Mar 20
Porto it is then…
United perhaps have the better draw than some of the other big favorites for the Champions’ League. They’ve drawn with Porto, who are a far cry from the side that sneaked past us last time round, whilst, we get to face either Villarreal or Arsenal in the semis. The other end of the draw makes for exciting viewing; well, at least Bayern-Barca will be mouthwatering, can’t say much about Liverpool-Chelsea.
All your thoughts, predictions, etc go here. I’ll try to put up an early preview of the Fulham away game, as I’ll have to catch a flight.
Here’s the draw, if you’ve not seen it yet:
Barça – Bayern
Liverpool – Chelsea
Man Utd – Porto
Villarreal – Arsenal
Semi-finals.
Barca/Bayern v Liverpool/Chelsea
Man Utd/Porto v Arsenal/Villarreal
Over to you folks.
Related items from Red Rants:
- Nani’s Medical | Rossi’s Loan | Anderson’s Permit
- Man Utd v Porto: Preview
- Owen Hargreaves – Made of Glass or Different Class?
- Brazilian Twins Spotted at Old Trafford | Neville to Play Liverpool | Anderson to Porto Fantasies | Keane Tips United Over Arsenal
- Sunderland Preview
Tags: Manchester United News
March 20th, 2009 at 16:34
Woo! First comment for once!
I had the pleasure of seeing the draw during classes, and I was silently rubbing my hand with glee as Liverpool were drawn with the scum, whilst my scouser mates were moaning and groaning. What comes around goes around.
March 20th, 2009 at 16:37
liverpool – united @ rome!
March 20th, 2009 at 16:37
walcott out or season. gutted, he’s on my FF team… jeezz
March 20th, 2009 at 16:54
Liverpool do seem to have the Midas touch in Europe and as the form team at the moment in Europe you have to fancy them to beat Chelsea. But I think Barcelona/Bayern will have a bit too much firepower for Liverpool and will expose their weaknesses on the flanks a whole lot better than we did.
So a United v Barcelona/Bayern final. Either would be great!
Really though I’m a little worried. Last season we were firing on all cylinders. This season we’ve been papering over the cracks with a bunch of 1-0 wins and a defence that seemed impregnable. Now our defence has been exposed and our attacking weaknesses remain.
We are not getting the best out of Ronaldo this season. Tevez is half the player he was. Berbatov has not impressed against good quality opposition, and our midfield is being held together by Giggs getting a second wind. Our defence has been playing through injuries and looks tired. EVDS is returning to the sloppiness of last season. Nani and Anderson have faded completely.
The truth is we are a lot worse than we were last season, while Barcelona , Bayern and Liverpool are a LOT better. In Europe at least there is little difference between us and them. Thank god with the draw we got we potentially only have to play one of them.
But there is still the slight obstacle of Arsenal or Villareal.
Villareal are a crap team but they are draw masters. With a lucky goal they could beat us over two legs. Our attack will need to be on form to break them down.
Arsenal blow hot and cold. On their day they can beat us. But on average we are a much better team. So I think over two legs we could beat them comfortably.
Still my prediction is we can get to the final then rise to the occasion, get a penalty shootout, and EVDS will once again be the hero!
It won’t be pretty and we’ll ride our luck all the way. But I have a good feeling.
March 20th, 2009 at 16:54
Right, 2 things to note out.
#1 I have read in a reliable source news regarding our prospective new tshirt deal. I have read from a very reliable source that the topboy for Prudential (think its their insurance side), is mulling over a £80m gbp deal to be the next Man utd main sponsor. That is as far as i know, other than he is a |Chelsea season ticket holder – LOL!. You read it here frist, i think it is very likely to be Prudential as our next sponsors.. Source: City AM [financial newspaper in central london, very reliable source]
#2 – less important – good champions league draw :p.
March 20th, 2009 at 16:57
well, i would love to see a United v Bayern final, mostly because the one of the best games of football i’ve seen in the champions league this season was Lyon v Bayern, Bayern are worthy opponents for us. having said that Barca are playing well too. I want to see Liverpool exit as soon as possible, so come on Chelski!! Wouldn’t mind dispatching Arsenal ourselves aswell! The Cup is definitely ON! Bring em all on, Champions of England, Champions of Europe, Champions of the World, United
March 20th, 2009 at 17:39
I feel really bad for Bayern because they got Barcelona. Meanwhile United and Arsenal got what I feel is a free ride to the semis. Both Chelsea and Liverpool got what they deserved. Another meeting between the two and sorry but I am cheering for old Michael Ballack and Guus Hiddink this time. I want Liverpool DEAD. I want Rafa Benitez DEAD. I do not fear them but the sooner they are out of this tournament, the sooner I can laugh and celebrate.
As for Porto. No pushover but certainly the easiest of all the teams that were still alive. To win back to back titles you sometimes have to have the luck of the draw and get an easy opponent. Porto is not the Jose Mourinho run Porto. They are good but not great and we should have little problem drawing with them in Lisbon or even possibly stealing a win there and then winning comfortably at OT. Thats of course if the demons of Liverpool have finally been exorcised from the team’s collective consciousness.
I am tired of always seeing Arsenal get easy draws. They are clearly the fourth best English club in this competition but they always get the easiest draws throughout. What a way to back your way into the semis. Play weak sides, struggle against them but get through by the skin of your teeth.
My biggest hope was that Bayern and United would get an easy road to the semis. Well United got the easiest possible one, Bayern got the hardest possible without having to play us. A bad time for Bayern to meet Barca. Their most in form striker Miro Klose is gone for the rest of the season after having ankle surgery a few days ago. That leaves things to an out of form and injured Luca Toni and the under performing although improving Podolski. It’s important for Bayern to win this series against Barcelona if for no other reason, to hang on to Franck Ribery. Barcelona has always been his top team of choice and if Bayern could somehow humble and humiliate Barca by knocking them out, then negotiations would go much better in shutting Ribery up and convincing him that he is already with the best or close to the best team in Europe. Bayern are a great team but I don’t see their defense and average goalkeeping being able to stop Barcelona and Messi. I think these two ties will be high scoring but Barca will win in the end by one or two goals. I predict 5-3 on Agg.
Liverpool vs Chelsea. Liverpool could not have been matched against a more grueling and more determined opponent. And they are currently in great form and have Drogba and Essien playing well again. I am predicting a Chelsea win in this series but in fact it could go either way with just one mistake. A classic battle of attrition where the winner goes thorough
1-0 on Agg.
Arsenal will not be good enough to beat Villarreal. The Spanish side is sneaky good but the lack of Andrei Arshavin in the CL for Arsenal will make all the difference. Villarreal will win 2-0 at home and lose 1-0 at the Emirates and go through 2-1 on Agg.
Finally, United will draw 1-1 at Porto and and win 2-0 at OT to go through. Nothing fantastic or outstanding, just typical United doing enough to get through. What’s really great is if we go through, we will have the easiest of possible pairings, either Villarreal or Arsenal. Teams I know we can beat over two games. Let the Barca, Bayerns, Chelsea’s and Liverpool’s eat themselves and burn each other out to see who goes to the final to meet their Waterloo at the hands of Manchester United. Heres crossing our collective fingers and hoping the worst is now behind us in our pursuit for the ultimate dream. The Quintuple but above all, another Champions League triumph.
March 20th, 2009 at 17:41
For Arsenal to do well in what’s left, they will have to rush Fabregas back. Without Arshavin to orchestrate their attack, they will play rudderless football and fall badly. But with Fabregas in their midfield, they have a chance of doing well, even if he will be fighting fitness and trying to regain his form.
March 20th, 2009 at 17:43
@Usman [OZB]: You think they would have learned from the AIG fiasco to not get in bed with another American insurance corporation.
March 20th, 2009 at 17:46
@edwin: “Liverpool were drawn with the scum?” You mean the filth were drawn with the scum don’t you? Trust me, Chelsea are no less scummy than Liverpool who are nothing but totally putrid filth.
March 20th, 2009 at 17:49
@john freakin’ o’shea: Walcott should be known as Wallflower as he is so brittle and soft, he gets injured if a strong breeze hits him the wrong way. I honestly get frustrated with players like this who cannot seem to avoid injuries. If it’s not one thing, it’s the other. Him and Louis Saha should never ever be caught on the same airplane with any of us. If so, give up your ticket and get the hell out of the plane. You don’t need to be anywhere near those jinx ridden muppets.
March 20th, 2009 at 17:49
@Grognard: I know! We look bad already having ‘Arrogance Incompetence and Greed’ adorning our shirts!
March 20th, 2009 at 17:53
@edwin: Sweet, I like that one.
March 20th, 2009 at 17:55
@Grognard: Id love to take the credit, But I happened to hear it on the radio!
March 20th, 2009 at 18:00
It’s a tough break that we play Porto at home first. I would have preferred it the other way around and this is why I think there should be a seeding system where the top ten teams are seeded before the tournament begins to ensure that they avoid each other until the last eight and to make sure that they play the return leg at home and not the other way around. If Porto were to have any chance, it would be by playing the first game on the road. They got that. So United will have to throw caution to the wind and try to score 2 or 3 goals and keep a clean sheet before they travel to Porto. I expect Fergie will take advantage of his Portuguese speaking talent in this tie and play Nani as well as Anderson. On paper they may not be the best choices but their ethnicity and their background playing in the Portuguese league or in Anderson’s case, being a former Porto player. There is motivation and pride their for these players and they need to play the home tie at least to show they belong. I think they will be extra motivated and hungry to show something. I don’t think we have to worry about Ronaldo. I’m sure he will show up as he has always hated Porto growing up and would love to knock them off. I also think Queiroz may have some words of advice to offer since he has been watching this team play all year long.
March 20th, 2009 at 18:01
@edwin: That’s OK, it’s still sweet.
March 20th, 2009 at 18:44
@Grognard: On paper we should go thru easily, but we all know that “on paper” dont mean shit. You know Bayern much better than anyone else on here, but I could easily see them winning by 2 goals at home then losing by 1 goal t the Nou Camp. Call me crazy but I could easily see Bayern going thru.
Porto should be a tough draw, followed by Arsenal(lord willing). But our road to the final couldnt be any easier(not saying Porto, or Arsenal are easy, just “easier” than the other side of the draw.) At this stage of the competition we have no one to blame but ourselves for not getting to Rome.
Heres hoping that the Liverpool debacle is a wake up call and our last loss of the year.
March 20th, 2009 at 19:01
@Grognard: So you regard Liverpool as our most hated rival now? It’s great you’ve finally seen the light.
Remember the start of the season when you said that you don’t regard them as our main rival? I hate those pricks sooooooo much 
March 20th, 2009 at 19:36
@johnsom33: Bayern are good enough to go through but the loss of Klose and Toni’s nagging leg injury are a cause for concern. I also worry about Bayern’s back four as Demichelis has been a little off form of late and Rensing for me is just not good enough. He’s not as useless as Almunia but he causes the same and worry and headaches for Klinsmann as the Aluminum One does for Wenger.
Barca are just too good and they were tipped as my favorite when this started. I’d be over the moon if Bayern won but I think Barca will beat them badly at the Nou Camp like 2-0 0r 3-0 and the lose a close open affair in Munich by 2-3 or 1-2. Barca has too much firepower and slightly better defense and goalkeeping.
The key for Bayern will be how well Ribery plays. If he plays lights out and auditions for Barca, Bayern have a chance. Bayern have been offensive minded all year and this has hurt them all year long. They haven’t gotten a clean sheet in Munich since I can’t remember when. For them to beat Barca they will have to go against their nature much like United did last year. Play hard core defense. And I’m not sure they or Klinsmann know how to do that. But in the CL, anything can happen and quite often does. I do fancy Bayern against either Chelsea or Liverpool but Barca may be too much for them without Klose and without a quality keeper.
Where Bayern can exploit Barca is in the air. With their domination of teams in the air and Schweinsteiger and Ribery’s ability to deliver pinpoint perfect crosses and set pieces, Bayern could shock a Barc team that never faces that kind of aerial assault in La Liga. It’s that kind of play that helped United beat Inter. Two headers in game two and a lot of near misses in game one from aerial mastery.
March 20th, 2009 at 19:39
@Liam: I still hate Chelsea a lot as long as bastards like Terry, Ass Cole and the Drogba are still there, but Rafa Benitez is just too much for my system to handle. I just despise that man. If I ran into him on the street I’d be in jail five minutes after. And it would be worth doing time for that. I don’t hate the Liverpool players as much as Chelsea’s, but the Manager is Adolf Hitler in my eyes. He must be destroyed before he spreads his cancer throughout Europe and the world.
March 20th, 2009 at 19:41
@johnsom33: I think we’ll handle Porto. We just need to assure they don’t score an away goal. As for Arsenal, I honestly feel Villarreal will beat them. No Arshavin and probably no Fabregas will mean zero goals for Arsenal and I think Villarreal have enough to find a way past Almunia the Muppet.
March 20th, 2009 at 20:47
regarding arshavin, doesnt being cup tied get scrapped from semi finals onwards???
March 20th, 2009 at 21:52
@realred: I sure hope not because that would go against the whole reason for having the rule. I mean if that was the case, what’s the point of having such a rule?
March 20th, 2009 at 22:18
Its been rather quite for the last few days, whats up with everyone?
March 20th, 2009 at 22:32
@Grognard: Grog Bayern need to play THE GERMANS in their team, because the Germans sure know how to reach the FINALS of competitions
. If Bayern somehow manage to get to a semi final against the scousers (which I think is highly unlikely, because Chelski will do them like they did last time to get to Moscow), then I think Bayern will whip scouse arse 
. I notice Barmy Benitez is talking about Man Utd and Fergie again. The man is OBSESSED with our club, and what we are doing. Does he ever talk about L’fool? If the blues DO the scousers in the CL games, then Rafa Barmy-nitez is already thinking of a way to somehow blame Fergie and United. BOund to be our clubs fault isn’t it?.
March 20th, 2009 at 22:32
the only thing i have to fear about porto is one man HULK,
this guy is a physical freak and has a great left foot, reminds me of adriano almost, he may cause united a few problems, neutralise him, we are ok
March 20th, 2009 at 22:40
@edwin: O yes, we are so incompetent that we are 4 points clear at top of PL, and game in hand. In the semi finals of the FA cup, and quarters of the CL – I’d say that was very incompetent indeed
. Only thing that worries me about tomorrow is that DOWD is the referee. Am I right in thinking we have LOST more of our games where he has reffed us? Jb any enlightening stats on our losses when Dowd has been in charge? Please 
. I know Dowd is a BIG L’fool fan. So I expect Fulham getting most of the decisions.
March 20th, 2009 at 22:46
@john freakin’ o’shea: That would be nice, but unfortunately Lfool for all their shouting will not make Rome.
.
March 20th, 2009 at 22:48
@edwin: You’ve got scousers as mates – what’s wrong with you Edwin? You need to call 999 and get a doctor Bro
.
March 20th, 2009 at 23:41
Damn! This time United will play the 2nd Leg of the Quarterfinal AND Semifinal AWAY…. I dont think it would be a problem in the Quarterfinal… But in the Semis….
March 21st, 2009 at 0:40
@Craig Mc: Obsession usually means fear. He fears us and he knows he wasted his luck in a league game. I’d love to meet those fucks in the final but I would even love it more to see Bayern kick their ass too. We really got the best draw possible and the best semi final possibility as well. I’ll be shocked if we don’t make the final.
March 21st, 2009 at 0:41
@Darth Red Diablo: Well we got a peach of a draw, so I wouldn’t worry too much. Key to playing 2nd leg away is to not concede at home, that or run the score up on them eg. 3-1, 4-1, 5-1 etc. But with the way we’ve scoring I’d say shutting them out at home is vital!
March 21st, 2009 at 0:42
@Mr.Muhozi: Hey good to see you back Mr. Muhozi. You have been very silent of late. Getting ready for the baseball season. Even without A-Rod, they do look strong and ready to perform well.
March 21st, 2009 at 0:44
@Darth Red Diablo: Bottom line mate is if we can’t beat Porto, we don’t deserve to go on anyway. So relax and take my word for it, we will make it to the semis. I am 99.9% sure of it. There is no way Porto should beat us. They aren’t in the same class as Inter and look what happened to them. They are also just a little better than Sporting and look what Bayern did to them. This is not a Mourinho run Porto side.
March 21st, 2009 at 0:45
@Redrich: Agreed. Shutout at home is vital but especially now when we aren’t as prolific as in the past.
March 21st, 2009 at 0:54
I hope Liverpool and Chelsea kick the living crap out of one another, and then some, going to ET in the 2nd leg. I want to see an epic battle of Evil v. Evil where the winner is decided by the last man standing!!
I wish much hurt on both of them!!
March 21st, 2009 at 1:03
Grognard wrote: “this is why I think there should be a seeding system where the top ten teams are seeded before the tournament begins to ensure that they avoid each other until the last eight and to make sure that they play the return leg at home and not the other way around.”
Following your logic hell why not also give the top ten teams a four-goal lead at the start of their matches against non-top-ten teams. In fact why bother with the other teams at all.
March 21st, 2009 at 2:01
@Grognard: yeh agreed, a seeded system would work best, so the best match would actually be the final, again I’ll use the NBA playoff system as a good example, teams get rewarded for how they perform during the season, home ground advantage etc.. and it’s not just based on who won last year.
in other news, i’m non-plussed about getting porto, I want us to go through the best teams and win, and give no scouse, rent boy or any other knob-jockey any excuse of why we’re the best in england and europe.
It’s the only way to go! no win, championship, title is respected more than one travelled and battled through the hardest roads, I sure hope that if not Porto, then either Arse or Villa can give us that red blooded challenge, it is when victory is sweetest.
not through a walk in the park.
In all that said, i hope we meet ‘fools in the final, only so we can serve their heads on a platter in anfield.
man, I keep hearing ‘fool fans still talkin shit up, dunno if they’ve even thought about their next match?
i remember when we trounced em 3-0 last year and we moved on business as usual.
friggin insects.
March 21st, 2009 at 4:16
@Natzca: If you travel the hardest road to the final who would be left to play in the final?? Porto, Villareal, Arsenal?? I guess I’d be less interested in that game than the prospects before us now! With the other side of the draw being so strong, the final (if we make it) will provide the truly classic match-up that you crave!
March 21st, 2009 at 4:38
@Craig Mc: Dowd has reffed us 3 times this term. Each game ended 1-0 – we beat QPR and West Ham and lost to Watford. He’s the ref for the David v. Goliath match-ups, but he only issued 5 yellows and no reds in those games.
None the less he’s a ref, and so he’s a cunt!!
March 21st, 2009 at 4:57
@realred: I checked and Arshavin in Cup-Tied through the end of the competition. No worries mate!!
March 21st, 2009 at 4:59
@Redrich: We played Watford this season? I think you mean the 1st leg against Derby.
March 21st, 2009 at 5:03
@Aymen: You are right, my friend. My bad
March 21st, 2009 at 5:18
@Redrich: No worries we all stuff up from time to time. By the way, what city do you live in? Surely you’re not awake in Europe at this hour. I’m slowly reading my Biochemistry textbook on a sunny afternoon in Melbourne counting down the hours until we finally get a chance to put things right after last week.
March 21st, 2009 at 5:33
Easy ticket to the final it seems, I really dont think arsenal could handle united by now, Fabregas was crocked for a long period of time, He needs games to get back to level fitness. I just hope Bayern and Barca beat the living crap out of each other! And what goes for bayern barca must go double to pool and chelski, i wish them to be plagued by long term fuckin injuries!
I want pool at the final! 18-4 here we come!
March 21st, 2009 at 7:29
@Natzca: Nobody remembers who you beat on your way to the final or to the trophy. They just remember that you won it all. That is and always will be the most important thing. The easier it is the better it is because it’s money in the bank then. I just want the trophy, not style points because I beat great teams to get there.
March 21st, 2009 at 10:07
@Grognard: Well Its the semis i am MORE worried about!
March 21st, 2009 at 10:31
@Darth Red Diablo: If Villareal do get through, I dont think we have a lot to worry about. They are draw specialists, and the defensive and Spanish version of Liverpool. And we all know how Liverpool play. However, when Villareal go out to score a goal, like they have to if they wanna get to he final, the are easy to break down. They have some slow players, defenders arent strong in the air and they park the bus so good that even Sunderland would be proud.
Look at their results against Panatinaikos, Aalborg and Arsenal before that. If United score a goal, we will have a goal feast. We only need some luck against them! In the qualifiers, we hit the post three times, remember?! Just think back to the games in September and May, have you ever seen a team in the Champions League park the bus like that?! Cause I sure havent! If we get an early goal, I will go as far as saying we might get another Roma 2007. 
And Arsenal, dont worry. Without Arshavin, they are no better than Porto. Cause yes, they can be good. But they usually arent. Even with Fabregas in the side, the way Arsenal have played this season, even with him, has been woeful. So I wouldnt worry too much. Im delighted about the draw, and the possibility of facing Liverpool or Bayern in the final is mothwatering!
Fuck Chelsea and Barca, we met them last season. I want us to get new opponents each year, so they dont know us and we dont know them. That way we can play our true style instead of that fucking defensive approach. Rome, here we come!
March 21st, 2009 at 10:33
@Grognard: I remember the game against Juve in 1999… Ah, great times!
March 21st, 2009 at 13:14
Quote/FACT from FSW after the quarter-final draw:
“Manchester United must now be favorites – they have an easier draw than us. Our half of the draw is the more difficult now after this draw.
“Obviously we did not want to [play on the anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster] and with the second….
Obsessed!
Quote from Gus Hiddink:
“Both teams (Chelsea and Liverpool) like to play football and have players in their teams to play in an attacking way. That’s a guarantee for big clashes.”
Really????
March 21st, 2009 at 13:45
We’re gigantic favourites for the Champions League after the draw, we were on 5/2 with Barca and now we’ve been cut to 2/1 ! Barca are still 5/2, Chelsea and Liverpool at 13/2 and so on. If you could hand pick a draw from our perspective that’d be it. The three weakest teams in the competition are in our side of the draw.
March 21st, 2009 at 15:31
@Craig Mc: Thanks for the advice Craig, but all the medicine I need is right here!
March 21st, 2009 at 15:38
Van der Sar, O’Shea, Evans, Ferdinand, Evra, Ronaldo, Fletcher, Scholes, Park, Giggs, Berbatov.
March 21st, 2009 at 15:46
Links for the game ppl pls…
thanks a ton
March 21st, 2009 at 15:49
I’ll take it nobody has heard that the Sunday game against Villa still stands TWO DAYS before we play Porto. As of now it hasn’t been moved because it’s live on Sky. Fuckin pricks give ‘Pool the day off because of Hillsborough but can’t move a game for us
March 21st, 2009 at 15:51
I get the feeling someone is going to be sent off today. But Rooney AND Tevez on the bench? WTF!
March 21st, 2009 at 15:53
Look at our last game against Fulham. Only one of the 3 scorers is playing. This isn’t good rotation IMO
March 21st, 2009 at 15:57
Why has it gone dead in here!!!??!?
This is a very crucial match in terms of the league. Lose points and we’re gonna get all our rivals really fired up and the press talking, feeling the Liverpool loss has made us go off the rails. Win and normal service is resumed.
March 21st, 2009 at 15:59
COME ON UNITED!
March 21st, 2009 at 16:00
what the fuck in the bananas is going on
March 21st, 2009 at 16:07
Fulham are gettin all the half-chances, come on United! Let get in this game!
March 21st, 2009 at 16:10
get Fabio on the pitch
March 21st, 2009 at 16:11
links?
March 21st, 2009 at 16:13
Who is that playing LB for us? It’s not the same guy who’s been playing there all season
March 21st, 2009 at 16:15
March 21st, 2009 at 16:17
@Liam: @edwin: @ROOOOONEY: How are u guys watchin the match? Can’t seem to get on any working link
help!! 
March 21st, 2009 at 16:18
OH GOD!
March 21st, 2009 at 16:19
Oh lord almighty.
March 21st, 2009 at 16:20
I knew we’d get someone sent off
@Liam: fucking stupid. We are fucked
March 21st, 2009 at 16:21
@Gabriel: Setanta for me
March 21st, 2009 at 16:22
@Gabriel: try redlog.pl, if you wanna watch this shite.
March 21st, 2009 at 16:22
What is the point of Berbatov? Seriously!
March 21st, 2009 at 16:23
NO FUCKIN NEED SCHOLESY!
March 21st, 2009 at 16:23
Yeah, erm, just got my stream going, can’t believe it. Scholes should have jsut left it. For fucks sake. Idiot. You do that in the last minute to save it and try for a penalty. You don’t do it in the 15th minute. Christ…
March 21st, 2009 at 16:26
I’m in a silent rage. I’m completely livid but anyone looking at me would see calmness
March 21st, 2009 at 16:28
Bloody hell, down to 10 men and 1-0 down. What the hell has happened to our discipline this season. We’ve had more red cards than I can remember? Giving away two penalties in the space of two games is just not good enough!
We are getting battered by Fulham for f**cks sake! I do not know whether it is collective exhaustion, hangover from the Liverpool game, or just that we’ve been getting by on reputation and teams have been rolling over and now they smell our blood and are having a go at us and finding we have huge cracks in our team!
March 21st, 2009 at 16:28
wow we wont last 10 min vs porto like this
March 21st, 2009 at 16:29
What is Evra doing?! He thinks he’s a CB! I knew ducking Dowd would book Evans for that. There is about 10 of those each week on Ronaldo that don’t get punished
March 21st, 2009 at 16:32
We need to get in at HT at 1-0. Get Berbatov and Ronaldo off for Rooney and Tevez and we might stand a chance
March 21st, 2009 at 16:32
i have a rant coming on, its been a few weeks coming….
March 21st, 2009 at 16:33
We’re practically throwing the title away now.
March 21st, 2009 at 16:39
@edwin: I wouldn’t go that far but we have nobody at CM who can hold the ball. Fergie fucked up bigtime today. Evans, Evra, Ronaldo, Berbatov all having ‘mares. Rest of the team ain’t much better either. Worst performance of the year. Liverpool performance>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>this
March 21st, 2009 at 16:40
Is Carrick on the bench? Why is Rooney not playing? This is madness…
March 21st, 2009 at 16:41
get giggs and berba off and put carrick and rooney on why is giggs playing the killer pass with the lasiest player on the pitch and if you havent worked that out i’m on about berba we need players who are gonna work thier socks off ie rooney and tevez and some1 with some legs i.e carrick!!
March 21st, 2009 at 16:45
@Liam: With performances like this, yes I am convinced we are throwing it away.
March 21st, 2009 at 16:45
Not playing Rooney or Tevez against a team they constantly destroy is now looking really really stupid. Where’s the rocket from the sidelines? Why do our defence look like they are about to cry every five seconds? Throw some fucking tea cups, punt some football boots and sort them out.
March 21st, 2009 at 16:46
I dont want another depressing weekend, thanks United.
March 21st, 2009 at 16:46
fletcher is just awful
March 21st, 2009 at 16:48
If Fergie can’t sort this out at HT I would question his motivation for the job
March 21st, 2009 at 16:48
@ROOOOONEY: and people wanted him to play the liverpool game….. please bring on anderson get some speed and youth in this GOD AWFUL midfield, nani is not even on the bench for god sake
March 21st, 2009 at 16:48
The most God awful half Ive ever seen
SORT THEM THE FUCK OUT FERGIE!
COME ON UNITED!
March 21st, 2009 at 16:49
Yeah I don’t know what Fergie was thinking with the line-up. He should know by now that Berbatov is next to useless on his own up front and even with Ronaldo playing further forward there is just no chemistry between the two.
This is the worst possible time of the year to start a run of bad form. If we play like we have the last three games (today, Pool and Inter home leg) even Porto could knock us out.
And don’t be so sure about us beating Arsenal in the Semis. They are starting to get their form back and have players coming back from injury. They were good before Arshavin arrived and the last time we were struggling for form they wiped us off the park at the Emirates!
We need to make some serious changes.
First off let Tevez go. 32 million would be better spent elsewhere. Secondly buy a proper striker to give us some real muscle upfront and provide a foil for Rooney or Berbatov. Welbeck and Campbell are too lightweight. Thirdly buy a powerhouse midfielder to play alongside Carrick. Yes Hargreaves could do the job, but Im not holding my breath that he’ll ever be 100% fit.
We are a lightweight team. Teams give us too much respect. We have been getting by too long on our “invincible reputation” which this season we’ve done absolutely nothing to deserve. Yes we kept a ton of clean sheets but that was because not a single team had a go at us. They just sat back and played for the draw, and we sneaked a few 1-0 wins.
The problem is we don’t really have any players with drive and desire to win. Well apart from Rooney-but he is too much of a loose cannon and loses his head when the game is going against us. Rio is too laid-back. Vidic and Evra are confidence players. Giggs is too quiet. Ronaldo is too focused on his own game. Carrick is too insipid and his screening and passing game just doesn’t cut it when we aren’t controlling the game. Berbatov is not aggressive enough and cannot seem to cope with the less space he is given when he plays for us. Fletcher and O’Shea are water carriers.
I just do not really know where the fight is going to come from.
We need some serious steel.
March 21st, 2009 at 16:51
oh God!!!not again
just had the most horrible week…I dont think I can stand another one
March 21st, 2009 at 16:51
Fergie has seriously f*cked this one up. A formation with Giggs, Scholes, Berbatov and Ronaldo? Who exactly is going to do the running? Inject the energy? Provide us some drive? Cause it’s none of them.
We don’t have enough substitutions to get us back into this game. We’ve a damn break for two weeks after this, and had a week before it. Why the hell are we playing our mid-first XI?!?!?!?!
March 21st, 2009 at 16:51
it’s a shame we only have 3 substitutions. I’d want all 6 outfield substitions on the pitch. I can’t believe it. This is farcical
March 21st, 2009 at 16:51
3 subs carrick for giggs/fletcher; rooney for berba(PLEASE); Tevez for Park we gotta go for broke!!
March 21st, 2009 at 16:51
I feel nothing but SHAME. And I told everybody on this site to expect this after that terrible loss. I could see the beginning of a slump coming because the physical signs were obvious. So how many of you are going to cry and say United had them on the rack before Scholes got his bonehead Red Card? Disgusted beyond belief. When was the last time every player on the pitch stunk all at once? Except for EVDS: mad:
March 21st, 2009 at 16:52
to be fair berbatov didnt have the chance to be with ronaldo , the penalty ruined everything
March 21st, 2009 at 16:52
What the daft punk is happening? SAF better make changes, that was woeful.sigh.
March 21st, 2009 at 16:53
Easy analysis: WORST HALF OF THE SEASON BY A MILE!
I actually feel like watching the Spurs-Chelsea game!
March 21st, 2009 at 16:53
get rooney on, bring on tevez would be the absolute worst thing to do!
March 21st, 2009 at 16:53
Actually there is one other winner in our team. A certain Carlos Tevez. If he can save a crap West Ham team singlehandedly from relegation I am prepared to trust him with the task of leading by example and showing certain members of our team how to play with your heart and soul!
March 21st, 2009 at 16:54
benching tevez is bad enough , but benching ME! COME ON!!!
March 21st, 2009 at 16:54
@Liam: I bet you didn’t think it would be Scholes eh? Good prediction.
March 21st, 2009 at 16:55
I am not sure what SAF was thinking with the line up…in any way the red card change the game. This was one of the worst halfs I have ever seen. A very bad game from many people. Puting Carrick and Rooney for Giggs and Park and keep Tevez till the last 10 minutes. We really need to get something out of this game also this type of games show what the champions are made of.
March 21st, 2009 at 16:57
Spurs could do us a huge favour today. I really hope they do. If we don’t sort ourselves out this half our 10 point lead that we as good as had last week could be 4! I’m sick to the stomach
March 21st, 2009 at 16:58
I say bring on Rooney and Tevez second half for Berba and Park (sadly). Let Roon play on the wing…Fletch (who should be subbed actually) comes into midfield. Else we’re gonna lose this by more goals…we’re lucky it’s still just 1-0!
March 21st, 2009 at 16:58
rooney on
fletcher off
March 21st, 2009 at 17:00
Right now I would be very happy with 1-1. Seriously a 5pt lead looks waaaay better than four to me, with the way we’re playing currently!
