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:
- Interview with Phillippe Auclair
- Gill on City and Ronaldo
- Interview with Aon – Manchester United’s future sponsors
- United on Top of the league, for now
- Aston Villa v Man Utd:Preview
Tags: Manchester United News
Opti (542)
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Craig Mc (349)
Moscow is my heaven (272)
True RR, but not the C*** bit, your not that by any stretch of the imaginations.
Conor, I hope you haven’t left mate!. We should only leave if our girlfriends or other half’s give us the welly whilst crying neglect, accusing us of Web-itis lol!. I manage to pick my moments to sneak on though – haha!.
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grogy man
ronaldo has really played in forward position this season more than 70-80% of the time. hence he should be part of attack and not midfield. he doesnt track back enough to be classed a midfielder. and he is not a traditional winger anymore. he is pretty much a henry kind of a winger/striker really! probably rooney played more times out wide than him (on the pitch that is – whether that was bosses’ orders or not i dont know!)
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Grognard – I just have to explain that I don’t recall commenting on your issue with Tevez, the member in here. I have commented on your views on Tevez, the player, and that’s it. I’m sorry if it came across differently, even though I think, I have explained wherein I was insulted, which was in your comment no. 99. I may have thrown one back at you in 128, but that was merely a response to the things you wrote to me in 99. If you can find, where I insulted you before no. 99, please let me know. I just don’t want to be the starting offender in this, when I don’t feel that’s the case.
I just wanted to explain the order of insults. Not that it really matters, because I probably shouldn’t have gotten back at you. But as you know, it’s damn difficult letting these things go
.
It seems that all this may have relied on a misunderstanding.
And I certainly don’t have a problem with you either… keep commenting.
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RR; I take a lot of heat on this site as you know so please grant me a little slack when I defend players who don’t deserve to be insulted like Brown, Fletcher and O’Shea. Saha on the other hand deserves a hell of a lot of criticism for his lack of heart and guts. That’s my opinion of course and if you and others feel I’m wrong that’s fine, but i saw no hypocrisy in my statement. And I also have no problem if others can prove to me why Huntelaar is not good enough based on proof, facts. Evidence is all I ask for. When they make serious comments on a player without having taken the time to watch and critique a player I have a problem with it. The internet is full of pseudo experts who base everything they think on what they read and not what they actually see or personally experience. If you have noticed I never really go out on a tangent over players I have not seen enough to make a fair judgment over. What I do know a lot about is players in Germany, England, Holland and Italy. Spain and France bore me to death so I don’t watch as many games except for the big teams. And so gut feelings are not wrong but they are not based on any fact or definitive evidence thus they are pointless. Yet I and everyone else has them from time to time. But don’t debate with someone like me who has watched Huntelaar 50+ times because you have a gut feeling. In that case the person should be prepared for my “holier than thou” rebuttal. Sorry but that’s as honest as I can get. And RR, you’re not a c***.
Tomas; I think there is a lot of misunderstanding to go around. I went back and read my #99 post and I don’t honestly see where I was insulting. I honestly was asking you a direct question. Many on this blog write and talk about Huntelaar based on what they read and a few YouTube clips but how many have sat and really watched him play? That’s all I was asking because had you watched him play at any length I am truly confused as to why you feel the way you do. But then again we all see things differently. I like Tevez but I just don’t see what I want in a striker in him. Saha when healthy bored me to tears, others however loved him so go figure! Everybody has different tastes and all of us and especially myself have to be understanding and even tolerant of this. But as RR knows by now, it’s not easy for guys like me.
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[Grognard]
Sorry mate. I disagree. I stand fully behind what I’ve said. In this site irrespective of gut feeling or not, if you can make a cogent argument you are allowed to talk about it. Even if you have a problem with someone talking shit about X player without having seen him play much, it is not in your right to put him in his place. It’s an opinion, and if some one is being rigid about it you must get the point and let it lie.
I stand fully behind what I said and I am firm on this. If you say you will give a holier than thou rebuttal, don’t ask me why when I delete it. I haven’t allowed it. You have been honest with your intentions and I have been with mine.
Regarding Saha and Nani, you’ve had your reasons. And similarly people have had their reasons regarding CR. I defended you then, so I will defend the guy who is being told not to have a certain opinion of Ronaldo. I can’t cut you slack for that. It’s not about you, it’s about the principle of being able to voice your opinion without being told by someone to change their mind. Two wrongs can’t make a right.
So I can’t backtrack on anything I said here because my stand hasn’t changed. End of story. I won’t comment on this further.
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[JB]
Stop the leg pulling mate. You know it’s not good for discussion on here. I’ve made my point above, and I don’t want people stirring up shit again.
*deleting your comment*
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It was a valid enough question.
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It’s not. I don’t see why it’s valid.
And I am pretty sure in another couple of days there’s going to be another shit storm that I have to moderate. So drop it.
