Dec 08
Manchester United vs Vfl Wolfsburg: Preview
The final game in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League is almost upon us and we need one point to finish top of the group. With qualification to the second round already assured, the pressure will surely be off the Red Devils as they make their way to Germany to face Bundesliga champions, Vfl Wolfsburg.
Wolfsburg are a team packed with immensely talented players — most familiar are Edin Dzeko and Grafite, the highest scoring strike partnership in German footballing history.
Most of the headlines in the previous meeting between the pair centred on these two but, in my opinion, the biggest danger to United is Zvjezdan Misimovic, the Bosnian playmaker. He pulls the strings in this Wolfsburg team and last season came away with 23 assists in 36 games, not to mention the 6 goals. This season he has managed 8 assists and 9 goals during the 22 games started.
Former Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins will be unavailable as he has a shin injury that is expected to keep him out until at least the New Year. Other than that Veh has a fully fit squad to choose from.
While the attacking threat is well documented, remember the defensive players at Armin Veh’s disposal. Alexander Madlung, Ricardo Costa and Andrea Barzagli. They are a well-drilled unit and will prove difficult to break down, especially at the Volkswagen Arena.
Manchester United on the other hand have a number of issues, and they are mostly to do with defenders. As mentioned yesterday, we are in the midst of an almighty injury crisis. From defence to attack we are at less than half strength.
Just a reminder, in case you missed it: Wes Brown, Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, John O’Shea, Jonny Evans, Fabio, Rafael, Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov, Gary Neville, Edwin Van Der Sar and Owen Hargreaves.
That would leave Patrice Evra as our only recognised defender. It is tough times at Old Trafford. Tomasz Kuszczak will start in goal as he continues his fine form. It looks as if Michael Carrick will be used as a makeshift centre-half along side Oliver Gill, the 19-year-old son of chief executive David. This has nothing to do with his very close ties to the United hierarchy, apparently.
“It doesn’t concern me. If he is good enough, he plays,” Ferguson told reporters at a press conference.
“That is the name of the game at Manchester United. I had my own son in the squad for four or five years and he was treated exactly the same as any other member of the squad. It will be the same for Oliver.”
Darren Fletcher should deputise at right-back.
The shuffling of the defence will definitely have an effect on the midfield selection. Sir Alex Ferguson will have to pick his strongest side if he wants the valuable away point. Valencia, Gibson and Anderson will all start, with either Obertan or Ji-Sung Park given the left-wing berth. He may even decide to play a five-man midfield, as is so often the case in Europe. So Paul Scholes could keep his place in the side.
Up front there is not Rooney, Berbatov or Macheda, thus leaving Michael Owen or Danny Welbeck to fight it out for a lone striker spot, or try to forge a winning partnership.
The game looks very tough considering the Germans need to win to make sure of a second round spot, they will need no extra motivation and Fergie has already hinted they will be enjoying the injury crisis currently engulfing Old Trafford.
“Wolfsburg will be delighted we have so many injuries,” jested Ferguson.
“I know we might come second in the group but I am not sure whether it really makes much difference.”
It may not make a difference, but top spot would give an easier draw in the next stage and the first leg at home, but ultimately we may pay the price for our medical shortcomings.
Prediction: 2-0 Vfl Wolfsburg
United’s 19-man squad for the game in Wolfsburg: Tomasz Kuszczak, Ben Foster, Patrice Evra, Oliver Gill, Gabriel Obertan, Magnus Eikrem, Paul Scholes, Darron Gibson, Antonio Valencia, Michael Carrick, Matty James, Darren Fletcher, Ji-sung Park, Anderson, Cameron Stewart, Nani, Oliver Norwood, Michael Owen, Danny Welbeck
Related items from Red Rants:- Manchester United drawn with Besiktas, CSKA Moscow and Wolfsburg
- Manchester United vs VfL Wolfsburg: Preview
- Man Utd v Everton: Preview
- Manchester United 2006/2007 Season Review
- The Manchester United Pledge
Tags: Game Preview
December 8th, 2009 at 9:27
I think its important not to lose sight of the bigger picture. Finishing second in the group might not be as bad as one thinks, lets not forget some favourites have flattered to deceive this season, by finshing second we will avoid some dangerous teams. Then again to be the best, you have to beat the best.Contradicting yes, but United need to get into some good form and more importantly get our players fit.
December 8th, 2009 at 9:36
I think we need to finish top, if we end up in second place we could be in a world of pain, personally I can see Fergie starting with Fletch and Carrick in the centre of defence for a young lad (and the Chief Ex son) playing against Dzeko might be a tough debut which if goes wrong could effect his career.
December 8th, 2009 at 9:51
…and still no Nani. I’m almost feeling a bit sorry for the lad.
December 8th, 2009 at 10:01
@Stephen: I agree I would like to see
———PIG————-
Park——Fletch———Carrick———Evra
Tony——Ando——-Scholes——–Gibbo——–Obertan
———————-Owen————————-
Thats how I would like us to lined up.. I won’t give any of the youngster any chance unless we are practically making sure that we are not loosing…
Anyway, may be due to injuries, but after along time UCL game is looking interesting…
I hope we will be able to get something out of this game….
December 8th, 2009 at 10:03
Actually no. Most people reckon that Fergie was much harder on son Darren when he was at United. Maybe a natural defense mechanism to make sure that no calls of favoritism were heard.
December 8th, 2009 at 10:06
@Stephen: I think it goes either way…. 1st place — could be Milan/RM or Inter Juve/Munich Lyon/Fiorentina…
2nd place — could be Barca, RM/Milan, Lyon/Fiorentina.
The only difference is Barca really. But since Arsenal and Chelsea both finish on top, means the probability of meeting Barca/RM/Milan is much greater
December 8th, 2009 at 10:32
Very strange feeling going into the match tonight. For some reason I don’t think we’ll be humiliated, which is what could happen, make no mistake about it. If we go open and attacking we’ll get thoroughly beaten, imo.
So tonight, I fear, it’ll be practicality first: possession. Dull, defensive, non-penetrative keep ball. This will require Scholes, and probably Park, Gibson, Anderson and Valencia in a five. Stick some crap in the air person up front (Welbeck, Owen) by themselves to run around aimlessly, and try to limit the damage to our back line.
The key will be controlling that little AMF, is it Milsovimic or something? He pulls the strings. I’d man mark him with Anderson.
December 8th, 2009 at 10:36
I really dont think we should be too worried about who we draw in the next round – if you want to win the big competitions you have to play the big teams sometime – so in that respect i think it makes no real difference whether we come first or second in the group.
Im really interested in watching tonights match because i want SAF to play the young fellas again – i regularly watch the reserves and acadamy matches so i’d love to see some of the second string get a full match at the highest level. This will give them a great deal of necessary experience that they wouldnt normally get – perhaps a few carling cup matches – bur champions league is different. This could be somenens chance to prove themselves to fergie and put their mark on the team like gibbo has over the last 3 games. I say give them a chance to al least come on as sub i.e Oliver Gill,Cameron Stewart,Oliver Norwood,Danny Welbeck. However the best way forward with these young players is to have a good mix of youth and experience to give them back-up and help them be able to express themselves on the pitch i would especially like to see Gabriel Obertan, Magnus Eikrem and Matty James – of all the younger players in the squad these 3 have real quality and i’d like to see them thrown in at the deep end to see how they deal with the pressure
December 8th, 2009 at 10:39
@[OPTI]Madschester United: Absolutely.. Thats the trouble.. You take out the 2 English Team who will finished at top and then you are left with only 4 Teams against whom you can be drawn. This will increase the probability of we are getting drawn against these team to as high as 25% which I would like to avoid for sure.
Secondly, If there is a probability of we are playing against RM as early as Round of 16, given the history in the summer I won’t be surprised to see that we are actually drawn against them. And at Round of 16 I would actually like to avoid them for sure….
December 8th, 2009 at 10:43
I’m actually looking forward to seeing how our make shift team fairs against strong opposition. Our midfield will have five for sure but if we have plenty of pace then we will counter-attack them quite often. The team Onkar suggests wouldn’t be bad at all. Gibson has a real opportunity to stake a claim to being a regular first teamer tonight. Hopefully he has his shooting boots on.
December 8th, 2009 at 10:49
@jpg: I agree.. I am actually looking forward to the game in EUROPE after long time…
December 8th, 2009 at 10:52
I want a United vs Madrid final.. No facing off until then, please…
December 8th, 2009 at 10:54
In the mean time Let us congratulate (SIR) RYAN GIGGS for winning the BBC Cymru Wales Sports Personality of the Year.
The man is just awesome a true Manchester United Living Legend
December 8th, 2009 at 10:55
@Onkar: I’m nervous at the same time because we could get a real spanking but I think this team will be up for it. They’l want to show that we’r still dangerous no matter what team is put out. Hopefully its a positive result so that when liverpool or arsenal fans complain about their injury woes, we can ram this down their throats!
December 8th, 2009 at 11:05
@Merlinus: +1
@jpg: I agree, even I am nervous but, in theory at least this game won’t be the typical United snoozfest that they have adopted away from home in UCL over last couple of years. Secondly, this game will give this club and players huge opportunity to show there character in such a big CRISIS. The biggest advantage will if we will be able to pull out a win (least probability) then just imagine the kind of encouragement it would provide to the players…
All in all, I am really looking forward for it, and I think the team that have stated in one of my previous post won’t be that easy to beat….
I will put my neck out and say that United will get something out of this game…
December 8th, 2009 at 11:09
All I can sat is..
This is so amazingly horrible it`s actually funny
December 8th, 2009 at 11:24
I thought we haven’t lost before when David Schiavone was giving the preview! That’s it then! United win
December 8th, 2009 at 11:32
@Rand: Yeah……David Schiavone is our Lucky Mascot… Common David… Keep on the good work matey….
December 8th, 2009 at 11:44
Personally I do not think we will get far in Europe anyway and I would rather we get knocked out by a good team next round than humiliated by an average team. Of course it would be nice to get to the quarter finals. But with all the injury problems we seem to have it may be a blessing in disguise if we get knocked out early so we can concentrate on winning another league title and knocking the wind out of Liverpool’s sails.
In any case I would rather play teams like Real Madrid and Barcelona in the second round than later in the competition as I think both teams will peak much later in the season. Real Madrid are still having teething problems as their players take forever to blend. And Barcelona seem to rise to the occasion in finals.
December 8th, 2009 at 12:22
@colver: I won’t agree with you on couple of count.
One is winning a league is not the equation that is in our hand as of now. I mean its not that we are on top and we need keep that number, its more like we are hoping that we will keep our pace and at the same time chelsea will drop points. So, Chelsea result is independent variable which will decide whether we are going to win title even if we win all the possible games.
Secondly, at the end of the day CL is CAT and MOUSE competition for me. I mean at the end of the day lot will depend on how a particular team does in those slotted 90 minutes. See, if Barca has a bad day and Rubin has a good day then Barca can loose against Rubin as well (No disrespect to RUBIN but Barca is too strong). Imagine that result in the knock out round and Barca was out isn’t it??? So, in these kind of competition you always have chance which you may not have in League irrespective quality of opposition.
And last but not the least, we can’t think on the line that we can forgo CL so that we can concentrate on PL front. Remember what happened to VILLA last term, they let Uefa Cup Go to ensure that there players are fit and fresh for the final part of the season so that they can get that illustrious UCL qualification spot and in the end they lost both. Progress in UEFA Cup as well as qualification for the UCL.
I won’t like us to end up this way… Forgo CL and loosing to Chelsea in the end….
December 8th, 2009 at 12:52
I usually get all my predictions wrong… so im loving the winning performances since I started
December 8th, 2009 at 12:59
@David Schiavone: Yeah…. So going by your track record 2-0 Wolf is certainly not going going to happen today isn’t it??? I am loving it…..
December 8th, 2009 at 13:04
Im going for a 100% prediction rate, I dont think we will win. A draw is the best we will get I think.
Given the strength of the team we will put out and Wolfsburg needing to win, it will be a tough task
December 8th, 2009 at 13:05
When ever we talk about the Attcking MF who can unlock the defenses we keep wonder around the same names again and again. But, no one really talks about the one we are playing against ‘Zvjezdan Misimovic’. He seems to be a monster of a playmaker. Is he worth a shot????
December 8th, 2009 at 13:11
@David Schiavone: I think if I want to really optimistic I would say that Wolfsburg needing to win (like you have mentioned) may just work in our favor. As it may present us an opportunity to strike some thing at them as well.
December 8th, 2009 at 14:21
I have this feeling in my gut that today is going to be a great match…talk of the wolves neeing to win, but think of it, our youngsters have just as much, if not more to prove…we will win!!
December 8th, 2009 at 15:06
@Jeet: Onkar: DREAM ON my friends, dream on
December 8th, 2009 at 15:50
Im not suggesting we throw the competition. Obviously we will field our strongest team in the knockout stages and do our best. Im just saying that even taking into account the “luck” involved in a cup competition, I do not think we have much of a chance of winning the competition or even making the semis and I think this will help our chances in the league. Yes we may still fall short to Chelsea, but I think that if we get knocked out early in Europe we may have that extra freshness not to mention reduced chances of injury which could well be a deciding factor. Chelsea’s squad isn’t that deep and so far they have been fortunate with injuries. That could change later in the season.
Id take 1st in the EPL and a 2nd round knockout over 2nd in the EPL and reaching the semis anyday.
December 8th, 2009 at 15:52
Its no time to lay blame but we should have secured pole position at OT against Fernebache.I hope we win
December 8th, 2009 at 15:55
@Onkar: Congrats…Meet me and give a treat
December 8th, 2009 at 15:56
I you can’t watch this game you can try free live streams
December 8th, 2009 at 16:58
call me insane, but unlike all the papers i’ve read today who for some absurd reason have lined up the back four as:
Evra Carrick Fletcher Park.
I’m sorry, but if we have only have two proper defenders in the squad, then shouldn’t we play both of them. I could care less who the father of Gill is and his position in the UTD heirarchy. If he’s a defender stick him in defence. lord knows i’d rather have fletcher as a right back than park. my preferred line up would be along the lines of:
Welbeck/Obertan Owen
Park Anderson Gibson Valencia
Evra Carrick Gill Fletcher
PIG
two hardworking wingmen who have no qualms about helping out futher back, especially against a team who favour balls into the box from the wings. Fletcher is confident at bringing the ball from the back, as is Evra Carrick did well against an admitedly poor West Ham, but Gill would be in his natural position, surely it doesn’t matter who your defending against as long as you do the basics right, which lets be honest Rio hasn’t been able to do since sometime last year (harsh but fair)
A quick player who can carry the ball paired upfront with mickey owen will keep us able to counter and keep Wolfsburg wary of that fact.
