May 28
Nothing of Significance as Silly Season Continues
Well the only thing of significance that’s happened, for what it’s worth, is the approval of Javier Hernandez’s work permit.
Chicharito also scored Mexico’s only goal in their 2-1 defeat to Holland.
On the transfer front, all has been quiet save for the transfers of Smalling and Hernandez during last season. It must be said, if reports are to believed, the net outlay for these transfers is £17m. The question is whether an overt dependence on this sort of scattergun approach on promising youth is really working. (Actually that shouldn’t even be a question: buying youngsters with ‘promise’ is always going to be hit and miss. More miss than hit, I dare say.)
Anyway, over the past week we’ve been linked with a predictable set of stars from around Europe. Most persistent of these rumours has been that of Rafael van der Vaart from Real Madrid. Actually it was just the one story in the Mirror which was reproduced in most other news outlets and blogs. Any transfer out of Real Madrid would happen only after the appointment of Mourinho. Which means he would probably spend time assessing his players. When he went to Inter he didn’t immediately stock up on new players. He kept the basic core and made a few enhancements. It’s questionable if Real will foist new transfers upon him or allow him to make more unilateral decisions. So any Real Madrid transfers will have to wait.
Among other players linked to us is another usual suspect, David Silva. But then, there is a Guardian story that links City with a mega twin-bid worth £70m for David Silva and Edin Dzeko. True or not, the less I talk about that, the better.
In other news, UEFA have approved a wide-ranging plan to enforce rules on ratio of earnings and wage spending. United it would seem are well within the stipulations. But that story requires a separate discussion.
There is a BBC story that contains a lot of question marks on the Glazer plans for the club. Apparently, they are willing to put more money into “team building”. Yes, at my workplace, we are scheduled to go for team building next week. It involves a cruise (booze-cruise, according to rumours, but that’s besides the point) in one of the half a billion lakes in my city. Maybe the Glazers have a similar team building exercise planned with the scale of such an event significantly higher — say a booze cruise in the Bahamas.
Anyway, my point is, until we’re strengthening in the areas we’re falling short (read: midfield, primarily) with a quality buy, cynicism will be the order of the day.
On a tangent here, but since we don’t have much to talk about anyway, I must add, as much as I despise Real Madrid, Mourinho’s arrival makes me all excited about La Liga just for the amount of juicy narrative next season will provide. The contrasting philosophies towards football that Guardiola and Mourinho bring, at the helm of the most bitter of rivals respectively, is just too mouth-watering to ignore. On Mourinho, here’s a critique, following his win with Inter, on the Run of Play. Read.
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- Manchester United 07/08 Season Preview
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Tags: Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours
May 28th, 2010 at 2:51
Nice summary of the silly season RR. I hope we get someone good before the WC but I am resigned to it not happening til after.
I am wondering what people think of van der Vaart. How good is he as a player and how good would he be in our midfield? Is he worth the rumored 20-25 mil?
May 28th, 2010 at 3:43
That’s one dense article RR (had me running for the dictionary in a couple places) but I agree with the parts I understood.
Watching Mourinho’s post-match interviews I was surprised by the extent that discussed returning to English football. Notwithstanding that he had just won the Champions League final and was assured of his new position at Real Madrid, he kept talking up England.
Question is, who is he dreaming of? I fear he has a hard-on for United, and I really can’t stand him.
May 28th, 2010 at 3:45
Nice write up RR. Silly season is nice term for it. In baseball there is that part of the summer around July which is referred to as “The dog days of summer”. Well, although it is not summer right now this part of the football calendar year is my dog days of summer. It is absolute agony because there is no football and of course all the insanity starts to boil over with all this rumour nonsense which has gotten truly out of hand the past few years. It’s bordering on absolute insanity really. I mean how many players have been linked to us yet it’s obvious to anyone with an IQ over 4 that we are penniless and barely able to pay the janitorial staff to clean the crap out of Fergie’s office.
The World Cup is a coming upon us but it almost feels like it will never get here. Christ, it should have started this coming weekend. How many warmup games to these teams need in order to get players in shape and especially injured? And why would England risk playing any games before the World Cup on that criminal Wembley pitch. They must be mad even playing Rooney in that Mexico game.
Most of all this off season is a sad one for us because we go into it with no fond memories or any silverware worth mentioning to keep our attitudes and hopes up for the future. I can’t help that this past season was the beginning of the end of the Manchester United dynasty as we have known it since 1991. I really have concerns and questions over the direction of the club and of course the financial state and this BBC documentary I feel will only rub salt in our wounds by stating the obvious. Where are the so called saviours known as the Red Knights? More like Brown Tights I think as I think they have shit themselves and run home to mommy.
I keep reading about Mourinho being hired by Madrid and the fact he wants to bring Maicon with him as well as buy Lampard, Gerrard, Ashley Cole and even Essien who I hear has been ruled out of the World Cup (a shame because he would have given Ghana a real shot at going far). And it appears they have already signed Di Maria. My God it must feel like utopian ecstasy to be a Real Madrid or Barcelona fan these days. They can just about buy anyone they want whenever they want and there are no consequences to the team’s financial foundation. It’s hard not to feel a lot of jealousy as well as envy. Why? Because nobody is going to tell me their fans are more worthy or more deserving of that kind of financial strength and freedom than the fans of many English clubs, especially those of Manchester United. We are being ripped off by our owners, the tax man and Government, the FA with it’s double standards and antiquated rules and both FIFA and UEFA for having created a very unhealthy and volatile environment which I feel will threaten the future of the game.
Now if only we signed one or two good players to help the fans out a bit and to encourage us all that all is not lost. But clearly it is because Fergie is not budging and for me this is tragic because only an idiot would not do anything to improve this club that has some king sized gaps in it’s lineup to fix.
May 28th, 2010 at 3:57
am i suprised? no. ever since fergy made the comment about there being no value in the market i just had to lower my expectation and be content with chicharito and smallings.
its funny that everyone but saf thinks we need a partner for rooney and an attacking midfielder. i wonder what effect not bringing in proven players will have on the teams moralle and mental preparation for next season. the players know we aren’t good enough. rooney came out the other day and mentioned need for a new striker, giggs and nevs have mentioned our over reliance on rooney being our achilles heels. one only wonders what else is being being said in the camp.
vdv is def better than carrick, anderson and i view him as a perfect scholes replacement linking our mid with the attack. but still i’d rate d.silva high. if we can get d.silva the better. but as i said i am not holding my breadth
May 28th, 2010 at 4:12
grog. i already got my hdtv ready for the world cup. too many good players injured. torres.essien.i think rooney is also not 100%.ballack.gerrad got hurt in training. i still hope we’ll have a tremendous show.
mourinho bringing in more players will only mean 1 think. fire sell at rm. lets hope we dont miss out on bargain players again. lass.vdv.higuan.drenthe.
unless something is done and done quickly i agree with you. this is the begining of the end of a dynasty
May 28th, 2010 at 5:37
@Grognard: Funny you talk about Real fans! What have Real won this season? They spent 220m last summer (they sold the likes of Robben, Schnider who were in CL final!!!) and yet they have absolutely ZERO trophies to show for it. And now with Mourinho there, they can say goodbye to any s**y football being played at Bernabeau. Real are the laughing stock of europe and so are their fans. I wonder if Ronaldo still would be feeling happy to play for Real!!!
May 28th, 2010 at 5:54
“The transfer market is difficult” is our mantra, but I would go as far to say that so is the Premier League, the Champions League, The FA Cup, and for a lot, The Carling Cup. Funny how we usually find a way to overcome the later of those difficulties – but now find it “difficult” to navigate the simple task of providing new players for the wanting areas of our team!
Cynicism aside, this is a blatant attempt to pull the wool over the eyes of an adoring fan-base.
1/.Where is the 80m from the Ronaldo sale?
2/.Why after repeated statements affirming our willingness to spend, do we just pick up a scrap of talent here and there?
3/.Is it possible after all, that the clubs management and administration are in co-hoots with the Glazer devils?
4/.Why aren’t we addressing the “Green & Gold” campaign with signals of intent to improve, vitalize and excite the experience of the fan-base?
5/.Can it be that our United will now only contend (and not defend) the titles that have been ours, almost to own?
These are the questions that I’m asking myself now – not which big signing we’re going to bag!!
Well I guess things are going to be DIFFICULT!
May 28th, 2010 at 6:27
@Grognard:
Well Said
May 28th, 2010 at 7:23
David Gill I see in the press again this morning INSULTING United fans declaring most of the green and gold campaigners have no idea what the campaign is all about. He goes on to say that it will fade away, and that it is only a minority in the stadium! He must as usual be fucking blind. He says that fans from the far east buy United red and white from the club store, but also buy the green and gold scarves, because they think it is a club thing. Who does Gill think he is fooling? United fans are a lot more informed than he thinks they are, he is the one who is pig ignorant in his behaviour and misconstrueing the mood of the fans than the fans are who he accuses of being ignorant. Keep squealing like a pig David Gill, because we are not stupid, we know it is eating away at clubs (thereby) Glazer profits. Problem is there are a lot of United fans who secretly support the green and gold campaign, but will not come out and say it openly. Stand up and be counted – time to come out the closet and get a backbone!
May 28th, 2010 at 7:42
@Man Utd Jaluo: The fire sale at Madrid will happen again and again we will buy nobody. Absolutely nobody. Not van der Vaart, not Higuain, not Diarra, not Benzema, nobody. I have absolutely no faith and even less trust in the old man anymore. I just wish he would retire and do us all a favour. I’m not sure I know who I hate more, the Glazer’s for stealing all the cash or Ferguson for lying through his teeth and also tolerating all this while deceiving us.
May 28th, 2010 at 7:48
@jos: Laugh at them all you want, at least their fans have reason to hope at the beginning of every new season. All we have is distant memories and our constant denial that things can’t be as bad as they are and that they will get better. Madrid may not have won anything but they were a better club scoring over a 100 goals and having 98 points in La Liga. Had it not been for a certain Barcelona, I think it would be fair to say they had a pretty impressive season. Now what do you think will happen with Mourinho in control? I expect them to dethrone Barcelona because I have faith Mourinho will work his magic and work the selfishness out of each player, even Ronaldo. So you can laugh at them all you want. I predict that next season at this time you won’t be. But you probably will be crying over the continued decaying state of Man Utd. Sorry, just the way I see things. I’d love to be wrong.
May 28th, 2010 at 7:50
@Redrich: Jeez Red, if I wrote that the thought police would be out in force calling for my head.
Totally agree with you by the way.
May 28th, 2010 at 8:12
I’d like to add something to my Mourinho vs Fergie campaign. By now most of you have probably caught video of the post game celebrations, interviews and the departure from the stadium by Jose Mourino which was emotional and tearful. It got me to thinking about why it is I like Mourinho so much and why I have grown with time to really dislike Fergie. Now before you all bite my head off, I know that Fergie is a private man and that he is known for being very good to people behind the scenes. Problem is he is not good to everyone and he can be and ass to many.
I’m noticing that when Mourinho is being interviewed he is always very honest and actually volunteers more information than he should. He also can be very cordial and funny and has been so honest in situations where no other manager would comment like when he was asked after the CL final if this was his final match in charge of Inter? He laughed and admitted that this was true and offered honest and concise reasons why.
He then is leaving the stadium and as his care is speeding away he notices Materazzi leaning against a wall and immediately asks the driver to stop the car. He jumps out and goes and hugs and has an emotional moment with his former player. It was clear that their was love and respect there and it showcases again as it did when he left Chelsea how much his players truly love and respect him. And Mourinho would never turn on or lie to the fans.
Now having watched all that I couldn’t help but think about what Alex Fucking Ferguson has offered us over the last little while? Mr Personality to the media. Always quick with the aloof answer and the dirty white lies. Doesn’t like it when they probe him on questions that make him squirm. Never smiles or jokes with the media or with players unless he is insulting the media with a sarcastic comment. And although he may be close to his players in private, he never shows much emotion or love for them in public and is often very cold and aloof. Basically, just a miserable old bastard.
Now I realize that Fergie is who he is and who am I to judge him or question his methods, but then again who am I? I am a fan and I do not like or appreciate the way he treats us fans by lying to us, by never ever offering us an honest answer and by always having his guard up when a tough question is asked. Honest to God it is hard not to like a man like Mourinho because of who he is and what he does. And even if it’s a big show for our benefit, then he should win an Oscar because he has won me over. I want a kinder gentler manager who cares about the fans and doesn’t treat the media like second class citizens, even if they piss him off. Crack a fucking smile or a joke once in awhile Fergie. Don’t just save it when you win trophies. Fergie is who he is but I can’t help myself, I sometimes wished he was somebody else. Somebody who is special…..A Special One for example.
May 28th, 2010 at 8:43
Man City wanted Milner when they heard United were supposedly in for him, same with Rodwell. Now suddenly they hear that United were supposedly in for Van the midfield man and Djeko – today we hear that City have jumped in and are negotiating with Djeko’s representatives, and Van de man
. Wouldn’t be surprised IF Fergie is leaking all these players names he is supposedly after to put the ‘we really want to be Man Utd’ teams like shitty off the scent of those he is really going for!
May 28th, 2010 at 8:46
The media have been reporting in Spain that Man UNited have placed a written bid for Yaya Toure??? They say as replacement for Paul Scholes – I thought Yaya was a defender???
May 28th, 2010 at 8:48
@Grognard: I personally dislike Mourinho with a passion.
1, He plays turgid football, we don’t.
2, He as an arrogant self obsessed poser.
3, He does not promote youth which is out tradion.
4, Charlton hates him, so he will ever get the job at OT.
5, The sides he has taken over porto finshed second the season previous, Chelsea also did he had unlimited funds and Inter were already rulinh Italian football.
6, He would get us in trouble with UEFA with all his stupis conspiracies.
7, I have people calling him “the special one or Jose” That feeds his large ego.
8, He has a great personality?? So what it is always about him.
9, He has no loyalties bar to himself and his wallet.
And you are being very direspectful calling the manager Alex “fucking” Ferguson, he has built our club eerythibg we are id down to him.
May 28th, 2010 at 8:51
By the way, the day our clubs manager decided to keep Berbatov was the day I knew his boast of raising the bar was hopeful at the very least! If Rooney goes missing with injury or loss of form for any amount of time, and Own-goal-inho has chosen to move and bless some other team with good fortune, then raising the bar unless we buy seems laughable to me!
May 28th, 2010 at 9:31
@CraigMc: He is defencive midfielder but i have seen him venture forward, but no way as good as scholes.. ya solid intercepter though..
May 28th, 2010 at 9:34
@CraigMc: May be he is having
1) Hope that Owen(s) can be back and do well.
2) Berba can overnight regain form.
3) Someone young(from squad) will fill the boots of oldies.
May 28th, 2010 at 9:34
@despicable: Yeah well, very predictably mate – word just out that Man City reps have flown out to Barcelona this morning to try and sign Ibrahimovich and Yaya Toure
.
May 28th, 2010 at 9:39
You know what folks, I don’t care who the fuck Fergie signs or who he doesn’t anymore. We have Man United supporters who really UNbelieveably believe that we had a good season last year, and that Fergie did well with what he had at his disposal. Yet regardless of the fact that Fergie still has basically what he had at his disposal last season, the same said fans believe that we will continue to be as fortunate as we were this season! I don’t get it, but there you are!
May 28th, 2010 at 10:03
@CraigMc: I heard they were 94 Mil loss last season also considering that new buys will be depreciated each year, then they will have more debt, then why they are not worried about debt issue..
May 28th, 2010 at 10:20
@despicable: Because they have a money well with the Sheik of Arab-ee don’t they mate
.
May 28th, 2010 at 13:55
I reckon Dzeko and Silva would be great signings but I just don’t think it will happen sadly.
Panorama is going to investigate the Glazers now and hopefully uncover the mystery behind the finances and secretive running of the club. Lets just hope the documentary damages the Glazers rather than Man Utd itself.
The documentary just to let everyone know is going to be on 4 days before the start of the World cup (In the Uk anyway) – Hopefully everone will watch and have some real facts behind them rather than unfound rants
May 28th, 2010 at 14:42
@CraigMc: But did his asset add in the books of the club??
May 28th, 2010 at 15:41
@Stephen: And you are welcome to your opinion mate. I just don’t share it. And what I call Fergie is my business mate. He has pissed me off beyond belief and so right now be relieved I don’t come out on this blog and say what I really think of him. If I’m angry at him and if I’m showing him disrespect, it’s a fraction compared to the immense disrespect he has shown the loyal fans of this club with his lies, inaction and his despicable allegiance and support of the Glazer’s. And I’m being disrespectful eh?
May 28th, 2010 at 15:44
@despicable: Actually he is pretty decent going forward. Not a goal scorer but certainly capable of creating the odd goal. The last game of the season he started and actually set up both of Messi’s goals with great passes and surprisingly strong vision and finesse. This was not the first time I was impressed with his occasional foray forward. A good player but not what we need. What we need always ends up on other teams.
May 28th, 2010 at 15:46
I think we as Man Utd supporters have always expected our team to win, and win with a flair and invincibility about it. However having said that I wouldn’t call last season a complete catastrophe we had, undeniably, a lot of injuries to contend with coupled with the fact that we relied to much on Rooney, but in a way maybe we should see last season as a transitional period getting over the ‘hangover’ of losing Ronaldo.
Next season we will have more depth that’s without a doubt but like everyone on here I have my doubts if we have that unstoppable quality that used to see us through the last 5 seasons.
Overall I reckon ManUtd are going to have to pick up there game not just the players but also the manager, However I have every confidence that we will rise to the challenge just like we did back when SAF had Mourinho to contend with. I just hope that we do make atleast one outstanding signing this year that will give us the extra bit of magic and creativity in the final third, I honestly believe defensively we are still up there with the best in the world its the attacking impotus that we have found wanting last season.
And no I completely disagree with those of you who say we need ‘wholesale’ changes in the club. Quite simply we don’t. We need another match winner and I think if SAF makes the right call on who to sign we will be there or therabouts next season.
