Dec 02
Ronaldo Wins Ballon d’Or
Finally.
A realisation of another of the many dreams the boy from Madeira might have had, Ronaldo now becomes only the first player since George Best to win the Ballon d’Or as a United player. This, in itself, is a shame and does a disservice to the vast number of outstanding players that wore the famous red shirt. But, then again it’s a great achievement, especially in an era where the likes of Platini and Blatter attempt to do everything in their power to undermine the growing power of English clubs in Europe.
Ronaldo would forever have his detractors; to be fair he hasn’t been a saint. But as a player he has been remarkably consistent and prolific over the past two years. And beyond a certain point, it really becomes hard to ignore what the lad has done for us. Like him or not, but when a player wins an award as overwhelmingly as he has done, it goes to show how bloody brilliant he’s been.
We United fans have been fortunate to be seeing such an outstanding talent who gets recognition for his greatness. So let’s savour this moment while it’s there in front of us. Kudos Ronaldo, may this be the first of many more.
Speaking of awards, Red Rants has been nominated in the 2008 Soccerlens Awards in the “Best Blog Community” category. It’s a fault on my part for being less prolific lately, but when the readers can be so committed while I was away on a brief vacation (or what I’d call, an escape from life) as to swell the comment count to over 800, I must say this blog’s certainly been a facilitator for a community to grow around it. Credit of course has to go to the readers — it’s your contributions below the fold that gave this place a community atmosphere. So, dear readers, if you feel that this community that you are a part of deserves votes, then go ahead and feel free to vote us up. It’s more a recognition of your efforts than mine, which is great to see. We are up against some biggies though, which include the likes of Arseblog (which averages 1000+ comments daily!), so I wouldn’t keep my expectations too high. Also, do look up other categories in the awards. There are some very good blogs out there.
To vote for us, click here.
Finally, a word on a personal front. I was extremely busy with personal commitments and once I got that load off my shoulders, I decided to take a breather and went on a brief jaunt to some icy peaks. As an aside, I learned that extreme cold weather is not my cup of tea, although I had fun skiing. I am back now, and I should be in a position to talk about United, Ronaldo, the City game (although it’s probably now too late to write a match report for it) and the season as a whole.
Related items from Red Rants:- Derby County v Man Utd: Preview
- U21 European Championship: Rossi and Nani’s Goal Videos
- A Television Themed Round-Up
- Ronaldo’s FifPro Award and Thoughts on the Player
- Pompey 1-1 Reds: So, Is It Time to Panic?
Tags: Daily Roundup
December 2nd, 2008 at 10:33
A legendary season for Ronaldo and Manchester United, a truly great achievement from the boy.
December 2nd, 2008 at 10:52
P.S. For the record, Manchester United got the most points overall in the Ballon d’Or
Ronaldo has the third largest win margin of all time…
I have the France Football magazine in front of me, so if you want to know how Liechtenstein voted
Just some biased Journos voting though
December 2nd, 2008 at 10:55
Congratulations Ronaldo!
Will the real Wayne Rooney stand up!!!
Heres hoping one day he will also emulate Ronaldo and go on to win d’Or.
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:03
RR and Grognard: I must say I was more than surprised to see your responses to my comment.
First, I did not really mean for my comment to be interpreted as an insult - calling someone a baby or whiner is not an insult in my book but it must have been in yours. I am sorry for causing such revolt; but, after having been reading soooo many negative comments this season, I felt like I needed to stand up for the old guard and remind everyone that all is not doomed.
Second, there is a big difference in the way I responded to your comments and the way you responded to mine. That fact that you assume you have any idea of whom I am is rather weak argument and says more about you than it does of me.
Third,R R, a little bit of constructive criticism should never have caused you to ask me (or other readers) to leave this blog - sure you have a real life and cannot post everyday (which is a shame because this is arguably the best United blog on the net with the most active readers/ranters). And Grognard, just because I do not post every 2 hours does not mean anything about whether or not my thoughts are “valid”. Be careful not to think you own this blog and that your rants > everyone else’s because of how many posts you submit (even though I enjoy reading your post and those of the other regulars). Your latest long post insulted more than a few, I would say.
On a lighter note, I am surprised to see that Terry and Lampard did not sweep the Ballon d’Or - I was under the impression that Chelsea gets everything…
Ronaldo deserved this one and I hope he gets another one while we have him.
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:04
Can’t say he didn’t deserve it. Pity he may be the most resented winner in modern days though. Is a tough cookie to love.
I love that Stevie G got 28 votes. Who’d of guessed they’d give scouseland that many?
The real question now is that he has won and is the best of the best, will he be motivated to keep getting better, or will he pull a Ronaldinho and fade. Seems to me that he is driven, so I’d like to think the former, so the follow up question is does he believe he can do that with us.
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:20
Good luck with the voting mate, you’ve got mine.
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:21
Good luck with the voting mate, you’ve got mine
(Sorry ballsed up my last comment)
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:29
“calling someone a baby or whiner is not an insult in my book but it must have been in yours” Yeah you could call that a complement??!
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:42
truly deserved award for our boy.and you would not believe it if I told you his age, isnt he the youngest to have eva won it.
also a well deserved rest against blackburn, boy you was burning yo self out.
and finally after receiving the awrd,,”CRISTIANO RONALDO has warned opposing teams he will continue to improve after winning the prestigious Ballon D’Or.” cant wait. The trophy is coming home again this season.
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:45
I did not mean it as a complement; but compare that to some of the other trash-talking here and it is pretty far down the list…
(I cannot think of anything below baby that is an insult?)
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:49
I only wish he had Kaka, Ronaldinho or Messi’s personality. But yeah great player and when he leaves I will miss him (although hopefully the team won’t)
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:51
I think Ronaldo (the brazilian one) was the youngest to ever win it at 21.33 years
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:53
you have my vote RR!
viva ronaldo!
cheers to all united fans!
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:54
btw I’d say Grognard is thrilled that Madrid look to be signing The Hunter
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:55
wow i just looked at the soccerlens reult and arseblog is kicking our asses, common people vote for redrants!!!!
