much, much better at finding and knowing talent than all of you guys combined, me included! I trust him in all he does, and if he thinks Pogba, Gibson, Anderson and Cleverley have a better future than Ljajic then I support him in that belief. I trust Fergie!
December 3rd, 2009 at 12:02
It looks like a case of money and not talent. The boy Lijic has been playing well and shows more promise than young players we have on our books. The boy has European and international experience at every level.
I think most of the money we got for Ronnie has gone. So is Fergie balancing the books and if he is will he go in May?
December 3rd, 2009 at 12:04
@NicoQB: Yeah, of course in a bad way. But I`m glad to be here witnessing this live, without a lot on my hands, so I can give this time to sink in. Had I just read the news while doing math I would be devestated, but I see I handle this better than most of you and look at the wider picture, which may have something to do with me not having a lot to do.
When you give it time to sink in, I`m sure you will also understand that we probably had a pretty good reason not to sign him…
December 3rd, 2009 at 12:05
@Onkar: Great Christmas present for him aint it?
December 3rd, 2009 at 12:06
What a disaster and huge blow to our heritage and reputation. I’m sorry guys if you think I’m just being negative and sensationalist but I truly believe we have lost a good chunk of respect and identity over the past couple of years or so. First our playing philosophy was thrown out of the window,which is a HUGE part of our history and identity,and now our reputation as stewards and advocates for young players has taken a huge blow. Even the fans are now showing zero patience with young players and are always unreasonable after every poor showing.
Something is not smelling right in Manchester and I don’t know what it is. What I’m sure of is we have fallen majestically in popularity and identity. Apart from United fans noone really cares about us outside England and we are no longer mentioned in the same breath as the likes of Madrid,Inter(I mean bloody Inter)or Milan and a club I won’t mention lest accusations are flung at me. All this despite the success we have had. Someone please tell me what in the world is going on really
December 3rd, 2009 at 12:11
@Jay wire: Illuminati
December 3rd, 2009 at 12:18
Some@Jay wire: Some one tell you what is going on. We will NEVER get the truth out of old trafford. Every thing that comes out of the club is spin designed to keep local hard core fans quiet and to generate the most money possible from advertisers and over seas fans.
Success has papered over the cracks and I fear for the club I love. Fergie will not rock the boat BUT I think he will say enough is enough in May 2010
December 3rd, 2009 at 12:18
@Jay wire: +1
At the same time I would like to add one thing bro….
You said and I quote
“Something is not smelling right in Manchester and I don’t know what it is”
I would say its not something but most of the things now a days are not smelling right at OT….
Any way we are hitting new lows everyday.. I don’t know how to react…
I mean first the Rubbish transfer of RONALDO without any correct replacement, then Rubbish football pattern, then treatment to Stretford enders with those new rules and all, and now this….
I don’t know how many more lows we are going to reach….
December 3rd, 2009 at 12:19
What’s with all this Krasic lovefest? How many here have watched him play anytime before we played Moscow? Or even in any other matches. Noone even mentioned him before, we all saw him play against us and yet everyone is getting excited at the prospect of signing him.I mean c’mon guys we can do better than that. Do we just follow every wind of doctine coming from the unbalanced media? I bet if I just mention a random name of a non-existant winger playing for Xerez in Spain and how magnificent he is within a week his signature will be demanded by the fans.It’s getting ridiculous
December 3rd, 2009 at 12:23
@Footy4Eddy: I know bro that IN FERGIE WE TRUST and all. I not even saying that he would have been world beater but, all I am saying that if there was even 1% of probability that you might not sign that guy then you should not made it public thats all. All that hype, attention, talk, up until three week back SAF was saying that he is doing great progress and we will be applying for the Work Permit and all.. Then how could a person who is supposedly a superstar in a making can turn crap in period of just three week… We have played with the emotion of just an 18 year old DAMN IT… Not what Man UTD is known for…. I think you are prospective professional footballer just think what he must be going through right now… Terrible bro…
December 3rd, 2009 at 12:28
@JayWire: It can be one of these:
a) Blasphemy – from Sir Alex Ferguson
b) Brilliance – from Sir Alex Ferguson
c) Blasphemous Brilliance – OF Sir Alex Ferguson
December 3rd, 2009 at 12:28
@Onkar: Nothing smell good at OT. I remember a story a few weeks back where staff other than the playing staff were refused breakfast as a cost cutting exercise.
I said the day that troll Glazier got his hands on the club that it was the begining of the end.
December 3rd, 2009 at 12:32
@Footy4Eddy: I’ve not said he’s world class at any point.
I just said that he’s very promising, with little actual certainty about a future world class midfielder in our own ranks. And the thing about Pogba, Gibson, Anderson and Cleverley is that none of them are actually true wingers, so its not a case of these players would have taken his place.
Only the success (and relative at that) of Valencia and the promise of Obertan may have caused us to review our position. I still think that Giggs is the only world-class winger we have at the moment, that’s why I’ve been on the Krasic bandwagon for some time now.
