Jun 03
Mystery Man Advised Not to Leave United | SAF’s Big Interview | Right Backs, Anyone?
A mystery United player, who will not be named till the end of the week on this site by the author, has been advised by an Armani underwear David Beckham to stay put at United, saying United is the best place for said mystery player.
End of report. The author is not open for any comment on mystery player.
Moving on, for those of you living in the UK — or perhaps, anyone with access to Sky Sports 1, I guess — today is Fergie’s first full length interview in about a decade to be telecast at 8 pm and 10:30 pm UK time. I don’t get the point of calling this an ‘exclusive’ interview when the juicy bits have already been out, like for instance, the bit where he says he can’t see himself stay for more than three years, or perhaps two. Or the bit where he talks about his motivational techniques. But I bet it’s going to be one hell of an interview because it’s been through a bit of a PR blitz as every paper seems to have been paid off by Sky to run this story on the big interview.
I don’t have access to Sky, stateside, so I’ll have to rely on bootlegs.
In transfer rumours, there is nothing of note happening. And with the big stars out for the Euros, I don’t expect any big name signing to be done till the tournament gets over. So brace yourselves for a long summer. Of course, there was the Robinho to United bit that was circulated. But that would involve something I don’t want to go into, so we’ll leave it at that.
In other news, it looks likely that Mark Hughes will be moving to City. Why am I bringing this up? Because I want to branch off on a transfer target that a lot of United fans are after: Micah Richards. There were rumours about United’s interest in the right back. He is highly rated and the uncertainty around Sven’s position cast shadows on his future. I didn’t believe that a player from the youth academy of the Massives could move to United, given Citeh’s excellent season under Sven and Thaksin Shina-twat-ra’s moneybags. And Hughes moving to City could once again restore faith and belief in City players.
I suppose that transfer rumour could now be put to rest.
Which brings us to the question, and possibly the discussion, for the day. Do you think we need a right back at all, given Brown’s solid performances, Hargreaves’ more than adequate ability to fill in at that position, and Neville’s return from injury?
If you still think we need a right back then suggest who you want and why? Perhaps, comment on their respective strengths, like say, defensive ability; ability to move forward; ability to track back and support the defence and the likes. Also give your take on his possible transfer value (especially if he’s a new player not discussed before) and more importantly his attitude towards a club like United — something that has become important considering the current transfer saga. The reason I am suggesting you to include these attributes for discussion is to make your arguments well rounded and hence we won’t have a random discussion involving throwing around names just for the heck of it, backed by Youtube compilations. [Compilations don't always strengthen one's argument. Otherwise John O'Shea would be a better player than Luis Figo.]
Off the top of my head I can say: Dani Alves and Philip Lahm. But I think Barcelona could become a more attractive destination for the Brazilian. Lahm could be cheaper, hence a better option.
Norman Davies, the club’s first kitman, died early in the morning yesterday. God bless his soul. He served the club from 1973-1996 and was also popular with fans.
And sorry for the trouble yesterday. I’ve got word from Andrei — the UEFA Fantasy League for the Euros is up and running. So those interested, head over to UEFA.com, create an account, if you don’t have one, and head over to the fantasy league section. The group code is: 98380-18218
Over to you. Looking forward to a good discussion involving right backs — for most part [if you know what I mean!].
Related items from Red Rants:- Aston Villa v Man Utd:Preview
- Do United Need Another Left Back?
- Gill on City and Ronaldo
- A Tale of Full Backs and Some Idle Speculation
- Does Heinze want to leave Manchester United?
Tags: Daily Roundup
June 3rd, 2008 at 10:18
I think Lahm has committed himself to Bayern and recently penned a new contract. In my opinion, should the ronaldo to real deal go through, I would really like to see sergio ramos as part exchange. He is excellent. Sound defensively. Bombs forward. Excellent technical ability. Scores a lot. Not sure though whether Real would be willing and whether the player would want to leave Spain though.
June 3rd, 2008 at 10:38
Real would never part with Ramos, I think. He’s simply fundamental to the rebuilding of their squad.
Honestly, I don’t think we need a right back. We have more than enough options, especially with Neville returning. He’s got a season or 2 left in him, and I think we should wait until he retires to see what talent will be available. Don’t forget our own Simpson who could be the eventual long term replacement.
I say, save the money and use them on a striker, because we’ll need one for next season. Can’t see Rooney and Tevez pulling through on their own. Saha might be offloaded, but even if he isn’t, he’d continue to be injured. Saha is one of my favourite players when fit, but having him as 3rd striker is simply too tough on the 2 first choices. Luckily both Rooney and Tevez will have a good long summer resting.
But to sum up on the right back issue: no need to spend.
June 3rd, 2008 at 10:53
Miguel seems to be the most sensible option cheap and good! It is going to be a long summer of speculating I feel!!!
June 3rd, 2008 at 10:54
I think we are 2 players short of a dream team. A top quality striker who score half chances and an Evra clone for right back. That means Benzema and Alves and together they would only cost about £60M.