December 2nd, 2008 at 11:59
Youngest or not.. He swept it.. and it’s been a long time due for a United player!
December 2nd, 2008 at 12:09
@Beachryan: Gerrard in that list?? Conspiracy by some dipper journos to weaken the credibility of the Ballon D’Or it must be!!!
December 2nd, 2008 at 12:20
Finally united have a player whose contribution is recognised.CRISTIANO has been one of our most consistent players for the last two seasons and it’s great to see him getting this prestigious award .If he continues to improve and not fade out then there is a strong chance that he will become The BEST EVER UNITED PLAYER. Just hope that he finishes his career here or even if he leaves ,he leaves like a hero.
December 2nd, 2008 at 12:40
tevez to win ballon d’or next year. =)
December 2nd, 2008 at 13:03
Credit to Ronaldo. He deserves it no doubt and I hope with time he will become even better than last season. The red card at city might be a blessing to him since he gets to rest after being hacked by opposition tem members
@Stephen. Sorry couldnt reply to any comments last night. Had to switch to phone mode and its a nightmare browsing over 700 comments on my small Nokia 6111 screen. trust me you dont want to experience that. anyway my starting eleven would be
EDVS
Brown Rio Vida Evra
Ron Fletcher Carrick Nani
Berba Rooney
subz
Anderson,Possebon,Foster,Park, Scholes, Evans, Rafael
I will make sure that the starting eleven is the same for at least five games and also giving the bench plenty of game time.say the come in the 65 min after we have spanked our opponents 3-0
December 2nd, 2008 at 13:25
when’s the bburn game?
December 2nd, 2008 at 13:32
@john freakin’ o’shea:
It’s tomorrow mate, not sure what channel it is on though. I’m looking forward to it, not sure if Fabio is back from his shoulder surgery yet, but i’d love to see him given a chance if it’s the case.
I’d play…
Foster
Rafael, Evans, Ferdinand, Fabio
Giggs, Possebon, Carrick, Nani
Welbeck, Tevez
December 2nd, 2008 at 13:33
@ JOS tomorrow 8pm British time but i have a feeling it wont be shown on any channel apart from MUTV and the internet streams.
December 2nd, 2008 at 13:46
@Nelson: @Nick: thanks mates. i hope foster plays, its his turn now, pig just got his..
December 2nd, 2008 at 14:36
Is Fabio fit?
December 2nd, 2008 at 14:36
@ JOS, Nelson - Pretty sure game isn’t live on MUTV either, but will be broadcast at midnight. Last time in about the 75th minute someone posted a link on here that may or may not have been working, I missed it
I love these games, give us a chance to see the youngsters. Tomorrow for me would be:
———-Foster———-
-Rafael-Evans–Vidic-O’Shea-
—-Possebon–Gibson——–
-Anderson———–Nani—-
———Tevez————-
——–Wellbeck———–
But knowing Fergie we’ll see nothing like that
December 2nd, 2008 at 14:39
Welcome back RedRanter. Long time no see.
Congrats to Ronaldo, the best player in the world by a mile. Messi, Xavi, Torres… you are good, but nowhere near as good as the lad from Madeira. Difference is that you do not only have the silky skills, billiant free kicks or heading/shooting/both feet/speed, but that he has scored 42 goals to win the Premier League and Champions League with us. You deserve it Ronny! Cheers mate.
December 2nd, 2008 at 14:39
@Liam: According to some sources, he began training last week.
December 2nd, 2008 at 14:55
@jos: Jos mate, Rooney will never win the Ballon de etc UNTIL he plays consistently throughout a whole season, like every other winner of this award has done. Rooney has some good games, and some very ordinary. Not trying to upset you Jos, but that is the truth. To win the Ballon got to put in best performances EVERY week.
December 2nd, 2008 at 14:57
@Liam: I’d say judging from the games without Ronnie at the beginnng of the season, the team will definately not only miss him, but do nothing of note without him
.
December 2nd, 2008 at 14:59
@Beachryan: Any United player would be the most resented player in history, we have always been historically the most resented team, even when we weren’t winning anything all those years.
December 2nd, 2008 at 15:12
@Craig Mc: Rooney was superb on Sunday though matey, and maybe Ronnie’s sending off will take the edge off that ego with is on the verge of exploding!
December 2nd, 2008 at 15:19
@Manutd forever: He has a long way to go before he can be considered anywhere near that status.
December 2nd, 2008 at 15:24
Can someone explain to me why MUTV, which is owned by the club does not broadcast a match featuring itself
http://www.goal.com/en/news/1710/manchester-united/2008/12/02/992381/ronaldo-blames-everyone-but-himself-for-derby-red-card
December 2nd, 2008 at 15:47
@ Nelson - Cause they didn’t pay for it
December 2nd, 2008 at 15:51
@Stephen: That’s my point Stephen he had a really good game on Sunday, but a bloody awful one at Villa Park. To win the Ballon, the players has to be CONSISTENTLY good for the whole season. That’s the truth Stephen Bro, and you know that
. You also know Rooney is only good for so many games, and hardly ordinary in others 
.
December 2nd, 2008 at 16:00
@stephen for rooney to win he has to show up in at least 80% plus of our games..rem ronnie always pulled a disappearing act when we faced bid teams but thoroughly punished the average and weak teams..
December 2nd, 2008 at 16:02
@ nelson. ticket sales. if they did very few people would turn up
December 2nd, 2008 at 16:12
@Craig Mc: I agree but think Wazza deserves credit for Sunday as does Berba, thought he was class.
@man utd jaluo: He scored against Liverpool at home, Arsenal at home, Roma QF champions league, Wigan last game of the season oh and yes in the European cup final, hardly went missing did he.
December 2nd, 2008 at 16:28
@ stephen thats why i said show up at least for about 80% of the games
December 2nd, 2008 at 16:31
@man utd jaluo: I was talking about Ronaldo?
December 2nd, 2008 at 16:36
@Craig Mc: Ronney is hardly ever ordinary bro… you’ll either get “Purple Patch Hitman” or else you’ll get the “Shaven Madman” from him.. hardly ordinary!
