Jun 02
Ronaldo Resolution, Benzema, Rio Ferdinand
All papers are awash with news that Ronaldo is going to decide his future in about ‘two days’. There’s no need for me to provide a link; just head off to any decent football website and you will see the report.
Now let me tell you this: I have resolved to steer clear of Ronaldo speculation for the rest of this week. In the sense that I would only report news if there are any, but will not add any more of my opinions on whether Ronaldo must stay or not. I’ve had enough of things right now, and I am certain that nothing will get resolved until the Euro’s get over.
Of course, those of you interested in speculating, be my guest but also be prepared for a long month of doing that. Because, regardless of Ronaldo’s imminent decison over the next couple of days, he will still be linked to Madrid till July.
I, on the other hand, am tired. I do appreciate Fergie’s decision to stick to his principles on keeping Ronaldo at all costs and I planned on writing an entire article on that, but then considering all comment threads on here anyway end up discussing Ronaldo, I decided to ditch it to avoid redundancy.
Meanwhile, let’s move on to players who actually think being at United is as big a privilege as anything — John O’ Shea, for example. He hopes United’s excellent season can work as a spring board on to greater things and hopes to be the best ever.
If you happened to read the Guardian a couple of days ago, you would have certainly chanced upon this excellent interview of Rio Ferdinand. I know he got a lot of stick in the past, but since this season (and towards the end of last) he is among my most favourite United players. I’ve written enough about him already, but I can’t seem to stop talking about how much he’s matured and the fact that he really seems to mean it when he says he wants to finish his career at United.
Apart from the ability and skill of some of our players, it is the attitude and understanding of some of the lads — that they are at a great institution like United — that has helped us achieve so much. It’s a shame he continues to be judged on his off field activities, although he has cut down on all that. He respects his new found status at United, and he’s appeared very articulate in his recent interviews; all signs that we are seeing a man who’s finally realised his purpose.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Fergie, please make him captain for next season.
In transfer news, we are being linked to Lyon’s Karim Benzema. I say he won’t go anywhere till the Euro’s get over. After that, he will be sold at a hefty price. The Lyon president is a smart man and he knows he can get better value if he waits till the end of the Euros. That said, I am not sure if he would sell his prized asset this season at all. So let’s not get too excited about this. However, if we do pull off a coup (either signing Benzema or Huntelaar before the Euros), then getting piss drunk and running naked in the neighbourhood would be a reasonable reaction.
In Manchester related news, Mark Hughes is being linked to the… wait for it… City job! I’m not sure if I’d like that. But I would rather he go to the council house than go to Chelsea. Chelsea with Hughes could become a force to fear. It also looks a more plausible rumour, considering Sparky’s affinity for Chelsea.
And before I sign off, here’s something that can be worth your while during the summers. One of our readers (and contributors), Andrei, has set up a Euro 2008 fantasy league. I’ll quote his words for details:
I made a Euro 2008 Fantasy Football league at UEFA.com and I remember some of you asking for one in the comments about a week ago. So, if you want to join, just go there [uefa.com] and sign in with you UEFA account (or make one, but disable the horribly annoying newsletters they will be trying to shove down you throat), click on leagues and join league 34443-8197 98380-18218. Hope to see you there.
Andrei had sent me this a couple of weeks ago, but I somehow never got around to putting this up. So go there and start playing fantasy football.
Update: Some readers have pointed out that the code for the Fantasy League is invalid. Andrei has informed me that, for some reason, UEFA have reset their leagues. He has assured me that he’ll fix this soon.
Update 2: Here’s the new code for the fantasy league: 98380-18218. Enjoy!
Related items from Red Rants:- Do you like Rio Ferdinand?
- Do United Need Another Left Back?
- Rio Ferdinand to setup football academy in Uganda
- Future Manchester United captain Rio Ferdinand named England skipper
- Teams Start Talking Big As Champions’ League Clash Looms
Tags: Daily Roundup
June 2nd, 2008 at 10:52
“However, if we do pull off a coup (either signing Benzema or Huntelaar before the Euros), then getting piss drunk and running naked in the neighbourhood would be a reasonable reaction.”
LOL. Nice one RR!
Nice post. I too have been sick of the Ron-circus for more than a week now. Hopefully we’ll have an early end to it. If he doesn’t see sense and stay back, I suggest they give him the DOTY (Dumbass of the year) award along with the POTY one.
June 2nd, 2008 at 10:54
Hey! When I try to join your league at Fantasy Football and enter the code 34443-8197, I get the following message: “34443-8197 is not a valid code to join a league”. Is it the wrong code or has UEFA fucked up somewhere along the way?
June 2nd, 2008 at 11:21
How about letting this debate be about this Benzema in stead of Ronaldo for a change? I know, it’s just as rediculous, but at least it’s something different.
To me, Benzema is the best striker talent in the world atm, and if we could get him, it would be unbelievable. It could even ease the pain if Ronaldo is sold, which he’s not (there he was again). Benzema has everything we look for in that next striker signing, and SAF knows this. First of all, he’s a clinical finisher, which we lack a little bit in the front line. He’s strong and holds on to the ball really well. He’s got 2 good feet and he’s quick. He’s not a skill player like Ronaldo (there he was again), but he’s deadly.
