Jul 14
Ronaldo’s Alligator Adventure + Cannavaro – Zola – Eriksson – Pele – Banks – Ferdinand
The Sun runs a story today that Rio Ferdinand could face a four match ban. It’s only the Sun at the moment that carries this ‘exclusive’ (that’s why they call it an exclusive, don’t they?), but one wonders why it’s taken them this long. Ferdinand lashed out after the Chelsea game, which seems like aeons ago. The part of the article that reckons that his captaincy status for England would be threatened is pure bollocks, because that would be Capello’s decision. But if he does get punished, we could be in for a rocky start to the season. Not that I lack confidence in Brown but Ferdinand has grown in stature so much that his assurance is absolutely crucial.
I am not going to cry conspiracy, because if he is found guilty then I couldn’t possibly condone it. I don’t want my players, especially the ones who are the presumed leaders in the side lose it — it shows your weakness more than anything. At the moment I’ll adopt an ‘innocent until proven guilty’ stance.
Chelsea legend, Zola thinks United blundered in letting Rossi go. And he calls him the Italian Messi. Hmm… I was a Rossi fan and was sad that we let him leave. But I guess that will be our cross to bear if he turns out half as good as Messi.
Cannavaro, Eriksson, Pele and Banks — all think Ronaldo must honour his contract. I think he should walk into a cave full of hungry alligators. Upon walking in he realises that the alligators could be a bit of a problem. To his surprise however, he sees that the alligators can speak English and that surprise turns to horror as he’s asked a question by one among the gathering:
‘So have you decided on your future yet?’, asks the one that looked like the papa gator.
‘I will let you know in two to three weeks.’
The papa alligator being visibly unimpressed asked him to be more clear or risk being torn apart.
‘It’s my dream… err… you never know… everyone knows what I want… I like ice creams… err, no sorry, that was a statement for my personal chef. You see, we are slaves and we need to memorize statements… it’s a tough life I say.’
Papa gator also being the smart one realises he isn’t going to get an answer right away so he drags him by his injured ankle deep into the cave as the boy from Madeira curses himself for forgetting to get his hair gel.
He suddenly finds himself tied to a pole and threatened to make a clear statement or risk losing a limb for every word of indecision.
‘No! No! I stay!’, he screams.
Baby gator, being the hungry one, in enthusiasm (or you could call it youthful exuberance), chewed up his left foot anyway. His left foot gone, it didn’t matter whichever club he went now, and the alligators were hungry and rather miffed that they had to wait so long for dinner. There was only one thing they could really think of now.
The casual passerby heard only shrieks — one that went, ‘I stay!’ and one that went, ‘I go!’ appearing alternately.
Note: The alligator adventure was a figment of the imagination. A poor one, no doubt — but no animals were harmed while thinking this up. It may have been inappropriate, but in the face of slow news, the mind tends to go idle, and we all know what they say about idle minds and devil’s workshops.
And with these thoughts, enjoy your Monday.
Related items from Red Rants:- Links of the Day
- The Soccerlens Forum
- Madrid Win Title | Rossi Expects Chance
- Jonny Evans: on Manchester United, Northern Ireland, Ferguson…
- Scholes Article. Rio Ferdinand. Rooney Video
Tags: Site News
July 14th, 2008 at 10:05
Hope everyone had a nice weekend…
It was wonderful to read about Solskjaer’s reserve team exploits. What a true class act this man is, and his love for United is truly legendary. This man really is a credit to the game and to the club, and seeing him overseeing the United youngsters on some quiet pitch really is a testament to that.
Let us as all take a moment to appreciate his dedication to our club. If only a certain Portuguese prima donna had half the temperament and humility that Ole has. Solskjaer was no joke on the pitch either; the man had an incredible knack for scoring and we all remember that warm Barcelona evening where he proved that sometimes, in both football and life, all things are possible.
Ole is one of those people that you just want to see succeed, and he has done that and more throughout his career. Perhaps one day we will see him managing United in the Old Trafford dugout. It may seem far away now, but would you bet against him? Ask Bayern Munich how they feel about that!
“When Teddy scored, I thought, yes! I’m going to play 40 minutes of a Champions League Final. That’s going to be unbelievable.”
OLE SOLSKJAER
July 14th, 2008 at 10:43
Was the alligator adventure a figment of your imagination, or was it a clever ploy to draw in more readers?
July 14th, 2008 at 11:01
@RedAddict: The alligator adventure began as an afterthought as I was running out of stories to write about — so I thought, what the hell, at least I’m going to write something that I declare to be fictional unlike the tabloids.
Regarding drawing visitors, I think I am past that phase. Otherwise I’d be writing 5 posts a day as against the one/two.
Or at least writing pretty headlines to draw in visitors isn’t going to be my idea of growing the readership.
And I’m sure Ahmed will attest to the fact that I normally write poor headlines. Of course, when you write so many posts, there is a chance that some might turn out to be enticing.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:46
Hi guys, i would like to ask wat’s ur thoughts on the aguero report. His agent claims one big english club already tabled a bid. Which teams do you think it is since he already said it’s not chelsea. My guess is manchester united, out of the other 3 i think only man utd can afford to pay that big sum of money that alt madrid maybe asking for.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:52
Sounds like we have agreed £28m for Berbatov, very good player but very, very expensive why do we always pay over the odds for players?
July 14th, 2008 at 11:53
@Reds Of Manchester: I think you might get the answer to your question if you refer to yesterday’s comment thread
July 14th, 2008 at 12:13
I’m still cut up about Rossi. Had such clear quality, and we never gave him a chance. Then again, at the time we had Ruud and Rooney, and a fit Saha, so he wasn’t really likely to get a look in. I always likened him to a left footed Michael Owen in playing style, and think he would have done well in our squad. But time to move on as far as he goes.
I’m hoping we have the Berba thing done and dusted shortly. I say pay them £28m but mainly in conditional clauses, much like Carrick’s deal. If he helps us win everything, then he’ll be worth it! I really think he’ll be a great success, he just has so much quality.
I’m not sure where the papers are getting this crap about Fergie cancelling a trip to go beg Ronaldo to come back. I think we should just leave him down there and tell real to send a large check back our way. Apparently some supporters protested him at the reserves match – i say good for them. Any bets if we sell him he’ll be back miraculously in less than 12 weeks…?
Finally, Rooney looks fat, but is still deceptively quick. If we do get Berba I can’t wait to see him operating in the hole again, should be a big year for our newly married man.
July 14th, 2008 at 12:23
RR writes horrible headlines…
July 14th, 2008 at 12:27
The whole idea of Rossi just brings sadness to me. Being American, him choosing to play Italy instead of the United States was bad enough. But then we had to go and sell him too. I had high hopes for him.
Where is this report about us agreering 28 mil for Berba? I haven’t seen it anywhere.
July 14th, 2008 at 12:31
Re, the Rio situation. The Daily Mail says: “Rio Ferdinand seems certain to escape any formal sanction over his part in last season’s “Battle of Stamford Bridge . . . Reports have emerged of a possible four-match ban for the Manchester United defender . . . While the official report is still being compiled, there has been no suggestion Ferdinand will face any penalty, let alone miss the opening four matches of the season.”
July 14th, 2008 at 12:36
Daily Mail.com matey
July 14th, 2008 at 12:37
28 million for Berba. Seems to be done. First First team signing.!!!! Yipeeeee!!!
July 14th, 2008 at 12:41
Daily Mail: Utd to buy Berbatov which will lead to an increase in house prices
July 14th, 2008 at 12:42
How reputable is the daily mail?
July 14th, 2008 at 12:45
@Stephen: ‘Cos we are Man Utd, that’s why! We are one of the three most rip-offable clubs in world football (the others being Chelski and Fake Madrid). £28m for Berbatov is slightly OTT (I would pay no more than £22-25m max) but we’ll let it go just the once as he is a truly awesome player!
I’m just licking my lips at the prospect of Berbatov linking up with Rooney, Ronaldo and Tevez next season and banging in the goals for us like there was no tomorrow! I predict that round November time, when Ronaldo is back from injury, and other players are back from Olympics/suspensions, it will be all systems go and no one will be able to live with us!!!
July 14th, 2008 at 13:03
@Ahmed Bilal: It was actually the title that drew me to come in
As a Red Bulgarian I should probably rejoice that our Captain is joining ManUtd, but knowing him as a sulky, moody, broody and generally unreliable guy I have a bad feeling about this signing.
What was wrong with Huntelaar or any other prospects that were younger, less moody and certainly cheaper?
July 14th, 2008 at 13:17
If you didnt know, Aguero is dating Maradonas daughter.
July 14th, 2008 at 13:45
great news…..I can not wait to see him together with rooney….best possible choice…
July 14th, 2008 at 13:45
The Sun v The Daily Mail? I’d take the DM’s version of events over the Sun most days.
July 14th, 2008 at 13:56
I want to look back some 6 years, to the autumn of 2002. Our team was not playing so well, they were chasing Arsenal and we could keepplayers fresh cause of injuries. The team we used most was:
Barthez
G.Neville Rio Oshea Silvestre
Beckham Keane Scholes Giggs
Forlan van Nistelrooy
subs: Ricardo, Blanc, Veron, Fortune, P.Neville
The summer of 2003 we sold David Beckham to Real Madrid and Veron to Chelski. our team changed alot for the 2003/04 season:
Howard
G.Neville Oshea Rio/Wes Silvestre/P.Neville
Ronaldo Keane Scholes Giggs
Forlan/Saha Ruud
Subs: Ricardo, Wes, Neville, Djembax2, Kleberson, Forlan. 7 changes!
not a lot of buys, but still a changed team. The summer of 2004 we bought Smith, Rooney, Heinze and Fletcher was pulled up to the first team. Our team changed again.
Howard/Carroll
Neville Rio Wes/Silvestre Heinze
Ronaldo Keane Scholes Giggs
Rooney Ruud
subs: Howard/Carroll, Silvestre, Fletcher, Smith, Saha. 6 changes!
A really good team that probably had won the Prem ahd it not been for really, really, really, really, really horrible finishing.
Everyone screamed for the new players to make this team better than Chelseas and Arsenals. When we only bought VDS and Park, almost everyone look with wide eyes at Fergie. “Has he given up?” was the questions fans asked of Fergie. When we lost against boro and Lille, Keane left and Scholes got injured for 6 months no one believed we could win anything again. But our win against Chelsea in November made fans optimistic again. We ended in 2 place after chasing Chelski like hungry dogs for most of the season. Had it not been for Sunderland, we could have won it. Our team was:
VDS
Neville Rio Wes/Vidic Silvestre
Ronaldo Fletcher/Oshea Giggs Park
Rooney Saha/Ruud
subs: Howard, Silvestre, Flecther, Smith, Ruud. 6 changes!