March 21st, 2009 at 17:01
@Orez: Berbatov and Ronaldo are like cancer today. One of them has to go, but Fergie mightn’t have the balls to do it
@Grognard:I really wish I was wrong
March 21st, 2009 at 17:01
@Vivek: Now you know what it’s like for the supporters of the bottom feeders of the game. It’s not pretty and we totally suck in all phases of the game. As I said last week, I can tell when a team is physically as well as mentally exhausted. And nor marks to Fergie for getting the team selection all wrong. Lazy team that’s just standing around. HOPELESS. This game will end 2-0 or 3-0 unless we get a break. And I do not see that happening. Special criticism to Rio, Evra, Giggs and especially Ronaldo for playing like complete fucking dickheads. Ronaldo should be benched for his childish antics but Fergie clearly hasn’t got the balls anymore to deal out punishment to a player who has been holding him and the team’s best interest hostage. He needs to be disciplined but Fergie is afraid that if he does so, Ronaldo will be crying for Real Madrid again. And all of you know that what I am saying is true, whether you want to accept that or not.
March 21st, 2009 at 17:02
Heads have hopefully rolled in the dressing room at HT
March 21st, 2009 at 17:02
I hate to say i told you so.We have gone back to the days of oshea,scholes,giggs,fletcher.What kind of formation is that anyway?Fergie assumes by the mere fact we are man united we have a devine right to win matches.Fuucking madness am witnessing in this match.
March 21st, 2009 at 17:03
@Liam: You wish you were wrong. All week I was predicting the worst because I could smell a slump of major proportions coming on.
March 21st, 2009 at 17:03
Rooney for Berba
March 21st, 2009 at 17:03
Tevez will do nothing for us more then run around like(well you know rest)
we need to play a 4-4-1 with rooney playing in the whole.
March 21st, 2009 at 17:04
This is fucking shamful!
Who the fuck are these guys playing in the magnificent red shirt?! Ronaldo: “Walking wounded”. Berbatov: Homeless guy that lost job because he didnt care or do enough. Giggs: Anderson II? 
Scholes: Fucking neanderthal with less intelligence than a child who isnt even concieved. Evra: Have you lost your fucking brain?! 
Recipe for horror show? Berbatov starting on top with Ronaldo, Giggs and Scholes in CM, Evra playing yet another game and Fletcher starting on the wing.
Recipe for succes? Rooney on for Berba(just happend), Ronaldo not stuck to the wing, Anderson on for Giggs and Carrick on for Fletch. And please Fergie, if Evra does yet another mistake bring on Fabio! He cant possibly be worse…
March 21st, 2009 at 17:05
@donibrasco: all you told us was Rooney was the worst player in the world
March 21st, 2009 at 17:06
Thank fuck for that rooney for berba now lets see what happens!!
March 21st, 2009 at 17:08
@RedDevilEddy: NOT ANDERSON! Tevez would be a twice better sub. My prediction: Dowd won’t let us back into the game.
March 21st, 2009 at 17:09
Yeah. We are going to lose whoever we play. So lets give some first teamers a week or two off to get their heads together and use this slump to blood a few youngsters like Fabio, Gibson and Welbeck. And definitely play Anderson and Nani in the hope they can recapture their form of last season.
Giggs and Scholes are being overplayed this season. A couple of games a month NO MORE is what the doctor ordered.
March 21st, 2009 at 17:12
Come on ronaldo! On target! Come on United!
March 21st, 2009 at 17:14
Take ronaldo off.
March 21st, 2009 at 17:15
Come in No 7, your time is up.
March 21st, 2009 at 17:18
We are playing with absolutely no patience. Ronaldo is going mad
March 21st, 2009 at 17:21
Should’ve scored
March 21st, 2009 at 17:22
that’s fucking better!!
March 21st, 2009 at 17:22
fuck fullham they are parking the buss againgst a team of 10
March 21st, 2009 at 17:23
GET CARRICK AND TEVEZ OFF THEIR ASSES!!!
March 21st, 2009 at 17:23
COME THE FUCK ON UNITED! PUT THEM AWAY!
March 21st, 2009 at 17:24
un fucking lucky
March 21st, 2009 at 17:25
what the hell is going on? are we really playing that bad? I cant watch the the game right now, but how the hell do we have zero shots on goal?
March 21st, 2009 at 17:26
how did we not score
March 21st, 2009 at 17:28
what is the point playing a cross into rooney he’s 5ft 10 there’s now way he’s gonna head it we need to go for quality of shots over quantity..
March 21st, 2009 at 17:28
Come On tevez! Come on United! Keep the fucking pressure on!
March 21st, 2009 at 17:29
This has gone from terrible performance to just one of those days. How Park or Rooney didn’t score I’ll never know
March 21st, 2009 at 17:30
tevez forgot to process his hair
March 21st, 2009 at 17:30
are we in 333?
March 21st, 2009 at 17:31
Come on ronaldo! excellent position! make it fucking count!
March 21st, 2009 at 17:31
Ronaldo’s moment maybe? Special freekick please.
…Or not.
March 21st, 2009 at 17:32
Perfect position for Giggs, why let Ronaldo take it?
March 21st, 2009 at 17:36
Why is Park playing RB and why the fuck is Rooney playing on the wing?! I’m shaking with anger
March 21st, 2009 at 17:37
Fuck you Schwarzer. Fuck you.
March 21st, 2009 at 17:40
Spurs 1-0 Chelsea. Consolation?
March 21st, 2009 at 17:42
Come On Ufuckingnited!
March 21st, 2009 at 17:43
Why exactly have we used only 2 subs? Has Fergie had a brain transplant or something?
March 21st, 2009 at 17:44
i dont get the long balls we dont have a drogba
March 21st, 2009 at 17:44
March 21st, 2009 at 17:45
@Liam: If you think spurs are gonna hold there nerve then you are in dreamland.
March 21st, 2009 at 17:46
HIGH FUCKING BOOT!
March 21st, 2009 at 17:46
Oh fuck
March 21st, 2009 at 17:46
This is depressing, we need to sort out our issues, first one i see is phelan, he needs to go.
March 21st, 2009 at 17:47
Referee you fucking blind wanker fuck you wanker twat bastard.
March 21st, 2009 at 17:47
There we go, the premier league title is back up for grabs…
March 21st, 2009 at 17:48
Utd vs Villa minus Vidic, Scholes and Rooney … so far.
March 21st, 2009 at 17:48
Why United why?
March 21st, 2009 at 17:49
this is nuts, I really cant believe this. wasnt the Liverpool game a wake up call?
March 21st, 2009 at 17:49
i think the rooney one will be removed
March 21st, 2009 at 17:50
The fucking ref is absolute shite. Why do we always get ABu refs I’l never understand….
On the players, pretty much everyone sucked….Rooney the only player worthy of a United shirt…2nd half we at least look like a team, and thats why berba should never be allowed near the pitch again
March 21st, 2009 at 17:50
Absolutely unfucking believeable. he second goal should not have counted. The fat referee wanker twat bastard never saw the fucking high boot. What absolute crap
March 21st, 2009 at 17:51
@Vivek: And tevez should?
March 21st, 2009 at 17:51
scholes and rooney both get reds, who would have thunk it?
March 21st, 2009 at 17:51
@Dan:
he ran more in 10 mins than berba did all 45
March 21st, 2009 at 17:53
@Vivek: Don’t go blaming the ref for this loss. Every decision he made was right and I would given Rooney the second yellow. He deserved because you could see he was frustrated over the ref not allowing the quick touch after the foul so he threw the ball back in frustrated fury. Face facts, we stunk. The ref had a good game.
March 21st, 2009 at 17:53
@Vivek: I thought a forwards job is to score goals, not to run around the field
March 21st, 2009 at 17:54
if fergie wasnt pissed enough at the liverpool one , watch out now
March 21st, 2009 at 17:55
Well thank you Manchester United for giving me another depressing weekend. And now Ive got to wait until fucking April for the next motherfucking match.
March 21st, 2009 at 17:55
the press are gonna have a field day…
March 21st, 2009 at 17:56
@Grognard:
I definitely dont think so…i agree Ronaldo was going too far with his antics, but i definitely think that Pantsil should have been sent of, he had abt 8-9 fouls on Ronaldo alone
March 21st, 2009 at 17:56
So how high does a foot have to be to be considered a high foot? The ironic thing is that I was going to say that I get the feeling Rooney will be sent off today, but when I saw him not on the teamsheet I changed it to somebody.
@johnsom33:
@Liam: @Liam: I’m on a roll so why not?
March 21st, 2009 at 17:57
@Liam: See Liam! We have fucking given the fucking trophy away.
March 21st, 2009 at 17:57
@Dan:
And how many did berba score??
March 21st, 2009 at 17:57
We have brought this upon ourselves. What a confidence booster for the Liverfools!
March 21st, 2009 at 17:58
@ Grognard – part of a referee’s role is to display judgement, that’s their whole point. It’s to bring interpretation of the spirit of the game. I’m sorry, but only an utter c*nt sends someone off in that situation. The game is over, emotions are running high, you warn him and get on with it. Phil Dowd must feel like a big man tonight. Oh well, back to his sad, insignificant life this evening…
March 21st, 2009 at 17:59
HAHAHA… this is so horrible, it’s infact laughable!! It’s like i’m watching a trainwreck in slow mo!! I have to say Groggy was almost right when he said he saw us hitting a major slump and this performance has gone a long way to confirming it. Fat Rafa and them scouse bastard must be loving it at the mo.
It would be easy to point fingers but there’s no point, everyone that has something to do with our on-pitch performance and team comrodere is somehow at fault; Fergie, Phelan, the players, the whole lot. We need a kind of team vacation or sumthin, just get our minds right. Thank fuck for the international break, let everyone have sometime off with their families and reflect on our last two performances and how it can hamper what could be a truly epic season.
Props to Fulham tho, they were up for it and you can’t accuse ‘em of parking the bus cuz they got a goal afterwards. Hopefully, Spurs defeat Chelski and Villa thump Liverpool.
March 21st, 2009 at 17:59
@edwin: Spoken like a true fan
The break will be good for us, we can clear our heads.
We should really consider buying appaih, we need someone just to sit there, and shield our back four.
We need to get rid of that muppet, today explained why.
We need to change our system, we need a new formation, look at liverpool, they changed they’re system and played gerrard in the SS role, and its worked wonders for them.
Cant believe i want us to copy liverpool.
March 21st, 2009 at 18:00
What a fucking joke. Dowd you scouse prick. The amount of tackles on Ronaldo that went without freekicks, let alone cards, and you send Rooney off for a first offence tug of the shirt, and for throwing the ball back for a freekick you wanted to be taken again. You fucking cunt. Fuck off.
Our next game we’ll be without Rooney, Vidic and Scholes for red cards. No doubt the geniuses at the FA will extend Rooneys ban. Fucking joke. Our only hope is that Spurs beat Chelsea, and Villa beat the red scum.
March 21st, 2009 at 18:00
Fuck Fergie, I wanna have a go at those planks in the dressing room. What the hell is going on!
March 21st, 2009 at 18:01
@Vivek: And how many did tevez?
March 21st, 2009 at 18:01
@edwin: We’ll still win the league. I guarantee it. @Beachryan: Nobody has ever spoken truer words. Rooney made 2 fouls and got sent off. I said that prick wouldn’t let us back in. God I hope Ireland win the grand slam later. It’s the only thing that can save this day for me
March 21st, 2009 at 18:02
Shocking performance. Gutted.
March 21st, 2009 at 18:03
@edwin: I feel the same way. i told myself that I am going to watch every single second of this disaster and I did exactly that. I am not going to comment on any once performance, well may be Fulhams. Great game from the cottagers, then again may be it was a shity game from us. I don’t believe that will through it away, but this shit should be sorted out. No doubt about that. Our support was really good though. Credits to them who made the trip and tried to pull the guys.
March 21st, 2009 at 18:04
@Dan: Clearing heads is probably the hardest thing one can do especially on the back of these defeats. Id rather have a United game next week so we can put things right ASAP. Plus this international break could fuck us up even more with injuries.
March 21st, 2009 at 18:05
@Dan:
Lets take last season for example…when Tevez was playing regularly and had his confidence…if I recall, we did win a double…and tevez did score MANY importanct last minute goals for us. Not only that, the trio of Tevez, Rooney and Ronaldo was the most fearsome strike force in Europe.
One year later, we have Berba instead of Tevez, and as a result, the entire team has slowed down. Dont kid yourself that this season we are in a strong position because of our strike force, its mainly because our defence has been flawless for large parts of the season. As an attacking force we have regressed massively from last season. I blame Fergie, for buying Berba, who I dont think is right for United and then trying to play him in a playmaking role, thus negating our biggest threat Ronaldo, who now has to be stuck out on the wing.
Anyone who thinks the first half with berba was better than the second, please enlighten me on the reasons…..
March 21st, 2009 at 18:06
@Gabriel: Ronaldo, Rooney and Park all had chances that 999,999 times out of a million at least one would’ve gone in. Despite the horrible performance we were unlucky. Scholes made a reactionary movement to protect his face and it just snowballed from there. Dowd saw his chance to stick the knife in at the end and that’s what he did
March 21st, 2009 at 18:06
Oh God, the texts are flowing in…..
March 21st, 2009 at 18:11
We are gonna miss Rooney. See how we immediately played better when we came on?
March 21st, 2009 at 18:12
we need serious changes next season
March 21st, 2009 at 18:13
@Liam: Mate, winners make their own luck. The word unlucky is for losers when they fail to win, again. Like I said, i’m not gonna point fingers, I just feel we need a bit of a break and Fergie needs to get a strong first XI ready for the last lap of the season. Let’s get back our chemistry and blow these suckas out of our path to the quintuple.
March 21st, 2009 at 18:16
The team believed all the media hype and shit, and now we are paying for it. I wont take any more ‘kicks up the arse’ this has to be fucking it! come on united!
March 21st, 2009 at 18:17
@Gabriel: Getting that fucking Bulgarian out of OT would be a start. Would Spurs buy him back?
March 21st, 2009 at 18:18
Ronaldo surely must be benched. He’s been pretty shocking this season, and is never dropped. I think we’d be better without him, particularly in games today. And I really mean it. Fine, Nani dosen’t have his ability, but he would care, and not be a prick. Or bring on Anderson, he cares. Park, Fletcher, Anderson, Carrick, Giggs, Rooney and Tevez. They care.
March 21st, 2009 at 18:19
@Liam: If they buy Chimbonda, Keane and Defoe back, it wouldnt surprise me if they bought Berba back too.
March 21st, 2009 at 18:20
@Beachryan:
Mate although Ronaldo was shocking in the first half of the game, he did improve in the second…..mainly because berba was taken off and Rooney came on, and he was given a free role again….so I think its berba who needs to be dropped
March 21st, 2009 at 18:25
Spurs did us a huge favor, so Villa next hopefully.
March 21st, 2009 at 18:26
Well Chelshit have lost. Little consolation.
March 21st, 2009 at 18:27
@Liam: Oh my god, I have to make more predictions! Right, first it will be a 1-0 win for Villa tomorrow, Liverpool will finish 2nd, 7 points behind United who will reign supreme winning all 5 trophies and finally, next season Liverpool wont qualify for the CL or get any points against United. That should do it
March 21st, 2009 at 18:28
thank fuck the rest of the big four are wasteful we could have been fighting for 3rd place
March 21st, 2009 at 18:29
@johnsom33: Funny, I don’t feel like I’m in dreamland
March 21st, 2009 at 18:31
Well I certainly shall not give up hope. I really hope this result, and last weeks, has woken up these slackers. Hopefully Fergie and the backroom staff shall be hard at work to mastermind a comeback. Fergie will prevail. Of that Im sure.
March 21st, 2009 at 18:31
I reckon Grognard’s post is going to crash the site which will never have received such a behemoth post
March 21st, 2009 at 18:33
@Liam: It’ll Crash the entire world wide web. I for one, am looking forward to it.
March 21st, 2009 at 18:35
Fuck the inept ref!
fucking so incompetent
I have planned my week on this game hoping will stuff em, but fuck the ref. I have not seen such poor refereeing.
And shit, since when was throwing the ball a bookable offence eh?!
shit shit shit
atleast chelski are loosing
March 21st, 2009 at 18:36
Thank fuck Spurs beat Chelsea. Seriously. THANK YOU SPURS.
Also, reports are Berbatov left Craven Cottage in a cast.
March 21st, 2009 at 18:39
@Vivek: So you blame berba for tevez lack of confidence? you blame berba for tevezs lack of goals?
NEWS FLASH:
Berbatov doesnt pick the team, ferguson does, its not berbatovs fault tevez couldnt hit a barnyard door from a metre away!
Fact is, there are better players then tevez, berbatov is one of them.
March 21st, 2009 at 18:40
@Traverse: Thats not funny, at all.
March 21st, 2009 at 18:42
The team needs some serious rebuilding. We might scrape the league title, mainly because our rivals have been so wasteful, but theres no way in hell we are winning the CL at this rate. Next season, the management needs to look at some things seriously:
1. Either get and keep Hargo fit, or get a strong, commnding destroyer in midfield, to play alongside Carrick
2. Sell berba back to spurs and hope we get atleast half the money back
3. Dont sign tevez as well, as I think this season has destroyed his confidence at United. I would like to see a true goalscorer like Villa in the team (I know thats not happening, but hey I can dream….). Realistic options should be Kun Aguero, maybe even Huntelaar if we can tempt Real with Ronaldo.
4. Sit Ronaldo down, hammer the realities into his head and ask him to make a final decision..if we wants out, milk Real for all its worth, and get as much as we can.
5. Get a quality winger (I’m sorry but Nani just doesnt cut it for me), someone of the quality if Ribery/Silva etc. Two if Ronaldo leaves. Really hope Ljaijac is the real deal. I would also like to propose Podolski for the winger/striker role, i think he will be perfect
6. For God’s sake give Evra some competition. If fabio is as good as he is being made out,why doesnt he bloody play more often? Evra has been too complacent abt his position in the team, and his performances are suffering as a result.
7. Get a quality goalkeeper. VDS is getting too old, Ben Foster unfortunately doesnt cut it and Kusczak is plainly not good enough
March 21st, 2009 at 18:43
@Dan: In your last statement there if you switch the 2 names and add about half of the first team squad then your statement is correct
March 21st, 2009 at 18:43
@Liam: Its called a reverse jinx,I was praying the entire time that spurs would pull it off.
March 21st, 2009 at 18:46
@Dan:
I blame Fergie, for signing Berba in the first place and then for breaking up what was the most lethal strike force in Europe. I blame Berba just because his arrival has made United a much duller, more predictable team……Berba maybe a very good player, he is just not the type that United needed or will need, unless we change our entire system.
March 21st, 2009 at 18:47
@johnsom33: That’s what I was trying to do with the sending off and Dowd comments. It usually works for me but today all of my predictions came true. I hate Karma
March 21st, 2009 at 18:48
@Vivek: your telling me, you would sell ronaldo, for an unproven dutch league striker?
I agree with you on one thing, we need a striker signing, the myth about forwards needing height is gone in my opinion.
I can sense a big signing for us…
March 21st, 2009 at 18:51
@Vivek: you’re sounding like an FM muppet there mate. seriously, just have a little trust on our players, we’re just on a rough patch.
March 21st, 2009 at 18:52
@Vivek:
To add to what I was saying, berba might be more skillful than tevez, but the Galacticos have shown us that 11 best players need not make the best team. Fact is Tevez’s style suits our system better, a system that has won us the league in the last 2 seasons and the CL. Why would anyone want to change a winning system to accomodate one player, even if he is really good, is beyond me….
Just to be clear, I dont want us to sign Tevez now either, ’cause I think his confidence is shattered and he would not be able to repeat last season’s performances again, I would like to see a true goalscorer at the club next season.
March 21st, 2009 at 18:55
@Liam: hahah…brilliant. you just secured the season for us
thank you 
March 21st, 2009 at 18:55
I never thought I could feel lower than I did last week but I have to say today was an all time low. Last week the we discovered a major crack in the the foundation and this weak the crack has begun to spread. There is a cancer growing within that team and I cannot put my finger on it. Perhaps it’s just a case of physical and mental fatigue but I cannot condone nor understand how poor we have been once we have fallen behind. We show no grit, or discipline to fight back. Instead we start bitching and crying like little girls. I thought I was watching a Chelsea team from last year when Terry and those fucking babies would surround every referee and bitch about every call.
Today’s failure was not the referee’s fault and anybody who thinks it was is a complete idiot and biased supporter. Scholes deserved straight red and Rooney deserved his two yellows, end of story. In fact, if I was the referee, Ronaldo would have been sent off as well. I cannot believe that what I am watching is an Alex Ferguson managed team. For a couple of years now people are asking if this is the best United team we have ever had. Well today the answer was given, NOT EVEN CLOSE. Is this team going to pull off an unprecedented quintuple? Are you kidding me? Everything is beginning to unravel and all I see is Ferguson sitting on the sidelines with his hands in his pocket chewing his gum and looking completely clueless. Where is the emotion, where is the hunger. Get the fuck up from your seat Fergie and start shouting some fucking orders and demanding they play better. In past years when we were playing like this Fergie would roll up his sleeves and start directing things. Now he just sits onhis ass and allows his cheeks to slowly get redder and redder.
I told all of you so………..I did. Many questioned me and many refused to believe that last week was nothing more than a lucky win by Liverpool. I saw something different. I saw a calamity filled circus of uncharacteristic errors which were so plentiful that we could say United met their entire season’s quota of mental gaffs in one game. That game looked ill and surreal. I have seen this before in many different sports. The beginning of a bad slump. I wasn’t sure we were going to lose today but I knew we would play poorly again. I just thought that perhaps Fulham lacked just enough quality that we would escape with an undeserved win or a more likely draw. Am I surprised at how bad we were. Lacking any desire, motivation, hunger and clue on how to make the game ours. Then Scholes goes and pulls a boner. Like last weeks Vidic debacle, it’s not good enough to just get a red card, we have to give up a crippling goal in the process. Experience? Experience my ass. Paul Scholes let us all down today and he let down his manger who has shown far too much faith in him for the last three years. For me Scholes is becoming more and more of a liability.
I can go on and on about how concerned I am about this mini slide but I won’t other than to comment on todays individual performances. I am not going to give ratings because frankly, I’m to disgusted to give that effort. Instead I am going to comment on a specific number of players that deserve not only my wrath but the wrath of Fergie and all of you out there. It’s WAG time. the “Wrath of Grognard” has reared it’s ugly head once again.
First to get the infamous WAG is Rio Ferdinand. He’s been doing his best Les Ferdinand imitation as a CB of late. Standing around ball watching and pointing fingers at others when it is he who is leting player like Zamora make fools of us. It his his poor marking that caused the first goal and Scholes sending off. He just didn’t pick up his man on that corner and we paid for it. His head is not in the game and his body is lagging far behind.
Next is Patrice Evra. WAKE THE FUCK up you little French piece of shite.
How many times are you going to leave us exposed on our left side? How many times are you going to let players get behind you while you stand and ball watch? Fulham missed two great chances that were gifted to them by Evra’s poor marking and where on Earth was he on the second goal. The camera from behind the goal showed him in the middle of the park 25 yards behind the play and he was jogging back. That goal killed us off because of his laziness and poor positional play. I don’t know what his major malfunction has been since his return, but he is making me feel the time for Fabio has come upon us and we could get some good transfer money for this deteriorating little LFB.
Ryan Giggs has had few games where his passing was so inept and out of touch. He was useless in this game and I am still wondering why he wasn’t replaced. An off game but showed little gusto or energy and his creativity was in the toilet.
Paul Scholes. Thanks a lot.
Ronaldo needs to be taken aside and read the riot act. He needs to be benched and disciplined for his childish antics. Don’t get angry at the referee you prima ballerina, get upset with yourself and raise your game instead of acting like a spoilt little child who isn’t getting his candy. When are Ronaldo and Rooney going to fucking grow up? And when is Fergusion going to be the manager of 1995 who will demand it of them or ship them the Hell out? How many times can one handle watching Ronaldo bitch about every fucking call and non call made and when is he going to understand that none of it helps the team. Instead of crying, how about tracking back a bit or putting your head down and running at some defenders with the ball? Best player in the world?
More like a fucking disgrace and the most childish player in the world.
Berbatov. Time to fucking wake up or go back to Bulgaria. I have always like the skill of this player but even I have to question right now if he has a pulse. Lazy and lacking the energy, commitment and urgency that is needed from a player in his position. The comparisons to Cantona are myth now. At least the King ran harder and cared more. How many shots on goal did this guy have? ZERO. That’s not what he is paid for. Then again, can he be totally blamed when service to him is nonexistent.
Rooney is a childish little imp who needs to have his shorts pulled down and a paddle taken to his white ass. What he did today may actually cost us the EPL title. It was juvenile and it was selfish. He will be banned for a minimum three games and then Fergie should bench him for another five to assist the child in growing up. Perhaps a new double crib and playpen can be brought into the United dressing room where he and Ronaldo can be placed in. And lets not forget the soothers.
Sir Alex Ferguson. All year I have said and complained that Fergie looked and acted too content with himself and that his attitude of doing absolutely nothing and not taking out the hairdryer was eventually going to blow up in his face. Well he needs to ask himself whether he still has the bottle for it? Does he care enough or is he worried his temper will bring on a heart attack or stroke at his age? The team needs a loud, violent and passionate kick in the bollocks and hard decisions need to be made. The team has not only played poorly but has lost their collective and individual composure. Discipline is gone. Is this an Alex Ferguson run team? I could have sworn AV Grant was manging the team and allowing the inmates to run the asylum. And memo to Fergie, they allow three substitutions in a game. Try using all of them and using them for a purpose. Any ten players out there today other than our keeper could have or should have come off for another. What were you saving the last change for, the toilet? I am disappointed and more than little alarmed by his seemingly lack of anger and passion through all this. Heads need to roll.
March 21st, 2009 at 18:57
@Vivek: That just panic talking. The team needs a serious kick in the as and to be checked for a pulse. And I’d start with the manager first.
March 21st, 2009 at 18:57
@Dan:
Dutch league striker????? Have you seen any recent matches from the Spanish League, Huntelaar has been absolutely magnificent…If real offer us Huntelaar plus some cash (20-30 mill) for Ronaldo, I would take it gladly.
March 21st, 2009 at 18:58
@Dan: How else is he going to get the ball. God knows none of our forwards get anything resembling proper service from a completely inept midfield with no leadership or grit.
March 21st, 2009 at 19:00
@Vivek: Sorry mate, sounds like you were watching another game. Ronaldo was a whining baby all game and 90% of the time he was wrong and cheating. The referee had a great game.
March 21st, 2009 at 19:02
@Vivek: Mate…fucking ridiculous and predictable knee jerk reactions from fans like you just do my fuckin head in!!
We lost to Fulham, so what?? So did Arsenal this season. All teams have rough patches and blips! But saying we need to dismantle and rebuild one of the best, if not the best, squads we have ever had in our history is just pure, unadulterated MADNESS!! This team just needs to be tweaked, not rebuilt! I have faith in this current squad…but having said that I do IN FACT agree that all season we have been crying out for a new winger and quality goalie to supplant Nani and EVDS respectively.
March 21st, 2009 at 19:03
@Beachryan: He deserved it and he had to go by the rules of the game or he would have been severely reprimanded by the FA. The fact it hurts us and inconveniences is not reason enough to not cal something. There have been many poor refereeing decisions go against us this year but today was not one of them. We deserved everything we got and even more. Ronaldo should have been sent of for descent as well. You need to look at the game objectively as opposed to hard core fan whose team has just been embarrassed. Reality sometimes slaps us in the face.
March 21st, 2009 at 19:04
@Vivek: Barca, best team in la liga, with the worst defence in the CL, says it all really.
La liga is all attack and no defend, same with the dutch league, ronaldo is worth £60+mil, huntelaar in my books isnt worth £6mil, you fifa/FM game needs to come out your mind because you really havent got a clue about signing players in the real world…
March 21st, 2009 at 19:04
I am gonna ignore Grognard’s resurgent dark side and ask Fergie for one thing:
Don’t do the hairdryer treat… bring out the f##king Hoover treatment… fine them for poor performance!
March 21st, 2009 at 19:04
@Liam: Ridiculous comment.
March 21st, 2009 at 19:06
i wish sir alex can read your post Grognard
March 21st, 2009 at 19:06
@Vivek: The only thing we need is an AMF that can control and dictate our attack, we need someone to pull the strings aside from carrick and scholes. I cant see Ando doing such, we need a Kaka mould of a player! I hope Ljajic comes here with a bang!
March 21st, 2009 at 19:07
@Gabriel: We can blame individual players all we want but there aronly two to blame for all of this. physical and mental fatigue and the lack of proper decision making and show of force by our manager. He needs to dish out some severe discipline even if it derails our EPL season. Send a message for the ages and to the future of this club that this kind of bullshit will not be tolerated. If experienced professionals want to act like children, then it’s time to promote children from the reserves and give them a chance to prove themselves while others sit and rot on the bench or in the stands. It’s judgment day.
March 21st, 2009 at 19:07
@Grognard: Good point, we should get 2 players in the summer, a box to box mid like essien, and a striker with pace like torres.
Yaya toure and gomez/villa are my picks.
March 21st, 2009 at 19:07
@Dan:
Mate i dont waste my time with FM. And the players I mentioned, I know perfectly well we will not get most of them. but this is simply not good enough for me. We definitely need at least one good striker, a good winger and a goalie…
March 21st, 2009 at 19:08
Dan we cant even score dont compare us to barca lol
March 21st, 2009 at 19:09
Am sorry but when you lose your head,remember you are part of a team that is already reduced to 10 men due to the idiotic behavior of one of the senior members of the squad whose only involvement is due to the manager’s sentiment.
When are we going to see the manager play a good team while everyone is fit?This rotation stinks.We have gone backwards since Quiroz left.The last two seasons we played breath taking attacking football regardless.This season?We can hardly beat a big team,we look slopy and cautious even against lesser teams,and we blame it on Berba?
Newsflash,you can only use what you have.At least for a striker.Fergie is becoming too stubborn and we are going to pay the price.We have just lost to the Pool,what the fuck is scholes doing on the pitch?
March 21st, 2009 at 19:10
@Beachryan: And further more, it is the players who need to show proper judgment and not go off the handle in a manner that’s going to get them red carded. Blaming the referee for our mental and emotional weakness is just so sweet, I cannot find the words.
March 21st, 2009 at 19:10
@Grognard: Paul Scholes is my all-time favourite United player, but that’s twice this season Scholes has required the attention of the men in white coats. First in that Zenit match when we were 2-1 down and still in the game, he inexplicably punches the ball into the net when a leaping header, which he is good at, would have sufficed to pull the game level. Now another needless handball today…I don’t like badmouthing a legend like Scholes, but I agree he is starting to become a liability in his twilight years with these moments of pure madness.
March 21st, 2009 at 19:11
@Vivek: oh, so its fifa you waste your time with
March 21st, 2009 at 19:12
@Dan:
No pal, I dont play FIFA either……You see I do have a job that keeps me at work for upto 12 hours a day…..
March 21st, 2009 at 19:12
@Liam: I guess the unlucky misses that Fulham had don’t count eh? They deserved to win this game by two clear goals if were not for some great saves from EVDS. We were not unlucky, we were pathetic and horrible. A true nightmare.
March 21st, 2009 at 19:13
@Dan: Villa won’t leave Spain and Yaya is happy at Barcelona, but yeah I would really love to see those two here at Utd.
March 21st, 2009 at 19:15
@Grognard: “Perhaps a new double crib and playpen can be brought into the United dressing room where he and Ronaldo can be placed in. And lets not forget the soothers.”
- BRILLIANT!
Grognard Baby Care
March 21st, 2009 at 19:15
@Dan: we have pace… we don’t have muscle up front
March 21st, 2009 at 19:16
@Orez: Not the way Villa has been playing. Liverpool can mail that one in and their hunger and motivation after today will be all they need to win.
March 21st, 2009 at 19:17
@Liam: At least I have something to say.
March 21st, 2009 at 19:19
@Nino: what’s the chance he has vision problem s again?
March 21st, 2009 at 19:20
@Grognard: I think you’re being well harsh on Patrice…yeah he might have sucked today but to call him a little French shit when he’s been the best and most consistent LB in the Prem for the last two years is just crass. He’s off-form and just going through a rough patch…it’s impossible for any player to sustain that sort of performance level for 2+ seasons…just ask Ronaldo!
March 21st, 2009 at 19:21
@john freakin’ o’shea: Seriously mate, sorry if this offends you but that’s just sour grapes. Don’t blame the ref, he was not to blame in the least. Had he not given out the punishment he did, he would have gotten far greater and much more deserved criticism for favoring the leaders. You need to put your bias and leanings in your pocket and look at things honestly and objectively. If you honestly feel the way you do, there is nothing i can say that will change your mind but I do ask you to watch the game again with an open mind and really watch how poorly Rooney and Ronaldo acted all game. The referee was dead on in his decision making. And it hurts me to say so.