I think, there’s a good chance he’ll be sold after the Euros, and I’d hate to see him in Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool or any foreign top club, because he’ll be trouble for us. And I’m not just basing my opinion on the goal he scored against us (which was superb) - I have watched quite a few of Lyon’s games this season, and he’s always good. Sign him Ferguson, and we’ll have an unstoppable force of Rooney, Nani, Tevez, Ronaldo (there he was again) and Benzema - how sweet it sounds.
June 2nd, 2008 at 11:28
34443-8197 is not a valid code to join a league .. Its the message its showing me!!
June 2nd, 2008 at 11:33
Tomas: Arsenal and Liverpool can’t afford him. Im pretty sure he’ll be sold after a fantastic Euro! If he has a bad one then next summer! Aulas knows his marketing well… I think we’ll settle for Huntelaar coz he is fantastic
June 2nd, 2008 at 11:37
i would prefer gomez or villa over benzema to be honest, i hope villa doesn’t go to liverpool though, anyone but liverpool, scary thought that. i would also prefer huntelaar for the simple fact that he wouldnt make a fuss on sitting on the bench, i cant say the same about benzema.
RR, you sound a bit depressed over this ronny business lol.
June 2nd, 2008 at 11:55
I’d like to avoid the naked running around the neighbourhood. I have some girls in my neighbourhood in mind though that I’d like to see the doing it, and it would be lovely!
On a more serious note, I don’t think that Benzema will ever sign for United, but it won’t be the end of the world either. As for Ronaldo, I’ve had enough. Rooney’s wedding seems much more interesting to me.
June 2nd, 2008 at 11:57
There’s an extra ‘the’ in my comment. Sorry!
June 2nd, 2008 at 11:58
I dunno about you guys but I just prefer Huntelaar over Benzema. Don’t get me wrong, Benzema would be a coup and I’d love to see him at Old Trafford. That said, I think Huntelaar is the better player, and he’s a taller(6′1 I believe), bigger target for the likes of Carrick, Scholes, etc to aim at. Either one would be amazing, I just prefer Huntelaar. Thoughts?
June 2nd, 2008 at 12:00
Benzema, is a top player and would suit us perfectly, but I can’t see us getting him. Fabiano seems more likely, but I would love Huntelaar.
The Ronnie situation is heading towards its obvious conclusion of him wanting to leave. If he was staying he would have come out and said that by now.
Rio has been a delight this season, superb attiude certainly the best defender in the world at the moment and must be our captain. He leads by example and has everything a modern defender needs, height, pace, skill Ronnie should take a leaf out of his book.
June 2nd, 2008 at 12:01
benzema or gomez, richards,and maybe veloso would be a great summer (if ron dont go) hope liverscum get no body and chelski buy torres for a massive amount after euros! we’ll never die
June 2nd, 2008 at 12:21
No disrespect to Huntelaar or Benzema but the ideal united player is one who plays with heart. look at our buy buys last summer. Nani, Anderson, Tevez and Hargreaves. they all got heart. David villa is 26 and full of heart and energy. Tiredless for valencia this season, he will be the buy of the summer. The dude is just tooooooo nasty. He destroyed Barca and Real Madrid and won the copa del rey for Valencia. He is a lovely on both feet and not to mention, he is dumb fast. He is actually faster than Rooney. Wat more do we want? I personally think we need a defensive midfielder like Miguel Veloso who has an eye for passing. Hargreaves is decent and has variety. Veloso is a left footed gattuso. We need a right back obviously and we better start looking for Rios replacement as he is 30.
June 2nd, 2008 at 12:24
that fantasy league code is wrong!
June 2nd, 2008 at 12:47
SPARKY TO CITY NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
June 2nd, 2008 at 12:50
lol, next season will be a test for sparky, in europe, lets see what he’s made out of.
June 2nd, 2008 at 12:52
how about both huntelaar and benzema!! lol we can only wish we have 4 world class strikers on the books!! I think if ronaldo goes we could get both and the thing about benzema is that he can play both wings! I really wanna see us spend some good cash and sit pretty for 3 years with an amazing squad!
June 2nd, 2008 at 13:08
RR: I’m not quite sure I agree with you that Benzema will be worth a lot more after the Euros. It really depends on whether he is first given the chance to prove himself, and second, he actually does well enough. Benzema has to compete with Anelka and Gomis for the chance to play alongside Henry, assuming Domenech plays 2 upfront.
And when Benzema gets the chance, assuming he can keep uninjured, he’ll have to score a couple to increase his worth. I remembered that in Euro 2004, a certain Fernando Torres also made his debut at 20 years old. He was pretty average from what I remembered, despite the hype surrounding him then, and didn’t leave Athletico Madrid till 3 years later.
My point is not that I don’t think Benzema won’t do well in Euro 2008, there is a chance he might. But it is not an absolute certainty.
June 2nd, 2008 at 13:23
I think Benzema is by far the better player.He has pace, something which Hunterlaar doesnt have and he has the abitity to cut it at united. Hunterlaar maybe cheaper but we should go for the best and Ben is exactly that. I dont think Klaas could ever have ever twisted and turned like the way Ben did and score against united.But I think wel have to settle for Huntelaar cause Benzema is being an idiot and saying he wants to stay so….
June 2nd, 2008 at 13:29
Thats interesting!
Is Robinho a Man Utd no. 7 material?
June 2nd, 2008 at 13:35
from sky, yes i know its about Ronaldo, but its pretty positive aint it?
“We would like to have a player like Cristiano, but if he does not sign for us then it would not be a major problem,” Calderon told Marca.