Bringing on Scholes for Gibson at some point will let us dictate the play better, but only if we go ahead. I don’t fancy watching Scholesy
break legs and get sent of for two shitty yellowstrying to defend!December 8th, 2009 at 16:59
@owen: If you score a winning GOAL today we would have a great bash….
December 8th, 2009 at 16:59
@donibrasco: you mean Besiktas right? i only know a few Turkish sides but i know which team we played this time round.
December 8th, 2009 at 17:02
@Onkar: your lineup is pretty great and i’d love to see it. i dont think it’s what will come out for us. i disagree w/ your youngster comment though. might as well blood them in a tough match. wish macheda was available
December 8th, 2009 at 17:07
I have a good feeling about today, our defensive crisis is gonna force fergie to attack. This should be an interesting game.
December 8th, 2009 at 17:21
@Onkar: what time is the match on ten sports?
December 8th, 2009 at 17:27
@Merlinus: 3.15 deferred telecast
December 8th, 2009 at 17:40
@Will: Yeah.It shows how we had a chance to top the group and blew it.i fear the prospect of facing any Spanish side and they are certain to top their groups.
December 8th, 2009 at 18:35
anyone read this ”If you asked me, ‘who would I pay money to go to watch on any given day?’ I would say Messi. If you asked me, “as a manager who would you want in your team on any given day?’ I would say Rooney. -Glenn Hoddle(column on the world cup)
December 8th, 2009 at 18:40
well i realise this particular thread is about today’s game, and i will get to that in a min, but first i’d like to address some points brought up in connection with our injury crisis (sorry, i had an important presentation today morning, just got done with it!!!)
first of all, its unfair to compare football with american football…. the average career of a football player is much shorter, they only start playing at the pro level at the age of 22 and most players are done by the time they get to 30-32 (QB’s not included, ofcourse)…. yes they play 4 years of college football also but thats only during the fall semester, which takes me to my next point, an american football season is much MUCH shorter than a football season in europe 16 regular season games and upto 4-5 games more if u reach the super-bowl…. thats about a third of the games a man utd will play if we reach the champs league final, and advance to the latter stages of the FA cup!
as far as most players suffering from problems in their legs, that could suggest that there is something missing in their training regiment, of it could be because, since its football, that the legs take the most punishment! american football players take equal, if not more punishment to their upper bodies, hence a higher percentage of their injuries are to the upper body as compared to footballers…..
December 8th, 2009 at 18:47
as for today’s game (in case people didnt know, and how would you?! i live in NYC, so its day here!!!) i’m acutally looking forward to it!!
the game itself may not be a spectacle, but its an opportunity for us to see some of the youngsters coming through the ranks against a fairly accomplished opposition….
December 8th, 2009 at 19:13
Prediction for team tonight.
PIG
Gill Fletcher Carrick Evra
Obertan Gibson Anderson Nani
Owen Welbeck
December 8th, 2009 at 19:52
PIG
Park
Fletch
Carrick
Evra
Welbeck
Gibson
Ando
Scholes
Nani
Owen
Subs:
Ben Foster
Antonio Valencia
Gabriel Obertan
Magnus Eikrem
Matthew James
Oliver Gill
Cameron Stewart
December 8th, 2009 at 19:52
Kuszczak
Fletcher, Gibson, Carrick, Evra
Nani, Scholes, Anderson, Park
Welbeck, Owen
December 8th, 2009 at 19:54
Subs:
Ben Foster
Antonio Valencia
Gabriel Obertan
Magnus Eikrem
Matthew James
Oliver Gill
Cameron Stewart
December 8th, 2009 at 19:56
Although UEFA.com supports AndyCR7’s lineup, who knows… I just hope they do themselves proud that’s all in these circumstances.
December 8th, 2009 at 20:02
Nani!!!
How come???
December 8th, 2009 at 20:05
29 Tomasz Kuszczak (G)
16 Michael Carrick (CD-L)
24 Darren Fletcher (CD-R)
3 Patrice Evra (LB)
13 Ji-Sung Park (RB)
18 Paul Scholes (CM-L)
28 Darron Gibson (CM-R)
19 Danny Welbeck (LM)
17 Nani (RM)
7 Michael Owen (ST)
8 Anderson (RCF)
December 8th, 2009 at 20:05
espn
December 8th, 2009 at 20:06
12 Ben Foster (SUB)
25 Antonio Valencia (SUB)
26 Gabriel Obertan (SUB)
43 Matthew James (SUB)
42 Magnus Eikrem (SUB)
45 Oliver Gill (SUB)
December 8th, 2009 at 20:06
4411 with ando in the hole
i think this is enough to get all 3
December 8th, 2009 at 20:18
Should be a cracker of a game!
December 8th, 2009 at 20:30
@Sir Red: Hope you’re right Sir Red!
December 8th, 2009 at 20:31
@gator: Have you seen the comments from a variety of fans? Realistically Rooney is a good player but i think he is the only player that plays his role.Defensive striker.If Tevez does it,then he is a headless chicken.Park too.
On the account of him being the most important man for England,then i feel sorry for England.The two champions league finals should have taught people something.Oh and the world cup where he stumped on Carvalhos balls and instead,the blame shifted to Ronaldo.Sorry.
Coming on topic,i believe we are going to win with Anderson scoring.
December 8th, 2009 at 20:32
If you can’t watch this game you can try this live streams:
http://redlog.pl/2009/12/08/wideo-z-meczu-vfl-wolfsburg-manchester-united/#live
(try stream with huge play button – it’s en skysports!)
UWS!
December 8th, 2009 at 20:44
I hope Nani doesn’t disappoint today….
December 8th, 2009 at 20:46
Ha ha ha. Wolfburg’s manager is called Wolfang Wolf!!
That’s like our manager being called Mannie Manchester or, say, Arsenal’s manager being called Arsene Arsenal or summat.(Close!)
On this injury crisis: Surely it’s down to some sort of Gypsy curse. That’s what City fans used to say – That when their old stomping ground Maine Road was built some Gypsies were cleared from the land and put a curse on the team. This was sometimes cited as a reason for their terrible form over the years. I used to counter this by suggesting that it might be because their teams were shit!
Anyway Gypsies leave off Utd yeah.
Not that I’ve got anything against gypsies mind!!!!!
December 8th, 2009 at 21:01
Gibson ratio: 6 long range shots=1 goal. There is hope.
December 8th, 2009 at 21:14
Ohh Nani is terrible….cant take this shit no more ship him out please
December 8th, 2009 at 21:29
@ owen you scored m8, worth every penny
December 8th, 2009 at 21:31
@Taehr: speak of the devil
December 8th, 2009 at 21:34
imo, a very satisfactory 1st half, we will be lucky not to concede, under the circumstances we are poor tonite with crosses into the box, but lets give credit were its due, well done the Lads. All fantastic experience for the future.
December 8th, 2009 at 21:36
I am The BEST
December 8th, 2009 at 21:38
@owen:
yes you are, take a bow m8
December 8th, 2009 at 21:44
There is still hope for Nani. If he can cross like this.
But strange how he does not seem to be able to get past players anymore.
Meanwhile, Park impressed in the first half. Was he playing RB?
December 8th, 2009 at 21:44
good half… Welbeck’s touch is poooooooooooooooooor…
December 8th, 2009 at 22:17
I personally dont like seeing Nani coming off, it just makes me think what a waste of potentially a great player, he imo, just looks totally demoralised. Will imo be gone in January window, or the summer.Just leaves me feeling uneasy
December 8th, 2009 at 22:23
is it just me or the turf like an ice rink…cant somebody control the ball
December 8th, 2009 at 22:24
As I SAID, @ owen, take a bow m8
December 8th, 2009 at 22:24
magical obertan
December 8th, 2009 at 22:25
and where are the doubters, he is a class act
, hope you see this liverpuddle
December 8th, 2009 at 22:26
Yes very good gabby brilliant skill…more of that please
December 8th, 2009 at 22:32
Enough said If that lad aint on the plane to south africa, huge error
December 8th, 2009 at 22:32
mickey and gabby combine once again..hattrick!!!
December 8th, 2009 at 22:35
Real Madrid has made a bid of 50 million for me
December 8th, 2009 at 22:38
MICHAEL OWEN TAKE A FUCKING BOW!!!
December 8th, 2009 at 22:41
@AndyCR7: No it isn’t.
December 8th, 2009 at 22:42
Well overall a great result, pleasantly surprised, no over the moon, i thought we would at best draw, with the makeshift team, but it does say, there is huge spirit in the players.
In the long term great experience for the lads, an too be blooded at such a stage of the competion.
Just feeling still United, grit determnation a total class act!
SAF, take a bow also, yer majik u jock , to arrange the team in such a way.
Mom. Darren Fletcher, bye a sniff behind Micheal
December 8th, 2009 at 22:44
@owen: lol take the move m8, and enjoy
December 8th, 2009 at 22:49
Niters lads, thanks and the moderator, for letting me join in, wan very happy jock, I hope i read your very positive posts tommorow, and some surreal comments and funny ones as per normal.
If u aint UNITED , yer lost
December 8th, 2009 at 22:49
@NicoQB: Well that’s what you think.
He has poor first touch, poor ball control and a bit selfish… still young though… but Macheda seems to do better than him whenever given opportunity…
Anyway very happy for Owen…
December 8th, 2009 at 22:56
No hat-trick since January 2008 then two in three weeks? Where are all the goals gonna come from…
December 8th, 2009 at 22:57
Carrick and Fletch were quite happy with themselves at the end, and good for them, as they did to the best of their ability.
Gibson again looked average. His short passing is decent, his defensive skills looked questionable. If he doesn’t score…
Nani looked willing to do well, his dribbling is still letting him down, but he showed good spirit imho.
WElbeck played ok in the first half, but disappeared in the second.
And Kuzszack handled very safely for the most part but was quite dodgy on corners and crosses. Wolsburg could (should?) have scored more on aerial balls.
Kuzsz – 8
Park – 7.5
Fletch – 7.5
Carrick – 7.5
Evra – 7.5
Gibson – 6.5
Anderson – 7 (a few stray passes but good hustling)
Scholes – 7.5 (kept good possession)
Nani – 6.5
Welbeck – 7 (his goal was onside, btw)
Owen – 8.5 (good hat trick)
Oh, and Dzeko doesn’t look like a Unioted player to me. Looks way too much like an improved(?) version of Niall Quinn.
December 8th, 2009 at 22:57
@David Schiavone: You`re a fucking legend mate!
December 8th, 2009 at 22:59
David Schiavone is great…I love him
December 8th, 2009 at 23:01
Over the moon. Tonight has to go down as one of the great victories in this team’s history. Their entire defense absent and decimated by injury and nothing but reserves and subs starting and we go to Germany and not just win, but win comfortably against a good team that was desperate for a win. Hat s off to the lads and to Fergie and Michael Owen especially for getting the job done. This has to be one of Fergie’s greatest hours because of the injuries and because of the pressure. Outstanding coaching job and a clear indication of why Fergie is light years ahead of Rafa as he gets a positive result using backups and players playing out of their customary positions. Had Rafa played this game with his defense decimated like this, I guarantee you Liverpool would have lost. Fergie takes a major negative and turned it into a major positive and a very memorable night.
And how about that back four and how they played. Fantastic. Also, I am so happy for little Mickey Owen. So all yo u nay sayers who think Owen is done, shut the fuck up OK. Just fantastic.
December 8th, 2009 at 23:01
@AndyCR7: Welbeck is definitely selfish and dawdles too much on the ball. THat makes him lose a few balls, when a quick pass would have been welcome.
But he actually has good ball control and technique. He should look at Berbatov to make the most of his skills. Then again he may want to go the traditional striker route, that’s why he behaves a bit selfish, but then he’ll have to be livelier and stronger on the ball.
December 8th, 2009 at 23:04
@Grognard: I`ve never seen you this happy before!
December 8th, 2009 at 23:06
@owen: I <3 you!
December 8th, 2009 at 23:08
@Grognard: You are very HAPPY tOday…
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
December 8th, 2009 at 23:10
Obertan – 7.75 Great assist
Valencia – 7 Hustled well and played a few good passes in his 15 minutes.
December 8th, 2009 at 23:17
I hate to say I TOLD YOU SO, but I TOLD YOU SO
. I have been championing Little Mickey against the negative comments and reviling against him by a lot of United fans. Grog and I were telling you all a couple of weeks ago, that give Mickey the service and he will bulge that ole net. Well Done little Mickey lad 
. There was some woeful stuff from some of our lot though, but we won so I will not name them 
.
December 8th, 2009 at 23:18
@NicoQB: Rate me also
December 8th, 2009 at 23:18
@NicoQB: NANI fantastic assist for Owen for 1st goal – trust you to forget Nico
.
December 8th, 2009 at 23:20
Happy Birthday Grog – you still SOBER then
December 8th, 2009 at 23:21
Great game,enjoyed that…My views…Nani was very poor,i have to say that his cross was brilliant and well placed but the rest was absolutely dismal and he gave the ball away at every opportunity…obertan on the other hand was good..great control for the 2nd.What frustrates me about him is he seems to be laid back a lot when dribbling,he also plays too many backpasses,we already have park(the worst winger iv seen play for us) and valencia for that..He needs an injection of ronaldos mentality to really take his game up a notch..Arrogance and confidence. PIG continues to improve as was expected,i dont even worry bout VDS as much because he is playing really well…good to see.finally michael owen is back!or atleast slightly!
December 8th, 2009 at 23:22
@CraigMc: Why the fuck are you lying mate, you know you love to say I told you so!
December 8th, 2009 at 23:22
Michael Owen is fast becoming the perfect example of a player flourishing at United!
December 8th, 2009 at 23:25
@NicoQB: Nani can get past players mate – but he just doesn’t feel a part of United anymore, and who the fuck can blame him. Fergie is a bastard when his feathers are ruffled, even IF what the player said about him IS TRUE!
December 8th, 2009 at 23:25
What does welbeck actually do as a player…?All i see is a lanky lad running,stumbling and really not offering much to our game…in the youth team I thought hel definately make it because he scored terrific goals every week but he hasnt improved at all…id take kiko any day
December 8th, 2009 at 23:26
@Taehr: And fucking ship Taehr out with him
December 8th, 2009 at 23:26
@Grognard: ONE! TWO! THREE! GOOOO!!!
Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday dear Grognard!
Happy birthday to you!
Love from Eddy, keep it up mate!
<3
December 8th, 2009 at 23:28
@Footy4Eddy: Now Eddi, don’t get your knickers in a twist eh
December 8th, 2009 at 23:36
@Footy4Eddy: Wish me too
December 8th, 2009 at 23:39
@CraigMc: Me knickers are ja boodis! Twisting like a marchion, like a, silencer up da RPG like. Ooh yee, me knickers twist like da hattons fist!
