Apr 01
Rooney and Ronaldo punish wasteful Roma to give United 2-0 away win
Manchester United won 2-0 at the Stadio Olimpico thanks to goals before and after the break by Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney. The Red Devils take a vital 2-goal lead into the 2nd leg, to be played on Wednesday, 9th April 2008 at Old Trafford. The semi-final beckons, and with it another crack at history.
Highlights (You can read the play-by-play match report here on ManUtd.com):
Cristiano Ronaldo scoring an away goal in a crucial game for Manchester United - showing a resolve that seemed missing in seasons gone past.
Wayne Rooney’s all-round performance, easily the man of the match for his work-rate, creativity and commitment. Ronaldo stole the show with his goal but the rest of the game was more about Rooney.
Vidic’s injury - a knee strain as he landed awkwardly after jumping for a header - will be a cause of concern but hopefully it’s not a long-term injury like last season.
Roma’s wastefulness in front of goal - granted, by the end of the game both teams had their fair share of chances but there were periods of time before both goals that Roma had clear-cut chances to score, and they bottled it. For United to grab those crucial away goals in difficult games - at Lyon and now here at Rome - is a good sign of maturity from their players.
Dissecting SAF’s European Tactics
I watched this game to crack the puzzle that is United’s away form in Europe, and there’s a lot to be learned here (at least for me).
For starters, I realised today, not so much from how Ferguson started with Carrick and Anderson but how he persisted with Ronaldo and Rooney in the previous game against Aston Villa, that his management style is based on consistency and self-belief. Other managers may be superior tacticians (Rafa Benitez), and others better trainers (Arsene Wenger), but there are few in the world today (if we’re modest) who can match Ferguson for his ability to motivate his players and play to their strengths.
It’s the most important quality a manager can have - Mourinho used to great success with Porto and Chelsea but Ferguson has done it for 2 decades, and he’s as good as ever.
Secondly, United tend to play very deep and hold off from the opposition, not committing to tackles or tight marking. It can prove to be their downfall at times - as Benzema showed with his goal in the 2nd round - but for a team that is more instinctive than a sharp tactical system like Chelsea or Liverpool and more fluid than the clockwork system of Arsenal, it is perhaps the best way to go.
I had hoped that Carrick or Anderson would have sat in front of the defence and shielded them - and there were times that it was necessary and would have United some grief - but Ferguson has eschewed that holding midfielder system and prefers to let players move in and out of positions as the situation develops. It’s more fluid, it’s perhaps more open to unlocking by a skillful attack but against Roma tonight, it was good enough.
Mind you, Vucinic broke through a couple of times, Panucci missed a sitter and there a couple of other good chances spurned but that was more because of a slightly shaky defence (and a strangely subdued Rio Ferdinand - sporting a black eye and not at his best) than because of Ferguson’s tactics.
This system can be quite frustrating at times (especially when you don’t win) but that’s mostly because we’re used to seeing the hustle and bustle of Premier League football, which as Rafa said in his recent interview makes tactics less important than in European competitions, and there United can rely on their speed, quality of attack and the ability to use their momentum to destroy opponents. When it works (as it has for United in this season and the last) it can be quite attractive, but that same approach here at Rome would have cost United a goal or two, and that’s not a luxury you can afford.
Should United have played like Liverpool or Arsenal - as a team that relies on tactics to nullify the opposition threat or as a team that using their clockwork system of passing and the extra time available on the ball in Europe to carve out wins in enemy territory? This current United side has beaten Liverpool home and away, thrashed Arsenal at home once and were denied a famous away win at Emirates by a late goal, all this season. Form aside, I’d take a fluid and adaptable system that has the capability of working in all conditions over a more rigid system that works perfectly in some situations and completely falls apart in others.
Player Watch
I’m worried about Ferdinand - that black eye (and whatever caused it) seemed to have his confidence down. Hopefully it’s just one game and he’s back on song for the away game against Boro, because with Vidic injured Rio needs to be at his best.
Anderson was poor - he didn’t make the switch from the Premier League to European football too well over the last couple of days and he was either out of position or ineffective with the ball. He has a long time ahead of him to learn, and hopefully this was a learning experience for him.
Hargreaves is a beast of a player who can play right-back, defensive midfield, central midfield, possibly left-back as well, plus is a dead-ball specialist and runs himself into the ground. People have complained about his lack of games, but as an asset to the squad he is worth every penny paid. And while we’re at it, so is Carrick.
Van der Sar and Evra again proved their worth to United - EVDS with a couple of excellent saves but more importantly confident command and control of his area, and Evra with some great defending (though he stayed back more than usual, which was to be expected in an away European tie).