May 28th, 2010 at 15:47
@jos: Completely agree with you mate. I don’t know how a club can run like Los Merengues does. They spend all that money on the best talent in the world have unbelievable talent through there squad yet they still fail to win on a regular basis. Losing twice to Catalnia was the nail in the coffin for me though. Anyone can point that they will win something though mate spending all that money just gives it an inevitability about it all!
May 28th, 2010 at 16:23
@Grognard: Calm down mate jeez, he has has brough a few trophies to the club as well and we should be grateful, you can say what you like but a lot of people will not agree with you..
May 28th, 2010 at 16:52
Rumour has it that Joe Cole is 90% a United player.
May 28th, 2010 at 17:06
@Grognard: Hmm…So what exactly would you do if you were in Fergie’s position?
May 28th, 2010 at 17:20
@ArnabDG: Exactly, he is doing what ant employee would do, play the comapany game.
How United are run is not his concern, the team is and for me he does a good job with the tools he has.
May 28th, 2010 at 17:43
@ArnabDG: You are right…Just imagine for a second if Fergie spoke out and decided to resign..
There would be mass rioting outside Old Trafford and we would be in a worse position than we are now…I feel that with Sir Alex thereatleast the team is in capable hands.And yes if anyone thinks that mass rioting would force the Glazers to do a rethink and probably sell,then they cant be more wrong.Glazers are cnts of the highest order and will bleed the club dry.
May 28th, 2010 at 17:48
United’s chief of staff Edward Woodward quote – “we don’t need to be in the latter stages of the CL because the money is in the group stages! As long as we get into the top 4 of the PL then we will make most money because we make attractive TV.” WTF does that say to all our party liner fans eh? That the Glazers and United’s hierarchy (apart from Fergie) don’t give a fuck IF we don’ twin trophies, because the money they want will still roll in anyway. If Fergie goes, no other Manager according to this quote needs to worry about NEVER winning a single trophy, just qualify for top 4 and CL group stage! Oh how happy the Glazers and Gill’s of this world – Gimme the money – that’s what I want, give me the money – that’s what I want is the scouse Beatles song played continuously in the Glazer home and United board room!
May 28th, 2010 at 18:14
@Stephen: Stephen,i am hearing that Cole is going to Spurs.There is recently no news of him linking with us at any news sites.
May 28th, 2010 at 18:17
@CraigMc: Really some one said like that…Who is that worst of the first order?
May 28th, 2010 at 19:04
@Stephen: Am hearing that too mate. Word is down here in london its virtually agreed joe will join us. Not sure if it will be confirmed before the world cup but everything im hearing from chelsea fans in the area is he is basically a united player.
Cant say im surprised, a free agent, oh goody just what we need.
May 28th, 2010 at 19:08
@CraigMc: Where did you hear that quote mate, disgraceful if thats true.
I really do wonder about the future of our club. I said a few weeks ago i can see us doing a liverpool and facing a decade of very little success, and as time goes on it looks more and more likely this will happen.
Seems according to that quote all we care about is the money, long as we make some it dont matter what we win.And why not, seems everyone at the club is a glazer lacky so maybe just following suit.
Also i hate the way how when were looking at a player we always hear “they should be a youngish age so they have resale value”.
Why the hell are we concerned about resale value. Seems right away that all we are looking at is bringing the players in, winning as much as we can with them before selling them on for a profit. Well im sorry but we are meant to be manchester united, the biggest team in the world, so we are we a feeder club to other teams. Really pisses me off.
May 28th, 2010 at 19:19
@Kartikey: In a worse position, depends if you think were in a bad position now.
Personally i think that if ferguson knows he has no money for transfers then he damn well should speak out as the long term future of the club is in doubt and the fans deserve to know.
Is it really better as it is now where nobody seems to know what the hell is going on with the club, fans divided and morale at the lowest ive remembered in all my life.
I think ferguson damn well should come out and tell the truth. Afterall if he has his hands tied then it shows how bad we must be doing. It is not just on the pitch he controls but he should be concerned with matters off the pitch.
In my opinion even if he was to speak out and came on every channel and said “the glazers are skint and aint giving me money” i sincerely doubt the yanks would have the balls to sack the manager.
It would be shhoting themselves in the foot. As you say there would be mass rioting and season tickets would be burned outside the ground.
Very grim indeed however how long could the glazers continue to run the club if half the supporters refused to pay and watch the team. Im 100% sure they would be gone within a few weeks, new owners would come in and we would be in a healthy state again.
So i ask you is it better everyone keeps quiet, the fans get more and more disillusioned with the club, our finances get worse and thus our team becomes more and more mediocre. Or should the manager speak up and tell the bloody truth instead of being a puppet and lacky to the glazers.
Because i have no doubt were it not for the manager siding with the glazers all this time they would have been gone ages ago.
I might sound ungrateful for everything the man has done for us but to me all he has won will be forgotten for me anyway if this club slumps as a result of his failure to speak up when we needed him.
Times really do look grim and today hearing the bastads say we arent selling the club has just made me feel depressed. Looks like 10 more years glazer meaning more bargain buys and in time mediocrity.
May 28th, 2010 at 19:20
@Grognard: It’s not Fergie that’s the problem as far as United’s off-pitch issues goes and you know it. Gill and the Glazers are the real villains here.
I still have much sympathy for Fergie despite what he says about having funds. I can understand his position.
May 28th, 2010 at 19:22
I’ve also heard rumours about Joe Cole, I don’t know how certain they are, but it seems in TalkSport they said there’s a very strong source — the same that broke the news of Tevez joining City — that thinks Cole to United is a done deal after the World Cup.
May 28th, 2010 at 19:27
@CraigMc: I said this a couple weeks ago i think its too funny hopfully he pushes them to make a couple stupid buys that are not right for man shitty like more forwards
dumb asses. and let them keep shooting their wad on offence when D is needed.
May 28th, 2010 at 19:32
Glazers Not Selling
and we have 95m gbp cash in the bank.
Silva please?
May 28th, 2010 at 19:41
@Owen: In manc it is all over the place mate.
May 28th, 2010 at 19:50
@tonymontanna4united: Mate,I for one believe that we are in a very sad financial state.We were once debt free and operating well within our means.For what the Glazers have done and given back to the club and more importantly to the thousand of fans I will never forgive them. Not even if they were to go out and buy Messi for us tomorrow.
Regarding your view that Fergie shouldnt keep quiet, agreed the Glazers wouldnt have guts to sack him. However his position in the club would certainly become untenable. Frankly speaking we do not know what are Fergies views on the subject and I for one believe it is a very srtrong possibility that he is toeing the Glazers line so that he can protect the club from them. So till the truth comes out (if it ever does) Fergie will have my backing.
Do not be under the impression that because the fans protest, riot and dont attend games they will be forced to sell. In the case of Bucs their attendance level has fallen to such an extent that even though fans were being provided free tickets they did not attend. Despite this they have hardly been bothered. In fact they had the guts to tell them that if the team lacks support they will consider moving the franchisee to another area. So in short they give a fucks sake about the supporter.
I had also read in redcafe that the business model of the club will soon ensure that the money made from commercial streams will soon be much more than that from attendance revenue (If i am correct it currently is our highest revenue generator). In effect they will hardly be bothered by boycott of the games. For the cunts Man Utd is not a football club but a business. Fans are not their priority. Money is.
Horrible as it may seem the Glazers are here for another 10 yrs minimum. Just accept the fact. It is for this very reason Fergie must stay and provide stability to the club by uniting the team and the fans.
May 28th, 2010 at 20:07
@Stephen: I’m more than calm mate. Why is it whenever I say something that you or others disagree with, you seem to think I am wildly writing out of control and ready to have embolism?
I am more than calm but I also am in controlled anger with the situation and with Fergie. Yes he has brought us many trophies and the man is a legend but I am also a believer in that old adage, “What have you done for us lately?” His past is past. His present contributions simply stink and I for one feel there is a day of reckoning coming where he will have to answer for his lies and deceit and for his unholy alliance with he scum that own the club. Having said that, I am very calm.
May 28th, 2010 at 20:08
@ArnabDG: QUIT and get used to wearing a green and yellow scarf.
May 28th, 2010 at 20:10
@Stephen: “How United are run is not his concern”
You honestly cannot be serious. How they are run is every bit his concern because it affects his on field product and ability to do his job to the best of his ability. I cannot believe you just said that. Christ it frustrates me to see how many pedestrian minded individuals are fans and how they just don’t get it. 
May 28th, 2010 at 20:14
@Kartikey: True but how is he actually helping the long term goals and future of the club by staying around and openly supporting the present owners? By resigning and speaking out against him, he would ensure that the owners were further alienated and forced to sell because they do not have his backing. By backing them he is in a senses allowing a large portion of fans to naively go along with his thinking which is no good to the long term future of the club. The Glazer’s must go and Fergie’s support of them is helping keep them around. Respect and love for the man is keeping many a fan from rising up in anarchy against the owners.
May 28th, 2010 at 20:16
@Kartikey: Oh mate i agree 100% that the glazers dont give a flying f**k about us fans and that is what makes them so dangerous.
I have also read how the tampa fans are abandoning the team and now their team is playing in virutally empty stadiums and yet the glazers dont give a crap. However it would be entirely different were it united fans who were no longer turning up to the matches. Im sure you werent trying to compare the 2 just pointing out a mass boycott of fans at old trafford would hurt them 100 times more than it would at tampa bays stadium.
I do think your right though, the glazers are here long term and will continue to let the debt run up and will do nothing if on the pitch we are declining as all they are concerned about is the money they make from us. We are too good a business and money maker for them to let go of us cheaply. God looking at what they have cost us in the 5 years they’ve owned us (approx £400m) i dread to think how much money they personally will make out of us in the next 10 years, depressing in deed.
At the end of the day though im just pissed off how bad we are right now off the pitch, and how the future looks so bleak. To make me feel worse i see madrid and barcelona going after the worlds best players and getting better and better because they make so much money.
We would have been making more than them if it werent for the debt and it would have meant we could have used the money to buy the best players, expand the stadium, make the tickets cheaper and keep us ahead of pack.
I really do fear for the clubs future and i just look at us and think we need someone to speak out and stand up to the glazers. That man in my opinion should be ferguson but its his siding with them that irks me and has made me question him. Its not nice feeling like that about our manager after all he has done for this great club, but its my opinion he is causing more harm than good by keeping quiet.
Might not be a popular opinion but its mine none the less.
May 28th, 2010 at 20:19
@Grognard: “What have you done for us lately?”
He has won 3 PL,1 CL ,1 CL Runner up,1 PL runner up LATELY
How many other clubs has done these LATELY
May 28th, 2010 at 20:20
@Red Ranter: Sorry RR, but what I see is a pathetic old man who is desperately trying to hang on and pad his legacy. I have no problems with how he manages the players on and off the field. His tactics may not be great as well as his rotation policy but he has done an outstanding job with the club he presently has at his disposal. All this is blinding people over his role in the larger picture and his relationship with the owners of the club. My bitch is not with the performance of the team. No manager could have gotten more out of that group than he did. What i have a problem with is his unwillingness to buy players and his lies regarding that matter. I am tired of him protecting the owners and lying to us by stating such ridiculous things as no value in the transfer market. Lets not forget his attitude towards many of the fans concerns. He has just disappointed me greatly.
May 28th, 2010 at 20:50
@Grognard: Sorry how many games have you been to mate??? Pedestrian fan???? What do you do then, sit in Canada moaning on a blog, fuck me I know mates who work at OT and know about the cut backs, it is my blood, I have been to meetings about the Glaziers have you??
What stance have you mate? Just moan on this site and talk about how much you hate the greatest manager in our history because you are on a Mourinho crusade.
May 28th, 2010 at 20:54
@Grognard: It is not his concern because he runs the team not the fiances, what you your fucking love boy Mourinho give a shit about the debts at Chelsea, or how they were run?? Or playing the game for Abromovich in siging Shevchenko, and he was sacked he did not walk away.
May 28th, 2010 at 21:02
@tonymontanna4united: Mate you should read the latest Guardian article – Quoting City Analysts who are saying United’s debt is absolutely unsustainable, and in fact Man Utd MUST sell players to pay off the massive interest payments that are due very soon. Whatever it shows on United’s financial reports or what David Gill says – the City analysts say Man United whole financial situation is a BIG MESS! That is why they say, Man United have sent letters out to their executive season ticket owners telling them they must renew before 31st May and that it is imperitive now. Same with all season ticket holders no doubt. They have no chance of sustaining their financial agreement if folk don’t renew, or they sell players to the amount that covers the interest due to the banks etc. Glazers and Gill can mislead us, or try too, but they cannot mislead the banks and City analysts who are now coming out to tell us how bad things really are. So who do you believe – I know who I believe. Just read the Guardian article on news now, and tell us what you think, especially those of you who really understand the technical stuff! PLEASE!
May 28th, 2010 at 21:09
@tonymontanna4united: and you see where buying all those great players and spending 220 mil got fakemadrid and chokesalona this year.
May 28th, 2010 at 21:12
@Kartikey: If Fergie’s still here in 10 years mate – then I will be fucking amazed. He is not getting any younger, and I think we will be fortunate if he gives us 3 more years!
May 28th, 2010 at 21:14
@gator: According to City analysts that supposed money in the bank is a myth mate – figures will reveal all in the end
.
May 28th, 2010 at 21:17
morinho wishes he was fergi and wants to be his replacement when he leaves. he wont last long in madrid and will be out with the next election.
Democracy is not the way to run a club the shit in barca and madrid is redonkulus. The whole deal for Zlatan last year was idiotic and was just to apease the fans, total waste of a great player eto and cash.
and how did that 220m spent work out for madrid just so some shmuck can be the pres for a while and he will be booted soon.
at least we have a constant manager and board who arent subject to the whims of the diluted masses. Sometimes dictatorship is better if you have good leadership and right now we have fergi as trotsky to the glazers stalin. as long as we have fergi we will get by. but loos him(without a suitable replacement) and were fucked like the ussr.
May 28th, 2010 at 21:19
@CraigMc: if they were really fudging their quarterly reports they would be fucked. that shit dont play anymore with the economy like it is they are under a microscope and would get audited.
May 28th, 2010 at 21:22
@tonymontanna4united: That quote is all over the media internet sites mate, and the United Chief of Staff Woodward also invited all the fleet street jounalists to a meeting for discussions, no doubt a PR stunt yet again to win the press over to back the owners. Seems the BBC panorama team are not listening though
May 28th, 2010 at 21:24
@CraigMc: Mate i agree with you, i have never sided with gill or the glazers. In fact the whole point of my article was that i didnt believe the 2 bastads.
I havent read the guardian article but i wouldnt be surprised at anything i read, the figures i have seen have been staggering.
Sorry if i worded my article wrongly and you thought i was siding with the glazers or saying the financial position wasnt that bad, because i know 100% it is.
My point was i know we cant believe anything that comes out of gills mouth as he has proven he is a liar. My point was i felt betrayed at ferguson who obviously knows about the financial state of our club and yet continues to lie and say things are fine or it doesnt concern him when it damn well does.
Were as likely to hear what the truth is financially from gill or glazer as pigs are to fly. The 1 person we want to hear speaking and telling us is ferguson and he either says its none of his business or backs the glazers which i find hard to stomach and feel very angry at the gaffer for.
May 28th, 2010 at 21:25
@gator: I remember eto’o being booed by barca fans few years ago when ronaldinho was still there, he still stuck around and won them the champions league, and the best smack in the face for barca fans is him winning it again with inter.
May 28th, 2010 at 21:25
@gator: I didn’t say they were fudging it mate, I just said the Analysts said they are playing around with figures and at the same time praying to get the monies for advance ticket sales to give some leavage!
May 28th, 2010 at 21:29
@tonymontanna4united: I understand mate, but City Analysts and high flying top banks have no reason to gain by lying in their statements, because they in present climate are obliged to be transparent – seemingly! Go over to News Now Man UNited and read the latest Guardian article.
May 28th, 2010 at 21:30
@gator: I didnt mean we could go out and spend £200m on players like madrid. My point was if we didnt have the glazers here we would have saved over £400m which has been pissed away on interest rates and in the pockets of the glazers.
Money which could have been used on players or on the stadium or youth facilities. I didnt mean to go out and spend £200m on messi, gerrard and torres just that over the years we would have had alot more to spend than we do currently now.
And anyway while you mention madrid let me ask you what would you rather be doing, scrimping and saving for the free transfers and kids or going out there and buying the best even if they are over inflated.
You may say madrid won nothing last years but if you ask me right now who i expect to win the most trophies over the next 5 years i think i would put my money on madrid, as the way we deal with the transfer market now, we do not sign top players and as a result we will not win the top prizes. Madrid may be a joke now but lets wait a few years and see how mourinho does and then you might reconsider, as i certainly expect them to win a few cups in the few years jose is there.
May 28th, 2010 at 21:38
@CraigMc: This the article your talking about mate
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/may/28/manchester-united-sell-players-debts
agreed it is pretty grim reading and really does show why us fans are so worried about the long term future of the club. Another reason why in my opinion ferguson needs to speak out now. I dont think we will start to see any of our players getting sold whilst he is in charge but certainly with the next mangaer i think they will start to dismantle the team.
Thats why to me i feel hurt ferguson continues to bullshit us and say it doesnt concern us or hes not worried about transfer funds.
Bug difference fergie, were more worried about the £700m debt which will cause us to sell players like it says in the article.
As i said in a previous thread i dont think ferguson understood the fans concerns from day 1, when he said any fans that werent happy could go support chelsea. To me he will be just as guilty as gill and glazer if this club goes under or if in 5/6 years time we slump down the leagues.
These analysts atleast are honest and im glad theyve made this public. The glazers, gill and fergie can say til the cows come home how everything is ok but we all know its not. I cant say im surprised at gill who i always disliked, but ferguson really let us down and to me is just as guilty as all the other bastads who continue to say nothing.
He knows exactly what the glazers are doing to this club and says nothing, disgraceful really.
May 28th, 2010 at 21:48
@tonymontanna4united: Sorry but what managers talk and make a stance, and protest about his employers, blamong Fergie is just a means to an end for anti Fergie people, know one would expect a him to speak out who has??
