Feb 24
Newcastle 1-5 Man Utd: Newcastle Taken To The Cleaners At Home
Was that headline an exaggeration? I didn’t think so. However, yesterday’s win was achieved with minimum fuss, for most part, as a poor Newcastle side was run over by a team that had enough incentive to close the gap on league leaders, Arsenal. Arsenal were surprisingly held to a draw by Birmingham, with a last gap penalty from James McFadden. Although, it must be said that a horrible, horrible injury to Eduardo — something that, I pray, must never happen again to a footballer, ever — would have left the players in a state of shock throughout the game. Players need protection, and that’s what SAF was very concerned about a few weeks ago, bemoaning the fact that Ronaldo gets kicked about for fun and hardly gets much protection.
Back to the match report, though.
Ronaldo returned to goal scoring form by bagging yet another brace, while Rooney showed why he loves scoring against Newcastle by bagging a brace for himself. Saha topped it up by scoring a late one in stoppage time. However it was the first couple of goals that really killed things off for Newcastle. The first one, with a typical Ronaldo run down the left wing, a turn and a cross found Rooney who tapped it in on the volley. The second was an outstanding slide rule pass from Carrick that found Ronaldo, who, usually in these situations, can hardly do wrong.
After that the goals flowed. I think I’ll link you to the MOTD highlights (watch it before it gets taken down).
But more than United taking the Barcodes apart it was a case more of Newcastle being piss poor; when a midfield containing Fletcher can overrun you so badly, heaven knows what might have been had it been Anderson. And the defending, what of that! When Ronaldo can slip and still recover well enough to find himself one-on-one with the ‘keeper it shows the level of comedic defending that was on display. They seemed to let their shoulders droop so easily after going down too early, and that’s why I did feel a little sorry for their fans.
Anyway, on to player performances. I thought Rooney was coming back to his best, for quite sometime, now. Yesterday he found his shooting boots as well. His first was well taken, but his second was an absolute belter. Playing Nani on the wing was another nice move from the manager. It shows his growing faith in the Portuguese winger, and he didn’t disappoint. His crosses were again inch perfect on more than a couple of occasions. In fact, Tevez somehow contrived to miss a header from a Beckham-esque cross from Nani, from 5 yards out! Carrick has improved and his passing was more positive and advanced. It’s good to see that the lad has a bit of a fight in him, seeing the competition for places in the centre of the park. Fletcher continued in the same vein as he did against Arsenal.
It was nice to see Saha join in the action and also help himself to a goal. It is important for a striker to have a feel of the football, foremost, and then see a shot sail into the net. Those two things will certainly help the Frenchman, if he does, in fact return to more regular action.
So how important is this result. Well, we have closed the gap by three points. But not too much must be read into a performance against a team that, at best, resembled a pub team. The players will be told that a 5-1 doesn’t change things still. They will be told to prepare for the next game after a brief pat on the back.
The title race is hotting up and is very delicately poised. The title run-in, in particular, is tricky for both Arsenal and United, so this season promises to be exciting. So, lad, fasten your seat belts and enjoy the ride.
Related items from Red Rants:
- Update on Red Rants
- Man Utd vs Newcastle Utd: Preview
- Keegan ‘I’d Love It’ Returns To Geordie-land. Heh!
- Man Utd v Newcastle: Preview
- The Louis Saha Question and United 6-0 Newcastle Goal Videos
Tags: Match Reports
February 24th, 2008 at 10:41
Yes nothing much to read into it as newcastle were poor apart from the wing play by duff and zombia…whatever thy name be……..it would be interesting to see what team he plays against fulham as lyon awaits midweek…. ronaldo looked slow in patches but then he has had no rest all season…rooney and carrick were the most impressive…fletcher was decent… all in all a great performance as rooney pointed out arsenal result was an incentive…. the injury to eduardo is shocking…. just hope saha is fit now for the title run in…. referees better protect ronaldo now with that……line up against fulham ? for me it would be
vds
brown rio vidic evra
nani carrick scholes park
saha tevez
subs – ronaldo oshea kuzack rooney fletcher
……..this is in keeping mind of the game midweek and the portsmouth game after that…………
let me know what u think and should be the ideal line up…cheers
February 24th, 2008 at 11:10
rooney needs to play, he just got his touch back, and needs to strengthen it. i think its like fifa and now that we are in the second half of the season everyone has improved.
February 24th, 2008 at 11:13
MrT, I agree with your team instead of scholes, andy and possibly giggs back in but keep rooney in the team because you don’t want to take him out just when he has found his shooting boots. And definately rest ronny.
A very important weekend in the title race (before Arsenal come to Old Trafford) is March 26th when United are at home to Pool and Chelsea host Arsenal. I really don’t think Arsenal can beat Chelsea but we will get past Pool without much difficulty. After that match Arsenal play Bolton,Liverpool and finaly United this is when I feel the title will be decided in Uniteds favour ofcourse.
Newcastle were poor yesterday but take nothing away from Uniteds performance, with Arsenal dropping points the pressure was on and the players rose to the occasion.
Fabiano??? Read the article but never before heard of him don’t really need an out and out striker because Rooney has shown he can play in that position and if we do decide to get one I would opt for Huntelaar i just really like the guy. But I think that in Rooney and Tevez we have a really great partnership, we don’t really need another striker but just a back up stiker. Someone like Saha minus the injuries. But if Saha can get a good run going then injury wise things are looking very good for United and EXTREAMLY bad for Arsenal! Arsenal have definately cracked, no win in 3 and the reaction of Gallas is not one of a leader. United now have the advantage. It was there for Arsenal to lose and now it is there for United to win! COME ON UNITED!!!
February 24th, 2008 at 11:14
Dan, United are always stronger in the second half of the season!!!
February 24th, 2008 at 11:31
and it seems this is the time arsenal flop to, has anybody realized that if we win the league we would be making history? the team that wins the community shield has never won the league, and the team that is top at Christmas normally wins the league!, there’s a first for everything.