Am I the only one who is sick of these mega money transfers? Perhaps it’s just a consequence of tougher competition these days. I would really love to see no one join this summer. I’d like to see Campbell, Welbeck and Manucho fill the striker void left by Saha/Solskjaer, and I’d like to see Brown/Neville maintain the right back position with the Silva twins given the odd chance. But then I’d like to see an 11th title as well!
June 3rd, 2008 at 11:02
As far as the right back position goes, i realy think we should leave it for another year. Wes has preformed very well indeed during last season and didnt realy put a foot wrong. If need be we have Hargo who can also do a job when called upon, and lets not forget we will have the brazilian twins fabio and rafel(not sure if thats the rite spelling) who can play right and left back. So all in all i think we need not worry bout the right back position for another year at least. On other news i see we are being linked with Santa Cruz. Thoughts people???
June 3rd, 2008 at 11:04
My view is the we don’t need another right back. It seems astonishing to me that this could be one of our main transfer targets, rather than a reserve left back.
Right back
Wesley Brown - part of SAF’s meanest defence ever, hardly a catastrophe if he has to play there a lot next season.
Gary Neville - has the whole summer to get fully fit, we need to see how much the injuries have affected his pace but if he gets back to anywhere near his best we don’t need anyone else.
Owen Hargreaves - the rich man’s John O’Shea, and more than capable of doing a job for a few games if we pick up injuries.
John O’Shea - the poor man’s….um, you get the idea. But can do the job for a few games.
Danny Simpson - showed promise in some games last year, but very raw. Would like to see him given some chances next season if he’s not out on loan.
Looks pretty strong to me. If we had to sign anyone, I’d suggest Alan Hutton, who is good enough to play week-in week-out already, and could be absolutely amazing. And is British…………..
Left back
Patrice Evra - say no more.
Silvestre - probably leaving.
John O’Shea - rather not for any length of time.
Er, that’s it.
So, someone please remind me why we’re not scouring Europe for a decent left back as cover? If Evra does his leg in the day after the transfer deadline, we’re a bit screwed.
On that note, any suggestions of appropriate left back candidates would be interesting.
June 3rd, 2008 at 11:04
No right back is needed, yet.
We have Brown, Neville, Hargreaves, Oshea, Fletcher, Simpson and One Silva twin, who can fill the position when needed.
I think we need a winger and a striker, I have no idea of who the winger should be but Id want some experience and I want Benzema as the striker and again as I said give him the #7 shirt.
June 3rd, 2008 at 11:13
Lahm can play left or right back and is good a both a la Dennis Irwin. I always thought Matt Taylor is a good plyer decent back up and can play in midfield, seems to have a decent attiude. Not as a starter but pos back up?
June 3rd, 2008 at 11:15
This is the reason I like Lahm and Richards over Alves. They offer more to the squad as both can play 2 positions and with Pique gone and Silvestre looking to be on his way we need cover all across the back 4. I have no idea who Fergie may have in mind to come in at the back, think it may well be a suprise to us all.
June 3rd, 2008 at 11:30
If Real will never part with Ramos then why would be allowed to concede that Ronaldo will part with us?? Ronaldo is worth more than Ramos!
June 3rd, 2008 at 11:40
Agreed Tomqas. They wouldn’t let him go. Too bad though. If they were to want a certain indivdual, it’d take Ramos, Casillas, and 60-80 mil to do it. I like Lahm though, seems like a quality player. I don’t know how succesful Fergie would be when it comes to getting him though. He did sign a new deal with Bayern, they’ve got Klinsmann coming in too. He may not want to leave at all.
June 3rd, 2008 at 11:46
That Left Back discussion is a much better idea and Lahm is my main choice defender for that purpose. Lahm and a Striker should be our way foward.
June 3rd, 2008 at 11:55
casillas has a deal till 2017 with real!!! that tops even febragas’
but yea wouldnt mind ronaldo for ramos + robinho + 50m
If Huntelaar comes then we can play proper 4-3-3 involving all of Hunter, Rooney and Tevez (with Giggs, Manucho & Nani as backups/covers). Midfield of Anderson, Carrick & OH (with Scholes & Fletch as cover - arguably weak position and they are not same class anymore so long term injuries to any of main 3 can hurt). Probably buy a top class proven ACM (Diego or VDV) and rotate with Anderson. Usual back 4 + VDS (though he might need replacing. Depends on progress by Foster if VDS will still be 1st choice). I still think LB will lack quality cover if something happens to Evra.
So in all 3 acquisitions for me (or 4 depending on VDS condition after euros) - Huntelaar/Gomez, a top class ACM (someone in the mould of Gerrard/Ballack) and a reserve LB. Out go Saha, Silvestre, Dong etc. Total outlay could be around 25-30m tops!
Of course this team doesnt include Ronaldo as he will be sitting on the bench whole year
June 3rd, 2008 at 11:57
Nice crazy rant Jos!
June 3rd, 2008 at 11:58
It seems the refresh season has started…
June 3rd, 2008 at 12:00
Funny we talk about plyers who can play left back or right back, we had one in Phil Neville!
June 3rd, 2008 at 12:47
Speaking about future wingers, Cardiff have just confirmed that we have made a bid for Ramsey.
link
Maybe you were right all along Dan!
