Feb 23
Newcastle v Man Utd: Preview
A familiar foe awaits us at St. James’ Park. The mad Geordies have done enough to get their manager, Sam Allardyce, sacked without giving him enough time. Their messiah, and said familiar foe, Kevin Keegan hasn’t exactly had the messianic influence the fans have come to expect from him. Give him more time is their call now, apparently. Oh the irony!
But despite their horrendous season and poor recent form, we would be well advised to go and do the job to keep the pressure on Arsenal and, of course, hope they drop points. Really, we have to be doing the job of winning every game from now on if we have to entertain hopes of retaining the title.
Scott on Republik of Mancunia has done a fine job tabulating SAF’s record against Kevin Keegan and it does make interesting reading. On that evidence, they’ve squared off on 17 occasions with us winning 8, drawing 5 and losing 4. So 9 games have been points dropped which isn’t very nice to hear before today’s game. And yes, you never know with these kind of games — the Magpies were absolutely shite before they held Arsenal to a draw. So there is a good chance that they will cling for dear life as they look to arrest the downward spiral their season seems to be taking.
And so, it is essential that we get off the blocks from the word go to settle the issue early in the game — which brings us to the topic of much debate, in recent times: the formation.
There has been lots of dissenting voices criticising Fergie’s soft spot for the club’s veteran players. That is even clear now that he’s made public, his intention to keep Neville, Scholes and Giggs well beyond their playing careers at the club. Now words can’t do justice to their contribution to the United cause, but from recent performances, Scholes and Giggs have been a little off pace. This has been clear from the introduction of younger replacements during the course of the game, who have shown to be more than capable of freshening things up and bailing the team out. We have seen the urgency Anderson injects into our game every time he steps on to the pitch, and we have seen Nani turn in some mature performances of late — although, admittedly, he needs to do it more often to prove that he’s actually improved.
So the happy headache of the midfield situation would continue to dog Ferguson, so long as all are fully fit.
Since I’ve thrown in a reasonably elaborate discussion on our formation problem I’ll leave the actual formation prediction part out to you to debate on. Although, I would play a 4-4-2 with Anderson and Hargreaves/Carrick in the middle with Tevez and Rooney resuming their strike partnership. I would still play Giggs on the left (Ronaldo on the right, in case you have any doubts) because I can always bring Nani on as an impact player if things don’t go right. I guess that’s what impact players are for, aren’t they? Giggs has to either start or sit on the bench, because with his form, at the moment, he surely can’t be an impact player, can he?
And yes, I would always link to an article involving Keegan talking about what ‘might have been’. It’s the usual stuff, some things delusional, some things that partly make sense, and some repentant. Oh well, that’s Kevin for you.
Anyway, that is a longish preview, I think. So let me end it off with a prediction: United 2-0 Toon.
Come on you reds!
Related items from Red Rants:
- Update on Red Rants
- Man Utd v Newcastle: Preview
- Man Utd vs Newcastle Utd: Preview
- Man Utd v Stoke: Preview
- Man Utd v Everton: Preview
Tags: Game Preview
February 23rd, 2008 at 10:35
okay i agree with you that giggs
should start because we are damned
if we do and if we don’t.
February 23rd, 2008 at 10:43
you see im 2 minds, based on carricks performances of late, he should be on the team, but hargreaves has played a big part in are defence not conceding goals. if fergie wants to make a small risk then i believe his formation will be:
vds
brown
rio
vida
evra
ronny
carrick
andoinho
nani
rooney
welbeck/tevez
i have a hunch that 1 of them will be on the field and the other on the bench.
you know, one thing i’ve notice is that we base are formations on form and what they’re capable of, while SAF bases his formations on experience mostly.
February 23rd, 2008 at 10:47
I would play the same 4-4-2, but an intersting point to think about is maybe fergie dropping brown. He seems to be fuming at the contract stalling and may give young Simmo a rare start. Fergie has suggested ringing in the changes, i feel whatever he does Ando, Rooney, Tevez, and Ronny all have to be present in this game it’ll be closer than @OT.
My team
vds
brown ferdinand vidic evra
ronaldo carrick anderson nani
tevez rooney
Newcastle i dont think have played for 2 weeks so they would be quite fresh(hence nani in for giggs) i hope utd can match there fatigue!!
2-0 Utd i predict.
February 23rd, 2008 at 11:10
2 weeks of is not that good, yep we should be grooming simpson, because brown is leaving in the summer, and worst case scenario, we don’t get a rb to replace him.
February 23rd, 2008 at 11:14
I get scared whenever I hear Ferguson say he’s going to ring the changes- hopefully it just means Tevez and Nani in for Giggs and Scholes, and/or possibly Saha/ Carrick/Simpson in. I hope it’s no more than that (ie no Fletcher, Park, Pique, Welbeck)….our reserves wont always play as well as they did against Arsenal.