Gill is a cunt but true fans have always known that, but hey so was Kenyon.
May 28th, 2010 at 21:56
@Owen: Lately means this past season mate. And personally I value toilet paper more than the Carling Cup. It’s not just the team’s performance on the pitch. He’s not doing his job as a manager when it comes to recruiting and signing top level talent. We are told he has the money and even if I don’t personally believe it, then his irresponsibility at not spending some serious cash to fill some of the gaps on this team are unforgivable. He has put his faith and trust on old players and young players who aren’t good enough. Sorry but if you buy his rusty can of goods, that’s your problem. I’m not playing along.
May 28th, 2010 at 22:00
@Stephen: You are not looking at the big picture mate. It’s not about being at games or watching them thousands of miles away. It’s about examining the situation and looking beyond the game on the field. The business aspect of the club is in ruins and Fergie is sitting by letting it happen and he has not done the right thing and challenge the owners by asking them what in God’s name they think they are doing? You don’t want to be referred to as a pedestrian fan, then stop talking about being at a games and start thinking about what it will take to make sure this club continues to win in two years, five years, ten years from now. The game on the field is such a small problem right now. There’s a revolution going on around you, or didn’t you get the memo?
May 28th, 2010 at 22:05
@Stephen: And further more, if I choose to moan and and if I prefer Mourinho over Ferguson right now, it’s my prerogative. I have given my reasons and I feel they are valid reasons. You have your own reasons for keeping Fergie which is fine as long as your eyes aren’t wide shut over the situation the club is in and what Fergie’s role is in that mess. There is no law that i know of that says i have to back Fergie 100%. I used to love the man, just love him but he has betrayed my trust and faith in him. Am I not entitled to feel the way I do? Open your god damned eyes already. It’s not just about winning games.
May 28th, 2010 at 22:07
@Grognard: One bad season( i dont think it was that bad) means nothing in this game where others have improved a lot and have great financial back up.Do you expect us to win every season.If yes then other teams are playing.Regarding his spending,he has spend when ever he wanted and was given money by the owners also be it Carrick,Berba,Nani,Andy….He is a master ,mate.Just trust him.He feels more for this club than us.He will give his best.The transfer window has just started .How can you say that he will not try to improve the squad?Just put off the Mourinho spectacle which which you are wearing lately.Then you will find the true greatness of SAF.
May 28th, 2010 at 22:09
@Stephen: He was asacked and boy wasn’t that a smart move by Abramovich?
Also, I don’t appreciate it when you make remarks like he is my love boy. Stop being so thick and rude. I like Mourinho. ENOUGH ALREADY. i HAVE THE FUCKING RIGHT TO DO SO. 
I want him as manager of United sooner than later. But I don’t want him managing the club until the Glazer’s are gone because his hands would be as tied as Fergie’s. The difference is he wouldn’t tolerate it for a second and for that I respect him.
May 28th, 2010 at 22:15
@Owen: It’s not based on results mate. It’s based on a lot of other factors. Style of football being played, rotation policies that are ridiculous, and transfer policies that are a fucking joke. The real problem is the financial state of the club and rather than demand an accounting from the Glazer’s of what’s going on, Fergie backs them instead. The club has failed to play entertaining football for two years now. They win but they win a lot of games ugly. The future looks dim because we are not replenishing the club with star players and proven performers. Instead we are holding on to the old guard three years past their expiry date and we are expecting far too much from young players who are either not ready or not good or both. We haven’t been going into the transfer market to buy two or three great players between 21 and 25. This is what we need on the pitch. But still, it’s more about not supporting the Glazer’s off the pitch and by supporting the fans more which has me up in arms and angry at the Gaffer.
May 28th, 2010 at 22:21
@Owen: The transfer window has started and already we have missed out on many of the players who were of interest to me. Trust him? I don’t trust him as far as I can throw him. Too many here are paralyzed by a ridiculous sentiment of loyalty for past deeds. Lets not forget, the past is the past and the only thing that counts is the present and the future and for me it looks bleak.
I respect everything Fergie has done in the past but it does nothing to ease the feeling of betrayal and disappointment over the way he has run the club the last few seasons both on and off the field. The fact we have won silverware only blinds many from the truth. He is allowing the Glazer’s to get away with extortion and financial murder and he is betraying us the fans who so want them gone. There is no faith and trust in a man who has turned on us after so many years of us supporting him. He is living off his legacy these days and he feels he hasn’t got to answer to us anymore and that right there is the problem. The supporters are Manchester United, not any manager, players or owners. The sooner he realizes who his real bosses are, the sooner I will reconcile my feelings towards him. Right now he is dirt in my eye. And my Mourinho spectacles have been on for quite a while thanks.
May 28th, 2010 at 22:37
@Grognard: You will put off Your Mourinho spectacle when he will be the greatest all time flop at Madrid.
Mourinho does not make a lot of signings.He just takes the bus from the last club to the next one to park it there.
Typical Mourinho( if i use Fergie’s words).
May 28th, 2010 at 22:39
@Grognard: You dont Want Fergie.You dont want Mourinho also with Glazers here.Then who is the choice..Rafa….???
May 28th, 2010 at 22:44
http://www.united-latest.com/1/post/2010/05/enough-is-enough-glazers-gill-out-now.html
May 28th, 2010 at 22:44
@Stephen: How many managers are in a position where they need to make a stand.
None of the major english teams and even though barcelona and madrid are in debt its because of their over spending so whilst they may not like to be in debt you can understand why it is they are in that position.
Now as for ferguson, well it seems pretty obivous to me why he should speak out. The £700m debt obviously, the fact that he has no money to spend yet refuses to admit this out of some sort of loyalty or fear of being sacked, and also the fact he seems to miss the point of why there are protests in the first place as does gill.
From the moment the takeover went through in 2005 i remember there being massive demonstarations and morale was low, add to that the team were not performing.
The fans were afraid their club wwas in danger and voiced those concerns. So what did ferguson have to say about this.
“They can go and support chelsea if they dont like it”.
What the hell sort of message is that. Seems like to me he completely missed the point or simply did not care. Top up his CV with a couple of trophies and then leave this mess to the next mug.
Like it or not he is not just a manager for us. He along with wenger are much more than managers as they do not just have a say on the field but all the areas of the club. Why then when its obvious for anyone to see our finances are a joke does he not say something.
Afterall its all very nice looking at the present but what about the future. Are we just to put up with a lack of funds meaning our team gets worse. Are we just supposed to pretend the debt doesnt exist.
Ferguson seems to think so, he said in an interview just last week he wasnt concerned with off the pitch matters just on the pitch.
Does the guy not realise it is precisely the issues off the pitch which will affect his ability on it.
My point is ferguson is the only person who can change the mess we are in and yet does nothing. God i would prefer it if he just refused to answer questions about the debt, atleast he wouldnt be taking sides, but to publicly back the glazers. God does nobody see how serious that is, or feel hurt by this.
As i have said before its all very well saying their his employers and his hands are tied but if as we are seeing the finances are as bad as they are and he is aware of this (as he will because of his lack of transfer funds), then he should damn well make sure the fans know.
Because we are not talking about just one man here, but all the generations of fans (going back 100 years) deserve to know if their beloved club is in trouble.
And what the hell are the glazers going to do if he went on sky sports news right now and said the ronaldo money went on the debt. Sack him.
Ok then that would play right into our hands, as fans would boycott until the club was sold. How long would they last without the supporters money, a month.
They would finally have enough and be off, then we could sort ourselves out long term.
Im sorry i sound negative and i knew my opinion on ferguson wouldnt be popular but to me i see no reason why the gaffer would back them. Its something i dont think i can forgive him for, and that hurts a fan like me who has looked upon him as practically a 2nd father all these years.
Fact is though to me him keeping quiet on the debt and backing them as he has is hurting the club alot more than it would to come out and be honest.
May 28th, 2010 at 23:47
@ROOOOONEY: sometimes its best to tell the fans to stfu and sit down huh?
May 28th, 2010 at 23:48
@CraigMc: unless they are members of the red knights trying to lowball the glazers.
May 28th, 2010 at 23:59
@tonymontanna4united: my only point was that these teams we are drooling over are momentary. changing top players every year and managers every 2yr. It takes more than this to win constantly as united have. Would i love to have that money to have been spent on united and not paying off the former owners of Unite(the ones that sold to the glazers received this money, it didnt evaporate into thin air) sure it would be awesome. But they are long gone with the cash and we are stuck with debt to pay them.
I also do not wish to be in a situation like barca and madrid who are beholden to the sway of public opinion. their president system looks sooo foolish right now.
I live in the states and even here where we wave our democratic ideals in every ones face we dont have a true democracy but a representative republic and this is the only thing keeping sarah palin from being president. haha
and at united it keeps us from trading roony and 40 mill for huntelar.
May 29th, 2010 at 0:11
We have done well in recent years. But we started off with a strong squad before the financial problems started.
If our financial problems are as serious as everyone makes out we will decline. But it will be a slow process. However once we are out of the top four and not getting the European money it will be incredibly hard to get back to the top. Especially with the new rules. Look at Liverpool for an example.
Luckily for us as long as we keep world class players like Evra, Rio, Vidic, Rooney, Fletcher and (soon) Nani and Valencia…then we will achieve the bare minimum of top four finish and knockout stages qualification.
However sell Rooney and we drop out of the top four. Guaranteed! (Unless Hernandez turns out to be the next Ronaldo…which I really doubt…at best I think he will be a poor man’s Carlos Tevez).
Im sure even the Glazers’ aren’t that stupid and hopefully it won’t come to that.
However even selling players like Vidic, Evra and Nani would definitely dent our ambitions, especially as Giggs and Scholes will retire soon, Edwin will retire and Rio will probably spend more time on the treatment table as he ages.
In fact I would go so far as to say if we fail to sign a good replacement for Edwin and sell Vidic and Evra that would probably result in us getting dumped out of the top four or at least struggle to make the knock out stages in Europe. A good defence has been so vital for our success in recent years and Edwin, Vidic and Evra are absolutely crucial to our defence, and I don’t rate Smalling, Fabio or Evans.
With Vidic getting on a bit you can bet the Glazers will try and get £30 million for him and Evra would also attract high bids as good full backs are like gold dust. In fact I would say they are the most likely next departures.
So I think over the next three years we will drop out of the top four and it will be downhill from there. Unless the Glazers’ get kicked out or somehow miraculously sort out our debts.
May 29th, 2010 at 0:22
@Owen: And if that helps you get to sleep at night mate, then you go with it.
May 29th, 2010 at 0:38
@Owen: The Glazer’s deserve Rafa and vice versa. No the truth be known, I want Fergie. He is the man to keep the ship afloat during these difficult times because he has the trust and faith of both players and owners. It really doesn’t matter what we poor fans think. Consider this, the team seems to not have any kind of transfer budget to work with. This doesn’t seem to be a problem for Fergie. Any other manager worth his weight in gold would demand money to buy players. In that situation, Fergie is the right man at the right time and place. But if we were to get new and ambitious owners, I’d sack his tired ass before he woke up the day after. Like I said before, with fans like me, and trust me there are many of us, there is going to have to be a reckoning. He will have to one day answer for his crimes. But now is not that time. And still, I can’t help but feel something for the man for all he has done for this team up to the last year or so. He reminds of the loyal and devoted wife of 25 years you love and trust who betrays you with your worst enemy. Getting into bed with the glazer’s was a big mistake by him in my books. He’s got some splainin to do.
May 29th, 2010 at 0:50
@tonymontanna4united: Excellent points mate. I especially agree that Fergie does not fully understand that what happens off the pitch affects what happens on it. He cannot have it both ways. I’ve often asked myself why he seems to accept the present state of affairs and why he continues to claim there is no value in the transfer market when this is not stopping any clubs from doing business? I have come to the unfortunate conclusion that it only makes sense to think that the reason he doesn’t want to spend other people’s money is because he has a financial take in what is leaving Old Trafford. Is it just possible that the Glazer’s being the smart old bastards they are, decided to cut Fergie in on all the thieving knowing that this would secure his allegiance and above all keep his demands small and his attention on profits rather than expenditures.
Now I realize that this may seem far fetched to many and blasphemy by the ass kissing brigade. But honestly, even if this is nowhere near the case, I need to ask the question, why is he letting the Glazer’s do this and not get any money for team building? Being cheap with other people’s money is not his previous MO. Has his Scottish heart gone super cheap in his old age? Why care about spending Glazer money now when you know they are extorting from the team at a record clip? I just don’t get it. And why turn on the fans who have supported you for decades by saying you don’t understand their protest? It tells me that he may be a smart football manager but as a business man he is dumb as nails or very very naive.
May 29th, 2010 at 1:43
@Grognard: Im starting to think your right mate, other than being “paid off” to some effect i cant see why he would keep quiet, i mean god you dont have to be smart to see what those parasites are doing do you.
I think the biggest problem with ferguson is basically from day 1 he failed to see what the protests were about. It was never about transfer funds (although that is a concern now), it was always about the massive debt put on the club, and putting 2 and 2 together and noticing long term the £700m+ debt is simply unmanageable.
Why then does our manager not see this, because simply hes either not bothered, has been paid off so as to speak, or simply as you said business wise he is just plain stupid.
When im hearing comments like he said last week, something along the lines of “im not bothered about whats going on off the pitch, im just looking at on the pitch and that part is fine”, it really does worry me that if your theory he has been paid off is wrong that he might simply be showing his age.
He is human afterall and ive seen personally with my grandmother how she turned from being sharp as a button and a very strong independent woman to a shadow of her former self within 2 years. Now the difference i know is she is not manager of manchester united but its not impossible that maybe to put it mildly fergusons mind is not in mint condition.
What else could it be, i simply just refuse to believe the manager thinks the team is ok as it is, so he should show us some of that scottish attitude and demand money if hes not being given it. However hes made this so much easier for the glazers its untrue.
As i posted a few weeks ago, i bet when the glazers bought us in 2005 they imagined things would be a lot harder than they are. They probably imagined a massive walk out from staff after seeing their finances and the manager would be ripping on them if they ever interfered with his management.
What has happened though, seems we have a new jollyboys trio, where they are all getting on and rather than lambasting the owners are bloody well supporting them, amazing really.
Ferguson has instead of fighting decided to do his best at becoming the next wenger. Bringing through the kids at looking for value.
I have to honestly ask all united fans though, is his policy of bringing through youngsters really that great when you look at it.
I mean take away the class of 92 who were just a once in a lifetime group of kids who all came at once, who else have we brought through in fergusons 24 years?
Brown, O’shea, Evans, thats all i can think of who are more or less nailed on squad players.
Not much is it, so why then does ferguson think in the next 2/3 years hes going to build a team full of them, stupid really imo.
This is why when people use the “he doesnt promote youngsters” argument against mourinho i feel alot of united fans are 2 faced when it comes to mourinho and ferguson.
I myself am a massive mourinho fan and think he gets alot of unfair stick by united fans, alot of the negatives about him simply wrong.
Does he play negative football, not compared to what ive seen us play in the last 2 odd years and in europe since the early 2000s.
Does he spend alot, yes but so does every top team, as did ferguson in his pre glazer years.
I know ive drifted off the original ferguson glazer topic but it all ties in, simply i hope in the near future jose becomes our next manager and im sure if he does we will win the lot.
I really think jose will go down as one of the best managers ever when he decides to retire. I truly hope we can be one of the clubs who can witness his top managerial skills up close.
Because whilst i may be pised off at ferguson theres no doubt hes the best manager the game has seen, and a chance to then have mourinho in charge in a few years is not one we can let pass.
However while the glazers are in charge i see virtually no chance of him being appointed because as you mentioned in an earlier post, mourinho would sit back and be treated like an idiot by the glazers as im sure a younger ferguson would not either.
May 29th, 2010 at 1:53
@Owen: Are you seriously questioning mourinhos CV? The man has won 2 CL with 2 teams and he has won 3 top european leagues titles. Say what you want about his youth record or his loyalty, but calling into question his talent on managing is laughable at best.
I think the best part about bringin
in mourninho after fergie is that he us prolly the only manager in the world who’s ego could fill fergies boots. There are a lot of top managers, but replacing a living legend is very hard for people to do that. Only someone like mourinho could withstand let alone thrive in a enviroment like that. So wether he stays for 3-5 years it’s fine, because he will serve as the buffer between SAF and the next guy.
May 29th, 2010 at 2:04
@CraigMc: That article was very doom and gloomy, but I’m not sure how factual it is. In the past virtually all articles on our debt were based upon speculation, but not fact because the glazers don’t disclose financial matters publicly.
My doubts about the dire straits of our team stem from the fact that the glazers have already turned down deals that would have made them a massive profit. So why did they turn it down? If you remember what grognard said last week, they turned it down because they stand to make much more by raping the club then selling. So while our team on the field suffers, the clubs profits keep going to the glazers pockets.
May 29th, 2010 at 4:26
@Johnsom33: Oh, and perhaps because we haven’t spent more than a nickel since the Ronaldo sale, and even if it’s maintained that the money is available, the “difficulty in the market” has apparently crippled our dealing hand.
This is not fantasy or gloom, this is our financial reality. The money is clearly NOT THERE and the prospect of us buying title winning players is slim at best.
Perhaps we’ll pick up a reject or two, but the game plan doesn’t involve signing anyone that could amount to a “difficult” investment.
May 29th, 2010 at 4:37
@colver: The Glazers are probably not stupid, but they think they’re running a stock yard.
They want it to be a cash cow, but the cow has run out of milk – the only thing left is it’s slaughter value!!
You all have fun with that idea!!
May 29th, 2010 at 4:41
@gator: How’s the water looking, gator??
May 29th, 2010 at 7:04
@tonymontanna4united: My theory on Ferguson is based on my knowledge of the man’s history growing up in Scotland which was very well detailed in his biography written a decade ago. A great book and when I bought it, I absolutely loved the man.