December 8th, 2009 at 23:40
Welbeck has the first touch of a brick wall. Bounces right back from whence it came.
Obertan killed off Nani for good tonight.
December 8th, 2009 at 23:40
@owen: I love you!!!
Happy birthday, your first hat-trick in a reds(clean red, not filthy) shirt. Well done.
December 8th, 2009 at 23:42
Good stuff from Owen and the rest. We played cautiously which I completely expected and understood,which is why I went on to watch live(between you and me,missing a United game is proving really difficult
). Anyway, I think it was a good disciplined performance. A smash and grab of sorts but we did the business. So let’s get rid of the negatives here,before we get into the positives.
Firstly,Welbeck has no first touch and is one of our worst passers and “receivers” of a football along with Rooney and Park. Owen too needs to get his passing right.In fact there should be a real concerted effort from the coaching staff to get our passing to an acceptable standard first and then to an exceptional one.This is a real area of concern for me and we need to start getting it right. Teach them how to make a pass that reaches it’s intended target and also how to receive a pass. To be honest that is the major problem for me and if we get this right then we will become unbeatable again. We don’t seem to be able to string multiple passes together because of certain culprits in the team and finally we need to make runs off the ball constantly and leave this “stick to your post” football.
Now to the positives and there were many for once. What a brave performance by our non-defenders defence. Fletcher was suspect at times as expected but did a really decent job at RCB.But Carrick played like an experienced CB I totally forgot he was out of position. It was his Cannavaro-type of positioning that was superb. It’s really encouraging to see such brave performances from the players because in all honesty,we could have been bombarded by the in form Dzeko and his partner in crime Grafite.
We played a 5 man midfield,to keep it tight and though we were a bit disjointed in the opening minutes we began to make our mark in the middle. Nani was not playing well in that period and Park was useless almost throughout. But after his assist Nani was becoming effective and his passing improved. Park won freeki9cks in areas of little importance and that’s all I remember about his contribution. But for me the central midfielders did the best job. Scholes and Gibson were balancing things at the base with Anderson in the centre proper. They did a good job at keeping possession with some mature short passes between themselves. However,the following can be noted:Scholes willnever make a successful tackle in his career,Gibson needs to improve his passing(even beyond the improvement of tonight). Finally,Anderson should stop being a coward and grow a pair and be counted on the end of attacks. He does everything right but is too scared to be on the end of things.
Lastly,Owen has done himself no harm with this clinical display of goal scoring. 5 shots I think and 3 goals. Should we require more,especially given that we have first team front two of Berbatov and Rooney. Magnificent stuff esp the last of the hat trick and Obertan once again making a good shout for the left wing spot for himself.Great skill and perfect FINAL BALL to Owen for the goal. Oh and before I forget,Tomas Kusczack is a great goalkeeper. In fact he is world class in my limited opinion whatever that means.Now for Saturday,were things will not be as favourable as they were tonight in the sense of the type of minimum result that we need. Hopefully,Vidic and Brown will be back because I just can’t see Carrick and Fletcher coping with Carew and Aghbonlahor. Owen should start because he has deserved it and it’s high time some justice is seen at Old Trafford as we are forgetting what it is.
December 8th, 2009 at 23:43
Guess who just got an A+ on a report which was sent in as a rap, 452 words, full of metaphores?
You know it, aha, you know it!
December 8th, 2009 at 23:43
@owen: Already did.
@CraigMc: Didn’t forget bro, I mentioned that there was still hope for him when he crosses like that, implying the assist.
He was wasteful in his dribbles though, but had a few good touches, several times he was double up by Wolfsburg, but he still managed to pass the ball.
I think he just needs a bit of confidence. I liked when Owen came to thank him on his assist, Hopefully he’ll see that he can contribute much more to United by assisting rather than scoring.
December 8th, 2009 at 23:48
@NicoQB: I know it’s your own opinion but there is no way Park can be rated higher than Nani in this match. He was hardly useful
December 8th, 2009 at 23:53
What’s all this talk about Welbeck having no touch? He does have one, its just that he doesn’t know how to use it. His football brain is a bit on the slow side and opposition close him down instead of him releasing the ball fast enough.
I agree that he’s not looking United quality for the most part recently – we need very, very good players up front – even as subs, and I much prefer Macheda over him, but I would not bash him on some flaws which I don’t think he has.
He IS too selfish and his feet not FAST enough to make the ball live. But he does actually have good ball control.
He did pick that long ball out of thin air just like a certain Mr.Berba did last season to set up Tevez.
December 8th, 2009 at 23:55
Aside from the spectacular display tonight, it seems we will play Leeds in the FA Cup. (They defeated Kettering 5-1 AET.)
December 8th, 2009 at 23:55
Oh and Krasic scored yet again tonight. Fergie sign him up.
December 8th, 2009 at 23:57
@NicoQB: Nani’s not going to get confidence playing at Man United is he Nico? Fergie kept him out all of last season with no good reason, as he had a very good contribution the season before. This year how do you expect him to come on and bust his arse for a club where he is treated abominantly. I really think he should tell Fergie he has had enough of his treatment, and no way does he want to regress further at OT, when he could be elsewhere getting games, and playing very well AS HE DOES FOR PORTUGAL. I am sorry Nico, but Man United football club can turn very nasty and make bell ringing lepers out of any player who speaks up. Grog can’t call Nani a nabcy boy any longer afraid to speak up to the boss – because he did this season, and he is on our outer benches of Siberia as a result
December 8th, 2009 at 23:58
@Jay wire: Park brought penetration in the first half. As always not much end product, but he was also defending well, and I thought he was one of our best players in the first 45.
In the second half though didn’t reflect the first. Less penetration and partly at fault for the Dzeko goal.
December 9th, 2009 at 0:03
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11945_5760126,00.html
So that`s how they managed a 3-3 draw!
December 9th, 2009 at 0:04
And we are playing Leeds!!!
How awsome is this?! 
December 9th, 2009 at 0:06
@CraigMc: The real question though, has to be:
Why does Nani push his tongue on the inside of his cheek when he’s dribblinwiththe ball, making him look like he’s sporting an ugly boil?
December 9th, 2009 at 0:06
Apparantley Ronaldo scored another belter…
Oh well, Owen scored one more goal than him tonight! SUCK ON THAT CRISTIANO!!!
December 9th, 2009 at 0:08
@Traverse: NO mate your wrong! Fergie KILLED off Nani with the way he has treated and discouraged the lad, until he is completely demoralised. SAF has been a total bastard to Nani both last and this season, and he NEVER sticks by the lad until he comes good by consistent playing time, as he persists with other players who he takes a liking too. No matter what Fergie says about not having favourites, he fucking has so many favourites he should have been a schoolteacher with all his class pets around him
. wHAT A bastard DEMORALISER SAF is to some poor unfortunate players.
December 9th, 2009 at 0:11
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBZW4I2xH08
Respect
December 9th, 2009 at 0:16
@Footy4Eddy: THanks I was gonna ask for a link.
Looks ridiculous, like a playstation goal. The Madrid fans showed their class in the celebration though…
Anyone got the Krasic goal?
December 9th, 2009 at 0:38
@Footy4Eddy:
I like this very much
December 9th, 2009 at 0:40
@owen:
Cheers … I like all this love… I am not looking forward to when we lose
December 9th, 2009 at 1:09
If Owen gets playing time he will score…That is why I am saddened when he only gets 10-15 mins per game in the Prem…Of course, he is not going to score hattricks every game, but he has the best instincts a striker can have.
December 9th, 2009 at 1:21
@CraigMc: As you already know I could not agree with you more. Nani could have flourished at United. He has bags of skill: two great feet, a good crosser of the ball from either side of the pitch, quick and shifty. Nani will be electric at another club and show everyone that with the right situation and a manager who builds his confidence and not destroy it, Nani will be one of the top 50 players in the world in a few years time.
December 9th, 2009 at 1:29
@Lars: Mickey owen is the best prue finisher we have on our team. You are absolutely correct in your views that Owen should get much more playing time.
December 9th, 2009 at 1:40
@Footy4Eddy: Great clip Eddy, but honestly, every time I see Ronaldo score my heart breaks…I kind of miss seeing him play for us from time to time…
December 9th, 2009 at 3:07
@RichmondRed: Yeah he wasn’t bad considering he had 7 MF’ers behind him!!
December 9th, 2009 at 3:09
@RichmondRed: Nani off, Obertan on.
Or should I say Nani out, Obertan in!!
December 9th, 2009 at 3:13
@Footy4Eddy:
Viva Ronaldooooooo, we created youuuuuuu
Scoring as he did, way before Madrid
Viva Ronaldoooooo, we created you!
Man, I miss him jewels… Obertan is trying hard to fill the magic moment vacuum Ronaldo left.
December 9th, 2009 at 3:35
@Footy4Eddy: They earned it the old fashioned way today. Hard work, courage and with a sprinkle of style. AM I NOT MERCIFUL?
December 9th, 2009 at 3:37
@owen: It’s not my birthday. But seriously, how am I supposed to find anything negative about this performance against a good team on the road in bad weather with an entire back four decimated and with most of our starters sitting it out? This was an awesome result that showed our depth, our class and our courage. Something Liverpool and Arsenal definitely don’t have. Even Chelsea choked tonight.
December 9th, 2009 at 3:39
@CraigMc: You said it mate. I just have one thing to say. FUCK DZEKO! We have Mickey Owen, Berba and the Roon.
December 9th, 2009 at 3:39
@owen: 9.0 You were awesome mate.
December 9th, 2009 at 3:43
@CraigMc: It’s not my birthday. Although it is happy day for many reasons. My mom finally got moved out of the hospital into a beautiful state of the art retirement home after eight months of hospital Hell. Add to that a fantastic display by United and a truly awesome performance by Bayern Munich at Juventus and today is one of those rare over the moon days. That Bayern performance was even greater than United’s. I could have sworn they were playing a minnow at the Alliance, instead of mighty Juve in Turin. Buffon faced a shooting gallery tonight. Scary stuff if they are finding their form. Too bad for them because they will lose it all because of the two months off they will have because of the break in Germany. At least United get to carry their great form and momentum into the next few weeks of fixtures.
December 9th, 2009 at 3:45
@Taehr: So true. He’s a big waste of time and space.
December 9th, 2009 at 3:47
@Footy4Eddy: It’s not my frakken birthday. And if you think my good mood is due to something like that, think again. I generally feel even grouchier than usual on my birthday because all it signifies to me is that I am a year closer to death.
December 9th, 2009 at 3:51
@Jay wire: 5 shots is the key stat. How often have we watched games where all of our forwards never got five shot together as a group yet alone one player. You give a quality player like Owen or even Berba and Rooney five clear chances in a game and they will score one or two. That’s been my major point all season long. Service Service Service. And a good job on the counter tonight. Positive signs all around.
December 9th, 2009 at 3:53
@Footy4Eddy: The team may get banned for this and Wolfsburg will go through.
December 9th, 2009 at 3:54
@Footy4Eddy: Love Owen but Ronny is GOD. I believe in God.
December 9th, 2009 at 3:57
Well that was a terrific performance from a side that was very strange to watch.
I guess going in, I would have excepted any result (other than a complete pasting by the Krauts)- and so my expectations were not the highest. But the longer the game progressed the more I realized that we were putting on a master class of whole-squad football!
It wasn’t just that we were playing some 2nd stringers, but also that our core MF’ers were playing out of position!!
All this and against the German champions and a side that needed to win this game!! 
Park, Fletcher and Carrick along the back line??…., are you kidding me!
If I were to single out top performers – and without taking anything away from anyone else , it would have to be 3 players that have emerged as true leaders.
- Paul Scholes – He put in a truly great 90 mins. Acting in his preferred central pivot position, he distributed from deep and advanced situations. Long and short and holding the ball flawlessly with the Wolfsberg pressure on him.
He defended without bringing the Ref into the game and attacked without compromising his position.
- Patrice Evra – As the only recognized defender in the team, he marshaled that back line with aplomb. Eager and vital in his approach, he set the tone for all around him.
- Michael Owen – What else can said about a player that buries 3 goals?
He coolly handled his opportunities with a ruthlessness that our strikers have lacked since the days of RVN.
Without regular playing time, you wouldn’t have faulted him that much if he’s fluffed his chances. But today he was the MO of old, and it was really good to watch.
With all that being said, this has to be one of SAF’s most proudest moments.
Who else could have put together a side like this, in a game like this, and have them play like they played.
We are so, so lucky!!
December 9th, 2009 at 3:58
@CraigMc: OK mate we know how you feel about Nani and I mostly agree with you about the treatment he has gotten from Fergie but I need to ask you if you are about the team or one individual? Today is a great day. We destroyed adversity and finished first in our group with a highly memorable and heroic road win and you are harping on Nani. Even I’m not that depressing mate. Forget Nani. Take up your Nani love when he starts for Portugal or the next team he goes to. Lets not forget United as a whole OK.
December 9th, 2009 at 4:00
@Footy4Eddy: WOW! What a free kick. That was a massive finesse job from long distance. The man is just oh so special. Now I am depressed again. I was coming out of my post Ronny depression and today I was feeling really positive and optimistic and then you show me that Roony highlight and i just want to go crawl under my bed and cry.
December 9th, 2009 at 4:02
@Redrich: If it takes seven midfielders to ensure that forwards get some bloody service, then so be it.
December 9th, 2009 at 4:02
@Redrich: Vicious!
December 9th, 2009 at 4:04
@Redrich: Beautifully said mate, beautifully said. Truly one of Fergie’s finest moments.
December 9th, 2009 at 4:06
@Grognard: Nah!!, I love Nani..
Just thought I could rattle Craig’s cage a bit!!
December 9th, 2009 at 4:07
@Redrich: Oh believe me you did.
December 9th, 2009 at 4:09
I certainly hope Senior Capello was watching today because if that performance does not get mIchael Owen onto the England team, nothing will. Come on Fabio, a half fit Owen is way better than Peter Fucking Crouch or Gaby a Bundleofwhores or especially that walking stiff Emile Heskey. Come on Fab, wake the fuck up. Mickey for England!!!!!
December 9th, 2009 at 4:28
@Grognard: Errr guess you didn’t read all my posts on Mickey Owen then – and I said nothing derogatary about the rest of the team – though I certainly could have had a field day a a few of them, but I let it be. With regards to Nani comments, I was responding TO OTHER PEOPLES NEGATIVISM on Nani – so talk to them Grog
December 9th, 2009 at 4:32
@Grognard: Really, truly pleased for your mother Grog, she deserves to be somewhere nice and comfortable for her final years!