“The club has said that they do not want to sell him and we cannot keep going back.
“One has to know when to stop these things in order to avoid the frustration that the fans could feel.
“His club have to want to and if they want to negotiate with Madrid or any other club then they will.”
June 2nd, 2008 at 13:53
if we do a deal great option;
great alternative
June 2nd, 2008 at 13:58
Evra has apparently agreed a new 4 year deal worth 55k a week
June 2nd, 2008 at 14:22
So glad that Philosopher Evra, and his mighty wisdom and comedy during interviews, I STAYING - what a boy!!!
Rio is just a great person and I agree with RR, love to see him as captain for us from henceforth. But if Nev is back, I don’t think Rio will want to take it from him, because remember what a fantastic gesture he did towards Nev when he made his end of season few miniutes comeback?. Rio, the great, great man.
Is it true that Huntelaar has no pace?. I thought I heard Grog say that he did have a lot of pace, and would suit United style of play down to a Tee!. I would like Huntelaar AND Berbatov. I just love Berbatov and his magic football.
Hargo is giving Evra a run for his money in the philosopher, wisdom department. He is great during interviews, and ever optimistic. Such a WINNER.
RR - my 20 yr old sister is convinced that the unmentionable person is leaving for Spain, so she would like to know where you live lol, because she doesn’t want to miss your NUDE STREAKING in the rain. She would even like to sell tickets to her girlfriends for this one too haha!.
June 2nd, 2008 at 14:30
The Ronaldo ‘circus’ closes down tomorrow, halle’f**king’luh. I for one have gone passed caring, this last week has been more irritating than a Simon Cowell reality show. CR7 is only putting pressure on his Euro08 chances.
I adore Ronny as a Utd player but one thing we can conclude from this is he has 1-2 more seasons left. Whatever decision he comes to I’ll support it’ll be plain lunacy to boo a player who has re-invented are team(along with others). The thing that will really bug me is that IT will finally be over. Now I’m not saying Utd will die far from it(we may even improve?!?) but football itself, the sport will become the dark empire known as ‘business’.
The last week has had every Tom Dick and Harry from football expressing there views and quite frankly Ronaldo has played the guessing game. Onto tribunals, Fifa might as well be run by Donald Trump there is no way they will step in and prevent a player from moving so what are the alternatives; WE HAVE TO SELL. Sorry guys but if CR7 decides to join Calderons hell hole we must negotiate(£60m), any dragging on of this saga will wreck are pre season. I mean it has are staff working round the clock to prevent this transfer, preventing us from the transfer market(I’m fuming at Real).
To conclude I plea to Ronny to do the right thing stay at home, the lure of Madrid will only bring 10 different managers a galatico every other summer and fans cheering a Cruyff turn not a team effort.
I have ranted this long about a player/genius who isn’t bigger or brighter than Man Utd, failing to even talk about Benzema(the player I most want Utd to sign). Shit!! role on next season please.
June 2nd, 2008 at 14:40
Hahaha - lot of passion there AGP!. Love your comment about Donald Trump being the president of FIFA - wouldn’t that be something now!. Couldn’t be any worse than the present one surely?.
June 2nd, 2008 at 14:47
Craig, it could be worse - Platini could take over…
June 2nd, 2008 at 14:51
I don’t care if we sell Ronaldo Coz he has his sights on Spain so Its better to let him go ,,I know
He has carried us this season but his heart is elsewhere and By the way we have literally begged
him to stay with us if he does not want to stay let him go I think we will survive fergie will be
pissed coz he spent a lot of time moulding him but according to me he will REGRET THE MOVE mark my
words people Madrid is no MAn utd….
June 2nd, 2008 at 14:53
Casillas or Ramos 40£ mil is a really good deal, and the Hell with Ronaldo, the guy might be the best in the world but he has no class, no sportsmanship, no loyalty, no respect he is simply immoral, he reminds me of Chelskishit.
About Benzema, he is good really and hes my prefered striker, hope we get him as soon as possible and even give him the 7 shirt.
June 2nd, 2008 at 15:23
Ronaldo wants to go according to his grandma.. That’s what I read somewhere. Benzema coming would be bad news for rival fans. And I’m surprised why Hughes would want to go to City.
June 2nd, 2008 at 15:33
we really don’t need Ronaldo, he’s great yes, but play Hargreaves in his position, and just like in the Champions League final he’ll be brilliant. Brilliant enough to win several more trophies, I guarantee.
June 2nd, 2008 at 15:34
it seems that spurs want to offload o’hara, i wouldnt mind snapping him up, he’s like an english veloso, would be a great squad player.
June 2nd, 2008 at 15:40
O no Southroy, I forgot about that numbnuts Platini. Your right, it could be a lot worse lol!.
June 2nd, 2008 at 15:51
Errr - by the way, did I stumble into the wrong thread, because I thought that the want away player was banned from a mention in this thread?. Keep on topic everyone, read RR’s comments, he is shit tired of the Ole want away player talk, and has made this thread to change the subject!. So lets debate INCOMING additions to our team, or probable ones anyway LOL.
June 2nd, 2008 at 16:03
RED RANTER
That code is incorrect (at least if the fantasy league you’re talking about is the McDonalds Fantasy League on Uefa website) If not, please post a link to the fantasy page. If it is, post the correct code. Thanks!