And when Carrick was bought for £20 mill, many fans could take more. Papers were predicting a 5th or 6th place finish. But we won the Prem 2 games before the end. Our team was solid, but too much used so we didnt win the CL or FA cup because of fatigue. 2006/07 team:
VDS
Neville/Brown Rio Vidic Evra/Heinze
Ronaldo Carrick Scholes Giggs
Rooney Saha/Larsson/Smith/Ole
subs: TK, Brown, Oshea, Fletcher, Ole. 6 changes.
Out of nowhere Fergie signed Nani, Owen and Anderson in May. Tevez joined later. And everyone knows what ahppened later…
Most used team for 2007/08
VDS
Brown Rio Vidic Evra
Ronaldo Carrick Scholes Nani/Giggs
Rooney Tevez
subs: TK, Oshea, Hargreaves, Anderson, Giggs. 5 changes!
Now, my point is that our team has changed every season. We went on from Beckham to Ronaldo, Keane to Carrick, Ruud to Tevez and Barthez to VDS. If Fergie really is only thinking about signing one player, this will be the season that Fergie has chaged the team the least. If I can make a wild guess for our most used team next season:
VDS
Neville Rio Vidic Evra
Ronaldo Carrick Anderson/Scholes Nani
Rooney Tevez/Berbatov
subs: Foster, Brown, Oshea, Hargreaves, Anderson, Giggs, Tevez/Berbatov. 3 changes!
In Fergie we trust!
July 14th, 2008 at 14:01
Sorry for a too long comment…
July 14th, 2008 at 14:08
@Red Ranter: Great work RR! “as the boy from Madeira curses himself for forgetting to get his hair gel”
Would love to read more such stories.
My Cast:
Ronaldo – CR7 (Does that stand for Cunt Ronaldo 70 million?)
Papa gator – Sir Alex
Baby gator – RR
July 14th, 2008 at 14:10
@Reds Of Manchester: with the potential sale of Hleb and Adebayor expected to genarate over 30 million I have a hunch that the English club that Agueros agent is talking about is Arsenal.
Wenger has been long time admirer of the player and if some of the rumours are true, he has alredy made some contact about Aguero.
Having said that, even if it is Arsenal, SAF should be watching the situation very closely and if there is the slightest chance of Aguero leaving Athletico then we should move swiftly to get him coz the kids an absolute star and if we could get him to OT, then I honestly wouldnt give a monkeys about Ronaldo leaving.
July 14th, 2008 at 14:15
28 million is insane for a 27 year old with limited sell-on value who is unproven at the highest level. It would be a good signing but another instance of us paying above the odds.
Loved the alligator story. A perfect come-uppance for our forked tongue superstar. I really wish he’d stop listening to his advisors and man up and clarify his position.
Also read in the Mail he’s broken up with Nereida, which means one less Spanish influence in his life.
July 14th, 2008 at 14:20
@colver: most of the reports that I have read say the the Berbatov fee will be around the 24 million mark and considering that no other clube are competing for his signature at the minute, it puts United in a strong position.
July 14th, 2008 at 14:21
someone’s in a fantasy mood – i hope it sticks to advetures with animals and not humans
/sarcasm
July 14th, 2008 at 14:22
@raj k:
Raj, I think Grog best suits the role of baby gator…
He is frustrated to death with the Ronaldo stories…
July 14th, 2008 at 14:25
LOL @ Nereida Gallardo! Just read in the Mirror that she broke one of the metatarsals in her foot as she slipped whilst out shopping for lingerie! I’m sure she and CR7 will enjoy a nice convalescence together, comparing foot injuries…
July 14th, 2008 at 15:07
Berba is a class act, but we should in my view play hard ball with somw of these clubs, we were the only club interested, and Spurs probably want to cash the player in, but we are United and seem to be a soft touch eith regards to the teansfer fees we pay.
July 14th, 2008 at 15:17
If the news that we’ve REALLY signed Berbatov are for real, then I guess it’s the Dipsomaniac’s day out. And like I’ve mentioned one too many times, I don’t give a flying fuck if it’s for 28 mil, 38 mil or 1 bil even. We need a striker, Berbatov and Huntelaar were on the radar for too too long, and now, we sign berbie. Mates, to hell with the price, we are champions.
@ Colver
I have to disagree that 28mil is too much for Berbie and that he is unproven. Trust me, add the Berbatov skill factor to our present squad, and we all will witness the best of Rooney and an even greater goal’s difference if the title race even remotely goes to the wire. Berbie means class, and once the attitude thing is sorted out by SAF, he’ll be THE incredible addition.
@ Grognard
Our supposed signing of Berbatov would mean that Huntelaar would never bleed red. I too have loved the kid for a long time, but I guess it all came down to the boss making a choice. I would really really hate to see him play for L’arse though, especially with Fabregas feeding him those passes.
Sorry I didn’t respond to your comment on my Platini outburst, I sure hope SAF sorts it out ASAP. I see your point about us selling rather than trying to prove a point to Madrid and the likes. Thing is, even after realizing the benefits and pitfalls as you elaborated, and understanding why selling will bring more joy to us in the long run, I for one will be sad in the short run. I hope that run is not for too long though. I love Man Utd, and I pray Fergie and all figure it out real quick.
If we do sell though, I think the first thing will be to weaken their team too. Take Ramos, and either of Robinho or Sneidjer( if he will change he’s mind) plus a chunk of cash. Make an audacious bid for Sergio Aguero since the Kakas and Riberys are unavailable, then maybe bid for Altintop. Hate to say it, but replacing Judas will take at least 4 players (including Berbatov).
I hope to return to happiness real soon though. Viva United.
By the way, I’m from Nigeria.
July 14th, 2008 at 15:29
Hey all!
I have been reading this blog for a year now. And i have to say, this is by far the best united blog i av seen. Great work RR.
And the alligator story is really funny
Grt news regarding Berba, can some post the link having that news..
July 14th, 2008 at 15:56
@ Colver, how can you say Berbatov is unproven?? 27 goals in 69 games in the premiership is not proof enough? especially for a side which gave up after winning the league cup this season?
@RedSheDevil Wasn’t Cantona in the same mold of sulky, moody, broody and he turned out quite well!
July 14th, 2008 at 16:15
“Atletico Madrid have stated they do not want to sell forward and reported Manchester United target Sergio Aguero and that there has been no offer made by any Premier League team. (1215 BST, BBC Sport)”
So much for that, I guess!
July 14th, 2008 at 16:40
Uzbek side Kuruchii claim they have signed Samuel Etoo
July 14th, 2008 at 17:13
Can we sell Ronaldo now please!!!!!!!
July 14th, 2008 at 17:14
@Red Ranter: The alligators story was nice but just replace the alligators with some killer crocs wearing the squad training kits of the real Manchester United when and if he ever returns to the training pitch. His own teammates may decide to have him for lunch instead. Appetizing thought. Since Ronaldo is so full of it when he taliks, I think I’ll treat myself to a Bologna sandwich and savor every bite.
July 14th, 2008 at 17:33
@Stephen: Nothing is official yet and there are differing reports. One even says that United have said not a penny more than 25 million. The reason teams like United are fleeced is because the teams selling know they have the money and if they want the player bad enough, they’ll pay for him. This happens when @Piper: the selling team finally agrees to a position where they are willing to sell. This perks up the anticipation and desire of the buyer and thus the big automobile sale begins on the showroom floor. In that scenario the car salesman will almost always win because the prospective buyer has bitten at the bait.
Berbatov will cost a mint and I am not entirely sure he is worth it. He’s a very technically gifted player and the closest thing physically to Eric Cantona on the field but not the same mentally I’m afraid. He is often lazy and often requires special motivation to get him into the next gear. But one can never underestimate his imagination, creativity and ability to finish with the most elegant finesse skill set in the EPL. I she what we need, yes and no. We need a striker who can score and a presence in the box. He is that but he is far from prolific and there are others who are better at scoring than him. Huntelaar is twice the goal scorer that Berbatov is and two years younger as well. What he doesn’t have is Berbatov’s pace and finesse. He also doesn’t have Berby’s ability to set up others for goals. Dimitar is exceptional passer of the ball with the vision of a world class attacking midfielder. Add to this his exceptional dribbling, one touch and trapping skills and you have a complete player who better fits United’s current style of play. I do agree that the team would have to adapt their style somewhat to accommodate Huntelaar as he is not a play maker for others but is just a goal scoring machine with a special radar for being in the right place at the right time to score goals. Lets put it this way. If there was the smallest chance that things could get positively resolved with Ronaldo and he decided to stay long term, then I would prefer Berbatov. However, without Ronaldo I feel the team will need to change it’s style of play and incorporate a more British style to their game. More crosses and more presence in the box. Then Huntelaar would be my first choice. So as it stands right now, I believe the Hunter is my first choice but either way, both players would bring a needed skill set and the presence we need up front. Now if we could get rid of Ronaldo and ad Aguero, then that would make life very sweet indeed.
July 14th, 2008 at 17:36
@Piper: Until I hear a confirmation by the Guardian, BBC and Sky Sports, I don’t believe anything. The rest are just tabloids and hacks and they have no problem lieing through their teeth and making up news. Wait for the real journalists before you really believe it. Untitl then you can still have fune with the tabloids as they are if not true, certainly entertaining. YUK!
July 14th, 2008 at 17:38
@Nino: You are still optimistic about Ronaldo I see. Good for you mate….good for you. Whatever gets you through the night.
July 14th, 2008 at 17:45
@ Grog, with Berba you know what you are going to get, my first choice. like yours is Huntelaar, but my second was the Bulgarian.
I would still like us to add to the squad, to keep things fresh. If we sell/loan out Saha we are still a striker short, Manucho and Welbeck to me need convincing. I would like Aguero, he is class but I wonder what Fergies thoughts are now with Tevez, if we keep he whom shakk not be named and Rooney, do we need to spend £20+ million on a sub?
July 14th, 2008 at 17:47
@RedDevil: You should not be sorry, as your comment was very insightful and others coughgrogcough write comments which are as long and
sometimesless interestingJuly 14th, 2008 at 17:49
@RedDevil: Interesting analysis RedDevil. You know your history. I agree that if he stays to his word, this will be the mildest off season in recent memory when it comes to buying new players. But the Ronaldo situation I feel will have to force Fergie’s hand I afraid. He cannot risk losing him and not replacing him with at least two very skilled players. Aguero alone would do, but lets face it, that’s more of a fantasy pick right now. By the time Ronaldo’s future is decided, there will be very little out there worth signing. We will have Berbatov and what else? Ronaldo’s future needs to be decided now, not in two or three weeks but now. I am 95% sure we have seen the last of him and even if we haven’t, he will definitely be gone in one year. Now is the time he must go because he will be all but useless to us for the next three months anyway. We need his replacement for the start of the season. That schedule is killer and we need our best possible team up front and center. It’s bad enough that the club has dragged it’s ass in the transfer market. What’s far worse is they have dragged their ass in regards to dealing quickly and with finality regarding this Portuguese bastard of a traitor. Sell him and lets get on with the business of defending our titles.