June 3rd, 2008 at 13:17
actually we have signed him………..at last some good news
http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid={B4CEE8FA-9A47-47BC-B069-3F7A2F35DB70}&newsid=6610831
June 3rd, 2008 at 13:20
Re: cover for left back.
Surely this is something Giggsy could do now that he is being phased out of midfield?
June 3rd, 2008 at 13:23
Yup you’re right! Our first signing this summer!!
Yippeeee!
June 3rd, 2008 at 13:34
Ahhh it is always good when we buy British. I cannot say I have watched Ramsey play. Is he the new Scholes or is it more likely we’ll turn him into a winger.
June 3rd, 2008 at 13:35
How do you do the single word link again?
June 3rd, 2008 at 13:43
he still has to agree personal terms, but yea: we got a guy!!!
June 3rd, 2008 at 13:46
[TinManUnited]
Click the “>>” button above the comments box (so you get an extended options menu), highlight the single word (in this case ‘link’), click on the Ext Link button and copy-paste the URL in that box.
Hope that was simple and clear
June 3rd, 2008 at 13:47
Instead of calling him the mystery player why don’t you call him the MERCENARY.
He is only interested in personal achievements. Living prick.
June 3rd, 2008 at 13:54
Thanks antsBoy.
Apparently Ronaldo won’t be getting the number seven jersey if he goes to Real Madrid. What the fuck!!!
June 3rd, 2008 at 14:05
Lahm has just signed a new contract. Lahm is an overrated player,he isn’t good defensively, he makes a lot of mistakes. I think Glen Johnson from Pompey would be a much better option than Lahm.
June 3rd, 2008 at 14:16
Ramsey to decide
Not a signing as yet
Even Arsenals offer has been accepted. its upto Ramsey now
June 3rd, 2008 at 14:34
Yeh lahm’s not very good defensively and he’s signed a new contract so he’s not leaving bayern. We don’t need a right or left back. Oshea and brown are half decent cover. Hargreaves, as a full back, is at about the same level as them too. Alves is more versatile than lahm or richards.
Scholes is still the best midfielder in the squad.
Aaron ramsay is a central midfielder, not a winger.
Ramos is an excellent player but he gets at least booked in every game he plays. Robinho would come in in exchange anyway, not ramos, with perhaps some cash, nothing near 50 mil.
June 3rd, 2008 at 14:44
Apparently NOT a done http://www.cardiffcityfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10335~1322884,00.htmldeal
June 3rd, 2008 at 14:45
…….Deal…. sorry
June 3rd, 2008 at 14:47
I’m hoping a certain Mr. Giggs gives Aaron a call, I mean surely the chance to work with an idol should have some sway?
June 3rd, 2008 at 15:03
Lets not get too excited, he is only 17 and we probably loan him back for a year if (touch wood) we sign him.
June 3rd, 2008 at 15:35
micah richards i would pay £30mil for him top class young player and hop ramsey sighns soon next paul scholes?
and madrid would never swap robinho,ramos and 50 mil for ronaldo bit too much
June 3rd, 2008 at 15:36
Anton you really think glen johnson is better than lahm! think about it
June 3rd, 2008 at 15:48
I do personally don’t want Richards, not just because he plays for Citeh, but I think he is a cocky tw##t, Lahm or Miguel I would say.
June 3rd, 2008 at 15:52
he’ll sign for us, we can give him better wages, plus we have an ace up our sleeves to, a certain idol of his plays for us.
June 3rd, 2008 at 15:54
[Stephen]
You mean cocky tw#t right?
June 3rd, 2008 at 15:55
RR Oh yeah, my bad spelling I am afraid!!!! should stop blogging @ work!
June 3rd, 2008 at 16:00
You mean commenting
June 3rd, 2008 at 16:02
Dan
that was the case with Gareth Bale as well. Giggs was his idol as well. I think we did make an offer for him also isint it ?
June 3rd, 2008 at 16:03
Ranting I think is more apt!!
June 3rd, 2008 at 16:04
So atlast fergie is leaving!!
bad news !!!
June 3rd, 2008 at 16:32
I like the way certain people are building our future lineup without a certain player being part of the equation. His sir name I won’t mention but it is exactly the same a Brazilian legend who likes to pick up tranny’s and who holds the record for most goals ever in the World Cup. Oh yeah, and his first name is based on that of a famous religious icon. And no, it’s not Buddha Pele.
Lets not write our special boy off just yet. Keep the faith and ye shall be rewarded. I hope…..
June 3rd, 2008 at 16:37
first off we need a proper right back.brown was decent not outstanding.gary lets face it will have lost some pace.the silva twins?enigmas. i personally rate simpson but we all know fergie wont use youngsters unless they have been bought at a price.
for a striker,i say we go for benzema.he could be united s ronaldo fat boy.fabiano should not even be on anyones mind or we could as well bring kanoute who has been better.benzema could be what we need nothing less.
we are European champions,the best team in the world,we should bring the best and nothing less
June 3rd, 2008 at 16:45
Is he gonna announce it today? I’m sitting here at work anticipating it and nothing…what’s the deal?