June 2nd, 2008 at 16:16
if ronaldo does go to madrid we should ask for ramos and £50 mil then splash out on benzema,huntelaar sell saha and get a decent winger someone like ribery
June 2nd, 2008 at 16:19
mas ter what are you talking about dont care if we sell ronaldo he is the best player in the world by far
June 2nd, 2008 at 16:28
Another day of Ronaldo chat…oh good lord, please make it stop………………….
June 2nd, 2008 at 16:30
Quiztime everyone ‘Calderons Crap Cristiano Contradiction Challenge’
Rules>> What of the following bullshit hasn’t that Royal Idiot said…..
A: ‘We haven’t done anything against the club we regard as a friend; Its up to the player now to decide’
B: ‘We have not interfered with Man Utds contractual agreement with Ronaldo’
C: ‘Man Utd have said they don’t want to sell and we cannot keep going back’
D: ‘Everything I say is complete Bull…t, I will always try to tap up players who are voted the best in the world…..shirt sales mean everything to me.’
All money raised in this vote will be given to Cristiano Ronaldo agent who is looking for a new mansion.
June 2nd, 2008 at 16:32
Saha make weight in a deal for Benzema?? lets hope so!!
I’m so bored of talking about the Portuguese play(er)
June 2nd, 2008 at 16:54
Inter Milan have appointed Mourinho which could be good news as he will hopefully take Fat Frank with him aswell as Dogba and a few more players
June 2nd, 2008 at 17:11
[Everyone]
Yup. The code is incorrect. I updated the post.
[Craig]
Heh. I hear you. I didn’t have too much expectations when I said I am sick and tired of the Ronaldo debate. Hopefully the others see the point in debating on something that we’ve already devoted 6-7 threads for. Any more discussion will result in redundancy. Oh well, who am I to stop them anyway.
June 2nd, 2008 at 17:26
Yesterday I watched a very moving and fantastic BBC tribute documentary about the Munich air disaster in 1958 as it followed legendary goalkeeper Harry Gregg around Belgrade and Munich reliving those horrible moments and memories. It was very touching and at times I could feel tears building up in my eyes. Harry Gregg symbolized everything it means to be a Manchester United player. His absolute joy and enthusiasm upon signing for the club with no bonus, and then playing with the club for the years he did. He was a hero after the crash and he was a hero before and especially during as he saved lives with his acts of courage.
My point in all this is that Harry Gregg is a reason why any player who puts on the jersey of Manchester United must feel the pride and the honor that comes with that privilege. Too many athletes today play the game and love it but they don’t pay attention to the history of the game or even the clubs they play for. For if they did they might think twice about some of the things they do. I for one do not believe players need to mature to understand what it means to be a Manchester United player. All they need to do is look at the honor role of greatness and then tell me if they are not overwhelmed. If they are not it is because they are from lands far away where other teams mean more to them. In Portugal and Spain it is clear, the the teams that mean the most and historically pull at players heart strings are Real Madrid and Barcelona and to a lesser extent Benfica and Port. In their language and culture that is fine and totally understandable. You really have to struggle to find a player or better yet a world star that has played for either of the top two in Spain that clearly wants to leave the club because they are unhappy or dream of playing for somebody else. When that happens it usually is a player not being used properly or hardly at all. Players at Barca or Real are you usually very content because they are where they want to be. So what is happening right now at United is very frustrating and is very hurtful to the image and history that has been built at the club. In the past the club has bought or developed legends who have shown tremendous loyalty to the team and the city and understand and honor the history of the club and the past legends like the fallen at Munich as well as the ones who served the club with honor before and after 1958. Charlton, Best, Gregg, Law, Giggs, Schmeichel, Robson, Keane, Scholes and Solksjaer to name a few. Names who wore the Man Utd crest with pride and dignity and refused to take it off until their time had come or in the case of Giggs and Scholes, will come. Hell, even Beckham and van Nistelrooy wore the jersey with pride. It was their bust up with Fergie that caused their departure otherwise I think both would have been very content to stay at United.
So this brings me to my point which is that Fergie needs to understand that many of the players he is currently trying to buy and recruit from other parts of the world do not and probably never will feel for United the way he does or the way home grown players usually do about the team and what it means to be a part of it. Rio Ferdinand needed to grow up a bit but I honestly feel he always understood the significance of being a United player. All these Latin based players just don’t get it in my humble opinion. Yes they may say they are happy but they all have dreams of Spain or in Tevez’ case Spain or Boca Juniors. I understand their desire and dream to play there. Therefore United need to reassess their purchase strategy for players. If you buy Latin based players, be prepared to have them for less than five years. If you buy foreign players that come from domestic leagues that aren’t as powerful or haven’t got the historical allure or pedigree that Spain or Italy have, then I feel you stand a better chance of keeping such players or at least making them eventually bleed Manchester red. Perfect examples of that of course are Schmeichel and Solksjaer. Their loyalty and tenure with the club can never be questioned or underestimated. But lets face it, Norway and Denmark don’t hold much allure for them after they have played for Manchester United.