In the book he doesn’t come across as a very worldly individual. He is simply put a total football man. His life from early on was football and his way of escaping working the shipping yards from which his father came. Fergie is not a well educated man. But he is street smart and astute in other areas. I can see him having a problem understanding high finance and the wheeling and dealing of millionaires playing with shares and hedge funds and investment deals. Running a club for him is a basic concept that he understood from Jock Stein some 30 to 35 years ago. Not the big business of today where the team is making millions from all around the world and where it makes multi million dollar advertising deals with corporations interested in exploiting the united brand for their own self interests.
Fergie knows how to run a football team on the field, not in the front office. Some of his greatest deals getting players like the Cantona deal and getting Roy Keane just fell into his lap. The man sailed on the good ship Lucky for quite a long time. Now he is asked to accept a situation that is very foreign to him and certainly not palatable in regards to helping his on field product. He is told he has no money to work with because the debt is too high yet he doesn’t question the millions the Glazer’s are taking from the club considering the y never dropped a dime of their own money when they took the team over.
The takeover itself was something that is of legend. The team lost thousands of loyal supporters because it was hostile and it was wrong. But Fergie never stood up and challenged it. WHY? Why would he allow a group to take over a team who never spent a dime of their own money and only bought the club by securing loans by using the club as collateral? Too much for his wine saturated head to understand I think. Or is there another reason more devious and sinister at play here. When the Glazer’s took over did they cut a deal with both him and David Gill that if they played along and never rocked the boat, there would be a piece of the dividend pie left aside for them? Why is this so hard to buy and fathom? A Scotsman is not one to turn down a lucrative deal. I know he loves the team and winning but at his advancing age, perhaps leaving his family a healthy nest egg means more. Even i seriously doubt this but please answer one question for me. In his tenure as manager he never ever seemed concerned with spending other people’s money if it got him the player he wanted. Keane, Stam, RVN, Rio, Veron, Anderson Berbatov etc were bought with inflated price tags. Did this stop Fergie, and did he cry about the transfer market being crazy? He bought and was willing to pay above market value to get the player he wanted. So what’s with the fiscal responsibility and cheap stingy Scotsman act?
Further more, if the situation over the clubs debt is the reason for his concern, is sacrificing the product on the field the best way to save money. Put out a poor boring product and more and more fans stay away or stop buying merchandise. People are fickle and can easily jump off the bandwagon when times are tough. Especially the less loyal international fan base. Wouldn’t a consciences manager concerned with the team’s well being believe that the only way to successfully make money is to produce a winning and entertaining product? Wouldn’t a manager who just lost his best player demand the money he made off the deal be used to replace that player instead of going to the Glazer’s? Why should the glazer’s be putting team building profits towards the debt when they are syphoning millions and pocketing them at the same time. If any of you were the manager, wouldn’t you stand up and ask what the hell is going on, instead of placing your hands over your eyes, ears and mouth and acting like a class A idiot?
I personally do not know what Alex Ferguson is smoking but all I know is it is severely affecting his brain and his heart. Howe he can stand up and challenge the fans wearing green and yellow and ask them all what there problem is and telling them there is no reason for them to be acting this way? How he can look us all in the face and tell us that he thinks the glazer;s are fine and he has no problems with them despite the fact he hasn’t got a plug nickel to spend on players and allowing the present situation not only embarrass Manchester United, but also tarnish it’s image and allure.
If I am David Silva or Jack Rodwell or Karim Benzema do I want to go to a club that is acting like Bolton or Wolverhampton when it comes to spending? When it clearly is showing no ambition or intent on improving or pushing the envelope? This policy of not buying anyone worth spit is hurting the clubs reputation and is making our club look like a second tier club. A club which was the best team in the world just two years ago and now looks like a shell of it’s former glory. A team labouring to find it’s mojo and stuck in time as it is dragged forward but the 30 somethings who are not just long in the tooth, but who are still our best players.
I’m sick to Hell with the state of affairs and I care enough to come on here and rant like a madman and cry my heart out. And all I am going to get after this is abuse by those who do not like it when I challenge the status quo. People too blinded by history and blind loyalty to see two feet in front of them and who think that Alex Ferguson gives a rats ass about them. NEWSFLASH! He doesn’t and his up yours attitude to the fans and statement of allegiance to the glazer’s is a loud admission of his true intentions and beliefs. And yet we hold him high in esteem and adoration because the man has delivered twenty years of success to the club. I guess his asking price is that we put up with his betrayal and snub now while Rome burns around him and he plays the role of Nero. There, I’ve said my peace. For those who don’t agree, fine I can live with that and respect that, but please, allow me to also have my beliefs without personally butchering me for having them. Who knows, at the end of the day, I may just be right. This is a crazy world after all.
May 29th, 2010 at 7:09
@Redrich: And if that’s the case then the manager should come out and be honest towards the millions of faithful and trusting fans. He should throw the Glazer’s to the wolves and if forced to quit in protest. This action alone would guarantee an ownership change as there would be rioting in the streets. But instead he chooses to imitate Hamlet’s mother and sleep with the enemy. Well done Fergie.
May 29th, 2010 at 7:15
Michael Owen was the first, now Joe Cole may follow. The new tactic and master plan to improve the club is to sign free transfer has beens who don’t cost any money. Sounds like the kind of strategy only a severely broke team would use. Would it be out of line then to predict that after Cole signs the next big free signing this club will make will be Thierry Henry. He is demanding to be given a free release. Fergie, can you hear the the call in the wind? GOD I HOPE NOT!
May 29th, 2010 at 9:08
@Redrich: Oh but there is no problem with all that Rich, because according to Man Utd’s Chief of Staff we don’t need to WIN any trophies for the money to keep coming in – we just need to get into top 4 and early rounds of CL! So all AMBITION as well as Own-goal-inho has left the arena in disgust
. Also Gill’s statement about Fergie picking his successor are all over the press today – WHY? Fergie has been trumpeting for weeks now that he won’t be leaving Man Utd job anytime soon, and not until United are on top – nice thought, but with all the latest press proclamations is Fergie about to desert what he knows is a sinking ship, or is he sick to the back teeth of having to cover for the Glazer’s – where retirment will offer him opportunity to get back to his shop floor roots of bolloxing people like the Glazer’s? So which is it eh? After all he has said about he will not be leaving for a few years, then suddenly all this about he will be choosing his successor – WHY suddenly is it brought up now eh? No need for it to be mentioned, if Fergie as quoted by himself has no intention of leaving. Perhaps he realises with things the way they are at OT keeping United on top may not be an option! Just a thought guys – feel free to strongly debate if your in the mood 
.
May 29th, 2010 at 9:11
http://www.goal.com/en/news/1863/world-cup-2010/2010/05/29/1948086/world-cup-2010-blogportugal-goalkeeping-coach-dan-gaspar-2
Must Read.
May 29th, 2010 at 9:16
@Johnsom33: Mate City analysts and banks working for the Glazer’s are able to get this kind of information, so I hardly think it is speculation. Also you ask why Glazers haven’t sold when they could have made a profit – well in the words of their bankers, they are waiting to sell when the new technology comes in soon, where fans will be able to watch games on their mobile phones, and for the upcoming European LEAGUE of all the top clubs from each country. This is so very lucrative, that to sell before this will be a pittance than to sell after this comes about. United fans have to work on ALL United fans worldwide that they will not use this new technology until the Glazers are gone. How we reach our fanbase worldwide is something that MUST needs to look at!
May 29th, 2010 at 9:28
@Grognard: Well he tolerated Abramovich bringing in Shevchenko, it will interesting what he puts up with at Real.
I do not like or find the great Mourinho entertaining, his football is dire, he is a win at all costs manager not caring who he ruins in his path, Frisk will testify to that. He is an arrogant egocentric who laps up the attention, it is not about his teams it is about him that is why a can;t stand the little git.
May 29th, 2010 at 9:30
@Grognard: Yes I got the memo mate as well as the invoice, my season ticket has gone up season after season so I am litterally paying for it.
May 29th, 2010 at 9:40
@Stephen: Mourinho is a person who can make Real Madrid play like Hull City but will get some results.His teams play most boring games.He just parks the bus everywhere.Most surprising thing is that some persons here want Mourinho here bcoz Fergie plays Defensive now-a-days.Then what they expect from Mourinho?
May 29th, 2010 at 9:43
@tonymontanna4united: I agree with a lot of that, he could just plead the fifth and not get involved as he is caught in the middle.
Don’t get me wrong and you to Grog, there is a lot about Fergie that I don’t like, the lies the frittering away of our small transfer budget on muppets like Diouf, punts like Smalling and Hernandez for nearly £20m.
But he cannot come out and spek about the debt can he really?? Yes it would be a great stand if he did, but in reality he simply can’t.
He is a selfish old bugger, but he is one title away from completing his lifes work of 19 championships and nothing will get in his way of doing that.
May 29th, 2010 at 9:47
@Owen: I agree, Fergie’s sides are not as exciting as they once were but compared to Mourinho’s sides we are like the red arrows. So many people on this site moan about not being “entertained” well under him they would fall asleep. He mentioned against Barca that they didn’t park the bus, the parked the areoplane that sums his sides up.
And to think he would change because he is a United would be way off the mark, Mourinho has his style of play and he will not change for anyone, his ego is that big he would feel he is bigger than the club.
May 29th, 2010 at 10:12
@Stephen: Mourinho can’t work unless he has 100 millions to spend.Everywhere he has completely changed the squad.But with 100 millions,who will not get success unless your oppostion is Barca.And here Fergie has the edge.He still maintained to end the dominance of Chelsea when they had 11 world class players on the pitch.
If Mourinho is so great,then take the challenge and come to Liverpool and make them Champions with 5 million to spend.
May 29th, 2010 at 10:53
@Owen: The issue I have a little with his record is that Porto finished second the season he took over, Chelsea likewise and with unlimited funds and Inter were dominating Italian football.
Liverpool is a great shout, you really would see what he is made of if he took over there, no money and an average squad bar two players.
May 29th, 2010 at 11:14
@Stephen: Mourinho has not done any miracle.That Porto side was one of the best club side in last 10 years.They had so much brilliant players.He failed with Chelsea in CL.
In CL,if any person has done miracle then it is RAFA when he guided such a mediocre side Pools to victory against a Great Milan side with 3 goals in 5 mins.
May 29th, 2010 at 11:21
@Owen: I agree on both points, we had a perfectly good goal disallowed against Porto, as did Barca this season.
He is a great motivator and has a formula we winning, at all costs with no flair, that might be fine for some people but not with me, the Frisk incident was a disgrace as was he comments towards Ronaldo he is a spolt brat and has no place at OT.
May 29th, 2010 at 11:30
@Stephen: YES that comment just made me against him.I dont like his behaviour.It seems that he thinks football starts with him and ends with him.Too arrogant.But it is good that he has gone to Spain.His defensive football will not work there because draws will not be as enough as Barca achieves 100 points in a season.
May 29th, 2010 at 11:41
@Owen: Intersting point about going to Spain that is spot on about his brand of football compared to to Barca, they have signed Villa and will get Fabregas two excellent buys I will be interested to see if he had total control over signings, I am not sure if he will.
May 29th, 2010 at 12:00
WTF is all the arguments going on this blog about Mourinho??? He is Manager of Real Madrid, so why do we care, unless United draw Real M in the CL – jeez!
May 29th, 2010 at 12:22
@CraigMc: Ok.Lets start discussing the greatness of Valencia now.
May 29th, 2010 at 12:28
a bit off the topic from above discussions but this mexican kid seems a real goal poacher and also has good speed from all the youtube clips i’ve seen.i think he might develop very well.i just hope we give him enough time and not rush him out like we did in forlan’s case.what does everyone think about him??
May 29th, 2010 at 12:31
@swapnil: Forlan was with us for four season mate, he played 63 games and only 10 goals.
May 29th, 2010 at 12:34
@swapnil: Watch Anderson on You Tube.You will feel that you are watching Zidane.Far better and established strikers are there in the market for around that price.Lately Fergie has wasted a lot of money on bad purchases but hope this signing goes the other way but chances are 20% at max.
May 29th, 2010 at 12:50
@Owen:
he is a punt, why do we have him, Diouf, Welbeck and Kiko on our books, along with Rooney, Owen and Berba. That is 7 strikers, we should never have bought Diouf, £3.5m, we could maybe get £5m for Welbeck, £7m we could have saved for Hernandez that £15.5m you could get one decent striker for that amount, which would be more useful than what we have there.
May 29th, 2010 at 12:59
@Stephen: I think you might have to eat your words in the future regarding Diouf mate. He has everything there, but he needs somebody, anybody to hone his finishing from one in four on target to every shot on target. Does United have that somebody though in the backroom staff?
May 29th, 2010 at 13:02
@CraigMc: We have Ole mate, I don’t see it in him mate but would be delighted to be proven wrong bro.
May 29th, 2010 at 13:02
@Owen: If I had to think about the supposed greatness of Valencia, my brain would collapse from over work trying to find an iota of greatness
. But you just dream on Owen mi man 
May 29th, 2010 at 13:04
@Stephen: You didn’t see it in Nani mate if I remember correctly, but he always had it. I don’t have as much confidence in Ole as a coach as you do Stephen – but I will wait and see!
May 29th, 2010 at 13:08
@CraigMc: I never said that about Nani mate, I have always said the lad has ability and never have said anything else, he lacked and still lacks consistancy and his decision making at times is poor but that will come with games and confidence, I do wish he would stop diving.
I think Ole is and will be a decent coach, but certainly not a manager.
May 29th, 2010 at 13:09
@Owen: Anderson’s main problem is he doesn’t apply himself. I believe he has a lot of talent, but he seems to be a waster of that talent. Like Rio said about him, he is a lazy GIT, United’s worst trainer, and he believes he is all he needs to be and doesn’t need to train. That is a shame, because IF he worked hard like a good few of our players he would succeed I believe. It makes one feel that if a person doesn’t want to train hard and work on their game, they are not HUNGRY enough to reach the very heights of success!
May 29th, 2010 at 13:11
@Stephen: Oh right my mistake then Stephen, I thought you were one of the ones willing for Nani to be moved out of the club at one time
.
May 29th, 2010 at 13:12
Hey Owen mi man – I just mentioned Nani – what a lapse eh
May 29th, 2010 at 13:14
@CraigMc: I have never said that mate, I found him frustrating but never said sell the lad, Anderson on the other hand…….
May 29th, 2010 at 13:16
Hahaha opened my copy of the Sun and it has David Gill promising us a £95 million warchest.
That is the last time I read that newspaper!!
But then Gill says so much shit that he could well have said it.
So there will be another summer of their double act
Gill: We have £95 million to spend
Ferguson: I am very happy with my squad and there is no value in the market
End of the summer we sign a Mongolian striker for £3 million
May 29th, 2010 at 13:25
@CraigMc: Nani will become a great player if he makes himself 50% as good as Valencia.
Valencia is a LEGEND..NO,NO …He has an unique place among Legends also.
May 29th, 2010 at 13:37
@Owen: I see your smoking it again mate
May 29th, 2010 at 13:39
Interesting article on goal.com analysing our new financial results. . Our cash reserves are £95 million this season but £45 million of this will go into official interest payments and there are also hidden interest charges from the PIK loans.
So the positive bit is that our cash reserves are enough to cover our interest payments without having to sell anyone this season. The Glazers’ debt would sink any other club in the world except us.
The negative bit is that as we are paying upwards of £45 million a year just on interest payments we will have very little money to play with.
Probably there is enough money for a £15-20 million signing…..but it makes me cry because with our success over the last few years we should be able to spend as huge as Real and Barcelona, and we would be able to if it wasn’t for the Glazers
May 29th, 2010 at 13:43
@colver: Errr Gill did say we have 95 million in the bank – responding to media questions of our financial problems, attempting to prove that the club isn’t broke
. He just happened to say at the same time that Fergie has never been refused money to buy players if he wanted someone. Intimating that if Fergie wants he can, or intimating that Fergie doesn’t want to buy players. Gill is not only looking more and more like class clown, but also he speaketh more and more with forked tongue!
May 29th, 2010 at 13:46
@Stephen: In the Past,Fergie wanted to have quality in the squad.But now unfortunately he has replaced the word Quality with the word Quantity.There are 8 strikers and 10 wingers in the squad but bar 1-2,all are average.How they will get enough chances to prove themselves i dont know.
Tosic is a great example.Was bought for good price but did not get a single start.He was the star a the team when on loan.Fergie should fix the squad size of around 20 players.20 players must carry 10 great players and rest decent back ups.But we lack in that 10 great players category.
Anderson+ Berbatov+ Smalling + Chicharito + Tosic = 80 million.
This 80 million ,Fergie has just put into dust bin..80 million would have given us 3 world class players of Benzema,Silva and Chiellini.
May 29th, 2010 at 13:46
@Stephen:
Oh dear 
I got you wrong again – sorry mate!
May 29th, 2010 at 13:51
@Owen: FFS get off Smalling and Chicaritos back, they haven’t even kicked a ball for us yet. You don’t have any cause to judge them until they either prove you right or wrong! I would also like to know from anybody who watched Anderson in Portugal where he played excellent football and scored goals – whether Fergie has ever played Anderson in his right position. If not blame Fergie’s round peg/square hole syndrome!
May 29th, 2010 at 13:58
@CraigMc: What David May wasn’t a good right back!!
We need to give them a chance I agree, but Smalling for £10m was a lot of money, we could have got Hangaland for that, and Hernandez for me is an odd signing, short poacher strikers for me a a thing of the past in the Premiership, but lets see.
May 29th, 2010 at 13:58
@CraigMc: Dont protect Anderson by saying that Fergie has not played him at his right position.He has played him in Midfield only and has never prohibited him from scoring goals.This right position is just an excuse.Half of the players in world are not playing at their right positions now a days…Ronaldo,Messi,Eto,Gerrard,Milner,Giggs,Nani,Iniesta.The list is long but these players have only improved themselves unlike Anderson.I have seen him taking 100 shots on goal but 99 have gone to the top stand.He is just shit.
May 29th, 2010 at 14:02
@CraigMc: For Fergie,Rooney is among top 3,Berba is world class,Diouf is real value of money,Wellbeck is new Henry,Macheda is really great,then why Chicharito?
He must be future PELE then.
May 29th, 2010 at 14:12
@Owen: I would have to agree with that 100%.