Rooney I’ve already praised - and the lad deserves unreserved praise - but at the center of Manchester United’s charge on both fronts this season is one Cristiano Ronaldo, whose match followed a familiar pattern except for that goal (and that changes everything).
The trick to nullifying Ronaldo has always been to frustrate him - he starts bitching and taking little dives and sometimes that works against him, with the ref becoming biased and the distractions only hurt United’s chances (you take Ronaldo out, you take out a significant part of United’s pace and creativity, especially if there is no Nani or Saha or Tevez on the pitch). For the first 38 minutes or so Ronaldo was marked out of the game and I was already preparing what I was going to say about him - that his lack of temperament in these situations is what holds United back at such junctures - but on the 39th minute Ronaldo produced a gem of a goal that, to me at least, proved how much he has grown as a player this year.
You can’t always influence the game by picking up the ball on the wing, weaving into the center of the park and taking a shot, or if no space is available, falling over and playing for a free kick. When Ronaldo was marked out other members of the United side picked up the slack (notably Rooney, Carrick and Scholes) and when these 3 combined to create a chance, Ronaldo came steaming and slammed a header past Doni for a goal.
Last year’s Ronaldo would have been screaming for the ball at the edge of the box or sulking some way away from the action. This year’s Ronaldo got stuck in, and that proved to be the difference. In the absence of a true center forward Ronaldo has the height, skill and speed (perhaps not always the strength) to play that role, and he’s done that to some extent where crosses and corners are concerned (Rooney still plays the target-man - it’s truly astonishing how many different roles these two play in the United team).
For the remaining 60 minutes Ronaldo didn’t do much, apart from a taking a shot when he should have passed and taking a crack at the goal on the volley when controlling it and crossing it back might have been a safer option. Par for the course for a ‘dim’ European performance by Ronaldo.
Except that he stood up and made the difference when it really mattered.
The final word should go to Nemanja Vidic - hopefully he can make a quick recovery, although I have no doubt in Brown to cover for him.
Related items from Red Rants:- Man Utd 2-0 Chelsea (FT) : Tevez, Saha Score
- United 4-0 Wigan: The Goals Are Coming!
- United Get the Job Done, Just
- Update on Red Rants
- Roma v Man Utd: Preview
Tags: Match Reports · UEFA Champions' League
April 1st, 2008 at 22:57
Benitez may be the better tactician, Wenger the better trainer, but Fergie is just the best allrounder (good enough tactician, good enough trainer, good enough finder of youth talent, good enough motivator) to make the best manager; possibly ever in British football.
As an aside; I didn’t think Fergie had a bad game, he made an all important tackle shortly after Vidic went off.
April 1st, 2008 at 22:59
But who can cover for Wes then ? Oh yes, that Gary Neville bloke. Back just in time. Just save us from Silvestre please !
April 1st, 2008 at 23:07
[Paul]
You forget Hargo’s usefulness at right back too.
April 1st, 2008 at 23:21
Yeah, if Vidic is out for a few weeks, theres no doubt that Nevilles return wil be rushed. Lets just hope he still has the quality to deserve that return. Brown will need to be just as good in the centre as he has been in right back. Vidic’s absence could be pivotal, but with Neville coming back at just the right time, it may not be catastrophic.
Its definately concerning though.
April 1st, 2008 at 23:21
Are you saying Ferdinand was poor tonight? I thought he was immense. He’s really matured.
Hats off to United tonight, a deserved win. Maybe this is the game that starts an era of a more confident United in Europe. One can only hope.
PS: I’m praying for Vidic, Fergie. And I don’t believe in god.
April 1st, 2008 at 23:24
Ahmed what match were you watching, ive checked a few different sites and all are of the opinion that Rio was good and I agree with them. As for Ronaldo having a quiet game apart from the goal, I think theres something that is being overlooked by these so called experts, and that is that it is not brilliant tactical defending that is stopping him, but constant and repeated fouls against him which happened all night long, nothing overly dirty but quite cynical in the way that it disrupts his momentum.
But like all great players when they are given special treatment by the opposition, he left his mark on the match with a great header and could have finished the match with a brace or even a spectacular hat trick, not bad for someone who had a quiet game.
As for the team performance I thought it was controlled rather than brilliant and at times we rode our luck, but that is to be expected away from home in the quarters of the CL against a side like Roma, but what pleased me the most was the performance of Wayne Rooney and the impression that if we needed to, we could go up a few gears, which is always a sign of a good team.
April 1st, 2008 at 23:27
With O’Shea there, no need for Neville to be rushed
Silvestre at center-back after such a long time out? More chance of O’Shea playing there.
Kudos to Fergie for putting him in the center today - we needed the extra height AND we needed Brown’s better defending / extra pace at right-back.