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RR; Fair enough, I expected that. I could have said a lot more if I really felt like it and got myself banned, since it wouldn’t matter, but I thought better of it.
Grognard; Tomas is probably talking about this particular statement: ‘Honestly I sometimes wonder what basis many of you make your arguments from.’ I’m sure you would have taken offence to that. You’ll probably ignore this though like you have done for a few weeks now, and you call other people rude.
For one who “doesn’t hold a grudge” you sure don’t forgive and forget too quickly. 
Craig; It has to be done. I’m glad you convinced the missus to let you back on. Don’t miss me too much. Maybe I’ll end up meeting you at some of the matches next year, I don’t think I ever told you but I’ve been a season ticket holder for 2 years now, so I’m surprised we never met in person. Flying from Belfast to Manchester makes my weekend, great city with plenty of banter.
JB, Dan, Utsav, Penguin, Colver, Tevez, Craig, Jos, Abu, Johnsom33 and the rest I haven’t really spoken with; It was a pleasure discussing Manchester United with you all.
RR; Keep up the good work on the blog, you do an excellent job.
You all seem like perfectly nice people too, which helps a lot.
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[Conor]
You were serious huh?
Anyway, it’s all upto you mate, and good that you understand that. Cheers, and good luck with wherever you are going.
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Conor: Sorry to hear you are going. I didn’t see what flared up today but I can take a guess and I’ll presume that’s why my earlier question was deleted. All the best and any luck I might bump into you on one of my all to infrequent trips to OT.
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[JB]
I doubt it’s got anything to do with your comment, more like things happening over a prolonged period of time.
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RR: I meant I presumed that my comment was deleted because you had a fire to fight today and didn’t feel like another.
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[JB]
True, that. Thanks for understanding. Meanwhile I’ve got to get back to work, and I also need to have an updated note on the site on comment policy that doesn’t involve me having to sit here and police this thing. Some people don’t understand the definition of restraint and forget that this is an online comment thread after all.
If everyone knew what was best for the site, my job would be easier. But many have set out to “prove points”.
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RR; 100% serious, good luck on the new comment policy update, sounds like a good idea. I’ll stop by every so often to read the articles but I’ll definitely not be back here writing/reading any comments.
JB; You didn’t miss much, just the usual so and so. I’ve gotten bored of it. hopefully we will meet up, look back these days and have a good laugh about it. The Riquelme wars were pretty legendary on here, so all credit to you and Grognard for that one.
So long, lads
. Officially my last ever comment.
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Conor; I’m stubborn and like a dog who gets kicked and beaten by his master I don’t forget. So I do hold a grudge against people who have rubbed me the wrong way, get personal, know it and don’t give a damn. That’s certainly not your problem and it’s my own character flaw and cross to bare. Besides, other than that you made conversing with you mean spirited and personal and I for one don’t want a part in it any more. All the best to you and I wish you well but don’t expect me to get into conversations with you as I like to protect my feelings as best as I can.
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Conor: Cheerio. You do know how to get in touch though. And regarding the new comment policy, I don’t think it will be as effective, but I still hope …
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Awww – Feck, we almost lost Dan(U-ol) at one point, and now Conor’s gone. Totally feckin gutted!. I did know you were a season ticket holder Conor, and also that you are well knowledgeable about your football. I’m not a season tic holder, but I have always managed to get hold of a ticket for the games. I have enjoyed reading your posts and the much banter. Enjoy your discussions wherever you have moved to Conor!.
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I just have to make one last comment. Surprise it’s to Grognard.
I just can’t see, why you should have exclusive right to get insulted in here. When I wrote to you that you had insulted me even earlier than I insulted you, you just disregarded that your comments were insulting. I wouldn’t say that my comment was in the high level on the insult-meter, but you got chopped down by the knees (no. 146). A bit theatrical, but that’s alright. All I am saying is that I got insulted as far back as no. 99, where I throw one back at you in 128 as response. Am I the only one, who can see that?
Anyway, I have explained several times, how I feel, I was insulted by you. Read my comments no. 137, 140 and 153, if you like.
Conor – if you pop in here one last time. Thanks for many interesting comments. Stay cool.
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Just want to say i was reacting to grognards comments in no. 99. I only said back to him exactly what he said to anyone who has a differing opinion from him on huntelaar. So my apologies to red ranter for creating more work for you, but my insult was no different from grognards.
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We do need a right back. Richards is the best option but as you said it’s not looking likely to happen. Lahm signed a new contract. Alves is so attacking it’s a joke. Ramos won’t leave Madrid, Maicon won’t leave Inter. The only other option I can think of at the minute is Rafinha. he’s good attacking and decent in defence – The new Cafu.
Anyone who says let Tevez off if he refuses to be a sub is wrong. Every team in Europe will want him! He’s too good for the bench.
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John O’Shea is better than Luis Figo.
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