June 3rd, 2008 at 16:53
OK, forget about Philip Lahm, he’s not coming. He agreed to a new deal with Bayern and agreed to stay after discussions with new manager and pal Jeurgen Klinsmann. Now regarding Alves or Richards, do we need either one of them? The answer is no we don’t need them but yes we do. Brown is more than capable of playing that role and playing it well but he leaves a lot to be desired from an attacking point of view. Yes he did a great job setting up That Portuguese lad for the go ahead goal in the final but his forays forward are rare and generally uninspiring. Fergie wants a RB to play more like a RWB and do all the things on the right side that Evra does for us on the left side. The reason for this is he wants to build a more balanced attack that can come at teams from both sides with equal efficiency. Right now we are a team that likes to use the left side more than the right. This is why that Portuguese lad with the religious first name likes to move from the right to left often so that he can take part in the buildup that Evra creates and in which he often overlaps and creates great chances. So in theory we do need a RB who can offer this dimension to our game. It is however not vital to our success and it also could hurt us defensively because Alves may be great offensively but he is not as good defensively as Brown and he is often found out of position and upfield on counters. Brown is more stay at home as a RB and this has a lot to do with our excellent defensive record.
When I think of how much money it will cost to buy either Alves or Richards I cannot help but feel that money can be better utilized somewhere else. A world class striker like Huntelaar or Benzema would be a sure fire purchase if we didn’t have to buy a RB. Also, a winger could be purchased to back us up because Giggs is on his last legs and we also may be losing another winger sooner than we want due to this unnamed lad’s obsession with life in Madrid. Buying a Ben Arfa or better yet and Arshavin or youngsters like the Greek kid Ninis or the newest German phenom Marcus Marin would be great moves for the near future as these kids are truly special and loaded with skills and potential. Also, lets not assume the center of our midfield is as solid as we would like. I’m still dreaming of the Michael Ballack style AMF who has the skill and presence to set up strikers for goals as well as score several himself with both his feet and his head. Chelsea’s success is based on the fact they have two of these world class performers in Ballack and Lampard. We have none. These are the areas that need upgrading, not RB. In my opinion Brown is fine and both Hargo and Neville can back him up as well as O’Shea.
June 3rd, 2008 at 17:05
[Brian]
Don’t hold your breath.
June 3rd, 2008 at 17:09
MCRx3; Boy that is sure showing gratitude for you. WOW! The kid plays five years for us in which he is the best player on the planet for his last two (possibly more if he stays). He is part of a team that wins the EPL twice, the Champions League once and a League Cup and FA Cup but all you can say is “Living prick”. Gratitude is not a strong trait I see and loyalty it seems is weaker than that individual you just criticized, not to mention your own personal greed. I think thats sounds a bit hypocritical don’t you? We should be grateful for all he has given us and United in his five years. Hopefully he will stick around and give us more thrills but if he decides he wants to move on, I won’t be happy about it but I will thank him and wish him well. As for Real Madrid, may they go bankrupt and their shareholders get cancer. They are the villains in this drama as well as a Spanish girlfriend with a body to die for.
June 3rd, 2008 at 17:16
excellent grogy Sir!
you are in your elements today
June 3rd, 2008 at 17:23
His girlfriens is very nice I must say.
Lets not start getting on his back yet, lets wait and see if he does want to move, then I can’t see us selling him anyway, Fergie I am sure will dig his heals in and CR should know that. Let see what transpires in the next day or so then we can start calling him all the names under the sun or congratulating on a the right decision.
We are United.
June 3rd, 2008 at 17:24
MUFC FAN; Glen Johnson isn’t qualified to wipe Philip Lahm’s ass. That’s an outrageous claim. Good player but not world class and that’s what Lahm is.
To all the folks bringing up Philip Lahm; FORGET IT! He’s not going anywhere. He just signed a 3 year deal with Bayern and he has given his word as well to new manager Klinsmann. Add to this incredible improbability of Bayern Munich allowing him to leave a week after he just penned a new contract. But still, many of you want United to act in the same fashion as Real FUCKING Madrid and try and get him anyway. Remember how difficult it was to get Hargo. We only succeeded because Hargo was British and was dying to come and play for us. Lahm is not. Get over it and forget about it. Fergie had his window of opportunity and as he often does, he dragged his Scottish ass until the window closed. I think he will do the same when it comes to Huntelaar, Alves and Benzema too as their are teams out there in Europe that are far more aggressive than United when it comes to securing transfers. We will be stuck with the likes of Fabiano and some pot luck backups. This procrastination or delay is nerve racking and dangerous. Yes some of these players are hard to sign just before a big tourney but they may be harder to sign afterwards. Where is the skill of negotiations? I sometimes wonder if we really have that big a transfer kitty. Or is it based more on how much we get from the players we sell. The Glazer’s debt I feel is a burning problem with United in the transfer season and I think it may cause Fergie problems getting the players he wants. Just a feeling.
June 3rd, 2008 at 17:25
Thanks Jos. I aim to please.
June 3rd, 2008 at 17:31
[Grognard]
I don’t know if you’ve touched on it earlier, I’d like your opinion on Santa Cruz. I’ve read Tim Vickery’s columns appreciating his heading ability and height. He’s impressed for Blackburn, but was less than stellar for Bayern. What do you reckon? A bargain buy?