February 23rd, 2008 at 11:22
Before you jump on the slag off the geordies bandwagon can i just point a couple of things out.The fans DID NOT sack fat sam,ashley did,as we all would have in his situation.I have been a season ticket holder at SJP for over 28 years and have NEVER witnessed such shite as that which we played under allardyce even in the bad old days.As for keegan,his job his huge,the fans know that,everyone knows that,the side he has inherited is bollocks,but NONE OF THE FANS have ever uttered give him time,it is paper talk,dont beleive it.Even your exalted one alex f would have his work cut out getting our side to play decent stuff,we just dont have the quality,and we all know were gonna get beat today,but we can live with it.NONE of us expect keegan to have a messianic influence,just to get us playing decent football with the crap at his disposal,and avoid relegation will be a feat in itself,we may still go down but we would have been dead and buried now with allardyce.All we want is to watch decent football,and we believe KK will turn our fortunes around in the next couple of years even if we are relegated.We love him cos NUFC matter to him and hes one of us,if it doesnt work so be it,it wont be for the want of trying on his behalf.As for not giving fat sam enough time,its very easy for the press and other teams fans to say when it aint your own team thats shit.It would be interesting to see your opinion if fat sam was at old trafford and you were getting treated to dire footy week-in-week-out.So there is no irony there.Do nufc fans a favour,dont listen to the press and believe their shite,we aint mugs,we know our football,as do you lot,we arent the idiots we are portrayed to be in the media.All this press driven talk that NUFC fans are so demanding is utter wank,i mean,TOO DEMANDING??? we havent won owt since the fairs cup in 1969,we have got to be the most PATIENT fans ever,turning up in our droves,putting up with a dodgy chairman in fat freddy,and watching crap managers buying crap players(and nutters)for exorbitant prices,and now having the humiliation of having DENNIS WISE AND CHRIS HUGHTON at the club.So next time you wanna say owt about the TOON,make sure it is true,not something you read in the(mostly southern based) papers,they know zero about whats going on up here.You havent hit a raw nerve,we are just sick of being slagged off from every corner from misinformed sources.FROM ONE FAN TO ANOTHER,CHEERS,….HOWAY THE TOON.
February 23rd, 2008 at 11:42
well I am going for a 3-1 win…but we should not be overconfident and do th the job well
February 23rd, 2008 at 11:42
I am very sure that Newcastle will play 5 in the middle. And we have struggled this season when the midfield has been crowded. Wonder how Fergie tackles this. Anderson has played both the matches this week. So he will be on the bench. Expect Scholes and Carrick to start. and considering all the hype around this one it wouldn’t be a surprise if we revert back to our original two in the center of the park. Lets also not forget Fletcher. He may have done enough last week to get a nod if we play 5 in the middle. Nani will start.
February 23rd, 2008 at 11:46
funny gerrard moment.
February 23rd, 2008 at 11:48
If they play 5 in the middle, then we surely need Anderson and Nani. We could play five in the middle too, but then it would be too congested and it would probably end in a 0-0 draw.
It won’t be as easy as we’d like to believe, though. The Magpies are one of the teams that raise their game significantly when they play us, and they have their three African players returning.
February 23rd, 2008 at 11:54
i expect this sort of newcastle team:
given
carr
cacapa
taylor
enrique
barton
butt
smith
duff
owen
carrol
a straight 4-4-2, he is most likely playing carrol, so doubt he would play him upfront all by himself.
February 23rd, 2008 at 11:56
why does it matter if they have 3 african players returning?
February 23rd, 2008 at 12:18
I seriously doubt that Keegan will play 4-4-2. He’s simply too afraid of what might happen. He’d love to hold us to a 0-0 draw, and therefore he’ll shore up the midfield. That leaves no choice for Ferguson but to play 4-4-2 with both Tevez and Rooney up front. This game is very very important.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Arsenal drop points at Birmingham. They have a few injuries, and Eboue is suspended. Add to that the tough match against Milan, and you’ll see a stretched team meeting one of the few teams that actually got a point at the Emirates this season.
About our own game. I’d expect to see at least one of O’Shea and Fletcher, and I’m pretty sure, O’Shea will be in there in stead of Brown or Evra. Evra might play because he’s in such good form right now, so Brown will probably be left out. But it’s no time to be breeding in players, and so it won’t be Simmo but O’Shea who takes over on right back.
Ronaldo was rested in the FA Cup and should play, and Rooney was suspended against City and should have had all the rest he needs this season with his injuries. Tevez has been rested quite a bit of late, and he should be ready for the remainder of the season – more or less of course.
Anderson will surely be rested, and I’m confident, we’ll see Scholes and Carrick in midfield. Giggs will be rested, and with that, our starting line-up will be:
Vds, O’Shea, Rio, Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo, Carrick, Scholes, Nani, Rooney and Tevez… should be more than enough to see off Newcastle.
February 23rd, 2008 at 12:31
The great thing about the team this season is that whenever SAF says, he’ll rest some players, there’s quality to put in stead. Now he can put in Nani (our leading assist player by far), Scholes (experience plus vision), Saha (when fit, among the best strikers in the league), and then our faithful squad players Fletcher and O’Shea. But very rarely this season have both Fletcher and O’Shea played in the same game, plus last season you’d see both of them and Smith quite often… it’s no longer necessary. Playing only one fringe player is no problem, because they’re always very determined, but playing 3 makes the overall quality drop. We now have real quality on more positions – I guess that’s my point.
And it’s also the reason why we’ll have a greater shot at more titles this season, even though it might not happen.
February 23rd, 2008 at 12:34
I think United will play a 4-4-2 against Newcastles 4-3-3/4-5-1.
United team:
VDS
Brown Rio Vida Evra
Ronaldo Anderson Carrick Giggs
Tevez Rooney
Newcastle:
Harper
Beye Cacapa Taylor Nzogbia
Butt Smith Barton
Milner Owen Duff
3-0 to Manchester United; Rooney and Ronaldo(2) to score
February 23rd, 2008 at 13:05
isn’t carr their skipper.
February 23rd, 2008 at 13:58
Did anyone see Eduardo’s injury. Hope he gets well to play in the future. Man, that was bad.
February 23rd, 2008 at 14:01
ouch that’s the worst tackle ever,evrytime i see it in the back of
my mind am just wincing
February 23rd, 2008 at 14:04
at the rate the gunners are losing there players you would feel
sorry for them there are down to 12 or so players if last weeks
reports are to be believed that they had 14 players available for
selection.Against a.c. milan they lost toure and now eduardo
February 23rd, 2008 at 14:11
that was horrific! he needed around 10 minutes of treatment and oxygen masks, which tells you how bad the injury might be! wouldnt wish that on anyone, even an Arsenal player….putting our rivalry with them to one side, i hope it isnt that bad and that he’ll get back to playing soon.
