Aug 28
Manchester United vs West Ham United: Preview
Letting a lead slip twice, missing a penalty and conceding an 89th minute equaliser all resulted in Manchester United throwing away ‘silly points’ against Fulham, but Sir Alex Ferguson will be in no mood for niceties as West Ham visit Old Trafford on Saturday in a match at would seem the perfect antidote to a disappointing visit to London last weekend.
After an encouraging start to the season question marks are already being asked of United’s title credentials given the form of rivals Chelsea, whose goal difference already reads +12, but Nemanja Vidic is confident United can learn from the Fulham result, stating,
“It’s hard to take. I think we would have been happy with the result – if not the performance – if we had won, but there are definitely some points to take from the game. The goal we lost at the end was a shame and we probably need to improve at set-pieces.”
The visit of the Hammers may prove to be an excellent opportunity for some of the fringe players to make their case for inclusion in the first team, though we can be sure Edwin van der Sar will be between the stick come kick off.
The back four in front of him will probably remain consistent, but Chris Smalling is pushing Jonny Evans for a chance to prove his worth. Rio Ferdinand is still out with a knee injury but is nearing a comeback, and Gary Neville started for the reserves in midweek against Manchester City, so he will be back in contention soon as well.
Much has been made of Paul Scholes’ recent form, but the midfielder may be given a breather as either Ryan Giggs or Michael Carrick step into the midfield. Nani and Antonio Valencia will no doubt occupy the wing berths as United have a perfect opportunity to increase their goal difference.
Anderson, despite playing for the reserves is still short of fitness after only returning to training this week, but Owen Hargreaves remains out.
Wayne Rooney is available after his stomach bug and will be hoping to stop his goal drought, he has failed to score for club or country in 13 matches in addition, he has provided just one assist in United’s last nine league matches. He will likely be partnered by Dimitar Berbatov or Javier Hernandez in attack.
West Ham boss Avram Grant is expecting a tough match, “You know that it will not be an easy fixture, especially for us who are trying to get everything more organised and are only at the beginning of a process. It’s not an easy game, but I don’t think Manchester United will have an easy life tomorrow.”
Though Scott Parker, who will be making his 250th career league start, is “dreading” the match.
Matthew Upson may be fit to return following the facial injury he suffered after being kicked in the face during the match with Bolton.
Winston Reid could also return to the side along with Robert Green and Kieron Dyer who were rested for Tuesday’s Carling Cup win over Oxford United. Tal Ben Haim and Manuel da Costa may also be in contention for Saturday’s game following short spells on the treatment table.
Thomas Hitzlsperger is out with a thigh injury, he joins Jack Collison and Zavon Hines who are both on the long-term injured list.
The Hammers are without an away win in the league since the first day of last season when they beat Wolves 2-0, a run of 19 matches.
Last season Ferguson’s men did the double over the Hammers winning 4-0 at Upton Park in December and then a 3-0 victory at Old Trafford in February. United have also won their last five matches against West Ham and have scored 14 goals in those games to the Hammers’ one.
Prediction: 3-0 United
Probable Line Up: van der Sar, O’Shea, Evans, Vidic, Evra; Valencia, Fletcher, Carrick, Nani; Berbatov, Rooney
***
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Related items from Red Rants:
- West Ham United vs Manchester United: Match Preview
- Tevez Update: Is a Solution Finally In Sight?
- West Ham v Man Utd: Live
- Man Utd v West Ham: Preview
- Man Utd v West Ham: Preview
Tags: Manchester United News
Opti (541)
Stephen (479)
RedDevilEddy (459)
Craig Mc (345)
Moscow is my heaven (272)
@[OPTI]Madschester United: I want Queiroz as far away from OT as possible or you mark my words, when Fergie hangs it up, he will demand CQ take over. Now would you like that?
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@Grognard: Quieroz = crap, Fergie + Quieroz = superman.
Phelan is chump, Quieroz a much better Ass’t mngr! Of course, he will not take over. It will be Mourinho or Capello.
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@[OPTI]Madschester United: Not Capello, mate. He says he’s done after Euro 2012.
My money is still on a young, inexperienced, ex-United player.
He’ll do what he’s told and more importantly, be cheap at half the price.
It will an era in which those that have been critical of SAF will rue what they hoped for!!
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@[OPTI]Madschester United: I want him nowhere near OT or you will have to eventually deal with him as manager. How hard is that to understand? Again like so many of the people on this blog, you are caught up with short term thinking with no concept for the big picture.