December 3rd, 2009 at 12:33
What happens to United!! I dont understand. I think it will be the same like with Esien, we tried sign him when he was 17 years old or so and then 5 years later, when Chelsea snap him for milions.
Im very disappointed, the worst news today, the most promising player in Europe a we let him go.
I only hope its better for him to stay at home and play more games. Maybe he will become new Kaka in few years. I wish him all the best.
December 3rd, 2009 at 12:34
@Footy4Eddy: How do u know it was necessarily SAF’s decision?He might not have much to do with all this.And I have seen him play a bit and he looks better than Gibson,Cleverly and dare I say Anderson.He has good experience at the high level and is in a similar position to Anderson when we were courting him. Playing for a club with continental experience and has backed it up with some strong performsnces. Maybe we are overreacting as you say but this whole setup looks dodgy esp if you look at the whole picture and the history of the story. I’m not sure how true the claim that SAF was propping the youngster only 3 weeks ago and claiming a work permit was being applied for then the sudden about turn. If it is indeed true then that alone will tell us there is something fishy going on
December 3rd, 2009 at 12:35
Easy folks.. No need to lose your cool over this & proclaim we are short of transfer funds.. Looks like we are getting David Villa sooner than expected…
December 3rd, 2009 at 12:40
@Footy4Eddy: Or we may end up rueing not signing him. Happened before.
@Jay wire: For your information I did see him play live before he played us, and he struck me as something special. But I forgot about him in time, but what tilted the scales obviously was the fact that he could deliver at top class level in Champions league football.
So its not like I got a youtube crush or anything…
December 3rd, 2009 at 12:41
@Merlinus: How can you say we are short of funds and then say we are getting Villa at 40 or 50 million FFS. RONALDO MONEY GONE. WE DO NOT HAVE 100 MILLION SAT IN A BANK ACCOUT FOR FERGIE TO SPEND….. DEBT PAYMENTS 40 MILLION + PER ANNUM and GROWING. We are no longer the richest club on earth. The most in debt yes
December 3rd, 2009 at 12:48
@RedTan: Mate i never said we were short of funds, In fact i was dissuading the people who were proclaiming the same.. Fergie has his snow white ass on quite a lot of money, As for the tabloids: Edin Dzeko is just a decoy conjured up to keep the intended target under folds until the opportune moment.. My intuition tells me that its none other than David Villa..
“Debt? – whats the meaning of that strange sounding word? :confused:” – Quote : MADRID.. lol
December 3rd, 2009 at 13:02
@Merlinus: I am not sure if I am the only person in the world who think that most of the Ronaldo money was spent over the last 12 months
December 3rd, 2009 at 13:05
Considering the paucity of talent in our midfield, our scouts must have made a huge initial error in judging this player if they lined up an option to buy him for £10 million. After all these are the same scouts who were persuaded to splash £7 million on Tosic.
While people rave about Ljajic’s promise, the reality is for every 100 players billed as the next Kaka or the next Ronaldinho only one of them actually turns into a world class player.
Also he has a much better chance of reaching his potential if he moves to a club where he will get regular games immediately. I do not think he is at the level where he could just walk into our first team, the same way an 18 year old Ronaldo or a 18 year old Rooney could.
I have a feeling that we will use the money to buy a more experienced midfielder who will make more of an immediate impact, especially if Hargreaves is not coming back this season.
December 3rd, 2009 at 13:13
@colver: If we really have money though. And secondly, all the objection that have about the whole thing is the way this was treated over last 12 months thats all. You can’t play with anyone’s dreams and emotions so badly, ruthlessly..
December 3rd, 2009 at 13:19
@Merlinus: Your intuition also tells you that Anderson is world-class!
December 3rd, 2009 at 13:21
I love Ricky Kaka.. absolutely love him to bits
December 3rd, 2009 at 13:38
This Ljajic stuff is worrying. If we bring other people in in January instead then it might just be tough luck for Ljajic. If we don’t, then questions will be asked and the summer then becomes really important.
I wonder if this means that Fergie is off at the end of the season (having knocked Liverpool off their fucking perch) and is leaving a pot of money for the new guy to work with… not spending £12mil on an 18 year old who could well be deemed surplus by a new manager. We’d never make that money back in that case.
If Fergie is still here at the start of 10/11, and if we haven’t signed anyone who is a first teamer then the previous Glazer protests will look like polite whispers.
December 3rd, 2009 at 13:51
@NicoQB: If you say so mate
December 3rd, 2009 at 14:18
@Red Tan: Man United have stop all the free wheelers grabbing everything they can for free at OT – and its not before time either. Too many freeloaders mate! It doesn’t happen at other clubs.
December 3rd, 2009 at 14:24
@Onkar: I wish people would stop panicking before we even know what all is going on. United are notorious for BLINDSIDING everybody when they are sneaking around with business as usual behind the scenes. If the Glazers decide to sell, there are billionaires who would snatch their hands off. Maybe the Glazers are trying to wipe out a good proportion of the debt because they want to sell out and make a huge profit from the highest bidders – who the fuck knows eh? It is all just supposition – SUPPOSITION I tell ya
December 3rd, 2009 at 14:29
@Jay wire: Its one young player we are not taken the option to sign, not a bloody army of them mate! We just gave Macheda a 4 year deal. And United fans are not getting impatient with young players getting their chance per se, but just in playing a whole feckin team of them all at the same time – Kapisch?