June 3rd, 2008 at 17:34
I did read something yesterday about that Portuguese lad with the religious first name. This whole business may actually be nothing more than a tactic not only to get a better contract befitting the newly crowned best player in the world, but also to secure rights to his image. If so, this makes a lot of sense and his actions are coming much more in to proper perspective. His agent and himself believe that his personal brand and his face can be marketed all over the world with equal success to that of Mr Posh Beckham. I personally don’t think so because Beckham’s success has a lot to do with his aura, his marriage and the fact that he is English and thus, the English speaking world favors him and markets him with vigor. With him it’s not all about looks but image too. Ronaldo is Portuguese and he will never have the world appeal that an English or American athlete will have. That’s just the honest truth about world marketing. But, all the power to him if that is what he is trying to do. Still, I won’t buy his cologne when it comes out. The scent would probably make all the girls dive for cover and cause me to whine and cry about the injustice of it all.
June 3rd, 2008 at 17:36
Talking about girlfriends, mine has given me an ultimatum!. Stay off the net, or stay off the other!. She’s tall, blonde and gorgeous. So come on, what would you lot do?. M’thinks I am going to be absent from the rants for a while lads!.
June 3rd, 2008 at 17:37
[Grognard]
I disagree. An ugly Ronaldinho at one stage was earning more than Becks in the peak of his powers. The ‘kid’ is not bad looking and not a bad footballer. A good Euro/World Cup will make HIM Beckhamesque. Anyway, what do you think of Roque Santa Cruz?
June 3rd, 2008 at 17:39
[Craig mc]
We’ll miss you. Enjoy! Btw, this is a good time to be off the site too… nothing worthwhile happening anyway.
June 3rd, 2008 at 17:47
RR; I’ve seen Santa Cruz play many many times while he was with Bayern and although he is a very decent player, he did very little in his years there to justify giving him a starting position. Yes he has skills but he quite often disappears in games entirely. He is totally dependant on service and does not really make anything out of half chances. His heading is good but he is easily out physically neutralized by big defenders like Mertesacker, Worns etc. He is capable of scoring with both feet and he does occasionally score some cracker goals but he is woefully inconsistent and most of all, he is invisible in important matches. When Bayern would have the league all wrapped up two or three years ago he would come on late in the season and go on a goal scoring run. However, when he was needed last year due to injuries to both McKaay and Pizarro and Bayern were fighting to grab a Champions League spot, he just didn’t come through. My assessment of him is he is a decent third striker for a good team but he isn’t good enough or does he have the physical strength to be a starter on a great side. He does well at a place like Blackburn because there is less pressure to perform and because he has no competition in front of him or behind him. He also benefited greatly from David Bentley’s Beckham-like crossing ability. Put him on a team where he will have to compete for a place and also play in pressure situation and I believe he will implode. I could be wrong and if we got him I’d pray I was wrong but my experience in watching him over several years tells me I am right. Stay clear away from him. The only good thing I can really say is that he seemed comfortable as a #3 striker so sitting on the bench doesn’t annoy him. This should make Tevez fans happy but I for one want Tevez to be our #3 striker and I want United to buy a #1 striker. After all, we are United, not Blackburn. Hope that helped a bit RR. Then again, it’s only my humble but observant opinion.
June 3rd, 2008 at 17:49
Craig has succumbed to woman. Reminds me of a Portuguese lad we all know and used to love. Have a good time Craig and behave yourself.
June 3rd, 2008 at 17:54
[Grognard]
OK. So he is reliant on service, which our system of play guarantees. If Hughes leaves Blackburn [according to new reports, City and B'burn have agreed a compensation package] then I think United might bid for him. It is plausible.
If that happens, though, I think we can wave goodbye to the likes of Benzema and Huntelaar.
Santa Cruz appears to have incredibly quick feet from what I’ve seen. Signing him won’t excite me, but I won’t complain. He’s been proven at the Prem (although it’s just one great season) and going by Fergie’s transfer strategy of late he’s shown a willingness to spend for proven premiership performers — read: Carrick, Tevez.
June 3rd, 2008 at 17:56
Craig RIP.
With regard to Santa Cruz last season could have been at bit of a fluke regarding his goals. 188 games 38 goals is not fantastic, especially for a side like Bayern who pretty much dominated that league while he was there.
He is good I watched him against us and he was tracking everyone, but we do have Rooney and Tevez who do that sort of thing already.
We need someone who can put the ball in the onion bag, simple, like Ruud in the early days.
June 3rd, 2008 at 17:57
Keeping with British buys this summer it would be great if we signed Aiden McGeady of Celtic. Celtic would sell at a decent price and the player has indicated at a Premiership move in the past and would be more open to a move if Gordon Strachan leaves Celtic. Fergie has hinted at signing a player in the Giggs mold and has had eyes on McGeady as well, but we pretty much have scouts watching everyone really. Aaron Ramsey is being touted as the future Scholes and I see McGeady as the next Giggs.