April 1st, 2008 at 23:32
agreed on the treatment handed to Ronaldo, but it’s not like teams are going to step aside and say - alright then, have a go at a one-on-one with our keeper. What was important was that Ronaldo didn’t stay down but found a different way to change the game.
Rio - sorry mate, I just expect him to be at his best at all times, maybe that’s a bit harsh considering he’s only the best center-back in England and not in the world. He’s played better, even in away games. Made a couple of uncharacteristic mistakes, and our defense as a whole looked a bit shaky (gaps that a better finishing team would have exploited) and who is responsible for manning the defense? Captain fantastic.
But he was, along with Evra, the best defender on the pitch.
April 1st, 2008 at 23:34
I’m not a praying man, but if you are up there somewhere please help us, Superman. That is, help Vidic. He needs to be back as soon as possible. Rooney and Rio were imense today and Ronaldo was blinding at times, but distinctly average at others; it shows that he is given extra attention.
I think United have a hard game ahead of them next week, but they should pull through and meet Barca in the semis.
April 1st, 2008 at 23:35
[Ahmed]
Good report mate, I happened to find a low-fi flash stream (God praise live-footy) at work.
I actually thought Rio was very good. (Or maybe the stream made all players look better? I don’t know.) There was a very good interception he made in the first half cutting out a certain through ball to Vucinic. And he seems to relish the captain role.
True, there were nervy periods in the second half (before we made it 2-0) but then the whole team seemed to have switched off at that stage and it looked like United were trying to dig themselves into a hole.
But all in all a very good away performance in Europe. Daniel Taylor must write more such pieces questioning United players. It worked with Anderson last year, and now with Ronaldo.
April 1st, 2008 at 23:40
Ferdinand had a dodgy start, a slightly panic ridden first 15 mins, but after that, especially after Vidic left the field, Ferdinand was the new guv’nor. He was the general, no doubt. One of the best perfomances from him in a big game. I thought, after a quiet first half hour, Park was really good. He’ll get the praises sung like Rooney or Ronaldo, but he set up a goal, was a big part in some good plays and was defensively sound as a right midfielder too. Lets not forget, he played in PSV’s 3-3 (agregate) thriller semi-final against AC Milan in 2005, scored a goal and was unlucky to go out. He can be important in this run in.
BTW, Im from England, dont be skeptical and think Im a Asian MUFC fan.
April 1st, 2008 at 23:43
lol @ meddleuk
April 1st, 2008 at 23:43
I would have taken a 1-0 and still have fit for the rest of the season I hope he is ok cos we’re gonna need him come the closing weeks of the season. I don’t wanna change any of the back four theres consistency and confidence which every other team in the champion’s league lacks!! Bring on sunday 3-0 united!!
April 1st, 2008 at 23:48
ahmed, dnt mean 2 b rude, but stick 2 the day job. Rio “dnt knw wht happened 2 him” “nt the bestdefender in the world”, i beg 2 differ. Rio was great last season has been immense 4 us this season, nt far behind ronaldo, he was tremendous 2night, he did make a few mistakes, but bar tht made great interceptions, commanded the back line, n took on greater responsibility whn vidic went off.
he was by far our best player on the night.
ps name me a better defender in the world, tht been better thn rio this year.
April 1st, 2008 at 23:52
Ahmed, as regards to our defending, I agree at times we let runners get goal side and against a team like Barca that could cost us. I would like to see us defending a little bit further up the pitch and press their midfielders before they get the chance to build attacks like we do against Arsenal.
And I agree that the opposing teams are definateley not going to allow Ronaldo a free rein in games, but the point I was trying to make is because of the attention he recieves, it is unrealistic and unfair to expect him to dominate these games from start to finish.
Very rarely do top players dominate big games in this way but what makes them great players is thier ability to at some stage, leave their mark, which Ronaldo did.
April 2nd, 2008 at 0:02
Cmon guys… What about Park? His contribution was also somewhat vital to the team. Like always… Leave the Asian out. When he’s picked for the starting lineup, everyone start questioning about SAF’s choices. When we win, (especially when he has contributed) everyone starts shadowing him. He deserves to be acknowledged.
April 2nd, 2008 at 0:11
If we get to Barca, we’ll be a bigger threat attacking wise then the will. Defensively this season they have been shocking. Puyol & marquez are past it and it shows on a weekly basis in La Liga. I really think we can reach the final. Who we play in that final, and how we cope with it is another matter though.
Im not getting cocky though, Milan won 3-0 and then deportivo won 4-0 in the 2nd leg so you never know. Vidic is key though, I just hope that players are coming back at the right time to soften that potential blow.
God I hope Nemanja is ok. Chances are he’s strained a knee ligament and will be out for 6 weeks. If we get lucky, its just a slight twist and he’ll just be out for couple of weeks.