March 21st, 2009 at 19:22
ya’ll know who we miss so much?!
Owen Hargreaves.
dang i miss the guy!
March 21st, 2009 at 19:25
@Vivek: Most lethal strike force in Europe? You have got to be kidding. 30 league goals between them last year is not exactly lethal mate. I could think of half a dozen airings that were better but I’m not going to waste my time. As if it would do any good. If they were so lethal I doubt Fergie would have pursued Berba as badly as he did.
March 21st, 2009 at 19:25
@Grognard: Yeah i know mate, I’m sour graping!
I let my emotions get the best of me! on another note, I’m really getting pissed with Ronaldo, acting like a fucking pussy. Come on Ron, get your head in the fucking game.
March 21st, 2009 at 19:25
@Vivek: I don’t agree. We won the CL and PL last year mainly because of Ronaldo’s SUPERHUMAN form. This year, he’s been poor…and we’re looking weaker as an attacking force obviously.
While Tevez was better last season, I still think you’re giving him too much credit for our success last season. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a good player, but this season he’s been almost completely useless bar a few performances.
March 21st, 2009 at 19:25
ehh im almost speachless
couldnt beleive the score untill i looked at the team we had out there today!
what the fuck is fergie playin at????
berba the only striker???
giggs and scholes both starting AGAIN
Park in ahead of nani again
what a load of utter fukin shite
if he think thats a good team hes off his fukin nut
why is he puttin roon on the bench? oh wait, and tevez!!
plsd can someone, A FERGIE LOYALIST PREFERABLY, what the fuck he is playin at??
please
so happy i missedf the game it untrue, 1st one iv missed in yrs, what a god send, i would have dun somethin to regret if id have to watch 90 mins of that pish
fuck me. cmon Villa tomo, thats all i can say
March 21st, 2009 at 19:27
@Dan: Forget Torres mate, it’s never going to happen.
March 21st, 2009 at 19:27
@john freakin’ o’shea: Spot on son! I miss him too and couldn’t agree any more enthusiatically!! I have had a nagging feeling all season that the loss of Hargo would come to bite us on our backside at some point this season…and it’s precisely at this point, the so-called ’squeeky bum time’ that we need a player like Hargo…it’s what he was bought for! And who can forget the corresponding fixture last season at Craven Cottage…when Mr. Calgary curled in his first Utd goal with that sumptuous free-kick!
March 21st, 2009 at 19:28
@Grognard:
I meant as a trio..tevez, Rooney and Ronaldo work as an attacking unit.
March 21st, 2009 at 19:28
@Grognard: Ronaldo hit 31 goals in the league and Tevez scored 14 (not sure about Rooney)…but 80 goals between them in all competitions is not something to be scoffed at!
March 21st, 2009 at 19:29
@Nino: He’s far from being a favorite of mine but I have always respected him. But I have not been able to ignore the obvious over the past few years. He still has his good games but his poor games far outnumber the good ones. Fergie has gone a bridge too far with some of the old goats on this team. He loves experience, well the kind of experience we needed today was the likes of a Roy Keane and a Ruud van Nistelrooy for obvious reasons.
March 21st, 2009 at 19:32
@Madschester United: I can’t believe we always put Scholes on the post for corners…with what he did today, I’ll be surprised to see him take the same position soon!
March 21st, 2009 at 19:33
This is absolute utter shit!!! Not only do we have to tolerate an embarrasing 4-1 loss at home to Liverpool, we also lose 2-0 to Fulham. Fulham! FULHAM! FUCKING FULHAM!!!!
Where the fuck am I, in hell?! It feels like Im watching Real Madrid in their downfall. Eleven showboaters who dont seem to care about eachother, or the result for that matter. Except for Rooney, it feels like Im watching a circus of people looking for getting their picture in the paper! 
Ronaldo shoots every time he gets a glimpse at goal, Scholes did a mistake even my 8 year old cousin wouldnt have made(and he plays fucking basketball!), Giggs keeps running into corners(his reputation as “a dog”, really had been proved correct lately), Fletcher shoots with the OUTSIDE of his boot from 20 yards, Rio is just inches away from doing keepy-uppies in defense, Park takes shots from 40 yards and even Evra just jogs back when he could stop the last goal easily. For a player being one of the fastest in the League, he really is slow! 
This is getting so frustrating and utterly humilliating that its getting hard finding out how this will be solved…
Play like a fucking team!!!!
For fucks sake, what I wouldnt give to be wearing a red United shirt on the Craven Cottage pitch today! We would have needed me, I swear. I would give Evra a good run for his money, and I would tell all those wankers to wake up and do what is right, not selfish. Unfortunately, at the moment that is only a dream. 
You guys have no idea what I would do to this team. Some fucking spirit, willpower and pace would be injected in this soul-less team. And to make matters worse, Fergie just sits there chewing his gum looking like a senile wanker who just cant wait to get home and look through his pictures of “the good old days”. You know what? Fuck the good old days, that was the, this is now! As far as I am concerned, we lost by two goals today. Chelski lost by one. So for me, that makes United placed below Chelski in todays “table”. When the fuck are these guys gonna realise that you take each game as it comes, nothing is won yet, and when you lose its a wake up call. Its not a fucking sign that “Oh well, everybody has bad days”! It means fucking “This should never happen again, we did a wrong ting and we need to make it fucking right!”
March 21st, 2009 at 19:33
@Nino: His performance has been very distressing since his return from suspension. Something is seriously wrong with him and I for one am sick and fucking tired of him making elementary mistakes like letting guys get behind him on free kicks or crosses. He’s ball watching and he’s also lost a step and is hesitant. You can be as loyal as you like but for me, he needs to be benched and if that doesn’t work, sold. I’m harsh? No mate, Fergie is NOT harsh enough.
March 21st, 2009 at 19:34
@Grognard: i dont want torres grognard, he is nothing to me, i want his type of striker at united.
I agree with grognard, the ref wasnt bias BUT, ronaldo was kicked out the game and ref didnt do a damn thing about it.
March 21st, 2009 at 19:35
@RedDevilEddy: “Play like a fucking team!!!! For fucks sake, what I wouldnt give to be wearing a red United shirt on the Craven Cottage pitch today! We would have needed me, I swear. I would give Evra a good run for his money, and I would tell all those wankers to wake up and do what is right, not selfish. Unfortunately, at the moment that is only a dream. You guys have no idea what I would do to this team. Some fucking spirit, willpower and pace would be injected in this soul-less team. And to make matters worse, Fergie just sits there chewing his gum looking like a senile wanker who just cant wait to get home and look through his pictures of “the good old days”. You know what? Fuck the good old days, that was the, this is now! As far as I am concerned, we lost by two goals today. Chelski lost by one. So for me, that makes United placed below Chelski in todays “table”. When the fuck are these guys gonna realise that you take each game as it comes, nothing is won yet, and when you lose its a wake up call. Its not a fucking sign that “Oh well, everybody has bad days”! It means fucking “This should never happen again, we did a wrong ting and we need to make it fucking right!”
-Exactly.
March 21st, 2009 at 19:37
@Grognard: It was a joke.
@Grognard: still, all Rooney did was throw the ball back. Did you not see the high foot in the lead up to the goal? Dowd has it in for United, plain and simple. There were a lot of calls that Ronaldo and Evra didn’t deserve to get, but there were a hell of a lot more that they didn’t get for no good reason. Rooney got sent off for a shirt pull and throwing the ball, he got the Scholes decision right, that’s about it imo.
@Grognard: We dominated the second half. Fulham’s only attack they scored
@donibrasco: It’s funny how Scholes has gone from being one of the best players on the pitch last time we played Fulham to not being worthy of a squad place. weird huh?
March 21st, 2009 at 19:38
@john freakin’ o’shea: I know mate, I feel your pain and frustration. And Ronaldo needs to be benched but Fergie is too much of a pussy to do it. He has allowed Ronaldo and Rooney to take over this team and both continue to get away with murder that even Cantona and Keane couldn’t get away with. When I think of the reasons why Stam, Keane, Beckham and van Nistelrroy were sold, I’d like to know why there seems to be double standards showing now in Fergie MO? Seems unfair to me because the antics that ROONALDO have been getting away with are far worse than what those other legends ever did. I mean what does Ronaldo have to do to get disciplined? He is immune to punishment from the manager. He gets none. He is the Teflon Ron and Wayne is the Teflon Roon. If I din’t know bette, I’d swear Fergie was sleeping with the pair.
March 21st, 2009 at 19:40
@Grognard: yep, i agree, ive always rated him the best Left back in the league, but not in the world, there are better options.
I have to say the same about ferdinand, he and fletcher seem to be one season wonders, if ferdinand wasnt english, his head would have been called for a long time ago. His ball watchin and lack of concentration can be compared to easter island head to be honest.
March 21st, 2009 at 19:40
@Vivek: I see what you are saying. Well if you add Ronaldo as trio then ok, but as a duo, no way.
March 21st, 2009 at 19:41
@Grognard: 30 league goals for a strike force is very good. In 7 out of 10 seasons (guess) only 1 or 2 will break 20
March 21st, 2009 at 19:43
@Dan: No matter how many right calls a ref makes, he is going to miss a few and Ronaldo didn’t get that call where he was hurt simply because of his dozen lying cheating antics before that. You reap what you sew.
March 21st, 2009 at 19:45
@Grognard: If what Rooney did today was worthy of a sending off then Keane would’ve been sold about a season into his tenure. He was the only player who looked like he cared. I’ve decided that he must’ve been sent off for the angry expression on his face
btw Ireland score 2 tries in a matter of minutes and the grand slam is coming
March 21st, 2009 at 19:45
@Liam: It may have been a joke and I know it was but I’m not in a laughing mood and I get far too much of that instead of a little appreciation for the ability to write more than a sentence and share my thoughts. Shoot me for being over sensitive.
March 21st, 2009 at 19:46
Grognard – Funny how you started dissing Berba from last week onwards…he was okay in your books until then right?
So what happened last week? He came on for 10 minutes and didn’t do much – that pissed you off?
I still think Berba’s okay for our team…he was our main attacking source when Rooney was out for a month or so…he can work with this team. I was disappointed in him today, cos I felt we needed more energy upfront, but to be fair, the ball was 70% of the time in our part of the pitch…and you would expect your striker to stay upfront.
Anywayz, what I don’t get is so many people suddenly making Berba the scapegoat, when he’s been the same way all season and isn’t playing worser for sure, it’s just that our defence is now in wrecks and we’re giving away penalties for fun.
March 21st, 2009 at 19:46
@Liam: No liam, 30 league goals between 2 strikers is OK, not good. We should have a striker that will get 30 by himself, and a second striker that will get 15-20 by himself(rooney)
Berbatov is a striker that will get 20 league goals by himself, and another 20 assists, thats what makes berba effected when played as a striker, and not a second striker.
March 21st, 2009 at 19:48
@Liam: “still, all Rooney did was throw the ball back.” Are you kidding mate? Man selective blindness is becoming an epidemic. He had more rage and velocity on that throw than Roger Clemens has in his best fastball or Peyton Manning has in drilling a ball to his receiver between two defender. That was anger and rage and he deserved to get the card.
March 21st, 2009 at 19:48
@Dan:
From the evidence so far, berba certainly cannot score 20 league goals. And he has been played a first striker in many games, even today
March 21st, 2009 at 19:49
@Liam: That’s not the point. The point is that is far from being lethal or the best in Europe.
March 21st, 2009 at 19:50
@Grognard: Bullshit! call it as you see it, not on what it may be! thats a pathetic excuse and you know it!
March 21st, 2009 at 19:52
@Liam: Keane was also our captain and could complain more to a ref. Keane also would have kicked and shouted at both Rooney and Ronaldo for their childishness. Keano was a leader and although he didn’t always practice what he preached, his leadership and command of the midfield as well as his team is greatly missed.
March 21st, 2009 at 19:52
@Grognard: mate, you did say on the other thread i think, that the game needs passion! like the old viera-keane days..
March 21st, 2009 at 19:52
@Vivek: Well all he has to do is score 7 out of a possible 16 games…
March 21st, 2009 at 19:53
@Grognard: I agree, but i still hate the stupid sod!
March 21st, 2009 at 19:54
@Dan:
That will not make 20 LEAGUE goals………he has only 8 league goals I believe so far
March 21st, 2009 at 19:55
Sorry, I just wonder. When did United change the “score more goals than the opponents” mentality with “Concede less than the opponents, and make it look good”?
Im not gonna fire a gun towards all players heads, because I think that is unfair. But I will critisise Berbatov, Evra and Ronaldo again. I would do Scholes and Giggs, but I feel that is more Fergies fault than theirs…
Although Berbatov might be a mistake made by Fergie himself, I just cant help but blame him for our season. Yeah, we lead the Prem. Yeah, we are in the Semis of the FA cup and quarter-final of the Champions League. Yeah, we have scored more than anybody else in the Prem. But still, he sucks!!! I had faith in him, and I thought he was what we needed for a long time. But now, my mind has changed. He is not the one he was for Spurs. Although lazy there, at least it sometimes looked like he could change a game, be the hero, inject some fear into defenders. Now, at United, I feel a Louis Saha with a broken leg and a hurt back would be more dangerous than the Bulgarian. He doesnt just seem careless, he seems afraid, frustrated and, well, “Whatever!” every times he plays. Thats not Fergie. I blame Fergie for buying him, and then for playing him each week. But he is not the reason for Berbas play, as he seems more careful and afraid than he did at Spurs. He is the exact opposite of Torres, and so far away from being Cantona that even a fish in the sea has a bigger chance of being mentioned in the same sentance as Cantona. I want him out of here, and the quicker the better. I promise you, I have never wished a player to leave from Old Trafford as much as I do now. I feel he is ruining the team spirit, the teams philosophy and the general play. Im getting so frustrated by seeing his name oon the team sheet these days, that Im nearly wishing him getting shot in the leg so he can never play again(I never wish anybody to die(well, except for Gerrard and Terry), but Im afraid its gone that for for me).
As for Ronaldo, you fucking cry baby. Now you are closer to doing an impression of John Terry in Moscow than one of Maradona, Pele or even the Cristiano Ronaldo of last season. I love him, I feel he can do what we need, and I know that if he is being played in his natural role, he is still the best player in the world and has the ability to hold an entire team on his shoulders. But right now, I just feel like choking him and giving him a real beating.
Patrice… If you read this, please, remember that I believe in you. I have based much of my play on your ability. Still, I feel that right now I could do a better job than you as a left back in Manchester United. You dont give any-fucking-thing, we concede goals because of you, the team is conceding most goals on your side of the pitch, and you are getting so owned by players like Lennon and Davies that even fat Rafa Benitez must feel he could run away from you on the pitch. Get a fucking grip!
March 21st, 2009 at 19:56
@Vivek: well fair play, but he will certainly get 20 assists.
March 21st, 2009 at 19:56
@antsBoy: Berba has been bothering me now for about a dozen games. It’s not all his fault as he gets very poor service but part of that is his lack of energy and trying harder to find space and make things happen. Frankly, he is lazy and his skill set is not suited to our team. If your remember from day one I was advocating Huntelaar as what we really need. I still feel that way and Berba’s decline is making that even more clear. I love the guy but his style is just to languid for this team. Fergie made a colossal mistake because the player doesn’t suit our style and does not blend well with certain stars like Tevez and especially Ronaldo. The only time he has played well has been because of the service of one Michael Carrick who tries to look for him. Without Carrick, he is invisible and useless.
March 21st, 2009 at 19:58
@Dan: It’s far from bullshit mate. It’s the truth and common sense. You are welcome to disagree but those out there who know the game, know I am right. It may seem unfair but feigning injury and diving and bitching is going to bring about an unfavorable reaction from any ref. They are human after all.
March 21st, 2009 at 19:58
@Grognard:
I have been voicing these exact thoughts…..
March 21st, 2009 at 19:59
@Grognard: But is that his fault? Do you think huntelaar would do any better in this situation? and proper striker in the world, good or bad, would still be in the same situation.
March 21st, 2009 at 19:59
@john freakin’ o’shea: Yes I did. Passion, not stupidity and not lack of desire and passion like we saw today.
March 21st, 2009 at 20:01
@Grognard: Its not a case of you being right or wrong, its the fact that you think its fine to not blow the whistle when a player that use to dive goes down.
March 21st, 2009 at 20:03
I for one still BELIEVE. This happened to us last year when Chelski caught us up, and it went to the wire. We won out, so until we are trailing I do BELIEVE. I thought we were shite personified in the 1st half, but we certainly didn’t do anything to be complained about in the 2nd half. We were unlucky with Schwatzer making a couple of magnificent saves. What I would like to know Jb, is how many home games we have, and how many away and against who? I still think we can DO IT. I will fight anybody who says we can’t LOL.
Anyway, here are my main grouses:-
1. WTF is Fergie doing messing about with the team.
2. When is Fergie going to realise that Legend Paul Scholes is DONE. Scholesy is finished, and that is a FACT.
3. Ronnie is becoming such a fucking embarrassment that it is laughable. I am ashamed honestly, and you all know I have loved Ronnie. Pantsail should have been off today though, because he did Ronaldo at least 9 times.
4. Where have Fergie’s BALLS gone. Why the fuck is he so afraid to leave Ronnie out, or SUB him when he is obviously playing shite in certain matches. Newsflash Fergie, we don’t give a fuck if Ronnie pouts and threatens to leave. He should NOT be given all this special and preferential treatment and play every fucking game.
5. Roon the Loon – OFF AGAIN. Fine him Fergie, and get some fucking discipline back in this team. These players are running rings round you. You gone SOFT BOSS.
6. If we don’t win the league, I don’t give a fuck who does, as long as it isn’t those FUCKERS from up the East Lans – the scouse scummers. They can laugh now, but I STILL BELIEVE we will do it.
March 21st, 2009 at 20:05
@RedDevilEddy: Spurs played a more undisciplined and offensive game than we do. He got chances because Spurs were always trying to attack. Their defense struggled greatly because of that mentality but they did score goals. Berba also got far superior service from the midfield of Spurs that doesn’t play so far back in the center and is not so selfish on the wings. We can blame Berba for a lot but the team has also got to take a lot of the blame for not altering their thinking and playing style to accommodate his presence and try to get him more involved in the attacking side of the field. His strength at Spurs was facing the opposing keeper. For us his back is always to the opposing keeper and he plays far to back for any striker. Another case of Fergie destroying a great player with shitty tactics.
March 21st, 2009 at 20:07
@Grognard:
The point is, why did Fergie ruin a perfectly good system to bring in Berba????
March 21st, 2009 at 20:08
@Dan: Not true. Poor service is one thing but Berbatov has not been aggressive enough. A great goal poacher often makes something out of nothing by just being a poacher and having the instinct to get in the box and be at the right place at the right time. Berba rarely does that. Law of averages come to play here. Huntelaar’s aerial superiority as well as his poaching ability would have created more openings. He is much more aggressive and goal hungry whether you like him or not.
March 21st, 2009 at 20:15
@Grognard: That might be true. But why the fuck are our team supposed to change its whole playing style and approach just for one man? And a man that doesnt even have the will to run after a ball, or shoot when he gets a sight a goal from 16 yards. Its an embrassament to watch Berbatov play for Manchester United! He is the exacpt opposite of what this team is all about. So it hurts to watch him play, it really hurts.
I want him our of here! In a jet, a car or in a box, I dont care. Just dont make him show up at Old Trafford in the red shirt again. 
March 21st, 2009 at 20:19
@Dan: No I don’t think it’s fine. I just said that refs are human and they don’t like to be constantly challenged or made a fool of. When that happens, human instinct and retribution comes about. The referee was wrong but after all that Ronaldo did, he just basically said to Ronaldo fuck you, I don’t give a damn because frankly, you deserve it.
March 21st, 2009 at 20:21
@RedDevilEddy: ferguson is playing him out of postion and thats not even the problem, t o many of our players have been shit this season, and as berbatov is the newest one, fans are finding it easy to blame him.
the only players that deserve to be in the starting 11 is rooney, giggs and vidic, thats it. Nevile and rafael have been good also.
March 21st, 2009 at 20:22
@Grognard: Ok fairplay i agree to that.
March 21st, 2009 at 20:23
@Craig Mc: I agree with everything you said Bro except for the comment about that we were unlucky. So we missed a few sure goals, Fulham had half a dozen great chances themselves and only scored two and they had well over ten shots on goal. They deserved this win 110%. No excuse making from anybody PLEASE. We were total shite and and they should all be ashamed and embarrassed for playing like that while wearing that kit.
March 21st, 2009 at 20:23
I still believe!
March 21st, 2009 at 20:25
@Vivek: Because he was fantasizing of a Cantona redux. He was being a bit daft. Today’s game requires skill with pace. Berbatov belongs in the Italian league where teams play slow with short passes and slow buildup.
March 21st, 2009 at 20:26
@RedDevilEddy: I agree. Why should they change their style for a square peg who isn’t working hard enough to fit into a round hole. Both are to blame and it’s just not a good fit.
March 21st, 2009 at 20:28
Grog, our shots were ON TARGET and well saved by their GK. Their shots in the 2nd half weren’t. But lets face it they were due a win against us, just wish the fucker who scored the pen wasn’t a scouser. I still BELIEVE THOUGH – so ye all fucking sue me ok? We are either on board til the end or not. Man Utd sing Man Utd never die, so show it until the fucking end. Also hope that Fergie stops pissing about with MAKESHIFT TEAMS, and plays our best 11 for the remaining games of the season. Pick a team and stick with it FFS. Fergie is losing us this with his determination to be fair to all his beloved lads. What about being fair to the supporters Fergie you meddling fuck?.
March 21st, 2009 at 20:28
The main problem is a complete breakdown of discipline and a total lack of leadership at the club. Hell I feel like giving Keane a call, saying all is forgiven, and drafting him in as assistant manager.
People sometimes compare us with the class of 1999. There is no comparison. That team had a hundred times more mental fortitude than the team today. That team was full of winners. This team is a collection of spoilt prima donnas just playing for themselves and fair weather players who bail when the going gets tough.
I can quite easily see this team going into a slump that costs us all the remaining trophies. The reason is that we are a confidence team.
The 1999 team even with a man down and a goal down would have pulled up its socks and won the game.
People criticize Tevez. But he is exactly the sort of player we need on the pitch. He needs games to get his form back. But once he has his form back he will fight for every ball and do everything in his powers to win us the game.
If Real Madrid come up with a £60 million bid for Ronaldo I saw we take it. This season he has been half the player he was last season. He has only really shown up in the European games. In the bog standard Premier League games he’s lost his stomach and rather than wanting to win the game starts whining because lesser players have the gall to make a challenge on him.
What we need to do is drop the non performers and give youth a chance. Drop Ronaldo, Berbatov, Carrick, Evra, and Giggs for a few games. Promote Nani, Tevez, Anderson, Fabio and Gibson.
Lets play the teams we play in the FA Cup and the League cup. Not forever but for a few games and see if they can do better than the crap our 1st XI has been serving up for the last couple of weeks.
The international break comes at a wonderful time. We have two weeks till our next game. Fergie needs to give them a hairdryer so they have something to think about while they travel to their respective countries.
But he won’t. And that is the real problem. Fergie is in his golden years and is assembling teams full of flair but completely lacking in heart, desire, drive, balls, mental strength or anything else.
We do not need pace up front. We need a powerful physical presence. What I would give for Mark Hughes circa 95!!!!!!!
We do not need an attacking midfielder. We need someone who can stamp their authority over the midfielder. An enforcer who can win the ball and start attacks. For now I think we should buy Senna! We’d get a few years out of him and by then hopefully we’lll either have Hargreaves fully recuperated or someone like Gibson will develop into the next Keane.
To be honest I don’t give a damn about the league. Im more interested in correcting these fundamental problems in our club so we don’t become a sclerotic team like Real Madrid that calls itself the best team in the world based on a few seasons when they won a few trophies.
Because I can see that happening to us.
I don’t want to believe we peaked last season and this season is the start of our decline.
Im getting a sense of deja vu. It reminds me of the year we splashed out on Veron and we had those wilderness years.
We need to shake things up.
March 21st, 2009 at 20:30
@Craig Mc: I too still believe!!! BELIEVE!
March 21st, 2009 at 20:48
@Dan: He has been played as the main striker and as the second striker (although he’s played the same style in both positions) this season. Where is his position?
March 21st, 2009 at 20:49
@Grognard: excellent post grognard, but i must say, i know EXACTLY the problem with united, the cancer that is killing the team and is spreading like wildfire.
The unfortunate thing about this cancer is, it has multiple forms and i shall begin with the first one, Heart Cancer.
Our heart cancer is Dimitar Berbatov, a player with so much skill and talent but absolutely no pulse nor heart, he has made us change the way we play, the speed of our attack which is the heart and soul of this team.
I know a lot of people are going to jump on me saying berbatov is a good player, scores vital goals BLAH BLAH BLAH, but what does he do that neither rooney or could do, tevez scores vital goals doesnt he, and he certainly does more than the count can, call me fickle because i did sing berbatovs praises, but im going back to my original stance in saying the bulgarian is no good for this team and we should not have bought him in the first place.
Secondly our next cancer is lung cancer, this is sort of a juxtaposition but please bear with me. We have become big fans of work horses with big lungs who just RUN RUN RUN and run some more, I am talking about Darren Fletcher and Park Ji Sung, both these players are one dimensional and do nothing but annoy opposition players, but when it comes to doing more than just their comfort zone, they fail miserably, they will never change a game for you they nor will they make a big impact. Fair enough darren fletcher had a decent run of form the first few weeks of the season, but since then what has he done NOTHING. Park for the life of me is consistently being picked on what grounds, he is stunting the growth of lil man Nani whom can change a game at will with a simple cross or shot, I feel so sorry for the lad i honestly do, he has so much talent and is lacking on the mental side, a side that comes with experience and age, but is continuously dropped to bench because of some guy who is there to sell shirts in Asia, i really don’t understand it
The 3rd cancer is Brain cancer, this is to do with the development of players, And i am talking about a 4 or 5 players namely, but there is one that sticks out head and shoulders about the rest, that is A certain Anderson Luis De abreu Oliviera. He was the midfield scapegoat for the liverpool game, but if you watch the game again, the first 25m during the second half, he was great, he gave the team gumption and was consistently trying to feed the forwards passes, but to no avail, i’d rather have a player who tries to feed strikers through balls rather than play safe square passes, and I am looking at you Paul Van De Scholes. Anderson will never become the world class if he never gets a run of games. The same way Cesc Fabregas, Daniel De Rossi, Xavi Iniesta Messi all became great players because of the constant exposure to the first team, Anderson needs this exposure to become as good as these players, he will never be as long as the midfield is chopped and changed.
The final cancer i believe is testicular cancer which i believe you have explained many time yourself grognard, so i wont delve into this one
Now i may get a lot of stick for this post, but i honestly believe we need some fresh injection into this team, let giggs Scholes and Neville retire, bring in a new LW if nani is not going to play consistently. This team has surprised me so much by playing so well for as long as it did. but one player has carried this team on his back and that is none other than nemenja Vidic, the reason we did so well was because of him, and our goal scoring was so pathetic the only way we could win was 1-0, which we did because of him, we need to go back to relying on our forwards to win games, no one man which is either Vidic and our lil crybaby ronaldo whom i won’t rant on because i feel it is worthless to do so.
Lastly Evra is out of form, either he is still not fully fit because he was rushed back from injury, but for heavens sake let him rest and give Fabio a chance, i mean he is better than his brother and we have seen how well Rafael has done when given the opportunity.
United is not out for the count, but there is a lot wrong with the team and Jose mourinho has showed every team what it is, and that is, United can not cope with pressure AT ALL. We struggle when we are on the back foot and especially if Vidic is not playing or having an off day hopefully we can win 5 trophies but it seems to be a BIG ask.
Thank god it is the international break so the canarinha can restore some happiness
March 21st, 2009 at 20:49
Colver Bro, WTF you talking about mate? We won the PL title when the going got tough at the end of last season. All I gotta say is PLAY the same FECKIN team that had the mental fortitude and the fight to win it for us last year. If we have strength in depth, I am a fucking dutchman. Apologies to any of the dutch folk on here, not meaning to offend. We have missed Wes Brown, and Hargo – no doubt about it, and yes you fuckers, we have missed Nani – miles better than Giggsy at corners. I still believe, but not unless Fergie plays a settled team, so every fucker knows what they are doing. Trouble is, Fergie has become very INDECISIVE. Sorry, but that’s what I believe.
March 21st, 2009 at 20:53
Believe
March 21st, 2009 at 21:13
300
March 21st, 2009 at 21:16
@colver: Knee-jerk rxn. I echo Craigys sentiments…namely…WTF R U ON ABOUT MATE???
March 21st, 2009 at 21:20
I missed the game but still feel sick. I also never want to be on the end of the ‘WAG’, TERRIFYING!
March 21st, 2009 at 21:20
To all the fickle glory fans…let’s fucking sack Fergie tonight whilst we are at it eh??
What kind of true fans are you if you can’t take a couple of losses on the spin without reacting like the world will blow up tonight?? We always have a shock result a season – last year it was Bolton away, the year before Portsmouth 2-1 at Fratton Park with Rio’s own goal etc etc.
March 21st, 2009 at 21:23
@colver: Senna? Granted..a very very good player..but a Spanish midfield enforcer the wrong side of 30 is not the answer.
March 21st, 2009 at 21:25
@Craig Mc: Good shit Bro…thats the spirit!!
March 21st, 2009 at 21:31
@Craig Mc: I don’t think any of us are quite ready to abandon shop but we should start questioning our captain and turning the other cheek for a lot of childish offenses. The hammer needs to fall on some players on this team and clear message sent.
March 21st, 2009 at 21:32
@Craig Mc: I’d rather be boiled alive in hot oil than see those Scouse cunts win it, and I don’t think they will either…BUT…and this is a big BUT…if they did win it I don’t think I would begrudge them it as we will only have ourselves to blame for handing it to them on a plate. Also (BEING REALISTIC HERE!) any team that loses only two games and doubles United, Chelsea and Real Madrid in the same season deserves whatever comes their way..even if it means trophies such as the Premier League (said through gritted teeth)
March 21st, 2009 at 21:34
@colver: And why did Kenao end up getting sold? Becuase he stood up pointed at a few players and told them they were playing like wankers with no heart or passion. Something the manager of this side should be doing but hasn’t been doing for quite a while now. Keane is the type of assistant we need. Someone who will ruffle some feathers but who will also get in the managers face once in a while if he feels something is wrong. I know many will disagree with that but at this time in Fergie’s career and his advancing age, he needs somebody around who has the temper and that ability to dish out punishment if he hasn’t got the stomach for it anymore.
March 21st, 2009 at 21:35
@Nino: I can take the results, but the lack of fight shown by the team is inexcusable. It’s like the players don’t even care.
March 21st, 2009 at 21:39
@Grognard: Completely agree with your sentiments..but Keano won’t come to us and you know that.
March 21st, 2009 at 21:39
@Grognard: I wish Fergie would hire you as assistant coach… You would tell how football is meant to be played, and I guess after a year with you, Ronaldo would look like the fucking Hulk!
And I just know you wouldve kept Hargo fit! Why dont you apply? 
You are exactly what we need, and with you around I would have a bigger chance of joining United. 
March 21st, 2009 at 21:41
@Nino: oh and by the way criticising the team doesn’t make you a glory fan. At the last game I’m sure you attended (?)I’m sure there were a load of people criticising the players. Are they glory fans? Although I will agree that some comments have been OTT.
March 21st, 2009 at 21:41
@Mr.Muhozi: Great post mate. Loved the cancer analogies. You forgot one. Prostate cancer. A clear sign that the club has been sitting on it’s ass and has lacked the fiber needed to handle adversity like falling behind or finding ways to win when they are just awful. Prostate cancer can also get inflamed when the manager doesn’t give them a right proper kick in the backside when they need it. Because frankly, they are full of themselves and they need a real dose of reality or at least bench warming enema.
March 21st, 2009 at 21:46
@Nino: Will you get off everybody’s back mate. This is a rant site and we are all pissed off with what we see as a passionless and heartless display by the team we love. If you don’t feel and you feel so damned good about things great, just respect other’s feelings without resorting to calling us fickle because we do not conform and kiss the ass of United even when their ass smells like shit. You like what you saw? Fine, then kindly let us voice our displeasure if we don’t agree. Blind loyalty is not something I prescribe to, sorry.
March 21st, 2009 at 21:46
@Nino: You really need to cut out the amount of sugar in your diet.