It is common knowledge we need a striker but I cannot make my mind up at RB. There is no question we can more than make do with a rotation of Brown, Hargo and possibly Neville and Simpson, but do we want to make do and get by with what we have got (which is not a bad situation at RB) or improve. I prefer constant improvement and Lahm would have been the perfect option by not only providing everything needed at RB but also cover at LB, but he is staying at Bayern and has already penned a contract.
The problems that foreign and especially Latin players bring to the club has come to the forefront with a certain unnameable player and even Tevez talking about future moves abroad although the latter not causing the same amount of chaos. So it is good to know that`we are signing or trying to sign top British talent which is essential for the club’s stability.
If anything we have been reminded how easy it is to destabalise a club and why no one player is more important than the club. Our continued success has and will be as much down to the likes of O Shea and Fletcher as it is to the like of Ronaldo Rooney and Rio.
June 3rd, 2008 at 18:00
Ronaldinho has never made more than the Beckham brand RR. I remember reading an article in an American magazine based on net worth due to marketing (licensing) income for athletes and Beckham was first while Ronaldinho was in the low teens. Beckham is a GOD in Asia and his popularity is growing in North America where non soccer fans know who he is and recognize him. Ask a non soccer fan who Ronaldinho is and ask for a description and they are clueless. Lets also remember the product line that is out there with the Beckham trademark. clothes, fragrances, etc. Ronaldinho has a shoe deal and EA Sports and a few others. He is large but Beckham is huge huge huge. Also Beckham is very much an ambassador to the game for England and thus he is seen at FIFA, UEFA Olympic and other world events designed to promote the game and England’s position and exposure in the game. Barca and Brazil do not use Ronaldinho this way. Becks is also popular in in Ronaldinho’s back yards of South America nad of course Spain. Ronaldinhio couldn’t get a dentures or toothpaste licensing deal in England. And lets face it, he has no allure to women as he is not the boy toy Becks is. Women in the world all know who Becks and Posh are. They have no idea who Ronaldinho is. There is no comparison financially or socially.
June 3rd, 2008 at 18:08
Stephen; Right on mate!
RR; The player is quality but he isn’t United class. He’s not a pressure performer. Also, now that it looks that Hughes will take over at Man City I think that if Santa Cruz goes anywhere it will be with City. Their owner will be willing to outbid United to make their new manager happy and Santa Cruz should show his loyalty to the manager who turned his career around. But really, who knows?
June 3rd, 2008 at 18:14
rsg; A lot of player who play for Celtic and Rangers look like world beater because they play in the shite SPL. Lets face it McGeady is a good player but he looks great against the crap defenders he goes up against every week. I prefer going for players who prove themselves against quality teams week in and week out. The only real quality player playing in the SPL at present is Artur Boruc. That boy is a world class goalkeeper and I would die from joy if either United or Bayern (my two team) signed him.
June 3rd, 2008 at 18:17
Also who sayes we would get him on the cheap? when have we ever bought a player from another premiership club since Cantona, cheap? and please don’t say Bellion!!
June 3rd, 2008 at 18:25
Ok so ‘He who must not be named’ has come to the fore of discussions again. He is the same as when Becks was at United as he was the star of the team, the one everyone would get on the back of jerseys, the one everyone adored (especially the media). However, there is just something that I find unlikeable about them both. It is people papering over their cracks i.e. ignoring their weaknesses. I always preferred Keane to Beckham and now I prefer Rooney to ‘the Portuguese Madrid fan’. I just admire the players who wear their hearts on their sleeves rather than the players who don’t even chase back when they lose the ball.
I have said throughout the season that
Ronaldo“the Portuguese Madrid fan”, despite being obviously great, was not as great as people made him out to be. Yes he scored a tremendous amount of goals but has that come at a sacrifice? Has it made players like Rooney start to decline? I was amazed at our performance against Arsenal in the FA Cup and yes I know it wasn’t their best team but that was the game where IMO Nani proved that he can be a great player. The thing that has impressed me about Nani is that he is much more of a team guy than the other Portuguese player and he does track back and doesn’t just let opposing players stroll past him. People have called him selfish but when compared to his compatriot he is so much more team oriented.Rooney in that game played the lone striker role perfectly and tha’s why I was surprised when Fergie moved him to the right and put ‘The Portuguese Madrid fan’ up front because I felt it made our team so much more one-dimensional. I would prefer a game like Wigan at OT or the FA Cup game where the team worked as a unit and demolished the opposition over the likes of the Derby(1-0). Oh well, that’s my take on events and I’m finished with it until more concrete news pops up.
June 3rd, 2008 at 18:26
It’s all happening elsewhere though: yesterday Mourinho signs for Inter, today it’s Hughes to City, and now there are unconfirmed reports that Ancellotti has agreed to switch to Chelscum.
June 3rd, 2008 at 18:28
[Liam]
Where has the debate about the ‘guy’ come up again? You just brought it up.
June 3rd, 2008 at 18:30
nice RR, no mention of’that player’ all week.