December 3rd, 2009 at 14:34
If SAF gets a prolific striker and a great MF enforcer, that will do me!
December 3rd, 2009 at 14:49
@Merlinus: That sounds so gay!
December 3rd, 2009 at 14:55
I wonder how Ljajic must be feeling right now.
I guess its like having been dealt a kick in the teeth. Certainly an all time low for him.
Somehow, even if he’s not as good as what been thought of, I feel for him.
December 3rd, 2009 at 15:00
Brace yourselves for another free,old over the edge player ala Owen.Trust me the club acts in mysterious ways and dare the fans each time they get a chance.
Play poor football,overcharge fans,wait for free/cheap players,Fuck the fans
December 3rd, 2009 at 15:03
@Onkar: I know perfectly well how Ljajic must be feeling right now. Pathetic, worthless, stabbed in the back, paranoid and of course dissapointed. I can only imagine how I would feel if that happend.
I feel for the lad, I really do… BUT, I am a Manchester United fan. And I want the best for this team. If Ljajic has to suffer for it, then too bad but what is important for me is that United remain United. Which it doesn`t seem to do with these things, but it`s all Fergie decision and I believe in him more than I believe in God(and I can tell you I am religious). The man is a saint, a master, he is the fucking GODfather! I trust him, and if he thinks Ljajic would become a liability then we didn`t need him.
December 3rd, 2009 at 15:11
Yes we fucked Ljajic. Yes we fucked his big chance. Yes we fucked his dream, his confidence and his trust in Manchester United. Yes, United dealt with this in the wrong way. Yes, we look like some fucking criminals right now.
That`s one way to look at it…
Here`s another way to look at it, so you guys can gain some perspective.
If Ljajic really wasn`t good enough, or deemed to never be good enough, what future would he have at this club? Gardener? Staff member? Making food? We would pay wages for a lad who loves to play football, but who would never get a shot because it could be dangerous to the team. If this guy seriously wasn`t good enough, then he wouldn`t have got a chance. Just like Tosic, he would end up like a misfit player who was deemed a bright future.
What is important for Adem to do now is to use this as some incentive. He can either give up and be depressed and don`t bother etc.etc. But he can also prove he has charachter by going out there and doing things right and become one of the best players in the world. If he does well, I will be happy for him because he truly didn`t deserve this. But if he ends up like a nobody or stops playing(Yes, it may actually be that hard a blow for him!) then he didn`t have the character to be a United player in the first place and not the ability either.
Time will tell, but In Fergie We Trust!
December 3rd, 2009 at 15:14
This whole thing has got me questioning the role of the young players at our club. I mean how important are they nowadays relative to previous years and to other clubs of a similar philosophy. It is interesting to note that our most barren period has been the time we played a very youthful team with players like Rooney, Ronaldo,Fletcher,Richardson,Djemba-Djemba,Kleberson(to some extent)and O’Shea featuring more or less prominently. Over the past years we have seen a lot of young talent at this club,but unless you have access to viewing the Reserves and Academy then there’s little chance you would have seen much of it. Rossi,Pique(who did get enough games),Matt James,Macheda,Welbeck,Petrucci,Tosic,Da Silva Lining etc. Now most will argue that we have actually seen a lot of these players well at least some of them at senior level. My arguement is we have regressed in the trust we afford young players.
Yes we do see a bit of some of them in useless 81st minute(SAF’s fav time to wake up) appearances and in rather sporadic opportunities. Rarely do any of them play two games in a row in the league. In fact they rarely play in the league and games of real importance. Or they are played out of position,(another SAF special),like Rafael,who has participated as RWB,LWB and DMF in the few appearances he has made. What would be wrong in selecting a few of the youngsters like Macheda,Rafael,Fabio,Gibson,Welbeck,Eikrem and make sure that in the majority of games esp against weaker opposition at home one or two of them feature. Rooney is injury prone it seems and there is no need to play him every single game. Evra has played almost every single game since Heinze left and a similar story has been the undoing of Rio with the injury,fitness and form issues. Valencia can be excused from time to time and what would be wrong with a Berba-Welbeck combination or an Owen-Macheda combo in a league tie with the rest of the 10 players our regular starters(if such a thing still exists). The youngsters showed against a strong and rampant Spurs that they can hold their own against the big dogs. So I don’t see any harm in sprinkling every other match with a couple of youngsters or even one. Yes a match vs Chelsea can be excused or any other top 4 league tie but really at home vs Blackburn I would give one or two youngsters a chance.