February 24th, 2008 at 11:33
Dan-Chelsea won the Comumunity shield before the 2005/06 season, and they won the Prem! United was also on top for Christmas!
My team against Fulham would be:
VDS
Brown Rio Vida(anyone knows how bad the injury is?) Evra(he too)
Nani Carrick Anderson Ronaldo
Rooney Saha
subs:PIG Oshea Scholes Giggs Tevez
Scholes and Giggs to play against Lyon, but Ronaldo should play cause he always seem to score against Fulham!
February 24th, 2008 at 11:35
I’m sure Im a way behind all you guys, but I just realised yesterday especially with the second goal how important Carrick is (how many assists this season?). I was truly impressed and it was nice to see each of the goal scorers finish like they did, even though it was a poor side we played against.
Also I was glad to see Fletcher get another run out. His performances have been of the highest quality when given his chance and no doubt we will be in the same position Arsenal are in right now and will have to rely on our full squad…
If I may though, I will talk about the reaction in the Arsenal game from there captain William Gallas…
Yes, I’m sure it was an emotional game but for Gallas to literally offer no condolence to his defence, sulk on the other side of the field and then cry at the end of the game (at the time still being 6 points ahead in the league) it really does show that the one thing Arsenal do lack right now is a leader and more importantly a match winner.
I think to a point United also lack a predominant leader on the field but United’s individual match winning performances from players all over the field, help to inspire the rest of the team… Maybe todays game is not about having a snarling midfielder fueled by aggression but instead to have flair and inspire the rest of the team to enjoy there football…
February 24th, 2008 at 11:37
Agreed,nani looks like a excellent winger now.The crosses are fantastic.
February 24th, 2008 at 11:43
Anybody know a link so I can see Gallas reaction?
February 24th, 2008 at 12:03
[RedDevil]
Try this MoTD of the Arsenal game.
February 24th, 2008 at 12:25
Just a quick comment on the defense. Before Newcastle’s goal we had the best defensive record ever in the Premier League at this stage of the season. I don’t know if that changed with the goal, but it’s quite remarkable, I’d say.
It’s just shows that everyone is giving their best to what will eventually be another title. Arsenal look wounded, and it’ll be very hard for them to get back on track with quite a few injuries and a lot of tough matches coming up. I almost want them to progress in the Champion’s League, because it’ll stretch their squad even further.
February 24th, 2008 at 12:28
Carrick is under-rated. He has been so strong this season and has made several great assists as well as just being solid in mid-field, I think Fergie needs to keep playing him. Evra is playing like a changed man, beforehand I was never impressed but just recently he’s been playing with a spark I’ve never seen in him before. Nani and Anderson are also developing into fantastic players, I hope to see alot more from them in future games.
As for the arsenal game, I wish Eduardo a speedy recovery and think Arsenal need a new Captain! Gallas is a liability, from his jabs at Nani last week to his sulking yesterday, he needs a good talking to from Arsene.
February 24th, 2008 at 13:04
great result for UTD i expected Newcastle to be better or a least show up!! Glad the febuary fixure list is over i thought that and the coming April were are hardest in the calender season. I think we can go on a run in march however Arsenal seem to have routine fixures this month as well.
On the up and coming fixures have you noticed the big games always fall around the same time(sky always have grand slam sunday) and the BIG 4 are always meeting in the crucial parts of the season!!- My point being we have to wait until April to move ahead Arsenal, unless they slip up in unfamiliar circumstance(i.e yesterday)..
i hope if players have to be rested vs fulham, Fergie goes with>>
PIG, PIQUE, FERDY, VIDIC, EVRA, FLETCHER, SCHOLES, CARRICK, GIGGS, SAHA, ROONEY
UTD VS LYON i hope he goes with
VDS, BROWN, FERDY, VIDIC, EVRA, RONALDO, ANDO, CARRICK, NANI, TEVEZ, ROONEY
February 24th, 2008 at 13:08
lol at gallas, what type of captin is he ay!
February 24th, 2008 at 13:44
Thanks RedRanter!
He really lost it there, didnt he?
February 24th, 2008 at 14:11
Well terrific performance from a squad which looks deadly.
Carrick was the star in the middle of the park.. He was damn awesome .. His sliding tackle to recover the ball from Milner showed the kind of performance he is putting on lately .. Fletcher played the best second fiddle to Carrick..
Nani can and is damn good at shooting however he has learned where he can be the best … His crosses were a delight even though it did not find utd players it made the defense nervous .. His off the ball runs in past 3 matches has been superb …
Rooney & Ronaldo … A Striker who is ready to play as Winger and a Winger who is ready to play as a striker shows how much they enjoy each others company …Rooney`s second goal will improve his confidence leaps and bounces ….
Saha .. Rooney wanted Saha to score more than anything else . He is still a Key person in the title run in when Utd competes in all 3 competitions …Scholes just needs more time in the middle like Carrick and He will be back with a Bang !
The mouth watering aspect for United this time which will help us a lot is addition of 3 extra players .. Fletcher who can play in the middle or in the wings . Nani who can play in the Right or Left Wings (His contribution to defense was damn good) and Saha – if he can escape the injuries will help us reduce the load on Rooney Ronaldo and Tevez …
3 Games in 9 days is when the real squad strength will come into picture and Fergie now has the best talent pool to pick from…
February 24th, 2008 at 14:54
Another great game by the lads.carrick is really playing great in midfield.his vision and passing are good to watch.nani has really improved and his crosses are great to see.
February 24th, 2008 at 14:56
Uniteds 11 games to go:
Fulham(a) I expect WIN
Bolton(h) WIN
Derby(a) WIN
Liverpool(h) WIN
Aston Villa(h)WIN
Middlesbrough(a)WIN
Arsenal(h)WIN
Blackburn(a)WIN
Chelsea(a)DRAW
West Ham(h)WIN
Wigan(a)WIN
Arsenals 11 games to go:
Aston Villa(h) I expect WIN
Wigan(a)WIN
Middlesbrough(h)DRAW
Chelsea(a)LOSS
Bolton(a)WIN
Liverpool(h)WIN
United(a)LOSS
Reading(h)WIN
Derby(a)WIN
Everton(h)DRAW
Sunderland(a)WIN
United end with 92 points
Arsenal end with 87 points
This is how I think it will be! At least I hope
Oh and, Vidic and Evra are not injured. Both will be back for Fulham. Vidic got a slight nock and Evra just didnt feel well.