February 23rd, 2008 at 14:18
1-0 to birmingham.still think arsenal will hammer them
February 23rd, 2008 at 14:20
Arsenal will hammer ‘em in the second half.
February 23rd, 2008 at 14:21
Go mcfadden go 1-0 to birmingham .can it get any better.
February 23rd, 2008 at 14:37
Eduardo’s injury. Check the players reactions.
February 23rd, 2008 at 15:02
i wanna see the injury
February 23rd, 2008 at 15:23
dan: do not call anderson andoninho it makes no sense, and you only ever add INHO for some younger for example, ronaldinho is called that because he is little ronaldo so anderson if he decides to call his child anderson, the name will be similar to that,
im looking forward to this game, hopefully we win, l’arse as we speak are 1-1 against the brummies and god willing it stays like that, 3-0 to united, rooney to show some magic
February 23rd, 2008 at 15:37
There are no pictures of the injury. Only this one, but ts doesn’t show much.
February 23rd, 2008 at 15:45
eeeeeeeewwwwwwwww
February 23rd, 2008 at 15:50
Brum just equalised. Fucking eh! Lets make sure we dont ruin this oportunity!
February 23rd, 2008 at 15:51
Gallas is crying! We’re going to do it, they’ve lost their heads!
February 23rd, 2008 at 15:52
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha I was on my fucking knees!Thank you clichy!The best left back in the premierleague!
February 23rd, 2008 at 15:52
yeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaah!! Go McFadden!!! Arsenal have just dropped two VERY crucial points in the title race!! If we can beat the Toon the gap will be just three points, which we can overcome when we beat the Gunners at Old Trafford.
February 23rd, 2008 at 15:53
Full time in Arsenal match, 2:2. Brum were poor second half but somehow managed an equaliser. Now we have to start to close the gap
February 23rd, 2008 at 15:54
WE LOVE YOU BRUM WE DO!!!!
February 23rd, 2008 at 15:57
villa might pull an upset next week.
February 23rd, 2008 at 16:09
We need to win today.no option,fergie dont mess the selection up please.No rotation just pick the best.Please united! 3 points is nothing and as dan said villa can do it no doubt.
February 23rd, 2008 at 16:13
liverpool are 1 down
February 23rd, 2008 at 16:16
Excellent! Arsenal drop points, Dippers are a goal down to Boro at Anfield, three points practically guaranteed for United, can it get any better???
February 23rd, 2008 at 16:28
Wow..doesn’t it seem like the turn of the tide? Arsenal have had a bad week (3 games – no wins), and it seems this is the EXACT moment that ManUtd will just have to take adv of!
Today’s game is gonna be tuff – no doubt, but what greater boost than a chance to get 2 points nearer to the Gunners?
My prediction for the lineup-
EVDS
Brown-Rio-Vida-Evra
Ron-Scholes/Fletch-Carrick-Nani
Rooney-Tevez
Saha and Ando will come off the bench 70min into the game.Score Prediction – We win 3-1 with Newcastle scoring first.
February 23rd, 2008 at 16:34
Whoa..talk about an impact player! Torres scores twice in 90 sec! The 2nd similar but not as good as the Benzema goal..
February 23rd, 2008 at 16:43
Gallas is a joke. Team spirit my arse! It seems they only have that togetherness when they are doing well. First we have the Bendtner/Adebayor clash, now Gallas actually puts his team in danger by going to the other end of the field (what if Almunia had saved it) then blasting Clichy and the just sitting and sulking. How pathetic. Do you think Clichy doesn’t realise he coked it up, William?
February 23rd, 2008 at 16:47
Guaranteed?
February 23rd, 2008 at 16:52
a bit more on the eduardo injury, no player deserves that.
i really cant see him playing another match, look at the secon picture, his entire foot is off his leg.
February 23rd, 2008 at 17:08
I feel sorry for Eduardo, it looks just like smudgers injury at Anfield in 2006! Hope he gets back to play again, cause no player, rivalery aside, deserves that! No player should be forced toquit after such an injury, I really feel sorry for him! But Im happy that Arsenal only got a 2-2 agaisnt Brum, now United can make it only three points behind them! But st. James Park isnt an easy place to go so they have to be fully focused! Please guys, I beg you, please win today! GO ON UNITED!
February 23rd, 2008 at 17:19
This game scares me for three reasons.
1. Newcastle will remember the damned good thrashing they received from us at OT and will come out with some determination and pride to avenge themselves and their supporters.
2. Newcastle has to start playing better at some point and what better time to try and improve and save your season than by beating ManU.
3. United will be coming into this game confident but tired due to the CL game.
With that said Manchester United should win the the game 2-1. Look for Ronaldo to wake from his mini goal scoring slump. Also, this is a good game to see Rooney score a goal.
February 23rd, 2008 at 17:28
Oh my God…I just saw the youtube link that Dan just posted and its shocking, especially those two pics at the end. OH MY GAWWWD…
I pray that somehow he gets okay…theres no pride in Man Utd winning the title with such a huge dark shadow over it..No wonder Fabregas was totally delirious when he was calling frantically for the medics. Jeeeeezzzzz!
February 23rd, 2008 at 17:29
any team news jb?
February 23rd, 2008 at 17:38
Anyone that know the line up?