July 14th, 2008 at 17:50
Personally I think that Berbatov would be perfect and I’d much prefer to see him sign than Huntelaar or any of these other so called “goal machines”. We’ve had our recent fill of this type of player in Ruud van Nistelrooy and it must be said; with him on the pitch we always looked very one dimensional and easier to counter.
Berbatov rolls in a little bit of everything. He has the touch and finesse to match anyone but is also tall, a good target man and a solid finisher (Exactly what we were missing last season). He’s the whole package and will link up fluidly with our midfield and support strikers (an essential United quality) whereas these goal scoring whizkids from the dutch league seem to have finishing in their list of talents but not much else. How many players recently have we seen come from scoring goals for fun in the Dutch league, only to dry up in the EPL? Kezman? Kuyt? Alves (although the jury is still out here I guess)…
Berbatov is proven premiership quality and has been my first choice transfer target since we’ve been after a striker. As has been said previously, he is the closest thing to Cantona in terms of his skillset on the pitch, and at United, with 70 odd thousand roaring him on in the Theatre of Dreams he will thrive.
July 14th, 2008 at 17:54
@Fred The Red: I agree with you. In fact I brought that up yesterday. Still, I think it’s us because it just makes sense and I think at the end of the day, the only team that will be able to afford Aguero’s 55 million buyout fee is United provided they get at least 60 million from selling Ronaldo to Madrid. Yabbadabbado and Hleb still don’t add up and Arsenal is very close it seems to nailing down Arshavin. If the Glazer’s were sincere about any money made from a Ronaldo sale being put towards the purchase of players, then Aguero is linked with us.
July 14th, 2008 at 17:54
Sorry grog if you read my previous post as I wanted to underline the sometimes and ended up crossing it!
July 14th, 2008 at 17:57
@colver: Really, he’s broken up with the Goldigger? That actually makes things very interesting. Who knows. Still, if he ends up going to Real, I am almost certain Ramos will be coming to us. Those two will kill each other if they are on the same team. Two ex’s fighting over a goldigging tramp? SWEET!
July 14th, 2008 at 18:02
@AndyCR7: Trust me, if you saw the Grognard, the last thing you would think is baby. 6′5″ tall and close to 300 lbs. I’m a big MOFO and thus I’d probably fit the bill best as the Papa Gator just on the basis of size and hunger. besides, you are right. Nobody, not even Sir Alex or RR wants to take a chomp out of that bastard more than I do. I’m salivating at the thought.
July 14th, 2008 at 18:02
Unfortunatly my belief is that Ronaldo will still be a United player next year. Sometimes you have to make a stance in life and Fergie needs to take it on the chin and sell the little prick. Regardless of how he feels it makes him look, he needs to side with the fans, and we don’t want him at our club anymore.
He has let every single one of us down, and even if he becomes the greatest player in the world @ Madrid, I personally do not care it beyond that now, I will never cheer another goal if he scores for us again, or marvel and his veriety of tricks because he has shown the club,fans and staff absolutly no respect, and it feels like he enjoys it.
July 14th, 2008 at 18:12
@WhiteY: Totally agree with you mate. Losing Ronaldo will be a sad day when (not if) he leaves. I loved that bastard to pieces. He was a real treat but my first loyalty and love is to the team and if he doesn’t honor or respect that team, it’s player, staff and especially those millions of supporters who chant his name, then to Hell with him. Good riddance to bad rubbish!
You and I are in total agreement regarding Huntelaar and Berbatov. No price is too high for a world class striker. I also agree that we need to replace Ronaldo with at least 3 or 4 players when he leaves, unless of course we get Aguero. For me he is a fair one for one trade off. He’s every bit as good as Ronaldo and 3 years younger. Lets pray he ends up with United. That would be a sweet purchase and I don’t think the team will skip a beat with him replacing Ronaldo. In fact, our team game will improve because the most selfish player in our history will be gone. Keep your fingers crossed mate. Cheers!
July 14th, 2008 at 18:17
@Jay: That means nothing. Didn’t Spurs also they that many times about Berbatov? They have made it known that the buy out fee to get Aguero is 55 million feeling no team will pay that much. But supposing a certain team was to get ….say….60 to 70 million from a sale of Ronaldo to Real Madrid, that would supply them with the cash needed to create an even trade off. Ronaldo for Aguero and possibly Ramos in the deal too. I would jump for that deal in a second. Truthfully, it’s up to United if they want Aguero bad enough.
July 14th, 2008 at 18:21
@Nico QB: Regarding post #41 Thanks for the vote of confidence and appreciation there buddy. Don’t worry, I know you were kidding. After all, I’m always interesting.
July 14th, 2008 at 18:26
Red Ranter- Do you play FIFA 08 or PES mate?
July 14th, 2008 at 18:33
@Stephen: Apparently hundreds of United fans showed up for the team’s reserves game the other day and had a prepared protest urging United to get rid of Ronaldo. I think that sends a very strong message to Fergie that the fans will not support Ronaldo staying with the club. Despite what the Glazer’s, Fergie or Gill want, they still do answer to all of us supporters. We are the ones that pay their wages and if we would get up in arms and become vocal like the thousands who protested the Glazer’s takeover, then I think they will have a direct message sent to them that they should think twice about pissing off the majority. Most of us want him gone. It’s that plain and simple. I will not tolerates somebody spitting in my face and then tell me to not wipe it off. That is exactly what Ronaldo is doing to us. But if Fergie likes somebody spitting in his face and then asks, “Can I have some more?” I have to question that logic. There is pride but sometimes pride can turn into embarrassment or humiliation. Do I want the rest of the footballing world laughing at us as this cunt makes fools of Fergie and all of us combined? I think not. Sell him and lets be rid of him once and for all. United made him, he didn’t make United.
July 14th, 2008 at 18:41
Grognard, its an article in the Daily Mail. Apparentely Ronaldo got sick of hearing about Nereida’s past life, and his mother thinks Nereida is just after his money. I hope it is true. Like you I think Nereida is a big factor behind Ronaldo’s recent desire to “fulfill his dream”, the same way Posh was behind Beckham’s attitude problem.
On Ronaldo there was an article in the times, one of the commentators suggested that Ferguson admit that Ronaldo was his slave and chain him up while he played and beat him every time he missed a penalty. Then when his contract expired give him 40 acres of land and a mule. OK it is not politically correct but it tickled me.
July 14th, 2008 at 18:43
http://football365.com/story/0,17033,8652_3817974,00.html
About Etoo going to Kuruvchi, an Uzbek club…
It all started coz their website says so….They also claim to have a few more lined up
http://www.pfc-kuruvchi.com/eng/news_details.asp?newsID=601
Barca have denied it after hours of trying to locate Uzbekistan…
July 14th, 2008 at 18:44
I obviously think it BS.. But man i cant stop laughing especially after reading what they have put up on their webpage
July 14th, 2008 at 19:05
@Grognard: Thats a little hard on Fergie however I do understand your feelings. I believe United want him to hand in a transfer request and they don’t want to take the initiative. If we try and sell him then we wouldn’t be in a position to demand more. I guess this was the club’s ploy. The club’s idea was to incense him and hence you had Fergie’s comments that he would rather let him rot in the stands than accord his wish. And also we need to pay Ronaldo if we are the ones selling him as we are breaking the contract and not him. Which means that he would end up in a win win situation. I don’t think that the bastard deserves anything in life for treating the greatest club in the world like a piece of shit.
July 14th, 2008 at 19:16
I don’t see Aguero leaving Atletico. 55 mil? Really? Just don’t see it. I’d love to see happen, just don’t think it will. Can you imagine the backpeadling Grog would have to do if Fergie dropped 55 mil on someone?
just messin Grognard
July 14th, 2008 at 19:51
@Grognard: I agree, the thought of Ronaldo out and Aguero in really sits well with me, if theres the slightest possibility of this happening then United should test Athleticos resolve with a 40 to 50 million bid, you cant mess about in these situations and its the only lesson I believe we could learn from Real.
July 14th, 2008 at 19:56
HANCOCK!!
July 14th, 2008 at 20:01
@Grognard: True that. But when did fans opinions matter to the Glazers? Ever since they took over they were quite happy to ride roughshod when it came to ticket prices or the automatic cup scheme. In fact, Fergie, a one time raging socialist and a son of the soil Scot, back pedalled so much to back the Glazers and criticise the fickleness of fans. The fact that he’s been so successful and loyal makes him get away with such acts of hypocrisy.
So if they do listen to fans’ opinions on Ronaldo then it’s a bonus as far as I’m concerned.
July 14th, 2008 at 20:07
Imagine Fergie being Ronaldinho here and doing this to Ronaldo when he returns! Would have been awsome!
July 14th, 2008 at 20:10
@colver: Yup, I agree. I think she was a gold digging harlot that messed with his head and now that she apparently is history, he may have a change of heart. But I somehow doubt it. Regardless, he has really done more than burn his bridges.
He’s aerial bombed them into such a state they bloody well have collapsed. I do disagree a bit on Beckham however. I really do not believe there was an attitude problem with Beckham in th dressing room or on the pitch. He was always a consummate professional who played his heart out for the Red Devils. Where his attitude changed was in his private life. Lets face it, he turned into a fashion plate and a wussy boy. But that’s where I disagree with Fergie. What Beckham did in his personal life and with his wife was entirely his own business as it never affected his play. He was after all things are said, married and Fergie needed to respect that even if he didn’t care for Posh. If it had affected his play, then fine, but I never saw his lifestyle nor his marriage affect his desire and ambition on the field. A perfect example of that was how he scored two goals in the epic second half comeback to Real in the second leg of the the Champions League. He scored two big goals and even though we were eliminated, he came off the bench and made a statement of intent and showed his pride and desire. To this day, I feel Fergie’s old fashioned personality and stubbornness forced him into reacting terribly to Becks and of course the rest is history. That does not however excuse Beckham’s comments this past week regarding Ronaldo. Obviously Becks has made a lot of friends in Madrid and loved it there as well as expressing an interest to return there some day in another capacity. That is a slap in Fergie’s face and dare I say it, a bit of revenge in the process.