May 29th, 2010 at 14:35
@Owen: Errrr did I say I was protecting Anderson??? I think I said I would like to hear from those of the many who have written on this blog, who have seen Anderson playing in Portugal, and swear he scored the goals and played very well. I don’t think you can say that every player who is played out of position plays well – ask Rooney who knows he didn’t do well in the big games being stuck out on the wing. I don’t agree with you or Stephen to be honest, because players should be played in their best positions, unless they are players like O’Shea and others who are able to play anywhere, because they are versatile. Not all players, in fact most players are not able to play just anywhere. How often have you heard Rooney and other UNited players claiming they couldn’t produce their best football because of being out of position
.
May 29th, 2010 at 14:39
@colver: More like £75m worth of interest payments, which is alarming to say the least.
May 29th, 2010 at 14:40
@Stephen: They are only a thing of the past for United, because we don’t have anybody who is an artist able to thread balls thru to our shortarsed strikers. If we did have, Mickey Owen would get us a good few goals. Chicarito is like Owen from the games I have seen him play, he ghosts into the box and can find space – but can any of United’s players find him – we will see. I only have to think of Messi and the shortarsed players at Barca etc to know they are not a thing of the past.
May 29th, 2010 at 14:42
@CraigMc: Anderson has been played in the centre of midfield mate and has been poor, what is his best position then? Where else has he been played? He played wide left against Burnley last season was was diabolical, he has a poor attitude and is simply not very good.
May 29th, 2010 at 14:44
@CraigMc: They play a different game mate, football in our country is generally about pace and power, Torres, Drogba, Anelka and even Bent bar the great Rooney are the Premierships top scorers, that for me sayes a lot.
May 29th, 2010 at 14:44
@CraigMc: But it is just a myth that Anderson is played out of position.Every time he has played in Centre of the midfield only.And also i have seen him a lot of times near opposition D.But either he losses the possession or misses the pass.If he takes the shot,you better know what happens.
Rooney was played on wings but yet he was never a flop there.He gave 100% what a player at that POSITION should give.He himself only scored less but he scored more than a player at that position should.So the team actually benefitted.Isn’t it?But this is not in case of Anderson.At any position he produces 30-40% of the requirements at that position and here the team suffers a lot.
And the best position of Anderson is not on the pitch,it is on the bench of sides like Villa,Everton..
May 29th, 2010 at 14:45
@CraigMc: And Barca also play with the shite and over, over, overrated Ibrahimovic up front.
May 29th, 2010 at 15:08
@Owen: Very harsh Owen – very harsh
May 29th, 2010 at 15:09
@Stephen: But you were talking about short arses being out of fashion, not tall lanky arses Stephen
May 29th, 2010 at 15:10
@CraigMc:
May 29th, 2010 at 15:11
@Stephen: I think I remember Eddi saying his best and true position if ATTACKING MIDFIELDER! AMF it should be then
May 29th, 2010 at 15:14
@CraigMc: Not harsh,mate.He himself only has made us to develop a feeling like that for him.3 years is a long time.You score 1 goal in 3 years and then also have the courage to criticize Fergie.This is just not required here.Better you go to Burnley,Hull and do like that.
May 29th, 2010 at 15:17
@CraigMc: An attacking midfielder with one goal in three seasons?? That is about as useful as a one legged man in an arse kicking competion.
May 29th, 2010 at 16:13
Anderson to me is a typical footballer who shone in the lower leagues at a young age because of his physical advantages, but can’t step up to the big time because of his attitude, lack of composure and general stupidity.
Anderson does not have a good footballing brain. He cannot handle the pace of the Premiership and cannot fit into our system. His pass selection is terrible and he never knows when to shoot. The only thing of note he has managed for us is a few displays of hustling but I see no evidence of any attacking qualities to his game.
May 29th, 2010 at 17:35
@Stephen: When he took over the job at Chelsea he never had the kind of reputation and weight to throw around when making demands upon signing his contract. Six years have past and now he carries himself with even more hubris and can flaunt major accomplishments. He can go to Real Madrid and upon signing for them demand certain measures and restrictions be added to his contract that protect him from the board and allow him carte blanche or complete control of buying and selling players and who he should and shouldn’t play. He never had that power with Abramovich, even after winning to Prem crowns in a row. Today Mourinho can write his own ticket and preferences. He will have complete autonomy at Madrid until of course he begins to lose too many games or if Barcelona bests him. And although that is certainly possible knowing how strong the Catalan group is, but I would never bet against the Special One. The man is simply a winner.
May 29th, 2010 at 17:47
big big talk that Joe Cole’s people have been meeting with United. If he doesn’t make the World Cup squad, expect this to be finalised quickly. It’s a pretty good move on a free, but it sure as hell should not be our only move.
May 29th, 2010 at 17:49
@colver: The problem with Anderson is his game was built on his electric pace, ever since his leg break he has never really quite recovered his speed. So your left with a mediocre player with mediocre speed.
May 29th, 2010 at 17:52
@Redrich: Its clean and pristine where i live, touch wood, but if they dont get it capped soon it could fek up the whole gulf and east coasts.
May 29th, 2010 at 17:58
@Stephen: So what are your plans Stephen, are you going to renew or are you going to boycott? I don’t envy your decision. If I had that choice my words may make you and others seem that I would boycott but my love for the game and the team might make my knees to weak to change old habits. It’s easy for me to say this back here in Vancouver Canada but truthfully, I believe I would give up my season tickets rather than pay more for them. Several reasons why.
1. The price going up would just rub me the wrong way
2. The attractiveness of sticking it to the Glazer’s would be enticing
3. I seriously do not enjoy watching Manchester United play boring football these days
4. I would be a hypocrite if I renewed knowing how aggressively loud I have been against the owners and manager over their handling of the club’s finances and team building
5. Anything that hurts the Glazer’s pocket, even if it hurts me in a sacrificial way is worth it
6. There’s always tv and despite it being pale in comparison to being there live, I’ll learn to live with it knowing that I am no longer contributing to the Glazer’s war chest.
7. I need to make a stand on principle.
Again, easier said than done and I am truly glad I am not in your shoes. You are paying for it, that’s for sure, but my question to you is what are you exactly paying for? If none of your money goes towards the betterment of the team, is it really worth it? You will probably renew and for that I cannot blame you because the idea of giving up season tickets to make a point when their are lineups of thousands who would take them over given the chance is hard. And you know what, the Glazer’s know this. They are counting on all season ticket holders to have weak knees when it comes to giving up on their greatest love and addiction.
I had season tickets in the 80’s for the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers during the great Gretzky era. That club for hockey was better than Barcelona’s current team is for football. And we had a real criminal for an owner, by the name of Peter Pocklington who is presently looking at ten years in prison for tax evasion. Anyway, when he traded Gretzky in 1988 to LA, the city’s heart just sunk and I along with many others gave up our season tickets. Truth is I knew that I would be moving to Vancouver but the fact was that selling Gretzky was the single great piece of terrorism ever inflicted on Canadian land. He killed a city, a culture and a regions pride. Gretzky and the success of that team meant everything but he needed money due to his failing ventures outside of the team. For people to willingly boycott the team by giving up expensive and hard to obtain season tickets was seen as a desperate measure but within a few years it forced Pocklington to sell the team. The team has never ever regained it’s past glory and that’s because one owner destroyed the club from within by destroying it’s hubris and it’s mojo.
The Glazer’s are doing the very same thing with united but are the fans willing to go that extra mile? Like i said, I don’t envy you or anyone else. You lose either way you go in my opinion and there is no guarantee of victory if you give them up. Tough decision mate.
May 29th, 2010 at 17:59
@Grognard: “A Scotsman is not one to turn down a lucrative deal.”
Scotsmen are thrifty. one thing they are not;… whores. see their entire history of damning the british empire and roman for that matter and not assimilating.
I doubt fergi after 20someodd years of being a mgr and a great part at united needed any money from the glazers. the man owns racehorses for peat sake. A nest egg for his family was already there BG(before glazer).
tolerant of their regime he may be but a paid off cheerleader? cmon man.
May 29th, 2010 at 18:03
@Owen: His teams do not park the bus. Inter was one of the best counter attacking teams I have ever seen. Seriously, did you watch them vs Chelsea this season or the first leg vs Barcelona? If that is your idea of a boring team, then you need to get your head and vision examined.
Seriously, if you are going to make an argument about a manager or a team, get your facts right and know what you are talking about because I seriously doubt you have watched Mourinho’s Inter more than two times. If you had, you wouldn’t be making such outlandish claims that are incredibly untrue. Inter were the only Serie A team I could stomach because of their intelligent enterprising attack. Yes they know how to defend but then again they know how to attack and when to attack and have the players who can make the cutting pass or clinical shot.
May 29th, 2010 at 18:06
@Grognard:
3. I seriously do not enjoy watching Manchester United play boring football these days
But you enjoy Mourinho when he just parks the aeroplane?
May 29th, 2010 at 18:09
Johnsom, perhaps if he lost some weight he might recover that speed. He is one of the unfittest players I’ve seen.
Joe Cole would be a welcome signing. But he’d be filling a similar role to Giggs and Scholes-stepping in to provide a bit of added class in the big games. I really doubt he will be able to stay fit long enough to really make a big impact.
What Id really like to see though is a 4-4-1-1 with Cole just behind Rooney.
May 29th, 2010 at 18:10
@Grognard: Inter has a midfielder called Cambiasso who has never crossed half way line in last 1 year.
And i think you have only watched Inter playing 2 times because the whole world knows how Mourinho plays with 10 defenders.
May 29th, 2010 at 18:13
@Owen: Again, incredible stupidity coming out of your mouth. Your not a stupid person Owen yet you will say outlandish things to make your argument yet you have nothing to back your claims with. Mourinho had chump change when he managed Porto and won the domestic league and the Champions League with them. He was not granted 100 million with Inter. In fact he was not given the kind of money he wanted and so he went on a bargain basement hunt and bought a number of players like Schneijder, Lucio and Milito who were considered second tier talent, not prime blue chip first tier players. He even took a hit selling Ibrahimovich to Barca and getting the older and slowing Eto’o. But he got so much money for that deal it was the steal of the century. Anyway, he was criticized for the players he bought. The Italian media and in fact Inter fans felt the club was settling for the bottom of the transfer barrel. I guess he proved them wrong.
You cannot label him and say something as ludicrous as you have just because the man happened to take the job at Chelsea when Abramovich was willing to throw money around. What manager wouldn’t want that kind of financial freedom to build his team? And look what kind of a team he built? Certainly had united in his back pocket for two seasons now didn’t he? No your feelings about him is nothing more than bitterness and sour grapes dating back to his Chelsea days. You hated him then and that has just carried over. That’s fine, I can respect that, but please, get your stats and facts right. The man would love lots of money to play with but like Fergie, he could take a rag tag outfit and turn them into winners with his personality, presence, hubris, man management and tactical genius. If you can’t accept that, then you are truly only deluding yourself. Nobody with an IQ and good eyesight could possibly agree with your comments on Mourinho, like him or not. Simply, he is the best manager on the planet right now.
May 29th, 2010 at 18:24
@Owen: Not winning the CL does not mean he failed. He got them to the semis. Consider that team’s history before he showed up. They had won sweet fuck all. To go all the way in the CL takes skill, ability and an awful lot of luck. In eight years he has won 6 league titles in three different countries, FA Cup, League Cup, Italian Cup, Italian Super Cup and most importantly, two Champions League’s with two different teams. He has a regular season winning percentage of 67.5, while Fergies is 57.8. It has taken Alex Ferguson 25 years in charge of United to win 2 Champions League trophies. Give it a rest because simply put mate, you are rowing your boat without paddles. Your claims are not just false, they are insane. The man has half the number of titles Fergie has in 1/3 the time and has done it by changing major teams three times. Enough already.
May 29th, 2010 at 18:31
@Grognard: Fergie has won 3 PL,1 CL,1 CL FINAL in last 4 years.These does not count then.Do you forget when we outclassed the Inter side in CL .I know you will not remember.
Fergie has made a team when we were doing nothing for long time.Before Mourinho also,Inter were winning in Italy.Chelsea is a different story.150 millions gave them a title but still no CL.
And this season, we will see his greatness when he will be sacked after 8 months.Remember my words.I will recall you.I know you will forget bcoz you were the one who told that we will finish 4th this season.
May 29th, 2010 at 18:34
@gator: Hey I just put it out there for debate because one would have to ask the serious question over his motivation for doing the stupid things he is doing. I’ve seen a lot in my life mate, honestly, I wouldn’t put it past him despite all the evidence to the contrary. People never cease to amaze and disappoint me. And investing in pony’s is no sign of intelligence or strong business acumen. Come on mate, you really think buy horses is a sign of strong financial comprehension. It’s no different than gambling at the casino.
May 29th, 2010 at 18:34
Even Mourinho refers Fergie as BOSS but some persons here think otherwise…So sad for them.
May 29th, 2010 at 18:37
@Owen: Piss off with the park the bis or plane BS already. It’s bullshit and you know it. Speak of things you know about, not your guesses. You know nothing of his tactics with inter mate. If you did, you wouldn’t say these things. And i gave you valid examples that prove you wrong but does that change your mind? Seriously, drop it because you are just pissing me off with your obvious attempts to tweak my temper. It’s obvious your interpretation of attractive and mine are different. Leave it at that and move on. PLEASE!
May 29th, 2010 at 18:38
@Owen: Bullshit. Complete utter bullshit.
May 29th, 2010 at 18:42
@Owen: Do you even understand how important a role a player like Cambiasso plays in order to free up Inter’s attacking game? A holding midfielder is that player who bridges the gap between defence and offence. His presence sweeping up trouble allows Schneijder in front of him to foray forward and create all their goal scoring chances like the first goal Milito scored vs Bayern. And Cambiasso does move forward quite a bit. Still, your lack of knowledge of tactic’s and man management astounds me.
May 29th, 2010 at 18:45
@Grognard: Essien and Fletcher are better CDM but they cross their half line.But for Mourinho,even Eto spends 80% time in his own D.Great attacking football…
May 29th, 2010 at 18:45
@colver: Hey, we could call that the “dough-boy” offense.
Kind of catchy, huh??
May 29th, 2010 at 18:50
@Owen: Why don’t you look at the overall head to head record of Mourinho vs Ferguson. I think Mourinho more than holds his own. And last year’s Inter were not as good a team as this year’s. He made changes and brought in key players that turned the team more into a reflection of himself rather than that of Mancini. And listen, I am not putting down Fergie’s accomplishments. The man is a managing god. I’m just pointing out that Mourinho’s are just as impressive in 1/3 of the time it took Fergie to amass his great record. Christ, do you even know how useless your argument and position is? What exactly is your point other than you are showing your bias and dislike for a manager who has absolutely nothing to prove to the likes of you. Get over your fantasy of lies and deceit because I am not a buyer. Your arguments are coming upon deaf ears because they are weak and have no validity or substance. You just sound like a blinded by the light United supporter who can see only one colour and thats red. Fair enough, but i tend to venture out a little more than you.
May 29th, 2010 at 18:52
@Owen: Yes I will remember your words and trust me, the threat goes both ways as i will totally roast you over the fire like a stuck pig on a spit if Mourinho proves me right. As Mr T would say, “I pity the fool”.
May 29th, 2010 at 18:56
@Owen: Yes he has great respect for Fergie and his accomplishments, I agree. And he should. Am I arguing with you over Fergie’s greatness and accomplishments? No, but you divert the argument again in order to make a lame case. Fergie is the greatest manager of all time. Forget what i think of the man of late, even I cannot take away what he has accomplished. My issues with him have nothing to do with anything he ever did before 2008/09 other than backing the Glazer’s takeover. So don’t even go in that direction because it does not make your case any stronger. It takes nothing away from Mourinho’s accomplishments. OK Boss!
May 29th, 2010 at 18:57
@Owen: Essien and Fletcher are better players, no argument. What has that got to do with Mourinho? And your comment about Eto’o is nothing more than ridiculous and I’d say you know that, but now I am no longer sure.
May 29th, 2010 at 18:58
@gator: What a nightmare this is.
I was planning a trip to NO this year, but maybe not now!!
May 29th, 2010 at 19:01
You know i cant wait for next season to start to see mourinho coaching madrid to see what he can do vs barca, and this argument between gorg and owen is making me all excited.
May 29th, 2010 at 19:02
@Grognard: Difference b/w Ferguson and Mourinho:
Fergie to his striker Rooney: Spend most of the time in Opposition penalty box’
Mourinho to his striker Eto: Spend most of the time in your own penalty box.
But Mourinho’s team plays attacking football…
May 29th, 2010 at 19:06
Fergie is better at winning leagues, Mourinho is better at winning cups. The reason being that Fergie has the edge when it comes to motivating players over the course of a season, whereas Mourinho has the edge when it comes to tactics and motivating players for big games.
But right now Id take Mourinho anyday because you can bet he will spend any money we do have and won’t piss it away on unproven youngsters from the corners of the earth.
Fergie has spent around £40 million over the last couple of seasons on unproven youngsters….Obertan, Diouf, Hernandez, Smalling, Tosic etc etc
Mourinho would have spent that money on two good signings.
May 29th, 2010 at 19:08
@Grognard: And how any one can say Mourinho is a brilliant man manager. Balotelli is the most gifted player at Inter bit Mourinho took the oath that i will destroy his career.Great work.Isn’t it…Do you remember how Fergie shaped the career of Ronaldo?
May 29th, 2010 at 19:10
Anderson is the best player in the world
May 29th, 2010 at 19:15
@colver: If Fergie had not signed unproven youngsters then world would not have met with Ronaldo.If he had not believed in youngsters then we would have seen the quarter of Legends here.If Fergie had not identified Rooney as a long race horse,then he would have been playing at Chelsea.But for these we dont give him credits.We forget the signings of Evra ,Vida but we never remember that Mourinho signed Ferrera,Mikel,Schvechenko,Quaresma…
The grass at the other side is always green.Isn’t it?