Finally,let the kids fail. Let them make mistakes and show patience with their progress. How else can they gain experience if not played with reasonable consistency? On the other hand these young players should also grab the opportunity when it comes and not just sit on their bums like they are made of diamond. I like the way Gibson,has taken his opportunities and the same can be said of Macheda who always tries to make something happen. Special mention to Anderson who got rid of alleged lazy habits(as exposed by the intelligent Rio Ferdinand) in training and early on offered to play for the Reserves during the international break,scoring in his next appearance for the first team in a great performance in London. He has improved in almost every game ever since unlike what others would have u believe. Becoming more effective and more recently offensively. Nani is probably out of the club and I hope Ferguson would be fair to him and sell him to Juventus(heh heh),who could use his services and appreciate him. But overall the manager should begin to look at giving these kids more opportunities,rather than overplaying the likes of Neville,Giggs and Scholes who would benefit from the breaks.
December 3rd, 2009 at 15:35
@NicoQB: Where in Gods name did you hear that Ljajic was a winger?
He is a Central Attacking Midfielder, a CAM. He was never a winger, and probably won`t become any in the future either…
December 3rd, 2009 at 15:37
Rooney is the November PFA Player of the Month by the way… Hehe, suck on that bitchezzz!!!
December 3rd, 2009 at 15:37
@Footy4Eddy: Shame if u place so much faith on SAF, who is not very shy at hypocrisy. It’s not a knock on him but rather an acknowledgement that he is human and makes poor judgements sometimes. Having said I do not completely believe it was his decision,unless it is not true that he was speaking of how good the young boy is and how they are working on securing a permit. This is what is putting me off about this whole issue. I mean sure u can treat a player like Tevez like crap and be unfair to him etc. He is an experienced international who has seen a lot in football .But c’mon, you just don’t do that to a 17 year old full of dreams;and what bigger dream in football than to play at the Theatre of Dreams. It’s okay to fail and be encouraged but to bring a kid’s hopes that high and suddenly dash them to pieces with no real logical explanation on the sudden about turn,is unethical and smells cynical to the rest of the world. Only if it is true that this is what has happened. For me it’s not about whether he failed to make the grade,it’s the alleged false impressions made by the club.
December 3rd, 2009 at 15:45
@Jay wire: I don`t believe in words, I believe in actions
December 3rd, 2009 at 15:57
@CraigMc: It’s not about us not taking the option,or him failing to meet the grade. My arguement’s weakness is based on the reliablity of the sources saying Ferguson,less than 3 weeks ago was speaking of how great the kid is and how they are working hard and fast to secure a permit for him. Now if it’s not true then there’s no issue,but if it is ,then there is a real problem. That would be South Park wrong. We would have bashed our reputation ,one which has already taken a mean battering. We have managed to build this image of a club that continually screws players,fans and everyone else and might soon find ourselves in front of a UN tribunal for our contribution to global warming. But seriously,we would have shot ourselves in the foot…..again.
You look at it from a wider perspective, and you begin to wonder how other rising stars would consider playing for United,if they risk such treatment. We haven’t done ourselves any favours lately with the way we treated Tevez(though he went on a tangent after) and most recently Nani. Hopefully the media will be extensively blind to this and not help us in tarnishing our image
December 3rd, 2009 at 15:58
@CraigMc: So the people who make up the training staff are free loaders or do you live in a magic land where the business that is united has Gill, Fergie and the players and every thing else just happens by magic
December 3rd, 2009 at 16:01
@Footy4Eddy: He is a right midfielder bro or at least he can play comfortably as that.
December 3rd, 2009 at 16:17
@Jay wire: He is a CAM, yeah maybe he can play as a RM but doesn`t mean he is one. Gibson has been used as a RM, but we all know that`s not his position. Saying Ljajic is a winger is the same as saying Anderson is a DM, Rooney is a LW, Oshea is a CM and Gibson is a CM.
December 3rd, 2009 at 16:20
@Footy4Eddy: Gibson is a RM*
December 3rd, 2009 at 16:30
Shame. Apparenly his agent as of early today was still convinced he would be playing for us in January. And the chairman of Partizan confirmed that a permit is the only issue . The club has indicated that it’s after assessing the current squad and the player’s progress that they came to this conclusion. So why as late as today are there reports that a work permit is the only issue? I don’t think it has much to do with the players we have given that he is primarily a CAM and since 2007 we have had the same number of CAMs in the club. Two imo. Anderson and Giggs at times.Anyway it was a bad deal at the end of the day,given that we have like a billion midfielders and it’s only now when they are considering it. But maybe SAF has seen enough in Anderson,who is the real direct competition,to tell him that he is the future for the club. Let’s all forget about this whole thing,it helps noone
December 3rd, 2009 at 16:30
Just more and more pissed off as the day goes on. The guys at Redcafe actually had an interview scheduled with him next week, to discuss his move to Manchester. Plus his own Facebook site apparently says how all these rumours are bullsh(t, and he’s on his way to Manchester soon.
Then wham, confimed by United and now Partizan.
F*ck you SAF, and f*ck you David Gill. I don’t care how big and important you think you are, you do not treat another person like this, much less a kid.
And if you do, you have the balls to get up in front of the fans and explain yourself. Not hide behind some one line on a website.
*spits*
December 3rd, 2009 at 16:35
@Footy4Eddy: That’s why I said he could “play comfortably” on the right. In fact for the most part at his club he has been playing there. It was usually him on the right and Tosic on the left,but he is primarily a CAM. It’s just that you seemed to dismiss the fact that he was capable of playing at RM with ease
December 3rd, 2009 at 16:50
@Jay wire: Arite.