Best sresults from the scan = Back for the Arsenal game
Worst results from the scan = We’ll see him again in August.
Fingers crossed.
April 2nd, 2008 at 0:14
Ronaldo had 3 players on him so many times in the game it seemed. Opposing players seem to hunt him in packs in Europe. But that sprint into the area, to score that goal after sprinting 35 yards to get to the ball, WAS EFFING FANTASTIC. So glad Fergie brought Hargo on to stop Roma’s fullback charging continuously down our right wing. He’s a very effective player in Europe. As for Rio, he was Big, Big, Big tonight. He deserves accolades not critiscism. By the way, does Anderson know how to shoot at all, ‘cos his efforts on goal are always dismally depressing.
April 2nd, 2008 at 0:24
Yep, Ahmed, seems you were the only one who saw Rio having a bad game!
He was my man of the match, reading the game as if an open book, calm on the ball, strong on headers. Imperial performance from him.
The fact that Roma had most of the possession and attacks till the second goal proves his importance. The tactical set up of United for me was more at fault as United did play better when Rooney was switched back up front.
Scholes too was excellent. How far it seems the time we was all moaning about him and Giggs being finished.
April 2nd, 2008 at 0:33
Ahmed asked me to repost this from the previous preview, so here it is.
That was a master class in professionalism and tactical superiority. Applaud Fergie and Queiroz as they prepared the lads well and they all delivered a virtuoso away performance against a great team in hostile territory. Quite simply had Ronaldo put away his last two chances it could have been worse. Roma had a number of half chances and when they did have a true crack at goal, EVDS makes his best reflex save of the season. It wasn’t meant to be for the Italian outfit as they are clearly out classes by United with or without Tootsi (Ooops! I meant Totti). We would have to completely fall apart now not to complete the task at OT. Outstanding team effort and once again kudos and well done to Fergie for outsmarting his Italian opposite number.
RATINGS:
EVDS 7/10 - Actually never really had much to do but when called upon came up aces. His reflex save in the second half is one of the goalkeeping highlights of the season.
BROWN 6/10 - In the first half he was giving up space and allowing both the LFB and LMF to gain space and cause problems. Was more steady in the second half but still was responsible for Roma’s best chances in the game.
RIO 8/10 - Another master class of rock steady defending without having to do anything special. Was always the last bastion of defense when things broke down early and late in the game. Never skipped a beat after losing Vidic.
VIDIC 6/10 - Was fine but never paklyed enough of a game to really make a solid judgment. Hopefully his injury is not great.
EVRA 8/10 - Did a fine job defensively and made some great passes and counter attacking runs that caused trouble.
PARK 7/10 - Played a big part in the second goal and was strong on the ball while causing Roma fits with his running and tracking.
CARRICK 7/10 - Like Saturday, he was steady if unspectacular. His passing was safe and focused as well, he did make a few attacking forays
which almost led to goals.
SCHOLES 6/10 - Yes Scholsey mad a great little cross to Ronaldo for the first goal but he seemed a little slow today and he gave the ball away far too many times. Fortunately he was not punished for it but he didn’y have a great day. Still, he does have a calming effect on the team.
ANDERSON 6/10 - Why this boy is starting over Hargo and or Giggs mystifies me. He was out of his league today and he looked lost. As he did not commit any errors of note I cannot give him a lower rating but he did seem totally invisible out there.
RONALDO 8/10 - Sure he was a little more composed and contained but he caused nightmares for Roma and therefore they were forced out of their game and had to foul him at every chance they found. His goal was fantastic and he was unlucky not to have potted a hat tricks he hit the post and missed scoring a cracker near the end. I guess one can say he does come up big in big games even if he isn’t running at full throttle. I am also noticing a tremendous increase in his maturity after he is fouled. He is winning more and more refs approval by his professionalism and good attitude and sportsmanship.
ROONEY 8/10 - Worked his butt off and made some great runs and passes that caused problems. He also tracked back and defended very well. I am elated not that he scored a goal, but that he scored a typical garbage, goal poachers special ala RVN. Sometimes those are more meaningful than a cracker from 20 meters. He is also showing more patience and maturity in his game.
O’SHEA 8/10 - What a great job under extreme pressure for Big John. Came in and did a fantastic job covering for the loss of Vidic. If he had played the whole game he would have been my man of the match. As is, he just misses out.
HARGREAVES 7/10 - The team totally took over and controlled the game and possession after Hargo showed up. He was very good and was always at the right place when needed. Also made some interesting attacking runs that never panned out but not due to his lack of effort.
TEVEZ To little time to judge.
Man of the Match - CRISTIANO RONALDO with honorable mention to RIO FERDINAND and JOHN O’SHEA.
I’m beginning to hum “Back in the USSR” in my head. Must be a good omen.