December 9th, 2009 at 4:34
@Redrich: Get back in YOUR OWN CAGE RedRich, and I will come and do a bit of rattling
December 9th, 2009 at 4:36
@RichmondRed: He will be what he is mate – BETTER than Ronaldo
December 9th, 2009 at 4:39
@Lars: Heis the ONLY striker we have who can play off the last man, always find space in the box, and given the ball as he was tonight, straight to his feet or head, he will always get us a goal or two.
. Berba and Rooney can’t do the role Mickey does, so he should play with either one of them, at leadt every other game.
December 9th, 2009 at 4:41
@David Schiavone: If you prohesy the loss – why worry – you will still have your record intact mate
December 9th, 2009 at 4:51
@CraigMc: THE BEAST HAS AWOKEN!!
December 9th, 2009 at 5:01
@Redrich: Yeah well crying baby will awaken the beast
. Why do babies wake in the middle of the night for feeding and changing? I mean it makes no sense to me, but I help the Missus out because she has the duties all day. I’m off back to bed now though – night mate 
December 9th, 2009 at 5:12
@CraigMc: If my memory serves me, it gets better after the first 7/8 years!!
December 9th, 2009 at 5:25
@CraigMc: I was just pulling your leg mate because after all this positivity, it still came down to Nani getting stiffed in your books. I did read all your posts but you’re still dominated by the Lil Man.
December 9th, 2009 at 5:26
@CraigMc: Thanks mate. She certainly paid her dues but unfortunately she will never get back those eight Hellish months she spent in Cukoos Nest Hospital. Thank God for small mercies.
December 9th, 2009 at 5:28
@CraigMc: Tonight he scored with the aerial game, the poacher game and then he used his fast break finesse game to add the cherry on top. Quite simply a fantastic Gerd Mueller style hattrick if I’ve ever seen one.
December 9th, 2009 at 6:20
@Grognard: Hello bro… I am very happy for you and your mother. Good for her…
BTW look what happened when you kinda have a happy feeling about the game and the results. Just a little bit of optimism about Man UTD from you and people here almost celebrated your birthday on the net courtesy I suppose EDDY..
But, yeah great game. I don’t know why ever since yesterday I was very enthusiast about this game and my didn’t united treat me. I mean I woke in the night 3.15 am to see the game knowing that I have an office to attend in the morning, but wasn’t it worth. Great performance can’t find a faulty in it (don’t wanna be too critical).
Am I the only one here who feels that we have a RIO in making here. WHAT A PERFORMANCE FROM CARRICK. I mean every one talking about the Mickey Owen heroics (rightly so) but CARRICK… He was awesome. He never looked out of positioned, uncomfortable when on the ball, calm, composed and what more he was finding good range of passes specially to our wingers from back. In short, I never had any goosebumps whenever he was on the ball. Common let him replace RIO.. at least he won’t have scope to back pass then…
Finally it really showed what it means to be a great man manger it wasn’t about skill and technical ability yesterday, it was more about man management and making sure that players were up for it, and boy weren’t they committed???
Thats what make you champion and that is what we are!!!!!
December 9th, 2009 at 6:25
@CraigMc: I was dreaming on for this results and look they delivered bro… COMMON….
December 9th, 2009 at 6:26
@owen: Hey.. I was asking for one goal and you scored three. Now we should have a big bash isn’t it???
December 9th, 2009 at 6:30
@Grognard: Yeah… He just showed what is typically said about him, that he is only as good as the service he gets. Quiet rightly so… He got 5 chances and scored three.. Just class.. The man just knows where the hell goal is and he just finds the back of the net with an ease. Whats more he is not been playing regularly as well so he could have bit rusty but boy isn’t he enjoying his football again?? And that is the crux of all. I am very happy for him.. It was good to see him smiling and happy yesterday..
Common Fab take him on board.. 
I am falling in love with you MICKEY…
December 9th, 2009 at 7:23
did’n get to watch the game.. any news on how the subs played or rather who were played nd how they performed?? eikrem, gill etc etc. was kinda looking forward to see them play.
December 9th, 2009 at 7:30
Fergie has already conformed the back 4 for the VILLA game in the post match yesterday.
The back are
Fletcher, Carrick, Vidic and Evra
Seems like CARRICK is finding a new challenge to resurrect his fading career.
December 9th, 2009 at 7:38
@Redrich: I totally agree with you mate. People talk about Owen and rightly so but Scholes put in a true masterclass as the complete midfielder. In a very heavy pitch he seldom miss a pass, short or long. He was the puppetmaster that held a makeshift team together. Evra, Carrick and Fletch were good as well. The only negative was that Wellbeck and Gibson were dissapointing. They will hopefuly learn and improve.
December 9th, 2009 at 7:45
Missed the game yesterday due to Corporate Bullshit.. So, how was Anderson???
December 9th, 2009 at 7:45
@adie: It was a delayed telecast in INDIA and I am happy I chose to watch it. As this was the first CL game I watched this season.
As far game goes, We started as 3 at back with 2 wingbacks. Carrick played as a sweeper along side Fletch and EVRA. PARK on the right and NANI on the left. TBH, we were lucky not to concede in first 20 mins as team took time to gel in this new system with new players. There was penalty shout against CARRICK and two free headers were missed by the Wolf players. But, after initial period they played well. AS far as Park and NANI was concerned they looked little confused about there role and found wanting in midway neither in attack nor in defense. But, NANI at least produced the most important moment of the first half that is an assist for the goal of MICKEY OWEN who by the way was invisible for the most of the first half.
In second half we conceded in within 10 minutes as CARRICK I can say went for the sleep for a second. But, then it was a PIG show who in memory had at least two saves to make. Tnen came the masterpiece from our MASTER FERGIE. He subbed Obertan and Valencia for NANI and Welback and we went to traditional 4-4-2 with PARK tucking in RB position. And then Obertan produced the couple of great magic moments first when he dribbled past 2-3 defenders and found OWEN with a pinpoint pass on the far post and then when Fletch came out of defense with ball (may be for a moment he forgot that he was a defender) and passed it on to Obertan who with his one touch found Owen who had a great run and finish for the third. As far as Valencia goes it was just usual great speed running at defender and all.
So there were only two subs but what it made was actually a positive changed on the team which could score couple more. Obertan was good, MICKEY was better but for me CARRICK yesterday was at his best. Never looked out of position, out of comfort and out of place.
December 9th, 2009 at 7:52
@Onkar: OOOOhhhh… I am so happy.. Adie asked for performace of the Subs and gave him post match report (Match Review).. How generous I am….
@Merlinus: Refer my first post match review…
As far as Ando goes he was at his usual hustling-bustling performance. definitely had one of the better European nights for sure. He definitely was finding the long range passes (specially along the ground in typically Ando style). But, as GROG normally says that he lacks that little finesse or I would rather say the he lacks that little bit of composure. As he certainly can see the gaps in the defense but just that little that you need to find those pass executed is not there. But, given the situation and given that other two namely Ginger Ninja and Gibbo sat deep he took it himself to run around and it was good to see that he could keep his performance up and it did not diminish as time clocked on….I hope it helps…. 
December 9th, 2009 at 8:10
@Onkar: o so i get it.. none of the kids played// thot fergie wud bring atleast eikrem on.. have heard good stuff abt him.. glad we won. feels good. thanks anyways.
December 9th, 2009 at 8:10
@Onkar: His first two goals were fantastic poacher goals but the class just oozed out on his third goal with that soft and very adept chip over the keeper at full speed. That was just world class and very hard to do when a defender is on your heels. I’ve said all season but we need to find him more playing time. Berba and he have to alternate every other game seeing as Fergie will never sit Rooney down unless he is injured.
December 9th, 2009 at 8:41
I knew we would win but i have a few matters i noted.
1-Does Welbeck have a single bone in his body?He is too soft and if Fergie wants him to succeed,he has to send him on loan to some tough league to toughen him up.
2-When we play with alot of midfielders,we look so solid and our passing is always good,unlike in 4-4-2 where we appear to be in arush everytime we get the ball.
3-Kuszack is good enough to be our first choice no matter what other people say.He doesnt come with much hype like foster but does his job.@Grognard: Owen played well but if i was Capello, i would be thinking about Zamora.The Agbonlahors you dont seem to rate play week in week out and are easily assessed and they possess different qualities.
December 9th, 2009 at 8:57
@Grognard: Yeah.. Right about third goal.. And whats more was the confidence he had while nipping that as if I remember correctly, he tried doing the same thing just about few minutes before also, and he missed that opportunity. So, try and do the same thing after missing one previously was class as well as confidence….
December 9th, 2009 at 8:59
Hi,
first timemaybe second time post, but a long time reader. I was nearly having heart attack to see the score this morning. It was like the old times when United scores easily, I don’t watch the game, but from the score it looked like it.December 9th, 2009 at 9:05
@Grognard: I always advocated previously that we should use three of them together more often then not. I mean use Berba in deepish role (Zizou role like we you were discussing yesterday) and play Rooney and Owen as striker ahead of him. We don’t have any other player on our teamsheet who is having such a good skills on the to link MF to Attack.
Second way of using them all is using Rooney in Scholesy position that is right in the MF as an AMF. He just ticks all the requirement of that position and give someone like Fletch as a foil and then see him excel. For me this is the best way employing all of them together. But, then we all know that Fergie now a days only plays one striker. So, playing three, may be I am asking to much, isn’t it???
December 9th, 2009 at 9:50
Re: Owen, I am more protective about United players. I know they would like to play for the country and I respect that, but I hope for our sake Capello continues to ignore him and he can bang them in for us for an even more extended spell. Giggs’ and Scholes’ retirements prolonged their club careers. With Owen’s history I hope he sees the “sense” and choose us over England.
And of course, I am not an England fan, so I’d prefer if United players didn’t spend more time with England.
December 9th, 2009 at 10:23
@Red Ranter: Yeah…. Club over Country…..
December 9th, 2009 at 10:32
@donibrasco: Screw their qualities mate. England needs a goal scorer. Rooney has all those other qualities. England needs an out and out goal poacher to partner Rooney. Owen is exactly that and one thing is for sure, England’s midfield would provide him the service he doesn’t always get with United and never got at Newcastle.
December 9th, 2009 at 10:33
@parjo: Welcome aboard mate. Hope to hear more from you. Don’t be shy.
December 9th, 2009 at 10:35
@Onkar: I would agree in general but right now it’s not a good idea. I do not like the idea of using all three of my forwards at once because it gives me no options coming off the bench late in a game and it also increases the chance of injuries.
December 9th, 2009 at 10:41
Berbatov shall not be the link between midfield and strikers.. heavens no.. that is the territory trodden by a hathen God who graces manchester united FC by his mere presence, holy gait and prowling dread locks.. Tearing out orgasmic passes up and down and accros the field, working up a divine orgy – arising to a crescendo when his bumbling bulging bottom goes for a lap dance against mundane opponents,all this: for us mere mortals to comprehend the incorrigible divinity of the beautiful game to something so corny as sex on the pitch..
Say Grace: Anderson Luis de Abreau Oliviera
December 9th, 2009 at 10:45
@parjo: Welcome to the battle field matey.. Get ready exchange a punch or two….
December 9th, 2009 at 10:47
@Merlinus: Oooohhhh yeah right (You Ando LOVER).. I forgot bro.. By the way what about Eddy’s marriage proposal bro… I am already on my way to NORWAY as he has elected me Best Man in you two’s marriage…
December 9th, 2009 at 13:21
@Red Ranter: I think this would be Owen’s last World Cup anyway. Probably even his last international tournament. I think having it as a big golden carrot dangling at the end of the season will keep him focused.
There was always talk at Newcastle that he was more interested in his horses than football, and there is always the chance that he is using us as much as we are using him.
December 9th, 2009 at 13:28
@NicoQB: The CSKA drug scandal may play exactly into our hands. The club’ll get a multi year Champs League ban, and Krasic and Akinfeev will want to be off, and CSKA will need the money.
December 9th, 2009 at 13:36
A quote from Adem Ljajic:
“The reason for the transfer not happening is that I couldn’t get a business licence”
He’s pretty pissed that Phelan suggested it was because “footballing stagnation”. I’m pretty pissed that a wet lettuce like Phelan can ever claim to speak on behalf of our club.
December 9th, 2009 at 13:59
Va-va-voom!
December 9th, 2009 at 14:03
@Grognard: Rooney does not have all those qualities mate.Agbonlahor is super fast and can play upfont alone pretty well.Defoe is a better finisher than rooney. So if Rooney is an automatic starter,then he needs more of the Agbonlahors,and Zamoras than Owens.
December 9th, 2009 at 14:11
In my opinion, Zinedine Zidane is the best footballplayer to have ever graced the beautiful game.
December 9th, 2009 at 14:13
@Traverse: With Kuzsz’s current form and Akinfeev’s alleged weakness on crosses, he would not be much different from PIG or even Foster.
But gimme a Krasic and I’ll go Krazy-c over it (sorry)
December 9th, 2009 at 14:29
@Footy4Eddy: Balls to you.. It is Anderson
December 9th, 2009 at 14:41
@Merlinus: Gourcuff>Anderson
Zidane>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Maradona+Pele
I love Andy, but sometimes great football players should be respected to the limit.
December 9th, 2009 at 14:43
@NicoQB: Krasic can go fuck himself at the paedophiles backyard, behind the tree where rats go to make their babies and then bites his nude ass so he gets infected and has to take drugs and make an operatioong which does it impossible for him to play football ever again and not have sex for a long time.
I want Gourcuff.
December 9th, 2009 at 14:45
@Merlinus:
Even Eddy is not that deluded!
December 9th, 2009 at 14:55
@Footy4Eddy: Hey you’re talking to a Gourcuff fan that thinks that Krasic would be a much better fit than poster boy Yoann.
We have a history of wingers and Krasic could be like a Kanchelskis or Nedved for us, whereas Gourcuff while defintely classy, could be a dud if the system does not fit him. At times he’s been average for France, and this season while good, he has not reached the peaks of the last one.
I’d take either one in a hearbeat, but I just think Krasic would be better for us.
December 9th, 2009 at 14:58
@Footy4Eddy: I want Modric /Arteta
December 9th, 2009 at 14:58
@Traverse: In reply to myself, looks like Phelan coudl be relegated back to hanger on. According to reports, Fergie wants to bring in Gasperini from Genoa as his assistant with a view to taking over when Fergie goes.
@NicoQB: With PIG it’s just form. He’s been worse than Foster for years. I’d take Akinfeev over the PIG any day.
December 9th, 2009 at 15:02
In ridiculous news… our defensive crisis has pushed Fergie towards signing Sol Campbell. Fucking hell.