Doesn`t matter anymore anyway, he ain`t coming….
December 3rd, 2009 at 17:20
Just from the standpoint that United declared him signed last year, paraded him around with a united scarf and pasted photos of him all over the website makes this a sad sad story…in principle if there is a get out clause, say it up front and don’t pretend like the boy is signed. I’m ashamed of this whole scenario. In Fergie I DON’T TRUST if this is his call…the boy is 18 for goodness sake…his judgement of sticking with the current midfield and not signing a truly creative midfield player after Ronaldo left shows his lack of judgment..continually not playing Anderson enough (who has shown flashes but I really believe he just needs a good run in the side) and continually extending the playing lives of Giggs and Scholes (love them but they play way too much for my liking) shows bad judgement…not panicking but we need to have better values as a club than this Ljajic saga nonsense…won’t exactly make us attractive to future promising young overseas players…I hope the boy goes on to start for another big club…
December 3rd, 2009 at 17:23
I think this “you dont treat a kid like that” stuff is a bit OTT. As far as I know, we had a first option, and we chose not to exercise it. You cant spend 10 million trying to humor somebody.
December 3rd, 2009 at 17:25
@CraigMc: Since Ballack is my favorite player.
In all honesty mate, no I did not see the game but I honestly think that they did not take the game that seriously or played with the same intensity and focus despite starting a lot of their regulars. Lets not forget that as good as their starting eleven are, their depth is non existent. They have no choice but to start most of their big names. But I don’t think they went at it with great gusto and Hilario as a keeper is truly Hilarious.
I just respect them as a team more these days mate. Still hate them but have learned to appreciate their ability to fight and get results. I also respect and admire Wenger more the last couple of years. As he has mellowed, I guess I have too. Where my wrath is full and on fire is against teams like Liverpool and Real Madrid. I hate both of them with a passion and they totally anger me. I still despise Terry and Dorgba but Ancelotti is a man to be respected and of course I still love your favorite player in the whole world mate, Ballack.
December 3rd, 2009 at 17:32
@Footy4Eddy: I’d take neither and spend the money on players at positions of great need like GK, RB, AMF, LW or Milos Krasic. We do not need Dzeko and Dzeko doesn’t need us. Ljajic is an unknown entity that many of us have built up to be another Modric but the fact is, we know sweet fuck all about him and so based on that, I agree with the notion that 17 million is too much to pay for him when a player like Gibson is progressing as well as he is.
December 3rd, 2009 at 17:33
@Footy4Eddy: I wouldn’t bet on it.
December 3rd, 2009 at 17:36
@Vivek: Of course it’s a strike down from above. One day everything I have been saying about our financial troubles as well as the role that the Glazer’s are playing in it is going to come out and totally vindicate me. I may be negative but instances like this sure make my case look even stronger than before. The Glazer’s are going to be the ruin of Manchester United unless we the fans and especially the ones who live in Manchester do something about it.
December 3rd, 2009 at 17:45
@Footy4Eddy: If there was a written contract between the two teams then do not be surprised if UEFA and FIFA step in and punish United for this. It’s a classic breech of contract scenario and it definitely paints a bad picture of the club and it’s financial resources. In all honesty, Fergie should have taken the player and let some other players who are playing poorly or on his shit list go. I would dump Neville’s, Park’s, Foster’s, Tosic’s and even poor Nani’s contracts before I dumped Ljacic’s. None of these players have any kind of real future with the club so release them or sell them. And why give Macheda a four year deal? Based on what, a goal he scored last season? For me he has done sweet fuck all in his opportunities this season. I’m also tired of Welbeck and his lack of fire and passion in games. The guy is just floating out there. All these players could be cut lose or sold but instead United tear up a contract with an another club and make us the laughing stock of world football because we have become nothing more than a bargain basement middle of the road club. Hell West Ham and Blackburn probably have more money to spend than us these days.
December 3rd, 2009 at 17:46
@Footy4Eddy: EXACTLY!
December 3rd, 2009 at 17:51
@Footy4Eddy: Anytime you score a goal in extra time to prevent defeat in any competition a team will react like that.
December 3rd, 2009 at 17:54
@Red Tan: What you are saying then is that other than the Ronaldo money, United had zero dollars for transfers allocated tot he manager for the last two seasons. Sorry but I don’t think so. At the end of every season Fergie is given 25 to 35 million to play with. All the more reason why we should be upset about the Ronaldo money as it could have gotten us some serious talent on top of the rest.
December 3rd, 2009 at 17:59
@Footy4Eddy: Jeez! What have I been singing for months mate? Instead I would get berated with hateful comments. Yet once again, I come out smelling like a rose because yet again United do something that only adds credence to my argument and further stokes my fire. Glazer’s must go, end of.
Great teams never complain of having too much young talent because injuries and poor form are part of the game. Backing out of a deal like this just paints an awful picture of us and tells many out there to think twice about signing with us.