July 14th, 2008 at 20:18
@Krishnan: I agree with your logic but one thing happens when you wait for a player to hand in his transfer request. Time passes and in the process of waiting more and more quality replacements become unavailable or are signed up by competitors. I for one am not in to procrastination and gamesmanship when it comes to buying and selling players. Too much of that kind of bullshit happens in my opinion. Just state your asking price or the price you are willing to pay and express tot he team that this will be the one and only offer and be done with it. If Real wants him badly enough, they will pay. But by doing nothing and by waiting for him to actually get an operation and be ruled out for three months and not four weeks like it was assumed, you automatically reduce his selling price. Had they sold him right after the EUROS, they may have gotten the full price. Waiting for him to demand a transfer in order to save money is a risk and it could backfire in their faces. We’ll have to wait and see. And I’m so damned tired of waiting.
July 14th, 2008 at 20:21
@Brian Lomax: I see what your saying Brian but really, the only way it’s possible is if they get the maximum for Ronaldo. And then, the Glazer’s have to keep their grubby paws of the cash too. It’s far fetched but who really knows. Even the Grognard can occasionally make a mistake. Scratch that last comment. I never said that. Imagine that!
July 14th, 2008 at 20:25
@Fred The Red: I totally agree with you 100%. You don’t wait for the cash in a Ronaldo sale, you just put in a bid right now for 40 to 45 million and you wait to see the response. Then if by chance the wheels start to roll and they accept one of our offers, you buy him (even if you have to borrow the money) and then pay off the debt when Ronaldo is finally sold. You do not wait for the Ronaldo situation to be resolved. It’s madness and total folly. Procrastination is for losers. One has to be aggressive and proactive in this kind of stuff.
July 14th, 2008 at 20:31
@Red Ranter: Honestly RR I’m not concerned with the response of the Glazer’s. They are in the background on this. It’s Fergie and Gill’s response that concerns me. They must take notice that their supporters do not wish for this player to return. They must weight the loyalty of the fans in this scenario over their wishes for Ronaldo. It’s not wishful thinking. It’s common sense and I really believe the fans will let them know about if they continue to ignore them the way they have. All of a sudden even I who is far removed and living in Canada can now understand the rantings and ravings of those loyal supporters who created FC United. Maybe they do have a point when the club stops listening to it’s supporters completely. But then again, I don’t want a club that knuckles under to the demands of a retarded and completely clueless fan base like the tossers running and supporting Newcastle United. They are united in their total stupidity. Supporters may seem like the inmates of the asylum, but they must be heard once in a while. Especially when decency, loyalty and respect come in to play.
July 14th, 2008 at 20:34
Red Ranter you Whack Job!
Your craziest article ever… But certainly entertaining.
July 14th, 2008 at 21:00
Hamburg coach Martin Jol admits Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov has long wanted a move to Manchester United. Jol said: “I always had a good relationship with Dimitar. But the trouble is he wanted to go to Manchester United. “It was in his mind and I could do nothing about it.”
Well, he may be moody and a bit of a flake but you got to love the fact he is dying to play for us. It’s too bad he has to sulk like baby and act unprofessional for Spurs while he waits for his move to OT. What’s to happen when he is involved in a bit of controversy with us or if Fergie uncermoniously sits him down after a few bad results? Will he be dreaming of Chelsea? We really are living in the age of the cry baby football mercenary aren’t we? It’s a shame. Can’t these players act like men and not spoilt little boys?
July 14th, 2008 at 21:26
It seems that an Uzbekistan team Kuruvchi have signed Samuel eto and it is on their official website. It does not sound like a signing to the team on a permanent basis but a temporary contract, It is crazy on first inspection but must be a big money move as other Barcelona players are being involved in football in Uzbekistan in other ways.
July 14th, 2008 at 21:30
@Grognard: Actually Grognard, I would love to see Ronaldo sold to RM and have it out with a locker room full of ‘teammates’ that dont want him there. Especially Ramos and RVN. I dont care what they say to the press, Cannavaro’s words seem more believable to me. As soon as RVN scores 1 more goal that a 300,000 euro/week earning Ronaldo, you know he’ll ask for the same if not more. Calderon is an idiot to think they will win anything worth shit paying people out the ass. Just for pleasure though, I would love to see how childish it gets over there. Lots of catfights I predict.
Quick question though, does Kun play on the right? I thought he was more of a CF/Striker, no? I second (or third etc…) the fact that he would be a good pickup and Ronaldo should go. The only thing he can do now is dissappoint on the pitch as well.
July 14th, 2008 at 21:38
There have been a few people on the site who have been saying they regret the sale of Rossi, but not many, which is surprising to me, have voiced an opinion on Forlan. So I pose this question, does anybody regret the sale of Forlan and if not why?
July 14th, 2008 at 21:42
Oh and what are your opinions on the possibility of Ronaldo playing for us next season?
July 14th, 2008 at 21:45
ha! http://cr.theoffside.com/files/2008/07/slave4u.jpg
July 14th, 2008 at 22:05
olliey
i firmly believe man utd will keep hold of ronaldo, though i still believe that we should take the money from madrid and run and buy a very good replacement for half the money (cough -aguerro-cough)
he is damaging the reputation of the club if he doesn’t want to be here any longer just let him go to the graveyard.
July 14th, 2008 at 22:57
@Comma: Don’t forget that Calderon also gave his word to Raul (who leads that bloody player Mafia) that he would always be their highest paid player. Ronaldo would basically have that promise crash down on him.
And Aguero is comfortable left right or center. He’s especially comfortable as a second striker moving towards the box.
July 14th, 2008 at 23:02
@olliey: Forlan who?
Seriously, he couldn’t cut it with United. He just wasn’t good enough. Forlan needs a lot of chances to score and he only plays well when there is no pressure on him. Atletico and Villarreal are not exactly Barca, Real or United. On any championship side he would be a bust. He’s just soft emotionally and that is why he failed. Still he has the talent if placed in the right environment for his fragile confidence level.
July 14th, 2008 at 23:11
Grognard I agree Beckham is a different situation entirely. But I think both were influenced by their respective women. Of course the collateral damage Ronaldo has caused is unforgivable and he has lost all hope of being remembered as a United legend.
I want the sob out of United make no mistake. But Im not sure that is the best thing to do. For one if Real think his position at United is untenable and we are forced to sell him they won’t feel the need to meet our valuation and will give us a take it or leave it offer of around 30-40 million that we will be forced to accept. That will represent a victory for Ronaldo and Real, and give the message to our players that if they want out they can force a move.
But the picture is not as gloomy as all that.
He is out for the next three months. That will keep him away from the first team squad and he can talk to the press as much as he likes for all I care. Once the transfer window closes and the move is off, the press will start focusing on the football season.
Ronaldo will come back, see that our team fortified by Berbatov has hardly missed him at all, and due to his huge ego will want to be the star again. He will produce matchwinning performances, score loads of goals and although we will never love him again we’ll recognise his contribution.
The following season we will begin negotiations with Real. They will realise they can’t engineer a move and will have to meet our valuation and we sell him for a good price.
July 14th, 2008 at 23:24
Let me make one thing clear.
I want Ronaldo the PLAYER back in Manchester United.
I want the Ronaldo PERSON that has been since April 2008 sold to Madrid or Hell.
I want Ronaldo the PERSON before April 2008 back in Manchester United.
I wonder when he changed from this to this.
July 14th, 2008 at 23:25
@Fred The Red: But IMO, does Arsenal really qualify as a top club in Europe, no is my answer, therefore i think its between Liverpool and United. As much as i want to see United buy someone, i don’t want Berbatov…he’s worth £20m and not a penny more and i really hope we get Huntelaar instead, i’d be gutted if any other EPL club got him
@Grognard: What is his definition of wanted???? Wanted as in loves the club a la Huntelaar or wanted as in they’re one of the clubs who can give me CL football? I actually doubt his “dying” to play for us, more like “dying” to play CL football.
July 14th, 2008 at 23:29
Aguero’s happy at atletico madrid. Even if we managed to put in a bid which was accepted, i’m not sure he would be interested in leaving as he seems settled. Perhaps the genuine chance to join a big club would get him thinking, but it doesn’t look like it.
July 15th, 2008 at 0:07
is that release clause on Aguero in pounds or Euro because 55 million Euro wouldn’t be too much if we are getting 70m pounds for Ronnie. Aguero is my favourite player outside of United and Celtic and would definately be a great signing
I’m just watching the 50 greatest foreign players in PL history on Sky Two. It was made 2 years ago or something like that. Ronaldo came in at No.40 on the list and they started showing clips from his early days and how he will replace Becks for years to come and it really saddened me. I mean what made this skinny prodigy turn into the prime donna that we see today? At that point I thought that he was United for life and this was the future best player in the world. I remember the Arsenal game in the FA cup final when he stuck to the right and embarassed their defenders time after time. I feel now that that player is dead and has been replaced by a greedy, greasy little prick who doesn’t know what loyalty means
July 15th, 2008 at 1:01
@colver: No Colver they don’t have to knuckle under. They still have a 4 year contract with Ronaldo and if they don’t get what he is worth to them, then I am all for them sitting him and not playing him. Let him rot if all we are going to get is 30 to 40 million. no it’s got to be 60 to 70 million and Sergio Ramos or forget about it. It’s no different the bargaining position that Chelsea have with Lampard. Inter are trying to steal him but they don’t realize that Abramovich does not have to nor is he desperate to offload him because he simply doesn’t need the money. He has to stand his ground and force Inter to pay what he wants. And he will. They either pay us what United wants, or they and Ronaldo can go fuck themselves. Then we can really teach Ronaldo what true slavery is all about.
July 15th, 2008 at 1:04
@Rd: You are probably right about Berbatov. But at least he should remain happy if he is on a team that offers him the chance to play in the CL and reach his lofty ambitions. And I to wanted Huntelaar but both of us better be ready to feel gutted.
July 15th, 2008 at 1:09
@tevez: He’s a lifelong United fan and he is a close friend of Carlos Tevez. Reasons enough to leave as well as serious and legitimate chances to win many trophies and be recognized as one of the world’s best players , which get s a little lost when you play for a team like Atletico which is a tier two team like Villarreal, Sevilla, Osasuna etc. They are not up there in world prestige like Barca, Real and United. A player of that caliber needs to play for a super power. But I’mnot for the team tapping him up and acting like Real. Make a bid or two and offer Atletico what they want without insulting them. They are not in the financial position to turn down a great offer. United need to go for it provided they sell Ronaldo for 60 to 70 million.
July 15th, 2008 at 1:13
to piss real off i would agree to sell him for 70mil plus ramos and then turn around and swap him for Aguero + 20mil to athletico
July 15th, 2008 at 1:16
@Liam: That list placing Ronaldo at number 40 is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard. I hate the assholes guts but he is arguably in the top 25 players of all time. To only be #40 in the EPL is just bloody well insulting and a total joke. No player in English football history had a greater season than what Ronaldo had last year. And he had five good years where he got better and better every year. Just total rubbish. He belongs in the top three. I’d rate Cantona as higher and possibly Keane. Nobody else. Now if we go beyond the EPL to back when it was the First Division then you might throw Best, Keegan, Matthews, Law and some others, but not if it’s just the EPL.