March 21st, 2009 at 21:47
@Liam: Well OK maybe my attack was a bit misguided. I completely concur with my fellow supporters about the attitudes and form of our players …but what I wanted to target was the fans who for example want Berba out and sell half the team and rebuild on the basis of a couple of losses. These fans are the glory fans..too spoilt by success..and I hope you understand where I am coming from when I attack THESE fans.
March 21st, 2009 at 21:47
@Nino: I’d begrudge the fucking Scouser’s a glass of water. I’ll be damned if I don’t begrudge them the title.
March 21st, 2009 at 21:50
@Grognard: Grognard…i am entitled to rant and air my views as well, and believe me, I am as pissed off with our last two displays as you and the others here…and I am not going to pretend everything is rosy because its not…BUT what pisses me off even more is the knee jerk overreactions I am reading such as “getting that fucking Bulgarian out of OT” and rebuilding our team from scratch and stuff. Now would YOU like to explain WTF that is all about then????
March 21st, 2009 at 21:51
@Nino: Yes I know that and that’s what the problem is. Fergie has yet to put his finger on the problem and one day he will realize that the team has gotten soft because we don’t have hard leadership and hard leadership at the very top too. I love and respect Fergie to death but I have complained even when things were good that he was letting the hens run the hen house and letting discipline lapse. And he only has yes men who do nothing and let things go unanswered. A Roy Kenae would get into some players faces and damned well demand they cowboy up and act like men instead of the spoilt little girls they are. Are you reading this Ronny and Roon?
March 21st, 2009 at 21:54
Craig/Nino I dunno man. Yes we are basically the same team as last season on paper. But I think there has been a change in attitude amongst certain players. Maybe it is a loss of desire, maybe a loss of fight. But in general the team doesn’t seem as unified as last season.
I also think there is an element of arrogance. I remember the Inter game at home when we were showboating and playing fancy flicks.
Then at Liverpool we just rolled over.
How many times this season have we played blinding football for 30 minutes, scored a goal then let the opposition back into the game? Many times and this is a symptom of what Im getting at.
How many players got sent off last season, compared to this season?
Do you see what Im getting at here guys?
There is something a little bit rotton going on and Fergie is too soft and won’t give them a shaking up.
Incidentally the year that Keane blasted the entire team we went on to win the league that year with Giggs and O’Shea in midfield!
Im all in favour of bringing Keane back. At least he speaks his mind unlike Yes-Men like Phelan.
Keane was a perfectionist and yeah that gets you into troubles. But it seems this season many players are resting on their laurels and revelling in the hype about us being the best team in the world. We are doing the minimum possible to win games. We are good enough to win games 3-0 but we settle with a crappy 1-0 win against bottom feeder teams.
March 21st, 2009 at 21:56
Alright, so have had some time to reflect.
Firstly, I apologise to Grognard and others, after watching Rooney’s red again, I think it is fully deserved. When I saw it on my crappy video feed, I thought he was just in a ridiculous hurry and so hurled it as hard as he could to get back on with the match. It’s dissent, and he deserved it. I still make the case that had that been other refs, they would have just had word, and that Phil Dowd makes more high profile mistakes than any other prem ref, but Rooney needs to learn.
Secondly, I think Fergie just got his team selection very wrong today. Fulham (I think) have either the first or second best home record in the league. From Fergie’s squad you can see he took them lightly, and he shouldn’t have.
Scholes knows what he did, you could see it in his face when he came out in the second half. I actually fear he’s going to retire. As I’ve said several times before, I don’t want that, I want him as an impact sub, the AMF that doesn’t need the legs to defend, just to unlock.
Fletcher lacks ability, but he was not the reason we lost.
Berbatov has ability, and deserves a second season before we judge him, especially as he didn’t get a preseason.
Tevez is not the answer to our problems. I’m sorry, but he’s not.
Ronaldo needs to be benched pronto. And it needs to big, and public, and maybe he even needs to be subbed off the next time he throws his toys out. If he had Park’s mental strength and his own ability, he’d be the best player in the world. And make no sense, he is no longer the bset player in the world.
Finally, we’re at least 1 point clear (w game in hand) at the top of the prem, at the start of april. We won the carling and the super cup, are in the semi’s of the FA Cup against Everton, have the easiest possible run in the CL (which we still need to turn up for though!) and are technically able to win more trophies than any team of the modern era. This time 4 years ago i was watching a midfield of Giggs and O’Shea hoof balls at a half fit Van nistelrooy, with width provided by some sh*tty portugese show boater and quinton fortune. We’re really not that bad
March 21st, 2009 at 21:57
@Grognard: I have just come back from the pub after drowning my sorrows plenty and being ribbed by a couple of mates who support FULHAM of all teams…so yeah, its not SUGAR but ALCOHOL in my bloodstream thats causing me to build up such a head of steam
March 21st, 2009 at 21:57
@Grognard:
i knew i forgot one, thanks for that.
Thankfully these cancers have cures which should not take longer than 5-6 weeks to cure, maybe an entire off season, but they are CUREABLE
On to other things, spring training has been refreshing, it sucks A-rod is injured for a month, but its a blessing in disguise since it allows the whole steriod circus to go away, and give a-rod time to focus.
I can not wait for the season, these past 3 months have sucked, because if united have sucked, there is not other alternative sport for to pick up the pieces. Please do not get me started on the appaling knicks.
bring on April, sport these next 3 months will be amazing for me and sports the start of baseball season, the climax of the F.A cup, Premier league and champions league, then the confederations cup which I expect the canarinha to retain, the the start of the football season followed by the return of Tom FUCKING Brady A.K.A god
March 21st, 2009 at 21:58
@RedDevilEddy: I’ve had the position many times in my dreams. And I’ve realized from experience that none of my dreams come true. Lets put it this way, If I was running the show in some fantasy world, today’s performance would have resulted in gathering the team after the game and have them run laps around Craven Cottage until they dropped. And then tomorrow the ax would fall on some players who least expect it. You will only get their respect if you earn it and fear is a great motivator. If they have nothing to fear, what is their motivation? Clearly winning isn’t a strong enough incentive for them. I believe in rewarding and praising players when they deserve it but I also believe in letting them have it when they don’t. We are talking about professionals here. Like most of us, they get paid to do a job. If we do a poor job, we simply get the sack. They on the other hand still get paid. They need to know that their jobs and their positions are not completely secure. Even a player like Ronaldo needs to know that his millions does not give him the right to ignore the rules and expectation of the club, the league and of the paying supporters. I demand professional accountability and believe these players need to man up and stop being treated like pampered prim donnas. God damn it, I demand discipline and accountability
March 21st, 2009 at 22:03
@Nino: Mate, right or wrong the paying customer is always right. We all have a right to vent any way we feel. The played like shit and so they deserve our wrath. It’s two terrible games in a row, three if you consider the lucky Inter win. We all have a right to be mad as Hell, frustrated and very concerned. And when I hear optimism I say fine, whatever, but why is it’s always the optimists that put down the negative, not the other way around. To me it’s a little passive aggressive. We all should be totally pissed and to not be pissed makes me wonder about those people.
March 21st, 2009 at 22:04
@colver: I disagree with some points mate. The last thing you can accuse a SAF-managed Man Utd team, with players like G.Neville, Giggs and Scholes, is of a lack of hunger. If that was the case…half the team would have been out of the exit door by now. Just ask Ince, Kanchelskis, Van Nistelrooy et al! As for arrogance and complacency, possibly…but we showboated last season against Arsenal in the FA Cup and a few other games too (Aston Villa at home I think?).
Agreed with the points about our ill-discipline (which is most unlike Man Utd) and Keano though, although we finished 2nd in 2005-06 instead of winning the title!
March 21st, 2009 at 22:07
@Mr.Muhozi: Yay, the retire Giggs, Scholes and Neville brigade is back again.
@Craig Mc: Bench Ronaldo and replace him with who?? Who else in the team do you think is capable to replace Ronaldo without the team suffering a bit? Whether we like it or not, as rubbish as Ronaldo has been this season, he still adds a bit of creativity that none of our wingers can muster.
March 21st, 2009 at 22:07
@Nino: Nino Bro, they wouldn’t have doubled United though, if we hadn’t have given them help with 3 of their goals at OT. I agree with you about the FAIR weather supporters Bro. It is ok having a rant, but when shove comes to push, we fight with those in a United shirt until the END.
March 21st, 2009 at 22:09
@Beachryan: Tell me mate, is a second season going to make Berbatov faster, less lazy and lethargic and more aggressive? He is what he is and he is the wrong fit for this club. A truly great and gifted player but suited to an Italian team, not ours or our league. He did well at Spurs because they played reckless attacking football with no discipline or defensive responsibility. On a team that takes it’s defensive duties seriously and that doesn’t throw everything into the attack, he is limited because he lacks the pace and the hunger to make things happen on his own. For the umpteenth time I will use this analogy. A square peg trying to fit in around hole. It’s just not going to happen with the players and style of play we have right now. To make him fit in would require massive changes in tactics, philosophy and personnel. We need a striker who is more suited for our style. Fergie is bent on Benzema but the perfect fit for us is none other than Sergio Aguero.
March 21st, 2009 at 22:11
@Nino: That’s fair mate and I can’t blame you either. Especially if you were getting it from Fulham fans. The humiliation must have been unbearable. I sympathize.
March 21st, 2009 at 22:11
@Grognard: But whats the point of your wrath if it doesn’t get to the players? Your wrath only makes sense if the players read it and want to d better.
And to the Huntelaar suggestion, yes please!
March 21st, 2009 at 22:12
@Mr.Muhozi: The head doctor in charge needs to want to go ahead with the chemotherapy that will cure these cancer’s. So far Dr. Fergie has been reluctant to use chemo or radiation and he has prescribed kindness and vitamins instead.
March 21st, 2009 at 22:14
@Nino: I made that comment and I stand by it. As Mr. Muhozi so aptly said he is a cancer to our team and I predicted this since before he joined and made many an enemy because I’ve never wanted him at OT and this really should be one of the biggest ‘I told you so’s of all time but tbh I just want him out. worse signing than Veron IMO
March 21st, 2009 at 22:14
@Grognard: For me, Aguero is a Tevez Mk. II, except far more talented and deadlier (and younger!). We need a striker in the Torres mould, like Benzema or Villa or even goddamnit… Huntelaar! A proper pacy forward with physical presence.
March 21st, 2009 at 22:17
@Mr.Muhozi: I’m looking forward to the baseball season. Just finished drafting my fantasy baseball team and i am raring to go. The Yankees look good if they can avoid more injuries. A-Rod would have been a devestating loss but Texeira will help carry the weight. I am worried about the way Chamberlain has looked in Spring Training.
As for football, I cannot wait to see my boy Brady back in charge in New England and I hope the rumors of Julius Peppers heading for the Patriots also comes true. I’m also glad my second favorite team got rid of Terrell Owens. Now if you want a perfect example of a cancer that was destroying a great team, Owens was it. Ronny should realize that he is not bigger or more important than the team. Rooney’s problem is different. He cares too much and his mind goes numb out of frustration.
March 21st, 2009 at 22:18
@Rd: Sack Fergie, sell Giggs, kill Scholes, murder Neville and hang Phelan covers a lot of the bases
March 21st, 2009 at 22:19
@Nino: And the key is more talent and far superior finishing ability. I give up trying to sell people on Huntelaar. He’s gone now and we won’t ever get him from Madrid unless we offer up Ronaldo. And right now, I’m awfully tempted.
March 21st, 2009 at 22:20
@Rd: back, it never left mate. A run of games with decent form will never mask the bigger truth, nor will the theory of causation/history be a factor in my judgement making, i love giggs scholes and neville, but in all seriousness this should be their last season and its time to blood the next generation, otherwise we face an AC Milan situation of too many old has-been retarding the development of our players, which i believe is starting to happen as we speak
March 21st, 2009 at 22:22
@Rd: It’s sharing your thoughts and feeling with like minded individuals. In my case, Manchester United fans. We all care about the same team and so our concerns for that team should interest each other. It’s like that old story of people refusing to vote because one vote won’t make a difference. True, but if everybody thought that way……
Sharing ones passion in all it’s positive and negative forms with similar minded individuals is funa and stimulating. Who cares if United doesn’t read it?
March 21st, 2009 at 22:23
@Liam: Now you’re talking mate. That’s what I want to hear.
March 21st, 2009 at 22:25
@Grognard: what fantasy draft do you use mate
Chamberlain iv i remember correctly is a slow starter, but give him time, he will find his rhythm, we have AJ and CC aswell and i can not wait for CC to open the season, this guys fastball gives me goosebumps.
T.O is a cancer the size of russia, horrible person, amazing player, ALWAYS ME ME ME ME, and ME. Ronaldo is no where near his ego size, but he may actually reach that level, i wish Ronaldo could find God and become level headed, a better head of his shoulders, he would be the greatest player ever, after garrincha and pele off course
March 21st, 2009 at 22:29
@Mr.Muhozi: That’s a great point mate. Ancelotti has received a lot of criticism this year for his old boys network and how that mentality has seriously hurt the youth development at Milan. Frankly, he has no use for players under 30 except for Pato. It’s because the pressure to win NOW is too great and some managers fall prey to it. Thereis no patience in the game and the realization that all club’s futures depend on their proper and fair development of their youth. Too many United players have had their personal player growth stunted because of veterans standing int he way. All I need to say is Nani and Anderson but I will also add Welbeck in that group. Welbeck has been impressive but has not had the audition time he needs because of Tevez.
After a while player will regress if they do not get their chance. Lack of confidence, impatience and bitterness get the best of them and they slide downwards. I especially see this in baseball. A great pitching prospect is ready to pitch but is held back from the big club because the manager feels pressure to win and prefers veteran pitchers, even if some of them are crap. It’s actually very unfair and very old school.
March 21st, 2009 at 22:33
@Mr.Muhozi: I play in a league set up by SCORESHEET BASEBALL. Mine is out of Toronto but there is a US branch too. You build a team like real baseball and that play games against opponents in your league based on the real stats from that week. It’s very realistic and beats the simplicity and stupidity of Rotisserie ball. Their website is
http://www.scoresheet.com/
I’ve been playing Scoresheet for 20 years now and still love it. Used to get the results via snail mail, but now with the Internet, everything is so much faster.
March 21st, 2009 at 22:35
@Mr.Muhozi: Actually I think Ronaldo has even a greater ego than TO. He’s just not such a prick like TO. At least not to his own fans.
March 21st, 2009 at 22:36
It’s a rare day when I criticize SAF but today he’s gonna get both barrels at close range!!
He knows he has a stagnant and struggling attack, so what does he do, start that stalwart of heart, passion and desire, Mr. Dimitar Berbatov!
If he didn’t know then, that this man can’t carry the offence, then he sure knows it now. The difference between the first and second halves illustrates perfectly, the difference an agitator (Rooney) over a set-up guy can make!
At the 30min point in the game he could surely see that his lineup was not doing the job, and especially being a man down. Why didn’t he make some changes then to stop the bleeding? What more evidence did he need to see that he had made a judgment error with his team selection? I can only assume a substitution that early would have exposed his error!!
When we finally got something going in the 2nd half he decided to change the entire attacking dynamic by bringing on Tevez. From that point on we fizzled out, the chance didn’t come, and Fulham got the inevitable 2nd goal as we pressed and pressed.
The team looked like shit again, but with some more thoughtful tweaking we may have salvaged something out of this, maybe a point or maybe some dignity. Instead of being shit we could have been manure! Manure is better than shit,… manure makes things grow, shit makes things stink!!
March 21st, 2009 at 22:37
@Mr.Muhozi: Hmmm…well yeah thats a good point about a possible AC Milan-type situation arising…but if you look at the flipside…eviscerating the team of all or most of the veterans will leave us in an “Arsenal-type” situation! i.e. constantly in “transition” as I keep on hearing from my Gooner mates! I believe we have it nailed on with the perfect mix of old and young players and players at their peak and nothing should be changed in my opinion.
March 21st, 2009 at 22:41
@Mr.Muhozi: If that happens, well, I cant find something completely ludicuros to compare it with.
March 21st, 2009 at 22:45
@colver: Honestly Colver Bro, I don’t think that is the case mate. I just think Fergie has to sort MF out. That is where we need a Keene type enforcer and SHOUTER at team mates. Our MF is lightweight, and the MF is the ENGINE ROOM. This is where the power should be. I do not think our MF’s are good enough. They are either TOO old, or still too young and inexperienced. We need to strong MF’s and one out and out prolific striker, and that will do it Colver. In any case mate, tho I understand where you are coming from, I still think we shoul BELIEVE until it becomes mathematically impossible. Chelsea lost today too, and are the scousers going to be able to play all their games without losing points – I hope and believe not.
March 21st, 2009 at 22:54
@Craig Mc: Yup yup…KEEP THE FAITH LADS! HEADS UP!!
Dunno about the MF though mate…I mean the Keano-type enforcer you suggest is currently lying in a treatment room somewhere in America with two dodgy knees. Michael Essien is the other name that springs to mind (WHAT A SIGNING HE WOULD BE!!). Disagree about the midfield being lightweight though…there’s no way we would have won two PL’s and a CL if that was the case, but an extra CMF would not hurt of course!
We definitely need someone in midfield who can shout at the players, and preferably British too…and the only player I can think of is Gerrard lol
March 21st, 2009 at 22:55
@Rd: How the fuck do you know professor? We haven’t pulled out Ronaldo, and tried other options. If you think Ronnie has done the business this season ( and though I have fought for Ronnie more than anyone – apart from Lil man Nani) well you go right on mate. Ronnie is so much dumped on his arse now, and rolling in the agonies, he should be in fuckin swan lake, and should be made to play in a tutu. He has fuckin embarassed me this season mate, so no I wont apologise.
March 21st, 2009 at 22:58
@Nino: Errrr Nino mate, Fergie said on MUTV yesterday that Hargo is back, and his operations on both knees were total success. He is back in training. Whether he will play again this season, mmmmmmmmmm I very much have doubt.
March 21st, 2009 at 22:59
How long are Scholes and Rooney suspended for?
March 21st, 2009 at 23:02
@Craig Mc: “and should be made to play in a tutu”.
That, I would love to see!!
March 21st, 2009 at 23:04
Fergie you meddling fuck?.
….love it Craig, love it
im really worried bout the old chap……
been think recently how his behaviour with team selections, substitues a are awful similar to his old pal Walter Smith up @ Glasgow Rangers…
obv its not quite as extreme but thas just due to the gulf in quality of player @ disposal.
Cmon, pleasse tell me he is insisting on playing Ronaldo as some sort of cenral striker over the last yr when we already have a glut of world class stikers in the squad?? whats the need? is the boy pushing for more glory? (wouldnt ssurprise me but….) who knows!?
definitely no good for the team though, just another example of fergie fuckin things up for us….to a certain extent neways! …dnt get me wrong, im not all doom n gloom, we still shud win the league n the rest hopefully but i just feel fergie is makin it more difficult for us @ the mo!!!
i love the old guy, beleive me i do, but im convinced that with the players we have these days ,a differnt coach could put out a better 11 more consistntly aswell as make more affective subs.
Fergie is gettin soft, we need to face it, been happenin for a yr or 2 now. He obv looks @ things through tinted glasses, he has his favourites n i just dnt think thats good for the team @ all
March 21st, 2009 at 23:04
@Rd: How many times does one have to repeat, that one of the 1st team Man Utd players have said that the players BROWSE Man Utd official, Rep of Mankunia and Red rants. Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
March 21st, 2009 at 23:04
@Craig Mc: Oh really? I seriously didn’t know that Hargo was back in training! My understanding was that he was still recuperating from the operations and wouldn’t be back ’til next season at the earliest. I cancelled my subscription to MUTV at the beginning of this season so don’t watch it anymore…so forgive my ignorance on this topic mate!
March 21st, 2009 at 23:08
@realred: Real Red – Bro I have always believed that Fergie has his favourites. It is very disconcerting though with Ronnie, because it looks like a case of the tail wagging the dog, rather than the dog wagging the tail. I have never seen this in Fergie with anyone else before. It makes me wonder WTF Fergie promised to Ronnie to get him not to move to Madrid.
March 21st, 2009 at 23:08
@Nino: yes this season the blend is perfect, but this is hindsight, and united is not a one season team, we need to think of next season, will the old guard still have the legs for the games? Will the youth be prepared to step up, or will we do a chelsea throw our lack of money at it.
Unfortunately we can not throw money at players because either 1 of 3 things happen, the first is the players take times to gel into the squad which can be problematic, the second is the player fits in perfectly like a glove and there is no transition period, but how often does this happen in the real world, and lastly is we have a player of immense talent that does not suit our style of football nor does he have the ability to play premier league football.
I’m not thinking of this season alone i am thinking of future season of when the youth become prime players and prime players become the old guard. The problem i hope we do not face is having youth players unable to succeed the prime players then we must throw money at it and face the lottery of the 3 possibilities.
March 21st, 2009 at 23:09
@Nino: Seriously Nino, that is what Fergie said on MUTV press conference. The Hargo is back and operations successful
.
March 21st, 2009 at 23:10
@edwin: well if you ever do, just tell me mate
March 21st, 2009 at 23:12
@Redrich: Well yeah Redrich, there are a good few fans who would pay good money to see Ronnie and the other PL divers play in tutu’s
.
March 21st, 2009 at 23:12
@Mr.Muhozi: OK I see your point mate.
March 21st, 2009 at 23:13
@Grognard: thanks a lot i will be picking my team now
i hope the AC milan does not happen to us, nor an Arsenal, im just worried about the next few seasons which i explain in my previous post to nino
March 21st, 2009 at 23:16
@Nino: thats it, no arguement, your breaking my heart mate
, just kidding thanks for understanding, most people have trouble seeing all sides of the arguement and i understand and fully respect your side
great to hear hargo is back in training, we need him more than anything else
March 21st, 2009 at 23:16
Anyway, when all is said and done, I don’t give a fuck. I STILL BELIEVE. I WILL STILL BELIEVE, until it is mathematically still impossible for us to retain OUR CROWN. Also if those fuckers beside the stinking river mersey win the title instead of us, I will commit fucking Hari Kari – end of. Til then though – CRAIG MC BELIEVES!
March 21st, 2009 at 23:50
@Craig Mc: They can’t be because I either would have been offered a job or my life would have been threatened.
March 21st, 2009 at 23:51
I am in half a state to FUCK those who think that Neville should retire! Goddamn! Has the world gone mad? Sack Neville?
You all talk we need a Roy Keane, We need Leadership!
Well RED NEV is the TRUE captain! Not that fucking Giggsy! Neville would have the balls to cut this team to shreds!
MARK MY WORDS!
As soon as Neville returns! You will see THAT United Back!
March 21st, 2009 at 23:52
Craig im glad you see where im coming from. I know im over-reacting a bit but to see three crap performances from us in a row gets me worried! Especially as I was hoping we’d build on the crappy 1-0 wins and show our dominance, but instead we are going backwards.
A midfield enforcer would be great. If Hargreaves really is back then that gives me some hope. Since Carrick has gone off the boil Id really like to see a Hargreaves/Anderson combo. At least that midfield would have a bit of energy and Hargreaves can give Anderson some direction. Is there any chance we can have him fit for Villa or Porto?
Given our midfield frailties I think there is a lot to be said for playing a 3 man midfield in the big games with Hargreaves, Carrick and either Anderson or Giggs. And yes I want Tevez, Rooney and Ronaldo leading the line.
I agree a striker is needed as well. We don’t need pace. We need an aggressive physical presence to create space for the likes of Rooney and Berbatov to operate. Someone who can make things happen, fight for balls, and give us some nice knock-downs for our skill players.
Perhaps lack of hunger is the wrong word. But there doesn’t seem to be anyone willing to step up and raise their game when the game is going against us. Is there anyone on our team who could win us the Juventus game in 1999? I don’t think so.
Rooney and Ronaldo are just children. Unfortunately they are also two of our best players and match-winners. But when we need them to win us matches when we go a goal or two down what do they do? Rooney runs around scything down players and arguing with the ref at every decision. Ronaldo just dives and prances around staring up at the sky and having a conversation with God about when he is going to arrange the Real Madrid transfer.
Both of them are great players but neither of them can be relied on when the going gets tough.
March 21st, 2009 at 23:53
@Craig Mc: Thats the Spirit!
To Y’all!
DARTH RED DIABLO BELIEVES!
HE BELIEVES!
HE BELIEVES!
March 21st, 2009 at 23:55
F
A
C
T
As soon as Rooney came on! I swear we looked as though we could EASILY find a way back!
And NONE of you can Deny that! – FACT
March 21st, 2009 at 23:55
@Mr.Muhozi: You are joining Scoresheet? It’s a little late I think unless you are willing to buy one of the existing teams. My suggestion would be to join a perpetual league where you can save 13 players as well as prospects. Let me know if you do.
March 21st, 2009 at 23:57
So everyone SHUT the fact that Rooney is a baby! He is the CLOSEST thing we have to a Fucking Roy Keane!
Rooney = HEART Of United
FACT!
March 21st, 2009 at 23:58
@Darth Red Diablo: Neville’s a mouse compared to Keane. We haven’t had a true captain since Keane left. Neville leads in his own way but he is not the motivator and leader Keane is and he doesn’t get the respect or elicit the fear Keano did.
March 22nd, 2009 at 0:01
@Grognard: Atleast He IS the captain of the club! Lets face it if Red Nev were here today! He would have done a Million Times more FUCKIN job rather than that Fuckin Giggsy!
March 22nd, 2009 at 0:08
@Liam: Pathetic comment, absolutely pathetic. You never once gave him a chance, and if anything, we told YOU! berbatov has 13 goals in 29 appearances and countless assists, but despite the obvious you still belittle him, are you jealous or something? is it because you may be faster then him but he gets to play for united and you dont? i dont know but you need to wake up and smell the bulgarian chocolate!
I mean come one, you are really going to compare him to voron! this all but proves your silly vendetta against him!
March 22nd, 2009 at 0:09
@Darth Red Diablo: We played better for twenty minutes and then petered out in the last fifteen minutes. Overall, we were total rubbish out there and there is no clouding over that or getting all warm and cozy and optimistic. Do I still believe? Yes I do but give me another one of these stinkers against Villa and I’ll need hip replacement surgery from falling off the bandwagon too hard.
March 22nd, 2009 at 0:11
@Darth Red Diablo: He’s a big baby because he gets upset over nothing. Keane had reasons to go nuts and many times they were calculated and planned hits on players who deserved it. Rooney’s behavior is nothing more than adolescent spoilt bullshit and he should get the rack for costing his team. It was retarded and totally unnecessary.
March 22nd, 2009 at 0:12
@Darth Red Diablo: But that’s not Giggs fault. He is not the real captain. And frankly I am even questioning whether Rio is a suitable captain. For me the true captain on this team needs to be a shouter and a hard man. For me that’s Vidic.
March 22nd, 2009 at 0:12
@Darth Red Diablo:i agree, hes the only motivator in the team.
March 22nd, 2009 at 0:14
@Grognard: Let me prepare you then… Its going to be a Draw against Villa! You can TAKE my word for that!
@Grognard: Rooney is the best player in the squad in terms of desire and heart…. Lets Not question that!
March 22nd, 2009 at 0:14
@Grognard: its too late, maybe next season, i think ill try to find another one during the time, but scoresheet seems excellent ,i may use it for the upcoming NFL season
March 22nd, 2009 at 0:16
@Dan: Dan my boy. I’m glad that wasn’t directed at me because you are big with the insults today. Don’t call anyone’s feelings or thoughts “pathetic”. You wouldn’t like it if you were called pathetic now would you? Disagree all you want but no call for calling an individual pathetic. However, say that a bunch of us are pathetic in a generalization doe snot bug me as much. Call me picky.
March 22nd, 2009 at 0:25
@Grognard: Liam not pathtic, his comment was though.
If i saw that tomorrow i probably would have been less harsh, but i got a bad migrane right now(its like 11:30PM now and i was playing Resident evil 5 for about 2 hours), but to be honest, liam has never given berbatov a chance, never, and the Dimitar’lazy fuck that doesnt run around like a headless chicken AND score’ berbatov of this season has been much, much better then the wayne ‘never puts a foot run, always playing with the defence’ rooney of last season.
March 22nd, 2009 at 0:29
@Darth Red Diablo: Draw against Villa my arse! We will win ALL our games at home Bro – but away from home – well, I don’t know who we will be facing – I did ask for all our forthcoming fixtures, but I think Jb has emigrated
.
March 22nd, 2009 at 0:35
@Dan: You should do what every else did in regards to Liam’s comment. IGNORE IT!!
March 22nd, 2009 at 0:36
@Grognard: Grog, I can assure you that is not bullshit. I know for a fact, that the players browse the sites I have mentioned. As for offering you a job, you would be good on the Man Utd official board for complainents
.
March 22nd, 2009 at 0:39
@Craig Mc: I think I may help you on this one!
Home fixtures:
Villa
Arsenal
Shitty
Spurs
Pompey
Away fixtures:
Wigan
Boro
Hull
Sunderland
These are not in any special order, its just in the order of what pooped into my head first!
March 22nd, 2009 at 0:39
*popped*
March 22nd, 2009 at 0:41
Just let me ask one question. What would you rather have? 11 Rooneys on the field, or 11 Berbatovs?
There you go!
March 22nd, 2009 at 0:43
@Dan: Dan mi man, we all have our players who we enjoy and respect. If Liam doesn’t like the Berb, so what Bro? We all have our likes and dislikes – so why should it be any different for Liam? If Liam feels Berba is not what United need, he is entitled to state that, as much as everyone else is to about their likes and dislikes. Me I fucking hate the way that Fergie is a BASTARD towards Nani. WTF did Nani do to deserve the treatment Fergie is dishing him? We did so well last season with Nani playing regularly, but this season, SORRY but No Fergie doesn’t know best. Fergie could cost us big time, if his pride persists with players who have not really done the same business for us as those who played and made great contribution lastseason. Fergie is a stubborn bastard, and that is the one thing I do not admire about him. He himself could cost us the PL title.
March 22nd, 2009 at 0:43
@colver:“I agree a striker is needed as well. We don’t need pace.”
You always need pace! A striker in this league needs to take advantage of every half chance that comes his way and that means chasing down the loose ball and putting pressure on the slower parts of the defensive line (as Torres did to Vidic last week). I can’t think of one example where the big, lumbering forward has had any sustained success over the last few years.
March 22nd, 2009 at 0:44
@RedDevilEddy: 11 Nani’s on the field seems ok to me Eddy mi man
.
March 22nd, 2009 at 0:46
@Craig Mc: I really hope Fergie and his scouts have been in here!
If so, I hope I have made a good impression. 
Oy, Fergie! Your future World Player of the Year is waiting for some United scouts! You know Im good, and I bet your wet dreams of me playing in the red shirt is what is distracting the lads from getting the results they should. Now that I know that those players are looking in here, I finally understand why Pat has been so much “ball watching” lately. He is just shaking in his knees hearing about me and my ambitions! So come on Fergie, make that dream a reality! 
March 22nd, 2009 at 0:47
@RedDevilEddy: Eddy mi man, I like the look of those, I can’t see why we can’t win all of them
. You know who the scouse scum and chelski have left to play in PL?
March 22nd, 2009 at 0:47
@Craig Mc: Wooow! Just got dizzy imagining all the summersaults!
March 22nd, 2009 at 0:50
@Dan: Dan if you go back a couple of months you will see that I praised a few of Berbatov’s performances, the fact is that he needs the ball to given to him on a platter. This was happening when Rooney was out and Carrick was constantly looking for him first because he was the only outlet and we were playing against some reasonably poor teams. I said if he keeps it up for more than 4 or 5 games then he’ll have earned some semblance of respect. But now we’re back to this. It was ok at the start of the season to say he is blending in but now? What was he bought for? So he could take less than a shot a game? Fact is we could’ve gotten Eto’o or dare I say ANY undisputed world class striker for that kind of money and look what we’ve got. It’s you who is the pathetic one. Rooney was our best player today btw so what’s wrong with praising him for showing a bit of heart? He has more goals than the 30m striker that we signed when he was meant to be approaching his peak. Also Rooney has probably played less games and scored at more important times (City) Rooney is an all round better player than Berba and Tevez, when he was getting Berba minutes was too
March 22nd, 2009 at 0:52
@Craig Mc: Ehh…
Im not sure. All I know is that Chelski are still to go to the Emirates, Upton Park and St. James Park. Liverpool are going to face Villa, Arsenal, Newcastle and Stoke at home, while they havent travelled to Upton Park, Craven Cottage or the Reebok. So they have got some tough games!
March 22nd, 2009 at 0:52
@RedDevilEddy: Eh, let me re-phrase that question.
Would you rather have 1 Rooney on the field or 11 Berbatovs??