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@Redrich: You have been on here for quite some time and truthfully, that has to be your lamest statement to date. Of course everyone like me would rue the day Fergie stepped down and was replaced by an incompetent bastard. DUH, NO SHIT
But how about this for a scenario, what if he was replaced by somebody extremely good like Mourinho, Guardiola or Low? How do you know the team would not improve? Problem is I half way agree with you. If Fergie goes, then we are screwed because the club will not be able to lure a great manager knowing the Glazer’s are in charge. Take them out of the picture and I’ll personally be there on the day he retires or is forced out by the new regime and I’ll open the door and kick the old man’s ass out into the parking lot. And loving it. So read it and weep there mate. 
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@Grognard: Again like so few people on this blog you offer nothing new but dark end-of-world scenarios
Seriously, Quieroz is too expensive and too crappy to be Manager at United — everyone knows it now after his Portugal fiasco. Do you really think Phelan will take over for United since he is the ass’t mngr now?
Big picture: Solskjær is likely to take over if United are still with Glazers. If RedKnights take over before Fergie retires, expect Mourinho at United.
Short term: Grognard’s dooms-day scenario is completely wrong as United do the European Double and Grognard’s blames Fergie for ruining his predictions!
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Did somebody just say something??
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Owen, people are always going to be as faithful as their options! I think we need to get off the high horse with that! I don’t condone it but most people are self serving, what serves them best is the only differentiator. For some, it’s philandering, some money…. Living in a bubble does not reality make.
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http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2010/sep/10/wayne-rooney-leave-manchester-united
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Must Read especially if you are Grog.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1310603/Sir-Alex-Ferguson–Old-Trafford-history-maker.html
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@Grognard: I agree with that, CQ is Fergie’s love child and I never want that turn coat any where near OT again, I never understand this love for him we won a lot with without him too, also he would only come back if he were to take over from Fergie with would be armageddon.
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I thought I shall post it before Owen tries to piss off Grog with this news…
Paul Scholes is Premier League player of the month
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@AndyCR7: Thanx Andy for this great news.
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Happy Eid ul-Fitr to all Muslim United Mates.
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@Owen: +1
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Sad Day:
Triggs passes away.
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Are we ready to talk about everyone yet? Or is it still girl gossip time?
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@[OPTI]Madschester United: Mate, I’m in too much pain and discomfort recovering from suregery to get into it with you but let me just say at this moment, you really suck.
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@Redrich: Truth hurts. Now we are down to playing childish games of just shooting back with smart ass comments eh? That’s so beneath you Red. Truly disappointing.
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@Owen: Do you actually ever really read my posts mate? Seriously? Because for years I have been on here claiming that Ferguson is the greatest club manager of all time bar none. The man’s record speaks for itself. It’s for that reason so many of you do not open your minds to what I am telling you about his antics over the past few years which for me are not just tarnishing that great record, they threaten to Pete Rose it into infamy.
My issues with him are over the past few years and not so much with his management of the club on the pitch but his allegiance with the owners and his acceptance of the situation which for me is unacceptable. Once you and others realize that, you will quit shoving his accomplishments in my face like i’m some stupid preschooler without an ounce of intelligence or common sense. Really, you and others think I take pleasure in this. I don’t. It breaks my heart to see what has become of Fergie and how he has turned his back on all of us and especially the club. You watch where his allegiances take this team four years form now.
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@AndyCR7: Good for Scholesy. Playing well but still boring the crap out of me. I am noticing a reduction in back passes though which is good.
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I tried to privately contact RR yesterday but I have not received a reply. He has always been good about replying so I think he is a way and it could be some family crisis or health problem or just a holiday, I really don’t know.
I do know this however, had he gone on holiday, i think he would have let us all know on here. I just hope he is well.
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@Grognard: I totally agree that he has not done himself any favours with the fans with siding with the Glazers and that has tarnished his tenure at the club. But the abuse and venon you spew at him is in my view uncalled for, and it happens now in almost every post. This is certainly your right but many fans do not agree with the way you go about it, Fergie has let himself down in my eyes but he has made this club what it is and under any other manager we would be in deep shit.
This does not get him off with siding with the yank scum, but in the flip I am grateful for everything he ha done for the club because it has brought me much joy.
I am old enough unlike many on here to remember when this club had not won the the league in over 20 years so, Fergie changed the mentality of this club and keeping the success for the time we have had in football is incredible and we should be grateful.