Fergie needs to be dipping his fishing rod in more suitable waters. Holland, France, Germany, Africa, Russia, Czech Rep, Serbia, Croatia, Sweden, Denmark, Begium, Switzerland and even Germany to name a few. None of these countries have club teams that hold a greater or equal standing historically and most importantly financially as Manchester United except perhaps Bayern Munich. And not every German kid wants to play for them because they truly are the most hated team in Germany. Ajax, Red Star, PSV, Lyon, Zenit, CSK Moscow, Sparta Prague, Rosenborg etc are all historically proud and domestically successful teams, but they are all minnows compared to the big Spanish, Italian and English giants of the game. But these are the football factories we need to be buying player from, other than our domestic purchases of course. 95% of the players who we buy from these places will appreciate and respect the fact that they are Man Utd players. They will gladly and proudly wear our colors because they have read about us as much as any other club. That’s not the case in Italy, Spain, Portugal and South America. Those are regions that in my opinion we should be avoiding if indeed our goal is to sign player long term. I’m telling you after I watched that documentary I felt a pride for our club that I just wished Ronaldo and others like him could feel too. But I just think it’s lost on them. Their hearts are somewhere else I’m afraid. Fergie, stop fishing in the wrong stream.
June 2nd, 2008 at 17:33
BENZEMA BENZEMA BENZEMA! If I honestly felt he had a true desire to play for us I’d pay 40 million pounds for him. But he doesn’t. When he’d rather stay at Lyon or when he says it would be an honor to play for Real Madrid or AC Milan I say STAY THE FUCK AWAY FROM HIM. He’s bad news and we will regret buying him after two seasons. Huntelaar on the other hand has always said he would be honored to play for United. So why then is Fergie not getting the hint. Could it be that all he cares about is his last three years at the club and what happens afterwards doesn’t concern him? I seriously doubt it but I just keep seeing him buying and trying to buy players that don’t care about United nor do they bleed our colors. Alves and Fabiano are also Bad News Bears for me. Just asking for trouble I’m afraid. It really does appear that he is preoccupied or even obsessed with winning a few more league titles and at least one more CL before he quits. What he could also end up doing is preparing a mass exodus of player once his successor takes over. That would be most unfortunate.
June 2nd, 2008 at 17:35
Benzema is dashed good, agreed! But I still feel both Rooney and Tevez form a deadly duo upfront and will only improve as their understanding improves. So, I’d actually go for some one like Huntellar or Roque Santa Cruz, cos what we need is a good 3rd striker whose best ye3ars are in front of him… No star please! Though Huntellar or Santa ruz might end up becoming one, under Fergie
June 2nd, 2008 at 17:49
[Grognard]
I am pretty certain Fergie’s got his eyes on the likes of Huntelaar. Surely he’s smarter than the average manager to get the hint. But he may not rate him as high as we do, or perhaps, he’s got his eyes trained on other players like Benzema? I don’t think we can necessarily say that he doesn’t get the hint. For all you know he’s got an entirely different opinion of players than we do.
June 2nd, 2008 at 17:52
Grognard - What an interesting and thought-provoking theory. I
would add though, that there is one very important character
difference between the admirable men that are Schmeichel and
Solksjaer and the apparently self-centred boy/man that is
Ronaldo. Even though our Big Dane was arguably one of the very
greatest goalkeepers to have ever performed custodial duty
between the white posts. he never let on that he knew it and more
likely in his natural humility ranked other goalies ahead of himself.
It is probably laudable to aim to be the greatest but to make the
claim to be I find to be a great deal less laudable. Wouldn’t if
be a thing of real beauty to have the Dane and Norweigan’s
class complementing the Portuguese’s skill.
June 2nd, 2008 at 17:57
i agree with grognard completely. he is not needed benzema and is trouble, i would rather buy ben arfa.
June 2nd, 2008 at 18:02
[Dan]
I don’t know how better off Ben Arfa would be than Benzema — Arfa is a winger, we need a strike of Benzema’s mould. You seem to know a bit more about Ben Arfa than us, so care to expand on that?
June 2nd, 2008 at 18:05
dont we have a ben arfa of our own (read nani)? why would we want him here?
June 2nd, 2008 at 18:06
[Grognard]
Well said mate. That was precisely what I had been trying to say during the period when everyone was enamoured with the Portuguese contingent that Queiroz and Fergie are trying to build. Which is why a British core is always good, like it or not.
That said, however, the part where a player may become a bleeding red is a tricky one. How can one say X player will become a true red?
June 2nd, 2008 at 18:14
Who knows waht Fergie is up to. Prersonally I believe his number one target is Benzema and Fabiano is his Marcos Senna type the player we were stalking as a second option Hargo.
Ben Afra is a winger and jos is spot virtually the same as Nani. I think Fergie has been a bit nervous of going for Huntelaar as everyone thought he was going to sign for Real.
June 2nd, 2008 at 18:30
RR, if you look back a couple of months ago, i said that i would prefer it if we bought a winger instead of a striker, ben arfa looks set to leave this summer, and was also linked with us, i know as much about him as you do to be honest, but i know he looks a good prospect.
June 2nd, 2008 at 18:41
Dan; Why would you want Ben Arfa if you haven’t even seen him play enough to make a judgement of him? He is most definitely not a better player than Nani. He would not want to sit on the bench when he could be guaranteed regular football at plenty of other teams, because he won’t want to stunt his progress.
I still think you are being completely unrealistic if you think Manucho and Welbeck/Campbell are good enough to be a back-up for a team as good as ours.
Don’t judge players from what the media say, that is the worst thing to do. Which is why you prefer Gomez and Huntelaar over Benzema, you are too easily mislead. Ben Arfa wouldn’t fit our style of play at all and so it would be stupid to sign him.
June 2nd, 2008 at 19:12
We should sign Benzema and Ben arfa only if HE left.