December 9th, 2009 at 15:12
@NicoQB: I have a soft spot for French players. Cantona, Zidane, Pogba, Evra and Gourcuff. I liked Benzema before, and I had to admire the skills of Henry(at times). Growing up my two biggest football heroes were Zidane and Cantona, but because I supported United and I am a tough player, I tried to base my play on Roy Keanes style. Still, I tried to watch Zidane as often as possible. I will say this, French international football with Zidane was a joy to watch. The downfall of French football in the European Championship and difficulties in the WC qualifiers is in my opinion because Zidane was the glue that stuck them side together, that made them great. Sorry, but without Zizou France looks very ordinary…
And Krasic, yes he is a winger. I like wingers. But, finesse players in the central areas of the pitch, the ones who ditace the game and dominate things, are what I am drawn to the most. Keane, Zidane, Iniesta, Essien, Anderson(
), Gourcuff and Gerrard and others are what attract me/gets my attention within football. It`s something personal. While I also liked players such as Beckham, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Messi, Arshavin and Giggs, my love in football has mainly been towards central midfielders. Epecially players like Zidane, who for me is the pure definition of “football”. A midfield of Zidane and Keane would for me be a dream, two of my biggest inspirations in football.
Krasic… I`ve not seen a lot from him. Impressive, yes. But would I choose him over Gourcuff? Never in a million years! He would have been a good signing, but Obertan is impressing by the minute and Valencia is looking more and more like a United player. Giggs is in great form at the moment, and I still love Lil Man Nani. May be hopeless, but I still love him.
A Krasic would be a welcome addition, because we need wingers. Young, Krasic, Ribery or Ljajic aren`t players I would say no to if we were offered. But if I could have my say, I would want us to sign Gourcuff. The lad is brilliant, and he offers us a midfield threat that 4 of our current crop combined couldn`t do! My love for Anderson is strong, but the more I think of Gourcuff in a United shirt the more in love I become. Just imagine this:
Valencia/Krasic-Pogba-Gourcuff-Obertan
A midfield of the future, not only for United but for France as well! Pogba is impressing more and more by the minute, same goes for Obertan. Add Gourcuff in there and absolutely everything would be good in the world again!
December 9th, 2009 at 15:24
@NicoQB: What do you mean “Even Eddy”?!
December 9th, 2009 at 15:26
This is the pure definition of football
December 9th, 2009 at 15:29
Fergie to reitre come May
Giggs, Scholes, Neville and Van Der Sar to follow him
Blanc to take over
And bring Gourcuff to United with him, as well as buying Neuer
Pogba to be upgraded to the first team, De Laet to start more often
United to win a new treble
December 9th, 2009 at 15:33
Neuer
De-Laet Evans Vidic Evra
Valencia Pogba Gourcuff Obertan
Berbatov Rooney
Seriously, who can honestly say they don`t think that is a brilliant team?
The tecnique and ball control of Gourcuff, Obertan and Berbatov, the power of Rooney, Pogba and Vidic, the speed of Valencia, Evra and De Laet, the defensive force of Neuer, Evans and Vidic, the attacking unpredictability of Berbatov, Rooney, Gourcuff and Obertan. The future of Manchester United. That team has got it all! 
December 9th, 2009 at 15:39
Pogba needs a couple of year yet mate. Gourcuff would be an interesting signing, the sort of signing we probably won’t make until Fergie moves on.
December 9th, 2009 at 15:44
@Traverse: Pogba would need a few years, I know, he is only 16. But I`ve seen him for the Academy, and in my opinion he is lightyears ahead of the others! Stronger, faster, better technical, smarter… I say we let him try out for the reserves soon, then the first team. Still, from what I have seen he is a gem!
December 9th, 2009 at 15:51
I agree with you Frankie – Scholes’ range and passing completion is impressive and can hold a team together. With so many injuries to defense, we really need to keep possession or the backline could get cut to shreds
December 9th, 2009 at 16:38
@Traverse: I would tend to agree about you concerning PIG, but he’s been surprisingly decent recently. We’ve never really given either PIG or Foster an extended run with either of them in good spirits, so I think Fergie will watch this space.
@Traverse: 10 years too late it seems.
Will we be looking like Milan in 3 years time?
@Footy4Eddy: I uinderstand your love of midfield maestros, but I’m always drawn back to what for me is the template of what United should be – Giggs, Keane, Scholes, Beckham. In this the closest thing we had to a maestro was Scholes, but the cornerstone of that midfield was Keane.
Agreed that we probably don’t need a DM anymore, and Gourcuff would be very much welcome, but Nani’s uncertain future and giggs old age means that there might be a position to fill on the wings.
And Krasic scores more than Gourcuff, who would be more of a playmaker.
In any case Gourcuff would cost around 30million+, whereas I can see Krasic not above 15million.
But as I said either one would be great.
@Footy4Eddy: I already knew you were browsing youtubes what with this sudden Zidane/ Gourcuff infatuation!
The videos of those two are often linked..
December 9th, 2009 at 16:46
@Footy4Eddy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5AgYTPdy60
And so typical from Chamakh to miss afterwards!
December 9th, 2009 at 16:57
@Traverse: The problem also with those *supposedly* short term contracts is what happens when the player turns out too be barely passable?
Andy Goram was a big flop, so clearly we chose not to pursue the adventure; Owen is proving to be quite clearly a successful venture, but if a player turns out barely just ok, will he end up being given one year contract extensions like the old guard?
For me he will be surplus requirements on our payroll, not mentioning limiting opportunities for the youth.
December 9th, 2009 at 17:01
Seems like CSKA will go through the the knock out stages.
More chances for Krasic to shine and for his price tag to soar.
December 9th, 2009 at 17:03
@NicoQB: If Berbatov was faster or would run with the ball more often he would be one of my favorite players. But because it looks like he just doesn`t give a fuck, he isn`t. Not his fault of course, everybody has their own style. Iniesta has the ball control, but he doesn`t have the arrogance. So many players these days are trying to copy Zidanes style, but practically every one of those guys fail at something. Except for Gourcuff. Next Zidane alright, I think he has the potential to become one of the best players in the world. He is laid back alright, but when he has the ball he has the winner instinct, something I don`t see in Berbie. I hope Blanc brings him here when he arrives…
December 9th, 2009 at 17:05
@NicoQB: Imagine Gourcuff in a United shirt, and Rooney instead of Chamack.
Net would have ripped, and one of the goals of the season. Purely magnificent!
December 9th, 2009 at 17:19
@Red Ranter: That’s not nice RR denying Little Mickey his dream. Because of previous injury hit seasons, he only ever made one world cup, and he WAS SENSATIONAL!
December 9th, 2009 at 17:24
Mickey Owen FUCKING loves PLAYING WITH Nani and Obertan, and some of the other kids, because they seem more able to set him up for the goals he loves to score for us. Yes that’s right, you didn’t mishear me – Nani, Obertan etc are not as greedy as the egotistical other strikers and players we have – they are happy to make assists more than make a name for themselves. Only I don’t want to see loads of kids on the field all at the same time, last nights quota was more acceptable and REASONABLE!
December 9th, 2009 at 17:27
To all Nani haterz – let me ask you in the CL games we won – who made the assists for the important goals – especially away from home? I can’t HEAR YA – O yes that right, that Lil man Nani.
December 9th, 2009 at 17:53
No one seems to have picked up on the news story saying we will sign Sol Campbell on a six month contract in January to tide over our defensive injury crisis. I do not think it would be a bad idea. I think a lot of the reason for our problems is we rush players back from injury too quickly and if Sol can fill in for a few games it means we can get our first choice defenders fully fit.
Personally I have been amazed at how well we are doing this season. Yes we are not playing pretty football. But we are getting the results and compared to last season where we did not seem to care, this season everyone seems fired up to play for us. It is as though Ronaldo’s departure has unified the squad. We are less of a one man team and there does seem to be good chemistry between members of our squad.
We are only a few signings away from being a really good outfit. First priority has to be a goalkeeper. Secondly we need an attacking midfielder to replace Scholes/Giggs. Gibson gets plaudits for his goals but the rest of his game is terrible and he offers zero creativity. Anderson hustles and bustles effectively but again little creativity and his passing can leave something to be desired.
The ideal midfielder for me would be someone who can keep possession, create chances and chip in with some goals. With Fletcher emerging as a world class central midfielder and Hargreaves showing some signs of returning we are reasonably covered in defensive midfield.
On the wings Obertan and Valencia are showing some promise. Neither is anywhere near Ronaldo’s potential. Perhaps another winger would be nice to provide cover, especially if Nani continues to be frozen out. But I see it as less critical. There are many strong sides who are lacking on the flanks. Most football these days is played through the middle.
December 9th, 2009 at 17:58
@NicoQB: Kuszack has always been a good keeper and if it was up to me,he would be first choice but this is England and Foster is hyped to be the next coming.
December 9th, 2009 at 18:05
@colver: Thats the general perception of man utd fans that Ronaldo was a negative influence to team spirit but it is because our dear club had never had a genuinely world’s best player and didnt know how to cope.
All these players we talk about and idolise,Becks,Giggs,Cantona,were nowhere near Ronaldo’s class and because he isnt English, it didnt help
December 9th, 2009 at 18:09
@CraigMc: What’s not nice. I am not denying Owen his chance. Capello is; tell him that.
Secondly I said, I understand players want to play for their countries, and I said I respect that. I just meant, I hope Owen puts club over country because I was making a selfish wish that’s all.
December 9th, 2009 at 18:12
@CraigMc: Obertan?
December 9th, 2009 at 18:23
Told you, I had a good feeling about the game. United seems to flourish with their backs against the wall. To me this is one of fergies main strength, motivating his team and creating a us against the world mentality.
December 9th, 2009 at 19:33
@Johnsom33: To be fair Wolfsburg looked like a mid-table side in an average german league, and not a European contender.
But I get what you mean, and I agree with it.
December 9th, 2009 at 19:43
@Merlinus: I don’t think so.
December 9th, 2009 at 19:43
Reading some article on the cafe, and this sentence floored me:
[he] “couldn’t seem to hit a barn door with a heat seeking missle, even if the barn was full of burning radiators.”
Guess who?
December 9th, 2009 at 19:44
@Footy4Eddy: Berbatov has styled his play as one of finesse and grace, and when he pulls off that great little touch pass or an elegant pull-back move around a defender, there seems to be nobody better.
But this all comes with a price! He is way too easy to knock off the ball!!
It’s especially true in the box, where he gets man handled by big central defenders, and around the box, where he just isn’t quick enough to line up a shot.
To me, he’s a very gifted player – his ball control skills are second to none, but can we afford the luxury of a player like this on the team??
December 9th, 2009 at 19:44
@Traverse: They were gone anyway mate. Players like that aren’t going to stay with CSKA now that there are bigger fish in the sea interested in gobbling them up. And as far as Akinfeev goes, I like him but I would prefer we gave PIG a chance to be number one over him because he’s just as good. The only two keepers I would want us to look at our Neuer or Adler. Otherwise, stick with PIG.
December 9th, 2009 at 19:47
@Traverse: I’m pretty pissed that a muppet like Phelan is actually on our staff….period.
December 9th, 2009 at 19:47
@NicoQB: But isn’t that fault of the missile??
December 9th, 2009 at 19:49
@Grognard:
oink, oink!! 
December 9th, 2009 at 19:52
@NicoQB OK so we need to make a list of United players who have
VA-VA-VOOM!
I can think of one player already that hasn’t got VA-VA-VOOM! Berba has none of that.
December 9th, 2009 at 19:54
@donibrasco: I disagree with you on all that. Rooney has plenty of pace and as far as finishing goes, what makes Defoe a better finisher than Rooney? Three months of his career where he has actually lived up to expectations? Rooney for years has been a better finisher than Defoe.
December 9th, 2009 at 20:04
@Footy4Eddy: And you would be wrong. Zidane was a good player but in my opinion was vastly overrated. Always benefitted by playing with Galacticos his whole career. I personally would name a dozen players over him. But to each his own taste I guess. It’s not like you were old enough to see the Pele’s, Maradona’s, Beckenbauer’s and Cruyff’s play. Those are my top four in that order.
December 9th, 2009 at 20:08
@Grognard: He did well with Juve before that. And to tell you something, in the last 15 years every game I`ve seen France play without him has been shit! He reviwed them in 2005, and he won them the World Cup in 1998. He was their talisman, not only for Real Madrid but for France and Juventus as well. He was a brilliant footballer, as I said in my opinion the best to have ever played the game. He was the first player I liked outside United, and it stuck on me forever. I ever cheered for France when he played, now I rarely do. Him and Keane are what I define as true footballplayers. Or better yet, they didn`t just play football, they were football.
December 9th, 2009 at 20:09
@NicoQB: Totally agree. I think PIG has shown a great ability to make saves and be properly positioned. His aerial strength is not great but it’s better than Fosters and although his kicking is not great, his ball control and distribution is not as flawed or as slow as Foster’s. What I love about him is his positioning and reflexes as well as his range. He is a very good shot stopper and it takes a special effort to beat him because of his good agility and strong positional sense. If he works on his kicking and judgement on crosses and corners, he could be a great one. He has taken this opportunity and made something out of it which we certainly can not say about Foster, who made a meal of his chance.
December 9th, 2009 at 20:12
@Grognard: Even though I haven`t seen those guys live, it doesn`t mean I have never watched them play. As the football lover I am, I have watched clips and games from those guys. They were great players, truly magnificent players. But Pele didn`t last for too long, Maradona was beginnig to take drugs and was somewhat a cheat, Platini I just despise, a total cunt, Beckenbauer was very, very good but still not as good as Zidane in my opinion, and Cruyff, well, a good player but still years behind Zidane when it comes to playing the game the way I like it.
December 9th, 2009 at 20:16
@Footy4Eddy: Juve was loaded with great players when he was there. What I like to remember was how totally useless he was in the CL Final of 1997 against Dortmund which the Germans won 3-0. He hasn’t always been great and he was also surrounded by great player when he played with France.
Don’t get me wrong, I think he was a great player, but I have no problem picking Pele, Maradona, Beckenbauer, Cruyff, Rummenigge, Platini, Mueller, Di Stafano, Puskas, Best, Matthaus, Ronaldo (Brazil), Zico and Cantona above him. And I might be forgetting one or two. I’ve watched Zidane play hundreds of times and although very skillful, I found him to static for my liking and just a bit overrated. Hell I would rate Cris Ronaldo, Messi and Riquelme right up there with him.