December 3rd, 2009 at 18:01
@Beachryan: That’s why Fergie is sending the clown Phelan in his place.
December 3rd, 2009 at 18:02
@Footy4Eddy: Don’t believe it for a second mate. This has nothing to do with being good enough. United weren’t good enough to afford him is all.
December 3rd, 2009 at 18:06
@NicoQB: I’m not so sure that screwing over a fellow countryman wouldn’t affect Krasic’s decision to come over too. If I was him I would think twice about going to a team that does not honor a deal and that treats one of my countrymen like dirt. Probably won’t make a difference, but you never know.
December 3rd, 2009 at 18:10
@Jay wire: Well said Jay. Totally agree and that feeling of shame and disappointment is what has been fueling my rants for a long time. Like Eddy said earlier, this is not the United we all grew up with and it personally offends me that there are those who cannot and will not see the writing on the wall and the obvious problems that this club has with the present ownership in place. It’s time for United fans to universally revolt against the team in order to save the team from it’s present regime. At this point, I’d take a year of relegation if it ensured the Glazer’s would be gone and great owners took over the club. How badly do I dislike them? I’d like to have them whacked.
December 3rd, 2009 at 18:12
@Footy4Eddy:
I’m starting to agree with you mate.
December 3rd, 2009 at 18:13
@Grognard:
It would make sense to back out of the deal if it’s £12mil we could be spending better on our squad. I’d rather give it until the end of the January window and see what happens before I start of a full on anti-Glazer rant.
Lots of new stories popping up about letting Foster go to Spurs on loan in Jan. This is only going to happen if we’re signing a goalkeeper. Akinfeev’s people are saying United have enquired about him and Neuer’s people are saying United have enquired about him too. It looks pretty clear that we are interested in a goalkeeper, and neither of those will come cheap.
Would I rather we bought a brilliant young goalkeeper than a young midfielder? Our midfield is already overloaded. That’s not including the young players who are expected to break through this year and next, Gibson and Cleverly.
Yes it looks fishy (and even more so with Fergie not doing a press conference tomorrow… Phelan’s doing it) but I’d like to give it a month or so till I break out the tinfoil hat.
December 3rd, 2009 at 18:15
@Grognard: Although I’d feel better going to a club who want me bad enough to cancel another deal for a player who plays my position.
December 3rd, 2009 at 18:20
@Onkar: The important factor here is that there may be nothing wrong at OT at all. We may have the Ronaldo money to spend, the debts are being managed properly, the Glazer’s are not screwing with the club’s day to day operation and all the player decisions are just decisions made by Fergie and his staff based on what he wants for the club. All could be fine, but here is the thing. The perception of the club has radically changed. The reputation of the club not only in England but throughout the world is changing and not for the better. Yet United seem to be unwilling to stop the tide of negativity by showing the world that nothing is wrong, by opening their books and letting us know exactly what is going on or at least making positive moves in transfers and off field activities that will change the present perception.
Above all, the manager of this club seems unconcerned about the lack of popularity in many of his tactical and squad related decisions. 20,000 missing supporters is a clear sign that not all is well and that fans are a fickle bunch who are not to be played with. United supporters may be loyal but they are also spoilt on success. They don’t remember what losing looks like or above all, they do not like the present way we are playing the game and not aggressively doing what it takes to improve the team, especially after losing the world’s best player. It’s time for United and their owners to ask themselves if their present path is the correct one and if they want to continue losing and alienating their base.
December 3rd, 2009 at 18:24
@Jay wire: I’ve seen him play a half dozen games for CSKA and I have seen him play for Serbia twice. In all but one match he was brilliant. His burst of speed and great ball handling skills just change games and he really fires up the crowd and his team. He’s a great player mate. How often had we seen Ronaldo when he was signed? Talent is talent and you do not have to see a player 40 times to make a move for him. When he plays two great games against you in the Champions League, that alone is a pretty strong measuring tool for selection.
December 3rd, 2009 at 18:29
@Red Tan: Those are just rumors mate. Unsubstantiated and totally science fiction. We cannot afford Villa and we will not get him unless the price drops to 30 million. And that money is coming from our 2010 transfer allocation, not Ronaldo. If we buy anyone in January, expect zero signings in in the summer. We are in dire straights and eventually the Glazer’s house of cards will fall for all to see.
December 3rd, 2009 at 18:29
I wonder if the club realise quite how annoyed their fan base is about this. I can kind of imagine them massively underestimating the reaction to how it played out, and believing that we’d all just happily go along with oh great Gibbo’s gonna get a shot!
It’s Franco esque that the website has taken that tone, and still no explanation.
Final rant on the matter – I’ve watched him play, surrounded by players not as good as ours, and he is without a doubt a better option, TODAY, then Petrucci, Pogba, Eikrem, Norwood, Gibson, Obertan, Welbeck on the wing. Having seen Cleverly a bit at Watford, I’d say they’re comparable.
We’re amassing a massive number of midfielders who aren’t good enough, all at about the same age. They need to either convert to side midfielders (which cleverly is doing well) or pray.