February 24th, 2008 at 15:45
hi.how do u post a link dan.
February 24th, 2008 at 16:42
RedDevil; You are being awfully optimistic with your predictions. As good as United are, to expect them to go the rest of the way with only a draw at Chelski as a blemish is not only overly optimistic, it’s bloody well delusional. Several games in the remaining schedule scare me a lot. Why? Because we are not the only ones that have something to play for. Liverpool at home will be tough as they are tough defensively to break down and they will be fighting to secure a top 4 spot. West Ham is our jinx team. They simply have our number. Chelski don’t scare me anymore but they are obviously very tough at home and will be sky high for United. Blackburn are very tough and could easily beat us on the day, and even bloody Middlesbrough have given us problems at their park in the past. Personally I think we will lose to Chelski and draw against Liverpool, and Blackburn. The rest I think we can handle although I would not say a win over Arsenal at OT is a foregone conclusion. They will be hurting and remembering their last visit and I feel there is some pride in that group. Remember that Roma were not easy their second trip to OT after the 7-1 thrashing. Lets get realistic for a change.
February 24th, 2008 at 17:00
ebrahim, click in the >> above the comment section, highlight the word you would like to be linked, then click the link buttong, a box should appear, in that box put in the URL of the site you want then your finish.
The greatest team in the world is manchester united.
February 24th, 2008 at 17:03
yea i agree with grog but i am absolutely sure we will beat the arse, simply because, they scrapped a DRAW away(home for them) they lost 4-0 at home, with most starting 11 members not playing, and it looks like the arse are continuing their annual dropped points period.
February 24th, 2008 at 17:10
Yea i agree with grognard,travelling to the riverside just scares me…thats really optimistic red devil
February 24th, 2008 at 17:28
Not to mention Wigan maybe fighting to avoid relegation on the last day
February 24th, 2008 at 17:41
Is it a coincidence that we have we beat arsenal 4-0 and newcastle 5-1 and scored away to lyon without giggs?
February 24th, 2008 at 17:48
And scored all these with Carrick,Nani in the side
February 24th, 2008 at 18:05
Yup!was giggs also on the pitch when carrick scored against city?Chelsea losing 2-1.Go spurs!
February 24th, 2008 at 18:33
check these videos out.very funny
http://www.youtube.com/profile_videos?user=videoup12
February 24th, 2008 at 18:34
sorry bout the links people.i am trying to learn how to do the link
February 24th, 2008 at 18:38
Time for a quick rant I think
I see Giggs bashing is the new order of the day. Giggs was indeed on the pitch when Carrick scored against City, whilst the new hero of the day Nani was subbed after a very poor game. He wasn’t on when we scored against Lyon but people seem to forget the three chances we actually created in the first hour of the match were all from his passing. Are we now to blame him for the failures of Scholes, Rooney and Ronaldo to take their opportunities?
He may not be playing well and age might have caught up with him, but I would have expected the man, who is set to take the all time United appearance record, to be above having to put up with being the latest scapegoat and target for sly digs.
PS: This is not aimed solely at Taehr, more at the current prevailing attitude I have noticed among United supporters.
February 24th, 2008 at 18:46
JB, hehe good point.but i cant help we are making things difficult for ourselves by playing him and you watched the game yesterday,hasnt nani contributed much more than giggs?Yeeeeessssss!chelsea lose!
February 24th, 2008 at 18:48
Dam, we really missed out on alan hutton.He is a great defender.
February 24th, 2008 at 18:59
I agree Taehr, if I was picking the team neither Scholes or Giggs would be in the starting 11. That said the long and distinguished service of the two of them should warrant them a bit more respect than they are getting from supporters at the minute.
Excellent performance from Spurs today, Ramos really looks to have got them going and they are playing some good football. Perhaps that really bad performance at WHL a couple of weeks ago was not as horrible as it first appeared. Certainly I think the days of picking up easy points from Spurs are over for the time being.
February 24th, 2008 at 19:06
ok this is becoming eerily weird, remember treble season, 1998/99, how did manchester united start the season, very poorly 2 draws and a loss exactly the same as this season, people were all doom and gloom, then a revival similar to what happened the treble season, same as what happened this season, in the fa cup united played nothing but hard teams, same as this season, champions league, we got the hardest draw we possible could, against inter milan, this season we got the hardest we possible could again, against lyon, Tottenham won the league cup that season, and they just did this season, so far, history is repeating itself, and as it unfolds it seems more and more likely we will win the treble, if we draw chelsea in the semi final of the FA cup, then it seems that the treble is ours this season, but lets not get too far ahead of ourselves, we still have to close the gap on l’arse and beat fulham, but with their recent form, and squad strength it seems quite likely and god willing mid march we’re top of the league
February 24th, 2008 at 19:32
I know I am optimistic, but Boro have not been a good side this season, I dont think they have ever been this bad! Blackburn seems to have lostit these last weeks, they are not playing well. Pool is shite, we should beat them! They cant do anything right! Arsenal will be a tough one, but they seem to have lost it, their consentration sucks now, and Adebayor seems to have lost form! Chelsea is a worrying one for me, and I dont think we will win, but I think that will be a really important game for the lads, so I dont think they will lose. West Ham should be beaten simply because 1. Its the final home game of the season. 2. We lost to them earlier this season; and 3. That might be the day we win the League. Wigan is not a worry for me! I know I am REALLY optimistic but with the quality United have, plus their hunger, they should at least do it almost like that!
Gongrats Spurs,you finally won a trophy! Im alway happy when Chelski lose
February 24th, 2008 at 20:36
test
just testing how to link…anyway I believe we are on our way to another title…did you see chelsea players faces when they lost the carling cup?