1 Ronney = 11 Berbatov.
Simply math, really!!
March 22nd, 2009 at 0:54
Sorry, scratch that Liverpool havent been to the Reebok. They have, but its a long time ago. But the rest of them are right!
March 22nd, 2009 at 0:54
Win all our home games, and 3 of our away games, the title is OURS. i BELIEVE.
March 22nd, 2009 at 0:55
@Redrich:
Id rather have one Rooney. 
He does the running and shooting for 100 Berbatovs alone!
March 22nd, 2009 at 0:57
@RedDevilEddy: Well Eddy, if we are getting the somersaults galore, it means one thing right? Nani will have scored goals galore
.
March 22nd, 2009 at 0:59
@Craig Mc: Liverpool games:
Home:
Blackburn
Villa
Arsenal
Spurs
Newcastle
Away:
Fulham
WBA
West Ham
Hull
We have the easiest of fixtures…
March 22nd, 2009 at 1:00
@Craig Mc: I like your spirit, man, but be careful of drinking too much of the Kool Aid.
March 22nd, 2009 at 1:01
@Craig Mc: Chelski games:
Home:
Bolton
Everton
Fulham
Blackburn
Away:
Arsenal
West Ham
Newcastle
Sunderland
Might be very hard for them too…
March 22nd, 2009 at 1:03
@Craig Mc: If we did have eleven Nanis on the field, it wouldnt only be goals galore! It would be THRILLER!!!
March 22nd, 2009 at 1:03
@Craig Mc: BELIEVE!!!
March 22nd, 2009 at 1:08
@Dan: Same thing mate. Calling someone’s comment pathetic is calling that person pathetic. Bottom line mate, it’s not nice. I’ve made mistakes like that and to you of all people and you haven’t taken it well so consider my words carefully. I mean well.
The guy you target online is not aware of your headache.
March 22nd, 2009 at 1:09
@Craig Mc: I want that manager’s job.
March 22nd, 2009 at 1:09
@RedDevilEddy: You can look up and down the fixture lists all you want, but the the fact is, if we don’t get our game together all is lost and I mean ALL!!
March 22nd, 2009 at 1:10
@Liam: Man can just say I am really sick and tired of this Rooney ass kissing. I don’t care anymore how many goals he scored. I am tired of his antics and Ronaldo’s too. Half of the season that moron was out either to injuries or suspensions. How long do we have to take this, then again as some people already stated it’s partly SAF’s fault. This was going on for far too long. Discipline should be returned and the once who misbehave should be punished. Honestly what kind of idiot will get a red card for throughing ball and yes he deserve it. The game is already lost and now he will miss Villa game and most likely more for shouting and referee and hitting the corner flag. I am more gutted for this kind of behavior then by the fact we lost.
March 22nd, 2009 at 1:10
@RedDevilEddy: It doesn’t matter who we play, if we play like the last two weeks everyone will beat us. Of course that won’t happen but we must somehow stop the bleeding before it destroys our season.
March 22nd, 2009 at 1:12
@RedDevilEddy: With eleven Rooney’s on the field we will be down to five of them by halftime due to red cards.
March 22nd, 2009 at 1:21
@Grognard: Couldn’t put it better. I don’t really think that our major issue right now is the loss of form. I know we are not playing great football, but our squad is strong enough to take through most of it. Our problem is discipline. People should stop getting red cards. What were Vidic and Scholes thinking (not mentioning Rooney cause already commented)? Did Scholes really think that VDS is gonna stop the penalty? Let the freaking goal in!!! We will come back, but with 10 men and a penalty it’s will be much harder. I have no idea what he was thinking, when he did that.
March 22nd, 2009 at 1:21
@Grognard: Now that’s funny!!
And probably true!
March 22nd, 2009 at 1:28
@Orez: Right so he’s an idiot for getting injured
not getting that. Where are all these suspensions as well? I’d guess that he was suspended for 2 games max. The ref didn’t have to send Rooney off. In the 11 games that Phil Dowd has reffed for United we have won 5 lost 5 and drawn 1. He wasn’t going to miss a chance to stick the knife in. Is Giggs a moron for stamping on that player as soon as Rooney was sent off? yes but where is his 20 comments damning him for it? I’d prefer somebody who actually cares that we are losing on our team than somebody who just goes around at walking pace waiting for the team to revolve around him. I know I come off as a ‘Rooney lover’ but the fact off the matter is I’d do the same for most players on the team except for Ronaldo and Berbatov because they epitomise everything that is wrong with us at the moment. I firmly believe that if Ronaldo wasn’t here now then Nani and Anderson would be better players for it and not complacent party animals who enjoy having orgys and want everything to just fall into place for them. They just don’t strike me as players who have given their all to improve and be the best they can be. This team sold it’s soul the second they allowed Ronaldo back on the premises and big changes are need to correct it.
March 22nd, 2009 at 1:32
@Orez: Scholes was nothing more than human instinct. The ball/Zamora were coming towards him and he just instinctually reacted and put his hands up. It was unfortunate but we should have dealt with the corner better in the first place. My gut wrenched everytime they put the screen on Scholes. He looked completely heartbroken.
March 22nd, 2009 at 1:48
@Liam: @Liam: I am not saying he is an idiot for getting injured, but I am saying that he is an idiot for getting a red card like that, during a game that is lost and risking missing more games. What else we can call it?Childish? He is not a child anymore. The injuries affected his contribution to our season and now that he is fit he will miss at least 2 games. He should have been more responsible. Ronaldo is being kicked and has been playing every single game, but even that is not an excuse for this kind of behavior. I think that this kind of staff damages the moral and discipline and should be stopped at all costs. On Scholes I see your point and I agree and after thinking about it I kind of feel sorry for him. The fault for this lose should be shared by whole team and even SAF.
March 22nd, 2009 at 1:58
@Grognard: What??? It doesn’t matter who we play? Course it does, the home games we have left we should win. So that leaves us with the prospect that we have to win 3 out of our away games to win the PL. If we can’t manage that, well, we don’t deserve to win the PL, but I believe we will win our home games, and now we must focus on the 3 away games
.
March 22nd, 2009 at 2:11
@Orez: The Scholes thing was stupid but kind of instinctive. It happens so quickly it just reflex more than anything. Disappointing as it is, i can’t be too pissed off with him. Had the header come from more distance out and he had time to react properly, then I would have been mad. A lot of bad and unnecessary fouls come out of poor positioning and fatigue. I honestly think the real culprit here besides discipline is just fatigue. The boys are physically and mentally tired. The schedule has been murder on them. I’d like to say that the international break is just what the doctor ordered but a team like us have everyone go out and play for their country and so the fatigue and travel stress just escalates.
March 22nd, 2009 at 2:22
@Orez: The big problem is confidence!!
At the start of today’s game, I would doubt that many of them thought that this was the right side to field. Berbatov, alone, up front! Are you kidding me! Like asking the waiter to cook as well as serve – you might get good food or you might get good service, but you won’t get both. Best option here, order something that’s quick & easy, and don’t order the Souffle!! Get my drift? Nobody thought he could pull it off, they didn’t give him the chance, and lo behold he didn’t pull it off.
Mistakes, up and down the pitch, have told them that they’re vulnerable too! The defense looks weak on the flanks, and it has done all season, and now the center is being picked on by all and sundry with remarkable success and they don’t like it!!
They have the look of a team that are shell-shocked, they don’t quite know what’s happened to them, but more importantly they don’t know quite which way to turn!!
March 22nd, 2009 at 3:08
@Grognard: Liam already suggested it and I agree with both of you. As I said last time, no need to argue about a spoiled milk. I hope you are right about the international break and it will benefit us, but in the past we tend to play worse after them.
@Redrich: I see your point. Berba seems really low on confidence, but people should understand that we paid 30 mil for him and he is not going anywhere for another year (at least). We are not the scousers to sell our striker after 5 months. SAF will never do it, so all of this “sell Berba” staff is pointless.
March 22nd, 2009 at 3:47
@Grognard: We have a very large pool of talent to choose from. According to most opinions, our success, this year (up until the Liverpool game), is because of the depth of our squad. Bringing in players “left & right” without any discernible difference , has made us the envy of all that pretend to be us.
Who in our large, talented squad, has actually stood up to be counted? The one that sets an example, shows the new players how it’s all done. I just can’t think of one individual that has or could do that. We have become a group of blind men in a mine-field, not really caring who steps on the mine! – as long as it’s not you!!
March 22nd, 2009 at 3:59
@Orez: Spending 30m on Berbatov is a fact that everyone realizes. And of course, it was never our 30m was it? So you and I should not be that invested that much in the cost of him.
However, dumping him would not compare us with the filth, or make us feel that particularly bad!!
March 22nd, 2009 at 4:28
@Orez: And it’s not just Berbatov’s low confidence, it’s the rest of the teams low confidence in him!!!
March 22nd, 2009 at 6:15
@Redrich: You are right that it’s not our money, but the club doesn’t have unlimited resources, so from that point of view 30 mil is big money for the club and because of that the club has interest in making this work. Dumping him will not compare us to the scousers, but we will not do it, just because it’s not how SAF does it. I can’t remember any big money buy that was sold within a year. I am not sure about the teams confidence in him, cause judging by recent games everyone should ask questions 1st themselves then to others.
March 22nd, 2009 at 6:54
@Orez: What level of confidence do you have in Berbatov??
March 22nd, 2009 at 7:24
WE will win easily!
March 22nd, 2009 at 8:23
I’ve got to say one thing about Berbatov. I’ve gone from being a very huge fan of his to a person who is bored to death of him on the pitch. Is ti his fault? Partly, but mostly it’s another case of Fergie taking a talent like Anderson, Nani, Rooney and Tevez and messing with him so much that the player loses the reason for United paying the big money to get him. Why tamper with a players god given abilities and comfort zone. Why play him so far back or by himself up front? Why take a natural left sided midfielder and winger like Anderson and try to turn him into a CMF? Why play with the role and expectations of a gifted player like Nani until the lad doesn’t know whether he’s coming or going or what the Hell is expected of him? Why mess with a good forward like Tevez who has scored and been strong everywhere he’s played but seems to have lost his instinct for goal as well as his touch playing way to high up the pitch? Why take the most naturally gifted player as well as goal scorer England has produced in many years and turn him into jack of all trades and continually play him out of position so much that he has lost the ability to score like he did when he was 17 and 18 and also not working with him to curb his passion and enthusiasm which triggers his temper?
All players that under Ferguson have regressed rather than improved. Some might disagree about Rooney but does anybody remember the Rooney of 5 years ago? The one that scored 3 goals in his debut and who had such an itch for goal and scoring that it amazes me when I watch him today, he’s gone from being a predator to an attacking midfielder. All these players have sacrificed themselves for the good of the team. What sacrifices has Fergie made? Messing with players heads and careers is pretty low even if it for the cause. What’s next, Welbeck will be played on the wing, Evans will be turned into a DMF, and Park will be moved to FB? Nothing would surprise me anymore. And through all this, Giggs and Scholes will still be stealing away time from younger and better players than them. Sorry Gibson, Possebon, we have to let the old boys play. It’s the rewards for shutting your trap over the years and jumping at that will of the Boss.
March 22nd, 2009 at 9:46
@Redrich: I think he is a great player who is out of form and still can’t find his place in our team. I am not sure what formation should be adopted for him, but I never seen him play good by himself. He should always be partnered with another striker. Also our midfield was horrible lately. The old guard takes most of the blame but Carrick and Ronaldo weren’t much better. Without any delivery Berba get’s starved. I am starting to think that SAF should stop with so much tinkering.
March 22nd, 2009 at 11:53
blah 2 weeks till the next game i cant wait , but it might be good for us.
and wtf villa 5th of April then porto at the 7th , just 1 day rest thats weird.
March 22nd, 2009 at 11:56
we really missed out on arshavin too he looks like a team player in arsenal and as cheap as nani
March 22nd, 2009 at 12:23
Rooney, Vidic and Scholes all suspended! Well at least it means they will be fresh for the European games.
We need a comfortable win at Porto because our away record in Europe has been terrible this season (draws at Celtic, Aalborg, Villareal).
I think it is quite likely we will draw against Villa (especially as players will be rested for the Porto game). So assuming Liverpool win their game we’ll be two points clear and level on points. Not great but my hope is that by then we’ll have found our form again.
To be honest we always make it hard for ourselves. If it wasn’t for this blip we could have wrapped up the Premier League by the end of April. As it is the title race will go to the wire. It sucks because Id really like for us to be able to rest key players for the big European gammes because i have my heart set on winning the Champions League again.
In fact if we win the Champions League and Liverpool win the Premier League I wouldn’t care. Because I can say to the Liverpool fans: “Big deal you won one title in 20 years-we won around 15. Oh and we’ve won the Champions League three times in 10 years to your one.”. That will put a stop to Pool saying “Well we have the best record in Europe over the last five years”. Anyway ideal world we win both-but why do we have to make it so damn difficult?
March 22nd, 2009 at 13:17
we are at home to villa , other than a win is not acceptable.
March 22nd, 2009 at 13:34
@Grognard: I agree with every single word.
This is what annoys me when people start to bad mouth berbatov, its not his fault ferguson plays him out of postion, its ferguson, but he still gets the blame.
I swear on gods name, if CQ was still here this would not happen, rooney would be played off berbatov and ronaldo would of had 45 goals by now! Phelan muppet is to much of a prat to enforce his views, well no, thats not true, he has the tactical ability of my mother to be honest.
March 22nd, 2009 at 14:00
It is not as simple as Berbatov being played out of position. He is built for a different team. A team that plays 4-4-2 with conventional wingers, two strikers, and a midfielder that pushes forward like Lampard or Gerrard. And yes I think he would excel in a slower league like Italy, or in a team like Arsenal where they pass short and too the feet.
Berbatov is the new Veron. A quality player who just doesn’t really fit into the team and there is no way we will change our entire system just to accomodate him. Yes he’s had some great games. But then so did Veron.
Playing Rooney off Berbatov wouldn’t work either because Rooney likes to play deep so Berbatov would end up isolated the same way he is already. Fergie’s desire to convert Rooney into a number 9 isn’t working because Rooney just doesn’t have the discipline.
I think it was best when Berbatov was playing in the hole as he was getting more of the ball and able to provide some great assists.
March 22nd, 2009 at 14:29
where has nani gone???????
get fergie out…im tellin u lot, the team would benefit.
for the first time in my life i want him out
gimme Rjkard
March 22nd, 2009 at 14:42
@realred: You cant possibly be serious!?
Cause if you are, you should seriously see a doctor…
March 22nd, 2009 at 14:58
@colver: Im sorry but you are completely wrong, completely.
We do NOT play a 4-4-2 like you say, we play a system where our players interchange with them selves as the game goes on. We do NOT have an attacking midfielder at all, nor do we have a defencive one, and hello 2 strikers, one is the main striker, the over plays off him, so berbatov is MEANT to be the main striker with rooney playing off him.
I stop reading after you said he was the new veron, if anyones the new veron its tevez.
March 22nd, 2009 at 14:59
@realred: GTFO.
March 22nd, 2009 at 15:49
Fergie comments to the media – “WE were not good enough.” Not true Fergie sorry! The real truth is, YOU are not at YOUR best this season. You’ve dicked around so much with the team EVERY single game, FAR too many changes, that none of the players have had a chance to gel with anyone else, and CONFUSION and lack of composure is the result. Admittedely some changes were made because of injuries etc, but mostly when all squad has been available, the combinations of players on the field were dumbfounding, and always playing SO many out of position. I don’t get it, and neither does anybody else in football I suspect.
Mike Phelan to the Media – Our players are not ILL disciplined. PLEASE, who are you fucking kidding. Ronnie has had an average season at best, and I question how much time he loses us, when rolling on the ground making himself and our club look ridiculous. Rooney and his contentious hotheadism – so lacking in self control, that referees love to flash their cards at him at every opportunity. Rooney lacks respect for anybody. Scholesy, can’t tackle for shit, and picks up yellows and now REDs like confetti showered on him. And don’t get me going on Vida and his reckless – ism which is costing us this season. Much as I love these players, WE DO have discipline problems with them. Fergie is so much up Ronnie’s arse, that to bench him now and again, is unthinkable, unless the poor little pouting tantrums cause him to want OUT again.
As for me – I still believe, and will believe until it is impossible for us to retain the title. Am I happy though with Fergie and the other staff’s imput this season – Am I fuck. And we are still lacking any kind of strength and holding power in MF, when teams come at us, which is every game now.
March 22nd, 2009 at 15:54
@colver: We haven’t got the players to rest Bro, most of them are fucking suspended or injured
.
March 22nd, 2009 at 16:04
@Dan:
Did you even read his comments mate? He clearly says that we DO NOT play a 4-4-2 but Berba is built for such a team….If you would only look at this objectively, you would surely realise that Berba, although a great player in his own right, is ill suited for United. And about the veron = tevez comment, fact is, Tevez in his first season scored more important goals and gelled much better with the team than berba has done this season, so Berba would certainly be closer to a Veron than tevez…..
March 22nd, 2009 at 16:18
@Vivek: yes of course, last season we where still in all competitions at this point in time weren’t we
This thing about scoring important goals is absolute bullshit! we should NOT need a player that will run around like an idiot for 90 minutes then when hes tired, finally stay upfield, and then score(thats tevez all over), we should have players that can kill teams off early on, we should be winning matches 2-0 minimum, not be scraping 1-0 wins with lucky goals.
Id rather us score more an not run around like an idiot, then score less and scrape wins, thats just me.
March 22nd, 2009 at 16:44
I dreamt last night that we became the first team to retain the Champions League. We played Chelsea and it was a virtual repeat of last year’s final, except that we beat them 3-2 on penalties in the end rather than 6-5.
March 22nd, 2009 at 16:47
@realred: You’re nothing like what your moniker suggests if you’re capable of coming out with guff like that. I hope it was said in jest…
March 22nd, 2009 at 16:47
@Dan: I don’t want to spend too much time venting on Phelan because although I think he is out of his depth, I do feel he has contributed to the team’s strong defensive season before this past week. The bottom line for me on an assistant manager for this team is that he has to have the credentials of a top flight manager. Queiroz had that. Hell, the guy managed Real Madrid and now runs Portugal. McClaren may have sucked as England manager but he did have success at the club level so in my view was a decent #2 for United. Phelan isn’t qualified to manage the reserves in my opinion. Therefore he is not going to get the proper respect from the players nor do I have the confidence that he has the tactical or technical acumen to handle the job. I could be wrong but I don’t think I am.
Personally, I think this team needs a leader in that role because Fergie clearly doesn’t have the bottle any longer to discipline players and get in their face. The hairdryer appears to be broken and handing out discipline and punishment to the team seems to have been delegated to some invisible phantom. Above all, we need a player who has a clue on how to best utilize the talent that we have. Whatever some might think of Queiroz, he seemed to get the best out of many players. And although a few people on this blog who I respect for their views do not feel Queiroz meant anything to our foreign contingent, I totally 100% disagree. I think he was the big uncle to all our Portuguese speaking players as well as a shoulder to cry on and someone who instilled confidence into those players. Anderson, Nani and Tevez have all struggled since his departure. Raphael hasn’t because frankly, he didn’t know any better. I do think that the problems start at the top and trickle down to the players. I hate laying this trip on Fergie but he has some explaining to do. So far I am really sick and tired of the way certain players are treated over the entire team and how no discipline or common sense is utilized in dealing with under performing player, undisciplined players and tired players. Fergie needs to have a nice long look in the mirror and either find his mojo quick, or consider retirement because right now he is running on empty.
March 22nd, 2009 at 16:50
@colver: I agree with you there but I also think Berbatov plays better when Carrick is on the field as well as Rooney. Any omission of either player or both from the starting eleven and he struggles.
March 22nd, 2009 at 16:53
@realred: You want Fergie sacked? Think about what you just said mate, take a deep breath, look yourself in the mirror and then go to Wikipedia and type Alex Ferguson on your pc. Take a look at what he has accomplished and then ask yourself if you aren’t overreacting just a little bit?
It’s not that Fergie doesn’t deserve criticism, he does. He should even consider retirement if he hasn’t got the fire in him to discipline players anymore, but to sack him, that’s just wrong mate on so many levels
March 22nd, 2009 at 17:05
@Grognard: Let’s get rid of Phelan and recruit Wenger as our No.2 this summer, when he gets sacked as a result of four seasons without winning diddly squat.
Holy shit what a managerial dream team that would be (on paper at least)! 
March 22nd, 2009 at 17:09
Thanks Vivek. Im glad you took the time to read what I wrote.
Grognard, I agree Berbatov plays better when Carrick is on form. He is also better with Rooney on the pitch, but that point seems immaterial as the moment Rooney comes back from injury he decides to pick up a 3 game suspension.
Dan, lately Berbatov has done zero running all match and not scored any or provided any assists. I agree Tevez is playing shit this season, but last season he was instrumental in us winning the Premier League and the Champions League. Berbatov however has been playing in virtually every single one of the big games we’ve lost and didn’t show up in any of them. Im not saying Tevez would have scored any in those games but he would have at least contributed something defensively.
March 22nd, 2009 at 17:15
@Craig Mc: Bro, lack of composure has not been a problem with this team all season until last week. Well maybe when it comes to finishing but you cannot have the defensive record we have by not being a team that possesses plenty of composure. Now on the other hand I do agree with you regarding confusion. Up front we have been a ball of confusion all season. We do not have set group in the midfield and our forwards are playing roles unfamiliar to them and out of the ordinary. What worries me here and it’s a major gripe is that Fergie has picked up things from other managers and systems over the years and has slowly but ruthlessly incorporated them into the the team. We have borrowed a lot from the Italian game and especially from AC MIlan. But this year I am afraid to say that he has borrowed technical theories from none other than Rafa fucking Benitez himself. He has rotated players to epidemic proportions and has played many players out of their natural positions. What he has done is what the fat fucking Spanish waiter has perfected, that’s turning the pitch into a grid or even a chessboard and demanding technical and tactical duties out of his players that is unnatural but that has success in preventing opponents from scoring. In the process, it has hurt this team’s offensive attacking style and free will to experiment and show initiative offensively. Even Ronaldo has been suppressed by being forced to play more as a true winger rather than cut in all the time like he likes. Everybody has become a pawn in a macabre game of chess and I for one have been bored by it and concerned over our lack of flow, pace and imagination. Too rigid and too many talented players not allowed to play their natural position and express themselves in their natural way has hampered this team’s style and flow but it has probably made the team more versatile than before.
One of the bifg problems in the 90’s and why the team continued to struggle in Europe was that they were tactically and technically immature and limited. Too English for their own good. Over the years Fergie has borrowed a lot from the men who have beaten him and he has used that to form a team that does not look or play like an English side and that can basically conform to any style of play it goes up against. It’s strong tactically but it also puts shackles on players natural gifts. It’s another case of managers doing whatever it takes to win at the risk of turning the beautiful game into the boring and ugly game. Case in point, Manchester United vs Barcelona in the first leg at the Nou Camp last year. What the Hell was that? Whatever it was, we won the tie and went on to win the CL. So from Fergie’s perspective, mission accomplished. From my perspective it was selling your soul to the Devil for a ring and your legacy and turning the great game into an ugly spectacle. Fergie has a lot to answer for in my opinion.
March 22nd, 2009 at 17:18
@Nino: Right now I am having serious doubts whether we can beat Porto yet alone win the final.
March 22nd, 2009 at 17:23
@Nino: Now that’s an unholy alliance that would be interesting. I don’t think the Voyeur’s ego could handle the demotion.
My choice for a #2 is a guy who can instill discipline to club but not hurt them tactically. Somebody who can handle a larger than normal workload because Fergie is getting on but also a man who can challenge Fergie and support the players when Fergie is playing his head games or not utilizing players properly. For me Roy Keane is that man. Can Roy work with Fergie? Why not, he played for him for a decade. If you can handle him as a player you should be able to handle him as a coach. And Roy has never had a problem arguing or screaming back to him so that won’t change. It’s whether Fergie can handle Keane and whether he feels that he is losing this team due to his inability to dish out discipline. As far as tactics go, nothing will change. Fergie will still demand the same because he has got it in his head that the Italian way is the right way.
March 22nd, 2009 at 17:33
@Grognard: I agree, but i want my assistant manager to be foreign, because he would bring a continental style of play and tactics, instead of the english dross we’re playing now.
My main beef with the muppet is that, he doesnt know the first thing about tactics, he doesnt impose himself in the dressing room(he is fergies bitch, i dont care what anyone says), and he doesnt have a clue on how to talk to our foreign players, hence their regression.
March 22nd, 2009 at 17:43
@Dan: I agree about the idea of a foreign coach being a positive but I do not feel that any coach has carte blanche over Fergie’s desires in strategy and tactics. Fergie gave CQ more power because in him he saw a man who was not his equal but somebody he admired and respected in those areas. Finding another Queiroz who would take the job of #2 is tough to say the least. And very few of them would have the bottle to challenge Fergie by implementing tactics themselves.
March 22nd, 2009 at 17:49
To think that some on this blog have been advocating for Marty O’Neill as our next manager. I’d like to thank him and Villa for the stellar show they are putting forward at Anfield today. RUBBISH! You get the feeling Liverpool is smelling it? The good news is we play Villa at home next. Hopefully just the out of form side we need to wake the fuck up before it’s too fucking late.
March 22nd, 2009 at 17:53
@Grognard: Two weeks of shit just got shittier.
March 22nd, 2009 at 18:19
@Grognard: Errrr I wholeheartedly DISAGREE with you Grog – sorry Bro. Our MF has in many games this season not had commanding strength or composure. Keep giving the ball away all the feckin time is not composure, well not in my eyes anyway. The defence on the otherhand has had a lot of composure until the last few games, so no grouse upon their performances most season.
Everything seems to be going the scousers way at the moment, but if we win our next 8 games the league is ours. We must put out the team that won it for us last year, minus Brown and Hargo who are injured. That means leaving Berba out, scholesy and the others who didn’t play the most games last season. Will that happen, not with Fergie’s mentality this year – NO.
March 22nd, 2009 at 18:36
Like I said, everything is going for the scousers at the moment. But they have won nothing YET. We are still in control of our own destiny in the league, and if we win all our next eight games, WE RETAIN OUR TITLE. Like Fergie said, it is only worth it if you win the trophy at the end of the season. So for all Lfools efforts, if we win our remaining games, they will not get their hands on the trophy. I believe!
March 22nd, 2009 at 18:42
Errrmmmmmmm Friedel sent off! Does this mean that our BOGEY goalkeeper, who always plays out of his skin against us, will be banned for the game against us. If so – our first piece of good fortune.
March 22nd, 2009 at 18:55
@Craig Mc: lol wanted to get here and comment on the same thing. The scousers are flying at the moment, but we only need to concentrate on us and we should make through of the harsh times.
March 22nd, 2009 at 18:56
This is disgusting. I hope our players have been watching Liverpool’s last few games and taking notes on how to murder the opposition. I cannot remember the last time we took teams apart the way Liverpool have been doing the last couple of weeks.
Villa have been shocking lately and even with half our players suspended we should be able to put a few past them to get the goals flowing. Then I want us to murder Porto at home.
I agree with you Craig. Lets rip up whatever system we are trying to play this season and go back to the way we played last year.
March 22nd, 2009 at 19:02
An interesting perspective on our current ‘malaise’..kind of echoes what Craig’s been saying since yesterday. BELIEVE!
March 22nd, 2009 at 19:05
@colver: I just believe that the players who worked their arses off and played with such passion for us last season, should have the opportunity to try and bring the silverware home again this season. I do not go along with Fergie’s dealings with some of our players, who fought with every fibre of their beings for us to get our double last year. He has been a bastard in his treatment of Tevez, Nani, Anderson etc. But has played the players too frequently who have lacked PACE. Nevertheless, considering all the competitions we have endured this season so far, we are bound to be a bit leggy. It has been a strange season hasn’t it? In some games our attack have been ok. Others our defenders OUTSTANDING. I would give credit to our MF in some games, but I am afraid I have little confidence in that area of our game mostly. Yet I hope we can take the next 8 games, and bring the trophy home. So scouse effort though terrific these last few games, will still leave them empty handed. It is down to our lads now, we cannot afford to lose any more games.
March 22nd, 2009 at 19:16
@Craig Mc: Yeah I agree its been fucking disgusting the way he’s treated the Latino lads this year, especially Carlitos. He was looking HOT in pre-season (not in a gay way obviously lol!
) and looked ready to pick up from where he left off last year, but alas, he was kicked out and replaced by Berby. Tevez has lost so much match sharpness its no wonder he’s been so fucking shit whenever he’s played; he’s in a no-win situation and I would be so glad to see him put out of his misery and be sold to a team who appreciates his value and plays him week in, week out.
Nani & Anderson made vital contributions last year, especially the Portuguese who kickstarted our season with that scorcher against Spurs at OT in August 2007. I also have nothing but praise and admiration for the way the two young lads showed their balls and stepped up to convert their penalties in the CL…that’s what separates men from boys, and they became men that night! Their spot-kicks sealed us the Double and they get rewarded by an occasional cameo appearance this year when they should be integrated more into the first team and supplanting Giggs and Scholes. It’s disgraceful.
March 22nd, 2009 at 19:42
@Craig Mc: With our luck, I wouldn’t be surprised if the card was rescinded since it was kinda dodgy.
March 22nd, 2009 at 19:45
@Nino: The only problem being that I didn’t think we were going to score. Half the players looked like they knew we weren’t going to score, and few played like they weren’t even bothered.
Oh it’s Ok. We can afford to loose three matches….. Well that was 2 matches ago, and now it’s 1. And not allowing for draws. We have to win 7 of the next 8. Including games against a resurgent Spurs, City who haven’t made it easy in the last few years and Arsenal, who have beaten us already, and will have all their players back and playing by then.
Thank fuck there is an international break. We were playing like crap before we went to Japan. We came back and went on a run. We need that same sort of Break/Streak to pull us over the line.
March 22nd, 2009 at 19:47
@realred: I’m sure you do, I’d have been tempted to take your post as reasonable if you didn’t suggest Rijkaard as a replacement, lol. Dig deeper and come up with a replacement who you think can give us instant glory since you obviously can’t seem to take two losses, not to mention a whole season when we’ll be in transition after a new manager comes. Where’s Karl? I’m sure he agrees too.
March 22nd, 2009 at 20:04
@Traverse: I noticed this more after the Liverpool game , I was expecting the players to be angry, fired- up and bitter that they’d just lost, not only by such a margin but to Liverpool. Most of them just seemed to think, “Oh well, we lost”
@Grognard: Nah, I’m really pissed at him. A player of his calibre who has been in the game for more than a decade should know that your hands shouldn’t be anywhere up in the box, reflexes or not. It would have been much better if he had jumped for it and it rebounded against his body, even though it ends up been a goal, there would have still been hope with 11 men rather than 10.
@Craig Mc: Well, we’ll never know, like everyone said, we should go back to what worked for us last season, I don’t think now is the right time to experiment, we should probably persist with Ronaldo for the rest of this season, then start practising dropping him next season. We can’t afford to experiment with the team anymore, because we don’t know how it’ll work out. And yes, I do agree with your point on Ronaldo’s attitude, if he really doesn’t want to be here, he should just tell us. I’m starting to believe its waaay more than the cynical fouling thats getting to him, and I don’t think the match- going fans are still on his back, but he’s certainly doing his best to make enemies.
@Craig Mc: Seriously? Who? And please don’t give me any of that you can’t reveal it nonsense because most of the time its usually rubbish. If they really do, then rant away Grog, lol tell them how you really feel
@Grognard: Welbeck already played on the wing for us this season against Boro in the Carling Cup, lol
March 22nd, 2009 at 20:43
@Traverse: I believe we will win our home games. Its the away games that concern me
. If Rio or any of our defenders/strikers get injured playing for their international teams, we are royally fucked mate.
March 22nd, 2009 at 20:46
@Rd: That doesn’t surprise me, referees are falling all over themselves to give Lfool every kind of advantage, and penalties in MOST games. They do not want United to win title again.
March 22nd, 2009 at 20:48
@Craig Mc: well i have got good news, berbatov is injured, lets hope no one else gets injured during the international break
btw my source is the fifa 09 ticker, lets hope its reliable
March 22nd, 2009 at 20:54
@Craig Mc: I think you mistake the lack of skill with lack of composure. Our midfield, especially in the middle is just not good enough. Fletcher, Scholes, Giggs, Anderson have all been mediocre to say the least. None of them lack composure but they are limited in their skills. Giggs has had his moments of greatness as has Scholes but at their age, they have no longevity or consistency in their game. The most consistent has been Carrick. They all have composure though. We are great at ball retention and not panicking. Where our composure is suspect is our terrible finishing rate. So I guess we can agree to disagree their Bro. Either way, I still luv ya man.