December 2nd, 2008 at 16:38
I hope Rooney consistently performs (scores) throughout the rest of season, and that alone will land him the Ballon D’or next season! It will be such an awesome thing!!!
December 2nd, 2008 at 16:40
Why do people keep saying Ronnie ‘disappears’ in big games??? Who the heck scored in Moscow normal time?
December 2nd, 2008 at 17:02
Didn’t the fat Ronaldo win it in 2002 and only played 10 or so league games but in fairness won the World cup?
December 2nd, 2008 at 17:21
@ Stephen - There are loads of examples where form in either the biggest club or biggest country contest was the only deciding factor. Definitely the case for Kaka (imo, Milan were crap in the league, Brazil didn’t do much) as you said the pudgy Ronaldo, definitely Cannavaro and so forth. I would in fact say Ronaldo’s achievements were more like Ronaldinho’s, both individual and team success consistenly across the year.
December 2nd, 2008 at 17:33
@Beachryan: Absolutly I agree Ronnie deserved the award by a mile considering Messi came second and Barca won fuck all and sacked their manager, Cannavaro did deserve to win as he won the World cup that year conceding an own goal and penalty throughout the competion and he also won the er Serie A that season, well sort of!!
December 2nd, 2008 at 18:21
fergie is confusing me! did we sign tosic or not!
December 2nd, 2008 at 18:26
Fergie reckons there won’t be any january transfers. I thought Tosic was coming in january
Smoke screen anyone?
December 2nd, 2008 at 18:30
Perhaps he means any more transfers?
December 2nd, 2008 at 18:30
Smokescreen. has to be. Tosic’s work permit hearing proves that.
December 2nd, 2008 at 18:37
We have also been linked with a midfielder from racing club. He is called franco zuculini(something like that). Anyone watch him
December 2nd, 2008 at 19:04
Great Article RR, and Id like to thank Ronaldo for all the memories, Lets hope there are plenty more to come! (Good ones. In a Red shirt)
December 2nd, 2008 at 19:09
@Madschester United: Listen mate, I am not one to carry a grudge and so I hold no animosity to you even if you disagree with me. I am not trying to run this blog nor control the content. Feel free to express yourself but just know that when certain comments are made online, they occasionally look and sound different than they do if those comments were made in person. I’m sure you and I would be having a very friendly argument talking about football if we were having a few pints at a pub. The Internet is cold and can come across as very unfriendly, even when that isn’t the intention. So lets move on and forget it if we upset each other in the past.
I would like to no out of curiosity what you meant about me insulting more than a few with my last long blog? Other than players who wear pink boots and calling them puffers (very un pc but necessary for the sake of good taste
), what else did you find insulting? Also, I respect and love the old guard on the club but there comes a time when they need to step down for the good of the club. They are holding better players back.
Anyway, I hold no grudge mate and I look forward to debating with you in the future.
December 2nd, 2008 at 19:11
@Liam: Oh yes he is. So thrilled he’d like to ring Fergie’s neck for being so blindly ignorant of the lad’s skills.
December 2nd, 2008 at 19:12
@Manutd forever: He will have to still travel a very long road before he gets into Eric Cantona and George Best territory.
December 2nd, 2008 at 19:20
Welcome back Red Ranter. Hope you are well and have energized yourself with a little rest and relaxation. As for cold weather, trust me mate, you haven’t lived in cold weather unless you have lived in Northern Alberta when it is -40 degree celsius and with a wind chill factor of -30 on top of that. I grew up in that environment and let me tell you, nobody ever gets used to that. Although we get a little snow here in Vancouver, it’s not like back in Alberta. And the temperature is so much better. Even with the rain I’d take it over the extreme heat and humidity of Texas.
Anyway, once again welcome back.
December 2nd, 2008 at 19:34
@Rahul: Did you watch the Villa Park game mate, Rooney was on the pitch, he made an appearance and then disappeared. Trust me he was very ordinary, and has been in quiet a few games.
December 2nd, 2008 at 19:36
@Grognard: Ha ha I hate puffers too, horible coats
I hate pufters more! 
December 2nd, 2008 at 19:48
@Stephen: I have nothing against gay people. I just have a problem with their style of fashion forcing itself into our sport. A sport that still attracts far more heterosexual and alpha male types as supporters. We do not appreciate our game turned into a London musical by prancing around in pink boots. That’s just wrong on so many levels. I can’t see the US woman’s or German woman’s national teams wearing pink boots. For males to be wearing them, it’s just going too far in my books.
December 2nd, 2008 at 20:20
@Grognard: I agree.
December 2nd, 2008 at 20:54
@Grognard: It was mainly the gay comment and that the thrashing you gave Anti-Ronaldos in @Grognard: as you self realized: you were “a little harsh.”
@Grognard: I think it is officially called metrosexuals. Bendter is an embarrassment to all Danes with his shaggy hair cut more so than his pinkish boots. He looks like he belongs in a cartoon with a big dog called Scooby.
Has anyone compared our season two years ago to this season from a game-to-game perspective. From what I can recall we are now playing better than back then and we still won the EPL and, were it not for Kaka, we would have been in the CL Final as well.
Some nice statistics should show that we are indeed playing an early tough schedule.
@RDJ: Why do we need to keep signing people? We have a team that is so large that we cannot play Tevez on a regular schedule… What we need is an assistant manager. Phelan is not up for the job, just as CQ is not ready (ever?) for the job as manager… what about Pako Aysteran? He has the experience, the prestige, and he would make liverpool wipe themselves over.
December 2nd, 2008 at 21:24
@Madschester United: A team should never sit on it’s success. We should always be looking to sign new players. Even if it’s young players who may not play immediately. Players get injured and players get old. A team has got to constantly recycle itself in order to stay competitive. The writing was on the wall last season when it came to Giggs, Scholes and especially Neville. Honestly, Fergie made a terrible error by assuming that we would be a better team this year when those three players were all going to be a year older and a foot or two slower. In the past he had no problem cutting ties with players who he felt were passed their expiry date. But now he has gone a bridge too far with this group. And he has relied on players who are or may not be good enough to replace these legends. So the need for new players is there, whether some of us want to believe it or not. If we are to maintain our dominance in the EPL and in Europe we can’t sit idly by and watch the leaves fall. I’m not calling for an overhaul here. Just a few fine tuned tweaks to the engine that I feel will make it once again purr like a kitten.