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Is rio actually gonna play this weekend or is just gonna tweet from the bench? I’ve always been a big fan if his but he seems more interested in his off field ventured than actually getting back on the field.
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@Grognard: Grognard, just take it easy. We all love you!
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24 to go!
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its gone awfully quiet on here, could it be people are scared of their computer crashing when loading all the comments? My last 2 posts were sent from my iphone and let me say it was frustrating at best. My browser crashed 4 times when I clicked on the comments tab. then again my iphone is on its last leg
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Okey, I’ve had my say on this whole Rooney debate, and I wanna put a close on it. As a human being, I will never view him in the same positive light. He went from being one of my biggest role models to one of those I talk about with a sour taste in my mouth. What he did was unforgivable, and even though it’s his business and his life, I feel his actions were a fucking disgrace and unforgiveable. And as a Manchester United player, you are a representative for what is good on this planet and with Sir Alex as the manager you go around knowing that you have to be a good human being as well as a good player. My personal views on Rooney have been completely changed, but I will still not go as far as comparing his actions to those of John Terry. He may have done something shit, but he is still far away from being the biggest cunt in the World.
HOWEVER! As a Manchester United player, and because of all the joy he has given me these last 6 years, I am deemed to forgive him. As a player, I still adore him and look at him in the biggest possible light! Everything he does on the pitch is God-like for me, his desire to play the game, his passion and love for this club, just his all round game and footballing talents makes me love him. Because lads… Who can forget the debut hat-trick? Who can forget the Newcastle volley? Who can forget his last minute winner against Milan, which sent chills trough my whole body? And who can forget his arguably best moment in a United shirt in my eyes, the kiss of the United badge at Goodison in 2007? I know people consider that to be a weak moment, a mental moment, but for me that meant a lot. I really love the player, because I feel he is one of the few modern day footballers who are willing to bleed for this shirt. And as long as he is faithful to the great Manchester United, Wayne Rooney will forever have a place in my heart!
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@Stephen: Uncalled for?
You have got to be kidding. How many of two dozen facts do you need for me to repeat yet again to get you to dismiss that false accusation directed at me? Yes Fergie has done wonders with this club but that does not give him a free pass to now go ahead and systematically and methodically tear apart everything it too him 25 years to build. By siding with owners and by cheating and lying to the fans and not filling obvious gaps in the team with more accomplished players he is quickly going from Santa Clause and turning into Scrooge.
I’m not going out for any popularity contest mate. I call it as I see it and if that offends the frail sensibilities of many, I could give a toss. Your see that sad fact is that the truth hurts more often than not.
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@[OPTI]Madschester United: Not feeling it mate, sorry.
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@johnsom33: Like i said earlier, I emailed RR and got no response. I always get a response so my guesstimate is that he is not only not home, but he is dealing with a crisis of some kind, perhaps with his family back home. I have no idea but I just have gut feeling all is not well for him to up and leave and not let any of us know.
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Scott just posted a brilliant quote on his Facebook page which really sums up tomorrows game for me. Eminem, Love the Way You Lie. Wayne Rooney at Goodison.
That’s what happens when a Tornado meets a Volcano
Exactly a year ago, we played our game of the season in the 4-3 win against City. The stage was set for that game, with the Tevez thing and all the money. Anybody betting against tomorrow being the game of this season? You guys know just as well as me, that with Manchester United things are usually written in the stars. What is meant to be is meant to be, it just happens in the most amazing fashions. And tomorrow… It is fucking written!
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@Craig Mc: “You can stand up for yourself without violene mate!”
if that were true Police wouldnt carry guns…
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@EduardoDaVinci4: Somehow mate, if the Yorkshire Ripper or Hannibal Lector played for Manchester United, United fans would find away to forgive them. It’s the fickle hypocritical nature of fandom. Nobody should even try to make sense of it because football and supporting one team is no different to drug addiction. You all need your fixes and you could care less if the dealer is an asshole.
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@Grognard: I dunno, he is still active on twitter. My guess is he is swamped with either work or school and doesnt have time to make a full post. He might be shying away from commenting too because he doesnt have an answer on when he will be able to start posting articles again.
At the end of the day, your guess is as good as mine. Im just worried that now he will pressured into making a big decision(Like walking away from the blog) before hes ready.