February 24th, 2008 at 22:00
i think that giggs should play against teams like fulham.bolton and derby.let nani play in the bigger games like liverpool.
February 24th, 2008 at 22:45
Somehow, Carrick and Fletcher work really well as a midfield pairing. I like Fletcher’s attitude and hope he continues in this vein of form – much as I appreciate Hargreaves’ quality, he’s so injury-prone. Having Fletch playing as well as he is currently will definitely help in the run-in.
Re: Giggs and Scholes. Their form has not been the best but Scholes is just back and Giggs should be used sparingly. They still have much to offer to United, but we’re reaching the end of an era here and we can’t expect that level of performance we’re used from them any more. It’s still way too early to talk about dropping them though.
February 24th, 2008 at 22:58
I for one love Giggsy to death and will forgive him for his poor form at times but Scholes has always been a mixed bag of goods for me. Right now his play is slow, uninspiring and lacks vision and courage. The man has perfected the back pass. On the other hand Carrick who was caught imitating Scholes for most of the season has awoken and is now attacking more like Scholes circa 1999. Scholes right now has no business in the starting eleven. I’d think twice over making a sub too. Giggs still offers a thing or two and to be honest, I like Nani’s energy and contribution as a fresh player coming in to the game in the 65th minute. When defenders are tired and he is not, he offers a late game advantage of pace and energy.
One must always respect the service Giggs and Scholes have given United but I wouldn’t play them for old times sake. They need to earn their spot like everyone else, and they would be first to agree with me. To be honest it rather pisses me off how Fergie plays favorite with them and plays them no matter what but he was so ready to get rid of equally deserving servants like Beckham, Van Nistelrooy, Keane and a few others. Why are these two such untouchables? Well for one, they never talk back to Fergie, and they never married a Spice Girl or had a cologne named after them. They are consummate team players and Fergie shows a great loyalty and patience towards guys who do his bidding and never complain. If I was a player under Fergie I wouldn’t have lasted five games with United and I would have several scars from shoes being thrown at me as well as being terrified of blow dryers. Enough said.
February 24th, 2008 at 23:10
RedDevil; Don’t judge future games by what has happened previously. Football is a game of form and emotion. How can Liverpool loose to Barnsley and then beat Inter Milan. The game is often unpredictable. One thing is certain, teams show up if they have something to play for, are holding a grudge or are playing in front of their own crowd. United are not immune to the occasional mistake or dip in form. Some pretty shitty teams have beaten them this season and a few have given them a fight before losing or drawing. The BPL is incredibly unpredictable and extremely difficult to maintain top form week in and week out.
You are sounding like an UBERFAN who is wearing blinders and allows his love for the squad to totally blind you from the realities of the situation and the nature of the game. The way you define things United should have played the 38 game season with a record 34 wins 4 draws and 0 losses. YA RIGHT!!! You could have a team of 10 Ronaldo’s and Cech in goal and you wouldn’t win every game. Get your head out of the clouds and get a grip on reality. That said I would love your prediction to come true.
February 24th, 2008 at 23:29
Grognard: I was having a think about it and getting rid of RVN, Keane and Beckham all had some merit or sense in playing terms. However all three departures were more down to other problems, with the impact on the field almost seeming like an unintended by product.
In retrospect it was obvious that a ruthless man would have phased Keane as far back as the end of the 2002/03 season. However, since he was such a good servant. SAF persisted and adapted the formation and tactics to accommodate Keane’s creaking legs. To be frank, SAF’s hand was forced by Keane’s outburst after the 4-1 against Boro, at that point he had little other choice other than to cut him loose. Same with RVN, his behaviour most likely forced his departure through, even though it was probably the right decision in on the field terms.
SAF is not the utterly ruthless man he is often portrayed to be in the media, and I certainly believe he has mellowed in his old age. Unfortunately in terms of dropping players for their on the field performances, I think he has mellowed, just a tad, too much.
February 24th, 2008 at 23:30
Listen Grognard; I love United, and I follow them every week! Ive been through tough times and good times, and I know it aint a realistic prediction. If Football was so predictable it would be boring! I think United will lose a game or two until the end of the season, but cansidering our games compared to Arsenals I think we have easier games. If United play the best they can, they can go all the season unbeaten! That is what I expect the team to do in this run in! Not to go unbeaten, but to play with passion, and do their best. They can beat all the teams in the Prem if they do that. I know I cant predict the future, I know its not going to happen that way, but I know United will do their best to win the title! And when they play the best they can, no-one can stop them!
February 24th, 2008 at 23:40
I don’t think there is any question that Carrick should be the first choice CM as long as he continues his current form. I know that conventional wisdom says to start Scholes, who has the experience, and Hargreaves, who we acquired for CL, against Lyon in a week, but Carrick has been in absolute control of every game of late. His control of the game is especially important against a team with the quality of Lyon. Before the season began, I admit I was especially excited about the prospect of playing a 4-2-3-1, with Carrick and Hargreaves making up a defensive mid combo that was able to dictate the game. Unfortunately, that hasn’t come into fruition, but I must admit that the Carrick-Anderson combination has been working better than any other CM combo. Because we have the away goal, I would not be surprised if SAF started the more defensive formation of a 4-2-3-1 with Carrick and Hargreaves/Scholes sitting back, while Anderson played in the middle of the 3 attacking mids. The fact that we have very little depth at the striking position only encourages this formation because this way, we have more options off the bench should we need them. No matter what formation SAF goes with, it would be absolutely criminal to leave Carrick on the bench.
February 24th, 2008 at 23:53
Looking at it now, the prediction looks a little stupid! I stand by my predictions against Liverpool, Arse and Chelski though. But still, I think we will win more points than Arsenal and go on to win the title. I think this will be the most exiting season in a long time, and hopefully we might remember it with some trophies in mind!
February 25th, 2008 at 1:15
JB; You bring up a strong argument but the problem I’m having is that Fergie will tolerate a lot of crap from some players and nothing from others. I think his treatment of David Beckham solely for his off field lifestyle and choice of spouse was unfair and truthfully, none of his f#%^ing business. Beckham was great player with years ahead of him. The bottom line is that unlike Giggs, Solksjaer, Saha, Scholes, he knew he could get top dollar for Becks as well as RVN. No matter what Keane was like, he was as great a servant to this team as anyone in United history and he deserved better.