December 9th, 2009 at 20:19
@Grognard: You watched Pele play?? You must be past 50 years of living then to have known it was Pele playing…
December 9th, 2009 at 20:19
@Footy4Eddy: Why so much hatred towards Krasic mate? I to want Gourcuff but do you realize that if Gourcuff was to come, it would mean a permanent position on the bench for your boy Andy? Krasic is fantastic and i for one would be over the moon if United were to buy him.
December 9th, 2009 at 20:20
@NicoQB: Why are we comparing these two as they do not play the same position? Gourcuff is an attacking midfielder and Krasic a winger. As far as I’m concerned we could use both.
December 9th, 2009 at 20:21
@owen: Softies and not on the same level as Gourcuff, Krasic or even Hamsik.
December 9th, 2009 at 20:25
@Grognard: It was said in a jest.
I too like Krasic, but if it were between him and Gourcuff I would choose the Frenchy every day! Even if it meant Andy being relegated to the bench, because Gourcuff is EXACTLY the kind of player I love watching play. Elegant, classy, arrogant, honest, powerful, fast and with actions that can slice a defence wide open. I see some of these qualities in Ando, believe it or not. But not all of them. Zidane posessed them, and Gourcuff is the only one who has every one of those qualities. If he comes to us, I would be not only over the moon but I would be riding on Pluto! Potential to become the best player in the world, maybe even best player to have ever played this game. Like I said, Zidane was it in my opinion. But he played for two shitclubs. If Gourcuff came to United he could take over that throne.
Just my two cents.
December 9th, 2009 at 20:25
@Grognard: every time you mention Riquelme as on of the greatest players on Earth, I lose respect for your comments… Riquelme is washed-up. He had one good year in 2005 other than that he is just a good footballer. Zidane was a much better player than Riquelme, saying anything else is called having a crush on Riquelme.
December 9th, 2009 at 20:25
@Traverse: What the Hell is a Gasperini? Sounds like a gastric affliction? What kind of pedigree does this guy have to eventually take over for Fergie? It’s a ridiculous rumor. I personally would bide my time and get Lauren Blanc or the Special One, as no other managers even rate close consideration over those two. If Fergie were to hire an Italian to be his assistant, it would be former Roma boss Spalletti as he has a track record of success and is also very good friends with Fergie.
December 9th, 2009 at 20:27
@Traverse: It may be more than form. It probably has more to do with maturation and finding the necessary internal strength to handle the pressure and to show up for the big event. The lad has just matured and now has the courage to take his chance when given and go with it.
December 9th, 2009 at 20:33
@Footy4Eddy: That’s where you and I differ greatly. I generally hate most French players and there really has only ever been one Frenchy that I have loved and that of course is the King. And he wasn’t even fond of the French himself. If Gourcuff played for us I would warm up to him I’m sure.
December 9th, 2009 at 20:36
@Footy4Eddy: Pogba and De Laet? You have to be joking mate. They are nothing and have proven nothing yet. I would keep Fletcher on the field and I would buy Philip Lahm to add with Gourcuff, Krasic and Neuer or Adler. To Hell with many of the overrated brats we have on the reserves. Most of them will amount to sweet fuck all when it’s all said and done. I want proven entities coming to OT.
December 9th, 2009 at 20:49
@donibrasco: I’d putt Cantona up against any great footballer of the past. What hurts him is his relatively short career, early retirement and his differences with the French Football Federation which limited the number of times he ended up playing for his country. Had he played for his country more, he would be acknowledged as one o the true greats in world football history, not just English football history@Footy4Eddy: Clips me absolutely nothing mate. To truly understand and appreciate these great players of the past, you need to see them play entire matches. Watch how Beckenbauer and Cruyff contrlled a game and it’s tempo with incredible distribution and vision, watch how Rummneigge’s power and pace was almost impossible to stop for both Bayern and Germany in the early 80’s or how Best used to make fools of his opponents, like no man before him or since him. Highlights are nice but they do not define a player, especially a midfielder. Matthaus was not as skilled as Zidane but his leadership, power, shooting ability and his ability to play brilliantly box to box makes him more valuable to me than Zidane’s one dimensional attacking approach. Hell I’d take Keane over Zidane for the same reasons, even though he wasn’t as skilled on the ball.
December 9th, 2009 at 20:50
@[OPTI]Madschester United: I saw Pele play in the 1969 and 1970 as well, I saw him live when he was with the Cosmos. I also have a dozen games on dvd with Pele and Brazil so I have had a fair amount of exposure to him in his later days. And I am exactly 50.
December 9th, 2009 at 20:52
@Footy4Eddy: I agree with that. I too would prefer Gourcuff but I do not believe he has ever caught the eye of Fergie. Doesn’t seem to be on his radar.
December 9th, 2009 at 20:54
@[OPTI]Madschester United: That’s fine mate, you are entitled to your opinion but for me Riquleme is a footballing genius and one of the all time greats. For that I do not apologize.
December 9th, 2009 at 21:04
Good evening lads, very shy poster here,
Just thought i would let you know, if you are not aware, 19 minutes gone Kiev 1, Barca a big fat zero, 
Lets hope this continues
December 9th, 2009 at 21:11
@Grognard: Softies???No..Arteta is a proven player in the EPL…
December 9th, 2009 at 21:22
@Scotjimland: Well one can have a vision right, all goes tits up in two minutes, Milan score and Barca score and another 10 pounds nestles in the bookies coffers
December 9th, 2009 at 21:40
@Grognard: When Blanc arrives he will bring Gourcuff with him.
Start of a french revolution? Why do you think Fergie has signed so many French and Italian youngsters lately? Blanc likes them, and I love them. I was a fan of Louis Saha when he was here, I just love Evra and Cantona was a God. Zidane was my hero alongside Keane and I just randomly like french players. Gourcuff to come here, Pogba to become the player I know he will be(Watch him play for the Academy mate, the lad is a monster!!!), Obertan to develop and Blanc to become our manager. It`s hugely, incredbly, non-realistic, impossible for us to reach the heghts we have reached with Fergie, but I think making Blanc our next manager could pay of for a lot of reasons. He knows the club, he has the right mentality, he is a good tactitian and he has an eye for talent. Well, except for Obertan. 
I would gladly welcome him, especially if it meant Gourcuff arriving. 
The man can become a footballing God!
December 9th, 2009 at 21:50
@Grognard: Don’t make me say what I’ve not said!!!
I rate Foster’s core goalkeeping abilites more than that of Kuzsz but the fact is that in terms of confidence (which is also key for keepers) PIG is perhaps more mentally strong that Foster. Perhaps.
But no, Foster is miles better than PIG when it comes to dealing with crosses and his kicking used to be very good, but his dip in confidence also affected this aspect of his game.
But I don’t think that there’s the need to restart this whole debate as you’ve always known my views, let’s just agree that for now PIG is doing well and good for him.
December 9th, 2009 at 21:52
@Footy4Eddy: you are one of the best posters on here,you clearly no your football.On probably in all your points in the post 259 and make no mistake the key issue is the manager, Do you know the special one speaks fluent French Italian Spanish and English, and is the master of the media, which is crucial in the UK.Be under know illusion who will be the next manager, When the current great one hangs up his hairdryer.
December 9th, 2009 at 21:54
@Grognard: I didn’t say I want him… Just passing on what is reported to people who may not have the glorious luxury of being in England
If Fergie thinks he’s the man then there is a good chance he probably is! Even if he only comes in as assistant, he’s a better option than Phelan.
December 9th, 2009 at 22:00
@Footy4Eddy: What’s this Blanc love – fest?
When are you guys – uh actually its only Eddy – going to realise that Blanc has still much to prove when it comes to footy management. His biggest flaw is that he prones DEFENSIVE football with a capital D. Set pieces, set pieces, set pieces, and oh, in case you weren’t aware of it, SET PIECES.
He’s lucky to have a talisman in Gourcuff and does a great job is making the team gel, but he also thought that Obertan was not going to make the grade (right now he must be feeling a bit silly, I reckon).
Paul Le Guen, for me did a superb job at Lyon – he was the one manager who made the Lyon team part of Ligue 1 history, producing much more attractive football than this current Bordeaux team, but he failed miserably at Rangers.
Blanc? Sorry, but I want more proof. It’d be great if he came to a top table team like Villa or insert-current-flavour-of-the-month team and sends them in Europe with attractive football. I’d be a bit more convinced.
(I still rate Le Guen, btw., but not for the UTd job, obviously. But I have a soft spot for Bruce)
December 9th, 2009 at 22:07
@owen: He’s not United class.
December 9th, 2009 at 22:08
@NicoQB:
Come on m8, we need a proven European pedigree, you know where the big moolah is, plus a proven English WINNER, for me I would be in 12th Epl heaven when i see him at OT.
We need swank style charisma, and for me i can only see one to fill the Jocks boots.
December 9th, 2009 at 22:10
@NicoQB: Foster is so inferior to PIG in so many areas it’s actually laughable that you rate him so high. Foster is useless, bottom line. Accept or not, it’s up to you. Confidence is achieved because a player achieves his goals. Foster has no confidence because he simply sucks. I’d take Pig over him any day. Hell I’d take any keeper in the Coca Cola league over Foster.
December 9th, 2009 at 22:12
@Traverse: A bag lady in Leeds is better than Phelan.
December 9th, 2009 at 22:13
@NicoQB: He has nothing to prove mate. He has won at a very high level and has had success with a team that has very little money. His style is cautious but then so is Fergie’s.
December 9th, 2009 at 22:15
@Grognard:
you are one hoot and lift my day when i read your posts! keep up the great work 
December 9th, 2009 at 22:32
If you aint United, yer lost
Niters lads
December 9th, 2009 at 22:48
@Grognard: I think the jury is still out on Blanc. I wouldn’t give him the United job if Fergie retires end of this season. Same goes for Cantona. I’m sure Blanc may be tactically astute, but doing well for one season in the French League isn’t enough for me. He needs to build his credentials and that can only come with time. We can’t afford to take that chance to be honest.
I’ve seen some Ligue 1 and Bordeaux didn’t stand out for me. In addition I am inclined to go with Nico’s opinion on it as he’s much more clued into Ligue 1 than all of us here, just as I would be inclined to go with you with Bundesliga.
December 9th, 2009 at 23:04
@Scotjimland: I`m actually very much against hiring Mourinho as our next manager. For me he is an overrated bloke who thinks he`s the best thing since Big Bang. He may be a great man-manager, but in my opinion he actually made Chelsea a worse team. Most of the players he had in his side were already there when he arrived. He made some really bad signings, in my opinion only Carvalho and Essien have been two good signings by him. The rest were shite! Cashely Asshole is maybe rated as a great left back, but for me he is nothing more than an ordinary winger transformed into a full back. I rate Clichy and Bridge more than him. He didn`t let youth come through and he inserted a machine-like gamestyle to Chelsea. They became boring to watch, but effective. What we want at United is entertainment, something Mourinho can`t offer.
He did well with Porto, but I still can`t forget how the linesman was the main reason why they actually progressed from Old Trafford. Had Scholes goal only been allowed and the ref not given them the softest free-kick I have ever seen, considering the situation, they would have been knocked out early. At Inter he got a good deal for Zlatan, but I still don`t think he is the sort of manager we need… Winning isn`t the only thing you know.
December 9th, 2009 at 23:05
@Red Ranter: And me when it comes to Youth football?
December 9th, 2009 at 23:11
@Footy4Eddy: I’d say the jury’s out on that. I can give you Norwegian youth.
It seems most of them are your mates.
December 9th, 2009 at 23:14
@Footy4Eddy: Mourinho is the greatest thing since the Big Bang. He’s FANTASTIC and humble too. Com e on, overrated? He’s won the CL with Porto of all teams and had nothing but success with Chelsea and now with Inter. The guy wins wherever he goes and has the personality and respect from his players as well as media. He’s also very popular in England and he really loves the game there. He has a great respect for Fergie and admires him as well as Man Utd. His pedigree is second to none right now and i personally think he would be a great choice as we are far from playing fast attacking football these days anyway. His motivation to beat Chelsea and Liverpool alone are worthy enough reasons to want to hire him.
December 9th, 2009 at 23:15
@NicoQB: I actually think they play entertaining football. I like watching Bordeux, but that may just be because of Gourcuff…
I think he has inserted a good footballing philosophy at them. I`ve not watched many games of them, but each time I do they entertain. Away to Bayern, against Juve, Chelsea last season and in some French games. When I saw Yoanns goal live against PSG last season I fell off my chair and my eyes nearly popped out. You know, it was like watching porn for the very first time. First you get surprised by the things you see, then you stop watching because of the shock, then they show the things again, maybe from a closer point, and then you just can`t take your eyes off it. You dunno how to react to it, it`s so weird and wonderful. All you know is that you wanna watch these things over, and over, and over, and over again until you die. 
I enjoy watching Bordeux, and I judge Blanc from the games I have seen. He may be inexperienced, but I`d take him over Mourinho.
December 9th, 2009 at 23:16
@Grognard: Not trying to be rude or anything, but was that sarcastic?
Just seemed like it…
December 9th, 2009 at 23:22
These are the teams we can face in the knockout round of the Champions League:
Bayern
Milan
Porto
Lyon
Inter
Stuttgart
Olympiakos
…………………………………………………
Might as well play Derby County, eh?
December 9th, 2009 at 23:34
Blanc is proven at Ligue 1 level. Up till now he’s done everything right, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he was indeed lined up as a potential replacement for Fergie.
BUT what rattles me is the blind faith that many United fans show in him as if he’s the logical natural successor.
To be fair, I admit that we’ve not been like the United attacking sides of old recently, so the change would not be that drastic – except of course, that we would be scoring more on set pieces.
They do entertain at times, when the fancy take them, and they have the potential for it, but they remain a defence first team.
Eddy: Why does the porn analogy doesn’t surprise me?!
Anyway, the Gourcuff goal was an individual piece of brillance. True measure of a teams greatness would be by collective brillance, the kind of which Lyon have shown more in past years than Bordeaux. Funny then that no Lyon manager was ever lined up for us.
December 9th, 2009 at 23:38
Rafa is scaring the shit out of me.
Beaten at home by Fiorentina.
There’s a real chance that the pool board to consider ditching him now with those embarrassing performances of late. The last thing we want is another manager at the scouser’s.
December 9th, 2009 at 23:41
@Traverse: Hey don’t blaqme me Trav re Obertan and Owen, I am just reporting what Little Mickey said in a TV interview – that Obertan is going to be ESSENTIAL for United!
December 9th, 2009 at 23:43
@Red Ranter: That’s what I mean RR, you were expressing a NOT NICE SELFISH WISH
.
December 9th, 2009 at 23:48
@NicoQB: Even though it didn`t surprise you, it was accurate and well described, no?