February 23rd, 2008 at 17:44
OUCH i feel really sorry for Eduardo but I’m happy that Arsenal dropped points. Arsenal are going to have their heads down after that. No win in 3 now and i think it is gonna be hard for them against Villa and if we beat Newcastle today then i believe that with Arsenal having to come to Old Trafford we are in pole position for another title. COME ON UNITED
February 23rd, 2008 at 17:46
Van der Sar, Brown, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra, Ronaldo, Carrick, Fletcher, Nani, Rooney, Tevez
Subs: Kuszczak, Anderson, Saha, Scholes, O’Shea
February 23rd, 2008 at 17:49
That’s a good team. We should be up for it and we will win. COME ON YOU REDS!
February 23rd, 2008 at 17:53
is that the real team?
February 23rd, 2008 at 17:55
new it, kk went with 4-4-2.
February 23rd, 2008 at 18:09
carrick and fletcher??? last time these were our two central mids we lost to west ham
February 23rd, 2008 at 18:46
What a great feeling when Rooney scores! And to watch him hug Ronaldo!
February 23rd, 2008 at 18:49
Glad to see nani getting a chance
February 23rd, 2008 at 19:04
2-0 up! That’s too easy. Great pass from Carrick.
February 23rd, 2008 at 19:05
ronaldoooooooooooo…he scored again………… Newcastle’s defence is deplorable. Maybe I can be thier center half
February 23rd, 2008 at 19:08
everyone is playing well, no one has really stood out though.
February 23rd, 2008 at 19:10
Well played by United just hope the players don’t drop their concentration in the second half. 1 more goal and the game is dead!
February 23rd, 2008 at 19:12
Ferdi is having an iffy game defensively…
February 23rd, 2008 at 19:16
It’s kinda been like a walk in the park…i do hope Newcastle pull up their socks n attack a bit more, that’ll make the 2nd half more exciting and hopefully we can win 4-0…maybe even the same 6-0!!! watsaay???
February 23rd, 2008 at 19:17
Well I predicted Rooney and Ronaldo would score and we still have a half to go. WOW! You won’t hear me say a bad thing about Michael Carrick again if he continues to play like this. What a beautiful through ball for Ronny’s goal. OUTSTANDING! He is so much more positive than Scholes out there. He was constantly looking forward and and moving into space. Ronny has made and scored a goal but there were a few times that he was a bit selfish. Had he not shot and passed instead we coud be 4-0 up. Still, a great half and good defending too. van der Saar was a little shaky on crosses though. Fletcher and Nani have also been outstanding. Tevez missed a beautiful gimme from Nani. They look dominant and should add to their haul in the second half provided they don’t turn it off and decide to defend only.
February 23rd, 2008 at 19:19
Fletcher has been a revelation past two matches aint he?
February 23rd, 2008 at 19:22
Evra off, OShea on.. Injury???
February 23rd, 2008 at 19:22
Fletcher’s been having a decent game, he hasnt put a foot wrong in this match, rather than being outstanding..Carrick’s been brilliant!
February 23rd, 2008 at 19:34
Ronalllllllllldoooooooooooooooo
February 23rd, 2008 at 19:38
and the treble was on…
February 23rd, 2008 at 19:38
I’m starting to feel sorry for Newcastle.
February 23rd, 2008 at 20:15
if only we could play them every week
February 23rd, 2008 at 20:19
The Dynamic Duo strikes. Sooo glad to see Rooney score. Saha was a fucking bonus, he looked good had that striker’s instinct, and two goals without Ronaldo involvement! Everyone looked good really. Have nothing to complain about. Hope Vidic and Evra are okay. Any news on them? Arsenal drew!! All together perfect weekend so far now if I can get into some strange tonight…
February 23rd, 2008 at 20:29
Wasn’t that fun? Nothing better than watching a good old fashioned drubbing. Truthfully though I think that Newcastle is in an absolutely awful state. They were horrible. Their back four could be breached easily in the Coca Cola League. The pressure is fully on Arsenal now. Keep up the good results lads.
Many positives to talk about but I have to mention two negatives before I give my player ratings and man of the match. Ronaldo is a god but there are times in the box when he is a bit of selfish god. I was happy to see Sha score a goal but you can see the signs of a striker lacking confidence. The biggest sign is that when they shoot on goal, they shoot for the middle of the goal. Even his goal was down the middle. Still, he must be commended for getting involved and getting in a good goal scoring position. Minor complaints to be sure.
RATING: out of 10
van der Sar 6/10 Looked a little uncertain out there.
Brown 7/10 Did nothing great but defended well and did his job.
Rio 7/10 Like a rock, gave nothing up.
Vidic 8/10 Was strong an physical. Hope his injury isn’t bad.
Evra 6/10 Efficient and strong in his own end. Hope he isn’t injured also.
Ronaldo 8/10 Yes he scored two great goals and set one up but he was a bit selfish for me.
Fletcher 7/10 Nothing spectacular but he worked hard and won many balls.
Carrick 8/10 Made many positive passes and runs and was in total control. CONFIDENT
Nani 8/10 Was a constant thorn in the side of the Toons. Added width and penetration.
Tevez 6-10 Worked hard but just didn’t make a statement. Missed an easy header too.
Rooney 9/10 Hard work and some quality finishing for a change. 2nd goal was a cracker.
O’Shea 6/10 Not spectacular but did close down well.
Saha 7/10 Finally scored and looked interested and involved. Shooting needs work though.
Scholes 6-10 Not enough time to really judge his although he almost scored a goal
Man of the Match – WAYNE ROONEY
February 23rd, 2008 at 20:30
Not sure what happened to Evra, but I do think Vidic is fine. Fergie took off both Ronaldo and Vidic who both happened to have 4 yellows; could have been the reason. Defense was ok today without Evra and Vidic for a long time. Van der Sar was shaky but pulled off one(?) save when it was needed. Fletcher continues to impress in the center of midfield and Carrick is a passing beast. Scholes played well when he came on also. Ronaldo and Nani are amazing on the wings, Nani is crossing like Beckham at the moment, and Ronaldo is crossing and shooting. Rooney was my MOTM, this guy is everywhere and he finally found his shooting boots! Wasn’t horribly impressed with Tevez, I think he played well, but he can play better. Congrats to Saha who actually looked like he’s seen a football before today, too bad he didn’t head in a few of Nani’s crosses.