April 2nd, 2008 at 0:36
i thought carick was immense…given scholes repeatedly loosing the ball and anderson having an off day..he single handedly ensured we didn’t loose ground in the middle of the feild…his composure and off the ball movement ensured that roma werent given any space to move except along the wings
Rio was solid as well except for that one momnet where he exhibited the karate kid kick move and vucinic nearly scored…
April 2nd, 2008 at 0:50
Was a bit skeptical of Fergie’s choice line-up before the game. Wasn’t expecting Ji-Sung, Giggs or Tevez should have started in my opinion. He ran around a lot and did set up a goal, but he really didn’t impress me. He was playing through the middle for the first 20 minutes!
I was also mad to see that Fergie did not choose Hargo to start. I could have accepted this at OT, but not away in the CL. This is what he was bought for. Anderson is too inexperienced to be starting games in the CL sorry. Was sad to see Vidic injured, but O’Shea was fucking immense. For me he was the man of the match. He came in and played in a position unfamiliar to him in this United team and under horrible pressure and tore it up. Rio played great, for me it was one of his best games of the season. Commanded well and really controlled our back line. Glad to see Rooney get on the score sheets, hopefully he can go on a run to the end of the season. He’s got 3 goals in 2 games now. We’ll see.
April 2nd, 2008 at 0:52
I’m not doctor but I really feel confident that Vidic suffered a hyper-extended knee based on the way he landed. If so, he’ll be out a week. I speak from personal experience having had it happen to me twice. Lets hope I’m right.
Regarding Rio, Ahmed, mate….you are putting the burden of the entire defensive setup and breakdown on Rio’s shoulders. He cannot mark every player who has a chance inside the box. The many chances you speak of were really nothing more than half chances because they weren’t even shots on goal. Still, if there was a guilty culprit in all this it had to be Wes Brown. I like Wes and I am one of his strongest supporters but he could have had a catastrophic game if two or three of his poor marking mistakes had turned in to goals. Every chance Roma had was from their left side and was created through a Brown mistake. Rio on more than one occasion recovered and saved the day. As for his own responsibilities, Ferdinand was awesome. Ahmed, go back and watch the game again and i feel you will eventually agree with myself and others on Rio’s great performance. I’d have given him a 9/10 but I reserve a point for offensive participation and in this game he didn’t offer us any of that.
April 2nd, 2008 at 0:52
Also, I love that this match report was right after the game to some degree. I find it more convenient than it being a day later.
April 2nd, 2008 at 0:59
Grog, if Vidic is out and if you feel Brown to be so responsible, I can only assume you share my enthusiasm towards Capt. Neville’s return.
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:01
NicoQB; Were you watching the same game? “Scholes too was excellent”. Scholes had a poor game other than setting up the first goal. He mad poor pass after poor pass and put us back on our heels more than one time. It wasn’t an awful performance but he wasn’t at his best and was far from excellent. Regardless of how one feels about a player, one should be objective and honest in their observations. You maybe honest but your love for the player is blinding you a bit. Go back and watch the game. He made at least 6 poor passes that started Roma attacks that thankfully came to nothing. Even the US commentators for ESPN here in North America made the same comments. They aren’t Americans by the way. Both are from the UK so they know what they are talking about. Too many fans on this board have a hard on for guys like Scholes, Neville and Giggs and refuse at times to realize that they too are human and make mistakes. And yes, there are days where age also catches up with them too. Scholes has been brilliant for three weeks now. He sucked today but I still think his contribution was felt positively through his assist on the first goal and his calming effect in directing the midfield.
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:11
Grog, if you’re talking about the ESPN commentators, from my time in N. America if you’re talking about that Tommy fellow that commentates for ESPN, he’s easily the worst and most annoying commentator in the world. Id commentate better than he does.
Incidentally, anyone know my chances are of watching the semi-finals (with or without United) are in the middle of a trip between Dehli and Kathmandu? I re-he-he-heally dont want to miss any of the action
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:13
Yes I do but please don’t get me wrong. I am not down on Brown. He had one poor game for us and i would not sit him in place of a very rusty Neville. Still it’s nice to have Neville back although my choice for permanent RWB next season would be Hargo. In the little time he spent there he has owned the position and shown offensive ambition to go forward as well.
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:19
Meddleuk; Yes one of the commentators is Tommy Smyth and no he is not terrible. In fact he is quite colorful compared to most of the droids that do color in the EPL. All they do is comment on every bloody foul not called and offside not caled right. That is about the extent of their contribution to color commentating. Tommy Smyth is excellent and has also coinrd that great phrase “putting a bulge in the old onion bag”. Brilliant!
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:24
Rooneys spin and turn for our opening goal was priceless and the whole move for the goal was pure class. Despite Romas periods of posession, our top players looked more dangerous than Romas and I dont think anyone can grumble about the result.