Just another screwed up bit of planning. Am worried about the way the club is run at the moment. Doesn’t sound Fergie-like.
December 3rd, 2009 at 18:35
@Merlinus: Fergie has his ass on about 4 pounds and a few pennies. As for Dzeko, he is a pretty useless decoy as he has always claimed no interest in United and that his desire is to go to AC Milan which has been his favorite team since childhood. Villa is going to cost more than what United can pay for him and certainly if his price drops, the likes of Chelsea and others will be able to offer more than United. Fergie will end up with mud on his face again like he did with Benzema. Why? Because like Benzema the chances of getting that player were always slim to none. That’s why Fergie goes after these players. To hide the fact that United are broke and that they cannot afford high end talent that would love to come play for us like an Aguero. Go for the one who won’t show up shows us as being willing to spend money. Him not coming to play for us makes him look bad, not us. It’s a classic poker bluff of the first order and Fergie isn’t fooling me. The holes in his pockets are beginning to show. Besides, what great player in world football wants to come and play the dreadful football we are being subjected to these days at OT? Sad times indeed.
December 3rd, 2009 at 18:39
@CraigMc: Please give me other obvious examples of this so called BLINDSIDING, because I can’t think of any?
December 3rd, 2009 at 18:44
@NicoQB: Doubt he cares. Chances are he will go to a good Italian side that suits his skill set better and his development. A player of talent will always land on his feet. United is not the be all end all for players not born in the UK.
December 3rd, 2009 at 18:47
@Footy4Eddy: Only if he was like you mate and his favorite team growing up was Man Utd. I seriously doubt that is the case. Most Serbs grow up to love Italian or German clubs in general. He’ll be fine and when Milan, Inter, Roma or Juve come calling, all will be forgotten, trust me.
December 3rd, 2009 at 18:51
@Footy4Eddy: Well if he wasn’t good enough, then what does that say about Fergie and his scouts? All I say is look at Tosic, Foster, Park, Anderson, Nani, Macheda, Possebon, etc. The scouts seem to not be doing a very good job when it comes to finding talent in my books. At least not talent that blends well with our club’s style and tactics. I seriously doubt there was any problem with Ljacic. He was being looked at seriously by many teams. I think the serious lack of talent on United is in the scouts and in Fergie’s judgment.
December 3rd, 2009 at 18:51
@Grognard: You of all people know how optimistic I can be regarding United, even disillusional about the greatness of this club! I`ve told you many times how loyal I am for this club and that I trust Fergie. I`ve told you I know this club will come good and all. But unfortunately, this time I truly agree with you. My heart says otherwise, but I have to ask myself how long I can keep choosing heart over head regarding United? It`s getting depressing these things…
Still, you know me and you know that I won`t give in until the fat lady sings! 
United till I die!
December 3rd, 2009 at 18:54
@Jay wire: It’s similar to casting a young actor to star in a blockbuster movie and then two days before filming begins, you axe him in favor of another. It looks unprofessional and sleazy.
December 3rd, 2009 at 18:59
@Beachryan: I would redirect the fuck you’s to the Glazer family mate. This is 100% their fault, I’m convinced of this. Fergie has never had a track record of dealing with any player like this and neither has Gill. This is a financial decision from high on up which was made because the funds were needed elsewhere. Not facts, just my intuition and gut feeling, but I trust them so there you go.
December 3rd, 2009 at 19:03
@Traverse: Great points and very valid ones but I still prefer an all out anti Glazer campaign as I just hate those bastards and don’t trust them one bit. What I have come to believe is that we will sell or loan out players but nobody will be arriving to replace them. I honestly believe we are broke and in financial trouble due to this loan and until that big signing or two happens, I am not getting off their backs. I’m not basing my feelings on any cold hard facts, just trends I am noticing that leave me a little cold and and a whole lot worried inside.
December 3rd, 2009 at 19:10
@Traverse: Possibly but then again, that’s not the reason for the cancellation of Ljacic’s deal. Nobody has replaced him on that want list that we know of. Still, if United make a couple of big signings in January, I will be the first to get off their backs. But my gut says, don’t count on it.
December 3rd, 2009 at 19:13
hey there…. i’m back for the first time since the summer (got a job, my first real one…… apparently u actually have to do real work at an office, who knew!!!!)
anyways, i see i’ve picked a great day to return, what with all this ljajic fiasco…… here are some of my thoughts
first of all, yes its a blow to the lad….. that said, lets not make this out to be any worse than it is, we havent left him unemployed, if there was indeed a get-out clause in his agreement, then his minders should have explained to him there was a very real possibility that man utd could invoke it….. players bail on their contracts and jump ship all the time, why shouldnt a club have the option to back out of a deal too? also, united havent left the kid without a club, he’s still at one of the biggest clubs in his native country (serbian champions, by the way) and can continue his progress at what is rated as the second best football academy in europe by the UEFA (behind only ajax, go figure!)
as far as us giving up on a player rated as the next kaka, well, i havent seen him play other than some videos on youtube… i assume most of you havent either….. he could be great, or this may be the last we ever hear of him, who knows? one pointer could be his involvement with the serbian national team, or rather the lack of involvement…. sure he’s only 18 and plays for the U-21’s but for someone who had more than 50 games in the first team of the serbian champs, and whose hailed as one of the most promising players in the country, u’d think the national team’s manager would name him in one of his squads to get a closer look at him….. i know at his age its asking for a lot, but this to me shows that he may not be all that……
what i’m trying to say is that its not the end of the world, for us or for ljajic…. its certainly not worth all the panic that i see on this blog!!!