May 29th, 2010 at 19:17
@EduardoDaVinci4: And he is just below at 2nd position in all time great list behind Djemba-Djemba
May 29th, 2010 at 19:48
@Owen: Aaaaw, don’t be mad. Valencia is second in the world right now.
May 29th, 2010 at 19:53
@Stephen: Mate he hasn’t played AMF for us though has he?
May 29th, 2010 at 19:56
@EduardoDaVinci4: Valencia is 2nd from below behind Messi..
May 29th, 2010 at 20:14
@Grognard: God knows mate I am not a massive fan of American sports but I do like ice hockey, I have seen some greats play at OT but seeing Gretzky play live must have been amazing, when I watched the Brazilian Ronaldo play at OT was somewhat in awe.
I am not sure mate what to do about next season, paying more to watch a poorer sise isn’t ideal, but they are my club and I love them unconditionally.
May 29th, 2010 at 20:17
@Grognard: For me the main issue is his style of football which deep doen you know isn’t United, he wins but ugly.
May 29th, 2010 at 23:56
Allez Ola Ole, c’est le son de l’année! <3
May 30th, 2010 at 0:42
@Grognard: i think its a terrible investment but… that he has bought them and has bought winners only tells me that he has $$$ to spare.
May 30th, 2010 at 0:44
oh yea USA USA
did you guys see that first goal for us holy shit landy cakes put it on a platter and demp scored a nice one too. I guess playing in the prem is the key to success for us players
May 30th, 2010 at 0:48
Eddy Matador
May 30th, 2010 at 0:50
I officially love France and Frenchmen. Well, I love the Black frenchmen + Yoann Gourcuff.
And their ladies. Gonna learn French, and gonna buy their World Cup kit with Gourcuff on the back. Holy shit, the effect of music and women. 
Viva la France!
Evra, Cantona and Saha <3 So shut up Enlish patriots!
May 30th, 2010 at 0:51
@Redrich: i think NO is fine but you will pay $20 for a oyster po boy
go and enjoy. check out frenchman st it is the hipster bar st. and on weekends has 4star chefs cooking in roach coaches allong the st. great bands every day in evry bar. the bar DBA is like a second home to me. 
we are having a great weekend so far. lots of people in town. Our tourist development council went on an emergency advertising campaign country wide and it looks to have paid off. The initial figures of 70% cancellations look to be wrong or they are coming back. Our business has been great today.
but i havent given the glazers their cut yet.
May 30th, 2010 at 0:52
We should buy Lloris and Gomis/Benzema, and it wouldn’t hurt asking Bordeux for how much Gourcuff would cost.
May 30th, 2010 at 0:55
Cantona is God! I miss him, and to be honest I miss Saha as well.
I know he was injured 24/7 and stuff, but he was still an awesome player. Could have needed him a few times this season, just imagine what he would have done to Chelsea. I remember how he played in 2006, to be fair he was probably our, if not the Premier Leagues, best striker at the time. Too bad injuries got the better of him, but I still would have loved him in our team. 
I miss you Louis!
May 30th, 2010 at 1:08
Orgasm, Eargasm, Eyegasm and Dancegasm. This guy raped a whole continent within 3 minutes! Loving it, think I’m addicted.
May 30th, 2010 at 3:36
@colver: And you base this little bit of knowledge on what? The Mourinho I know has won 6 league titles in 8 seasons. Even Fergie cannot match that percentage. Fergie is a great manager when it comes to the long marathon but then so is Mourinho and the proof is there for all to see.
May 30th, 2010 at 3:39
@Owen: Do you want to make a list of the failures of Fergie? I’ll start with Anderson and Berbatov and go down. And Balotelli is a fucking punk bastard who needs to grow up and lose the fucking attitude. Mourinho is 100% right in the way he treats that talented but flawed piece of refuse. Who are the two people to turn on Mourinho? Lets see, John Terry and Balotelli. Nuff said I think.
May 30th, 2010 at 3:48
@Stephen: What’s the old saying? “If you love her, let her go”. Simply put mate, Manchester United is in a situation where the old girl needs some tough love. If fans like yourself continue to feed the Glazer war chest, this nightmare will never end. Some heroic knight’s like yourself are going to have to fall on their swords and take one for the good of the team long term. The club may suffer more now but it will force the Glazer’s to sell and that will be great long term. If nobody with the team is willing to do the right thing to correct the problem, then the fans who feed the monster must. There I have solved the problem for you. But then again, you still have to make up your mind as to how you should go. One thing that would sway me is knowing that United does not play attractive entertaining football anymore. Even when they win they bore the hell out of me 3/4 games. Truthfully, are they worth your time effort and money? A statement needs to be made. I would give them up and write them a nasty letter as well and then also sen it to the local newspapers to publish.
As for the Oilers teams of the 1980’s, they were breathtaking. They literally scored twice as many goals as most teams in the modern NHL do in one season. At one time they possessed the six best players on the planet. And as for Gretzky, the consensus pick as greatest player of all time although I still feel that award goes to the great Bobby Orr of Boston.
May 30th, 2010 at 3:54
@Stephen: And that is the thing that I would tolerate and never give up my season tickets for. I don’t like it but i know why he is doing it. He simply hasn’t got the talent to play Barcelona football. It’s the financial debt which is the main reason why I wouldn’t renew if I were you. But again I emphasize, it’s easy for me to say that thousands of miles away and being one who has never ever seen a live game at OT. I do not envy your decision as it is a personal one and a hard one to make. Either way you go mate, you have my respect and admiration as a true reds supporter. If somebody would just whack the Glazer’s for us and do us all a favor.
May 30th, 2010 at 3:56
@EduardoDaVinci4: I had a similar thing happen to me at your age and it involved Germans and a German girl. And look what it has done to me and my outlook on things?
May 30th, 2010 at 3:59
@EduardoDaVinci4: I recently played France in the FIFA World Cup game and won the trophy while Gourcuff had 6 goals and 6 assists for the tournament. Yes it;’s only a game but you still don’t have to sell me on him. Benzema also had 6 goals as I would start him over Anelka or Gignac any day of the year.
May 30th, 2010 at 4:02
@EduardoDaVinci4: Cantona would be first to tell you he isn’t French. He actually really dislikes a lot of his country and especially their football. How I wish that man had been German or Greek. Being half French and half Spanish rubs me the wrong way but it still doesn’t take away from the fact he is King. For me God is Bobby Orr (a hockey player from the past).
May 30th, 2010 at 5:38
@gator: Thanks for the info!!
, so all pointers will be good for me!
Was there in ‘04 and have a very hazy memory of the 5 days there
Glad the BP fuck up hasn’t affected your biz so far. What a total shambles this is – makes Exxon Valdez and Katrina look like minor occurrences!!
Hope your market continues to thrive!!
May 30th, 2010 at 10:40
@Grognard: Cheers mate much appreciated, will be a tough one watching the team I love but lining the Glazer pocket at the same time, not ideal.
May 30th, 2010 at 10:43
@Grognard: Viva La France!
May 30th, 2010 at 10:47
@Grognard: Zidane is God to me, then Cantona. Both being French, I really have rediscovered my love for them. Albeit for Gallas, Henry and Anelka, I really do love their team. Evra, Benzema, Lass, Lloris, Mexes, Ribbit-Ribby, and Gourcuff are great players to watch. Nobody can doubt Evra’s love for the club, and even though Cantona may not want to be called French he is. Soooooo…
Viva La France!
May 30th, 2010 at 11:33
@EduardoDaVinci4: Cantona loathes France. He often says he would only take 2 managerial jobs in football. Man Utd or England manager.
1966 was a good year for English football. Eric Cantona was born
May 30th, 2010 at 11:34
Bryan Robson has been talking up Obertan… if Robson’s saying he’s good then it must be true, right?
May 30th, 2010 at 12:05
@EduardoDaVinci4: Mexes isn’t in the Fench squad mate.
May 30th, 2010 at 12:17
@Traverse: Er yes…… he certainly has an eye for talent judging by his rather successful period as a football manager!!!
May 30th, 2010 at 13:06
Who knows with Obertan. You can see from his touches that he has class. But from the sound of it he has a huge mental block and confidence problems and players like that never make it at Old Trafford.
But Im hoping next season if Fergie doesn’t spend any money we at least give players like Chicharito, Obertan, the twins, even Pogba first team opportunities.
May 30th, 2010 at 16:22
@EduardoDaVinci4: The one thing I love about France is that they always put out the red carpet for Germany when they attack them. France is Germany’s bitch in war and in football. They are very accommodating and no their damned role.
May 30th, 2010 at 16:27
@EduardoDaVinci4: The talk in the French camp is they are going to go to a 4-3-3 and be more attack minded. Also, concerns over Henry being a starter is making them possibly lean towards Evra becoming the new captain of France. I like the look of their team too but i have no faith in them going far with Domenich as their manager. But you never know. No Benzema is a real blow. Why he would not pick him is beyond me? Anelka sucks!
May 30th, 2010 at 16:32
@EduardoDaVinci4: Zidane and Cantona are truly great players but for me Gods of football whether I like them or not are as follows;
Pele, Maradona, Cruyff, Beckenbauer, Mueller, Best, Cantona, Ronaldo (Portugal), Messi, Riquelme, Rummenigge, Platini, Zidane, Charlton, Puskas, Di Stefono, Zidane, Maldini, Ronaldo (Brazil) and Dean Windass.
I wanted to place Anderson in that group as a joke, but even there I just couldn’t do it because it would have upset me so.
May 30th, 2010 at 16:35
@Traverse: Yes indeed. Cannot knock a man who hates France now can we? Actually, he probably really loves his country but he truly despises everything about French football and especially the French Football Federation.
May 30th, 2010 at 17:35
@Grognard: Riquelme is completely out of his league in that group. Besides to be truly great you have to have won something important and Riquelme never has.
May 30th, 2010 at 18:04
serbia loses to new zealand 1-0 in friendly
May 30th, 2010 at 18:21
Grognard, what do you think Germany’s chances are? While none of their players really standout (although as always they will be defensively solid) they always seem to be in contention in the big competitions.
I think Spain will flop as Iniesta and Xavi haven’t been as impressive this season and took a backseat to Messi and Senna who was key for them in the last competition is too old. Yes their defence is still solid and any team with Torres and Villa is going to be a tough proposition for any defence, but I have a feeling they won’t win it.
Argentina have lots of quality players….Milito, Tevez, Messi, Aguero, Di Maria, Zanetti, Mascherona etc. but they never seem to gel and Maradona is an idiot. But sometimes things click when it comes to the World Cup and you can’t count them out.
Brazil are well organized and probably have the best team understanding but I still think they are a bit short on quality.
And England don’t have a hope in hell! Rooney is exhausted and completely burnt out. Their midfield is pedestrian. They don’t have a reliable keeper. And half their defence is struggling with sex addiction
May 30th, 2010 at 18:30
Grognard, I like your list. What about Van Basten? Platini? Eusebio? And Ronaldinho in his prime was pretty damn good-even tho the guy is a total fool
May 30th, 2010 at 18:32
@Redrich: thanks rich they really are not getting anything done and we are really just waiting until they finish the relief wells and then they can get it to stop. All of the shit they are “trying” is just shots in the dark. Hope that the cleanup is progressing
If you do go to NO ill tell you about some places to eat and drink that will keep you out of tourist traps. Burbon st is for strip clubs, gaybars and fruity drinks.
May 30th, 2010 at 18:42
@colver: chico scored a brace today vs gambia Goals
looks like they played the match at seaworld
May 30th, 2010 at 19:06
@gator: More International news United’s star player has been called up for England, Owngoalinho
May 30th, 2010 at 19:10
@colver: I think a starting lineup of:
Casillas.
Sergio Ramos.
Puyol.
Pique.
Capdevilla.
Iniesta.
Xavi.
Alonso.
Silva.
Torres.
Villa.
Will do reasonably well mate.
May 30th, 2010 at 19:23
@colver: Rooney didn’t kick a ball for two weeks and he has been on holiday for one of them, how burnt out can he be?
May 30th, 2010 at 19:39
@Stephen: He’s nor burn’t out I agree. He is just back to his careless fucking passing and bad first touch again. However he did at least make one excellent pass from which numptee Lennon should have scored. Joe Cole was bloody good with his flair touches today, shame the latest news is he is signing for Le Arse
. Score today was Japan 1 vs Japan 2. England are back to their best we have no fucking bottle football routine. Lampard what a dickhead – he scores pen after pen after pen for Chelski, and he misses pen after pen after pen for England 
Not to mention Rooney back to his loony-ism again, temper tantrums trying to maim players because he is having a bad day.
May 30th, 2010 at 19:42
@CraigMc: At least Rooney showed passion, Walcott is a sprinter in football boots, Huddlestone is a club player no mobility, playing Lennon on the left is a joke.
We have no settled system and we end with Gerrard and Lampard back in the centre of the park, why put Johnson, Parker and Dawson in the squad total waste of time.
May 30th, 2010 at 19:53
@Stephen: Well I think his passion was ill employed mate – going in like a lunatic at least 2 or 3 times! It won’t take long for him to get a red card in the tournament – I feel sure he will be out as players wind up his out of control emotions. I think Rio is done mate – he is lying saying he is back to his best, Our defence today apart from Joe Hart was total shite. Capello said he wasn’t taking injured players to the tournament – so lets see – Rio, Terry, Heskey, Lennon, Gerrard, King, etc etc fucking etc. We are a bunch of injured sad saps Stephen mi man. I thought Wright Phillips was miles better than Lennon or Walcott – he played with passion and chased down hunting every ball if he was ever dispossessed. I think Capello wants out Stephen, and his method seems to me to be to lose the tournament so the FA will sack him with a large, very large settlement fee. Whereas if he chooses Milan himself, he will lose out on a fortune as Sven would have if he wasn’t the canny bastard he was.
May 30th, 2010 at 19:58
@CraigMc: I agree with Capello, for me he is here for the money Craig, he is a manager for hire and goes where the money is. SWP did look better the the one dimensional Lennon and Walcott, for me we need to play 4-5-1 and Rooney has been played all over the place, left mid, up front on his own and with Crouch, Bent and Heskey in two games he is our best player and is our only option up front mate, but I know you are not a fan bro.
May 30th, 2010 at 20:12
@Stephen: Stephen I am a fan when he is focusing on his football, and playing as he can which has been excellent 2nd part of season for us. I am not a fan of his hotheaded, I want to get a red card mentality Stephen, and IF you are that is sad – sorry mate! Whenever a top player starts losing his head, he invariably loses the quality in his game. There is a difference between passion and out of control dive in hard destructive tackles mate. Maybe he was frustrated, can’t blame him really – he is surrounded by shit, or limping lilies on the pitch. I have been a fan of his great football 2nd half of season for us mate, you know that – but I will never be a fan of hotheadedness that leads to rash tackles which could hurt players. That ref was lenient today Stephen, but you know they won’t tolerate any of that stuff in the tournament proper. What worries me is that Capello hasn’t got his 1st team sussed yet, and is still trialling every Tom, Dick and Harry so late with the tournament approaching. I also think the players don’t have a clue what system they are supposed to be playing – I have never known such a bloody shambles Stephen!
May 30th, 2010 at 20:21
Talk about Fergie’s jobs for the boys again! Giggsy, Scholesy and Red Nev being offered coaching roles at OT when they hang up boots??? Why??? I figure United will have more coaches than they will have playing staff the way Fergie dishes out appointment to his faves – whether they are qualified decent coaches or not
. We will always be grateful to these lads for their amazing service, but many great players before them have hung up their boots and NEVER been offered job for life by Fergie!
May 30th, 2010 at 20:21
@CraigMc: If it was Sven or MCarlen the press would be after him, becuase he is the great Capello they leave hom alone.
We do know our first choice goalkeeper, who will start on the left hand side of midfield, our system, where to play Rooney and Gerrard, who anchors the midfield or if we play a holder which we need in International football, fucking Heskey, fucking Heskey, why we don’t build our side around Joe Cole or if he even goes, we sweat on Gareth Barry!!! and fucking Emile Heskey……………….
May 30th, 2010 at 20:26
@Stephen: haha yea i saw he got a brace as well who said we need another top striker
May 30th, 2010 at 20:33
@Stephen:
, todays MF made Michael Carrick seem almost good! Gerrard if not fit and shouldn’t play. I would have the MF (Barry if fit), Carrick, Milner, Joe Cole, and Wright Phillips. Joe Cole and Milner can play AMF and on the wings. Wright Phillips in the games I have seen has outplayed Lennon and Walcott, and I mean outplayed. Ledley King is also very good stationed just in front of back four, and we will need him if Rio and Terry are playing 
. I have zero confidence in Gerrard and Lampard – they NEVER play well for England. Who would you like to see in the team mate.
May 30th, 2010 at 20:35
And by the way – IF Beckham has been teaching Walcott how to pass the ball, it sure as hell doesn’t show. Walcott cannot beat the last man, cannot dribble, and cannot cross at all! Not from what I have seen so far.
May 30th, 2010 at 20:39
With all the talk about french players here, allow me to introduce you lot some unknown great french players who would have walked in any other national team in the world, bar brazil. Those were the days before youtube exploded, so they remain unknown figures for people not following the French league.
Olivier Monterrubbio – an accomplished left winger, he could be seen as something of a Joe Cole or a Krasic, with the added bonus that he specialed with set pieces. Tricky, scored redularly, he never had the luck of playing for a really good team to show how good on the big scene.
Frederic Da Rocha – no youtube link
- Another Joe Cole play-alike, he was AM come RM. He combined very good technique with Park-like workmanship. He also loved the green and yellow of Nantes, making him a local legend the same way LeTissier was for Soton.
Vikash Dhorasoo – actually a french international, a sublime eye for a pass and superior technique and accelerations, he would have been a big success in england had he decided to try his luck in the EPL, because of his obvious indian (mauritian, actually) roots. He never really fitted in the national side because he was a outsider. Not only looking physically speaking by having the looks suited to his name, but by being very literate (he read books in the dressing room and likes Velvet Underground and the Pixies! ). Retired ,nowadays he’s into politics, works with a group fighting homophobia!
May 30th, 2010 at 20:50
@NicoQB: Eden Hazard is a fav of mine cracking little player.