July 15th, 2008 at 1:57
Prove aguero is a lifelong united fan and a close friend of tevez and my opinion will change, but i have no reason to believe either are true at the moment. I believe he wishes to go back to argentina when he is 28 to play for river again and at the moment he is content at atletico and has no burning desire to join a top team.
For the top 40 players list, it is a couple of years old, not up-to-date, which would explain ronaldo’s position. I would have henry and zola on there certainly.
July 15th, 2008 at 2:03
@Grognard: I said it was made 2 years ago before Ronaldo was anything other than potential. btw the King came second behind (and I’m sure you won’t be happy about this
) Henry.
July 15th, 2008 at 2:22
@tevez: What are you calling me a liar?
I ma not in the practice of making things up for the amusement of readers and I do not practice the art of deception in my free time. I cannot prove the part of him being a United fan as the fact was given to me by RedDevil. I certainly have no reason to doubt his accuracy and credibility so you might want to ask him his official source for that tidbit. As for his friendship with Tevez, I heard him through a translator say that one of his closest friends on the Argentina national team are Tevez and Messi. He talked about how Tevez helps him focus and get a realistic perspective on life in the game and away from it. It was 15 minute segment on the Argentine team just before the Copa Final. But as I cannot e-mail you the actual interview I guess you can say it’s not proof because it just came from my mouth. You have a way of offending people with your rather short and abrupt way of demanding facts or making your points. I for one take offense at your little PROVE IT jab. It’s insulting. Why don’t you prove to me that when he says “at the moment he is content at Atletico and has no burning desire to join a top team” that he said that.
And even if he did, every player has said that to keep fans off his back and to make things look great even if they are not. Money talks and ans in this era of mercenaries, nothing is written in stone. Have you learned nothing from Ronaldo? How many times last year and even two months ago did he say he was happy with United and he was staying? Don’t be so gullible. Even if I quoted Guerrero, I don’t believe any shit players say today.
July 15th, 2008 at 2:25
@joninjapan(incanada): It can’t happen. A player has the right to veto any transfer. He has to be willing to go to Atletico. But seriously, if his ambition is to just be in Madrid for his family’s sake, and he wants to avoid the internal politics involved with Real, perhaps he should look at that as a feasible solution. But it won’t happen. He wants to be a Galactiwhore and that means playing for UnReal Madrid.
July 15th, 2008 at 2:28
@Liam: Sorry Liam. I read it too fast and never noticed the two years old claim. In that case I would be in agreement. For me the top 5 would be Ronaldo, Cantona, Henry, Keane and Shearer. And I forgot Diego Forlan, Damn!
July 15th, 2008 at 2:56
I was saying if you could prove it then my opinion on the chances of him leaving atletico would change. I’m sure that aguero and tevez friends but not close enough to play any part in convincing aguero to move. I would consider messi to be a close enough friend to convince aguero to move, but not tevez. That is unless you can provide a website where he has been quoted giving the impression that tevez could influence his decision. I very much doubt he is a lifelong united fan and i doubt he turned up to a press conference wearing a united shirt. It was not my intention to offend you. My opinion on this is one which would certainly change if i could see him say it. Through hearing about things he’s had to say over the course of the last two years i have the impression that he would not be quick to jump ship if a big club came in for him. Nothing points towards him being a united fan or a particularly close friend of carlos tevez, which is why i doubt they are true. It was not my intention to offend you. I was not demanding that you prove your point, simply stating that if you could prove your point my opinion would change.
July 15th, 2008 at 3:59
@tevez: It really doesn’t matter if you doubt it or if I am correct or if you are because lets face it, neither of our opinions means shit at the end of the day. I don’t care if you doubt it because frankly, nobody is looking for your OK in any of this. You think Messi is closer to Aguero than Tevez. Based on what? What you think? Who cares what you think? Who cares what I think? I just gave you proof regarding my claims and you choose to ignore them so what am I to do? Nothing points him being a United fan because you are best buddies with him and he tells you everything right? Wrong! You know as much as I do and you doubt something unless you discover it first. That’s just wrong and it’s close minded. My proof came right out of the players mouth on a television program, but you still doubt it because you didn’t see it. Therefore you are calling me a liar or the tv show and Aguero a fraud. Get over yourself mate. That’s not intended as ansult but as a an alert for you to stop being so hard on other bloggers and questioning their tastes or their integrity.
Just yesterday I was wrong for putting down players who prefer Pro Evolution Football over FIFA 08. I was wrong to do that even if that was what I believe because it upset a few blokes and they felt insulted. So believe me, I’m not perfect either, and I am well aware of it.
You write “It was not my intention to offend you. I was not demanding that you prove your point, simply stating that if you could prove your point my opinion would change.” Yet by ignoring the proof I gave you regarding the interview, you are doing exactly that. I cannot interpret that in any other way. Was I on drugs when I watched the interview? Did I hear what my ears wanted to hear? Now the only confirmation I have about Aguero’s apparent love for United is through RedDevil. Before you condemn him too as a liar and spreader of fairie tales, Why don’t you ask him where he got his information from before you call it crap? I’m pretty sure he is a very truthful and honest fellow who has no reason whatsoever to mislead you, me or anybody else. On the other hand if he claims that he read it at Tribal Football, then we will all know that he got his information from a site known for peddling garbage. Until then I would watch carefully how you disagree with folks who are calling off facts. Whether those facts are right or wrong, nobody on this site is trying to knowingly lie or feed anybody garbage. Confirming a source is important and then once that’s done, if you still can’t believe it, than that’s your cross to bare, not ours. I hope you are understanding what I am trying to get across to you mate. It’s just that sometimes you come across a little hard core much the way I am accused as coming across as an elitist. We both need to be a little more careful not to offend.
July 15th, 2008 at 6:49
@Grognard: Grognard, how does it matter if he (Aguero) is a utd fan! Ramsey was a self confessed utd fan but still he chose l’Arse over us. Michael Owen was an Everton fan but he is a Liverpool legend instead! For players it hardly matters it seems. They will do whatever and play for whomever they like for their own careers. If Utd are indeed serious about Aguero and if he feels he will have opportunities to further his career then he will think about it otherwise he wont. It wont matter if he is utd fan or not.
July 15th, 2008 at 7:17
@jos: It doesn’t matter but lets be honest, if you supported a team growing up, wouldn’t you be thrilled to be linked to them. I sure know I would. Money is always going to be the number one factor in any transfer but having a preference due to old schoolboy dreams is not a bad thing either. It may not be and advantage in signing him, but his respect and love for the team certainly isn’t going to hurt us either.
July 15th, 2008 at 7:24
“Manchester United are planning to land Sporting Lisbon coach Paulo Bento, Cristiano Ronaldo’s friend and former team-mate, as manager Sir Alex Ferguson’s new assistant. (The Sun)”
If this is true Fergie is really sounding desperate. Almost pathetic. Hiring a buddy of Ronaldo’s so that you can find a way to keep the cunt with United is really bloody pathetic and very sad. If this is true, then this is a the saddest thing I have ever seen Fergie do. Are we managing a fucking football team here or babysitting a bunch infants who need cuddling and their Mommy’s milk? Fergie, hire a bloody qualified #2 and give up this pathetic attempt to keep Ronaldo and his Portuguese schoolmates happy by appeasing him. It’s beneath you and it’s a sign of total panic and desperation.
July 15th, 2008 at 7:34
@Grognard: It’s not pathetic. Cristiano is not his only friend. Paulo Bento could have been Queiroz’s recommendation for all you know, not to mention I read somewhere that he is a very bright prospect.
We’re not even sure if this story is true and are jumping to conclusions already.
Sorry, don’t buy into this new theory of yours.
July 15th, 2008 at 8:31
@Red Ranter: No problem mate. I’m just throwing my feeling out for what it’s worth. I’m probably wrong but it’s just my gut telling me that its an attempt to appease Ronaldo and the Portuguese contingent. Why is it never Benfica or Porto? It’s always got to do with United’s farm team Sporting. Fergie needs to cast his net a little wider and a little farther. That fishing hole is all dried up.
July 15th, 2008 at 9:05
With CQ now gone hopefully we will tap into other markets, like France and the Dutch leagues. These countries are better suited to our climate and have proved more success in league in the past.
For everything CQ did, and he did do a good job we have been purchasing a lot of Portuguese speaking players, Brazilans, Portguese and Manucho, so maybe we now need to change our policy some what.
July 15th, 2008 at 9:34
@tevez: I cannot prove something that has happened. I looked for a clip on Youtube, but I didnt find anything. But I remember that when he played in Argentina, he was 17 years old, he met at a press conferanse in a United shirt. One from the press asked him why he wore a United shirt and he responded: “Why cant i wear the shirt of my favorite team?”
July 15th, 2008 at 9:45
If you wanna know where I get this from then I can tell you. I can watch Argentinian football once in a while before, so I watched it from 2002 to 2006. It was lots of entertaining football being played at that time with Tevez, Machcerano and Aguero being the most known. Boca Juniors and Indipendiente were good teams to watch, but the League system was confusing at the start. But then Tevez joined Corinthians, so Indipendient became my favorite Argentinian team because of Aguero. He was strong and bullied the defenders arounf,making tricks, scoring goals and setting them up. He was being linked with Atletico, something I liked cause they are my second favorite team. He was their Cristiano Ronaldo and quite right being called the new Maradona. He dates Maradonas daughter to if you want to know more about him. He joined Atletico in 2006, 1 year after he said he liked United, for a record transfer for Atletico with 20 mill. He worked well with Torres but lived in his shadow more often than not. But last season Atletico played a team game and even though Aguero is a trickster, he is a team player. He made them beomce 4th in the League.
July 15th, 2008 at 10:59
If Aguero does sign for us I personally I don’t think he will, I hope he knocks his spitting on the head, when he spat at Taylor my opinion of him went down massively in my book!
July 15th, 2008 at 12:45
Kinda quiet at the moment…
July 15th, 2008 at 12:47
Aguero wants to stay at atletico and eventually move back to independiente. He is not interested in playing for any other club. This is what i’m aware of him saying so it would seem he would not jump at the chance to join us, or barcelona etc. It also seems he would not be tempted to move to a team with messi or tevez. He also feels that the spanish league is very different to argentinian football, that it is much faster and more direct and it took him some time to adapt. Imagine how he feels about british football.