December 10th, 2009 at 0:50
@CraigMc: I can be evil from time to time. And it feels nice.
December 10th, 2009 at 2:18
@NicoQB: When it comes time to replace SAF, a huge priority amongst the criteria would be the mans staying power with the club – probably higher in importance than the track record.
Mourinho is vunerable on this issue and could well get looked over because of his own self importance, as would many other big name Continental managers.
If SAF was to retire today, Blanc and Hughes would surely be favorites at the outset – but I wouldn’t be suprised at all if a no-name manager was put in charge with a very strong assistant who could step in if the shit hits the fan.
We’ll see.
December 10th, 2009 at 2:37
@NicoQB: It won’t help them any – the ownership is a shambles and will handcuff whoever replaces Benitez the very same way!!
December 10th, 2009 at 3:00
@Grognard: Actually most fans of Serie A and Juve followers like my disappointed self(knocked out last night) will tell you Zizou had his best years,playing wise in Italy. The Zizou-Davids axis was stuff of legend.
December 10th, 2009 at 3:07
@Grognard: Okay as much as I love Messi and respect the other two,for them to qualify in the same sentence,at least in my opinion,with Zidane they need to play at the highest level consistently like Zidane. I personally thought Ronaldinho was the greatest footballer ever but he hasn’t maintained the consistency.
December 10th, 2009 at 3:12
@Traverse: Pamela Anderson is a better option than Phelan.
December 10th, 2009 at 3:15
@Jay wire: Who would fuck Phelean??
December 10th, 2009 at 3:33
Chelski talisman, Essian, out for a couple of months!!
This and the ALON should put a scare up their fans.
One more key injury (Terry, you fucker, pull a hamstring or something!) and they could be set for a very un-Happy New Year!!
December 10th, 2009 at 3:53
Here is my out of the blue suggestion. SAF is a great manager,probably the best in the world. However , he is one of the least competent coaches in 21st century football. Tactics are not his thing and he knows very little about football techinques. The only thing we need at United is to replace Mike Phelan and probably 90% of our coaching staff and bring in some real football technicians. Tacticians and drawing board experts to make us an efficient and fluent machine of brilliance on the pitch. I know people who exclusively watch the EPL don’t see any sense in this because they’ll be used to the physical and pacy Premiership with the lowest technical standards in the world. I kinda look at the EPL as the Michael Bay of football,box office success with no finesse. Popcorn stuff. Fast,pacy,noisy and empty. Anyway I digress.
Let me get straight to the point. Everyone is looking for someone with experience and with a good line of silverware to show for it. Mourinho or something like that. I don’t watch Bordeaux so I don’t know and won’t suggest Laurent Blanc as a coach. But experience is not something I believe should be the ultimate qualification. At the moment,we just need a highly technical coach to be 2nd to SAF and we are back in business. Sort of the situation we had when CQ was here. Now I say we put Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as an assistant manager. I’ve seen the Reserves since he took over and I can say they are one efficient machine playing the Old United way. He always makes inspired substitutions,and his reading of the game is great. One thing I love about him is he plays the players in their best positions,something I haven’t seen happening in the first team for a while.
Now the whole point of this is to have him learn the trade,and especially the management part of it. The pressure would be less on him and he can concentrate on the technical side of things, while SAF focuses on insulting referees post match. Now I don’t doubt that he is an intelligent learner and with time he will aqcuire the right management tools and with his already good technical side he will be the complete package. When SAF retires then I believe,he would be ready to take over. He can really help in rebranding United also,or rather cleaning up our image,Obama style. He has legendary status here and is respected by all and sundry,players,coaches and the general public. He also is thoroughly familiar with United’s history and philosophy and most importantly he loves the club to bits,even being the only vocal support to the splinter group after the Glazers’ takeover. I think 18 months under Ferguson’s mentorship will prepare him for the world of top level coaching and management.
December 10th, 2009 at 3:56
And for the record I love Michael Bay
December 10th, 2009 at 3:57
OK, Gibson scored twice against Spurs and got selected to start the next two games.
Question is, will Owen, after his brilliant hat-trick, get to start against Villa this WE??
Could be MO will still be saved for the special occasion, but that will hurt his WC chances greatly.
I think SAF will give him his chance and sit Berbatov!!
December 10th, 2009 at 4:23
@Redrich: I’m guessing you wouldn’t
December 10th, 2009 at 4:30
@Jay wire: Only if I could fuck Pam Anderson next!!
December 10th, 2009 at 4:50
@Jay wire: You know the biggest qualification for being a successful manager is that you have proven you can be a manager in the first place!
That might sound a little double-dutch, but the manager game is not for everybody and the only way to know is to try it for a while.
The Ole idea has been suggested here before, but I just can’t see a club like United going for someone (even Ole) that has no top level credentials!!
It’s a nice idea, but it won’t happen.
December 10th, 2009 at 4:56
@Jay wire: garbage! “Fergie is one of the least competent coaches in 21st century” — probably one of the worst comments ever to appear on this blow.
5 EPL titles, FA cup, Carling Cup, 2 ECL final appearances, 1 ECL crown in the past 10 years… oh yeah, he created the 21st century’s best player – Ronaldo.
Fergie = Legend.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:19
@Footy4Eddy: Not at all. I love Mourinho and think he would be an ideal replacement for Fergie. A larger than life team needs a manager that is also larger than life.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:21
@Footy4Eddy: Pray we don’t get Bayern, Lyon or Inter.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:24
@Red Ranter: Well welcome aboard then. You are now an official member of my Evil League of Evil. Where being evil isn’t a choice, it’s an obligation.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:27
@Jay wire: I agree. I remember his best was with Juve, but I still think he was overrated. A great player but not the god many make him out to be. Just my opinion of course and it really comes down to personal preferences and bias. Also, I am a Bayern fan and what they did to Juve last night was so sweet and sublime. I hate Italian football with a passion and whenever they take it on the chin, it just makes me happy as Hell.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:30
@Jay wire: I think Ronaldo has played more than enough years to be thought of in the same breath and Messi has been pretty damned great for over three years now. To be honest I forgot to mention Ronaldinho. Perhaps it was because I never liked him and because his hair style and overbite gets on my nerves. Not nice I k now, but i am just being honest. And for a three year period Ronaldinho was the best, no doubt about it.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:31
@Jay wire: Nah, there is too much plastic in her. I say we offer the job to Kimberly Walsh and make Craig a very happy man. At least she is the real deal.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:32
@Redrich: Phelan is unfuckable.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:34
@Redrich: Speaking of injuries, I read that Vidic will be one of many who will be back for the weekend. Apparently he had the flu. Now honestly, I have played with the flu and I have even played with a lung infection. Could he not have sucked it up on Tuesday and played against Wolfsburg? Honestly, football players are just not real men. Where I come from players play with hairline fractures and with flu all the time. It just bugs me.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:37
@Jay wire: Kudos. I too like Michael Bay and feel he gets badly maligned for his movies. He’s very good at what he does, which is making great action adventure movies.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:39
@Redrich: I guarantee you Owen will be on the bench. Fergie loves his Rooney and Berba mix. Also, Fergie is very cautious with Michael because of his injury prone past. I doubt you will ever see him start two games in a row.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:41
@Redrich: Why would you want to touch that wax works? I actually know her and have met her a few times through a friend and she is truly a plastic tramp. She’s not even that good looking. My pet peeve is women with fake tits, fake lips, fake asses etc. She is such a plastic biaatch and has a really empty personality to boot. Dumb as nails.
December 10th, 2009 at 6:44
@[OPTI]Madschester United: What Fergie lacks in technical savvy he more than makes up in man management and his artful ability to play head games with his players as well as his opponents. Nobody even comes close to him in that area. And although he is not the great tactician, he certainly is no idiot tactically. He knows his players very well and knows if a Fletcher and Carrick can play CB or if Rooney can handle LW. Unconventional, yes but certainly not inept.
December 10th, 2009 at 7:26
@Grognard: I dunno, mate. MO is trying to show cabbage head he can do a job in SA, and will press as hard as he can for more minutes.
He’s on a roll after the hat-trick and SAF might see this as a rare op for him to get a PL start.
December 10th, 2009 at 7:27
@Grognard: I love all that plastic and wax!
December 10th, 2009 at 7:41
@Grognard: And you probably wrestled a grizzly bear at half time, just to stay warm!!
December 10th, 2009 at 8:34
@Redrich: I hope you are right. But the past has taught me that any time you try to push Owen too much or try to get that little extra out of him, he breaks down and gets injured. I still feel he needs to be treated with kid gloves and has to accept the role of our new Solksjaer.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:35
@Redrich: Well she has enough of it that’s for sure.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:35
@Redrich: Nope, it was a polar bear.
December 10th, 2009 at 11:56
@CraigMc: Huh? You were asking a question to which you had already answered with Nani. I answered with Obertan
Obertan is brilliant. We could have quite easily spent £40mil on a striker and a winger who flopped, but we spent £3mil combined on Owen and Obertan… both of whom nobody was interested in.
Chelsea spent £20mil on Zhirkov and he’s done nothing….
December 10th, 2009 at 12:35
Traverse you are absolutely right. You cannot get better value than Owen and Obertan. I have no complaints with either of those deals. I also think Valencia was fair value considering his Premier League experience.
Obertan has a lot of promise and if he can find the consistency and develop more courage he could become one helluva player. At Wolfsburg he created two goals with that audacious bit of skill and then releasing Owen to launch a counter attack. He is a great fit to the way we play.
Owen hasn’t had the impact we hoped but the goals he does score are worth their weight in gold. He has also like Berbatov been a victim of the cautious 4-5-1 system we seem to favour. But with Rooney injured this could be his chance to really earn his wages.
Valencia was overpriced but he does have the benefit of Premier League experience and while he has done nothing spectacular he has slotted well into the team and scored more goals than any of us expected.
Of course we are still short of quality especially in central midfield but given our budget limitations I think we did good business in the summer transfer market.
I really hope we make a few signings in January. Nothing major. Just a goalkeeper and a creative midfielder to take the pressure off Giggs and Scholes. I also like the idea of an extra experienced defender because our current backline is made of glass.
December 10th, 2009 at 12:52
@Jay wire: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bd16_rLQ9jU
December 10th, 2009 at 12:59
@Jay wire: I second your views about Ole. Would love it if he did a Pep Guardiola for us.
December 10th, 2009 at 13:46
@colver: I think we are a proper first team right back and a goalkeeper away from being comfortably set for years to come.
If we sign one of the really good young goalkeepers Adler/Neuer/Akinfeev we’ll be set in that position for 15 years.
We need a right back who is as good as our left back. Not might be in 3 years like the twins, but right now. This should be coupled with Neville’s retirement. O’Shea is not the answer, De Laet and Rafael are not the answer yet. Maybe someone like Darijo Srna?
I think our midfield could comfortably survive without acquisitions, as long as Hargeaves recovers. We look to be going back to the United way… attacking with pace and width. If we continue with 2 strikers, then we have 2 CM positions to fill from Carrick, Hargreaves, Anderson, Fletcher, Scholes, Giggs and Gibson.
Next season we probably won’t have Scholes. Gibson will move up the pecking order, and Cleverly will move into the young up and comer role.
Akinfeev
Srna Rio Vidic Evra
Valencia Hargreaves Anderson Obertan
Rooney Berbatov
Foster Evans Carrick Fletcher Nani Park Owen
Of course, Nani might be off, so replace him with Krasic…
December 10th, 2009 at 15:10
@Traverse: Darijo Srna?
Bless you.
(Need a hanky?)
December 10th, 2009 at 15:13
Just the first one that came to mind… not that I think we will ever sign him or are even interested.
December 10th, 2009 at 15:30
@Traverse: Although, we were linked to him in the summer for £11mil, along with Chelsea and Citeh, but as a winger. Shaktar play him a RB.
He is yet to sign a new contract at Shaktar, and this one is up the end of next season. He’s not in the World Cup so his price isn’t going to sky rocket in the summer, infact it will have decreased if he isn’t signing, since he could talk to other clubs in January next season.
He can play RB/LB/RW/LW so that makes him a Fergie player. Plus he can whack a free-kick in.
December 10th, 2009 at 15:49
@Grognard: Mourinho yesterday on Inter’s next opponent in Champions League : “But there are two top English clubs and there’s Real Madrid and …”. He just rapes Wenger and Arsenal, doesn’t he?
December 10th, 2009 at 15:59
@Traverse: Never heard of him.
If FM says he’s good he must be! And the versatility is certainly a bonus.
Not related but if we ever needed a LB (which we probably won’t for the next 5 years at least) we could have looked at Bordeaux’s Tremoulinas. The only other player in that team that I would consider in the world-class bracket.
Like Pat he can defend, like Pat he forages forward, but unlike Pat he has great distribution from his crosses (5 assists for a defender this season is not a small thing)
December 10th, 2009 at 16:52
@NicoQB: I can’t tell if you are being disingenuous or not. Did you not watch last years UEFA Cup final? I did. I don’t know if you are English or not, but we’ve played Croatia more than enough bloody times over the last 4 years to have seen him play. And having watched the other group games in both competitions that adds up to quite a few matches.
December 10th, 2009 at 17:26
@Traverse: Hmmm…
disingenuous: adj.
Not straightforward or candid; giving a false appearance of frankness
Ehh… Nah considering I never heard of him I’m trusting your word. The FM bit was me winding you up with a (lame) attempt at sarcasm.
Harder for us non-native English speakers to translate those subtleties especially in writing.
More often than not I miss England matches for that matter..
December 10th, 2009 at 17:44
I met Barack Obama today!
December 10th, 2009 at 18:23
@Footy4Eddy: During his Nobel tour of Norway?
December 10th, 2009 at 18:34
@[OPTI]Madschester United: Yep.
December 10th, 2009 at 18:41
Here is the reason why Giggs, Neville, and Scholes are still around and will be for a while if Ferguson has a say in it.
Also, the video makes me proud to be United fan! History, Legends, United!
December 10th, 2009 at 18:42
@Footy4Eddy: Did you meet him in person (shake hands) or did you see him from 100 meters away?
December 10th, 2009 at 18:43
The new T90 Lasers are insane!!!
December 10th, 2009 at 18:46
Yes, I love Giggs and I agree with this.
December 10th, 2009 at 18:50
@[OPTI]Madschester United: 20 meters or something, but I yelled something at him and he turned at me and laughed.
No way was I gonna be allowed to shake hands with him, he is protected by the Norwegian police like I`ve never seen before. I`m proud of them, usually they are shite. 
Funny thing was that this morning I had to walk to school because the tram had been stopped for Obama safety reasons, and on my way I saw some policemen waiting for my mate Barack. 