June 2nd, 2008 at 19:12
nani crap, benzema obviosly good for his age and top scorer in the french league huntelaar over 30 goals this year and good in the air and if anyone bought benzema the lyon manager would no way sell ben arfa we should get silva as nani has no potential
June 2nd, 2008 at 19:14
stephen what are u chating about ferguson would never be nervous to go after anyone and ben arfa is much better than nani
June 2nd, 2008 at 19:17
saudi red devil i dont think that the both of them would come to us
June 2nd, 2008 at 19:33
[RoonRon]
Regarding the fantasy league, Andrei’s assured me he’ll fix it, so the “unofficially-official” Fantasy League on RR is the one he’ll set up. So I am willing to stay true to his word and put that league which he sets up on here.
So be patient.
June 2nd, 2008 at 19:35
mufc fan; elaborate on the fact that even though Nani “has no potential” he had a better first season than Ronaldo, currently the best player in world football?
June 2nd, 2008 at 19:50
We dont need Ben arfa. For what??we have nani already on the left and he did a dam good job. We need a striker. Benzema would be the stuff of dreams,hopefully fergie finds a way cause hes number 1 on our list…I think
June 2nd, 2008 at 19:59
Conor: It always seems to slip peoples mind that Ronaldo actually won the fans player of the year award in his first season with us.
June 2nd, 2008 at 20:15
I live in France , I’ve been watching Ben Arfa and Benzema over the last year.
Ben Arfa is nowhere near as good as Nani, fact. Maybe he can grow up, he’s got good ball skills.
Benzema runs with the ball into the box, he doesn’t lurk in the box or tustle with defenders like Drogba…he won’t be getting his head on the end of crosses…he has amazing technique though and knows where the goal is.
Both are somewhat sulky, Benzema is pretty quiet a bit like Zidane, but with a lot less aura.
Who knows what’s gonna happen…Benzema is classy, would make any team better…Maybe Arsene can do something with Ben Arfa
Who do we need when there’s 20 minutes to go in a match and there’s 10 Blackburn players behind the ball?…Vidic’s cousin, who plays CF!
June 2nd, 2008 at 20:31
RR,
it’s okay then. i’ve just delete it. if the one from Andrei come up, let us know.
thanks
June 2nd, 2008 at 20:32
conor, how do you know if i have or havent seen gomez and huntelaar play? you are basically saying benzema is a better player, but have YOU seen him play, or huntelaar, or gomez? you see its the same thing, im not stupid/deluded enough to believe the media, if i believed the media i would be saying benzema is the next best thing in football, i bet you would have no objections to me saying that though, im not a child, im an educated man and who can come to a conclusion by himself. i’ve seen gomez play, i’ve seen huntelaar play both through internationals and setanta sports, i have seen benzema a couple of times, same with ben arfa, not a fair judgment but enough to come to a conclusion of both are great prospects but i would prefer buying a winger over a striker in the summer. im sure you can respect opinion though cant you?
June 2nd, 2008 at 20:36
mufcfan - Nani crap?, how feckin dare you mate lol!. I haven’t seen this Ben Arfa play, so I won’t slate him. Nevertheless Nani is like the holy grail to me, so lay off the crap bit eh?. Nani I believe is loving life at Man Utd, unlike Mr Wantaway, and Nani is always out there jumping up and down and leading the community singing effort at United victory celebrations. He’s like the feckin mad hatter in wonderland since he signed for us at United. For the amount of games he has played or started in, he has a good assist rate, and will only improve. He is a great SHOWBOATER, and irked the arse off the Arsenal players with his performing arts against them. Viva Nani!!!!!.
June 2nd, 2008 at 20:37
[conor]
Have to say, it’s unfair to accuse anyone of delusion.
but Dan, you do quote articles from Tribal Football, don’t you?
Smart educated men usually don’t do that. 
June 2nd, 2008 at 20:43
lol fair enough, i read that stuff in hope that some of its true but really i know it pure crap, but still, its a good read.
June 2nd, 2008 at 20:48
An educated man eh Dan(u-ol), woo you go mate!. Why do you want a winger rather than a PROLIFIC striker though Dan?. Are you thinking we might find a winger who will maybe perform like Mr spain wantaway or what mate?. Because I don’t think we will ever find so prolific a scoring winger again?.
June 2nd, 2008 at 20:49
Screw Ronaldo. Let’s sell him. He’s too much of a ‘me’ guy. Too individual. I am tired of watching him wave everyone else over to celebrate his existence everytime he scores. And not do the same in return for his teammates. Plus, am I the only one that notices Rooney’s drop in form when he plays with Ronaldo. United has been a club that blend spending some big money but also, more importantly, being a cohesive team. Anderson and Nani are ready to step up. We have more than enough firepower. Plus we use that money to buy some more young talent.
June 2nd, 2008 at 21:02
Dan; An educated man, really?
Any particular stand out games from Gomez then that you would mention? Or Huntelaar, not just for goals but through his all round game?
I wouldn’t have an objection about you calling Benzema one of the best strikers around because he is, and will sure to be a EPOTY sometime in the next 5 years. I have almost every one of Benzema’s matches on the computer here, and I have almost every one of Huntelaar’s matches recorded on tv. I can respect people’s opinions as much as I am always happy to challenge them too.
JB; I had no idea, that’s quite an eye-opener then.
June 2nd, 2008 at 21:14
[Conor]
Heh, a challenge eh? Nice. Refreshing change from the Ronaldo debate. Let’s see how far this goes before someone brings up Mr. Spain.