June 3rd, 2008 at 18:33
Aiden McGeady is useless! cr*p
no end product and no strength
June 3rd, 2008 at 18:37
Now before I continue let me come out and say that I never take whatever Tribal Football has to say seriously but I just read something from them that makes a lot of sense. The claim that Real Madrid’s and Calderon’s intention to retire the number 7 due to the years of great service to honor Raul could completely derail their chances of getting our Portuguese Boy Toy. Not because the number 7 is like Sampson’s hair before Delila cut it thus destroying his super human power. The Boy Toy does not want to relinquish the number 7 because it is financially linked to his licensing brand known as CR7. The plans are to license many items throughout the world using the CR7 brand. If indeed Real Madrid are planning on honoring Raul this way, they could very well have shot themselves in the foot with this move. Unless of course Raul himself comes out and tells Calderon to scrap the plans in order to get CR7. Interesting twist from a totally separate business angle. MONEY! MONEY! MONEY! It’s all about money. Does anybody play for the pride and love of the game and club anymore? How naive of me to think that is still possible.
June 3rd, 2008 at 18:48
[Grognard]
As I said earlier, I couldn’t give a fuck. But I could change the subject. Here’s to memories of cheerful days… which now seem long time ago. CLICK
Scroll through the gallery.
June 3rd, 2008 at 18:55
does anyone here think that muntari would have been good for us if we were interested. i remember him stating his burning desire to play for the club. Not saying we should have signed him but its just for discussion’s
sake.
June 3rd, 2008 at 19:02
Liam
How is Rooney a player who ‘wears his heart on his sleeve’? Didnt he once famously sported a vest claiming “Once a blue always a blue”!!! He is a self claimed Everton fan but jumped onto Utd Bus to win trophies and if utd fall from top (especially if we were to be demoted to second division a la Juve) then only we’ll know true loyalties. we dont know if he will still be there!
These days players kiss club crest one day and ask for a transfer next! There is no way to know how loyal they really are. For me it probably makes more sense to have a class player than a loyal player who is no good. In any case in todayshighly profit-oriented corporate world loyalties are hard to find. And I dont really fault employees for that as employers are also known to be equally ruthless…
June 3rd, 2008 at 19:34
Hey Guys !! Acccording to me CR7 has been phenomenal this season and he has repaid the faith Fergie had in him
we stuck by him in his darkest hour and he has repaid us with a UCL and two PL titles..Many people
today have different opinions and i do agree with their emotions but if you guys had been told in 2006
that ronaldo would reach these levels i hardly think anyone would have believd it..So the point i’m
trying to make is that Most of you wanted him out of the club in 2006,and most of you were against fergie’s
decision to keep him here,anyways according to me he has given us what we wanted(2 BPL,UCL) and we s
should be happy he was part of our club and if he wants to move to madrid its upto him ..Plus i agree
with Groggy “living prick” by MCRx3 , is totally an immature comment.By the Way His girlfriend could be the
main reason why he has second thoughts…”SHE JUST HAS A GORGEOUS BODY WHICH COULD DRIVE ANY MAN CRAZY”"
no wonder our boy wants to leave England…
June 3rd, 2008 at 19:35
Grognard
I was wondering why you think Tevez should be our 3rd striker? I’m not saying I dissagree, just that i believe this will be a major problem for us if we sign someone the likes of Benzema or Huntelaar. I’m not too sure there are many united caliber players out there willing to sit on the bench, which in turn makes them united cabiler. Tevez played a big part for us and is a great striker, problem is he plays the same style as Rooney and therefore when we play a 4-4-2, we lack any real scoring threat from inside the box. I don’t necessarily think that Santa Cruz would be a poor signing simply because he would (I’m assuming) be willing to sit on the bench until we needed him or Rooney / Tevez needed a rest.
This is also assuming that SAF would not resort to out and out rotation of our strikers whether is be 3 or 4 (if you include Manucho). If thats the case, then no one will be able to ‘get into the flow of the game’ and will really lack scoring from our stikers.
I’m actually on the fence about this. Of course I would love to see a Benzema or a Huntelaar in United red, but will the people already here be willing to take a second hand roll?
June 3rd, 2008 at 20:00
Comma; First off I like Tevez a lot but he is not prolific enough for my liking as a goal scorer. But I do think he has amazing drive and energy which along with his ability to score big GOALS is an asset that is best served in the last 30 minutes of a game when the opposition is knackered and when our team needs an insurgence of energy and drive. For me he could be 21st Century version of Solksjaer and could also offer Rooney and our future #1 striker chances to rest and get games off too. This role would not diminish his value top the team and may actually increase it in my opinion.
June 3rd, 2008 at 20:11
grognard you think tevez should be a 3rd striker after 21 goals this year how much do you want him to get although if we do get either huntelaar or ben we should use constant rotisery and not as a no3
June 3rd, 2008 at 20:14
well said jos although rooney will be a legend
June 3rd, 2008 at 20:29
actually grognard, with a good summers rest, i think tevez could be prolific, now before i get slated for saying this, we should see his stats.
age 17 tevez makes his debut in the 01/02 season scoring 1 goal, in 11 apps, right no sugar coating, this is crap, but it was his debut season.
with a season of experience under his belt, scores 11 goals in 32 apps, its pretty damn good goals to games ratio for his sort of striker.