About seven or eight people in a group, holding machineguns like they were their children and with a serious look on their faces. They looked at me, and I just replied: “Auditioning for the next Call of Duty are we? 
” One guy took offence by that, for some fucking reason, but the others burst into laughter. They usually aren`t that serious, and they proved it again. 
Well, at least they are protection Obama well.
December 10th, 2009 at 18:55
@Traverse: Krasic showed me something in this last game that I was unaware of. They had him playing on the left side for long periods of the game and he even scored his goal from the left side. That tells me that he is available for either wing spot and is not restricted to just RW. That makes him very useful and even more valuable.
December 10th, 2009 at 18:57
@Footy4Eddy: You mean Obama had the privilege to meet you.
December 10th, 2009 at 19:02
@Grognard:
December 10th, 2009 at 19:22
@NicoQB: I thought you were being a chump about FM… if you’ve genuinely never heard of him then fair enough!
But yeah, look him up. He is a solid, quality player, can play either full back or wing position and can hit a beast of a free kick. He’s 6ft. 27 years old, and a beast. Would definitely be worth a punt.
December 10th, 2009 at 19:45
@Grognard: If Nani is off in the summer then Krasic would be a great replacement.
December 10th, 2009 at 20:06
@[OPTI]Madschester United: Excellent video, mate.
“He’s a god in the dressing room”
“CardOff”
December 10th, 2009 at 20:20
@[OPTI]Madschester United: thank you for that one. i just love watching fergie when he is in a good mood. makes me feel all warm inside
December 10th, 2009 at 20:25
@NicoQB: Exactly what I had in mind when I suggested him.
December 10th, 2009 at 20:28
Nice read about John Rooney.
He’s the little brother of Cristiano Ronaldo, in case some of you are wondering.
December 10th, 2009 at 21:01
@Traverse: I would be in total shock if Nani was still here when next season starts. In fact, I’d be surprised if Fergie waited until then to sing Krasic as his Russian season is almost over and he will be available in January. Why wait for his exploits at the World Cup to up his price tag?
December 10th, 2009 at 21:02
@NicoQB: You mean little brother to Wayne Rooney don’t you?
December 10th, 2009 at 21:04
@[OPTI]Madschester United: This.
Do check the hollywoodian tear-jerking (not really) Giggs’ mom’s testimony..
December 10th, 2009 at 21:06
Traverse I am not quite as optimistic as you. I still feel we need a playmaker to replicate what Giggs and Scholes still bring to the team. That is why I like the idea of signing someone like Gourcuff, Silva or someone like that.
December 10th, 2009 at 21:08
And another!
December 10th, 2009 at 21:16
@Grognard: It would already be known if Ronaldo had a football playing brother.
Anyway I liked the part when they mentioned putting young John on a specific diet fro him to get that “extra burst of pace in the first 10 yards” or whatever.
Makes me think about things…
December 10th, 2009 at 22:17
@NicoQB: Good stuff… I am just happy I have Giggs on the back of my shirt and not Ronaldo and/or Tevez
December 11th, 2009 at 0:00
Ladies(?) and gentlemen…
Guillem Balague
December 11th, 2009 at 0:44
@[OPTI]Madschester United: I never argued against his success. It’s the technical side of the game that is not his thing. Okay to say he is one of the least competent is an exaggeration but he definitely isn’t among the best. In fact if anything the most he could be in my opinion is average. Take note that I specified from the 21st century’s commencement. Before then tactics were not really the focus in England,and it showed,but it was evident in our poor European form. The Champions League is highly technical and you will be shown up if you are not strong in that dept. It is not a mystery that SAF is not really at home with tactics and we all saw the effect CQ had on our game. He made the team organised and efficient. Now we are in an era were the team is playing a negative form of football and to make matters worse it’s disorganised and disjointed. It is a clear sign that we are lacking technical direction and it’s the one thing we need to become that fluent machine we saw between 2006-May 2008.
December 11th, 2009 at 1:15
@Jay wire: You are really scratching the bottom of the barrel, mate.
December 11th, 2009 at 1:37
@colver: The likely hood is that we won’t… Fergie must have his Wenger glasses on… refusing to believe we need to do something everyone thinks we should!
@Grognard: Well yeah, Krasic would come in January, and Nani would go out on loan to Italy or something, and then be sold after the World Cup.
December 11th, 2009 at 1:46
@NicoQB: I generally think Bellague is so full of shit he should be working for the National Inquirer in the US, the king of tabloid sleaze papers. However, I have to admit that I think this rumor has a lot of merit to it. Benzema is not as happy at Madrid as he thought he would be, he isn’t starting all the time and Madrid are not that pleased with his performance. And lets face it, they desperately want Villa because he is Spanish and Ribery because he’s ugly enough to play for them and also because he’s got his ugly mug embedded up Zidane’s backside.
We could end up getting Benzema for 20 to to 24 million in January. Problem is I still don’t believe United has the money to buy him. Which means somebody with deeper pockets may show up. I have believed all along that Benzema was nothing more than a smokescreen and a bluff played by Fergie to make us fans believe that United have the money to spend but choose to spend it wisely. We shall see if I am wrong or not.
December 11th, 2009 at 2:42
I just happened to run across this. Some priceless gems by the boss!
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/manutd/6779640/Sir-Alex-Ferguson-famous-quotes-and-greatest-rants.html
December 11th, 2009 at 2:48
@Redrich: Since you brought it up, I must boast that I’d made a better compilation of quotes than that right here on RR. Here.
December 11th, 2009 at 2:52
@Traverse: Well he said in the summer that all the top players are overpriced. Unless there has been a significant depreciation in their value, why would he do a 180 on this??
I think he may get a GK and possibly a free-agent to bail us out of our injury crisis, and thats it!!
December 11th, 2009 at 3:09
@Red Ranter: Indeed, much better RR.
I just get stuck on #9, …..#9, …..#9, …..#9, …..#9,…….
December 11th, 2009 at 5:41
@Red Ranter: Brilliant compilation RR… And Red said NINTH one is just awesome I read that at least 50 times so far…
“
“knocking Liverpool right off their fucking perch……
December 11th, 2009 at 5:47
@Red Ranter:Quote 55 about PS and 60 Roy Kean just signifies the character that we had in that team. Fucking awesome…
I wish we had that character in the even today… I miss it so much…
@Footy4Eddy: Hey bro, you seem to be as mad about ROY as I am… Just check the Quote no. 60 in that list from… Its fucking great… I miss him so much…
December 11th, 2009 at 5:49
Can somebody please provide some link for the quotes from our KING. I read few but i would be happy if some one can share compilation if available…
December 11th, 2009 at 6:42
@Footy4Eddy: Hey bro…
Giant spiral UFO over Norway baffles experts
http://in.news.yahoo.com/139/20091210/959/tod-giant-spiral-ufo-over-norway-baffles.html
What this news is all about???? I hope no team from Alien’s Territory is tracking your performance and improvement……Or is it???
December 11th, 2009 at 7:45
@Redrich:
I’m just laughing my head off just thinking about how many who are reading this who do not get what you are on about with #9…..#9…….#9. Sometimes it feels good to be old an experienced.
December 11th, 2009 at 9:31
@Grognard: Hey.. Don’t don’t keep your proclaimed internet son in darkness… What are you talking about
December 11th, 2009 at 11:09
In good news, Fegie has ruled out signing Sol Campbell. Thank fuck for that.
December 11th, 2009 at 11:25
Presumabely now CSKA are through to the next round they will want to hang on to Krasic until they get knocked out of the Champions League.
The Benzema rumour is ridiculous. Real do not have any money problems and are not a selling club. New signings do take a while to settle in and Im sure he will get his chances.
December 11th, 2009 at 11:54
@colver: Just like Huntelaar did….
Benzema is done at Madrid. He’s been slagging off Raul in the press, which is an absolute no no. He’s 100% right… how is Raul getting a game when I’m twice as good as he is. Unfortunately Raul IS Real Madrid. Balague seems to get things right more often than wrong with spanish football, but what he has wrong is the price tag. If we weren’t willing to pay that to Lyon why would we be willing to pay that to Madrid?
Watching the latest academy game… Pogba is the reason we pulled the plug on Ljajic. He is light years ahead of the academy team. Running the show at a canter.
December 11th, 2009 at 12:01
@Red Ranter: What a beautiful tribute you did there.
What’s even more funnier is the number of comments/responses to it: a massive 2!
Doubt it would be the case today, and its a credit to the great job you’ve done throughout the few years you’ve launched this site!
Props to you, RR!
December 11th, 2009 at 12:07
@Redrich: @Grognard: Hey I’m (rather) young and I get the joke!
December 11th, 2009 at 12:10
I say:
ROFL LMAO
December 11th, 2009 at 12:12
@NicoQB: Hey I still don’t get the joke… You people are making ass out of me….
December 11th, 2009 at 13:08
@Traverse: Hey Trav.. You were discussing about the Darijo Srna and see its in the RUMOR MILL today. Daily mail has reported it….
Chelsea set to make £10m bid for Shakhtar Donetsk’s rampaging right-back Darijo Srna
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1235028/Chelsea-set-make-10m-bid-Shakhtar-Donetsks-rampaging-right-Darijo-Srna.html#ixzz0ZNjQva28
Seems to have good goal scoring record at international level. And seems to be a Dead Ball expert….
December 11th, 2009 at 14:01
@Onkar: I am a day ahead of the game. He is a propper propper player. If we’ve saved £10mil on Ljajic, go and get Srna!
December 11th, 2009 at 14:23
And Fergie says he has the money..
“It has been said I do not have the money, but the money is there if I wanted to use it.
“I didn’t see any value in the summer and I don’t see any value at the moment either. I am happy with the players I already have at the club.”
December 11th, 2009 at 17:52
He sounds like Wenger.
December 11th, 2009 at 18:21
@Onkar: here u go
December 11th, 2009 at 19:26
@Onkar: It’s a famous piece of confusion in the Beatles White Album. I wouldn’t call it a song, it’s just a break between two songs where you hear John Lennon say over and over “#9….#9…..#9…..etc”. Considering the greatness of the Beatles, it was a confusing, controversial and mysterious addition to a great album. And above all, very weird.
December 11th, 2009 at 19:27
@Traverse: I mean seriously, why sign Sol Campbell when Carrick and Fletcher can play the CB position better than him?
December 11th, 2009 at 19:33
@colver: It’s not as silly as you may think because he was always Plan B if they could not get Villa. Well if they were to unload Benzema, they would not only have more money to play with but the room would be cleared to make Villa their number one striker. Lets not forget that Villa is rated higher by Madrid than Benzema and that he is Spanish to boot. This means more to Real than you might think. I do see it as a possibility now that Villa has claimed that playing in the Prem is a possibility. They will want to get him now or they will lose him for good. And despite what you say, they do have financial problems because they are badly extended by loans and so any other major purchases to be made within the next few seasons can only come about by selling players. By selling some of their surplus and Benzema, they would be able to afford Villa.
December 11th, 2009 at 19:36
@Traverse: I agree. I have mentioned many times that you are either in or out in Madrid based on your relationship with one Raul. If he accepts you into his cult or clique, then you are Real Madrid for life. If he doesn’t, then you are toast. Benzema is toast. And you are right that they will have to take a loss to sell him to United at least because Fergie will not pay unrealistic money for him and certainly will not pay what Lyon were asking last summer.
December 11th, 2009 at 19:37
@Grognard: It was a very artistic statement by John (Paul hated it) which, while controversial (especially for the time) and not making the album easier to listen as a whole; undoubtedly strengthens the whole experience and artistic value of the record.
Just don’t listen to it more than once.
December 11th, 2009 at 19:39
@Grognard: Uhhh …. To have someone in the squad named Ivanhoe?
December 11th, 2009 at 19:40
@NicoQB: That’s because despite your youth you had the incredible good taste to listen to The Beatles instead of or along with Linkin Park, Lady Ga Ga or Snoop Dog. And speaking of dogs, today’s music is for the dogs I’m afraid.
December 11th, 2009 at 19:42
@Traverse: Srna is alright but there are better RB’s available. My God, I’d go after Philip Lahm over any of them and that includes Maicon and Alves. Lahm is equally adept at LB too.
December 11th, 2009 at 19:45
@Traverse: This is where the relationship between Fergie and Grognard gets so strained. I do not believe a word of it. He has no money and there are several players he wished he had because even he is not so stubbornly stupid to not see the weaknesses on this team. Why he protects the Glazer’s like he does will always be a mystery to me. Instead he loves to perpetrate this myth or lie and have us believe such a lame excuse for not signing players. Sell to Liverpool fans Fergie, not United fans, because I for one am not buying it.
December 11th, 2009 at 19:50
@Grognard: And what if he spends in January… Or next summer by the very latest? Will you say sorry then?
December 11th, 2009 at 19:50
@Red Ranter: It was the Scouser in them that was unleashed.
December 11th, 2009 at 20:10
@NicoQB: Fuck me, Ivanhoe is actually Heskey.
Campbell is a Jeremiah…
December 11th, 2009 at 20:17
@NicoQB: Yes I am familiar with the history but for me it was a momentary brain drain by Lennon. I consider myself a major Beatles fanatic but i have to say, that little entry never ever did a thing for me.
December 11th, 2009 at 20:18
@NicoQB:
December 11th, 2009 at 20:20
@Darth Red Diablo: Nope. I’ll just say it’s bloody well about time. I fully expect them to buy players. They need to do it to shut up the likes of me. I’ll gladly shut up if they can prove me wrong but I do not think it deserves an apology. All I have to say to Fergie is “SHOW ME THE MONEY”.
December 11th, 2009 at 20:25
@Grognard: I’m not that old, but even I got that reference.
And I’m not even a Beatles fan. (Despite their mass fan following to me they sound like a boy band of the 60s. But that’s just me. 
)
Most of the music I listen to originated before my time. The Beatles are the anomaly.
December 11th, 2009 at 20:43
@Red Ranter: Sound like a boy band. Boy oh boy mate if you said that to me face to face I’d punch you.
That’s more blasphemous then my tirades against Fergie. The Beatles are sublime perfection and were musical geniuses. Their music transcends every generation and even parents of the day loved them because their music spoke to all age groups. Above all, their music had beautiful melodies and hooks I have not found in an act ever since.
December 11th, 2009 at 20:49
@Grognard: As I said, to me they never did anything out of the world. While a lot of other bands of the late 60s and 70s and 80s did. There are a select few songs of the Beatles I liked, but nothing more. And I’ve given them several proper listens.
December 11th, 2009 at 22:21
I’m sick of hearing Martin O’Niel, ex shitty player Dunne, Luke Young, and every other Tom, Dick and Harry spouting in very LOUD MOUTHY UNISON, how they are going to th