Even if I disagree with some of his decisions, I do respect him and realize that he is the Gaffer and thus has total control of personnel decisions. Nevertheless, one would have to question the wisdom of starting Scholes over either Carrick, Hargo or Anderson. Scholes should retire. Giggs I still feel can contribute and be an adequate sub. His knowledge and experience also is key with Nani as well as Ronaldo. I also feel he is being groomed by Fergie as manager or coaching material.
February 25th, 2008 at 1:28
RedDevil; Honest mate, nobody is questioning your love and commitment for United. In fact one could accuse you of loving the team like a devoted mother who could never see the flaws of her first born. You are the eternal optimist and for that I applaud you. The problem of course is that life in the BPL is a little more difficult than how you predict things to come out in the end.
I think that it is important to note that at this point in time I find it pretty amazing that Arsenal have only lost one match. Despite all the periods in the schedule where many predicted their downfall, it has yet to happen. Oh sure they have lost in other competitions but it is clear to me that Wenger wants the BPL and CL most of all. United on the other hand have a superior roster with much more experience and yet they have given away 4 matches to far inferior competition. If AC Milan knock them out next week, they will be able to concentrate on just one objective, that being the BPL. United on the other hand still are competing heavily for a treble. Therefore it seems to me that if anyone is capable of hiccup and a bad form game, it seems like United. Arsenal just seem to refuse to lose and they will have more rest time and an easier schedule if you erase FA Cup and CL matches. Yes they draw more games but they do not lose. This scares me and it is vital that United do not drop any home points the rest of the way. I think we can afford on more loss and a draw but that is it. I really cannot see Arsenal lose more than one, maybe two more games. I like our chances but we literally have very little wiggle room for mistakes. I’m thankful that Arsenal and Liverpool will play at OT. And wouldn’t it be fantastic if Chelski’s home winning streak ended at the hands of United? Wishful thinking? We’ll see.
February 25th, 2008 at 3:18
Anybody notice the correlation between the number of 90th minute goals we have been scoring lately, and the numerous amount of late goals we scored in the second half of that famous Treble season of 1999????
February 25th, 2008 at 4:28
Why is everyone comparing this season to the 1999 season? Sure there may be a lot of likenesses but that was 8 years ago people. This is a different team with different stars. We have different strengths and different weaknesses.
February 25th, 2008 at 6:54
Grognard; Mate i don`t agree with u .Even last season we had 5 defeats and 5 draws however this time around we already have suffered 4 & 4.Even though Chelsea had lesser defeats than us last season they drew more. If my memory serves right chelsea drew all the last 5 matches last season .If we can capture the lead once i dont see us loosing it even if we continue in UCL and FA CUP. Remember how the pressure got to chelsea i see the same thing happening to arsenal for sure.
..
We hit top form in the beginning of last season this time around we have hit it in the end …
The difference this time with us is may be we will loose to teams like WestHam however our starting eleven is the best against the Top 3.We have already defeated Chelsea Pool and drew against Arsenal.I see us winning against arsenal pool and chelsea taking a invaluable 16/18.
The mentality of United is simple ‘WIN’. We go for the kill no matter if we get hit in the counter attack thats something which arsenal and chelsea are not ready to do .
Squad strength for us in the peak .We have Fletcher Nani Saha coming back for important positions . Suspensions due to yellow cards will do even more damage . Arsenal have 3 players on 4 yellow cards and not to forget Fabregas already scoring 8
A lot of this may be wishful thinking however if we can kill Fulham and Lyon in the next 2 matches we can see the pressure mount on our opponents even more and I definitely for one see them crumbling !
February 25th, 2008 at 6:55
Kurt: Its just b’coz evryone is seriously started to believe that the treble might happen again!!!!!!
February 25th, 2008 at 7:01
Fucking oath we are starting to believe Utsav!!!
We are on fellas
February 25th, 2008 at 8:44
i smell treble, CL will be tevez scoring yet another late goal against, roma!
February 25th, 2008 at 9:06
http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=80278
NO!, ah its probably a lie.
February 25th, 2008 at 9:45
i fail to understand grognard here.beckham was past it and his behavior bad.scholes and giggs should retire.keane had to go too.ok.a few weeks ago carrick was bad.now he should start over scholes?
truthfully,i think we should play carrick and anderson,then bring on fletcher to get a feel of games.hagreaves to me was a mistake.players like makelele are rare but honestly,hargo is a poor mans flamini and not makelele
February 25th, 2008 at 12:29
That would be an interesting trade eh Dan. Unfortunately we would then have to buy a new goalie probably, so we would barely save any money on the trade. But anyways it’s probably BS.
February 25th, 2008 at 14:45
STOP BASHING GIGGS!!!!!!!!! he has played probably 2 below par games this season, the rest he has played well. he has scored for us this season, set up quite a few goals, and also set up some almost goals that others haven’t finished! where do you people as Manchester United fans get off with criticising someone who has given his entire life from the age of 14 to Man Utd, and has given us some of our best ever football memories. He might be a bit slower and might need to be rested sometimes, like what SAF has done now (I commented a few weeks ago that Giggs needed two weeks off to freshen him up). Also, you have to remember that as Vice Captain of Man Utd, with Neville out for so long, SAF has been looking to Giggs to lead us untill Neville comes back, and he has been doing so admirably! Nani is a fantastic player but still needs another season to develop and he needs to bulk up physically, he is not the finished article yet, he still needs time. He is learning from Giggs, this culture of bashing Ryan Giggs is disgraceful. As to Scholes, the man has just come back from a longterm injury, of course he is going to be a bit rusty, but he remains a genius midfielder. I can’t believe how short a memory some people have, the man DESERVES your respect, AND ALSO, if SAF feels confident that Giggs can STILL play for us and do a job for us, then who the hell are we to second guess him!!!! ‘Nuff Said
February 25th, 2008 at 15:26
Grognard although I agree Scholes has been surprisingly reserved in his play and almost negative, its not as if he has just lost all of his ability. He can pass just as well as he did last season, and he can shoot just as well, and he has lacked speed for a long time so it never really made much of a difference to him, he still has the best footballing brain in our squad and he can control the pace of the game with ease, Michael Carrick being the only other cm we have in our team who can control games, and he’s still learning to do so. I mean really, you don’t go from being one of our best players last season to a player who should just retire. Although I think we rely on him so much less than before, he’s still a great player and once he picks up some form and gets back to the way he was before, he’ll probably become our regular cm again. Giggs’ form has been erratic this season, and due to Nani’s great form recently there’s no doubt Nani should be a regular starte for us, but Giggs still produces moments of quality and should be a valued member of our squad.