December 2nd, 2008 at 22:02
Here I am, covering another Carling Cup game.
Burnley lead Arse by 1-0 after 58 minutes played. Derby and Stoke are drawing “double donuts”.
December 2nd, 2008 at 22:03
Correction! Burnley lead Arse by 2-0!
So much foo their kids being the best in the nation. 
December 2nd, 2008 at 22:06
http://www.iraqgoals.com/en/ch2.html for CC action from Turf Moor
December 2nd, 2008 at 22:09
@Grognard: If we buy two young players one year (ie. Nani Anderson) why can’t we go two years without more young wingers? Does it imply Fergie is doubting the credentials of Nani or is he stimulating competitition?
December 2nd, 2008 at 22:10
3-0 to Burnley! No wait, its 4-0. Wow, the ref thinks Arse stink like an arse(!) so he decided to make 1 goal they concede 4 goals! Its 6-0 to Burnley!
No seriously, its only 2-0. For now….
December 2nd, 2008 at 22:34
Arsenal have had 6 one on ones with their players and the goalie, and missed every one - what numptees
. Wenger’s blood pressure looks like it at boiling point 
. I hope our youngsters play better against Blackburn tomorrow, because Blackburn want the win bad, its their only chance of silverwear. So wouldn’t be surprised if they play most of the full 1st teamers.
December 2nd, 2008 at 22:46
So Derby and Burnley are on to the semis. If we beat Blacburn, it looks like its only Spurs that can hold a threat to us. I hope we play this team tomorrow
Foster
Rafael Evans Oshea Fabio
Anderson Possebon Gibson
Nani Tevez Welbeck
December 2nd, 2008 at 22:48
If our youngsters step up the CC is there for the taking. I hope Fabio plays. Quadruple anyone
December 2nd, 2008 at 23:00
Seriously, it’d have been a travesty to football if Ronaldo didn’t win, Messi is probably the better player right now and might be the better player in future, but theres no denying that for a long time, no winger will probably achieve anything close to the level of Ronaldo last season. Congrats to him. Now unto the next award, the FWPOTY. Anyone know when thats meant to be announced???
December 2nd, 2008 at 23:12
@Rd: In 2 weeks time.
December 2nd, 2008 at 23:37
Huntelaar will sign for Real. Thankfully that story is over.
Can that mean that Real does not want Tevez? 
What will happen to the lad. I hope Fergie could find a way to use him in this side. He is a brilliant player and can do marcellouw things with the ball. But he needs to start showing it. So Real have Ruud, Raul, Saviola and Klaas.
Barca have Etoo, Henry, Bojan and possibly even Messi if needed.
Inter have Adriano, Zlatan and Cruz. Milan have Pato, Sheva, Ronaldinho and Inzaghi. Who is left? Bayern? Lyon? Hard competition with Rooney and Berba, but imagine having to compete with Klose, Toni, Podolski, Benzema and possibly Klaas. He must stay in United, he just needs to find his role. Its obviously not as a starter, but a first team player surely. Super sub?
December 2nd, 2008 at 23:40
I see this for tomorrow:
Foster
Rafael Evans Brown Fabio
Fletcher Anderson Possebon Nani
Tevez Manucho
With Gibson, Park, Neville, Giggs, P.I.G. on bench
December 2nd, 2008 at 23:44
@RedDevilEddy: Plus, who can afford him… I say, if he leaves, it may be to Arsenal or Chelsea (which ferguson will not want). What about Roma?
December 3rd, 2008 at 0:03
@Madschester United: Welbeck? He’ll hopefully start on the right with Manucho and Carlos up front
December 3rd, 2008 at 0:30
@RedDevilEddy: I agree with you completely, I am so glad someone finally signed Huntelar, I am tired of hearing about this clown.
You also bring up a good point about tevez, who can afford him? If MSI want 30 million for him I dont see any team but City being able to buy him in january. I cant see Madrid buy Tevez after spending 20 million euros on Klass.
Maybe now MSI will lower there price to United, so we can sign him.
December 3rd, 2008 at 0:40
Fabio isn’t in the squad for tomorrow’s game. According to the BBC website our squad is:
Foster, Kuszczak,
Rafael, Evans, Cleverley, Neville, Chester, Vidic, O’Shea,
Nani, Park, Fletcher, Anderson, Possebon, Gibson, Giggs,
Tevez, Welbeck, Manucho.
December 3rd, 2008 at 1:07
Well done to Ronaldo, he deserved it. Even if the team was set up around him last season, 42 goals for a winger is nothing short of miraculous.Thank you very much Christiano for your perfomances as a Red Devil and long may they continue.
I’ve turned a corner with the lad, i’ve even started singing his songs again with my 2 year old son! Now i’m not saying i’m happy with the way he carries on sometimes, he still manages to make me cringe with some of his on-field antics.
To be the best you’ve got to believe it! This has been misunderstood as extreme arrogance. He’s still got alot of work to do though, but i dont think he’s the type to rest on his laurels.
I hope that the command of the english language is high on his list of things to do. As it might do something to ease the rate of how many times he’s misquoted, must say after reading a list of his “quotes” since the summer, i’ve realised how much the hacks really wind things up. He didn’t say he was the 1st, 2nd and 3rd player in the world, at least not like it was portrayed in the media. I’m not saying that the lad is full of humility cos he plainly isn’t, but the constant way he’s portrayed badly in the media is beginning to stink of conspiracy. This greatly undermines the relationship he has with us , the fans. So now i take most of Ronaldos’ comments with a large pinch of salt.