February 23rd, 2008 at 20:35
Abu, i’m not sure on evra bit i know that vidic was taken off because he had a minor knock and the fact that he was on 4 yellow cards.
Grognard, no team is perfect or plays the perfect match, it’s in-human!
February 23rd, 2008 at 20:40
im sure that pissed of couple of ex-utd players, smith in particular, he must now see how he went to a side that isn’t going anywhere but down, and he left a side thats going up, losing 6-0 away and 5-1 at home is a piss take for him. im a bit dis-pleased with my self because is didnt celebrate a single goal…, i must sound like a 2 year old.
jesus, i really thought we had a leg break there, some scary stuff.
February 23rd, 2008 at 20:41
I seriously don’t think we got out of even 3rd gear today..everything was just too easy…have NewC actually become that poor? Anyway, good to see Rooney get two goals..and all praise for his unselfish play in the final 10mins, when he could have gone for a hattrick but instead set up Saha twice. We would not expect to see Ron do that right?
February 23rd, 2008 at 20:53
finaly rooney is in the top 15, now he needs to get to top 10!
February 23rd, 2008 at 21:08
quite a graphic photo of thte eduardo injury.
February 23rd, 2008 at 21:16
Eduardo – ouch!
Funny – On this match I thought for once we needed an anchor down the middle to slow a game we were totally dominating – Scholes, Ando or Hargreaves.
Attacking was decesive, Finishing excellent and Toon defense horrendous.
Fletch was just ok, but against a more serious opposition I do not see this midfield pairing as holding the house. As neither Fletch, nor Carrick bosses the midfield. Both are great players on their day but they need a general alongside them. It was no so obvious today because Toon were so piss poor in defense.
Agree with Grognard that Ronny was selfish, but damn he’s good!
And Nani!
February 23rd, 2008 at 21:18
Absolutely great win for united…without even trying too hard. We ripped the Magpies to pieces.
TO make it even better, Arsenal seem to have lost it now.They are losing players every match and their remaining players are not looking in a stable mental state…just see Gallas.
And the scousers have become a one-man time yet again.Torres won them the match alone
February 23rd, 2008 at 21:21
Also, did you guys notice that Scholes came in to finish the game, once the result has been in the bag?
Maybe SAF reads redrants and saw the truth of this season…
February 23rd, 2008 at 21:28
you know, i am not even that happy about the win, i mean im happy, its a 5-1, but normally when we destroy teams i get excited, but lets be honest, it was newcastle! buhumbug i guess.
February 23rd, 2008 at 21:28
Guys – who is better really?
Torres or Tevez?
Torres having landed in a shite team, perhaps he is more prone to adjust to the general level of play there… hey
Also I can’t remember, did Tevez cost approximately the same as Torres or was the spaniard more expensive?
Would you think Torres would have done well at Utd. given the previous interest?
Anyhow I’m just happy with the current crop of players. You might not realise it but even though most of us are pining for a new striker, right back, and cover for various positions; it seems to me we have the best squad among the title contenders. Whaddya say?
February 23rd, 2008 at 21:36
Nico; to answer you, I for one believe Torres would be better then Tevez for United. He could pinpoint our attack and Rooney would be able to play as a supporting striker.
February 23rd, 2008 at 21:45
tevez in my books, dont really think he suits are style of play, and i reckon he likes being the star of the show, which wouldnt go down to well with the squad.
February 23rd, 2008 at 21:55
i know its off subject but about the tackle on eduardo i think its a shame but its everybodys fault you see its a known fact the premier league is most probably the most aggresive league in the world making people like this savage martin taylor to go down and tackle like that knowing there is a chance he might get away with it now ive read people saying he should be banned for life in my opinion he shoud be imprisoned he might as well have ended the boys career as a manchester united fan i feel sympathy for arsenal and all their fans and the the boy hope he can get back on his feet and become one of the worlds greatest wether he stays with arsenal or doesnt
February 23rd, 2008 at 22:03
Have to disagree, Torres would probably been the better player for us. My gut feeling is that his playing style would have dovetailed more naturally with Rooney and Ronaldo than Tevez’s does. He also fits the profile of the type of striker I feel we need in the summer. In terms of cost, by the time the full fee for Tevez is paid, there will not be much difference.
Torres has shown he can adapt to English football so there is no reason to think he wouldn’t have been a success here. To be honest he never struck me as someone who hogged the limelight or wanted to be the star of the show either (Ronnie would be far more culpable of that type of thing anyway). Still we didn’t get him, so we move on. There are plenty of great players we targeted and failed to sign, Torres wasn’t the first, nor will he be the last.
February 23rd, 2008 at 22:15
Great game…Tevez is better for us then Torres, but man Eudardo’s injury is crazy. Sometimes I would wish for player’s to get injured, but nothing like that. I hope it will not end his career and he will be back soon
February 23rd, 2008 at 22:19
Why are we even talking about Torres. He plays for the redshite now so he can fuck off. Tevez is class and what more must he do before the haters will appreciate him.
February 23rd, 2008 at 22:29
Yea it seemed to me too that Torres would have done well at OT- Pacy, good finish, tall – though he doesn’t seem to score headers does he?
Now, I’m not jealous and Tevez has done really well especially with people concerned that he and Roo were too alike to play together.