Although the form of both of these players this season does warrant some form of criticism, as it has more substance than “Rooney is a terrible finisher, he should be dropped” when we have no other fit striker available and Rooney is playing well in every other part of the game, or “Hargreaves is overpriced, and was a mistake” after playing great in quite a few of our matches such as against Arsenal, people should just understand its hard to appreciate what Hargreaves brings to the team, but it is alot. And he can pass well, shoot well, is fast, and he times his tackles very well. Although I admit I unfairly critcised Carrick this season, I never called for him to be immediately sold just on his poor performances(although the prospect of making a profit by selling him on to Newcastle did sound appealing), I just doubted his importance to the team, which I now understand is constantly becoming bigger as the months go by.
And Donibrasco; “Hargo is a poor mans flamini”? I bet you barely even paid any attention to flamini last season and thought Gilberto Silva was one of the best defensive midfielders in the premiership? Flamini is playing well but he’s definitely not better than Flamini, although I do think Flamini has been one of the best cm’s this season.
February 25th, 2008 at 16:23
Do some of you guys understand what gets said?!No one is disrespecting or bashing giggs for fucks sake!Infact giggs was my favorite player for a long time.Saying that nani should play more is not disrespecting or bashing giggs.yes he has done incredible things for the club and he has been a fantastic servant but Nani should play much more games because he now gives more to the team.I dont know how many of you have noticed but nani does a lot of defensive work.He tracks back quite a bit.He also gives us a major threat on his corners and crosses the ball much better than ANY other player in united.Its know suprise that when nani has played in the last few games we have scored lots of goals-arsenal and newcastle and he delivered against lyon.Its not disrespect!Please dont fucking mistake it,its not,its realising that someone playing better should be given a spot because he is playing better!Giggs hardly contributes anything to our play these days.FACT.he has lost his pace and ability to go past players.FACT.and so if you want to keep on praising players for what they did in the past,we might as well sign yorke,cole and sheringham.Why didnt anyone complain about solskjaer?because he contributed something!13 goals!That said fergie will still pick giggs and it doesnt matter what anyone says.Giggs the equivalent to his first born child.
February 25th, 2008 at 16:44
Giggs still has a great role to play as several things:
1. Role model both on the pitch and off, to young players
2. Super-sub, providing that bit of class he can in games that need, or slowing things down with his experience
3. Left footed delivery
4. Coaching
However I feel Fergie has to give some more starting time to Nani, as he simply has earned it.
February 25th, 2008 at 16:47
I agree with the comments. Although Giggs and Scholes have lost pace and are showing their age, they are very intelligent players with a lot of experience. While their individual contribution on the pitch has lessened, they still bring an awful lot to the team.
On the title race: I still feel that Arsenal will drop points. They have an incredibly talented team that plays beautiful football. But the team is still very young and I do not feel it has the same mental strength as we do. When things go wrong for Arsenal they just fold rather than picking themselves up.
February 25th, 2008 at 16:56
Scholes can still play,I have no problem with scholesy in there.Hes too clever and yea for sure arsenal will drop, well win the league if we keep winning because they wont
February 25th, 2008 at 17:03
look, the fact is, they have both lost it with age, they should not be kicked out of the team or club, just have to adapt to a new super sub role, let the young guns play, we destroy teams 5-0, then we bring them on to slow down the game, simple, tactics.
February 25th, 2008 at 18:05
Conor; I have never questioned the experience and the intelligence that both Scholes and Giggs bring to the squad, but the time has come for them to to take a substitutes role and get out of the way of players who are younger, as talented and have the quickness to compete in this new, fast and improved BPL. They still can serve a major role and start on the occasion but their best is far behind them. Scholes especially is showing lack of match fitness as well, his decision making is a little slow and opponents take him off the ball easily and far too often. It is Carrick, Nani’s and Anderson’s time.
And I won’t listen to any of you out there put dow Hargo because you are just plain wrong. Hargo has fought the injury bug but he is a world class CDM and if some of you cannot see what he can bring to our starting eleven (especially in Europe) then I am at a loss.
Dan; I totally agree with your point about bringing them on late in a game to slow things down and change tempo.
February 25th, 2008 at 18:08
look like the eduardo injury wasnt as bad as we thought.
February 25th, 2008 at 18:11
Oh yea hargos been fit for a long time.good for him.
February 25th, 2008 at 19:17
Removed
February 25th, 2008 at 19:25
thats a fake.
February 25th, 2008 at 19:30
I hope so, Dan.
February 25th, 2008 at 19:33
if that happens to anybody they’re out for much longer then 9 months, not to be rude but the foot would probably be cut of.
February 25th, 2008 at 19:38
I dont think that is Eduardos foot! That is grose though. But take a look at this story: http://www.newsoftheworld.co.uk/2402_anderson.shtml
I dont know if this is old news, but…
February 25th, 2008 at 19:46
GET IN ANDO! lol.
February 25th, 2008 at 19:50
Figured. Removed the link. Btw, the part where the report says that Evra was watching TV through all just cracked me up…
February 25th, 2008 at 20:15
i can imagine, andy and the model making noises and evra turning up the tv so he cant hear it lol.