Love him or loath him, he’s joined a very exclusive “club” of United players who’ve won the Ballon D’or, Charlton, Law and Best. Remember last season on MOTD, every week at the end of the show they’d repeat some of his little stepovers or deft touches with some unusual part of his foot or body, have we ever seen a player so comfortable with a football? No matter his arrogance, his brillance has to be good for our team. Apart from the goals, the way it rubs off on the younger players in training can only be good. Will we see another United player win this award soon? Cos we’ve been waiting quite awhile for this one
December 3rd, 2008 at 1:22
@Madschester United: Because if they aren’t showing signs of improving and instead digressing, one has to bring in competition. Therefore Fergie has bought Tosic because clearly Giggs is finished and Nani hasn’t shown the progress he did early last year.
I’m not advocating a spending spree. Far from it. I’m just saying that the club should look at adding a player or two every year. But add a player in an area where you will be needing an upgrade.
December 3rd, 2008 at 1:23
Come on Fergie lets see what Manucho can do, give the lad a run out tomorrow FFS. I followed Angola in the ANC last season and Manucho impressed me, not just his spectacular goals but his all round play up top.
My prefered Team
Foster
Raphael Evans Vidic O Shea
Park Possebon Anderson Nani
Teves Manucho
And despite what some of you think about the Carling Cup, i like it. It gives the younger lads a chance to shine and show us why they should be in the mix
December 3rd, 2008 at 1:25
@RedDevilEddy: I wonder what will happen if Tevez doesn’t start? Also, I wonder if there is any more interest in Tevez with Real Madrid now that they bought Huntelaar? (F#$%#^$ Bastards). Actually I am angrier with Fergie. Just watch how Huntelaar performs now.
December 3rd, 2008 at 1:27
@RedDevilEddy: A lot of wishful thinking me thinks. I wouldn’t put Tevez up against any of those forwards you mentioned. Not anymore. Right now he totally sucks. And you can thank Fergie for that.
December 3rd, 2008 at 1:51
@Grognard: What was i saying the other day Grog? Very happy Fergie has gone out to strenghten these areas LM and CM, with the double aquisition of Tosic and his mate,excuse me but i’ve forgotten his name
Btw read your “how to make United Sexy again” and agreed with most of your sentiments there. Having said that, i’ve probably got more confidence in Fergie than you do 
December 3rd, 2008 at 2:10
I’m off to bed, completely knackered, Night all
December 3rd, 2008 at 3:28
The link yo vote directs me back to this page. Please fix.
Congrets to Ronaldo good job and he deserved it. We need to win tomorrow. Nani, Anderson and Tevez to start.
December 3rd, 2008 at 3:29
@phoenix red: I used to have a tremendous confidence and faith in Fergie but I think it has been shot over the past 6 months. Part of the problem with Fergie is more finger pointing towards the team and the owners as well. I have serious issues about our current ownership. I thgink they are dealing with financial instability due to the economic crisis and although I do respect their hands off policy where they allow Fergie and Gill to run the day to day operations, I think and will always believe that the club is financially strapped. O h they can make the odd purchase but they are in no way in the market to really buy players who can make a difference for them so they just don’t. Fergie claims everything is fine, even when it’s not because he knows the bank is empty. This shakes my confidence in the owners much more than in Fergie. His willingness to tolerate such conservative player management however is disturbing. We need help and to not acknowledge it is just putting off the inevitable.
December 3rd, 2008 at 3:32
Went through Soccerlens so it’s done
December 3rd, 2008 at 5:20
Is the league cup match being aired in India?
December 3rd, 2008 at 5:52
@RDJ: Not unless Zee Sports is very kind to us!
December 3rd, 2008 at 5:57
@Craig Mc: Bro I was just kidding there. Every player can be ordinary! I actually did not see the Villa game.. so I dont know.
I heard Scholes might play the Rovers game.. that true?? Cuz that wil be wonderful.
December 3rd, 2008 at 8:18
@Grognard: Grog, we are not Chelski. It has forever been Fergies policy to find out what is wrong and rather than buy a new player right away, give some players time. That is why our youth team was so succesful. Fergie gave them a chance. Nani hasnt performed so well, neither has Hargreaves or Scholes or Tevez or VDS. The latter may not have much time, neither do Scholes, but Tevez and Hargreaves are good enough, when on form, to go straight into any European side. Fergie sold Ince, Kanchelskis and Highes so Shcoles, Becks and Neville could get a shot in the team. It didnt work out right away, 3-1 loss against Villa, but look what they have become now. In football you need patience. You know that you too. If United and Fergie did not have patience we would not win anything! If you think Fergie is wrong because he doesnt see the obvious faults in some of our players, then too bad! But his policy is to give them time. Maybe next summer, he may sell Nani. Tevez will certanly not dissapear right away. Anderson, Evans, Welbeck, Rafael… Why buy Arshavin when you have Anderson? Why buy Ramos when you have Richards? Why go for Benzema when you have Frazier Campbell waiting? Right now Rafael, Anderson or Campbell are not as good as those players mentioned. But they might be someday. Rafael is 18, Anderson 20 and Frazier 21. Who was Fabregas when he was 19? Or for that matter Gerrard? In 2006 Fabregas showed the little skills he has by passing the ball. But he was not the brilliant all-around player he is now. Neither was Gerrard. When he was 20 he didnt score a single goal! He lost the ball and awful lot and had a terrible shot. His head was always down and he got bullied by other players. Anderson is 20. He hasnt scored a single goal, but he scored a penalty in the CL final. Not many people have the strong mentality to do that. And to compare him to Gerrard and Fabregas at that age. Anderson is faster than both of them. Fabregas vision and positioning was terrible a couple of years back, thereby Anderson is better. Positioning is not his strongest asset, but he is better at it than Febregas. Vision is better than Gerrards. I remember watching him in 2000 and saying: “How come he cant see that player? Is he blind or something?” Andersons vision is very good. Proof? Wigan game, Roma, Lyon, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Boro last season. Wonderful passes that, a team like Chelski, would score from. If United had only been more prolific…
He has faced players like Lampard, Ballack, Fabregas, Gerrard, Juninho and Moutinho and he hasnt let them do anything when on the pitch. Im not gonna go through every asset they have, but he will become brilliant after a while. Rafael is very good right now and who knows, in 4 years he may join the FIFApro team? Or win the WC win Brasil? 