February 23rd, 2008 at 22:34
Great result for Utd the arse now lead by just 3!! I think that they really cracked today as well, although i feel sorry for eduado and felt a red was deserved what was wenger going on about!! He cant ever take a bad result, he also suggested taylor should be band for life(idiot)?!! I was laughing at Gallas though, what a fool. I think we have the pschological edge on them!!
I think the squad can cope with the treble challenge, though i think you need as much luck as quality at this time in the season. On the matter of the squad are people here just out to critise the player out of form, 2 days ago rooney couldnt finish and tevez is the saviour today the roles reversed!! BOTH are quality players, look beyond there goals to game ratio this year(which is excellant) and look at the movement and hard work top-draw.
In the (Torres) signing a forward situation, It would be a bonus to sign a new CF Benzema/Hunterlaar but it wouldnt be a catasrophe keeping this years lot. With Manucho joing, Tevez improving(2nd year) and Wellbeck developing its no crisis(especially as weve out scored everyone)..
What do you guys think i think we will lose more players this summer than gain!! What do you think about the Arsenal situation as well!!
February 23rd, 2008 at 22:45
Torres needs united more than we do him.He chose pool so hel have to suffer with the shite that goes on there He could have been great here.The rooney today was the rooney we all know and love.He had his “touch”.I hope it stays with him.I have to mention nani again.What beautifull crosses he is putting in.Their beautiful!pace and direction and curve.Its a shame tevez couldnt put it in.Carrick is looking great.Ive never seen him play this well.Arsenal seem to be in a bad spell.Hope it continues.3 points is much better than 5.Much much better.
February 23rd, 2008 at 22:47
Oh and this media born idea that arsenal play the best football is just plain bullshit.We thrash teams much more often and with much more style.
February 23rd, 2008 at 22:50
Just1n, we do appreciate Tevez, its just a thought on how the team could have shaped up with Torres.
And with Nani being the bastard child of Beckham (delivery)and Ronaldo (trickery), and with all these great passers that are Carrick and Andy its obvious the team needs a pure finisher, with preference for one who has some height.
But once a again I’m happy with the team and if Manucho turns out decent the need for attacking reinforcements is not as important as that of defensive backup. One injury there and we’re on the wrong foot. I would thus love to see Simmo feature more. O’Shea is clearly average at best in any position he’s asked to play.
February 23rd, 2008 at 23:02
I’m a supporter of us getting a new out-and-out striker, but with the way that Rooney played today we may not even need one. We’ve seen he can head the ball (vs. Arsenal) and today he showed his great finishing again. If he can keep playing this way, then I don’t think a new striker will be needed. In addition, Saha had a good game, so he can always lead our attack as long as he stays fit.
February 23rd, 2008 at 23:04
Yeah i second the Simmo comment, todays game would have been perfect though i thought newcastle might had been better. I fear for Nevs injury, Brown is off by the looks of it and Simmo and Rafael arent experianced. Sheasy is a cult hero and a must have squad player, but unless Nev makes a full recovery(age factor aswell) RB should be the prioty in summer signings!!
February 23rd, 2008 at 23:24
Here is a new name to throw into the striker mix – Fabiano
February 23rd, 2008 at 23:31
Question for everyone, at what point do we start giving Pique a run? He can play on the right just as well as he can play up the center. I know that he doesnt provide the same attacking qualities as a Neville or Evra from the other side, but for a young center half looking for time, I dont see how that would be bad. Especially if there is talk about him walking for more playing time, although I’ve only read about his agent talking with Barca for a return and I dont think he would get any more playing time there. I really would like to keep the lad.
That being said, we really do need some cover for the left back position. O’Shea did a good job today, but I honestly dont trust him to be a true backup for evra.
Grognard, nice comments on Carrick. Glad to see you coming around. I hope now you see that everything hinges on his passing, which is world class. But when a players game is so one sided skill wise, and when they cant seem to even do that right during a game, I trust most people would be inclined to think they’re shite also. I mean, just look at what some people on here are saying about Hargo now. “He’s not the player I thought he was!” or “Hargo sucks and he only goes backwards!” (maybe the last one was one I made up myself) but his only job in the squad is to protect the back 4, so when he goes through a period where he lacks the confidence and therefore has trouble doing his job, people hate him for it. He’ll come around too, hopefully when everyone else is in stride and we’ll be unbeatable.
February 23rd, 2008 at 23:48
Ey comma! what i meant when i said hargo wasnt what I thought he was i meant, I expected more steel.He was bought for the champions league and to me our defense was as vulnerable as ever.I was also wondering with a defensive midfielder that cant attack doesnt that leave us being attacked all the time? as opposed to a scholes or carrick who pass well?and keep the ball?pique cant play right back because he isnt one and he has no pace.pacey wingers would kill him there.Whats wrong with brown till the end of the season?if he goes then wel replace him.Seeing so much pace in our team is so great.nani,rooney,ronaldo,anderson are quick.Benzema would complete.
February 23rd, 2008 at 23:50
I think the league is there,staring us in the face.Just a matter of grabbing it!
February 23rd, 2008 at 23:56
taehr, hargo wasnt just bought for the CL, you realy need to analyse his games to see what a true asset he really is, he does atchully run past defenders, he does get forward(but that anoys me), and he is 1 of the best passers on are team.
that fabiano(i keep saying fabinho lol) sounds like a perfect super-sub.
February 24th, 2008 at 0:14
Sorry Taehr, I wasnt really directing anything at you specifically, and I really did get your point. I, myself, am not that high on Hargreaves (I only think that he should come on in games like today, when we have the game in hand and want to not press as much). I was only trying to make the point that when a player isnt as diverse as say an Anderson or Ronaldo, and then they struggle with whatever it was that makes them a integral part of United (ie Carrick’s passing and Hargreaves’ defending) fans’, like us (and I’m guilty of this too) tend to write them off as not good enough. This especially shows at United where the fans are diehard and the team is world class.