May 30th, 2010 at 20:56
@CraigMc:
I would have Green, Rio, Terry, A Hole, on the right J Cole, Barry/King, Lampard, Johnson and Gerrard in a free role behind the ehite Pele.
For me it has quality and flexibilty whic you need in International football, Walcott needs so much work, he has something but as I say he is Usain Bolt in studs.
May 30th, 2010 at 21:06
Er and Glen Johnson
May 30th, 2010 at 22:25
@Stephen: Yeah, Hazard’s excellent.
But he’s still young and will probably get to shine on the big stage as its unlikely he’ll stay with Lille for the rest of his career.
Those players I mentioned have their careers’ all but over as they are for the most part past their mid 30’s. Not to diss the clubs they played for but they should have played for bigger teams and could have genuinely made their imprint on the game. Ginola did. Pires ditto. But they could have easily remained unknown quantities to the rest of the world. Monterrubbio, Da Rocha and Dhorasoo are as good as Ginola and Pires in my opinion but they never got the opportunity to shine on the big stage and never will. Just thought I’d share this with y’all.
May 30th, 2010 at 22:50
@frankie: Winning something important is something I attribute to a team, not one man. One man cannot win something by himself unless his name is Maradona or Pele. And sorry but I have seen enough of Riquelme over the years to completely disagree with you. The man was and is a gift from the footy gods whether you think so or not. Watching him in his prime was truly a wonderful experience and I wasn’t an Argentina or Villarreal fan. Just incredible vision, finesse and touch. And one of the best free kick takers I have ever seen.
May 30th, 2010 at 23:12
@colver: Germany’s chances have taken many serious blows these past few weeks. First they lost Rolfes, then they lost Adler and then Ballack. And just yesterday Westerman broke his foot in injury time. I give them no chance at all. One should never ever count out a German team in a major tournament. I mean look at their record. Still, I cannot recall a World Cup where they went into the tournament missing so many key players. They are also woefully slow and over the hill up front. I have always been a Klose fan but the man has slowed down and is not even a starter for his club side anymore. Gomez is a human slug with the finishing skill of Anderson and Podolski is an enigma as he continues to score for his country but he only netted two goals all season long for Cologne. A far step back from the glory years of Gerd Mueller, Rummenigge and Voller and Klinsmann. Without Ballack they will suffer greatly I feel. He balances out their midfield. I love the youth like Marin, Ozil, Kroos, Badstuber and Mueller but they aren’t ready to lead Germany to any World Cup yet. I think these players will be a presence in two years at the EUROS though.
Germany will struggle to advance from their group. Australia will give them a test and I think Serbia will beat them. Ghana I think could beat them too but I give them less of a chance without Essien. Either way, the best I see Germany doing is the quarter finals but to be honest, I think they are woefully inadequate this time around and i expect them to crash out much sooner. Their approach and buildup has become slow and predictable.
Spain should win it on talent alone but I still think that club has the choke factor built in them despite their EURO triumph. I still think they are too soft and if a physical team shows up and pushes their pretty boys around, I think they could fold like a tent. But then again they could win it all.
Brazil do nothing for me. Fabiano is too old, their midfield starters are a joke as their subs are better. Their back four are solid and the goalkeeper is world class. The thing they have is a bit of grit so i expect them to win ugly at times and go far. Probably in the final. Kaka has to wake up from his slumber and show what kind of player he is.
As for Argentina, they have all these great forwards but haven’t got a great central midfielder to get them the ball. No Riquelme = no World Cup. Their back four is a joke. Keeping Zanetti off the team as well as Cambiasso is a major mistake by the drug addict and criminal. Their keeper is supposed to be an up and coming talent but I don’t see anything special in him. This club could win it or it could crash in the group stages. I just don’t know. I just don’t like their defence or lack of a creative midfield.
England? Well they are a joke and again thanks to the media they are building them up to be something they aren’t. Too many question marks, too many exhausted stars and too many stars coming off poor seasons. If it wasn’t for Capello I’d predict a group stage exit. But with Capello they may actually gut out a few games and make it to the quarter finals. Who knows, if Rooney has the tournament of his life, they could go further.
So who do I like? Nobody really. There is not a dominant team in this World Cup. No team that really takes my breath away except perhaps Spain. Spain should win it. Brazil doesn’t do it for me either. The team that I think has great talent but never plays like it is France. If that team finds it’s form and confidence. look out. I don’t think much of the Dutch because their back four and keeper are the kind of players you see playing for minnows in the Prem. They are just not quality. They will give up goals and be knocked out because of that. Prediction, winner Spain, runner up Brazil, 3rd place France 4th place Ivory Coast. Surprise of the tournament will be Ivory Coast and I expect big things from Serbia.
May 30th, 2010 at 23:23
@colver: Van Basten yes, and even Euesebio warrants consideration. But Ronaldinho to me had a few good years and a lot of ordinary years where drugs, booze and parties took over his life. Not on my list. I mean really, there are probably a half dozen more players from Germany, Italy, Holland, Brazil, Argentina and England that could get consideration. But for me they are all that tier just below gods. The Romario’s, Mattheus’s, Baresi’s, Baggio’s, Shearer’s, etc. What I did forget to include in the gods category were keepers. Maier, Schmeichel, Zamora, Yashin, Banks, Kahn, Zoff, are all goalkeeping gods in my view. Maier and Schmeichel are the very best I have had the pleasure to see play.
May 30th, 2010 at 23:24
@Stephen: That can’t be as he is a Brazilian citizen.
May 30th, 2010 at 23:26
@Stephen: They should on talent alone but I have always felt they were soft players who would crack at the first sign of physical play or adversity. I’m probably wrong but still, winning the Euros is easier than winning the World Cup in trying conditions.
May 30th, 2010 at 23:27
@Stephen: He played last week at Wembley and has also come out and said that he feels physically exhausted. I think that tells me plenty.
May 30th, 2010 at 23:30
I sure wish England well for the sake of all the English supporters on this blog but I for one am just not on board with that team. Honestly it makes my stomach sick to support any team with John Terry , Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard on it. Just makes me sick. How in Gods name am I supposed to cheer on John Terry? I’d rather support a serial killer.
May 30th, 2010 at 23:35
This is probably bullshit but even so, I can dream the dream.
http://www.tribalfootball.com/mourinho-has-man-utd-clause-real-madrid-contract-872811?
May 31st, 2010 at 0:41
@Grognard: that was a good piece grog, like reading who people fancy for the world cup, i have been wrecking my brain for weeks trying to think who to back in this tournament, had three short listed argentina brazil and spain, you might of made my mind up for me m8.
May 31st, 2010 at 0:57
@Grognard: It was surprising reading the Gill piece on Ferguson’s retirement, where he actually didn’t dismiss the possibility of him being on the short list.
Who in their right mind could fail to recognize the success he brings to a club??
May 31st, 2010 at 1:00
@gator: I appreciate the offer, mate, and will definitely take you up on that when the time comes.
May 31st, 2010 at 2:21
@Grognard: You know it’s just a tournament and not an exercise in determining the best team in the world!
With luck, England could well progress to the later stages, and with more luck, they could win it.
Let’s not forget Portmouth made it to the FA Cup Final.
It comes around only every 4 years and I’m not going to spoil my summer by assuming England are shit.
May 31st, 2010 at 3:03
@Redrich: Mourinho not being considered would be idiotic for many reason. The important thing to consider is that Mourinho has said many times that once he is through job hopping around Europe trying to win trophies he wants to come back to England and settle down with team. His heart is in England and that’s where he wants to be. And it’s no secret his preference is Old Trafford. I just have a strong feeling that if offered the job we would see Mourinho stick with it and not want to leave. He has stated that he has no interest in managing any national team so really, for United to not seriously consider him would be foolish.
And as for some of those people out there that see his style as being boring, perhaps they would prefer five more seasons of what Fergie has been dishing out? No thanks. Fergie style football has not only become boring, it’s irritating to the eyes and causes ulcers. Like Wenger said, it’s anti-football. All season long I never saw one Inter midfielder make as many back passes all year as Paul Scholes makes in one game.
May 31st, 2010 at 3:06
@Redrich: A short tournament often doesn’t crown the best team as it crowns the best in form team or the team best prepared to cope with the conditions and pressure. England could win it but seriously though, I just don’t see it. Even with Capello there is so much lacking there. As bad as Germany is right now because of injuries, I give them a better chance because of pedigree and because they have a history of knowing how to get it done, no matter what. England will find a way to lose either to Portugal, Germany or Argentina on penalties and that will be that.
May 31st, 2010 at 3:11
@RicoTheRed: Here are my two orders of preference.
Team I think will win the WC:
Spain
Brazil
France
England
Holland
Teams that I want to win the WC
Germany
England
Holland
Portugal
Serbia
May 31st, 2010 at 3:28
@Grognard: Don’t start bashing on Scholsey, mate. Best MF’er we had last season!!
Mourinho does what he needs to win and that is a very important factor for a future United boss.
The players are responsible for the attractiveness of the sport, the manager is responsible for the W/D/L’s. Give him a side with players who exhibit some flair and the champagne football will flow.
Same with SAF, really, eh??
May 31st, 2010 at 6:14
@Redrich: I think the way they play has everything to do with the manager. Sure if he had more skill in the middle of the park he may be swayed to open it up a bit but Scholes decisions to back pass are really part of the mindset established by Fergie to be cautious over adventurous.
One thing I have noticed about Mourinho coached teams is they are experts at soaking up pressure and not cracking. Everyone knows their duty and they just don’t give an inch. Now on the contrary, Fergie’s club is great at possession and moving the ball around for 90 minutes without penetrating but when they are actually attacked and pressured, I have seen them crack like a soft boiled egg. Somehow they lack the discipline and focus when pressured that Mourinho’s squads have shown.
May 31st, 2010 at 6:40
@Grognard: Spin it which ever way you want, but Ferguson was a better manager when he had better players.
Mourinho is a better manager when he has the same.
The last couple of years have proved that SAF has suffered from the demise of our team, he hasn’t single handedly managed to make a bad team better or worse. A mortal man without the magic and the guile to perform fucking miracles, he continues to put the best team on the the pitch that he can!
Mourinho, in then same role, would undoubtable do the same!
May 31st, 2010 at 9:39
To say Scholsey back pass passes were more than total backpasses made by Inter is a proof that the person has not watched a single United game this season.
Xavi’s passes was more than that total Inter team made with 40% completion rate.
May 31st, 2010 at 11:18
@Grognard: Teams i want to see doing well,
1) Holland .( perennial underachievers)
2) Italy .(I just love their ability to stand up and deliver in big stages)
3) Germany . (same as above).
4) England . (if they could get over penalty fear and can avoid portugal)
5) South Korea . (i think they have the squad to surprise a few)
6) Brazil .(it would be unfair to miss them).
May 31st, 2010 at 11:22
By the way the thread has turned into Mou Vs fergie.
Why are we even comparing them , they have their own styles and can do their jobs as well as anyone else.
He is in madrid and should be of no concern to us unless we are playing them, may be no activity around is getting upto everyone…
May 31st, 2010 at 12:09
@Redrich: I completely agree, only man management cant always guarantee success, there are several other factors, e.g. Last to last year the condition in which NewCastle were, i doubt even mourinho could have saved them, same could be said about pompie this year, Grant did such a good job in motivating players, so we cant say he is best right, i believe different people do well in different situations.. all are good, may be someone is shade better.. thats all…
May 31st, 2010 at 12:19
Sorry since this is a little off topic here, but can someone tell me exactly how we make our shirt sales revenue? Since we have a contractual agreement with Nike till say 2018, does that mean we’ve been paid in full till then? And irrespective of the number of shirts we sell in that period, the money goes to Nike? This question basically comes from the argument that some people have shared about boycotting the new kits in order to protest against the glazers. Dont buy kits, dry up their coffers. But would this be futile to do it at all if the payment has already been made in full to United by Nike. So how does it work exactly?
May 31st, 2010 at 12:22
Modric has signed a new deal at Spurs, Mourinho wants to work with Benzema and Darijo Srna is apparently going to sign for Chelsea. We’re fucked.
May 31st, 2010 at 12:35
@Traverse: Any news on J.Cole?
May 31st, 2010 at 12:36
Can any one plz tell me.Who is better player?
De Rossi or Essien?
May 31st, 2010 at 12:50
@Owen: Essien all the way for me…..
May 31st, 2010 at 12:51
@Owen: Why are you worried about those two… No one is joining us… or are they??
May 31st, 2010 at 12:59
@Owen: Essien is better but lately very injury prone… de rossi is not bad at all… much much better than our resources available.
May 31st, 2010 at 13:01
@Onkar: No chance for any of them, chelsea knows essien’s value and Rossi is a roma man, he wont leave unless forced to.. so no point thinking about it.
May 31st, 2010 at 13:27
@Traverse: But we were not going to buy anyone as per fergie, he thinks team is good enough and at least some of the people like obertan, fabio, rafael, Cleverly, Macheda, Welbeck, Diouf can come good and add quality to team, so if is right then i am very happy, otherwise we may have to see another season with ok sort of performances..
May 31st, 2010 at 13:29
@ArnabDG: U can ask craigMc he is part of red knights, he may brief u better, even Onkar can help as he is good with economics of game.
May 31st, 2010 at 13:30
@Owen: Arsenal are now interested (in him and Gourcuff). I’d still expect Cole to turn up at Old Trafford.
May 31st, 2010 at 15:47
@Grognard: and @Owen: and @Stephen: Wow Wow this place has turned into one hell of a battlefield for JOSE V/s Fergi battle… I can’t believe to be honest that this thing has dragged on so much. I mean I am with you GROGY on this particular thing to say the least. On any given day in current situation and point in time I would like to have JOSE leading our team.
First of I don’t really think that he is as negative as people make him out. I mean common he outscored us in two back to back season when he was in chelsea whats more even when he was scoring goals and outscoring others comfortably he was still having the meanest defense. Thats awesome in one word.
Secondly, what they say is he spends a lot. Fine if he has money available he will spend and to be honest any manager would even Fergie has. So whats the matter if spends whats a big deal.I mean when he was in PORTO he did not spend a lot even in last year in Inter he was satisfied buying the rejects of other teams. So he was in my just astute in what he was doing.
Third thing is about youth development. I mean after Class of 92 we haven’t been able to produce any world class player through our youth ranks and still people will keep on raving about the youth development. I really can’t digest that. So i don’t think that this point really stand in.
Fourth people will keep on talking about the FACT that HE PARKED an AEROPLANE in the BARCA game. Fine but then why can’t they accept that they earned a right to park one by scoring three damn goals in first leg. People will also comfortably forget that he was a man down and played more than an hour with TEN MAN with so called great BARCA TEAM and still that BARCA TEAM would not score against that 10 MAN team. I mean the goal that was scored by PIQUE was also controversial enough. All the people who thinks that he was bad in parking the PLANE just go back and think that he could do something away from home against the almighty BARCA team for 60 minutes that we could not do at home to BAYERN team for 40 minutes that is defend with 10 man. AND GET THE JOB DONE.
People talk about how E’Too almost played like a LB. Fine he did. Butu that was a need of time, why can’t people look at it and say what manager he is!! I mean one of the BEST ST in the world was willing to work his ASS out at LB for him.
See I am a known JOSE admirer so I can go on and on and on. But the point is I am not trying to say that he is better than Fergie. All I am tryng to say is at this point in time he definitely has edge over Fergie. I am not denying the achievement of Fergie but all I am saying is he is the past. Now we should look at the future and the only person whether one likes it on not who can take over from FERGIE is JOSE.
I mean the kind of finances we have he is the MAN who can lead the line for us. I mean see given the kind of loans that we have we really need a person who can guarantee us success and trophies. And the only person who can do that is JOSE.
May 31st, 2010 at 15:55
@Grognard: Ever since I have read about that ‘Man UTD Escape Clause’ in JOSE’s contract (I am not sure about the authenticity of RUMOUR), I am already dreaming about the eventuality. I hope he eventually will come in and REPLACE the GREAT FERGEI.
May 31st, 2010 at 15:59
@Owen: and @Stephen: If you guys really feel that he is not the one that people make him out and what we need, then be honest with yourself and answer one simple question,
WHAT WOULD YOU GUYS PREFER SEEING JOSE IN MAN UTD DUG OUT OR JOSE IN LOOSERPOOL OR MAN SHITTY DUG OUT???
I think that you, me all the people around here knows the answer and the ANS IS…..
May 31st, 2010 at 16:01
@Traverse: I hope he will come to MAN UTD. The only thing that can really work in Le Arse’s favor is the BASE of LONDON. If he chooses the GOONERS its down to only one thing that he won’t have to shift his BASE. And that in the end can proove to be deciding FACTOR…
May 31st, 2010 at 16:03
@despicable: I know bro… In fact thats what I was wondering that both of them are not going to leave there team then why would OWEN think that who is better?? BUt then I would still maintain ESSIEN in definitely better than De Rossi on any day of the week…
May 31st, 2010 at 16:07
@Grognard: As far supporting the WC Team I am all out for supporter of Holland, but guess what they manage to do every time they play. ‘THEY MANAGE TO DISAPPOINT ME EVERY TIME AND MAKE ME SICK’. But still I am supporting them through think and mostly thins. I hope they will do some considerable progress this time around. As they really have a very good squad which is capable of progressing deep in the competition.
May 31st, 2010 at 16:07
@Onkar: I GUESS I AM THE ONLY PERSON ONLINE RIGHT NOW…
May 31st, 2010 at 16:14
@Grognard: I really agree with you on two counts. One is Back 4 and Keeper for DUTCH team and the Serbian team. We have seen over and over again that team that is been build from the back will always perform well in cup competitions as they won’t concede so they are very hard to beat. And that is what I expect from Serbia. Solid at back they will make life difficult for any opposition. I am really looking forward for Serbia to achieve great things even though they had very bad outing against the New Zealenders….
May 31st, 2010 at 17:06
@Onkar: I have already seen him on Chelsea bench.So i am going to be worried if he goes to Pools or Shitty.I will take a manager who entertains with the style of football rather than some one who will buy an aeroplane if he comes here.