Campbell has unbelieveable pace and a composure when 1-on-1 that even players in older ages have. They will become great, just give them time Grog. Give them time…
December 3rd, 2008 at 8:19
@Grognard: Oh, and about not buying players that we need. One word: BERBATOV!
December 3rd, 2008 at 8:29
@Rahul: I hate their website. Can’t find their tv schedule
December 3rd, 2008 at 8:56
@Liam: welbeck is a striker who can play on the wing. play him in his natural postion, upfront.
December 3rd, 2008 at 9:03
@RDJ:
they are showing spurs - watford match it seems…shit 
..how on earth can they do that when the european champions are playing at teh same time
December 3rd, 2008 at 9:06
@bond: Who will ever watch Spurs vs Watford in India?? Do we have a few Watford fans here?? Cuz sure as hell there aren’t any Spurs fans in this country!
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:02
@Rahul: Spurs and Watford, wtf?
How can they ignore two premier league teams, one of which is the champions of England and Europe? Not to mention the large fan base for United in India. Fucking retards!
I hate Zee….
Now we have to depend on crappy online feeds
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:24
@RedDevilEddy: Sorry mate but I do not share you optimism on certain players. Nani and Anderson especially do not fill me with confidence. I have no problem with Campbell. I believe we need more of a presence in central midfield and although I am a big Hargreaves supporter, I am unwilling to risk all on him coming back at 100%. Anderson is neither Senna, DeRossi, Diego or Arshavin. You can love them all you want but Nani and Anderson may not be what the doctor ordered. I am not one for blind loyalty and although I am patient to a point, I am not willing to wait forever for some players to mature and make their mark. We are not a middle of the table team. We are defending champions as well as Euro champs and we have a high degree of excellence to live up to. You cannot be too patient with players. Ronaldo did well instantly as has Rafael. If players don’t show continuing improvement they need to be reassessed. Anderson and Nani have regressed badly and their time is running out, make no mistake about it. You can see it in the way Fergie is using…..or should I say not using them. Loyalty and wearing blinders when it comes to players is for the birds. They better perform or they better leave and make sure the door doesn’t hit them on the way out. I will say this though. Play them and give them a proper chance before cutting them adrift. By playing head games with them, Fergie is never going to get the best from them.
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:27
@RedDevilEddy: No way am I going to agree with you on that one mate. He may not be your cup of tea but he sure is mine. But I still would have preferred Huntelaar.
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:29
@RDJ: My feelings exactly. What a bunch of muppets not showing United vs Blackburn. Like I give a fuck about Watford. A total joke and totally motivated by the London media conspiracy.
December 3rd, 2008 at 11:02
@RedDevilEddy: Eddy, how can you say Hargo, Tev and VDS haven’t performed well?. They were fecking fantastic for us last season, which is what you are making your claim from right?. I don’t agree with you on Nani either - last year he did good for us, 2nd highest assists and scored important early season goal for us to get us started. That win against spurs from his goal came at a time we were wobbling big time in our early league games
. This season, apart from VDS, none of these players have been given enough regular games to be able to really get some form and make a contribution.
Grog, I am going for a United win tonight, even though B’Burn will probably have most of their 1st teamers out. With a semi final at stake, and the quality of teams left in the competition, Fergie will know we can get to Wembley, and an opportunity to fill the clubs failing financial coffers. So with this in mind, I HOPE he doesn’t play silly buggars like he usually does, and puts out a decent team. After all people are paying good money to freeze their arses on the terraces tonight.
I will say once again, that Tev is really suffering from a massive loss of confidence, and this because even when Fergie plays him, he always hauls him off at some stage, rather than let him play a full game. After Tev fervour and what he did for us last season, Fergie is being a right bastard in the treatment he is dishing out to Tev. Pre season Tev was on fire. I know that United will not want to pay the exhorbitant fee the agents representing Tevez want, and rightly so, but Fergie’s treatment I am convinced is a way to get out of promises made by our club, hoping the treatment of Tev will drive him out. We talk about the way certain players treat us, the fans, but what about the way our club treat some of our players - bastardly. And you know who those players are, and good few left the club carrying much bitterness and hatred with them, and I for one don’t blame them for this. When Fergie wants to get his sticks out and start to prod them, like wounded bears they will respond. That is what Fergie does it for though
.
December 3rd, 2008 at 11:12
Can anybody explain to me why Anderson is so good at keeping his balance, and control of the ball in all other areas of the pitch, and can make very good and accurate passes a lot of the time, but when it comes to shooting and trying to at least hit the target, he suddenly becomes a feckin Rugby footballer - please. This has gone on to long - why isn’t somebody at United working with him on this area of his game?. And please don’t suggest they probably are, because if they were, unless those helping him are muppets, there would be an improvement in his shooting, with a better ration of shots on target
.
December 3rd, 2008 at 11:18
It’s painstaking to see Tevez reduced to rubbles as each week Fergie plays his mind games with him. What a way to reward a player, eh! Now even if MSI reduce Tevez’s asking price..how is the poor lad supposed to feel like signing permanently for this horror show he’s made to put up with? Utter travesty for our second best player of last season.
December 3rd, 2008 at 11:20
@Rahul: How is Fergie playing mind games with him?, you are just specualting with no substance to that claim, he had a great pre season but has been poor since.
Our second best player last season was Rio and third Vida.
December 3rd, 2008 at 11:22
@Craig Mc: i just think he is lacking confidence in that area, he needs a goal, you could have said the same to any player struggling to find the net, Shevchenko at Chelscum, Andy just needs a goal and his confidence will grow.
December 3rd, 2008 at 11:37
@Craig Mc: Im makeing clains over last season and this one. Tevez has suffered from a massive loss of confidence, but he hasnt exactly performed, has he? I want him to get a chance to show his worth to the side. But I feel that he needs to do something quick.