03/04, tevez scores 12 goals in 23 matches, nuff said about that. in 2003 he played a key part in the Copa Libertadores, and in 2004, he played in the olympics, scoring 9 goals in 8 matches i think. so he hasnt had a break from football at this stage of career sine 2002.
his last season at boca was an injury hit season, scoring 2 goals in 9 matches. but his pass accomplishments where key to his move to Corinthians, and luckly for him, he got a short lived rest but not enough to see him really fresh.
but this didnt stop him from being a star in the next to seasons for corinthians scoring 31 goals in 53 appearances, in the next to seasons.
then came the world cup, he must of been knackered, then came west ham, where he took his time to settle but did in the end in a true goalscoring style. then this season, impressed all with his knack of scoring late, important goals, becoming key to are team. unfortunately, he scored 19 goals in 48 apps but still proved vital with his goal scoring.
if tevez has a good long rest this summer, and comes back fresh, i reckon he could get us 25 goals next season, but maybe im wrong, and he cant find the goalscoring touch he had so we sell him i guess.
June 3rd, 2008 at 20:31
my top targets would be:richards,huntelaar,marcelo and aguero as most are young we need a new right back EG:richards backup left back EG:marcelo and lwb, huntelaar experienced and good in air , aguero young fast and argentinian so would bond well with tevez and we dont need a new midfielder (just yet)who would your top targets be
June 3rd, 2008 at 20:31
Speaking of SAF’s interviews, here’s a quality one by Des Lynam:
June 3rd, 2008 at 20:33
[Dan]
Agreed, regarding the rest part. I think Tevez will be very good next season.
June 3rd, 2008 at 20:34
right RR, how did you get youtube in our comments section?
June 3rd, 2008 at 20:50
CRAIG MC-, my girlfriend gave me the same ultimatum, hence why i do not post much, we came to a comprise, less of me going on the internet less of her watching shows like american next top model, good trade off i would say, problem is it came a little too late, football season is finished :(, but thank god for baseball, even though yankees cant string wins together
now on to united, the season is over, now here comes the endless speculation and debate of will he wont we of the infinite list of players going to clubs, and for the new crop of “expert pundits” to emerge to give details of players who will fare well, make an impact or be a complete flop, and their respective teams and will they make europe win the league only for their prediction to fail miserable and look like complete twats, but enough on alan hansen.
united in my opinion need a new right back, since every time i see wes brown near the ball or on the pitch, my heart sinks and i cannot bear to watch, sure he’s had an exceptional season, but reality will catch up with the lad sooner or later, and we will see what he really is a platoon right back only suitable to play low table to give our starter a rest.
Sticking to the right back debate, not a lot of names spring to mind when speaking about right backs, except ramos, lahm and alves, boswinga made a big mistake joining chelsea, and i cant feel any sympathy for the lads mistake, hes not a finished product and a team like chelsea who want you to be a world class player on day one and no patience what so ever is going to kill his career, but ah wells his mistake, th player i want the most is alves, however he lacks and real defensive skills so it will be like having two evras though evra defensively has become marvellous
my summer wish list is: Lulinha, benzema/gomez and alves/ any decent right back
June 3rd, 2008 at 21:09
Liam: Couple of points about that Arsenal games. Firstly you can’t read too much into it, good a performance as it was Arsenal just did not show up on the day. And Nani was impressive against Traore and Hoyte not Clichy and Sagna.
Point two, there were problems in Becks game but workrate and commitment on the pitch were not amongst them. So the Keane/Beckham and Rooney/Ronaldo comparison doesn’t really add up in that regard.
Point three, Rooney plays the lone striker role to a tee some days and on others he is ineffective. He is not a natural in the role, however his sheer ability means he can make it work, just not on a consistent basis. The reason for the switch to the right was a tactical effort to shore up the flanks from a defensive viewpoint. We were one dimensional because we were set up to be one dimensional. It’s hard to make a fair comparison between the attacking merits of the two formations when, for example, the fullbacks were barely allowed to cross the half way line in the Barca away game.
Now Nani might track back but so does Alan Smith. Who would you rather have in your team, Smith or Berbatov? Doesn’t matter how hard you run it is difficult to replicate 50 goals and assists a season. And he is called selfish because when he is in good positions he picks daft shots or passes to make. The most glaring example of selfish play in the team this season I can think of was a late break against Bolton at home, when Rooney was in acres of space and Nani spaffed a 25 yard shot into the stands. It is a sign of youth and he will hopefully grow out of it but let’s not pretend his decision making is there yet.
Lastly I am one of Rooney’s biggest defenders on here but can you honestly put the blame at Ronaldo’s door on the days when Rooney’s first touch couldn’t trap a bag of cement or when he couldn’t hit a barn door with his shots.
Grognard: Beckham was much more commercially linked to the number seven but it didn’t derail his transfer.
June 3rd, 2008 at 21:11
grognard, I live in America, and while you are right about beckham being more popular than dinho it is only slightly. And he is only more popular cause he hangs out with celebrities which makes him relevant in pop culture. Dinho is 1 ugly mofo, and he can’t speak English. These drastically hurt his marketing potential. “The one who shall remain nameless” is as good looking if not better than beckham. He plays more attractive football and is a much better player. Give him another 3 years and you will see the cr7 brand overtake beckham(the portageezer just needs to start snagging some more international pop stars. )