February 25th, 2008 at 20:37
Yeah but Grognard I just seen you say “Scholes should retire.” and thought you were being a bit hasty. Although i do agree he and Giggs should now not be regular starters and I’d go as far as saying Scholes is probably our 4th best cenre-mid, with Giggs being our second best left-mid. What’s all this about Eduardo’d foot and it being a fake?
February 25th, 2008 at 20:38
what link got removed?
not a bad looking broad for ando to pick up w/no english. haha
February 25th, 2008 at 20:42
Well at least anderson is scorin off the pitch lol”"” BTW i feel we have to give scholes some time to get into his stride.So many of us were harsh on carrick as well in the beginning and all of a sudden all of those who criticized carrick have changed their opinions about him so i think we need to be more patient with scholes .Who knows he could probably win us the chmpions league this year.
February 25th, 2008 at 20:48
F**k, f**k, f**k!
BTW how do I remove the link Utsav?
February 25th, 2008 at 20:55
why remove? besides removing links takes timing and intelligence, and is a day halting thing, it takes so long but its worth it in the end lol, just refresh the page go to your comment quick time, then click when it says edit comment.
February 25th, 2008 at 21:06
What do you guys think? Shall I remove it or let it stand?
February 25th, 2008 at 21:08
Yup thats the best way …Do as Dan Says…
February 25th, 2008 at 21:12
When I refresh, I still get the edit bar.. Quickly click on your comment within the first 5 seconds and remove whatever you wanna….
February 25th, 2008 at 21:13
Letit stand, I say. Its a fun read.
February 25th, 2008 at 21:17
I think so too! You da man Andy
February 25th, 2008 at 21:19
http://www.manutdtalk.com/forums/man-utd-chat/7402-fergies-tactics-europe.html I just got this link
from another blog…..seems like the verdict is out on Scholes”"”"
February 25th, 2008 at 22:14
I am starting to worry about this Eduardo situation! Against Arsenal last week, Eduardo came in on a tackle exactly like the one he broke his leg with. He was only yellow carded, even though his tackle on Nani was in knee-height. Who knows how many tackles like this does Ronaldo have to go through in just one season. Tackles flying in, studs first and in knee height! It is amazing opposition teams dont get more red cards against us! If Ronaldo should get an injury like Eduardos or Smudgers(I am praying to God for that not to happend!) I dont know how much damage that would bring to his play, if he even would be able to play anymore. He is strong, no doubt about that, but his feet is his strength and if he would damage them in any serious way, I dont think he would be playing football anymore. He would lose his speed, dribbling skills and he would be more frightened of his opponents. That is why I think referees should look at that Eduardo situation, and understand that players who does these kind of tackles should be banned for 10 games at least. That should make them stop doing these kind of tackles!
Just to add something! I know this is looking very much like the 1998/99 season because of Spurs winning the Carling Cup, Tevez and Rooney being Uniteds best pairing since Yorke and Coles(some might disagree, but I think so) and all that, but for me this is turning just more and more like the 1997/98 season! Just switch United with Arsenal that is. In 1998 United lost many first team players because of injury, and they lost the title since Arsenal won the last 10 games. And United had been leading the race until early April.
This season, Arsenal have been top of the league for most of the season, but now they seem to struggle because of many injuries and losing their consentration(Clichy and Gallas), while United are just edging closer and closer to our 10th Premier League title. If we go the the rest of the season unbeaten(but thats unlikely) it will be an Arsenal 1998 achievement. If we add the FA cup and the Champions league to our 2008 collection it would be amazing!
Oh, and City are losing 2-0 against the toffes!
February 25th, 2008 at 22:31
Is anybody else salivating over the Fulham fixture on the weekend? Especially after what we just did to Newcastle.
February 25th, 2008 at 22:42
frickin idiot sven////ericksson
February 25th, 2008 at 23:05
hey that story is hilarious great for the lad
back 2 berbatov i heard today he doesn’t want to move also is he worth 20 mill i want a goal scorer Berba isn’t prolific is he
February 26th, 2008 at 0:21
I have no idea what this shite about Eduardo’s fake foot is all about???????
Conor; I love Giggs and I like Scholes. It’s hard for me to admit to the fact that their day is up. They are no longer starting material. Sorry if that bothers you but they just are too long in the tooth. Giggs still has his moments but Scholes for me has really slowed down and his contribution on the field echoes caution and security. Long gone are his probing runs and long speculative passes and blistering low shots from outside the box. The man has become the Back Pass Kid. I can’t stomach watching him any longer. It hurts me to say that but watching Anderson and the reinvented and rejuvinated Michael Carrick is much more interesting and fun to view on the pitch. Giggs and Scholes are very smart players and so they can contribute well as subs and the occasional start, but the future is now. It’s time for them to realize that as well as Fergie and to step aside for the younger blokes.
I’d like to see them hang around for a couple years in this role but truthfully, Scholes looks like he is done to me. Giggs I think has another year left in him. It’s time for Fergie to look for backups to Nani and Ronaldo. Carrick, Anderson, Hargo and Fletcher have the center of midfield quite secure right ow.
February 26th, 2008 at 0:25
Manuforlife; That idiot Sven Goran Erickson has done the derby double on United this season. I doubt Fergie is an idiot….correct? Erickson is a quality manager but he needs to sell many players and bring many new ones in. His job isn’t nearly as hard as Keegan’s is in Toon Town but he still has a lot of work to build City into a true contender. He has won everywhere he has gone and although I hate City, I am confident he will turn them around.
February 26th, 2008 at 0:27
Grognard- Park can cover for Nani and Fletcher can cover for Ronaldo; or the opposite. Anderson, Carrick and Hargreaves as midfielders are okey to me. And maybe Veloso will join this summer so we have an other midfielder.
February 26th, 2008 at 0:29
It doesn’t bother me at all, I agree! Although I just can’t believe you’ve gone as low as to say Scholes is worse than Fletcher, I mean give the guy some credit! In his first game back for us after his injury he played some great long passes and pinged it about the pitch with ease, showing he still has some quality left, but he definitely seems to be using it a lot more sparingly this season and I can’t see why, although it seems he lacks the hunger, and even he said himself he would quit once he’s lost his passion for the game, that time may be now, so I understand your point.