About Ando, he hit the target twice against Villareal. Baby steps, baby steps…
December 3rd, 2008 at 11:37
@Stephen: For me he was the second best player last season, he got us extremely crucial goals. (I personally don’t rank Rio/Vidic/Evra in these equations since they consistently outperformed even Ronaldo in the manner they kept goals to bare minimum).
Why is it that I’m speculating? We have differing opinions on this one, but that isn’t the same as speculation. What exactly is Fergie doing then with Tevez??? Giving him confidence by benching him, is he?? He has been poor since pre-season - right! He scored our only goal against Liverpool (and that wasn’t an easy tap in) and then he was taken on this still-to-end ride on the bench. How will he excel from the bench? feeding in on the odd 10 mins every alternate game wouldn’t help him shine through.. would it?
December 3rd, 2008 at 11:40
@Grognard: Senna is over 30, De Rossi is 24, Diego is 23(I think) and Arshavin is 27. Andy is 20. What was Ronny 4 years ago? Or Rio? Rio was good, but he played like a muppet sometimes. Look at his change! And Evra? Couldnt even get into first team. Behind Slly for crying out loud! I know that Andy isnt at his best right now, but he will become one of the worlds best midfielders someday. If not, too bad for me. Give me a fork and make me eat my words. But if he does become great, well then I am correct. You know that when it comes to young players, only time will tell.
December 3rd, 2008 at 11:50
@Rahul: To say an opinion is to specualate as it is not fact, also to engage in a course of reasoning often based on inconclusive evidence.
I still don’t understand that you can’t recognise a defender as a player of the season because they don’t scoe goals??
We all love Tevez he is a top lad but his form hasn’t been great and to simply blame the manager for his form is equally unfair, I do agree he hasn’t like Nani in my opinion played enough, but when they have played they havn’t recently taken their chances, and thats my opinion.
I want him to play more we all do but to blame Fergie for every players dip in form is simply a falsehood, Fergie like all managers gets things wrong sometimes, but he gets things right a lot of the times thats we awe are where we are today, down to him.
December 3rd, 2008 at 12:05
@Stephen: Most of our rants are based on opinions backed by inconclusive evidence, aren’t they?? We are where we are because of Fergie, and none of us can take any of that away.
December 3rd, 2008 at 12:07
@RDJ: Dude, they are showing Man Utd match on Zee Sports… 1.15 AM…
December 3rd, 2008 at 12:10
@AndyCR7: Thank the Lord! I hope it’s confirmed.. 1:15 am is not a good time to be disappointed!
December 3rd, 2008 at 12:10
@Rahul: Absolutly, but I agree mate Tevez needs a run in the side no doubt as does Nani, but I personally think we aren’t going to sign Carlos or we are trying to drive the price down, because if the rumours are correct the figure banded about is a lot of money.
December 3rd, 2008 at 12:22
@Stephen: Ya i know the rumour mill says its 32 million (though 10 mil of that is paid already, and its 20 mil balance then) and that’s a truckload of money.
December 3rd, 2008 at 12:26
@Rahul: It’s a truck load for a non starter which he currently is, but who will pay that for him?!??!?!??!? Real have Huntelaar(bastards)
Oh I forgot those idiots down the road, but would he sign for them? Maybe we are playing the game and trying to get £10m off the price which would be about right me thinks!!
December 3rd, 2008 at 14:22
@Stephen: Shitty want Kaka, Ronaldinho, Messi, Etoo, Benzema, Drogba and Torres. I dont think Tevez fits in there.
December 3rd, 2008 at 14:24
@RedDevilEddy: Don’t forget £129m for Casillas!
December 3rd, 2008 at 14:25
Hurry people, vote for Ronny!
December 3rd, 2008 at 14:28
@Stephen: I wont!
I think they want every player! Even those who cant be bought. Cristiano, Raul, Del Piero, Beckham, Gerrard, Berbatov, Villa, Silva, Gomes, Ronaldo(fatty), and me! 
But they wont get me, oh no. Never shitty! Local team over shit team. UNITED 4 LIFE
December 3rd, 2008 at 18:08
@Craig Mc: Totally agree with you on Fergie’s treatment of Tevez. I don’t think he is going to field a number of 1st teamers. The Carling Cup is a chance for his young players and out of shape injured players to get valuable playing time. I also think he needs to be fair to the players that got the team this far in the competition. Now with that said, if they were to get to the final, then I think he will knuckle under to the seduction of yet another trophy and field more starters. I will be very surprised if we see more than 2 of our starting eleven out there today. And he better play Nani and Anderson.
December 3rd, 2008 at 18:19
@Craig Mc: Having played many sports in my day I can answer that question with great confidence Bro. The bottom line is it has to do with two factors, composure and confidence. When you don’t practice those scenarios and situations enough, you will never have the composure necessary to deliver in a game situation. Anderson lacks the composure and thus his mechanics get set all out of whack because in that situation everything tends to speed up in time. Great play makers and goal scorers have the composure in areas like that but they also play the game as if time slows down in areas like that and they have the time and the vision to do what they do. Their mechanics are sound because their composure is so strong. I have felt this especially in the game of ice hockey. I for one was always very composed and a pretty good goal scorer when I was young. But when I practiced I worked very hard onm y finesse skills and shot in and around the net. I have complained for quite a while now that United players as good as they are, are incapable of hitting the side of a barn from 2 feet. They are terrible finishers because they lack the composure to score regularly. Evra, Anderson, Tevez, Carrick, Park, are the biggest culprits in this area. Super players most of them, but very panic stricken when in the red zone. I blame Fergie and his inept coaches for not working more on this part of the game. And I am positive they don’t work on it because I see no improvement in this are of the game from Anderson, Evra, Park and regression in Tevez game as well as Rooney and even Ronaldo has shown a real lack of sharpness this season. Ronaldo’s misses can be tied to rust and his injury but until Rooney got into his got streak, he was awful. Now he seems to have fallen into that bad spell again. I find it amazing that Anderson has not improved 1% in this area. It’s totally baffling.