June 2nd, 2008 at 21:22
RR; I’ll happily move away from the whole debate about a certain Portuguese winker, I spent all of yesterday arguing about it on Redcafe so I’ve just given up.
I’m always happy to challenge other people’s knowledge anyway, best way to learn things.Have you decided on a preference for our next signing Red Ranter?
June 2nd, 2008 at 21:30
There is no need for us to talk about Ronaldo anymore. I know its a blog where you can say almost everything you want, but everything that is needed to be said has been said. We cant do anything, we cant talk anymore, we only have to wait and see what happens. Lets forget Ronny for a day and then see how good it is. Lets talk about more interesting and not so agonising stuff, like Benzema and Huntelaar. We have more to say about them, Im sure.
June 2nd, 2008 at 21:34
RedDevil; Well go ahead and start us off:
1. Which do you prefer?
2. How often have you seen them play?
3. Why not Berbatov?
These questions can be answered by anyone by the way.
June 2nd, 2008 at 21:43
Conor: It’s just I’ve heard a few people say Nani has had a better first season than Ronaldo but I think we tend to forgot in the mists of time how Ronaldo actually performed at the start. Popular opinion seems to increasingly be that he was crap for the first two years and we developed him from nothing. But he was a damn good player from day one, just not on the same level he is today.
Dan: I am also curious why you think we need a winger. We have Giggs, Nani, Park and Ronaldo (for the moment) to play wide. Up front we have Rooney and Tevez, with Saha more than likely to be on his was (there are ongoing rumours of a medical at Lyon). Looking at that I know where I would be concentrating my spending.
June 2nd, 2008 at 21:43
Well, Ive been watching the Dutch Eredevise and Ajax a lot, so I can say that Huntelaar is a class player. In my eyes, he is one of the best STRIKERS in the world. He has everything needed for a striker, height, speed, finishing and heading ability, class, calmness 1-on-1 and tecnique. Not so much, but good enough. I have not been watching Benzema so much, but since I only hear good things about him, plus his class goal/game against us, he must be a really good player.
Berbatov is a marvellous stiker, but I dont think Fergie will look for a player that is moaning when he is not playing. In footballin sense only, he is great, but I dont like him as a person(he is OK). But I like the player, not the man(so much), and I would be happy to see him join us. But his 35£ million price tag might scare away Fergie.
June 2nd, 2008 at 21:51
1. Benzema
2. I have seen Benzema in the two United games, two games against Rangers, one against Barca, three internationals and the French Cup Final.
3. He is seven years older.
June 2nd, 2008 at 21:56
I agree the ronaldo talk is a bit played out. I am concerned at the amount of abuse he is taking. He has never said he wants to leave, the media says it and his agent says things t stoke the fire. my guess is that his agent(aka Lucifer) has given him strict orders to not say anything one way or the other until they can get him a bigger cut of his image rights. so dont slate him until he actually leaves.
I must confess that I have not seen huntelar play, and I have only seen benzema on youtube along with the champions league. But I think these guys are overpriced and would rather see fergie sign someone like Roque Santa Cruz. He would be a quality third choice striker, and is in a different mold than rooney and tevez so we will have that plan B if needed. Plus I could see us getting him for under 10 million(which is a bargain for a proven epl scorer). Then spend big on Micah richards(Shinawatra is a dummy, and he would sell him to us for the right money). and last bit of of business for the summer should be making the tevez deal permanent, I dont see what more he has to do to prove his worth.
June 2nd, 2008 at 22:00
1.Huntelaar
2.Various highlights from Youtube + hoping to see him during euro 08
3.Attitude problems
June 2nd, 2008 at 22:01
JB; I am at fault in that particular aspect too, I always thought he was good but was unlucky with us. Apparently he hit the post over 35 times in his first 2 seasons, so I always knew he had the ability.
1. Agreed.
2. I’ve seen him nearly every game this season, a joy to watch and more often that not comes up with something special.
3. Fair enough. Although I was comparing Berbatov to Huntelaar and Gomez, there is no doubt in my mind Benzema is better.
RedDevil; Then we’re on the same boat with regards to Huntelaar, he is one of the best strikers around and almost definitely the best finisher right now.
He is, he’s fantastic. If we got him I would be over the moon.
I’m largely in agreement with you about Berbatov, although I think he is made out to be more trouble than he is. I mean he isn’t as bad as Eto’o, who recently headbutted a Spanish interviewer. I doubt he would cost that much, I’d say £25m at most, but I still think that may be a bit expensive.
Olliey; Unfortunately we will probably only get to see Huntelaar coming off the bench most of the time for Holland, Van Nistelrooy is ahead of him at the moment and is expected to lead the line.
June 2nd, 2008 at 22:12
1. Klaas “The Hunter” Huntelaar.
2. Like Ive said, in live games.
3. Again, too moody and expensive.
June 2nd, 2008 at 22:14
On Huntelaar, I’ve seen him about 15 times over three years plus the obligatory youtube comps. He is a world class finisher and his movement in the box is top notch. However I feel his all round game is a step below the likes of Berbatov, Benzema and Eto’o which I believe is reflected in the prices quoted. My own personal preference is a superior all round player instead of a predator (regardless of how good).
On Berbatov, I think he would be a good signing and if nothing else we will get to watch his first touch every week
Gomez I know little to nothing about.