February 26th, 2008 at 0:32
Grognard: To be fair to Scholes he is just back from a fairly nasty injury, we should maybe be cut a bit more slack. I wouldn’t have in my starting 11 but it still might be a bit early to completely consign him to the scrap heap.
February 26th, 2008 at 4:57
Look guys, Scholes looked old and washed up 18 months ago. I’m really sorry but it is not in my nature to protect a player under a bunch of warm blankets just because he was a loyal and valued servant from the past. It’s his time to go. For crying out loud, it sure wasn’t Beckham’s or RVN’S, but Fergie had no problem showing them the door. And why? because he didn’t like them as much and saw them as selfish. Well it’s time for Scholes to show he is not selfish by not getting in the way of Carrick, Anderson and YES Fletcher any longer. I’m not ungrateful or unappreciative but many of you do not know how to let go. I hope you don’t have 18 year old daughters who want to move out any time soon.
And JB, read my post please. I have stated on more than one occasion that I would welcome both of them as very experienced and tactically game changing substitutes. Although I feel retirement is close for both them and Neville, I feel that all three can be valuable in that role and as mentors on the practice pitch. They still have their value, and I for one still love to see Giggsy on the pitch. Scholes on the other hand gets on my bloody nerves when he is on the pitch. Next time he makes a back pass in an non threatening position I will throw a brick through my tv. Still, he is a calming presence on the field and he is intelligent. Problem is that he has become even slower of foot than Carrick and gets dispossessed of the ball more often.
February 26th, 2008 at 5:04
RedDevil; If there is one player that I have never warmed to because he doesn’t fit the quality standards of a Manchester United player it is Park. The lad shows plenty of effort and passion and his work rate is excellent but for all that, there is very little skill on display and he lacks composure big time. He would be fine on a bottom end BPL team where his work rate would make him a star like it has with Kieren Richardson. When I see him in the starting lineup or when he comes in as a sub I feel we are playing with ten men. I don’t really care if this sounds insensitive and it’s certainly has nothing to do with his race or culture, it’s just that he is not refined enough of a player and although he has quickness of feet, he really lacks speed which frustrates me greatly. I find he has a hard time beating fullbacks wide in order to get in a cross or to get around them. Enough said on him.
February 26th, 2008 at 6:30
Waht was the difference between Petrov’s kick last night, for which he got a red and Gallas’ for which, despite video replay after the match, the ref decided not to do anything?
This is grossly unfair.
February 26th, 2008 at 7:34
Good point Utsav…
Hey Grognard would you be saying the same things you are saying about Hargo if he were not part Canadian?
I think not.
February 26th, 2008 at 8:34
it seems every team around us is crumbling, chelsea, arsenal, pool.
February 26th, 2008 at 8:35
i still agree with scholes especially coming on when we have wrapped up a game.
February 26th, 2008 at 8:35
2-0 to the blues, thats is great, city loose and pool drop to 5th.
February 26th, 2008 at 8:44
Scholes and Giggs are both great players, but they shouldnt be in the starting lineup anymore. If neither Anderson or Nani played for the club, I would say Ginger Prince and Ryan should be in the starting lineup every week. But now they seem to have lost their hunger and passion for the game. That is the most worrying thing. Scholes was great before this seasons injury, but since the injury was so serious(four months wasnt it?) it may take some time before he gets back to his best. But time is something Scholes doesnt have. He is 33 years old, Anderson and Carrick playing like a dream and Fergie seems to use him as a sub most of the time. For me that is great, because he is a magnificent player, no doubt, but the way that Anderson is playing now, Andy should be the first one on the team sheet! Giggs havent had a good game all season, and he has lost pace, hunger and the only great cross I can remember him making this season was the one against Dynamo Kiev away, for Ronaldos first goal. This should be our first 11 now
VDS
Brown/Simpson/Pique Rio Vida Evra
Ronaldo Carrick Anderson Nani
Tevez Rooney
subs: PIG Oshea/Brown/Simpson/Pique Scholes Giggs/Owen Saha
February 26th, 2008 at 10:13
Scholes and Giggs are not exactly the players we should be worried about. They can still add to the team, and most importantly, they currently cost us nothing!
Hargo on the other hand we paid £17m for. I know Anderson’s arrival on the scene fucked up all SAF’s previous midfield ambitions, but how will we justify having a £17m pound player warming the bench? (if not him, then Carrick, also at the same price?). And, this does not even take their wages into account. I’m not a rocket-scientist, but I highly doubt the Glazers would like that idea.
February 26th, 2008 at 10:52
Anderson article – LOL
No one can say he’s not entertaining.
February 26th, 2008 at 15:55
our ginger ninja stil has lots to offer. not only as a sub. that i am definitely sure of. hes just came back from surgery and it would take awhile for him to be back at the level he was last season. unlike some of you here, i think that he and giggs would really be crucial come the champs league run-in. my thoughts.
February 26th, 2008 at 16:40
I agree with grognard…only I would swap scholes for giggs.For a winger giggs is just embarrassing right now.He cant cross,cant beat a man,cant score,cant create(dont mistake one good pass a WHOLE game as a contribution).His game was based on pace but now its gone.Scholesy can still play,just needs some match fitness.just wait..
February 26th, 2008 at 17:43
SHANNON; Stop acting like a racist ass clown. I couldn’t care less if he is Canadian born. Also, although I understand his decision, I was pissed off when he chose to play for England over the colors of his birth country Canada. Grow up and think a bit before you make inflammatory statements in the future.
February 26th, 2008 at 17:50
To some of you who make the claim that Scholes and Giggs have lost their hunger and assion for the game I say you are flat wrong. Players like that have plenty of hunger and passion when they put on the colors of United. They are just too old and their bodies do not cooperate 100% with what their minds tell them to do. Still, they are better than most of the starters playing their positions in the Prem just on the basis of experience and skill. Let them contribute from the bench and at the training ground where all this knowledge and experience can really benefit the club.