Being a utd fan would matter because it would change the way he thinks. You want to join your favourite club. Circumstances like limited game time definitely come into play and quite rightly affect a player’s judgement. However, if you are a player’s favourite club, that puts you in the driving seat because their heart would be set on playing for you. Then the only way the player would decide to play somewhere else is if you put them off, by, for example, giving them the impression they would be used for rotation.
July 15th, 2008 at 13:25
Can someone explain this to me, why are we being linked to a moody ageing overhyped player like berbertov, he is no christiano ronaldo that’s for sure and he never will be ever, why didn’t we just buy Torres from the very beginning. What as really got under my skin is there has been this obsessed media campaign that man utd need another van nistlerooy yet we are better without that player. if ronaldo decided he would not want to leave isn’t he the out an out goal scorer that as replaced horse face.
some man utd fans are the same saying we need to replace van nistlerooy with an out an out goalscorer well dont blame fergie when the signing of berbertov completely unbalances the side, to slow to old and to moody for this team, we dont play the flat 442 system anymore we dont have scholes beckham or giggs in midfield anymore to suply that donkey. so it would be pointless buying someone like berbertov and thats the reality.
united have changed fact plus where in the hell is rooney and tevez going to play, none of the two can play on the wings so you are going to accomadate berbertov and sacrifice rooney or tevez’s real position, what as served united greatly for winning trophys over the years is players playing in their best positions, remember when veron was bought he completly upset the shape of our squad, its about getting the system right not throwing names in the same team and hoping it will work. we saw when we had three top forwards all fit remember when saha was keeping van nistlerooy on the bench van nistlerooy was not happy and it made it a unhappy camp, this is a disaster waiting to happen united need a back up forward for rooney and tevez we ave the box office front two all we need is a good player that can come in and do a job not another expensive forward.
no one ever thinks including the press of what a fantastic four ronaldo rooney tevez berbertov just as they said barcelona’s fantastic four of ronaldinho eto’o messi and henry that was hyped to death last summer and look what happened, you cant have rooney tevez and berbertov in the same team when all three prefure to play on the center you need the width and a more balanced shape.
berbertov is not better then what we got it will be a massive mistake just as veron was who for me was a joy to watch at times and a class act as a football player he just never played in is real position as this could happen again, we are going backwards and it could be another 2001.
July 15th, 2008 at 13:27
I dont know about you guys, but I think Bento would be a good assistant to Fergie. If they birng him in because of players, its not only Cristiano but Anderson and Nani he knows too. If CQ have told Fergie that he is the right man for the job, I believe him.
July 15th, 2008 at 13:53
I just couldnt live with myselfif I didnt post this vid. We dont need to buy a replacement for Ronaldo if he leaves, we already got him! This is gonna be Waynes season!
July 15th, 2008 at 14:48
remember what SAF said when asked about the season whilst he was playing golf? something along the lines of we want young players but its difficult because their teams don’t want to sell… that sounds much more like aguero than berbatov to me.
July 15th, 2008 at 14:58
@ Steve thank fuck he is not like Ronaldo, a player you would never see being moody?! really you can’t cpmpare the 2, a, one wants to play for us and one doesn’t and B, they are completly different players!
Berba is only 27 and has prem experience, he is also a class act who offers us something we don’t have already.
Why can’t you have Tevez and Rooney either side of the Bulgarian? A player with height rather than 2 hobbits. We need a number 9 and we don’t have that bar Saha and well to say he is injury prone would be an understatement we need that type to give us more options going forward and he offers us goals and a great touch. I would as prefered Huntelaar but that does not seem to be a player Fergie seems to interested in, so Berbatov seems a logical solution.
July 15th, 2008 at 15:00
@steve: The press also said (and so did many fans) that Tevez and Rooney can’t play with each other. So you could be wrong about Berbatov too.
Next time, please use some fullstops in your sentences — rather hard to read your comments right now.
July 15th, 2008 at 15:20
I agree to a certain extent that we do not need a first choice striker to come in . I would be happy to see tevez and rooney play up top next season. I disagree about berbatov. He is a lovely player, a class act. He and ronaldinho are, for me, the two most watchable players in the world. Berbatov is my first choice signing simply because i enjoy watching him. I was looking forward to seeing ronaldinho in the premiership this year, even with man city, so i’m disappointed to see that it looks unlikely. Berbatov is not too old or too slow for this team. His classy approach will compliment rooney and tevez’s terrier-like play. He is too good a player to flop for us. As for his attitude, Fergie is a great man-manager and will know how to deal with berbatov’s personality.
Most of the time last season we played 4-4-2 with tevez dropping into space and rooney playing on the last man. Generally, rooney did not have the license to go deep looking for the ball. I don’t want to see all our attacking players drifting about as they please. Having a long option improves a team’s play, stretching the opposition and allowing creative players to show a little ingenuity by providing space and a useful option for a pass. If berbatov comes in and it’s a choice between him, rooney and tevez for two forward roles, which is what looks like happening, then no matter what the combination is one of the two selected players will try to play right on the defense and provide the long ball. Rooney and tevez both like to drop deep so any striker who enjoys playing on the shoulder would compliment what we’ve got already. Huntelaar, benzema, eto’o, villa would all fit in well. Contrary to popular belief, i feel van nistelrooy could slot back in to the team with ease and would be brilliant. Berbatov prefers drifting about too but he is excellent at taking the ball into his feet and is very clever so with willing runners around him (rooney/tevez/ronaldo) he is a great target man to play off of.
July 15th, 2008 at 15:24
@ Steve: I get so sick of this ‘we played worse because of Ruud’ crap. RVN is one of the very best, if not the best, out and out strikers to have played for United. For some reason people have the impression that he just stood on the penalty spot and toe-poked shots in. He was absolutely world class, and when he had a midfield around him that was halfway decent (Giggs, Keano, Scholes, Beckham for example) we were very, very good. True he only won 1 prem, but he then competed with the undefeated Arsenal team, and come on, they were pretty special. He almost averaged a goal per CL match, and while we didn’t win it in his time, we didn’t exactly stomp our way to the crown this year either. We played some of the most breath-taking football I’ve ever seen with him in the team, easily as good as what we play now. And no he didn’t strive when getting service from an O’Shea/Giggs central pair, with an immature Ronaldo on one wing and quinton fortune on the other. I don’t find that surprising.
Sorry, rant over. But this is the place for rants after all
July 15th, 2008 at 15:28
Tevez and rooney are less effective when played out wide. They need to be in the middle of the park where their movement is not restricted. So then if they are both playing off and around berbatov, who provides width?
July 15th, 2008 at 15:36
@Beachryan: You made that ruud point a whole lot better than i did.
July 15th, 2008 at 15:42
We played that way in the CL final mate, we don’t really play 4-4-2 anymore. The system allows flexibility with play, Rooney and Carlos and run in behind and spin out wide creating havoc, which is generally how we play. It also does not give Wazza responsiblity of scoring goals just creating, a la Messi.
I didn’t say we have to play that way, I said they can play that system if they want, but I can’t see Rooney and Carlito up front same runs and too short in my view.
July 15th, 2008 at 16:03
We started the CL final with a 4-4-2 didn’t we? Ronaldo and hargreaves out wide, rooney and tevez up front.
Messi, for barcelona, plays on the right in a front three with a main central striker like eto’o. Messi generally provides width in this position. For argentina, they were far more effective when he played with crespo. For both teams messi had a striker to play with. Rooney didn’t have that last season, he was the one who was to lead the line.
So which of tevez and rooney would you play with berbatov? I still think rooney and tevez work. Rooney is gifted enough to adapt to play with any strike partner. Playing with tevez means playing further up the park than he was previously used to, but i think it still works. As long as we play with a strike partnership i wouldn’t mind who plays, but i just hate 4-5-1.
July 15th, 2008 at 16:14
I personally don’t think it really matters which one he plays with Berbatov as both very intelligent players, Berba can play as a foil for either or as an outlet for them. Personally I know Hargo was swinging in crosses in the final but Wazza was out wide right for most of the game, but it was so flexible who knows!
I was saying like Messi they both like to dift inside and out, and with Berbatov they can drop deep and the Bulgarian can slip passes thru to them like he did with that scouse lover Keane.
I think he will play with Rooney if he plays two up front, but you and I both know Fergie loves 4-5-1!
July 15th, 2008 at 16:51
VDS
Neville Rio Vidic Evra
Owen Carrick Scholes/Anderson
Rooney—————–Tevez
————-Berbatov———-
subs: Foster, Brown, Silvestre, Anderson/Scholes, Giggs, Nani, Fletcher.
or…
VDS
Neville Rio Vidic Evra
Nani/Ronaldo Carrick Scholes Giggs/Rooney
Tevez/Rooney Berbatov
subs: Foster, Brown, Silvestre, Owen, Anderson, Giggs/Nani and Rooney/Tevez/Berbatov.
No one plays every game…
July 15th, 2008 at 17:00
Damn are we ever going to sign someone?
July 15th, 2008 at 17:01
berbertov is overrated, it’s not about height it’s about the threat they pose to the defenders, our wingers are not great at crossing and how many headed goals in every game last season not many so height is not the problem. Stephen I meant was ronaldo offers more to united then berbertov pace power more goals and trickery everything berbertov cant provide. and you moan about ronaldos disloyalty what about berbertov isnt he supposed to be loyal to spurs who as spent less time at spurs as ronaldo as done at united dont be ironic, let’s be serious berbertov is not that good he goes around the pitch when things don’t go well with his hands on his hips look what happened when spurs went through a horrible time where was he moaning. He is not good enough for united simple as that.
does our wide players and midfield supply the forwards like they used to back in the 90s and early millennium the answer is no, that’s why van nistlerooy was sold who was one of the main reasons why we were so dull to watch. another thing that is interesting how come when van nistlerooy was benched with a more powerful forward like saha that our football picked up with a so called moderate midfield and saha still managed to bag the goals has good has van nistlerooy.
Beachryan
that’s exactly what he done stood in the penalty area and expected everyone else to supply him the chances and that’s what berbertov will do which worries me, what else did he do that you seem to think he did that not many of us did not see. that is what van nistlerooy done every game did, did he score all type’s of goals no mostly the same type of goal and as the supply declined which was leaded by ronaldo so did van nistlerooys goals did is well. And I wish united fans would move on from that player because we have won more before and since he was here. christiano ronaldo showed up every out an out striker up that the game has moved on, forwards need to be involved in a 90 minute match not moments and unless you have a top rate midfield the out and out striker is useless and out dated.