March 22nd, 2009 at 20:55
Craig I agree. It is hard to know what to think about this season. We have won the Carling Cup. We are a point clear in the EPL with a game in hand. We have Porto and Arsenal between us and the Champions League final. And yet we have achieved all this without being at all impressive. We’ve done the minimum possible that is required to get this far, including many many 1-0 wins against inferior opposition.
Yes we can still win everything and if you offered this position to Fergie start of the season he’d have been delighted with it. But whereas previous seasons we start badly and hit top form around this time of year, this season we have definitely hit a bad patch.
Now is the crunch time of our season.
Most likely scenario we get a 1-0 win against a Villa side whose form is even worse than ours, we scrape past Porto, pick up a point against Portsmouth (who are pretty difficult to break down) and then we get our form back and move up a gear. I have a feeling we’ll win the league but because our form against the top teams has been appaling this season I have my doubts about the Champions League.
Best case scenario we murder Villa, that restores confidence and we trash Porto and go on an unbeaten streak that ends with us lifting all three remaining trophies. I want to believe this but too many of our players are having bad seasons and with our defensive vulnerability gone I think we are beatable.
Worst case scenario our run of bad form continues all through April. We lost to Villa, lose to Porto, only pick up a point against Portsmouth, finally get it together and have to rely on Liverpool or Chelsea dropping points (which they will) and end the season winning the title by a point and watching Liverpool lift the Champions League trophy (yuck!)
March 22nd, 2009 at 20:57
@colver: Villa are shocking because they are suffering to a much greater degree what we are presently going through. Mental and physical fatigue has derailed that team because they have the smallest bench in the prem. People said months ago that their bench was going to cost them second half and they were right. Their stars are knackered and wasted. Now it’s time for our deep bench to step up and be counted if we are to save the EPL season. With our fatigue and suspensions, it’s time for some bench players to step up.
March 22nd, 2009 at 21:00
@Rd: Re; Welbeck did play on the wing already and played well but I am worried that the way Fergie is thinking, he’ll make the move permanent. If he did, that wouldn’t be a shame, it would be a tragedy.
March 22nd, 2009 at 21:03
@colver: The problem here is that all the winning has clouded and blinded us from the fact the club has some serious problems it needs to address. Discipline is number 1 and then dealing with tired minds and bodies is number 2. After all that comes some key personnel changes and some purchases but we will have to wait for that. And lets not forget the hiring of a more assertive and demanding #2
March 22nd, 2009 at 21:08
Well if last week wasn’t a clear enough message, I think Liverpool sent a very serious message of intent throughout the EPL today. We either wake the fuck up or kiss the title goodbye and possibly even the Champions League. Liverpool can smell it and they are poised to go after it because confidence and form is at an all time high for them.
On another note I would not feel right if I never let my friend Dan know that Klaas Jan Huntelaar scored another two goals today and that further strengthens my bitch and cry for bloody murder over Fergie not having the IQ to see the value of this lad. And Dan, spare me the La Liga is shit retort ok. It doesn’t wash with me. La Liga is very strong. Huntelaar has more league goals in the last three weeks than Berbatov has all season. I believe it’s 7 or 8 now in 8 games. Nuf said. Man am I pissed.
March 22nd, 2009 at 21:09
@colver: Oh my god..after reading your comment the most disgusting thought just crossed my mind…the murderers could in fact REPEAT what we did last year and win the PL/CL double!!!
I think I would totally, completely give up on football and find a new sport to follow if that ever happened. Seriously! I wouldn’t be able to live with it!
March 22nd, 2009 at 21:14
@Mr.Muhozi: LOL that’s the funniest thing I’ve read in ages!!! Hahaha! I never thought I’d see the day where a United player being injured is considered as ‘good news’! Shows how low Berby’s sunk in the supporters estimation.
March 22nd, 2009 at 21:32
@colver: L’pool will NOT win the CL, Chelski want that real bad, and I think they can do it against the scousers with the 2nd leg being at the Chelski kremlin.
We have to forget about what is happening at L’pool at the moment, and FOCUS on winning our own games. L’pool cannot win the PL unless we give it to them. The advantage is still with us. As for the CL, we are due to come back into form, I cannot see us continuing to lose games. We need to beat Villa, Sunderland, and Spurs, our next 3 games. We are at home, and Vida is back after the villa game. He will be playing in our CL games against Porto, as will Rooney. Rooney needs to feckin watch he doesn’t pick up another yellow in Cl, or I believe he misses the semi final, as does Vida if he gets any more.
We may not be free scoring like Lfool at the moment, but if we win the next few games, how sickening will that be for the scousers who are giving it there all, but still wont win if we win our games.
I BELIEVE.
March 22nd, 2009 at 21:48
Well this cheered me up a bit: http://uncyclopedia.wikia.com/wiki/Mickey_Mousers_Football_Franchise_Ltd.
@Craig Mc: I believe too!
March 22nd, 2009 at 22:14
Im starting to feel horrible… The worst of all is that I am beggining to feel like we dont DESERVE to winn the League. Over the cource of the season, we have been shite. Except for a 5-0/3-0 against WBA, Stoke and Chelski we have been absolutely horrendous! Ronaldo has been bad, Scholes has been bad, Tevez, Berbatov, Fletcher, Nani and Anderson. We have been scraping out 1-0 wins the whole season, defending like we were fucking Sunderland 2k! Liverpool have been consistently getting alright results, even though they have fucked up big against West Ham, Boro, Spurs and such. But 4-1 vs United, 5-0 vs Newcastle, 5-0 vs Villa and 4-0 against Real Madrid isnt something that would usually end without a trophy! You guys all know how much I hate Liverpool, and how much I love United. I would rather die than watching those cunts lifting the Prem. But from a neutral perspective, we dont deserve it! Our play has been based on defending for most of the season, and that is not like watching United. To be 100% honest, Liverpool are playing more like United this season than United have done themselves! And that kills me!!!
How many times have we said “alright, we are not playing well right now, but we will find our style during the cource of the season.” WHEN?! We are in finished with March, and when I look back on the season there are only 7 games that sticks to my head making me feel we deserve to win the League. 3-0 vs Chelski and Fulham, 5-0 vs WBA and Stoke, 4-0 vs WBA, 4-3 vs Hull, and 2-0 vs Blackburn and Bolton. Look at those opponents! Except for Chelski, they all belong in the Championship! Compare that to the 3-0 vs Liverpool, 4-0 vs Villa, 6-0 and 5-1 vs Newcastle, 4-1 vs Boro and 4-1 agaisnt West Ham of last season. We deserved it then, and the year before that. But if we dont make a drastic change of playing style, I will look back at this season as the one where we didnt deserve it. Even if we win all five trophies! Dont get me wrong, Im not saying I dont want the trophies. Im just saying our season has been shite… 
Hopefully Scholes suspension and Berbatovs injury are what we need to inject some killer approach and pace in our game. If Rooneys red doesnt get taken back, I will imagine our team will look like this:
VDS
Neville Rio Evans Evra
Nani Carrick Anderson Park
Ronaldo Tevez
I hope Nani and Anderson plays, because they deserve to be starting. Not because of their season, because that has been bad. But because they seem to be the only players capable of fixing our problem. Oh please Fergie, we are gonna play the team with the most tired minds and legs, and the worst defending team this month! Play attacking, because we need to catch up with Liverpools goal difference.
March 22nd, 2009 at 22:20
@Grognard: I too was about to point out the Huntelaar brace too. I’m hearing rumours he isn’t getting along with Robben and wants out. I’d love it if we could get him. My first doubt was if he would adapt to life outside to Dutch league and he seems to be doing okay so far. Though I doubt RM would ever sell him to us without screwing us over on the price or involving Ronaldo somehow.
March 22nd, 2009 at 22:25
@RedDevilEddy: L’scum only +1 ahead of us in terms of goal difference, but yeah I agree with your post that we need to score more goals. We have set ourselves immensely high standards…such that being in contention for all five trophies whilst not setting the world alight is regarded as a disgraceful disappointment. Only us United fans could be capable of that!
I think it’s too late to try and get a more attacking system going…better to wait until next season and start afresh IMO. With Hargo back and a new (mobile, pacy and strong) striker to replace Tevez, I think we can hopefully see a return of the United of 06-07 and 07-08, but with the Fergie/Phelan combo going on, I wouldn’t hold my breath.
March 22nd, 2009 at 22:30
@Rd: Huntelaar became history to us when he signed with Madrid. I’d say getting him from them is near impossible without coughing up Ronaldo. Although lately, I’d consider it and then take the rest of the money and buy Ribery. I love Ronaldo but his attitude and play is really starting to sicken me.
March 22nd, 2009 at 22:32
@RedDevilEddy: WTF Eddy, we don’t deserve to win the league. If we finish above everyone else, we deserve to win it. The best team over a season win the PL. We have not played our usual entertaining football, but not deserve to be where we are – of course we do deserve to be. You say we have been bad, so what does that say for the rest of the premiership then, that we are still ahead of them, and we have played 3 times the amount of games than them. We gave them all I don’t know how many game start, and they still couldn’t get and stay ahead of us. Sooooooooooooooooooooooo – fuck it – I BELIEVE.
March 22nd, 2009 at 22:37
@Grognard: Agree Grog – Ronnie is becoming more a fuckin hindrance to us than a help, he loses us so much playing time, staying down and rolling about whenever he is tackled. He always seems to be on the ground, every other tackle this season. I can remember Ronnie last year, when he was hacked down, he got up quickly, and pressed on. Fergie has made a proper spoilt brat, a right feckin moaner and whimperer. Does he have any TESTOSTERONE at all these days. Truly I feel embarassed by his performing now.
March 22nd, 2009 at 22:45
@Craig Mc: I have set myself and United unbelieveably high standards, I know.
But when I look back at our games against Bolton, Shitty, Liverpool, Boro, Wigan, West Ham, Stoke, Newcastle, Villa, Sunderland, Spurs and now Fulham, I just cant believe how we are so high up in the table. And being first is almost a crime!!! It feels like Ive been watching a fucking Italin international team the whole season, with the defensive approach of hell. 
I am not so pissed off about our results against Liverpool or Fulham. INfact, I think those have been two of our best attacking performances of the season! 
Second halfs that were… I cant believe what Im saying here, I havent felt so frustrted on the cource of a season since 2004/05, and that is the only season since 2002 we have ended without a trophy. Says something….
March 22nd, 2009 at 22:54
@Nino: Okey, Im spoiled. Let me be, I am United born and bred, and I feel we should always look for perfection. Blame me, Fergie, Ronaldo, Phelan, even Obama if you feel that is cruel or wrong, but our season has been shite! Im looking for more than results, Im looking for performances as well. I know we cant win 3-0 or 5-0 every game. But this season has been so weird. Instead of the normal 4-0s and 3-0s, and the occasional lucky 1-0, its been 1-0 nearly every other game we have played this season, and only a couple of 3-0s and such. This season has been crazy, really crazy. I just wish it can end on a high, trophy and performace wise.
And for us changing our system, I think it is time. Our system has been built on a rough and tough defense all season, but now that Vidic is out and we have hit rock bottom considering that approach(not a clean sheet in the Prem for over a month!), we have to change tactics. We cant expect us to get all those lucky breaks anymore, we have to do things for our own sake now. Its in our hands, and if we trow the title away its only our and the teams fault. If we keep defending like we have done lately, we might even end in thrid place come the last game! So I say, roll up your socks, steads your balls and show some fuckign spirit! Especially Ronald, who I have been defendig for all season but who is now just prving himself to be a complete embarrasment. If we dont attack Villa, I will be pissed and dissapointed to be a United fan…
March 22nd, 2009 at 22:55
@Craig Mc: reckon all this could be preppin him for a painless exit this year?
March 22nd, 2009 at 23:06
I wish Ronaldo would stop being a pussy.
I wish we would score more goals and paly better.
I wish Liverpool lost every game by 3-0 from now until the end of the season.
I wish Rooney could act like a human and not an animal.
I wish Berba could shoot when he gets a chance.
I wish Anderson played more games.
I wish Nani played more games.
I wish Hargreaves wasnt injured.
I wish Phelan wasnt assistant coach.
I wish Scholes and Neville retired.
I wish Ronaldo, Evra and Rio(!) could show some fight.
I wish we could score on 1/6 free-kicks we get.
I wish Park wasnt so “stumpy”.
I wish Edwin was younger.
I wish Rafael was better at marking.
I wish Fabio would play instead of Evra for a change.
I wish Vida could be Superman again.
I wish Wes wasnt trying to become Hargreaves best friend.
I wish Welbeck would play more often.
I wish Giggs wasnt running into corners all the times.
I wish Carrick was faster.
I wish Berba wasnt so lazy.
I wish Fletcher didnt start every other United game.
I wish Tevez could stop acting like Alan Smith 2k.
I wish Benzema/Villa and Ashley Young joined us this summer.
I wish Pig was a better goalkeeper than Porky.
I wish we scored on just 1 of 5 100%-chances.
I wish we had a real attacking system.
I wish Berba was sold.
I wish Welbeck and Frazier get some games for us next season.
I wish Queiroz could come back as our assistant coach next season.
I wish I played for United.
Top of the League with a game in hand, the best footballer in the world, best manager in football history, semi and quarter finals of FA cup and Champions League respectivly, World Champions and just set a new world record for cleen sheets.
We cant get everything, can we?
March 22nd, 2009 at 23:08
@Craig Mc: with ya bro!
shit happens/ed, but all it not lost.
of course we have fix/change things, but if there’s any team able of pulling themselves out of a hole, its UNITED,
we might need to start our own BELIEVE campaign!!
March 22nd, 2009 at 23:10
Our FA Cup team could do a demolition job on Villa. It is our big names who’ve been most guilty of underperforming.
Lets field this team against Villa:
Foster, O’Shea, Evans, Rio, Fabio, Fletcher, Anderson, Gibson, Nani, Tevez, Welbeck
A 4-3-3. That team is brimming with energy and ambition. Evra can get his head together before the Porto game because watching the replays his defending has been SHOCKING. That second Fulham game he left Evans and Rio in a 2 against 3 situation because he was too damn lazy to track back.
Nino Liverpool could win the double this season. It is down to us to stop them. It is in our hands. But if they win the double it is because we gifted it to them.
We may not have the best XI in Europe but without a shadow of a doubt we have the best squad. Time to use it. I want to put Giggs on ice for the European games. I want us to put our trust in Anderson, Nani and Tevez. Those three have hardly played and should be fresh and able to give us that extra bit of energy that we’ve really been missing lately. FFS we’ve spent around 50 million so far on them. Lets at least use them.
March 22nd, 2009 at 23:14
I BELIEVE United will win 5 trophies this season!
I BELIEVE United will start playing attractive again!
I BELIEVE Liverpool will stumble, while we will push on with the Juggernaut!
I BELIEVE Ronaldo will find back to last seasons form!
I BELIEVE everything will turn out perfect!
I BELIEVE we are the best team in the world!
I BELIEVE that I believe!
I FUCKING BELIEVE!!!
March 22nd, 2009 at 23:27
@RedDevilEddy: Maybe you need to look at how Lfool, Chelski and Arsenal have performed against those same teams you say we have performed poorly against, and it will give you more understanding of why we are where we are – ABOVE THEM ALL. In spite of all their sudden goals spree, the scousers are only 1 goal more than us, and we have played shite – so that should tell you that all the rest have too. All I care about now, is that we bring home the silverware. We will worry about improving our lot next season
.
March 22nd, 2009 at 23:31
“Can Manchester United score, they ALWAYS score!”
“In the end, its all about winning.”
“Here at Manchester United the philosophy is “Always score more than the opponents”, and it always will be.”
“They you love me, Im strong. But when you hate me, Im unstoppable!”
“Im always trying to play with a smile on my face! If you dont enjoy what you are doing, then what is the point of it?”
“… It`s lined up for Scholes… What about that?! WHAT ABOUT THAT?!”
“He`s past Keown, past Dixon. He is just flying… What a wonderful run FROM GIGGS!!! GOAL, RYAN GIGGS!”
“I dont want any trouble… But if people ask for it I will give them trouble!”
“He was making fun of us, showboating and joking with our players. He(Nani) should learn how to respect his opponents(Arsenal).”
“…Into Sheringham. AND SOLSKJÆR HAS WON IT!!!”
“It was destiny!”
“We deserved it. This wasnt a one-man show, it was team spirit proving its real worth. I will always remember this night, the fans were fantastic!”
“Did Gerrard worry me? No, because he is just another person. I believe in my ability, and as long as I know what I can do, not even God himself can scare me!”
“Ronaldo wanted to take the free-kick, but my instincts told me I was gonna score. So I went for it, and thankfully it proved to be the winner!”
March 22nd, 2009 at 23:37
@Craig Mc:
Dont worry mate, Im not too pissed over it. I will be delighted if we bring three new trophies to the Old Trafford cabinet the next month. Its just that I feel this season have been one of the worst we have played for some years, and I am always looking for improvement. Everywhere, everytime! Maybe hard after winning the best possible double last season, but you have always got to aim for the best possibility! If you dont do that, you are nothing more than a Arse fan(Or you just love the circus! 
).
I just hope Fergie improves our weaknesses the summer, so we wont have to tolerate such stuff next season too. Thats all Im asking!
March 23rd, 2009 at 0:09
@Craig Mc: I’m almost afraid to say this but Ronaldo may have outworn his welcome. Watching him play, he’s not even great anymore. All the more reason to ship him off before his value continues to drop. The club, Fergie and all us supporters went to the mattresses over him and against Real Madrid this past summer. Had i known he would deliver less than 50% of what he is capable of, I would have taken the money and let them feel screwed. Instead we look like we have mud on our face. Personally, I love the player but I am disappointed in him. I think he is trying to wear out his welcome by acting like a spoilt child. Get us all to turn on him as well as some teammates and then maybe Fergie will rethink shipping him off to Madrid. Personally, what he deserves is to be sold to none other than Inter and be under the control of the Special One. We know how much those two love each other.
March 23rd, 2009 at 0:54
I BELIEVE:
I believe we have serious problems
I believe Fergie has gone soft and I’m not just talking downstairs
I believe Ronaldo is forcing us to sell him because asking us to didn’t work
I believe Rooney needs to be taken out back and have the shit beat out of him
I believe EVDS needs to make arrangements now for a good old folks home
I believe Ben Foster is not the heir
I believe that both Rafael and Fabio should be starting
I believe that Patrice Evra has either lost a step and gone stupid or he is fighting an injury and has gone stupid.
I believe Liverpool will steal the EPL title because we will choke it away.
I believe we are an undisciplined mob that’s almost as bad as Chelsea and Arsenal have been in the past.
I believe Mike Phelan is my favorite muppet of all time. Even better than Cookie Monster and Fozzy Bear.
I believe Paul Scholes needs to retire and face the fact he hasn’t got the endurance and stamina nor the speed to play at the highest level anymore.
I believe Gary Neville should have given up the captaincy a long time ago because leadership does not work from the training table or the hospital.
I believe Gary Neville should also retire as there no longer room for him.
I believe Anderson has been completely misused and destroyed under SAF.
I believe that Anderson should now be sold because of irreparable damage that changing him from his natural position which was LMF/LW has done to him.
I believe Nani has also been misusded and mentally abused by Fergie. SAF’s head games have not worked with the lad and have caused him to regress. He’s too talented to be wasted here and on the bench.
I believe that either Nemaja Vidic or Owen Hargreaves are the most qualified to be our next captain. I think Rio has shown no leadership of late and has canceled himself out of the running. I think Fergie procrastinating on naming him captain has damaged as Terry being kept on as captain for England has. He deserved better and getting the shaft from both of his teams has distracted him and made him loose his edge and focus.
I believe Park is a role player and should only play against teams with outstanding wingers and attacking fullbacks.
I believe discipline on this club has reached an all time low under Ferguson.
I believe the inmates have taken over the asylum. Ferguson needs to take back control and he needs to bring the hammer down on Ronaldo and Rooney.
I believe Ronaldo and Rooney should both be suspended or benched for five EPL games or until they grow up.
I believe Tevez is half the player he was last year and it’s time for him to go.
I believe that SAF treatment of Tevez from the very beginning of the season has been terrible and has contributed to the Apache’s fall from grace.
I believe Dimtitar Berbatov is an outstanding talent but is also a fair weather player who is lazy and who only suits less ambitious teams or the Italian style of play which is slower and more suited to his pace and strengths.
I believe that Fergie made a big error in buying Berbatov and not buying the far superior goal machine known as Kaas Jan Huntelaar.
I believe that Berbatov is a major liability to our style of play and he is unable to play in this system and especially against top opponents. Therefore, he needs to be sold.
I believe Rooney should never under any circumstances be given the captaincy unless he grows the fuck up.
I believe the team need t hire a competent and qualified assistant coach who can help with tactics, man management and especially discipline and communication.
I believe United are shameful for still wearing the appalling AIG logo on their shirts. Is money everything to this team?
I believe Fergie should seriously consider retiring at season’s end if the club has a strong chance of hiring someone like Jose Mourinho.
I believe the team has greatness and potential written all over it but lack of discipline, fatigue and loss of focus and hunger from the top down is threatening to derail a dream season.
I believe the club needs to address it’s goalkeeping, CMF/DMF needs and we also need to look for the definitive attacking winger who will compliment Ronaldo or replace him. Someone like Ribery would be a great replacement and Silva would be a good addition. We also need to find a goal scorer.
I believe it’s time to promote either Welbeck or Campbell to #3 striker.
I believe Grognard should be the new assistant manager
I believe we need to forget about Benzema and go after Aguero
I believe we need to find a player who is hard as nails and has grit to help lead this club.
I believe that that very little will change and as usual, United fans will get ignored with the perpetual slap in the face from the arrogant leaders of this club who never seem to care what we think. I should have been a Newcastle supporter.
I believe that RR needs to start a new thread because this one is getting as slow and as old as Paul Scholes.
Cheers.
March 23rd, 2009 at 3:44
@RedDevilEddy: Love it! Absolutely love it! What about:
“They have reached the promise land”, “All their hearts desire”…
Everytime I am down, I watch the review of the 99 Finals… such a panacea against any football ills.
March 23rd, 2009 at 3:56
“I believe Liverpool will steal the EPL title because we will choke it away.” – BULL! Almost an insult in my book.
Amazing! We play poorly for 2 weeks and doomsday rings out from the tower of Grognard. Some of you are very fickly. Dark Grognard had been in exile until we lost to liverpool and should stay until season end when results can be counted.
Yes, we are not perfect and Rooney and Ronaldo should be fined for unprofessional behavior and Berba has changed our game . but WE WILL BE FINE. We will deal with this before next game… we have had soo much worse.
March 23rd, 2009 at 4:12
@Madschester United: Learn to live with it. Grognard will say and do anything he damned well feels like saying. The dark side is strong with him.
March 23rd, 2009 at 4:31
@Madschester United: Before you just point fingers at me for bitching and complaining, you should look at the others who have also voiced their concerns and complaints. But as usual, the finger is pointed at me alone. I suppose I should be flattered that I manage to stoke such fires so easily.
March 23rd, 2009 at 6:05
I believe we can win this year.
March 23rd, 2009 at 10:20
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14NQOGOhR0g
Only football song I could think of with the words believe in it……
If I can still believe in England one day lifting the world cup, Then I can FUCKING BELIEVE IN UNITED WE WILL GET OUR HEADS BACK IN THE GAME AND WE WILL LIFT THE PREM THIS YEAR WE WILL FIND OUR FORM AND WE WILL NOT BACK DOWN IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY WE WILL STAND OUR GROUND AND FIGHT FOR OUR PLACE IN THE HISTORY BOOKS WITH EVERY OUNCE AND FIBER OF OUR SOUL!
I BELIEVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(yes many stolen quotes are used in the above rant)
March 23rd, 2009 at 10:21
@Grognard: I agree in most of those points, I have always been very up beat but the complacency and arrogance of the side is getting embarassing.
Rooney and Ronaldo’s indiscipline and constant complaining to referees is a disgrace, Ronaldo this season has moaned and dived all season, he is still a great player but his behaviour has been terrible and embarassing. Rooney has been a little better but at least he plays with his heart, Ronaldo plays for himself soley.
We do need a goal poacher and Huntelaar would have been ideal, some games are about fine margins and a player like him especially like Saturday could have got something out of the game.
Giigs still has something to offer, Neville probably hasn’t but would be a good coach, and even I am loosing faith with Scholes, and that is saying something.
Anderson and Nani especially Nani what has happened to them???? Drop ronaldo and play Nani against Villa, give both players a run in the side, why not?
Fergie team selection on Saturday was simply awful, Berbatov is a great player but sometimes I think he is not gelling, but I certainly belive he is worth persivering with, for now.
Why is Fergie getting involved with needless debates about who has spent what with the FSW?? I heard him say, “I talked to some people in the sports technology department and said: ‘check that out’. I am sure I had not spent that much money. I worked out that in the last five years Liverpool had spent £24m more than Manchester United.” Why are our sports technology department “checking that out” and not the Fulham players???
I could go for hours but that is for starters.
March 23rd, 2009 at 11:41
I believe the whole country – press, refs, fans – are loving it, and that teams are not going to be frightened of playing United atm, they probably can’t wait to provoke Ronaldo, hustle and kick the ankles of our midfielders as soon as they get the ball, and feed off of the scraps.
But I strongly believe the team can do it, but the fastest and fitness players need to be used, it can only be done if we out-work the other teams. Slow careful (mis)passing isn’t working right now in this tired team.
I believe that if they play compact football like in Milan, where you always have someone available for the pass, then good chances will come.
Passing options in midfield is the key for me right now: it’s is far too easy for the opposition right now. They (the opposition)don’t need to be good at football they just need to be energetic and aggressive and wait for United to make tired mistakes.
When you get that ball what are you going to do with it?
Confidence can’t be regained if you’re isolated.
Unlike teams like Villa, United has great young players available, I think it’s time to use them, not all at once, but I would definitely be happy to see Fabio and Nani and maybe even Gibson playing in the next matches.
I would still stick with Berbatov and Ronaldo though: Berbatov needs movement around him to work, and Ronaldo needs peers of his ability, the arrogant git
March 23rd, 2009 at 12:51
I went on my vacation with a feeling that normal service would be resumed after the scousers won at OT, but then I saw the media panning us left, right and center for our wonderful show at Craven Cottage.
Haven’t yet managed to watch a replay of the match yet, would someone tell me how on earth we landed up with a result???
March 23rd, 2009 at 13:18
@Rahul: A stupid Scholes, a lazy Berba, tactical mistakes, whining Ronaldo, woeful Rio and Evra, lack of pace, and bad luck.
March 23rd, 2009 at 13:57
Fuck me, did someone bomb OT and kill all our players and staff? No?
Well then shall we get on with the process of winning the league and CL. I’m not happy with things as they are for lots of reasons mentioned by others but SACK Fergie??????? That is so Knee Jerk, all you need is to cross one leg over another and have a doctor standing by with a hammer!!!!!!!!!
Yes, bench that pussy Ronaldo for the embarrassment and disgrace he brings to our team, I’m sick of his constant whining, anyone who has seen Ribery play can see the anthisesis in attitude from these 2 players
Yes, there seems to be something not quite right collectively with our players, Where’s our captain / leader? For any of you who can remember, see Roy Keane, or indeed Brian O Driscoll (captain of the Irish Rugby team). We’re missing a leader big time, someone who can motivate/ kick in the hole/ cajole our multi million pound players on the pitch, or take responsibility himself!! I reiterate Grogs feelings wrt Keane as a no. 2.
@Stephen: I agree with you Bro, Completely!
Now i’m not looking at things with rosy specs on either, but i dont see a cataclismic collapse that some ranters predict, we’re 1 point ahead with a game in hand, Its squeaky bum time now for sure, but you’ld want to be a brave man to bet against Fergie, lads just look at his record, even last season! So as Craig said, we gotta BELIEVE, well i will anyway until its mathematically impossible. Dont get me wrong this is SHITE, getting spanked by the scouse at home followed by the Fulham debacle, but its not over till the fat lady sings, not the FSW. We can turn this around, but it needs some soul searching from our players and some rethinking from Fergie!! Can it be done? Fucking right it can.
And i’ll tell you something else, it’ll be even sweeter to goad those Scouse Bastards when they fail to win the premiership and we pip it.
Come on Lads, where’s your fuckin pride?
March 23rd, 2009 at 14:09
@phoenix red: I agree currently we are a boat without a ruuder, we need a leader in there to get hold of player like Ronaldo and Rooney, Giggs leads by example but we need a leader of men, to get hold of these ego’s and o not forget who they are playing for.
March 23rd, 2009 at 14:11
Shit, it took me the better part of the day to read through all the posts that I missed. Was tempted to comment earlier, but figured its best to go through each one before I give my input.
Funny, I can’t seem to remember when last United lost 2 PL games in a row. Maybe I’m just too lazy to think, or too pissed off with the team to even bother with a Google.
For a team where a draw=loss and loss=crisis, it seems like 2x loss=Apocalypse
@Rd: I agree. And, to be honest, my pick as Fergie’s replacement would be Mourinho. Grognard last week commented on how boring we would be under Jose, well, perhaps this is Fergie’s way of ‘preparing’ us for his coming?
Everybody’s commented on what frustrated me, so I see no need for that. One problem I personally have however is the way we started playing – after the red card – not to score goals, but to get one of their players sent off. What was all the bitching about? I felt embarrased to be a United supporter. What embarassed/dissapointed me most was the fact that out of the 10 players left on the pitch, Fergie and myself, I was the ONLY ONE that actually believed we could win with the 10 men. How fuckin disgusting. My suspicion is that Rooney bitched for him to be put on, and after Ronaldo and himself started taking the game to Fulham – alone, then only did Fergie realise that we might get something out of it… Silly substitution though (personally, I would have though Rafael for O’Shea, and leaving Park further up front would have been wiser, and maybe Tevez for Giggs. By pushing Park back and leaving Tevez alone up front, he totally bottled it).
I am in no way advocating getting rid of SAF, but he has to wake the fuck up! We have been playing shit all season, and now we’re not even winning anymore…
March 23rd, 2009 at 14:16
@Grognard: Would you be happy with Mourinho’s brand of football? We would win under him no doubt but his negative win at all cost type of play isn’t really United.
I do feel that Fergie has taken his eye off the ball, got complacent this season as Chelsea have been poor, and nobody really belived Liverpool were good and consistant enough to mount a serious charge. We managed to rotate the squad well if not a little fortunatly as we were winning games, but now we are getting found out.
March 23rd, 2009 at 14:16
What bothers me a bit is the fact that we always plays bad after an international break. I sincerely hope this is an exception.
March 23rd, 2009 at 15:33
A lot of anxiety expressed after 2 consecutive defeats. Many of us have been unhappy with a great number of this season’s performances but began to take pride in the clean sheet run even though we were still not scoring many.
I think that run was a big distraction. Everyone – media, fans and players and when we evgentually conceded with Edwin in gaol
March 23rd, 2009 at 16:00
A lot of anxiety expressed after 2 consecutive defeats. Many of us have been unhappy with a great number of this season’s performances but began to take pride in the clean sheet run even though we were still not scoring many.
I think that run was a big distraction. Everyone – media, fans and players could not visualise us ever conceding again. Players like park became indispensible and attacking threats like Nani became a luxury.
When we evgentually conceded with Edwin in goal the result seems to have been catastrophic to confidence and morale.
Foster should have had more game time. He played really well in the Carling Cup final and the defence looked relaxed in front of him.
Recently, the pressing of our centre halves has caused them anxiety to the point where a straight up and under is wreaking havoc. Oddly, Ryan Shawcross would deal with that ball all day long.
Sadly, with Berba playing, we are not putting opposition defences under that kind of pressure in the way we did last year. Tevez and Rooney are such a handful and induce mistakes. Premier league defenders need time to control and use the ball. We’ve been giving them that time.
Anderson is the one midfielder that can inject pace into our play from the middle and must get more game time. Ronnie looks almost lost out wide and is generally stopped by the first of the defenders lined up waiting for him.
Reason for hope? We played some very good football in the second half on Saturday with a man less and were foiled only by Schwarzer doing a Friedel impersonation.
Tevez – You still got that dummy? Give it to Rooney and Ronaldo on alternate days. They are worse than embarrassing. Roo can be our most important player if someone helps him to sort his head out.
Don’t ever again play Giggs and Scholes at he same time.