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:39
Well, I guess its what you like. For me he’s too Americanised and he would never get a job in Britain, hence why he commentates in North America. I dont mean to offend, its just from my own personal feelings, whilst in that continent. “putting a bulge in the old onion bag” is not something that is used or even referenced too in England. IMO its bullshit commentry speak.
Its not really the issue though. The main issue is whether Vidic is out or not!
April 2nd, 2008 at 1:50
Oh, BTW, what I said in the other thread about a tight game would onlu succeed if United over came their profligacy was kinda true. 4 shots on goal, 2 goals.. I said we’d need a 50% conversion rate.
RedRanter, Im coming after your job
April 2nd, 2008 at 2:26
Lol, I did the same thing on my way home…
But no special mention to Rooney?
meddleuk, Grognard, if you have anything bad to say about Tommy Smyth, then what will you comment on Ray Hudson (from GolTV)?
April 2nd, 2008 at 2:57
I actually kind of like Ray Hudson even though he can be frustratingly exasperating at times. I love his passion and love for the beautiful aspects of the game and he does show a tremendous bias towards Spanish or South American footballers. I love his gasps and grimaces when somebody comes close. It’s so not professional for a broadcaster but it speaks of honesty and love for the game. I also see eye to eye with him over the great Juan Roman Riquelme who we both feel is a gift from the Gods. Still, he is an acquired taste for some and for others he can be irritating. For me he is a guilty pleasure. Andrei, you asked the question so I am curious as to what you think of him. And just to make it clear, I have nothing bad to say about Tommy Smyth. I love his color commentary and his sense of humor and game analysis.
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:41
Grognard: Tommy Smyth is easily the worst commentator in world football.
Although i rarely watch football with sound, coz most commentators don’t know what they are one about.
Vidic definitely hyper extended… But we can’t be sure how long he will be out for.
Ahmed: Good report… however I thought Rio was fantastic last night like many others.
April 2nd, 2008 at 5:46
Shannon; Regarding Tommy Smyth, you are certainly entitled to your opinion. Even if I don’t agree with you.
April 2nd, 2008 at 7:32
SPUNK> Right on about Park…I can’t believe how unnoticed this guy goes. He gives 110% every game NEVER complains about anything, has unmatched fitness and energy yet never seems to get much praise. In my humble opinion he deserves man of the match tonight simply from the one play to keep the ball in play that led to Waza’s goal.
Am I alone in really feeling this team is eerily similar to the 99 squad? I mean we have the core players that play most games, but then we’ve got the bench players who can come off the bench and immediately contribute without complaining about playing time (see Chelski) I started to see this at the beginning of this years CL, this team really really excites me! Good result tonight boys!
VIDA we’re praying for you!!!!!
April 2nd, 2008 at 7:56
Grognard - to continue that argument you made - too many people watch football on the telly are influenced by the commentary, which is often biased and inaccurate.
w.r.t Scholes and Rio - no point in arguing over it. And regardless of whose assessment is right or wrong, in terms of tactical analysis the game is worth watching at least once more.
April 2nd, 2008 at 8:41
Ahmed; You are absolutely right. And do watch the game again. Rio did play well but the more I watch the game the more I was impressed with 35 minutes put in by Hargo. He was outstanding.
April 2nd, 2008 at 9:13
Grognard… Not trying to be a thorn in your side here… but you are really hung up on Hargo don’t you think? He was good last night, but outstanding?
April 2nd, 2008 at 9:22
I spose we all have our favourites…
For the Boro match on Sunday, Pique or O’Shea to replace Vida? or Hargo indeed going into RB with Brown in the middle?
I’d like to give Pique a chance, and i was surprised he didn’t come on considering he had previously scored against Roma and played pretty good against them last time.
I think if he doesn’t get his chance now… Madrid’s where he will be playing his football next season.
April 2nd, 2008 at 9:39
Ahmed, a beg to oppose Rio’s performance might have been not up that high to what you expected but that’s all because of the high standards i performance he’s set for himself the last couple of years.
further still i doubt whether the trio evra, rio and carrick were not playing on pain killers. these are the guys who were doubtful by Monday evening so you have to expect them not being 100% fit.
last i said here several times since december last year that whether rooney hits the ball i the back of the net or not, but his workrate and never say die spirit is always needed whenever United plays. and to my friend Donibrasco i know we might disagree there but to be honest its in such european nights away from home that you need players like rooney who are always going to give presence on that pitch at whatever cost.
otherwise great result. all eyes on the Nou Camp now. come on the memories of ‘99.