July 15th, 2008 at 17:15
@steve: Isnt Nani a great crosser? What the fuck? He is an amazing crosser, had it not been for his crosses we might not have won the Prem. He hits amazing corners too! Had Tevez been taller Nani would have had at least 7 more assists to his name. Giggs is a good crosser, so is Evra and Brown too. Owen made many goals with his crosses when he was on the wing. Against Roma, West Ham and Chelski he made many chanses with his dangerous crosses. My point is that we would have had a much great goal difference had ooney and Tevez been taller or jumped higher. Berbatov fits that bill. He is tall and is a good header. Let me make one thing clear. Had it not been for Ronaldo being a so goood header I dont think we would have won any trophy this season. Sporting away, Chelski in Moscow, Roma away, Liverpool home, Dynamo Kiev away, Fulham home. Had it not been for Ronaldos heading ability we would probably not have won those games.
You must really have a short term memory. Ruud worked hard to win the ball back, and made some chanses too. he didnt just wait in the box for Giggs or Becks crosses. Of cource he scored many goals from that, but he was the best goal poacher we had in our history. But he wasnt only a goal poacher, he was a team player as well. Had it not been for Ruud fighting with Fergie or getting upset cause Saha played, we probably would have played him last season too!
July 15th, 2008 at 17:18
Berbatov is not tricky? and Ronaldo never walked around with his hands on his hips, not sure what you games you have been watching mate.
Hargo, Rio, Saha, Carrick and Smithy were not loyal? they all wanted to sign for the best club in the world as Berbatov does as Jol said, and we do need more height up front and Berba is class act.
Nani is probably the best crooser we have had since Beckham and Hargo is not a bad crosser if you remember last season against barca.
Anderson will also knock thru balls to him also.
July 15th, 2008 at 17:26
Berbatov is the striker were missing! Whats the point of buying another player like Tevez or Rooney when we have them already. If we want to score more goals and win more games and more trophies we need another dimension to our attacking play. We have everything needed in Ronaldo, but he is a winger! He will proably stay next season, and that is great for us. We have an ultimate attacking player in Ronaldo, we have two hard working st hobbits in Rooney and Tevez, and if we buy Berbatov we will have a tricky, clinical, tall and real striker. If we get him then our attacking 4 wil be complete! And with Frazier and Danny coming through the ranks, the future looks bright.
July 15th, 2008 at 17:53
@steve: Berbatov is a far more intelligent player than ronaldo. His movement and vision are far superior. He is better playing with his back to goal than ronaldo. Ronaldo has very quick feet but most of his tricks are pointless and infuriating. Berbatov has a superior touch and technique, so although ronaldo has more tricks and feints berbatov is more skillful. Berbatov has a balance and guile that ronaldo can’t match.
July 15th, 2008 at 17:59
Berbatov is a real Manchester United player in the mould of Cantona and Law.
Superb touch, good in front of goal, skillful, arrogant so won’t be overwhelmed with comming to a big club, brings people into play with great vision, 6′2 which is important as Rooney is 5′10 and Carlito is 5′6, great technique.
And importantly really wants to play for us, which will bring effort and commitment, bring on the Berbalution!!
July 15th, 2008 at 18:10
hahahaha this media circus is going crazy…. i just heard on the radio that barcalona have confirmed man utd have made a bid for ronaldinho…..
and still nothing official… this is driving me nuts, hearing unsubsantiated reports everywhere…. berbatov, this player, that player… sigh come on already! give us fans some respite and give us a concrete signing we can be happy over…
July 15th, 2008 at 18:26
@tevez: Oh really. I want proof. Where are your sources that he wants to stay at Atletico and then move to Independiente? Do you see my my point mate? Just because you say it’s so, don’t expect people to believe you unless you give them no reason to doubt your sincerity. I personally believe what your saying but that does not make it fact. Players often say things to appease their home team supporters as well as their home country. What it really all comes down to is money and trophies. Aguero will get less of that at Atletico and none at Independiente. He will get a great chance to win silverware and make a ton of money with united. That alone make his chances of joining us stronger, despite what any of us have read or heard. Bottom line, all these players and their agents lie through their teeth and every one of them that is already playing in a foreign country is a mercenary.
July 15th, 2008 at 18:28
Ronaldinho would be awesome. I completely doubt it’s true…but it would be great.
July 15th, 2008 at 18:30
Rooney and Tevez played great this season when they were both fit and starters. I was at the Wigan game in October and it was just sublime. They absolutely tore them apart. Berbatov is overrated IMO and isn’t the greatest header of the ball in the world. He doesn’t really offer anything other than being taller than Rooney and Tevez. As I’ve said before We need one backup striker and a backup winger, however with Ronaldo leaving we need a starting winger as well. I would like to get Drenthe off Real as he can be good cover at both LM and LB and then some star player for RW. I think that Campbell could step up to be a decent back up striker and we need another good young striker who can cover in case Rooney or Tevez gets injured. So assuming Ronaldo leaves we only need one new starter at right midfield and we should be ok.
By the way has anybody seen Rio Ferdinand’s version of Punk’d on youtube? Rio has to be the worst presenter in the world but just listening to him talk like he is the biggest gangsta in the world is hilarious. Rooney, G. Nev and Becks all get “merked” (
) so its worth a look.
July 15th, 2008 at 18:31
@RedDevil: That’s hopeful optimism mate and I applaud you for it, even if I don’t agree. Last year Rooney was not in the same class as Ronaldo and he needs to improve on and find the old magic on a lot of skills to get that kind of consideration. Willing or wishing for it to happen won’t make it so. Still, I think he will improve over last year. And he will be even better if he doesn’t have to play with Ronaldo who I believe keeps him down and forces him to press too much.
July 15th, 2008 at 18:37
I understand and accept that folk may not believe what i say. I am also aware that although i believe what i have said to be true, there is no guarantee that he has been misquoted etc. If you say to me ‘prove he wants to stay at atletico’ then i could probably get the sources but i wouldn’t because i can’t be arsed doing that and because i can’t be arsed doing that i accept you may not accept what i have to say. I’m certainly not going to take offense if you doubt what i say is true.
July 15th, 2008 at 18:37
@Beachryan: Well said about RVN. Very well said.
How some people love to forget. RVN was world class and he still is. How on Earth anyone can see a goal scorer and a player with instinct as a liability is beyond my comprehension. It’s the same old weak ass excuses being used and they just don’t wash. 
July 15th, 2008 at 18:39
Grognard
that is garbage rooney did not have a great season because he picked up injurys and it just was not his season just as ronaldo went trough in the early years of his career.
Stephen
the reality is man utd will not sign berbertov simple as. if they realy wanted to buy him they would match the 26 million united dont want to because he is not worth the price all the reasons I give, to slow to old and is attitude stinks. this is not FM its reality. you cant have rooney tevez and berbertov to many problems plus rooney and tevez are far better.
July 15th, 2008 at 18:41
@tevez: WHAT????
Berbatov provides width? Rooney and Tevez need to be in the middle of the park where their movement is not restricted? Last time I watched a game players had more freedom wide then they did in the middle of the park where there was much more congestion. Also, Berbatov is the last player in football that will provide you depth. He is a striker, not a winger and he doesn’t like playing the sides. Honestly, I’m not sure where you are getting this stuff? 
July 15th, 2008 at 18:46
Berbatov is not a replacement for Ronaldo. He is the third striker we have been crying out for every since Saha’s injury problems kicked in. I still think 30 million or whatever Tottenham are asking for is a bit steep but then transfer prices today are crazy and he is one of the few players in the world who will improve our squad.
His attributes are perfect for us. He is tall, good in the air, intelligent, skillful, creative, a good finisher and a flair player. In an ideal world he would also be lightening fast but he certainly won’t slow us down.
Last season we played amazingly but occasionally we struggled to break teams down. In those instances it would have been great to have someone like Berbatov to sling crosses into the box for, and Nani and Giggs are both great crossers, as is Hargreaves, Fletcher and Ronaldo. It would add a whole new dimension to our play.
Ronaldo if he stays can go back to playing on the wing which is his best position. If he leaves then we will have to buy a replacement. So if you want to compare Berbatov to anyone compare him to Saha who is the player Berbatov is being bought to replace
July 15th, 2008 at 18:48
@tevez: And that’s exactly how RedDevil and I feel too. We can’t be “arsed” to do that either. It’s a question of trust. I trust what you are saying is sincere and therefore you must have the same trust towards others on this site who are quoting information they have either read or heard. By casting doubt on their claims yet asserting yours are true, you are slipping in to an arena you should stay away from. Be fair. And they call me elitist on this blog.
July 15th, 2008 at 18:51
@steve: Nothing I say is garbage mate. I may be wrong in the eyes of some and you can disagree with it all you like but please do not refer to mine or other’s claims as garbage.
July 15th, 2008 at 19:02
@steve: “the reality is man utd will not sign berbertov simple as. if they realy wanted to buy him they would match the 26 million united dont want to because he is not worth the price all the reasons I give, to slow to old and is attitude stinks. this is not FM its reality. you cant have rooney tevez and berbertov to many problems plus rooney and tevez are far better.”
What reality? Yours? What makes you feel you are right and everybody else is wrong? We all have our preferences and we will go out on a limb to support our choices and find fault with others, but it’s how you go about it that matters. Your being condescending and elitist and you are basically saying to others that they are full of shit and your view is the only one that matters. I’ve been called an elitist because I’ll take the time to back up my points with evidence and many hours of watching such and such player. Although I ma not God and my call isn’t canon, I feel passionate about what I think and believe. And you can to. If you don’t like Berbatov, fine, but to basically make him sound like he should be playing in the Belgian 2nd Division is bloody well insulting to the player but especially to the thousands of people who have watched him and who know he is a world class player with incredible skills. Is he my number one choice? NO! But I’m certainly not going to say things about him that are just biased insults and the fact you have the answers by claiming that United will not sign him. According to who, you? So you work for United and you have the inside skinny on everything do you? For someone so opinionated and condescending, you have just set yourself up for a shit storm of abuse should Berbatov be signed by United. And I’ll be first in line.
Agree or disagree with people about anything you like, but don’t be demanding and condescending and above all, you better be ready to eat crow if you are wrong. Simply put mate, your attitude stinks.
July 15th, 2008 at 19:05
@colver: Well said mate about Berbatov. Counting off all his skills and abilities just doesn’t matter to a select few who would have you believe that the American flag is purple orange and white rather than red blue and white just because that’s the way they see things. You cannot defeat stubbornness and people’s pig headed loyalties and biases. I know, I’m stubborn as hell. Cheers!
July 15th, 2008 at 19:24
I bet we will sign him no doubt in my mind mate.
July 15th, 2008 at 19:32
We haven’t signed anybody and I for one am counting down the days!
I did not want us to sign Berbatov a few weeks ago and Huntelaar was my first choice but now my opinions have swayed slightly and though Huntelaar is still my first choice Berbatov would be great aswell. The pure reason that I would rather Huntelaar is that we are in need of a third striker to bring a new dimension into our game, maybe as a sub, and Huntelaar fits the bill perfectly!