March 23rd, 2009 at 16:18
Just out of interest, why are so many people on here talking about pressurising oppositions’ defenders when they have the ball? (ie, the Tevez/Alan Smith technique of attacking) Might be my imagination, but our strikers have never done that in the past. Other than when Rooney goes into flip out mode, even he normally just closes down angles/rests when the opposing defence has the ball. Lord knows Ruud/Ole wouldn’t bother unless the ball was there to be won. Our other 8 players are in charge of stopping the opposition attack, not the our front two. I actually think it’s detrimental, at least with berbatov if the opposition lose the ball to our midfield, they know where he is. Same with Ronaldo. When it’s Rooney and Tevez chasing down lost causes they’re normally miles out of position or offside, stopping our ability to counter. Strikers aren’t supposed to defend.
March 23rd, 2009 at 16:34
@Karl: I see Mourinho as a too bigger risk for Gill and Charlton to take on, he is very brash and personally I feel THEIR choice would be O’Neill, but I am digressing.
I am starting to go down the Grog dark alley which over the recent months I have fought against, the attitude of some of the people at our club has been our own downfall, and the people in question are Ronaldo, Rooney, Berbatov for simply not playing for the side.
Ronaldo wanted in the summer but now wants the entire side to centre around him, he wants all freekicks, penalties, and mostly the attention he is a great player but is he now detrimental to the team? He gets in unnecessary spats with other players and referees, which makes everyone around him loose focus on what is important, winning.
Rooney is similar, he wants to captain and manage the team also which he hasn’t the intelligence or the maturity to do, and again gets into spats with other players and and referees alike.
Berba is different, he is still like the two mentioned a class act but not used to winning, if we are a goal down he doesn’t know what to do to turn the deficit around as he hasn’t been in the position before, and like certian other players look to do what we did last season, wait for Ronaldo to score.
The main culprit in all this has to be the manager, I like Karl am not saying it is time for him to go, but this isn’t the first time he has lost focus on the team, is like the time when he got into Rock of Gibraltar spat with John Magnier, the only thing that suffered at that point was the team.
To me this season he has got complacent I still am not going to jump down the “Phelan is a muppet” brigade, but now feel they have a point, Fergie has been at his best when he has a number two he respects, Kidd, McClaren, CQ but Phelan I am sure is a good coach, but probably or certainly is a yes man, and hasn’t seen anything outside football bar United so what new can he put forward?. A number 2 has to add a new aspect to play, rather than just put the cones out and in Fergies case do the post match press conference.
He also I am sure has in mind his retirement, personally probably next season, when he can say for sure he has, “knocked Liverpool off their fucking perch” hence what I said before complacency, which has showed loyalty to Phelan, Giggs, Scholes and Neville.
I love the three players but would Fergie 10 years ago really have given Neville and Scholes another contract? Giggs posibley, but the other two he would have said “thanks but time to move on” And Phelan his thoughts are “not great ut will do, and he is one of thre boys”
I am not saying we will not win the league, we probably will and maybe even one more trophy, but the concerns are to me when Fergie leaves what state will the club be in? He has all “his” boys at the club who are well looked after, and his attitude may well be, so what not my problem.
March 23rd, 2009 at 16:42
There are five players that I have faith in to keep United on their shoulders for the remainer of this season. May be a weird choice, but something tells me that if anybody is gonne be a hero, its gonna be these guys.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
2. Wayne Rooney
3. Fabio/Rafael
4. Anderson
5. Nani
March 23rd, 2009 at 16:57
@Grognard: Perhaps its the Ballon D’Or and WPOTY curse? Just think back, according to myths, none of the players who have won it, have ever gone on to have a season as good as the previous one they had.
@Grognard: Three reds in 2 games does NOT make us undisciplined, considering only one of them was for dissent/ indiscipline(Rooney) and none of them has been for violent conduct or some silly rash tackle, its not indiscipline, just frustration. I agree with SOME of your other points though.
March 23rd, 2009 at 17:01
@Rd: “its not indiscipline, just frustration” Whats the difference?
March 23rd, 2009 at 17:19
Fabio wont be a hero , cause he doesnt play
March 23rd, 2009 at 17:29
@Rd: It’s not just the red cards, it’s Ronaldo’s continual dissent as well as Rooney’s and the attitude that many have towards every call made by a referee. We cried out bloody murder last year when Chelsea were pulling off this crap and then surrounding the refs, now we need to swallow our pride and take the blinders off and look at our own lads. Their is no leadership on the pitch and nobody to get control of our wild bunch. And all Ferguson does is sit in the managers seat, chomping away at his gum and looking completely disinterested. This club has no discipline, has lost it’s desire and focus and it starts at the very top. Who the frak is running this club, Ferguson or Roonaldo?
March 23rd, 2009 at 17:31
@RedDevilEddy: leave Tevez out of that list at your peril mate.
March 23rd, 2009 at 17:33
@RedDevilEddy: Not sure about Anderson on that list matey, he needs a run but where are the goals?
March 23rd, 2009 at 17:33
@Rd: Also, there are two ways to deal with frustration.
1. Take a deep breath, think about what you have done or what you want to do and take the smart conservative way out of that mess. In other words, do not retaliate, just turn away.
2. Twist off and act like a selfish prick and jeopardize your team’s chances while getting yourself sent off but at least you got all that aggression and frustration out.
Frustration is a test for one’s discipline. And some on United have failed miserably.
March 23rd, 2009 at 17:44
@RedDevilEddy: I’m sorry mate but those are just not valid choices whatsoever. Fine I’ll concede Rooney when he plays and isn’t injured or suspended. How getting a stupid red card for immaturity and selfishness is carrying the team on it’s shoulder is beyond my comprehension?
Ronaldo is all about Ronaldo. Selfish, conceded and he doesn’t give a fuck about the team. Just the person I want to depend on.
Nani? Nani? Are you smoking funny smelling cigarettes mate? Nani hasn’t done anything all season and has hardly started any games in the EPL. I love him but how is he going to place the weight of the team on his shoulder when he is firmly placing the weight of his ass on the bench?
Anderson?? Anderson?? I’ll just chalk that one up to personal favoritism because that’s just ludicrous. He’s done fuck all the entire season and has regressed and now he is our savior placing the weight of expectations on his shoulders. Add to that the fact he couldn’t hit the side a barn from 2 feet out. Honestly mate,
Fabio/Rafael? Pretty hard to do when one is injured and the other doesn’t get to play.
Seriously Eddy, you need to think this through a little more. I f I was to pick five names to place the weight of the team and faith in them to carry that weight, it would be;
1. Nemanja Vidic
2. Rio
3. Ryan Giggs
4. Wayne Rooney
5. Michael Carrick
And what I would have given for a faster miracle recovery for one Owen Hargreaves.
March 23rd, 2009 at 18:32
I’ve been trying to stalk Hargreaves’ recovery but to no avail. Had his operation over 2 months ago, would have to assume he’d be done with being in Colorado, why isn’t he back in Manchester supporting the boys?
We have real problems at the moment, how ironic would it be if Liverpool win the league by deciding on their best formation and sticking with it, and we lose the league by not being able to settle and constantly rotating players?
March 23rd, 2009 at 18:32
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1164196/EXCLUSIVE-Rooney-escape-FA-rap-despite-raging-ref-punching-corner-flag-Uniteds-defeat-Fulham.html?ITO=1490
YES?
March 23rd, 2009 at 18:57
I love how in that article they say it resembles what happened with Macherano. For the life of me I just cannot fathom what it takes to speak to, much less not punch in the face of any member of the English press. I honestly don’t what I’d do if someone brought a friend to my house at a party and it turned they worked for one of the rags. Clearly ask them to leave, but there’d just be years of pent up anger….wouldn’t be pretty
March 23rd, 2009 at 19:09
If Rooney got lets say a three match ban for what he did on Saturday would it be necessarily a bad thing?
Firstly this may sound odd, but with Roonry to some degree you have to treat him like a child, you do something bad something bad happens to you. This is not a isolated incident and if he isn’t punished then how will he learn? Fergie seems to let him and Ronaldo get away with some of the most stupid actions in games, so if he was punished then maybe he would calm down somewhat.
March 23rd, 2009 at 19:13
@Stephen: No, because knowing fergie hell play tevez upfront on his own…
March 23rd, 2009 at 19:14
@Dan: Good point with the wing wizards of Park and Fletcher raining crosses in at him.
March 23rd, 2009 at 19:22
@RedDevilEddy: Thanks mate. I actually caught a replay of the match and I would share your views. Rio and Evra were actually woeful, and Ronaldo didn’t look interested in playing until the second half. Whatever happened to his freedom to shoot?
What I saw as the biggest screw up of all is the terrible, terrible, performance by Berbatov. It was a disgrace from a player of his capability, and even more from a Manchester United player. Does no one tell him these days that he is supposed to attack and shoot and do that kind of stuff?? He’s apparently too tied up in trying fancy flicks.
Second is Rooney coming back to his Looney self. Though I think his second yellow was unjustified.
In other tidbits, sitting down Carrick was a dumb idea in my opinion. Him and Fletch would have been a much better pairing. And for the love of God, Fergie should give Ronaldo a game off. Let him get some rest, and get the cravings to play.
March 23rd, 2009 at 19:43
You guys know that we can still lose one more game and win the title? Im gonna be optimistic here, because it isnt the end of the world. That would be the day Liverpool move ahead of us. Some factors taken into account, we should be optimistic.
1. We have been getting our “usual” losses this season. What I mean by that is that a team we hate immensly have gotten the double over us the three last seasons. We lose to one of the other top 4 sides, and we get a humiliating performance away from home which ends in defeat in a game that we should win. Arsenal and Shitty did the double over us the last two seasons. We play a really bad game each eason, which we end up losing. Bolton last year, West Ham before that. Last season we lost against Chelski, the season before that against Arsenal. This season it stands us losing the double against Liverpool, the bad performance against Fulham and against a top 4 side in Arsenal. So these losses aint all that bad!
2. Fulham are the best home side in the Premier League. Maybe a shock, but they have more wins than Liverpool, Chelski and United. Only Chelski have gone from there witha point. Fulham face Liverpool, who never turn up in these games, on Saturday. If they win, and we beat Villa(who are worse than Rochdale at the moment) we are possibly seven points clear again. Liverpool are not gonna win all their games, and considering Torres has got injured when on International duty the last five(!) times, it may look good for us. Villa will be without Friedel, with players low on confiedence and more tired than a winger playing against me for 90 minutes. And thats tired!
If we score on our chances, we may beat them by the same scoreline as Liverpool. I hope no-one gets injured, cause that will be huge problems. But I consider Berbas injury and Scholes red card a blessing in disguise. Nani and Ronaldo, its your time to shine! 
3. When we win our next game, Liverpool will lose their confidence. They are going through a similar period we did last season, when we beat them 3-0, Villa 4-0 and Roma 2-0 away from home in the matter of a week. They are so confident we will stumble right now, that they are playing attacking football for all their money. Their defense is shite, TBH. When we win another game, they wil realise that we are still fighting for this, and that they have to do more than win. That may crush their belief, as it has happend with Chelski, Arsenal and Newcastle before. Its just a matter of us putting up a good display and they are fucked!
March 23rd, 2009 at 19:53
@Grognard: Depends on what you think I am basing “carrying the team on their shoulders” on.
About mental fortitude, I wouldnt put Ronaldo, Anderson or Nani on that list. And definately not Rafael or Fabio! I mean by offensive skills, because after watching nearly a whole season with United I have come to this conclusion: When we first go into the lead, those are the players looking for another goal. On your list you have 2 defenders, one midfielder who can be brilliant, but who is more careful now, and one midfielder that one day can be the best midfielder in the world and another make you want to smack yourself in the head with golf shoes. The latter was Carrick…
Scholes is backpass king. Berbatov doesnt seem to want to score goals. Park is not an attacking player, Fletcher is as good as my teacher turning the tempo up, Tevez keeps losing balls with his brilliant first touch,
, and Evra isnt as offensive as he once were. Rafael is a RWB, wanting to score goals. Nani is not one to slow the tempo down, and he will always think for a way to get a goal. Even though frustrating, I feel he could get an assist even when sleepwalking! Ronaldo is our best attacking player, and that is why I put him on that list. Frstrating as fuck, but still our best attacking force. Just some confidence, and he is in there again! Rooney is a real team player, and he just seems to be our engine some games. Not so consistent, but our best striker this season by a long mile! Anderson is our only midfielder who will go for another goal no matter what the scoreline is. You know I love his offensive will, and I know you do too! If those five players can gain confidence and blend like they did last season, we will be nearly unstoppable! So there! 
March 23rd, 2009 at 19:53
Am actually quite concerned with how Evra has been playing lately.. He’s missing a lot of his usual self, and it affects the wing play on the left.
I would send Park on an intense 2 week training with Ole on ‘Finishing’ (especially close range). If he can get that aspect of his game right, he would become a great player.
And I’d also force Berbatov to remain hungry until he scores.
March 23rd, 2009 at 20:09
@ROOOOONEY: Hmm, seems official, wouldnt rule out the possibility of it being untrue though.
March 23rd, 2009 at 20:14
@Stephen: The only way to punish our ill disciplined players is to fine them all a months wages. Because benching them, or the FA banning them hurts only MUFC at a time we need everybody to be focused on winning the next 8 games. Come on Red Devils it is OUR destiny, I BELIEVE
.
March 23rd, 2009 at 20:16
Oh, and if these players don’t UP their games, AND FIGHT like they should be doing, without LOSING their feckin heads, and behaving like little crying girls, then Fergie should get RID of every one of them who doesn’t do his job thru lack of FIGHT. MUFC fans EXPECT!
March 23rd, 2009 at 20:16
@RedDevilEddy: When you carry the hopes and dreams of a team on your shoulders, you do so through leadership and setting a positive example. It’s not about who scores the most goals. All the more reason why picking Anderson is ludicrous. Leadership mate, LEADERSHIP. Other than Rooney, none of your guys have it. And even Rooney quite often acts outside the box. And what is Fabio all about. He plays for the frakken reserves Eddy. That doesn’t make him a leader or somebody a team can count on for leadership and even for goals. Scoring three goals against a no name pub side is not impressing me one bit. I’m glad he is showing progress and I for one would like him in the lineup but I do not have such high expectations. In fact I would never have such lofty expectations of kids. Nani, Anderson and the Da Silva’s are kids. I think you are putting too much of a premium on them because you in fact are very young. Trust me mate, the glue that holds all great teams together are the veterans and the take charge leaders who are rarely so wet behind the ears and still in need of an occasional diaper change.
You do not have to be a an attacking player to fit the criteria.
March 23rd, 2009 at 20:20
@Beachryan: Errrr Hargo IS BACK at OT, Fergie said so himself on MUTV interview to the media. His ops according to Fergie were a success, and he is back in charge of his build up programmes. He will not be rushed back.
March 23rd, 2009 at 20:22
@Craig Mc: That doesn’t do anything. They all get paid so much it’s like asking you to part with a five pound note. No you kill them where they live, their ego’s. You embarrass and shame them. You bench them or better yet, suspend them and they will be banned from training as well as the stands in game day. Make them feel like total outsiders and make them know how it feels to be shunned and to be left out of the team. For Ronaldo it could be the catalyst that forces his hand and makes him demand a transfer to Spain, but for Rooney, it will be a humbling experience and a maturing process that will hopefully help him realize that his stubbornness and inability to think team ahead of himself, is a detriment to both. Either that or off with their heads in a public execution old school style.
March 23rd, 2009 at 20:25
@Grognard: What bollocks Grog, how can Nani have done anything when he hasn’t played any PL games. But you just keep on with the other Nani baiters, HATERS etc. I’ll tell you this, we did better last season with the latins playing and doing their bit, than we have done this season. That’s all I’m saying. And don’t be giving me any of this Awwww Craig loves Nani shit. Yes I do, and you know what, I’m not ashamed of it. The lad has gone stale, like our other latins including Ronnie, BECAUSE????????? I will let the rest of you professors on here tell us why?
March 23rd, 2009 at 20:30
@Grognard: Like I said, they keep it up, GET FUCKING RID, they are not indispensible, especially if they are hurting us with their cry baby behaviour. Tantrum Rooney and Ronnie especially. Great players are also known for their on field/off field great behaviour, and are well respected for it. Who the fuck respects Looney or Ronnie????????
March 23rd, 2009 at 20:31
@Nino: it’s sarcasm mate we now have only 1 striker, unless welbeck is ready to play villa, which i highly doubt
March 23rd, 2009 at 20:31
@Craig Mc: Absolutely Bro. Too be honest, Fergie has been far too tolerant with a lot of shit disturbers on this club and his double standards and favoritism is pissing me off big time. Again I will bring up the shoddy treatment he showed such legends as Stam, RVN, Beckham and especially Keane. These players always gave their all and never lacked the tools or desire to put United ahead of their own needs. Fergie would of course disagree, especially when it comes to Beckham and RVN, but they soured on Fergie because of his unfairness and his lack of appreciation for their efforts. I still fume when I think of his benching of RVN for the League Cup final all because he had a training spat with the the little selfish bitch Ronaldo. I guess we know better now who was right on that day. As for Keane, what he said to the media was absolutely correct but he should have kept it behind closed doors. It was a mistake but he was only expressing the truth and his frustration with a team that was playing poorly and with no passion. He was the injured team captain and he cared. So what’s his reward for that dedication and leadership? Off to Celtic and don’t let the door hit you on the way out. I love Fergie but there are times he has been a royal prick to some of our greatest players. Yet others seem immune to any criticism. Double standards. All the more reason why I wonder why Fergie continues to manage when he clearly hasn’t got the bottle for it anymore.
My advice to him would be, get tough or get stuffed.
March 23rd, 2009 at 20:34
@Craig Mc: Craig read that statement again.
“Nani? Nani? Are you smoking funny smelling cigarettes mate? Nani hasn’t done anything all season and has hardly started any games in the EPL. I love him but how is he going to place the weight of the team on his shoulder when he is firmly placing the weight of his ass on the bench?”
That was not an indictment on Nani but on Fergie for not using him and letting him waste away on the bench. Pretty hard to be a difference maker and to put the team on your shoulders when you don’t even get to play. I would have expected praise from you on that mate, not anger.
March 23rd, 2009 at 20:37
@Craig Mc: As far as I’m concerned I’d start Nani in every EPL game left. I still think Park is more useful in the CL. The point is Ferguson is not playing Nani and that is hurting the team as well as Nani. Save your wrath for Fergie Bro. Don’t shoot the messenger just because he bring reality to the forefront.
March 23rd, 2009 at 20:55
@Grognard: Mmmmm –
. That is Craig Mc Grog, firing on all barrells without digesting posts. Apologies Bro. I really would be worried, and I don’t want Fergie to stick Nani in now Grog, because he is so far off match fitness, and I don’t want him to carry the can for any failures by the players who Fergie has PUT SO MUCH FAITH IN 
.
March 23rd, 2009 at 20:58
How to make man united score a goal again:
start foster(sorry grog)
Start rafael AND fabio
start evans and vidic
start nani on the left
giggs and carrick in the centre(with anderson alternating with giggs)
rooney playing OFF berbatov
Phelan muppet OUT!!
March 23rd, 2009 at 21:01
@Beachryan: Beachy because we had a MF in those days, a great engine room, who did the work for the strikers, that’s why mate?
March 23rd, 2009 at 21:10
@Dan: Mate you cannot blame Mike Phelan for our form this season. Also, we don’t need to blood new yound players at this late stage. We need to give the players who WON it for us last year, and have lost few games this year, the opportunity to WIN the next 8 PL games, and shut everybody up. If we win the next 3 games, against Villa, Sunderland and Spurs, we will be confident again, and the scousers will be thinking again about all their boastings. Who is going to motivate, I don’t know. But I think perhaps we have to play some of the experienced OLD heads, because the Rooney’s Ronnies and some of the young kids are LOSING their heads. One good win, will change everything. The scousers are tipping Villa to beat us, and that they will thrash Fulham. Well we know Murphy scouse git, conveniently got injured so he wont have to play against his beloved scousers. We have to beat Villa – no question. I am not worried about City, wewill beat them. Arsenal well – we can beat them convincingly on our day. We are missing Wes Brown and Hargo. Shame.
March 23rd, 2009 at 21:39
@Craig Mc: Well said matey, I am fed up with Ronaldo he is embarassing the club with his attitude all season and personally I have had enough.
March 23rd, 2009 at 21:40
I would love to see Hargo back God I miss him, a total professional and that is something we completly miss at the moment.
March 23rd, 2009 at 21:50
@RedDevilEddy: Dude I know you are Anderson’s number one fan and fair play to your suppport of the lad but for the same money we could have signed Mascherano and I know which one I would prefer, this is not a dig as I know the lad is young but he was bought for a phenomenal amount of money and needs to deliver, and time is running out in my eyes as the club looks too big for him.
March 23rd, 2009 at 21:54
@Dan: How is starting Foster going to help United score a goal again?
March 23rd, 2009 at 22:03
@Dan: No Rio?
March 23rd, 2009 at 22:47
@Grognard: Was thinking the exact same thing there. Sorry Dan, but that made no sense…
March 23rd, 2009 at 22:50
I wouldn’t exactly call what Rooney did ‘losing his head’ I mean I’ve watched the incident a number of times now and I still don’t think it deserved a yellow. Where’s the indictment of Rio and Fletcher for crowding the ref or Giggs for stamping straight after the incident? The whole team just went crazy after the sending off, but yeah it’s Rooney who lost his head
March 23rd, 2009 at 22:52
@Stephen: Mascherano is a twat! End of. I would rather buy shit than Masch, even though they are practically the same thing…
Anderson will come good. Ive been doubting that leately, but Ive thought some things through. If Hargreaves is back next season, Anderson will be a fucking masterclas of a performer. That is if Berba doesnt start every game though… He has something that represents United in all its glory, and I am sure there will be one day when you all look back at this and laugh about your ignorance towards me and Andy.
Maybe going a little too far there, because there is a big chance I will have to eat my words here. 
But I trust Andy to prove me right, and some wrong. BELIEVE!
March 23rd, 2009 at 22:57
@RedDevilEddy: Mate he is a twat but a good playing one and has been pivitol to Liverpool this and last season, as all the Liverpool credit goes to Torres and Gerrard and sometimes to the over rated Carrrrahh.
I have nothig against Anderson but he looks lost, not sure what sort of player he wants to be, a holder or an attacking player, but he currently is neither and is not forcing his way into the side.
@Liam: The problem is he put himself at risk of getting sent off, and it is not the first time.
March 23rd, 2009 at 23:38
Rooney ‘gets away’ with his reaction to his ‘totally legitimate’ sending off and is not having his ban extended. He only misses the Villa game.
March 24th, 2009 at 0:42
Off Topic I know, apologies. But for those who care – that new England shirt…..
http://img.thesun.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00762/englandmain_762711a.jpg
March 24th, 2009 at 1:08
@m34ch: I really like it. The ulta modern one they leaked a few weeks ago looked gash, and this ultra retro tailored thing looks swish. Whit shorts and white socks. Name and number embroided in red on the back. Means we can crash out in the quarters to Argentina with style!
March 24th, 2009 at 1:16
@Traverse: I’m liking it too, Umbro blog just put (the first) 4 videos of the making of it, and general thought process. I also read the names were in white on the back too? (Like the star above the England crest) it’d be nice to see some proper shots of it though, but yeah – I am liking it too. Thats not falling….that’s losing with style!
lol
March 24th, 2009 at 2:35
Even Sky are saying that Rooney shouldn’t have been sent off. He was giving the ball to Evans ffs. Dowd was looking for an excuse to be an asshole as usual and saw his opportunity. We should be able to appeal this shite. Our record with Dowd as ref is horrible and things like that and the treatment he gave to Ronaldo (I know he was being a prock but he must have got no frees in the whole game). They rescind John Terry’s card for rugby tackling Robinho but Rooney throwing the ball to his own player has nothing done about it?
March 24th, 2009 at 2:54
I had a feeling Rooney would get a reduced sentence. Not that he deserves any leniency. But as a supporter Im glad because he is the best attacking player we have now that Ronaldo seems content to rest on his laurels and only show up when he feels like it.
As Berbatov is injured I cannot wait to resume the Rooney/Tevez partnership.
Tevez gets a lot of stick but he is a very good player and if Fergie gave him a run of games he’d soon get his match sharpness back and I am convinced he could make a valuable contribution in the coming games.
Anderson and Nani Im not so sure about. They are very green and have regressed this season. Partly Fergie’s fault of course. I wouldn’t trust them in the big games. But there is a lot to be said for using them in the home games against the bottom feeder so as to spare our more experienced players for the big games.
There is some collective fatigue setting in and the big advantage Tevez, Anderson and Nani have is they are very very very fresh (if completely lacking in match sharpness).
Fabio also needs a game or two. Maybe he’ll hit the ground running like his twin. After all their DNA is identical!
Evra has probably been the worst defender on the pitch the last couple of games. If not Fabio, Id be inclined to play Evans at left back once Vidic returns from suspension until Evra gets his head back in the game.
Personally I think our biggest worry is the Porto game. There are no easy games in Europe and we need a home win. If we play the way we have the last week or so a well organised team like Porto could give us problems. As for some ridiculous reason we only get a few days rest after the Villa game it makes it doubly hard.
At least Ronaldo will want to show up against a Portuguese team. Id drop him for the Villa game. I get the impression he has lost interest in the Premier League and only really cares about playing in the Champions League for us.
I think in the EPL we should play Ronaldo up front. At least playing there he won’t get fouled quite so much so will have a bit less to complain about. I do sympathise with the lad as it is obscene how much he is fouled and it stops him playing his game. But whereas last season he just got on with it, this season he thinks because he has been crowned best player in the world opposition players should show him respect and treat him like the precious snowflake he now thinks he is.
The discipline thing is obscene. Unfortunately Ferguson encourages it by blaming the ref in every game. No wonder his players treat refs like incompetent fools. It is not just Rooney and Ronaldo who complain to the refs. Virtually every player does when a decision goes against us.
It is stupid because even if every decision goes against us we are still good enough to win every game.
But there is no hope of players having any respect for referees while Fergie makes his disgust at them so obvious.
March 24th, 2009 at 3:49
@Liam: You know some of you guys really amaze me. You wear blinders when your team commits crimes but when the opponents do it you cry bloody murder. Nearly every paper I have read and the most respected sports people I can think of have agreed that Rooney deserved a red card. He was petulant little prick and he got burned. End of story, get over it and stop crying sour grapes for something that was well earned and thoroughly deserved. Am I happy about it, no but Dowd had no other choice. Rooney is a punk and he should be punished like one. The FA should have thrown the book at him but they decided to let it slide because they never wanted that incident to go down as the reason United lost the title. Rooney was a disgrace, Fergie was embarrassing disgrace for supporting him and all our supporters who turn a blind eye to our own crimes are just sad.
March 24th, 2009 at 4:01
@Grognard: Watch it again and look where the ball ends up. Right at the feet of Jonny Evans. Rooney deserved nothing for it. Everyone loves to criticise him. What was he meant to do? Of course he was angry, who wouldn’t be? He was sent off for the expression on his face. Dermot Gallagher was on Sky today and he said that the reason Rooney went off is because the ref didn’t see Evans. This is from somebody who talked to the ref right after the game, so maybe it’s your stubborness and failure to stand by the players that should be scrutinised
March 24th, 2009 at 4:40
@Liam: Liam, he threw that ball with such venom that I’m surprised it didn’t end up hitting someone in the head by accident. It was if anything a yellow, and in some circles (not mine) possibly a red.
I know it’s hard to be perfectly objective when it come to “our lads”, but you’ve gotta believe your own eyes and if your eyes saw what mine did you’ve just got to gut it up!!
By the way this was Rooney at his “caged animal” best. SAF tethered down during the first half, then sprung him free in the second. Any fucking thing could have happened, and so don’t be too surprised (or disapointed) by the result.
March 24th, 2009 at 5:06
@Grognard: A find “petulant little prick” a tad strong, Grognard!! When it comes to Rooney you have to take the whole package. The good and the bad, the brilliant and the asinine, the sublime and the obvious. He just doesn’t come with any variables at all.
Like it or not, that’s the way he is and, that’s the way he always has been. He won’t change for SAF and he certainly won’t change for you.
Just remember your own scathing adjectives the next time spill your beer into your popcorn, after another “Rooney Moment”!!
March 24th, 2009 at 6:18
@Liam: It doesn’t matter where the ball ends up. What matters is his body language before, during and after the throw. I’m not saying he was trying to hit the ref with the ball. But he was being completely petulant and frustrated with the ref stopping play. We have seen this from him before, it’s no surprise. He’s a childish, spoilt little brat of a man. Lets not forget he is a scouser, albeit our scouser. And he comes from a family of pugilists so fighting and temper is in his DNA.
March 24th, 2009 at 6:22
@Redrich: Actually, I don’t think it’s strong enough. He was acting like a true scouser with no common sense and self control. And like I said to Redrich, he’s done this shit before. And the ref never even saw the knockout of the corner flag. That corner flag was out for the count and is suffering from a major concussion.
I love Rooney when he want s to play football and stops acting like a child and a hood. And I will remember my scathing objections the next time he scores. I’ll also remember the praise I give him when he acts more mature and stops having temper tantrums and replaces them with goals. And if he won’t change, fuck him. Ship him off. No player’s selfishness goes ahead of the team.
March 24th, 2009 at 8:50
@Grognard: I’m with Liam on this one.
No matter how bad a person Rooney is, and no matter how wrong a deed it is, where in the FA rulebook does it state that you get a yellow card for being angry and having angry body language. The card should be for reckless tackles or abuse, not for showing you’re frustrated. What was the booking for really? I thought it was for abuse to the referee, but he stated there was no abuse. So what was the card for? Time-wasting? How can he time-waste when its his team needing the extra minutes, and him throwing the ball to the same location of where the free-kick should be? Personally, I feel this was a silly send-off. (This is without brittish bias).
March 24th, 2009 at 8:53
@Karl: It’s called sportsmanship mate, plain and simple. And it’s not British bias you are showing, it’s United bias, with a turn of the cheek. It was wrong and it was unsportsmanlike, end of story. Color it anyway you feel like.
March 24th, 2009 at 8:56
@Redrich: Errrr there is nothing ‘a tad strong’ about it mate. Rooney is a ‘petulant little prick’ and has become a MENACE to United, at a time we needed every player to be ON THE FIELD for a fearsome fight for the run in to the title. Because of Rooney’s ‘big girls blouse attitude’ when things were going against United, we are not only missing Vida and Scholesy, but now Looney Rooney too. Berba is injured, and if any of our players cop an injury playing for their country – WELL, I don’t need to tell you Red Rich do I?
March 24th, 2009 at 9:00
@Karl: The second yellow may have been unwarrented Karl, but like Ronnie, Rooney’s reputation for hotheaded and petulant, defiant responses are lengendary. So he is booked for a glare now
.
March 24th, 2009 at 9:07
@Liam: Stand by the players YES, stand by little girl petulant behaviour and thuggish aggression that we see often from Rooney – NO. We need players ON THE FIELD for the hell of a fight we have with the scouse GITS up the East Lancs, so NO I’m not inclined to give Rooney any sympathy over his act of defiance to a refereeing decision, and thats what it plainly was.
March 24th, 2009 at 9:14
@colver: Blame the FA Colver. They could solve a lot of the referee baiting by banning any player approaching the referee apart from the team Captain. Any surrounding and snarling at the ref’s by players, should be automatic yellow card for all surrounding players. That would soon stop tigerish abuse and threatening surrounding of ref’s.
March 24th, 2009 at 9:28
By the way, the really galling thing about the Rooney/Ronnie responsive behaviour to aggressive tackles, and dodgy refereeing decisions, only ENCOURAGES opposition players and ref’s to WIND our players up, at a time we need COMPOSURE. Composure to our team at the moment is like a dirty word. It is so fucking irritating the way Ronnie/Rooney respond in particular, because it give FUEL to all other teams and fans to BAIT us and chant United are cracking up. Some of our lot are very much giving that impression by LOSING it all the time. If Fergie can sort out the on field responses to atrocious refereeing decisions, and similar atrocious VILE tackling on Ronnie in particular, and get our players to KEEP FOCUSED on the game no matter what, then I BELIEVE, we will go on to win the 8 games we need to win to retain the PL. I believe. So I am not making excuses for our players who are giving the impression they are IMPLODING. Even UNited fanatical fans down the pub feel the lads are giving the impression they cannot cope right now. Yet, we just feel that it is a couple of off performances. You can be sure though that in all of these games WE WILL BE GOADED by every opposition player, and they will especially goad Ronnie and Rooney, because they are so fucking easy to wind up.