April 2nd, 2008 at 9:48
Ahmed,
Not for the first time, you and I were watching two different games. Ferdinand was immense. The rock on which a creditable defensive performance was built. I think you’re too intrigued about the black eye. It didn’t affect his performance (or are you saying he couldn’t see properly out of the eye?).
Fergie’s tactics were questionable. He was a bit lucky to get away with it. He virtually admitted as much in the after match interview, by saying that he waited too long before getting Hargreaves on, and moving Rooney to the middle up top (almost immediately afterwards Rooney scored). Hargreaves should have started in front of the back four; Rooney and Ronaldo should have played in their natural positions (which is interchangeable up top).
I think Fergie’s fear was what happened in Rome last year (when United were overwhelmed in the first 20 minutes, and eventually lost 2-1), and the drubbing they received in Milan in the semi-final. He set up the team last night to take any early sting out of the game. He succeeded. United won. Well done. Lessons learnt. Can be put to good use against Barcelona, after doing the business in the second leg against Roma.
The team did well and showed that it can adapt to cute tactical variations; variations which probably surprised Roma in the first half. Once Roma went behind the dynamics of the contest changed and they had to attack with less caution; in the end they could have been put to the sword.
It’s right to look questioningly at Fergie’s European record. United have reached one final in 14 successive campaigns under him. He’s had some pretty good teams in that time who’ve fallen short in 3 semi-finals, and if are we truthful, in the final against Bayern Munich, United came a distinct second in the tactical stakes. But this season United’s record is much improved. They’ve won 4 out of 6 away games, are undefeated and one of the 2 draws (1-1 in Rome) was a dead rubber when United played a young and inexperienced team.
United are a much superior team and squad to last year. Here’s hoping that the injuries don’t start piling up. Subject to injuries, and Fergie’s tactical variations, they should go on and make the final.
April 2nd, 2008 at 9:56
I’m over the moon, i thought that overall our performance was professional and grown up. Our squad depth is there now thank god! Even if Vida is out, i have total faith in our “utility” man John O Shea, he had a great game lastnight. Hargo HAS to start these games, is it not obvious what he brings to the pitch? Scholes is still rusty, excuse the pun on his hair! Carrick played well except for a couple of wayward passes,he had the right idea though, as did Park,he ran his legs off! Ronaldo cant perform in the big games! bollox! what a goal! thundering header! makes me dream of Manoucho’s potential heading threat! Rooney was my man of the match, fuckin awesome, delighted to see his rvn style poachers goal, but his contribution in all other areas of the pitch was immense. This is our year, i can feel it. I fear no-one. Cant wait for next week! bring on the romans again! and then the catalonians, and whoever escapes from the premiership melee, we’ll do them all.
April 2nd, 2008 at 10:49
Ruud. What a legend.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/manchester_united/article3662892.ece
April 2nd, 2008 at 11:24
For me ray Hudson is easily the least professional commentator in the world, but he is also the most entertaining. He is utterly irritating because of his accent and his bias which you mentioned, but the love he shows for the game is unmatched. I do not think anybody loves football more than that man. As for Smyth, I do not like him, but to say he would not get a job in England is a bit far-fetched. He is an alright commentator who can appreciate situations…
Hargo was indeed big yesterday!
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:02
The standard of commentators in England is not too bad atm. The really annoying ones are the commentors. Pleat last night, and Burley, who commentated for Setanta for the Villa weekend match, are simply diabolical.
However, whenever I have been to America I have had to watch will the sound off/ extremely low. Maybe if you have to listen to them every week you get used to them, I suppose.
April 2nd, 2008 at 12:54
Great European performance and the whole team showed much more maturity from last season. I hope Hargreaves starts in the next leg as it would provide more defensive cover especially if Totti recovers. Just glad that when the chances came the goals were put away.
On the subject of bad commentating has anyone heard the guy who commentates for GolTV an American channel that cover Spanish and German games. No idea who he is but he is unprofessional and just loud. Mark Lawrenson can get annoying as well when providing commentry although he does have a lot of football knoledge.
April 2nd, 2008 at 13:02
Rio was immense. What game were you watching?
April 2nd, 2008 at 13:10
agree with most of the article, but Ferdinand put in a brilliant performance!
April 2nd, 2008 at 13:18
I agree Rio was immense, but I can see where Ahmed may develop those views from. There were a couple of moments in the opening part of the game especially when Rio made some uncharacteristic mistakes- he gave the ball away in a dangerous position down in the bottom corner very early on, then dived in on Vucinic and completely missed the ball a bit later.
I think, though, these were isolated incidents, and though we may not normally see them from Rio we also saw some quite exceptional interceptions/ blocks/ tackles which more than made up for them. We also need to look at the bigger picture- Rio was commanding, marshalled the defence well (I didn’t think they were shaky, I though O’Shea did superbly well, Grog’s being slightly harsh on Brown, and Evra showed us he is, in fact, a defender). He’s a fantastic captain, in my opinion.