December 3rd, 2008 at 18:24
@RedDevilEddy: What are we talking about ten year old players? He hit the target twice with weak assed worm killers that wouldn’t have beaten a ten year old. His attempts have been pathetic and embarrassing for a supposed class player. He has the finishing skill of the most inefficient defensive defenders. He’s got two left feet and has no coordination in his mechanics in taking shots. If he is ever going to score I bet it will be on a header. Baby steps? Hell his goal scoring ability hasn’t even been born yet. He’s in the prenatal stage.
December 3rd, 2008 at 18:28
@RedDevilEddy: I don’t care about ages mate, I care about production. There are areas of Anderson’s game I like but there is nothing that make me fall in love with that player. I especially hate his stupid hair cut.
I am a hard core supporter that isn’t patient and who likes to be fair to everyone. I say play the best and get rid of the worst. I say buy a Senna or a DeRossi regardless of age if it makes you a better team now. As for improvements, I have seen no improvement in two seasons from either Anderson, or Nani. In fact I have seen the reverse. I don’t blame the players for this entirely but they do have to take some of the blame. Anderson has clearly not improved in the areas he absolutely needed to improve in. I’m not saying get rid of him. I’m saying play a better players over him.
December 3rd, 2008 at 19:25
@Grognard:
I tried to make it sound funny. Even me, a dead-hard Anderson fan, knows that he is a terrible finisher. I even made his finishing in FIFA 09 to 15! Thats how bad I think it is! 
But I think he has more to his game, or should I say he can do everything except shooting so I will look upon that. I really think he can go 10 years for us without scoring you know. 
After all the chances he has gotten to score, its a wonder he hasnt scored!
December 3rd, 2008 at 19:30
@RedDevilEddy: I actually agree with this very much. I think patience with Fergie and patience to our youngins along with playing time will bring us back full circle to the days of young Beckham, Giggs, and Scholes.
@Grognard: I disagree here about Nani. I think Nani is getting better by improving facets of his game that may not have to do with crossing. He has become a much better team player. Much less of a show-boater too. That I like to see as improvement.
About Anderson, I have to agree. Perhaps he is not as good as first expected (but we did expect a lot!). While I don’t like the idea of buying our way out of problems, I am aware that Anderson has no real competition for the CM/AMF position (Scholes, Park? - where does Tosic’s mate play on the pitch?). Perhabs converting Tevez to an AMF to compete with Anderson, and have Campell, Manucho, and Wellbeck duke it out for 3rd striker is the best way.
Nonetheless, IN FERGUSON I TRUST!
December 3rd, 2008 at 19:33
@Grognard: Ive not seen improvement from Nani, that I will admit. But from Anderson Ive seen both. He has become better defensivly and better to play the right passes, while his shooting should go into the history books as the worst finisher ever! He is very young and for someone his age, very consistent. He has a talent which is very important in modern football, that is quick thinking and speed in running both with and without the ball. And for Andy playing bad in some games I wont put the fault on mainly him. There he is one game playing DM, the suddenly next week he is a AM. Arsenal DM. QPR CF. I mean, what the heck is that. He will learn from it, Im sure he will. Last season he played consistently well because he had a free role in midfield. But I cant see that in this seasons Anderson, except for against Boro, Blackburn and Hull. When he learns how to play like that, you will see the player he can be sometimes on a regular basis. The same goes for Rooney. But he has learned it now from exprience, and that doesnt arrive right away. That needs time. And if you are not patient, too bad for you. Because Fergie is awfully patient, sometimes I think he is too patient. But I never question his decisions because it usually turns out for the best. So be optimistic, cheer up and watch time fly by and boys like Rafael, Anderson and Possebon become men.
Ever seen Saw Grog?
December 3rd, 2008 at 19:35
@Madschester United: Tosic is a LM/LW.
December 3rd, 2008 at 19:39
Last thing Im gonna say about Anderson, because we all know this can continue to the end of the world.
So best is just to stop now. But one last thing: If Anderson hadnt been bought for £18 million, but maybe £8-£10 million, then he would be called a steal! I think he justifies his price tag. And I believe in the future, it will be great. As long as Manchester United are United, we will always be right and the best ones there are.
December 3rd, 2008 at 22:30
@RedDevilEddy: The problem mate is he can’t do everything except score. His vision and finesse around the attacking third is nowhere to be seen. He has no ability in slowing things down and having a real look before he does something. Everything is at full speed with no control. He needs to incorporate change of pace, finesse passing abilities and use better vision before I jump on his band wagon. I’ve seen more of that stuff from Possebon on just a few occasions than I have ever seen from Anderson.
December 3rd, 2008 at 22:32
@RedDevilEddy: I don’t watch crappy horror flicks mate. Saw is two hours I’d never steal from myself.
December 3rd, 2008 at 22:44
@RedDevilEddy: And you go with that mate if it helps you sleep better at night. I on the other hand sleep better knowing that Anderson was overrated and over priced Brazilian talent that was sold to us as something he is not. He’s not crap but he isn’t the god you make him out to be either. He’s a decent little footballer with some nice skills and a lot of missing elements to his game. It’s naive to believe that just because he is young these missing skills will somehow magically appear in time. He either has it or he doesn’t. And for me he is not what I want patrolling the center of midfield over far more qualified players that I have mentioned. And no cheering about his greatness and potential from you is going to change my opinion. I have followed this game for twice as long as you have been alive. I think I know what I know and I am rarely surprised by the development of a player. I knew within the first twenty minutes of Cristiano Ronaldo’s debut for United that he was one day going to be the best player in the world. I don’t see anything that makes whistle in glee about Anderson. I see more potential in Nani but even he will not ever be what a lot of us and especially my buddy Craig is hoping he will be. On the other hand if you want me to hype youngsters up who I feel will become great, here are a few names. Marin, Kroos, Rafael, Possebon, Bojan, Pato, Sanchez and Ramsey. What little I have seen of these players leaves me to predict greatness. I have watched Anderson for almost two years now and all I see is much ado over nothing. He’s a blue collar player with very little pedigree. End of discussion I feel.