May 31st, 2010 at 17:10
@Onkar: I just asked about those 2 players because one of my friend that De Rossi is much better and any one except you will take his name.So i saw him these answers and just made him shut his mouth
May 31st, 2010 at 17:10
@Owen: Mine was nothing more than a complete exaggeration for effect. Yours was just a singularly stupid comment.
I haven’t missed seeing United game in 5 years. And as for Xavi, what the hell does he have to do with the conversation comparing Inter with Scholes? 
May 31st, 2010 at 17:24
@Grognard: I have also seen you jumping off the ship recently.I know your loyality towards United.You have already proved it.
You are just some one who comes here to hate every United Player and Manager.These things can be tolerated for 1-2 days but not for everyday.This is Man Utd blog and i think you have forgot it.
May 31st, 2010 at 17:34
@despicable: I think Holland have a great attack and they play with pace but seriously mate, their best defender is Oojier and van Bronkhorst. They are shit in defence and Steklenberg is no EVDS.
Just before every World Cup every great player from other nations always comes out to the media and professes their respect and fear of England. This is nothing more than BS but perhaps they believe it because of the overall strength of the EPL. A league that I will remind everyone that would be shite if not for foreigners. England is weak in goal, I have no confidence in Rio to hold up physically, Terry is overrated and a cunt, and Ashley Cole may not be physically 100%. As for Glenn Johnson, well lets just say I am not a fan and he doesn’t impress me one bit defensively. Their midfield is stacked with talent that doesn’t know how to play together and also stop being selfish. Lampard and Gerrard will never ever work out as a pair. For the good of England one has to be used as the others sub replacement. I’s personally start Lampard based on current form. On the wing I think we are fast but lack the finishing and telling quality of truly great wingers.
Up front we have Rooney and a prayer. Honestly, what are all these foreigners afraid of? I’ll tell you what they are afraid of, Fabio Capello. They think his genius and pedigree is going to pull some kind of rabbit out of his hat and all of a sudden England will look like the Azzuri from 82 or 06. Newsflash! It ain’t gonna happen. Sorry.
Brazil? A club that really underwhelms me due to their midfield Elano, Silva, Josue, Baptista and Klevberson do nothing for me. Melo is coming off a terrible season and Kaka has been injured for most of the year. For me that leaves Diego as the on only player of real quality with Kaka but even he has not played as well for Juventus as he had for Bremen. As for their strike force, Fabiano had a poor year in Spain and is also 29 going on 40. Robinho for me is a waste of time and space. That guy hasn’t got the head or the heart for it. After that, who do they have up front that scares me? The idiot Dunga should have had the balls to select a talent like Pato. The one saving grace for Brazil is they won’t be wasting time and space on the pitch by having to play Anderson. Their back four is awesome and their keeper maybe the best in the world right now. I expect them to go far but win games ugly. A lot of 1-0 results. Not the Brazil of 1970 or 82, that’s for sure.
I’d like to also add that really, how anyone can consider any team above Spain right now is ridiculous. The world rankings have Brazil #1 and i ask the question based on what? Spain should in theory waltz through this tournament but it all depends on how gutsy their manager is with Fabregas. If he decides to start him I see them failing. If he chooses to start Xavi Alonso instead, they will win. Fabregas is the ideal replacement for Xvi, not someone who should be playing on the same pitch with him (can you say Gerrard/Lampard). Alonso is willing to accept a Marco senna like defensive role only and this will guide Spain to victory. Sitting him down for Fabregas will open up Spain on the counter and they could lose in the knockout round to a team who hits them for one or two counters. It’s in Fabregas’s nature to attack. They don’t need an entire midfield attacking.
Italy? Christ nothing would make me happier than to see that disgrace crash an burn. The inventors of anti-football and theatrics like diving and faking injury should all get cancer and die. I hope they lose their three game in the first round and don’t score a goal. Fat chance of that happening but I can dream can’t I?
Germany can never be ignored or dismissed and I who am a huge Germany fan am coming on here for the first time since 2002 and say just that. They will be lucky to get out of their group. Quality team lacking quality players due to injury and a manager who seems to me to be overly cautious of late. Under Klinsmann they attacked in force and with pace. It was the new German attitude and fitness. Now they look simply slothish and lethargic
South Korea? Dream on mate. They are pants. Going nowhere without a Guus Hiddink to lead them.
May 31st, 2010 at 17:35
@despicable: Why not? It’s the off season mate, we have to talk about something. Open yourself up to exploring more football related topics.
May 31st, 2010 at 17:41
@despicable: Newcastle is not a good example. Only Brian Clough had the ability to take a talentless bunch of rogues and turn them into champions. Every quakity manager needs to talent to play with. Tactics and man management can only work if you have the talent to make it happen.
I was a great fan of the Dutch/German invention of “Total Football” in the 70’s both the german and Dutch national teams employed it and the Bayern and Ajax teams which both won three European Cups in a row used although the Dutch pretty well invented it and played it best. Why didn’t it survive? Defensive pragmatism took over the game as well, “Total Football” demanded every player to be able to shift and play other positions in a whirl effect similar to volleyball. A striker could shift to wing and a winger could shift to being a fullback if a fullback decided to make a run forward. The reason nobody adopted that system for long is that it takes immense talent for all the pieces to work and fit perfectly. Two players who haven’t got the skill to change position can make the whole thing fall apart. So as great a system as it was, all the man management and tactical tinkering could not make it succeed if you had a Newcastle to play with.
May 31st, 2010 at 17:44
@Owen: When healthy Essien is far superior by a country mile. Essien is one of the best players in the world when healthy. Although De Rossi is a great player, I wouldn’t place him in my top 25. Essien would be in my top 5. Just my opinion.
May 31st, 2010 at 17:48
@Traverse: I am confident Cole will end up with us because Fergie will move heaven and earth to get him as he will cost nothing. I also think he has Rooney, Carrick and Rio working hard to convince him that his future is with United. So who’s next when it comes to freebies, Thierry Henry, Michael Ballack? It looks to me that this is Fergie’s master strategy. Lets look for washed up players who are available on free transfers. What wily genius we have running the club these days. Savvy and so very thrifty.
May 31st, 2010 at 17:55
@Onkar: It’s important to not that before this past season started Mourinho did not go looking for tier 1 world class players to stack his team. Instead he controversially selected tier 2 players like Schneijder, Lucio and Milito and was soundly criticized by both fans and media for not having spent big money to get the club to look a little more like Madrid or Barca. And look what those castoffs did for him. Bayern felt Lucio was finished, Schneijder was languishing on the bench at Madrid and Milito was scoring for a minnow. Now tell me who wouldn’t pay big bucks for all three. Mourinho is a genius and seriously speaking the best overall manager in the game by a country mile. As great as Fergie has been he is not as good a judge of talent and has never been in Mourinho’s class tactically. What Fergie brings is mana management that is second to none, experience and the knowledge how to pace a team for a long marathon season.
May 31st, 2010 at 17:56
@Owen: And when you saw him on Chelsea bench I am sure you hated him to the GUTS because he swept everything that was there. And we were not even in the reckoning.
My dear friend Entertainment is only possible if you can survive but given the kind of finances we have we are in need of victories and trophies and not what you call entertainment. Otherwise we will take no time to perish in anonymity. Mark my word. We should keep our winning going to keep our FINANCES intact and the ONLY MAN WHO CAN LITERALLY GUARTEE THAT is NOONE BUT JOSE. I know its just some people don’t like to accept that they are close to defeat and may be you fit in that category.
And if you are all about ENTERTAINMENT and NOT BOTHERED TOO MUCH ABOUT TROPHIES THEN WHY CAN’T YOU JUST GO AND CHANGE PLACE FROM MAN UTD TO GOONER as you are a tailor made FAN for THEM.
But still mark my word there are n number of GOONER FANS out there who are ready to SWAP there position with ours. And I can say that because I have one GOONER in MY home as well……..
May 31st, 2010 at 17:57
@Grognard: For me the biggest compliment that I can give Essien is he is the player who I always thought is capable of replacing our great KEANO like for like. No other can do that. As there is only one KEANO….
May 31st, 2010 at 18:00
@Onkar: It’s been obvious for a long time now that that is the job he craves the most and also the job he would like to settle in with and even finish his career with. He has always claimed that he want s to achieve three Champions League wins with three different teams and then return to England where his heart is.
Regardless of whether many of the United supporters like him or not, one cannot dismiss his success. Also, who out there is mentally more suitable to take over at such a great club and replace a legend who really is irreplaceable? A man with the hubris, confidence and arrogance to take the challenge and make the team his. I’ll tell you right now, O’Neill and Moyes are not the men to take over managing this monster. This job requires, dare I say it, somebody “Special”.
May 31st, 2010 at 18:01
@Grognard: Don’t you think we are using POMPEY LIKE strategy now USING all the USED and WASHED UP product….
May 31st, 2010 at 18:04
This site has turned into the Mourinho Rants, it is gettig boring now, he is the manager of Real not our great club and we move on, please.
May 31st, 2010 at 18:04
@Grognard: Yeah, and there is only ONE SPECIAL one there….
May 31st, 2010 at 18:06
@Onkar: Actually Serbia has two wold class central defenders in Vidic and Subotic. I look for Serbia to go far based on their talent. It’s whether they can handle the mental part of the game and not choke that will determine their fate. I cannot help but remember the 6-1 thrashing they took to Argentina in 2006. But this team is built on the heels of their successful under 21 teams which went far in competitions. Germany even has a more impressive collection of young talent but I see Lowe as being a coward in using them and instead choosing to use old guard players like Klose.
May 31st, 2010 at 18:06
@Grognard: Joe Cole on a free is a super piece of busniess mate, he certainly is not washed up and is only 28.
May 31st, 2010 at 18:07
@Stephen: Yeah we can move as it seems like in couple of years time the eventual thing will happen. And that is Special One coming to Special Club… I can definitely dream on for that day… Till then PEACE…..
May 31st, 2010 at 18:08
@Owen: Your friend is an idiot. Essien is as good as Roy Keane ever was and is also incredibly adept at playing numerous positions on the field. A “total footballer”. De Rossi sure can’t do that. When was the last time De Rossi had to play RB and was actually the star of the match. Essien has that distinction.
May 31st, 2010 at 18:09
@Onkar: I dont know how you know that only some people dont like him..Even Charlton Does not like him.
And dont give me your advice which team i should follow.I am following and i write in support for my team and Manager.Better you change your side to Madrid ,now.I doubt for last 6 months you were at Inter blog.
May 31st, 2010 at 18:10
@Stephen: Yeah, but problem with him as well is he can turn out to be second Mickey Owen as he may come and start but you never no when he will be back on the dressing table. Having said that I am all for the Cole Trsf. As I am big admirer of him since his Upton park Days…..
May 31st, 2010 at 18:10
@Onkar: I would rather anyone else in football in our dugout, I can’t stand the man.
May 31st, 2010 at 18:11
@Owen: At least I don’t come here and Blabber about how Madrid and Barca plays… How entertaining….Blah..Blah…
May 31st, 2010 at 18:13
@Onkar: Owen scored nine goals last season and cost nothing, Cole is exactly what we need some creativity.
May 31st, 2010 at 18:13
@Stephen: I said it already bro… Its a PEACE TIME NOW… Or shall I get back on “Special Rant” again???
May 31st, 2010 at 18:14
@Grognard: Serbia has world class Right Back also in Ivanovic who is no-nonsense Defender.Actually he was one of the stars for Chelsea this season.
I dont know much about Koralov but i have read a lot that he is one of the best left-back and is going to Madrid.
So all back four are world class and better than other side’s on paper.
May 31st, 2010 at 18:15
@Stephen: Like I said I am all for COLE signing, just that i thought he is also a very injury prone and we already have enough of those thats all….
May 31st, 2010 at 18:17
@Onkar: Er he played 38 games last season, 19 the year before and 54 the season before that how is that injury prone?
May 31st, 2010 at 18:17
@Onkar: I atleast came here and followed when we were even drawing Rovers and loosing to Bayern.
May 31st, 2010 at 18:19
@Owen: How dare you mate. I have been on this blog for over three years and I do not think anyone can ever truthfully say to my face that I don’t love the team or most of it’s players. Loving your team does not mean you can’t criticize them when they are screwing up on the pitch or in the front office. And loving your team does not mean you have to tolerate incompetence or poor play. You need a good dose of North American sports fandom. Go to a city like Chicago or Philadelphia and see how quickly the whole stadium turns on it’s own and eats their young when the team is playing like crap.
You have no right to question my allegiance or my loyalty to team and players. I love the club but that does not mean I have to tolerate Ben Foster, Anderson or Fergie’s tight fisted lies. Get off your preachy PC high horse and stop preaching to me what being a real fan is all about you pathetic little mouse. You conformist ass kisser. If Fergie tells you to drink a vat of piss and then take a dive of Liverpool’s pier would you do it out of loyalty? Christ grow up and never ever accuse me of shite like that agin or ever bring into question my love or loyalty for this team. I have followed the club longer than you have been a alive so sod off. I don’t hate every United player but I am starting to really take a major dislike towards you and your constant baiting. I don’t know what your major malfunction is mate, but I suggest you get off my back and just learn to accept that I think differently than you and unlike you, I just think.
May 31st, 2010 at 18:22
@Onkar: “We will take no time to perish in anonymity”
Wow.Is that not a going a little( or maybe way) there. Tell my why do you feel Jose is better than Fergie to manage united? And please notice that I am talking about United and not any other club. Yeah you can ask me to read all the views that you have expressed in your previous posts. But the only thing that came through was Jose is a great coach. Everybody accepts that.
What I have not understood is that why do you feel Jose is better to takeover from Fergie at this crucial juncture. Just becaeuse Fergie is not splashing out the cash? Just because he does not come out against the Glazers? Just because he does not share the same views as you do regarding the running of the club?
I know I am not involved in your debate with Owen. But just telling him to go and support Le Arse just because he said he wanted to see us playing the United way. How would you feel if I ask you to go and support Real Madrid because you are obsessed with mourinho heh..How would that be..
Phew!!! Rant over
PS- Please do not use capital while writing your posts unless you actually mean to give the effect. It is really troublesome reading your otherwise (most of the times
) well thought out posts.
May 31st, 2010 at 18:26
A litlle correction..
Is that not a going a little( or maybe way) overboard there
May 31st, 2010 at 18:28
@Onkar: When you have zero money to spend on transfers, you take what is available to you. I mean seriously speaking here, would Fergie have chosen Valencia to be Ronaldo’s replacement if he had real money to spend? He took what they gave him and that was that. Owen was free and Cole is free too. And trust me, if he is given his free release, I would not put it past Fergie to sign up Thierry Henry too as he needs a striker and what better striker can one get in Fergie’s mind than a washed up legend for free?
May 31st, 2010 at 18:29
@Grognard: Need a striker we have seven mate on our books!!
May 31st, 2010 at 18:31
@Grognard: Henry is also going to the New York Red Bulls matey.
May 31st, 2010 at 18:31
@Stephen: Then mate, stop bitching about it and offer us up something else to talk about. See this is the big problem on this blog. Their are leaders like me who are willing to stir the keetle and create topics and then there are just followers who need to get their information and topics spoon fed to them but who are incapable of starting a conversation or volunteering a subject by actually taking the time to write a paragraph or two. You’re a smart dude mate, offer up.
If the blog is boring you, then it is your responsibility to steer it in another direction. I am more than willing to talk about something else.
May 31st, 2010 at 18:33
@Stephen: I think he means one who can do a job and is experienced enough to do lead the line when Rooney is out.
May 31st, 2010 at 18:33
@Stephen: That’s not confirmed. And to be honest, if Fergie came calling, I think he would be hard pressed to turn down playing for a great team and playing alongside Rooney. He should learn from Beckham that going to the States is career suicide or where players go to die. Personally I hope he goes there to die as I can’t stand him.
May 31st, 2010 at 18:35
@Stephen: He’s washed up because like Owen, injuries will not leave him alone and he has chronic injuries that keep returning. Can he play? Yes he can but how often is my concern.
May 31st, 2010 at 18:36
@Grognard: Er I won’t be renewing next season????
This debate has gone on for days and has been very interesting, both sides have valid arguments, for me it is an argument that will not reach a conclusion. I admit he would win, but everyone knows my dislike for everything he stands for, some see that as his charm.
We probably all need to meet for a beer, but we would be at a bar for days!!
May 31st, 2010 at 18:38
@Grognard: He played 38 games last season mate, he certainly isn’t washed up and is a player who needs a move. He looks like his time with Chelscum has reached its conclusion he needs a frash challenge, I remember people saying the same about Cantona when Leeds signed him.
May 31st, 2010 at 18:39
@Owen: Ivanovic is good but he far from world class.
Jeez you can really throw that term around loosely. Who else is world class in your books, Anderson, Foster, Bramble, Dean Windass, Lucas Leiva?
May 31st, 2010 at 18:40
@Grognard: Mate tell me what are your views on Mourinho rebuilding a team? Can he rebuild a team just like fergie has done again and again Also one more thing which I doubt is his ability to focus on the youth players and their subsequent rise to the first team.
May 31st, 2010 at 18:42
@Stephen: Mostly coming off the bench mate because he was being safely guarded due to his leg injuries. Not exactly a glowing endorsement for his longevity and ability to play 90 minutes.
May 31st, 2010 at 18:45
@Grognard: You are just speculating there mate, you have no evidence of that at all, simply Ancelotti doesn’t fancy him hence why he spends time on the bench and hasn’t signed a new contract.
May 31st, 2010 at 18:46
@Grognard: If riquelme can be in all time top 10 ,then Ivanovic is.
How many of players like Babbel,Kuyt,Johnson are in your all time best best.Use this word carefully then.
May 31st, 2010 at 18:46
@Stephen: Six of them are mediocrities mate. I want Rooney and one more world class striker. However, I have also been heard to say that i am ok with what we have because I have always preferred us to spend money on improving our midfield. Right now I would prefer a 4-2-3-1 formation anyway. Who needs strikers? We have Rooney up front. What we need is the quality of a Gourcuff playing just behind him as a creative attacking midfielder.