April 2nd, 2008 at 13:49
TALKING ABOUT SCHOLES.Losing the ball is not a good thing.Making wrong passes is not a good thing , too. BUT…if you have to make the most cruicial passes outside of your area and in front of your opponets ITALIAN DEF MIDS , if you ‘re the only one who takes the ball from the defenders and make ALMOST EVERY first attacking pass in the game you ‘re meant to make a mistake , too.You can even make 3 or 5 mistakes. Have you ever seen Rooney or Ronaldo in front of our box? They ‘re a threat for our defs
Scholes made great passes yesterday night. He took the ball out of the defence many times and SOMETIMES HE WAS STOPPED BY ROMA’S ITALIAN MIDFIELD.YOU THINK IT’S EASY? That’s why Anderson was lost somewhere in the pitch.Cause ROMA aggresive-defending midfield in SO GOOD. Belive it or not they ‘re better than us in this job.
If I like Scholes? Of course I do! But you should see who makes these crucial passes in every game.
P.s. if Rooney had made the same assist we would have been talking about his geniuses.
April 2nd, 2008 at 17:04
Shannon; I am not showing a bias towards Hargo at all. It’s just that I have total faith in this player’s ability to do the job because I have watched him for years and rarely has he ever disappointed. Last night he was immense for us. Even Fergie said so. He was a calming effect for us defensively and then he also took the threats on on the Roma left side out of the game as soon as he showed up. He even showed the ability to attack and with some luck could have set up a few more goals. Both he and O’Shea made outstanding contributions and corrected everything that was wrong from Brown and Anderson. I love Fergie to death and I am nobody to question him but I still must. Why Owen Hargreaves isn’t starting every game or at least every CL game at DMF or at least at RWB is a mystery to me. It must be due to his knee tendinitis. If so, I think he will show his true worth and warrant his transfer cost next season. Still, he has a lot he can do for us this season and help us to a double.
NIKOS; In the past I came out as one of Scholes big critics and made the claim that he was too old and probably washed up when it comes to playing for a club like United. I now realize I was wrong and that the Ginger Ninja has quite a bit left in him. With that said, last night was not one of his better nights. He set up a goal beautifully and he controlled the tempo and flow of the game like a master but he did give the ball away badly more than half a dozen times. This led to quick Roma counters that wee thwarted by their own stupidity or Rio Ferdinand. Scholes wasn’t terrible but it was not one of his best games. Still, the pairing of him and Carrick in the middle is sublime and add Hargreaves to the mix and it’s perfection. The player I’m down on and who I think looks tired and finished for this season is Anderson.
He may have a bright future with the club but for me, he just doesn’t float my boat.
April 2nd, 2008 at 18:30
Oh my god what a joke Avrahm Grant is HAHAHAHAHAHA
“Grant ready to sacrifice style for progress” like they had any style to begin with
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=522051&cc=5901
I hope they get SLAUGHTERED by Fenerbahce
April 2nd, 2008 at 18:45
[meddleuk]
Am from India and since you mentioned that you will be travelling from Delhi to Kathmandu(which is in Nepal) during the semis…
The Champions League is shown on “Ten Sports” in India and the coverage starts at midnight.
April 3rd, 2008 at 3:39
great maturity from the players. they defended very well as a group and i think rio was one of our best players. he made some crucial tackles and interceptions. rooney played well and i hope he goes on a long scoring run.
Does anyone know of a stat saying how many times rooney and ronaldo have scored in the same match, because it happens so often
April 3rd, 2008 at 3:43
[Beachryan] It was nice reading the RVN interview. I wouldn’t have wanted him bitter at the club. After all he is a legend of OT.
[Grognard] Agree that Hargo should be playing CDM in most away and especially Champions league away games.
Although the guy has a nice cross doesn’t he!
April 3rd, 2008 at 3:44
gary pallister comments on rio’s performance here
http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid=%7BB4CEE8FA%2D9A47%2D47BC%2DB069%2D3F7A2F35DB70%7D&newsid=546273
April 3rd, 2008 at 16:59
Ronaldo - what’s wrong with knowing your good, and strutting a bit. Cantona was arrogant too, a real strutter but didn’t hear many complaints about him. Well maybe about his Kung Foo kick!!!!!! I think though it was the first time I have ever seen Ronnie go in like crazy horse for his headed goal against Roma. Perhaps that’s why he thinks players shouldn’t be physical with him, because he is not usually physical like he was for that header. I am still trying to work out if he was being determinedly physical, or if the Roma player barged into him. Anyone???. I think that Ronnie not being physical in his approach, is why he seems to stay clear of injuries other more forceful players sustain.