June 2nd, 2008 at 22:33
JB; Huntelaar is most definitely a class below in terms of how he involves himself in the build-up, and I tend to agree that he isn’t the kind of player I want now.
His first touch is truly sublime, I don’t think anyone can pick the ball out of the air like he can.
June 2nd, 2008 at 22:33
Berbatov, is a top player great touch but Fergie prob thinks he does not have the pace?
He is proven in the prem, so prob sensible purchase. Spurs prob would charge the earth and at 27 Fergie prob think he is too old?
June 2nd, 2008 at 22:38
But Fergie said that he wanted to buy an experienced striker…. Berbatov?
June 2nd, 2008 at 22:41
Seems logical, but Spurs seem to want 30m, too expensive I think considering the younger options we could posibly get.
June 2nd, 2008 at 22:42
Dan; Yes Ben Arfa is a talent and he has tremendous potential but he is definitely a very selfish individual. In fact there have been reports of run ins with Benzema over who should be getting the majority of the chances up front. Sort of ridiculous. He is also a winger and from a talent point of view he would be a good project for Fergie if Ronaldo left and if Fergie were planning to stick around for at least five more seasons. Also, from everything I have read he is strongly positioned on Arsene Wenger’s radar which probably means he will choose Arseanl anyaway.
Red Ranter; My only difference from what you are suggesting is that I do believe that there are countries whose players could have the same attitude as home grown talent displays towards the club. I gave examples of such countries. They don’t have clubs with the championship or financial pedigree to keep their players or to entice them to come back. EXAMPLE; I think either Arshavin or Pavelechenko are super talents who play for CSK and Zenit in Russia. Neither of these teams have the history or resources to keep these players and there is a good chance that both players could come and play in England and be very happy and satisfied. Cold weather is natural and the food is equally as bad
I just don’t feel that players from regions outside of Italy, Spain, Portugal or South America have the love obsession for the Madrids, Barcelona’s and Milan’s that players from those warm weather and overly passionate cultures do. A boy kicks a can around in a Shanty town in Rio dreams of playing for Santos or Cruzeiro and then dreams of becoming one of the world’s elite by going to either Italy or Spain. I just don’t think a kid brought up in Serbia, or Denmark or St Petersburg thinks of those teams first. Many commented two weeks ago how average football fans or Muscovites seemed to be in love with Manchester United even though Chelsea was owned by a Russian. United is seen and adored on television in Russia. In fact the tv rights for the EPL is sold to more countries in the world than both Serie A and La Liga combined. I just heard that today here in Canada on ESPN. ESPN themselves is considering buying the rights for the future because they see a growing and improving climate for the game here in NA but they are only considering the EPL, not the others. Also, lets not forget that in most countries in the world the first foreign language taught and many cases like Holland where it is compulsory, is English. We have a big advantage in a lot of countries but Fergie and others keep getting seduced by the tricksters and show ponys that come out of Latin countries.
Trust me when I say that I would rather have Michael Ballack and Nemanja Vidic on my team than Ronaldo and Daniel Alves. I rate players differently and I look for traits that many of the Latin players lack. And although I love Ronaldo as a player, I prefer a less tricky and more direct George Best approach to the position. Less show and more substance. If you asked me who I would prefer in their first season, Giggs or Ronaldo, I would go with Giggs any day of the week. Hell, I would have said that as late as last season. I don’t like trick, theatrics and nonsense. I like a direct, no frills approach to the game like what Scholes, Keane, Beckham, Giggs offered United and the way Germany have played throughout history. It is proven to win and it has consistency. I prefer players who are strong mentally and refuse to lose like Germans, rather than easy to rattle and overly fragile personalities from South America, Spain and Portugal. Italy it seems to me is a hybrid of both styles and that is why they have so much success. There’s not taking away credit from Brazilians but they have not really impressed me in any way since 1982, even though they have won the World Cup twice since then. I for one feel they have won their cups with a lot of luck on the way. I’ll take Northern and Eastern European determination, grit and steel over the Flair Weather Brigade. After all, what has Spain and Portugal ever won as a national side? And I doubt either will win in June regardless of players like Ronaldo, Torres and Fabregas. I for one hope that Fergie wakes up to smell the coffee and starts buying players who are dying to play for United, and even better yet, want to retire playing for United. And if Queiroz doesn’t like that change in philosophy, send him packing too. Personally I would rather we signed a blue chip British player like Gareth Barry or Micha Richards over Daniel Alves. Why? Because Barry or Richards would look at being a United player as an honor. Alves is looking at the money and a future springboard to Madrid or Barca.
RR; This whole Ronaldo controversy has made me rethink my position on Fergie’s successor. Now I am much more open to Martin O’Neill and or Mark Hughes taking over. I have a feeling that the next few years at United we will be seeing a Latin version of the revolving door. Especially since many of the Latin boys now know that Fergie will be gone to in three years.
June 2nd, 2008 at 22:43
RedDevil; He said a lot of things to the media, he first said he wanted someone young, then someone experienced, and then someone tall.
June 2nd, 2008 at 22:49
Seems odd that he has not made his move before the Euro’s. We did most of out transfer activity early, if Benzima or Huntelaar were his two first choices you would have thought he would have tried to secure the transfers by now?
June 2nd, 2008 at 22:51
JB; Even the fans appreciate a good show pony. The first time I saw Ronaldo with all his bad habits and tricks, I still said to my friend that I believed he would one