February 24th, 2008 at 0:20
[Taehr]
For me a defensive midfielder has to do the job expected of him, first and foremost, which is to protect the back four and break up plays of the opposition thus handing the ball to the more offensive minded people in the team.
Claude Makalele, quite easily the best defensive midfielders of modern times had no pace to speak of, no shot whatsoever (apart from the one shot that he managed to score for chelsea), and could at best pass the ball over shorter distances. But my God, could he tackle and read a game! The thing about Makalele, and players of his kind, is there are matches when they are almost invisible while playing a crucial role in the team. Real Madrid sold Maka because of this precise reason — that they hardly ever saw the merits of keeping a player that seemingly did ‘nothing’. They missed him very badly and until last season they didn’t win the league nor the champions’ league since his departure in 2003. And guess what, Real Madrid were beset with all sorts of defensive worries since then. Zidane’s presence, and that of a whole lot of Galacticos, couldn’t do much to arrest their slide.
His peak also coincided with Chelsea’s meanest defensive records in their history — not to mention, making Terry look an infinitely better player than he actually was.
Hargreaves at least has a decent shot, can pass reasonably well, and has pace. But I wouldn’t mind if he sacrificed these attributes and stayed back to protect the defence because that was precisely why he was bought. I am willing to give him more time before I really start judging him, just as I took my time to draw conclusions on Carrick.
So people, let’s climb off Hargo’s back for now, shall we? Give him some time.
February 24th, 2008 at 0:24
even though saha scored, he was really lazy! when he passed the ball to rooney he didnt even bother moving into the box he just dawdled outside.
February 24th, 2008 at 0:26
thats what ive been saying for the last few weeks RR, hopefuly people will listen to you, maka is pure class at what he does, i swear he went for about 2 years without shooting!
goodnight united!
February 24th, 2008 at 0:38
Oh and here were Florentino Perez’s quotes when he sold Makelele:
And Zidane’s subsequent opinion, when Beckham was bought while Makelele was sold:
I digressed a bit, but I found these quotes quite interesting and relevant here to share with you all.
February 24th, 2008 at 0:52
hmm,
my previous point about DMs – look at Roy Keane, Pat Vieira at his best, Edgar Davids, even Michael Essien… They all could participate in the flow of an attack
Being a DM doesnt mean its acceptable to be crap in other departments of play. Unless you’re a world class DM in your specialty as Makelele that’s acceptable.
But I’m yet to see Hargo do those world class performances. OK I’ll wait for some time for him to put on some good displays. Still he was our most expensive player and I just hope he starts delivering at the highest level. He was really a class act in the world cup. And it would be good if he took a few free kicks as Ronny seems to suffer from the Roberto Carlos syndrome – free kicks are impressive the rare times he manages to score from them.
oh and dan, hargo is a good passer but not one of the best of the team. Carrick, Scholes, Anderson, Rooney are those.
February 24th, 2008 at 1:00
To those applauding Torres as a true finisher: rarely has a striker been more critizised of missing so many chances. It’s practically been the story of his career, and it amazes me that one hattrick makes people thin he’s a genuine goal poacher. Simply a lack of knowledge of the game imo.
February 24th, 2008 at 1:03
And i didn’t even read the rest of your post there Taehr. I know that Pique isn’t a RB, and that he doesn’t have all that much pace. I’m not even suggesting that we shouldnt start him over Brown. I was just wondering what the problem would be giving him a run out in a game like today, where we had the game in the bag and didnt really feel pressured all day. I dont think there is any reason to let both players walk when at least one could have been prevented. And with Pique likely to go for the same reasons Rossi did, playing time. We could easily give the kid a run out in games that are in hand.
February 24th, 2008 at 1:12
About Pique – isn’t it worrying that such a young player seems to be so slow? And the few time s he played he looked dodgy – misplacing himself and misreading the game…
OK vida looked dodgy too in his first few months but at least he wasnt that slow. Remember that the Spanish league is played at a slower pace than the EPL and that may be why Pique fared well while on loan…
Oh at least he seems to score a few goals.
About the Luis Fabiano guy – interesting article – the guy has potential though I would never sign a player who’s obviously prone to bouts of lack of self confidence, especially a striker. That would be like having a second Saha , no?
February 24th, 2008 at 1:12
What do you all think of that American striker Jozy Altidore? I watched the US game vs Mexico game a few weeks ago and he looked like a very good striker. Beautiful headed goal, and he can finish well also.
February 24th, 2008 at 1:13
To all you Hargo detractors I say BOLLOCKS! Hargo is a fantastic player who has had a problem getting enough games in to get match fit. His injuries have put him behind schedule a bit and although I think he has played well, he is capable of so much for. He is a great defensive midfielder with flashes of offensive skill and vision. No he is not Makalele or Keane and he is not overly physical but he annoys attackers and causes turnovers. I think he will really show his class next season after an off season to really heal up and get back to 100%. This season he has been playing at 75% max.
Regarding Fabiano, I haven’t got much to add. The player doesn’t float my boat, sorry.
Comma; It is easy to see what the difference has been in Carrick’s game in the past month. Besides a more positive and aggressive attitude, he has been braver when it comes to forward passes as well as his now occasional dribble forward. He also has become more decisive. Quite often he used to delay his thought process until he was stripped of the ball. Now his assertiveness is instant and his passes have real purpose. He’s also taking the occasional shot or two in a game. That’s all I can ask for. His defensive skills have been good all year so if he continues to perform like this, Hargo and Scholes will find it difficult to get playing time.
February 24th, 2008 at 1:16
Regarding the Eduardo injury. Just terrible. What really disturbs me is that hacking tackles like that are common place against our best players. Will it be long before one of our stars gets destroyed by some clown on these bottom feeder teams who resort to roughhouse tactics to in order to beat quality sides? I hope the Birmingham player gets a long ban and that Birmingham get fined as well. I want us to beat Arsenal but not this way. I want to beat them at full strength.