March 24th, 2009 at 9:58
The problem with Rooney is that he has got away with a few incidents very similar, Ronaldo was lucky to be on hte pitch as well as I have seen players get reds for challenged like that, Rooney and Ronaldo must grow up.
March 24th, 2009 at 10:43
@Grognard: You might be right on the United bias. Then again…
“It’s called sportsmanship mate, plain and simple…”
Is this not coming from the same person who not too long ago stated:
“You know I’d like to agree with you but there just seems to be too much love after games when they hug each other and exchange jersey’s. In the times of Roy Keane he would walk off after a game looking pissed off even after win and telling Patrick Vieiera to go fuck himself. I miss those days of bitter rivalry and poor sportsmanship.”
I feel I just have to repeat the last statement:
“I miss those days of bitter rivalry and poor sportsmanship”
March 24th, 2009 at 11:06
@Karl: There is the old Vince Lombardi quote that comes to mind “Show me a good loser and I will show you a loser”
The issue with Rooney he does want to win and go down fighting sometimes literally, but there are times when he just needs to use his head, think about what is best for the team. Getting sent off or putting himself into the position to get sent off does not bennefit anyone. The decision itself is probably debatable, but he put the referee in a situation where he could dismiss him and for what, frustration?
I believe Rooney is a winner, and like Keane wants to grab players by the scruff of their necks and say “We are United, we don’t loose, we win” But like Keane he can take that too far and vent his frustration out on referees and opposition, I don’t want players playing for United without heart and pride, but Rooney does need to know when he has taken that too far, give players a mouth full off the pitch, but we all would prefer him to be on it against Villa and not in the stands, because we and we need leaders and we need him.
March 24th, 2009 at 12:30
@Karl: Good flashback that one Karl!
March 24th, 2009 at 13:00
Hey people i need an advice:
I am planning to Buy either XBOX 360/PS3 along with SONY Bravia, I wanted to know which one of them is better in terms of FIFA 2009 etc.
March 24th, 2009 at 13:02
Also if some information about the available accesories, if u people know
March 24th, 2009 at 13:02
this is the second week in a row where i had to come to work and be slqated by the fucking liverpool suporters. i watched the game with my son and his friend who is also diehard manutd suporters and i will tell you now i was fucken disgusted with how they played the first half. the last two games we played fulham we won 3 and 4 nil so what the f—- is going on, my son was going on about they making us look like a first division team not a cokecola champianship tean but a team from a league below them and i had to agree with him at the time. I was happy with the second half and especially with the performance of Rooney and i still dont for the life of me know why we did not score. what the fuck is wrong with our players and more importantly what the fuck is wrong with managemant. I feel that Nani and Anderson should have played in that game on saturday. scholes as much as i love the guy i do not care if he plays another game for us what was he thinking and i feel that his actions cost us the game. I do not care what any of you say Giggs and Scholes do not deserve to be starters as thay are too inconsistant, it makes no sense playing good one game and crap the next i have no time for fucking sentiments. what i am about to say i may get slated by everyone on this site but I think it is time for fergie to step out of the hot seat and make room for the special one . I do not give a fuck if ronaldo decide to leave if he comes or not just do not give a shit anymore, we need a shake up at old traford. everyone seems to think that we now have an easy run in the champions league and i felt the same up until this weekend now i am not too sure anymore that qwas fulham for fuck sake. I am realy concerned with our next game as if we do not win villa we are seriosly fucked and the dreams of five trophys wil be over and we might just end up with the only silverware this season is the fucking worthless cup. I feel alot batter after writing this and maybe i will have a different view of the team butr at this time i am fucking fustrated and even had to take a day of work yesterday to try and avoid the loserpool fans that i work with.
March 24th, 2009 at 13:31
@keith: Hey Man, Keep THE FAITH. I agree with some of your sentiments, but I NEVER hide from any GOADING opposition fans, let alone the mouth almighty scousers at the moment. Truth is they have something to crow about just now, but they aint won nothing yet. We have to focus on winning our next game, because villa will be tanked up against us, because of the whopping they got at Liverpoo land. Anyway, lets wait and see mate whether this lot of players really are the best squad Fergie ever had. They have to prove this, and SOON.
March 24th, 2009 at 13:36
@despicable: PS3 I would say. And don’t limit yourself to FIFA09.. there are more killer games out there. Where ru located btw??
Accessories are too many, so you can take whatever your needs are..but you should wait for sometime, get used to ur system and then figure out your exact wants/needs.. otherwise you could spend a lot on stuff you wouldn’t do much with.
March 24th, 2009 at 13:40
@Rahul: I am in bangalore, Actually m used to such games only, I such in FPS, but can try if i get some time after work.
March 24th, 2009 at 13:42
@Rahul: Can u tell me what is the optimum resolution i should look for, if i am looking for a TV.especially to go well with such a system.
March 24th, 2009 at 13:43
@keith: You took the day off to avoid Scouse fans?? By that measure I’m guessing they dont turn up at work for half the season!!
March 24th, 2009 at 13:45
@despicable: Dude optimum resolution is decided by the money factor.. what ur budget?? Also it depends where u live, cuz different places have different brands floating around! I got a 40 inch Bravia last December, and it’s a dream I can tell you that!!
March 24th, 2009 at 13:47
@Rahul: How much that costed you? I hope one day i can see united playing in such a home theatre system.
March 24th, 2009 at 13:48
@Rahul: Bangalore! Go for the Bravia.. now the size of the Tv would depend on ur budget. And don’t get talked into buying low cost budget LCDs… you will live to regret them.
March 24th, 2009 at 13:50
Dude, I dunno abt Bangalore, state taxes would differ so you can expect a variation of upto 2 grand or so. I’m in Pune, I haggled and haggled and got it for 66K. I’m sure the prices would have reduced by now.
March 24th, 2009 at 13:59
@Rahul: Ya i know, I would rather wait and buy when i am ok with the same, Neways united really sucked whole of first half, The only Difference between united and Fools is that they start the game better and end it easy, I still think people will work there tactics of long balls soon,
March 24th, 2009 at 13:59
With our current form we should be concerned no matter who we play.
We went through this same thing when we were knocked out by Porto and Bayer Leverkusen.
March 24th, 2009 at 14:04
@Rahul: Also which model do u have?
I personally think,Fools are playing well because of Mascherano,Hope he gets injured in internationals.. They really suck if gerrard has to go back and cover them in defence.
March 24th, 2009 at 14:06
@AlphaRS: I wish we’d got Arsenal!
March 24th, 2009 at 14:16
@Rahul: No dear, Actually Arsenal are the most dangerous because of there unpredictibility, If van persie, adebayour, nasri, are there they can change game in a flash, they don’t need form etc to play well. they can produce moments, which we are lacking right now.
March 24th, 2009 at 14:29
@despicable: Yea that’s the point. They are more dangerous,and that would at least ensure that no one gets complacent! Although I would not call them the most dangerous… the most dangerous out there are Barca (apart from us, of course
).
Its a V series 40 inch Bravia.
March 24th, 2009 at 14:34
…..What was the point in droppin Tevez on sat when he took that Fulham team apart just a few days before???? theres so many fuck ups like that the more you think bout it
its enragin
cant get it out of my head @ all
what the hell is going on!??
March 24th, 2009 at 14:48
@realred: Its same with almost everyone, But this is time we should believe in the lads, one thing i liked about them that nobody came out and gave big statements , which means they know what they are upto and want to do it on the pitch.
I still wear the united jersey to office often as i did earlier because i know they will come good.
March 24th, 2009 at 14:51
@Rahul: I really doubt that, Barca is rarely streched in spanish league, Don’t you think team with Xavi and iniesta, can ne run over if u have 3 tough midfiels players, like chelscum or livfools, and if u don’t let messi run at you and stay close this will close them and after what united demonstrated to everyone last time, i think english teams can easily take care of Barca( apart from Arsenal may be). If open game is avoided, then there thin defence can be tested.
March 24th, 2009 at 14:56
@keith: I feel your frustrations man. We must just ‘believe’ that this was just a ‘once off’ and that our team has too much potential to stay in this rut. Let the scousers continue. Not only do they deserve it, but, it makes it ever so much sweeter when we finally fuck them to the PL and CL trophies.
@Rahul: I wish we got Liverpool in the quarters. That would have been sweet. Somehow I don’t fancy getting them in the final. Not that I for one moment think they’re a better team, but just because if a fluke happens (or we play as shit as we did against them) and they win, I will NEVER be able to take the humiliation.
March 24th, 2009 at 15:07
@Karl: That well said, I wouldn’t want it to happen, but just for imagination sake, How would be an end of season if it goes the same way as the last to last spanish league where Real won in dying moments and Barca couldn’t hold on the lead.
That would kill all the fools fans.
March 24th, 2009 at 15:11
@Karl: But the reverse will surely kill us, I can’t even imagine watching the last match… It would be more that any emotion i would have ever felt.
March 24th, 2009 at 15:28
@despicable: I feel that the sooner Pool gets kicked out of the running and competition, the better. I would not want them to get any more confident going into the next season. Would have been nice for it to be us kicking them out though.
March 24th, 2009 at 15:53
everyone always say that the referee is always on uniteds side so after the game on saturday and they still believe so why was rooneys red card given i hate when people say that. I can understand scholes being sent of but i think the ref just wanted to get his name in the papers as i felt the the most sensible thing would have been to give him a good talking to knowing how late in the game it was and what was at stake. As far as i am concerned there is nothing in the laws of the game that says that if you are throwing the ball to a freekick tacker as he was doing you cannot throw it hard and with agressuion , However on the other hand Rooney should know that the refs hate him and what he did was give the ref the opurtunity to give him a second yellow which led to a red. Rooney i think have too much passion for the team and i feel that if anybody has the red of united running through their viens it is rooney. that is what makes him what he is and to try and take that out of his will effect the way he play and he will not be the player that i have come to love.
March 24th, 2009 at 15:57
@Grognard: fuck off what the papers say. I know what I saw with my own eyes. The referee has said Rooney didn’t abuse him, so what is the card for? Nobody has clarified. Throwing the ball away? He threw it to where it needed to be retaken from. So as far as I’m concerned (not Andy Gray(Liverpool), Phil Thompson(Liverpool), Jamie Redknapp(Liverpool), Alan Hanson (Liverpool)) there is no reason for him to be sent off. Being angry in itself in not an offence. I’m glad he was angry. I was furious with our lacklustre limp wristed performance. Rooney was the only one who looked like he cares, and once again if Park had a shooting bone in his body we’d all be talking about how the Rooney show changed the game for us.
In an interesting side note, all those esteemed ex-Liverpool players who are our ‘experts’ agreed that Brad Friedel’s red card was right. The red card that was rescinded this morning by the FA.
Chumps.
March 24th, 2009 at 16:00
you know what takes calms me down , watching the season review of the last 2 years, some of you should do it
March 24th, 2009 at 16:06
I do not know about anyone esle but in the summer i can recall united being linked to Alex Sanchez a young chillian player who is dubbed the Chillian Ronaldo. i know this is off the topic but at this moment in time i am really pissed off with ronaldo maybe tommorrow i will feel different but if he does leave as i hope he dont as i believe he is still one of our best plauers but at this time he has played too many games and is being fouled so often that i think that will be his decision to leave if he does come the summer and if that does happen we need to be prepared. sanchez although is a young player i believe is very strong and could be what we need. Can someone please give me any information on him on whether they have seen him play and if he is united material. cheers in advance
March 24th, 2009 at 16:20
@Traverse: Phil Thompson is number one on my fight list, I hate gonzo Thompson more then anything on this earth, his ridiclous over biased views have been the bane of my life of late, Gray practically wears a Liverpool shirt with 8 gerrard on the back every game, and his commentry in the game against us was embarassing.
March 24th, 2009 at 16:34
@Traverse: Also now he will not be suspended to play us, remember how well he played for Blackburn against us? what are the odds.
March 24th, 2009 at 16:46
@keith: Giggs has been one of our most consistant players, and also you wanted Nani and Anderson to play, have they been consistant this season?
March 24th, 2009 at 17:30
@ROOOOONEY: You wanna know what calms me down after a defeat? 7-1, Roma.
Taped that game…
March 24th, 2009 at 17:31
@despicable: Xbox 360 all the way, PS3 is absolute kak to be honest!
March 24th, 2009 at 17:46
@Karl: Sometimes some of you guys amaze me. You are like MI5 agents who carry around a dossier on all my comments so that when the time comes, you can use them against me to defuse a bomb.
Yes I said that and I won’t deny it. I hate it when teams are so frakken friendly to each other you ask the question of whether they care as much as we do. On the other hand, acting like petulant children towards the referee is not my idea of being a sportsman or conducting yourself properly. I personally do not give a damn about being friendly and cordial to the opponent. But the referee is an independent supposedly neutral party (almost like a UN peace keeper) placed between the two teams to keep the peace and deal out justice. That has to be respected even if he does a poor job of it.
As for the opponents and managers, as long as they refrain from spitting, and violence, they can say or do anything, I honestly don’t care. Sportsmanship has it’s limits. Rivalries, especially hated ones are what make sports great and compelling. They elevate a sport above the traditional fixture and make it an event. To diffuse the players attitudes and feelings is to destroy a potentially great game. I’m not advocating wartime hatred, I just do not like this mutual love, hug and kisses mentality that I am seeing. This has been brought to English shores by the limp wrist Latino cultures where grown men openly hug and kiss each other in a non gay manner.
I am Greek and that is also very prominent in my culture but I for one am not big on it. Being born Canadian and having adopted the English and American way of life, I’m a little more harder and a lot more intolerant of men showing very feminine tendencies towards each other. I just find it silly after 90 minutes of war why anybody would feel the need to shake the enemies hand or give him a hug. Above all, why would I want to exchange sweaty stinky shirts?
Again I hide behind my North American way of doing things. There are no shaking hands and love ins before or after a game, except in the playoff at the end of a series. Sportsmanship is overrated when it comes to the way athletes respect fellow athletes on other teams. They should respect them but they should also hate them enough to want to beat them and despise them if they lose to them. Athletes who get paid to win should have and share the same feelings of hatred and respect for the opponent as the supporters do. What, all of a sudden players are supposed to be so intelligent and evolved that they are more enlightened about their opponent than supporters?
Rivalries and Derby’s have history and in many cases bitter history behind them. Supporters are the life blood of any rivalry or Derby and their feelings, passions and needs have to be considered at game time. I’m sorry if all of you think I’m wrong but United players have no business shaking the hands and acting all nice and friendly towards Liverpool players after a humiliating home loss. It just doesn’t sit well with me or with many other die hards who question the heart and the commitment of a club trying to win a game against an opponent they obviously wouldn’t mind have a few ales with and shooting some time in a pub with. It just smells and bugs me, right or wrong. Players should save the love for times in the off season or at least away from the park. But don’t go sticking a fork in all our collective backs by hugging Torres and shaking hands with Gerrard while exchanging shirts. For me that’s just BS.
Instead of hating our opponents like we should, Fergie has created a culture at United where the referee is Public Enemy #1 and the only one we should hold any hatred for. The excuse mill starts working even before the game begins because we already believe that the only one we have to worry about and beat up in the game is the referee. And when we fail at that, that is the only reason we lose games. It’s disgusting and that my friend, is the truest form of unsporting behavior. Roy Keane vs Patrick Vieira had it all right in their attitude towards the games and each other. And I do miss that.
March 24th, 2009 at 17:52
@Stephen: Beautiful mate, just beautiful. I love the Lombardi quote and here’s one from former baseball manager Leo Durocher, “Nice guys finish last”. The game is littered with do gooders and heartless slugs who go through the motions for a paycheck. Hate your opponent and hate losing even more. Above all, hate yourself for losing and never allow them to see your weaknesses. Rooney and Ronaldo expose their weaknesses every game. And taking your frustrations out on the referee, regardless of whether he is good or bad is just futile and stupid. I’d rather take out my frustration on Steven Gerrard and Shemale Torres. United however decided to give those two a free pass and has formed a full frontal assault on referees. Petty, childish and pathetic. The signs of a truly sad and desperate team.
March 24th, 2009 at 17:57
@Stephen: Rooney also needs to know that unlike Keane, he is not the team captain. Captains are allowed to complain and get a little more in the face of a ref. Rooney is just plain selfish, but he doesn’t realize it. He thinks everything he does is because he loves the team and is so determined to win. That’s when questions of judgment and IQ come into play. Remember, he comes from Liverpool and he isn’t the wisest owl in the forest. I honestly do not believe that stupidity can be exorcised out of him any more than a hot temper can be exorcised from an Irishman.
March 24th, 2009 at 17:59
@despicable: I trust you will be playing more than just Fifa so I would recommend the XBOX 360. Better games overall, although Sony is catching up. The PS3 does have the blueray capability which is a bonus but you also do pay for it. The 360 is a better buy.
March 24th, 2009 at 18:01
Shit shit shit! Freidel’s red card has been recinded!
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_5095062,00.html
March 24th, 2009 at 18:16
@Traverse: The referee said Rooney gave no verbal abuse. Fine, but he did show petulance in throwing the ball with force and intent overhand in a manner that conveyed frustration and anger and above all disrespect towards the referees decision to stop play and have a proper free kick taken. Regardless of whether he was aiming at the referee or not, try throwing a soccer ball over head with arm in a fast furious motion. It’s hard to aim and get it right, so where it ends up is irrelevant. It’s the attitude behind it that got punished. Any non United football fan in the world can see that.
So stop hiding behind our colors and call a spade a spade for crying out loud. This many United fans cannot be this fucking blind and lacking in objectivity. Is it so hard to believe that one of our own could resort to that? Or do you only reserve that feeling for John Terry and Ashley Cole? Unbelievable, truly unbelievable. I am amazed at many of you and truly shocked and disturbed. Hate Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal etc, but respect referees fore without them, the game would be uncontrolled chaos. Sure many of them are muppets but they all do a better job than any of us could do, and that’s a fact.
I say show less respect to your opponent who wants to beat and possibly embarrass you and spare the ref the moments of disrespect, petulance and horseshit that are common place for the Rooney’s and Ronaldo’s of the world. Above all, some of us need to get our eyes examined for signs of suggestive blindness. We see only what we want to see. I do not believe there is a prescription that can cure that form of double standard vision.
March 24th, 2009 at 18:18
@Traverse: Yes Rooney cares. He cares so much he brought us down to 9 men and also forces us to play without him in a key match vs Villa. I can do without so much of his caring thanks.
March 24th, 2009 at 18:22
@Traverse: And Brad Friedel’s red card should have been rescinded. As far as I was concerned, he never lunged or intentionally tried to foul Torres. He was down on one knee and motionless when Torres was clearly five yards away from him. Then Torres decides to barrel straight into him. I don’t see how Friedel did anything wrong and therefore the card being rescinded was the correct thing to do. It was a bad call. You just can’t go through a keeper and then call the keeper for a foul.
March 24th, 2009 at 18:26
@keith: Apparently United showed interest in Sanchez again only a few weeks ago. So you never know. However, I am starting to seriously question Fergies taste in wingers. He hasn’t exactly got a recent track record of success in that department. Remember, Ronaldo just fell into his lap because his players demanded they sign him. Nani, Anderson, Park and Tosic have all been disappointing to different degrees.
March 24th, 2009 at 18:27
@Dan: I agree with that.
March 24th, 2009 at 18:39
BLU-RAY IS TOSH!!!
Right plain and simple, Blu ray for films, A+, blu ray for gaming, F-
Why?
The Blu-ray is stacked with memory, it has loads of it, which is why movie makers love it so much, put some usless shite on it just to bring the price up. In games, it CAN make gamers bigger in terms of the map size, and longer in time to finish, but with every pro, theres a con, with all the memory it slows the game down. Im not talking, about a little lag on the online, im talking about bringing the game to a complete STOP in the SINGLE player. Play 1 hour of killzone and it will confirm it. EVERY checkpoint you hit, the game will stop for a few secs to catch up with your selves.
And the fact is, the extra stuff developers are putting are side quests most of the time.
Looks like my second faviourte hobby has come out
March 24th, 2009 at 18:58
Amazing what you can do with technology
March 24th, 2009 at 19:46
@Dan: What? Blu Rayhas nothing to do with the game play on a PS3. Its a separate component for movie going. HD is what is used for enhanced gaming. That is based on your tv and how ell it handles or if it handles HD. At least that is what I have always known.
Games are meant to played in HD, not Blue Ray. There is a difference, not only in technology but application.
March 24th, 2009 at 19:50
@Dan: Now if only technology could find it’s way into recharging the lads batteries so that they could wake up from their slumber and start playing like we know they can.
March 24th, 2009 at 20:22
To be honest, with gaming its all about preferences. My preference is Playstation and I wont be told otherwise.
But back to United, I dead worried about the Villa game, Freidel’s gonna play……..
March 24th, 2009 at 20:23
We need our supporters to help us beat Aston Villa next game. Things not looking so great with the internationals and suspensions. They need to scare friedel and then porto. Our home games have to count as they are on the trot. GGG Man United!… Ronaldo is a genius. He is bound to be arrogant. We should be lucky he on our team. He may not run back but what he does running forward is magnificient. Check his goals and assists this season. He can only get better. Have faith. And fergie sir plz dont play giggs and scholes ever again together. They are world class but not inept to play in the epl now cause of the pace. I know u played them cause they wont play games due to the international break. But give nani a chance sir! he can create havoc. We need faith in him. He is a better wing player then ronaldo. He sticks there and will only improve. The time is NOW
March 24th, 2009 at 20:40
@Grognard: I’d rather Rooney got sent off every other game because he cares we played like crap, than he pottered around a bit like Ballack at Chelsea, couldn’t care less went home at the end of the game and cashed his cheque.
If it had been Englands Brave John Terry ™ that threw the ball back for a freekick to be retaken and got sent off it would have been rescinded and the ref be demoted to league 1 by monday lunchtime.
March 24th, 2009 at 21:09
@Grognard: Sorry grog but your wrong, Blu ray has a lot to do with gaming, its the developers choice in terms of format because of its memory capabilities, lots of memory is good but it slows the game down.
Trust me grognard, this is my area of expertise, just like you and movies
March 24th, 2009 at 21:15
@edwin: thats because your stubborn, i use to be like that to. The playstation 2 was the best thing since fergie was born, then i expected the playstation 2 to be even better, and it wasnt. For a long, long time i wouldnt let up, i kept saying to my self that playstation 3 was the best and i believed it, but then i got my xbox, and everything changed, i saw the PS3 for exactly what it is, a Piece of Shit 3, POS3 for short.
If it wasnt for the PS2, sony would have been out of business a long, long time ago, the litlle ps3 sales that they have where buys from people with expectations rather then accurate information, it was common human behavior, the PS2 was good, so by default, the PS3 should be good, and as its the newer version, it must be better.
oh god im going on arent i…
March 24th, 2009 at 21:27
@Grognard: I completly agree mate, they have been behaving like a couple of girls eg the Olsen twins, a couple of girls who if they don’t get their own way stamp their feet and complain, real men raise an eyrbrow and say, Ok lets get on with it and lets show them what we are made of.
March 24th, 2009 at 21:30
@Traverse: But we all know that Terry and Gerrard get away with murfer, but Ronaldo has kicked out at least five times this season and has got away with them all, and Rooney hasn’t exactly been the model professional either.
March 24th, 2009 at 21:41
@Dan: Dont worry Dan mate, Im stickin with my PS3. I dont have 300 to spend on another machine. Plus, Ive been enjoying my Killzone. And I dont fancy paying for online play. See, its all about preferences. Lastly Dan, its okay to rant on about something you feel strongly about mate…..
March 24th, 2009 at 22:01
@edwin: But why not get a second hand system, and pay for a years subscription of safe reliable online play?
March 24th, 2009 at 22:07
@Dan: Well, firstly, Im pleased with what I am getting out of my Playstation, ive had it since release day, its a wonderful piece of kit. So is the 360 no doubt. Also, my social sphere is PS3 centric, and nothin beats playin online with you mates. This may be seen as following the trend, but I was one of the first (out of my mates) to get it.
March 24th, 2009 at 22:10
Plus, there are the money issues. I threw myself behind the PS3 financially, and it hasnt dissapointed me. Ive only got enough gaming money to get me the essential games, like COD:MW2
March 24th, 2009 at 22:16
@edwin: That will be coming out at october at the earliest(and thats pushing it!) im sure it wont take you 7 months to save up to get a £30quid game?
March 24th, 2009 at 22:19
Signing out for the evenin. Its rather early, but thats me. Catch you guys soon.
March 24th, 2009 at 22:29
@Dan: nah mate ive got what I need to get it, Im sayin that my budget only goes up to gettin those ‘essentials’
Have a good evening mate.
March 24th, 2009 at 23:20
@Grognard: Nani hasn’t and never will be disappointing
. Not when he gets on the frikken field anyway!
March 24th, 2009 at 23:30
@Stephen: When have Nani and Anderson played in ORDER to be consistent??? Can’t thump those guys about the head when they aint even played.
March 24th, 2009 at 23:35
@keith: Nor will he be on the field of play, TO PLAY either.
March 24th, 2009 at 23:53
indeed i feel Fergie has an astounding record of world class wingers over the years!! ESPECIALLY NANI
Craig, just imagine how incredble it would be if Nani started remaining league games and won us the league in that time. you know, goal in each game…….iv been dreamin bout it personally!! Think it would be incredibly fitting…..i have incredible confidence in the boy regardless of what any one says…… lets keep our fingers crossed bud!!
Despicable- you mis-understood, i have plenty faith in the lads….just not the Gaffer and Coach!!!
March 25th, 2009 at 1:23
@realred: Yeah because that’s likely
Even Craig wouldn’t be that deluded as to think he could score in every game. Ok then lets sack Fergie, bring in Rijkaard because he’s done so much more in his career than the most successful manager in English football history 
every manager makes mistakes.
March 25th, 2009 at 1:44
@Liam: hope you enjoyed our Grand Slam win on Sat, I know i certainly did. That was some game of rugby wasn’t it? Do you agree that some of the United players could learn what it means to wear the shirt from the performances of the players on the Irish Rugby Team?
March 25th, 2009 at 1:49
On another note, now OUR debt is being hockeyed around the markets like a piss stained bookies looser slip, GREAT
March 25th, 2009 at 1:53
Debt MISmanagement, the Glazer Way
March 25th, 2009 at 3:50
@Dan: Sorry Dan but games are not being made in Blu Ray format. Games play based on whether your tv is in normal mode or if you have it hooked up to operate in HD format. You are not the only expert in this area. When they start to make Blu Ray based games, then that would be another story, but to my knowledge none of the PS3 games are Blu Ray based, just HD. I talked to my friend who works for EA Canada (FIFA 09) and he agreed with me. It’s the tv that matters for gaming because the XBOX for example has no Blu Ray technology in it. And tests that have shown the difference in graphics between 360 and PS3 shared titles has shown the XBOX is either even or slightly better than PS3.
Incidentally, I am not a fan of Blu Ray because I feel a lot of the movies that come out in that format look like shit and the technology is overrated. Sony just won the war between them and HD but HD was a cleaner
and more efficient system without the sluggishness that many Blu Ray systems show. As for gaming, we aren’t yet ready for super HD or Blu Ray because the game systems (360, PS3) do not have the capacity to handle those kind of graphics. The next generation systems that are secretly being produced as we speak will deal with Blu Ray in an efficient and spectacular way. Two to three years away for the 360’s heir.
March 25th, 2009 at 3:53
@Stephen: Great point. I really am tired about the crying and moaning about what kind of punishment is or isn’t being dished out to opponent players. I look at the numerous times Ronaldo has escaped unscathed when he clearly deserved more and even Rooney has deserved more. The one that does upset me is the 4 games that Evra got for absolutely fuck all. Bottom line, the FA is not playing favorites, they are just idiots.
March 25th, 2009 at 3:56
@edwin: Yes but what is gaming without Halo or Gears of War? PS3 has one title all we 360 fans would like to play. That’s clearly not incentive enough. 360 RULES! Also I laugh at the history of the PS3 as it went through developmental Hell and no major US gaming company wanted to touch it at first.
March 25th, 2009 at 4:01
@phoenix red: This is what I have been bitching about for over a year and I have been told by many of you that I am misinformed or just a fear monger. Thanks for the article because I have made many of the statements in that article myself before. And you wonder why our transfer kitty seems to be shrinking. to all of you, read the article and understand how the Glazer’s operate. I’ve been smelling trouble for a long time because of what the economic downturn was going to do to these guys and how it was going to royally fuck up the greatest football team in the world.
March 25th, 2009 at 4:04
RR I don’t know where the heck you are and how busy you are but I have to speak for myself when I say that I am getting really fed up with the slowness of this thread due to it’s high number of entries. It’s frustrating typing out something and finishing 30 seconds before it shows up in the box. Please take a few minutes to create a new thread. By the way, wasn’t there some kind of contest months ago when you were on holidays that was going to name some people to help you by submitting articles?
March 25th, 2009 at 7:05
@Grognard: Groggy, I’m dissapointed man.
).
I give you a great response (which was actually quite funny I think), and this is all you can come up with?
“Sometimes some of you guys amaze me. You are like MI5 agents who carry around a dossier on all my comments so that when the time comes, you can use them against me to defuse a bomb.”
Due to this opening paragraph, the rest of your post had no impact/meaning at all. I know what you are trying to say however, Stephen explained the point of view very well in his comment.
(I know attack is the best form of defence, but this is like Anderson having a one-on-one with the keeper
Back to the point…
Since when is getting frustrated at a referee’s decision a bookable offense, or poor sportsmanship. With that being the case, ALL players should be booked ALL the time (especially slave everytime he don’t get a free-kick). If Rooney did not say anything to the ref, and he did not throw the ball at the ref, nor away to hold up play, then why the free-kick? Did they have some sort of laser technology determine that the speed and power of the trow was over-the-acceptable-limit? (maybe if he threw it with 2.005 psi less force, he would have been safe).
Like you said, call a spade a spade. The booking was silly.
What you expected/describe of Keane is exactly what Rooney is/did. Yet, you lambast him for it? I know Rooney is hot-headed and immature, but in this instance, I cannot fault him.
March 25th, 2009 at 8:39
@Grognard: Metal gear solid 4, uses blu ray, Little big planet uses a blu ray disk, both resistance games use the blu ray disk, developers ARE making games based around blu ray.
Out of the 3 games i listed, only one can be made on a regular HD-Dvd, the other 2 would just be ports.
March 25th, 2009 at 8:51
@Grognard: Your anger is fully justified. New post up, with reasons explaining. I suppose, I don’t have too many excuses as they will no doubt be unsatisfying for most of you.
March 25th, 2009 at 9:43
@Red Ranter: RR, trust me mate, it wasn’t anger, just frustration. I fully realize how busy you are. Cheers
March 25th, 2009 at 9:47
@Dan: I trust you as I am not a PS3 man myself. Interesting to know because what my friend is telling me is that they may be on a Blu Ray disk but the game manufacturers are not actually utilizing Blu Ray tech. Placing a game on a compatible Blu Ray disk is not a real problem. The games you mentioned are no better graphically than 360 games played in HD. Little Big Planet? Sack Boy in Blu Ray? What’s this world coming to.
March 25th, 2009 at 9:58
@Karl: You know Karl I just don’t get it. Do you have a zoom feature on your tv? If so look at Rooney again. He got frustrated with the referee for being picky about a free kick being taken over again as United took it too quickly for his liking. Rooney has never liked it when Refs do not let things go the way he likes. We are down a goal and he is desperate to get things going and the whistle clearly pissed him off so much that he just picked up the ball and threw it with rage and anger because he felt the referee was being a prick. Well the ref was being a prick but that did not give Rooney the right to act like a petulant punk. You and so many United fans want to look at things from rose colored glasses because you don’t like it when one of our own is being picked on. The fact is United fans are turning a blind eye to something everybody not connected to the team agrees was an act of petulance and immaturity. I’m truly tired trying to make you and all the others see things as they are. And at the risk of sounding conceited and arrogant, I will say that all of you who are sticking up for Rooney are 100% dead wrong. I do know how you feel though because I am a massive Roger Clemens fan in baseball and I refuse to believe that he took steroids even though the circumstantial evidence and witness hearsay makes him look very guilty. So I am willing to compromise my logic and my ethics if I believe in the cause. And I believe in Clemens. I guess I’m just not that loyal to Rooney because I refuse to condone what he did as well, I refuse to believe that he did anything but warrant a red card for his childish act.
March 25th, 2009 at 16:57
@Grognard:
April 7th, 2009 at 0:07
@Grognard:
Play in lisbon???? There is a city called Porto, you know? It’s 300km north from Lisbon…
See you in Old Traford, London…