December 3rd, 2009 at 20:07
@Grognard: I’d be VERY AMAZED IF United fans EVER revolted against the Glazer Regime or any other regime. At the end of the day, United fans are party liners – they are NOT Liverpool dissenters – United fans are TOO LOYAL. So it would amaze me if there was any remonstrating of any great worth going down at Old Trafford. So we will see eh?
December 3rd, 2009 at 20:13
@Grognard: Like I said – you didn’t see the game, but we did – and they played like fucking maniacs to win, so much so they were as sick as PARROTS when they lost it. Wembley without ChelSCUM – can’t wait – it will be pure UNCHEATING paradise, whether we are there or not.
.
December 3rd, 2009 at 21:20
1. How is canceling the deal unethical? It is better to give him a chance somewhere else than letting him rot on the bench behind our other youngsters.
2. Of course the state of our finances influences this decision. If we had “infinite” funds available, gambling 10 million on Ljalic is not too costly. However, being strapped (maybe?) of cash limits how many young players we can support and Adem may just be the first to get cut prematurely or the 10 million can be used better elsewhere.
3. I think, if Fergie aggrees with this, it is for the better of the team. Obertan has impressed and so has Gibson and Cleverly.
4. I would not be surprised if we have someone else in mind. Adem has not impressed but perhaps someone else has (in a more important position).
5. The recent news of Agent fees and Fergie’s distaste for agents could be at the issue here. Perhaps, Adem’s agent was asking too much in fees (which are additional to transfer fee, right?).
6. Lastly, it is possible the some other team outbid us or that Adem’s contract demands were too large…
In the world of football, we only see 90 minutes of a whole week’s worth of work, practices, business dealings, etc…
December 3rd, 2009 at 21:22
@CraigMc: I was happy to see both Arsenal and their overrated bunch of imported kids and Chelsea’s scum lose last night.
Even better, we have a nothing-to-lose game against over-payers Man City in January. If we win with our 2nd stringers shame on City, if we lose our 2nd string will learn from the game and no pride is lost.
December 3rd, 2009 at 21:25
@CraigMc: interesting thought about Fergie leaving this year… if that is the case, it must be health-related… ooooh, more rumors.
December 3rd, 2009 at 21:34
@CraigMc: So I guess FC United was just a figment of our imaginations? I disagree. You get pushed far enough and we se the team falling apart at the seams and you watch what happens.
December 3rd, 2009 at 21:36
@[OPTI]Madschester United: I couldn’t care less about whether it’s fair or unfair. What I care about is perception and what that does to the reputation of United around the world as well as how badly it damages our chances to sign young players in the future. Strategically, this was a dagger to the heart of the club.
December 3rd, 2009 at 21:38
@[OPTI]Madschester United: Funny how Mark Hughes only becomes a mouthy and noisy neighbour whenever Man United are involved. He is shouting already that Fergie won’t dare play the 2nd string against Man City
. What a joke he is eh? There hasn’t been any comment from Man United or SAF about the January game, because WE have more important games to think about, and the PL at stake again. City are obsessed with us. Copying everything we do. They have sent their commercial man to go and try to set up soccer schools, blue cafes etc all over the far east. They have contacted a Belgium club to be a feeder club for them and to send their young players for experience as United have in Belgium – they really want to be us 
. What sad saps. And Tevez NEVER stops talking about Man United and our players being the best especially Rooney he said it about. I have no doubt Hughes is just goading SAF saying he won’t dare play the 2nd stringers, because he is hoping SAF will take the bait and play the 2nd stringers to spite Hughes. What numptee Hughes doesn’t realise is that SAF will play the 2nd stringers anyway – so Hughes and small time City are wasting their time. Amazing isn’t it, that their games against us have suddenly become the whole TALK topic over at wastelands 
. I personally hope United do not mention anything about the game at all, and SAF says we don’t talk about games so far in advance, we have other more important games 1st 
. That would really sicken City who only ever want to talk about us. Fergie please ignore the City, don’t give them a mention. That will sicken Hughes cos he is always spoiling for a fight!
December 3rd, 2009 at 21:40
@Grognard: True but they moved because they couldn’t stand the Glazers. And fair play to them because they showed clarity of thought by walking their talk. Those that stayed decided to stick despite the Glazers. So the anti-Glazer protests right now would be a bit late, and daft. You should have jumped ship then, but you didn’t because the club meant more to you and the same with most of us that stuck with the Glazer regime. The only reason I can see United fans protesting is when success dries up. That’s the only reason Liverpool fans are protesting. Had they won titles under Hicks and Gillet, they wouldn’t give a toss about the club’s financial position.
It’s the way the fan psychology works.