February 24th, 2008 at 1:23
Tomas,
for certain goal poachers, some misses are acceptable. RVN, he had, and still has a great scoring record, yet I remember that he always seemed to miss the odd great opportunity, then scoring another. What made him so good was that put himself in an amazing number of good positions to maintain the high scoring rate.
That was the story of Andrew Cole, always slated for missing chances and never given credit for the positions he created himself.
I’ll admit though that I don’t follow pool enough to know that Torres misses chances.
February 24th, 2008 at 1:32
Great performance by the guys, I really think we can win the Prem now! Torres is a player that would have been great for United, but now Tevez is one of our best players, so I would fancy him over Torres. Remember who scored at Anfield when those two met?
February 24th, 2008 at 2:09
I am almost at a loss for words about eduardo. No one deserves that, I wouldnt wish that on my worst enemy. After seeing the pictures I almost cried. My thoughts and prayers go out to him, and I pray he will be able to play football again.
February 24th, 2008 at 2:46
Didn’t see the Eduardo injury… Was it as bad a break as smudger’s against Liverpool in the cup match
February 24th, 2008 at 3:46
Grognard people have every right to feel a little deflated about Hargo’s performance this season considering what we paid… I know he has had injuries and will be much better next season given he isn’t playing in any summer tornaments.. If i remember correctly you’ve given abit of shit to Saha in the past… and as far as im concerned the pair have pretty much given the same on the pitch this season in terms of effectiveness.
February 24th, 2008 at 4:22
i think pique seems to be a bit similar to senderos, anyone else think so?
February 24th, 2008 at 5:14
Shannon; Please spare the self sacrifice speach already. We didn’t pay shit for him, the club did so stop acting like the money came out of your pocket. Hargo cost a lot and yes he has been a bit of a disappointment because of that but he still has played well and often enough to not be labeled in the same category as the Balsam Wood Bomber Saha. Also, Sha has been disappointing us for a number of seasons now. Check back with me in 2010 and we can revisit the Hargreaves matter then and see if your case has more merit then.
February 24th, 2008 at 5:17
Shannon; Eduardo’s break was just as bad and perhaps one can say it looked worse too. You won’t be seeing him play for a long time. I doubt he will play next season yet alone be out for the rest of this season. Taylor should get a season long ban for his criminal act. Then maybe other goons will wake up to the fact that they cannot survive the league’s justice and thus help preserve and protect the stars of the BPL from thugs like him.
February 24th, 2008 at 5:39
Yeah seen the foul… bloody hell. Agree on the ban… Can you imagine the out cry if it was a certain Cristiano Ronaldo.
Tell you what though with all the Arsenal injuries… a treble could be on the cards
February 24th, 2008 at 6:13
It’s not as though Taylor wanted to break Eduardo’s leg. The game was just beginning and sometimes players will try to intimidate their opponents with a few hard tackles. Let’s face it, if Eduardo’s leg hadn’t broken and he had gotten back in the game, Taylor would have simply got a red and we wouldn’t be talking about this. I don’t think that he deliberately meant to hurt Eduardo, but only Taylor knows the truth.
February 24th, 2008 at 7:43
Hargo’s been good, just injured.
Eduardo’s injury is very unfortunate – Matt Taylor wasn’t just late on the tackle, it was a stupid challenge considering that Eduardo was going to flick past him anyway.
The ref gave the red card because of the injury, not the tackle.
February 24th, 2008 at 8:45
Heres the thing with hargo-When we play against sides like lets say newcastle,his break up play is not needed at all.If he does play then we are sacrificing our attacking flair.I believe he was bought to cancel out opposition stars -kaka and alike.But if he plays we cant play only two mids.We would have much little creativity.So we put another midfielder in and play 4-5-1 or 4-3-3 and we all know how that ends up.how many games will hargo get?Against derby,newcastle we dont need him.Carrick does a much better job because he can split these sides.So how is he supposed to get any fitness for this year or the next.We dont need him to beat 90 percent of the leagues teams.anderson,scholes,carrick are enough.maybe injuries
February 24th, 2008 at 8:59
I hope Eduardo makes it back to a sturdy career after that sickening injury. I don’t know much about what the FA deems to do but a life ban isn’t exactly warranted for a leg break in a match. But definitely a lot more than a simple red card is called for.
I wonder if the FA should introduce punishments for injuries as- time served in a ban to be equal to stat based estimate of time out on the injury of victim. Might be a decent rule, except that teams might use thugs wantonly for the effect. Sad for football that such incidents happen. Taylor was a dunce to have tackled that way on anybody. At least 3-4 months out would serve ‘im right. And Edouardo looks to be out for at least 6 to 8 months.
February 24th, 2008 at 16:28
The problem is not how awful the tackle by Taylor was but how bad the end result was. The tackle was high with studs up. This happens all the time in football. And that’s the problem. This shit has to stop. Unfortunatley for Taylor he needs to be made an example of for the good of the game and for the future security of all players, especially the stars. If a tackle that could well have been career threatening is not severely punished, then the game has gone totally to the dogs. It’s unfortunate for Taylor but his imitation of Vinny Jones needs to be squashed and a message sent around the footballing world. These tactics must stop or more severe bans will begin to occur. And this goes for star players as well. They must not be left immune to these punishments if enforcement on severe and unwarranted tackling is to be stopped.
As for Arsenal, this will have to force Wenger to use Bendtner more and put pressure on Saha’s hospital buddy Van Persie to stop letting minor injuries last a season long. The guy is a wimp and really soft. Arsenal are fucked but good.