July 15th, 2008 at 20:14
Btw, new post up.
July 15th, 2008 at 20:23
Berba and hunterlaar are both too damn slow…i would prefer anyone else…aguero,villa,benzema,anyone!
July 15th, 2008 at 20:24
I did read in some forum where a guy said he is a mate of Chris Gunter, and apparently Berbatov has trained only one out of three sessions and in his mind and everyone’s mind at spurs he’s off. Not that I really take these things seriously, but I do believe it’s a matter of time before he comes to OT.
July 15th, 2008 at 20:39
Grognard- How do you manage to write such long comments in so short time? Man, you must have been the first one to leave class after wrtiting an essay. Great though!
About Rooney, last season he had many reasons to play like he did. Let me make a summary of Rooneys seasons in a United shirt:
2004-05: He broke his metatarsal, and came back to make his debut against Fenerbache. If someone has forgotten what this magical youngster did that night, I can tell you that he scored a hat-trick in 71 minues. He made his first Prem goal for us against Arsenal ending their 49 game unbeaten run. He also won the penalty to 1-0. Rooney made 37(6) apperances scoring 17 goals. His best kick of the ball came against Newcastle in April. He scored his penalty in the FA cup final loss to Arsenal, and became MOTM. He, like almost every other United player that season, hit the post lots of times. Three times in the CL and 8 times in the Prem(watched highligths
). Rooney didnt play in Pre-season because of his injury, so he needed time to recover. He didnt hit top form until December. He played that season playin next to many different strikers. Bellion, Saha, Smith, Ruud, Scholes and away to Everton in the cup with Fortune. He played a good first season despite a wierd faith that made United end in 3rd pace hitting the post a total of 26 times! 
2005-06: Rooney got a good pre-season with the team and started well. He scored against Debreceni, Everton and Newcastlein the first 4 games. He didnt score a goal at Old Trafford until December. United played terrible in the CL ending 4th in their group. He got his only ever red card for United vs Villareal. He became Uniteds player of the season, making 44(4) apperances and scoring 19 goals. He played next to Smith, Rossi, Ruud, Saha and once with Ole. That was the season that Rooney was Uniteds main attacking player. He was the player that created and scored. He was the player that Untied players gavethe ball to in difficult situations. He missed some chances, some when 1-on-1 and once hitting the post on an open goal from 3 yards. He laughted at it cause United already were 2-0 up. He broke his foot again against Chelski. He got 16 assists.
2006-07: He returned from injury. But because of a stupid ref in Holland, he missed 3 of the first 4 games. He played against Fulham scoring 2 goals and setting up 1. He didnt score again until October when he scored a hat-trick against Bolton. In 2007 Rooney hit top form.. He scored against Roma, Milan, Everton, Portsmouth and Arsenal. United won the Prem that season but Rooney wasnt as valuabel as Ronaldo. He took over Rooneys role of creating and scoring goals, and he was the player that got the ball when Untied were in trouble. But, despite Rooney being critisied, he scored the same amount of goals as Ronaldo(23). He played with Saha, Ole, Smith, Giggs and Larsson.
2007-08: This season was the most difficult for Rooney. He missed a total of 8 weeks of the season bneing injured. He still managed to score 9 goals in 9 games. This was supposed to be ROoneys season, but we all know that it bacame Ronaldos. But still, Rooney was quite good! He scored 18 goals and made 19 assists in all competitions. He made a good pre-season, but injureed his foot against Reading on the opening day of the season after being the player of the 1st half. He could have scored 4 goals had he been 2 cms taller, had a little better touch when 1-on-1 and when he injured his foot trying to convert a Carrick cross. He missed many chances, some bad finishing and some just good saves. He was a menace to every defense with Tevez and that Ronaldo. He had a good season, but had he finished 75% of his chances he would have scored more than Ronaldo. He played with Tevez, Giggs, Saha, Ronaldo and Oshea.
This season Rooney got married. He scored against Aberdeen on the first game of pre-season. If Rooney gets a good pre season and gets a strike partner that he plays with in most games, and most importantly doesnt get injured, then I believe 2008-09 will be Rooneys season. If he learns great finishing and United use him like they use Ronaldo then Rooney can probably match the total of Ronaldos 42. He has the speed, the skills, the position, the age, the coach and the desire to do so. Believe me!
July 15th, 2008 at 20:51
Grognard
and if he does sign and give it 6 months I will be the one right on how big mistake signing that ageing forward will be, more options does not mean we can cope look at 1999 did man utd have big numbers in midfield no. you are right most are talking out of their backsides when they say berbertov is good enough for united because he is not. like I said before why dindnt he buy torres last year then berbertov may not have even been even said. he is a typical spurs player very good but not one of the best players around and not on the levels on what man utd need. we need a back up to rooney and tevez not another 20 million pound player. ppl forget rooney and tevez got united 37 goals between them in all compitions a very good return.
July 15th, 2008 at 21:09
@RedDevil: That’s because Grogs has plenty of free time.
July 15th, 2008 at 21:18
@steve: Steve, he didn’t buy Torres because Torres didn’t want to play for United. The only reasonhe actually decided to come to the EPL was because of Benitez and Liverpool’s Spanish contingent. Berbatov is more than good enough to be a United player but nobody is a guarantee to succeed. It’s a crap shoot all the time. You base decisions on a players skill level and intelligence and you hope for the best. 37 goals by Rooney and Tevez is a good return, but adding 20 more to that is even better. We need an inside presence to giv ethe team added dimension and frankly, we need an extra striker or two for depth.. Today’s game is a squad base game with lots of fixtures creating more and more rotations to keeop players from burning out. Last year despite all our success, we struggled without that depth up front. Tevez and Roney will still have their chances to shine. By adding Berbatov they will even get better because he is great at holding the ball up for others and distributing great finesse passes as well as scoring his share of goals. Never turn a blind eye to improving and no team should ever stand pat with what made them good the previous year. always push the envelope and try to improve in areas where improvement is necessary. Fergie and literally millions of fans out there agree we need a striker. That many people and the boss can no t be wrong. Perhaps you are just to set in your ways and being a little stubborn towards change. Have you watched Berbatov play a lot? If you have, I have a hard time believing that you cannot see the player’s skills and specific talents that are well suited to our needs. Perhaps you should go to YouTube and look at some videos although videos don’t show everything. His attitude is a concern but I think it’s because he was unhappy at Tottenham. He really will not have any excuses for poor play and lack of desire playing for United.
July 15th, 2008 at 21:21
“are talking out of their backsides when they say berbertov is good enough for united because he is not”
steve, try telling that to Ferguson, who’s been trying to sign Berbatov for 3 years now.
Just because people have an opinion that differs to yours doesn’t mean that they are talking out of their backsides, that is a very ignorant comment to make. I, for one, think that Huntelaar would be a poor signing for the money we would be paying, as I wouldn’t really be comfortable with him in the first team, and his abilities have been overrated a little by fans who haven’t actually seen him play more than 1 or 2 times. Despite this I can see why they think what they do and respect their opinion.
In short, the reasons I think Berbatov is a quality player and would be a good signing is that:-
-He’s proven quality in the Prem. In terms of goals contributed to (that’s goals + assists) in the last 2 seasons, he’s third (with 45) behind Rooney (47) and Ronaldo (who was streaks ahead of everyone else).
-He gives us a different option in the fact he has height, and is a good finisher (unlike Rooney or Tevez, who are quite wasteful), and he also doesn’t take anything away from our build up play with his touch, technique, vision and creativity.
-He will both provide AND score goals. With his creativity and finishing which I have already mentioned.
July 15th, 2008 at 21:26
@Red Ranter: That doesn’t take from the fact that Grogs is the fastest two finger typist in the World, bar none.
He learned to type very fast during his years in university having to cram by getting term papers in before deadlines as well, many years of putting together proposals and presentations in business and for Government have made me a very fast hack typist. As I am a bit of a procrastinator, I tend to leave a lot of things to the last second so my fast typing has bailed me out many times let me tell you. But I do have my frustrations with this new iMac keyboard as it does not work as fast as my fingers. Quite often I have to read what I wrote to correct the lack of capitals due to the cap locks button not working if I hit it fast. Same thing goes with the word “I”. Very frustrating. I think I need a new keyboard.
And yes, unfortunately right now I do not have much of a life as I am waiting for back surgery so I just type away on my favorite blog.
July 15th, 2008 at 21:26
[steve]
You sir, have little idea of what you are talking about. Either that, or we really don’t have a clue what you are on about. I’ll safely sidestep anything you say because you need to clear your head before you tell others to stop talking from their backsides. Think it through, and come back — there is no hurry.
@Grognard:
A slight correction about Torres. Fergie didn’t buy Torres because he gave up on him after seeing Atletico sign him up for contracts every time they approached him. He became lower priority last season when we bought Anderson, Nani and Hargreaves. And when it became clear that Tevez was available added to the fact that Liverpool were prepared to splash after years of buying mediocre talent, he just gave up. Here’s the link where he says he admires the player but got fed up.
July 15th, 2008 at 21:38
@RedDevil: Agree with you on Nani, but Giggs is a average crosser, not great but not bad either. Thats why he tends to go for low crosses.
Evra and Brown on the other hand are terrible crossers.
Gaz Neville on the other hand is a very good crosser, better than Giggs at any rate.
July 15th, 2008 at 21:41
AlexOfMancunia Grognard
I will never agree but what you base your opinion that he is so great in the air. Are you saying he is as good in the air as christiano ronaldo because I have never seen him as good? Let’s be real he is not a powerful front man that’s going to bully players like drogba. Grognard like I said rooney and tevez have been learning from the best finisher ronaldo not overated donkey berbertov, What about the likes of welbeck and Campbell how are these two ever going to make it if you think buying players that dampens their progress. If it was up to you lot scholes beckham butt and the Neville bros would never broken through. Sometimes you have to not invest in the playing squad because there are players coming through thats why we have an academy and that does not pay for itself. If you want a different option you find the drogba type forward not berbertov who does bully defenders, like I said fergie as never targeted berbertov I would break the bank for Sergio aguero that’s a man utd player not berbertov.
July 15th, 2008 at 21:45
Guys many of you are miffed by the questioning of Ruuds importance.
He is without doub, in the footballing sense, the best striker we’ve had for the past 20 years. The problem with him is that his presence made our play one dimensional.
But true, our midfield was still in reconstruction when he played…
Would I fancy Ruud back in our team? I don’t know! I’ll tend to say yes, as I’d prefer him over Berbatov…
but really as much as I welcome Berba, his price tag does not fit well with me..