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@EduardoDaVinci4: why was Rooney one of your biggest role models in the first place? The only reason he is relevant in any of our lifes is because he is a great footballer, not because he is a great humanitarian. You are an aspiring footballer, so it only natural you look up to people who are already doing what you hope to do in the future. So I fail to see how Rooney cheating on coleen, or Gerrard punching a DJ or Agbonglahor getting 3 girls pregnant in a week should change you anting to be like them ON THE PITCH.
My point in a nutshell is this, Rooney is a role model for kids because he is a succesful footballer. In my opinion he shouldnt be anyones role model off the pitch unless you know him personally.
Obviously your entightled to feel how you want about rooney or whomever, but let me warn you that in life nobody is perfect. Anybody you love or care for will eventually let you down someway, That is why forgiveness is such a huge part of humans social interactions.
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@johnsom33: Operating a blog with a devoted membership carries a major responsibility. I got the feeling from him a while back that he was dealing with some things and that he had become disenchanted and disillusioned with this blog and that because of it, he had lost his fire and desire to manage it and to partake in anything to do with Manchester United. Of course I could be way of the mark here but it’s just a strong impression that I got
Now also being the paranoid neurotic that I am, I can’t help but feel that if I am right, I am probably a big reason for this and a major symptom in his need to avoid us. If that is true all I can say is that I am sorry to him but also that I am sorry to all. I hope that’s not the case but I do realize that I often take over this place with my rants. It’s not an intentional thing, it just happens because of my passion and desire to rant. Arguments break out and then I digress.
Even when he is posting new threads they seem to come in bunches and he hardly spends any time on here anymore monitoring the content and partaking in the debates. So I don’t know what to say, I’m concerned greatly over the future of this blog
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@johnsom33:“My point in a nutshell is this, Rooney is a role model for kids because he is a succesful footballer. In my opinion he shouldnt be anyones role model off the pitch unless you know him personally.”
Sorry mate but are you honestly saying in the day and age of 500 channels, Internet, iPhones, Twitter, Facebook and Google that kids should only concentrate on a player’s on field performance? Their lives are none of our business but billions make it their business with the help of thousands of media outlets. You cannot be a role model today and then go to the whore house at night like Babe Ruth did in his time. Back then few new about it and the media always covered that stuff up. Your theory begs me to ask the question that is just begging to come out. Does OJ Simpson qualify as a kids role model because of his exemplary on field exploits? Many young kids met him in person and got autographs signed by this guy. How many more grabbed the negative parts of his personality and went with that?
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If Rooney is benched tomorrow because he might get too much flack (and, perhaps that would wind him up into a red card or worse), would that then make him a cunt??
It would mean that his actions off the field have, in a direct way, hurt the team.
My own own personal take is that I will only judge a player by what effect he has on the team – if the above becomes a fact then he’ll get a rashion from me on this!!
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At comment #1000, does the entire post get erased at set back to zero??
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@Grognard: I thought I remember him saying something to the effect that if he couldn’t maintain the blog on a regular basis, then he would consider handing it off to someone else.
Maybe he’s considering that right now??
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@Stephen: Steven, I’d be interested to know how old you are??
Just curious – you seem to have a broader approach than many.
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I’m interested by all this talk of Giggs becoming the Wales manager!
It would seem like an elegant exit for Ryan, but I’m not sure he has his badges!
Anyone out there know if he does or not??
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When SAF takes the field tomorrow, he’ll do it for 700th time as the manager of United (and we’re just talking PL games).
It’s a feat that will probably never be surpassed!
So far he’s accumulated a superb 64.52% winning margin.
I thought it would be worth while listing his entire winning percentage with United. So here goes……
- PL + Old First Division games = 59.31%
- FA Cup = 67.29%
- League Cup = 64.04%
- European Cup = 54.29%
His overall winning percentage is 58.98% and that’s over (wait for it), a staggering 1336 games.
Congratulations, Sir Alex, you are officially the best manager alive (and probably in the history of the game), please make the occasion a memorable one and play your troubled striker. Let him suffer the slings and arrows and let him have the opportunity to make his critics weep.
-
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@Redrich: I hope not, but then again, if he has lost his fire for it, then he should and he should do it quickly, before there are no members left to call it a blog.
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@Redrich: Fergie is too selfish to let him go as he will need him to build his team around for the next ten years.
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@Grognard: Shit man, we have a 1000 comments in an international break.
Lots of members, lots of personalities, lots and lots of inspiration!!
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@Grognard: Wait!!
I thought Bebe was that man!!
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999
Bump
For you Grognard.
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1000
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