Nov 12
Rooney-less United Make It Look Easy
So the warning signs that were mentioned prior to the match were, after all, unnecessary. Or so it seems. Rooney’s injury had indeed caused such a scare among much of us fans that we did fail to see that we are not as much dependent on one or two individuals in particular as we think we are. Of course, Rooney’s injury, at the beginning, coincided with our most barren patch this season. His return, along with that of Ronaldo’s helped rocket the team up the league table scoring a record number of goals in the process. It should also be noted that Paul Scholes, Owen Hargreaves and Michael Carrick were all missing at different times of the season.
So it is no real surprise when Fergie hails this side as the strongest he’s ever had.
“This is a good young team coming together, playing the right way,” said Ferguson. “They have great courage in the way they want to play. They want to win something and the signs are good. They have a great chance of doing that. I believe this is the strongest squad I have ever had, so much so that I think I would be pushed to name my overall best team. This is what I have been working towards. I don’t like the short-term fix. I prefer to see a pool of players emerge and develop into something special which - believe me - is what is happening at Old Trafford this season. We have the young players led by Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo and now joined by the likes of Carlos Tevez, Nani and Anderson.”
This depth was on evidence yesterday as United showed why they are now, quite easily, among the best counter attacking and clinical sides in Europe. The performance wasn’t particularly eye-popping, though. Blackburn matched us early on, Christopher Samba thumping the ball to hit the post — which shouldn’t have been allowed in the first place due to a foul on Ronaldo leading to the shot.
But United showed a glimpse of intent when a Ronaldo shot, from a Giggs corner, was cleared off the line by Bentley — who would have had a word with his kit man for spelling his name wrongly. The wait wasn’t too long, though, as in the 34th minute, from another Giggs corner, Ronaldo powered in an unstoppable header. This was perfectly taken as it isn’t quite easy to be scoring from the distance that he did. His cause was helped by some lax marking on the part of Mokoena.
But this wasn’t all. In the very next minute, Vidic hoofed the ball up the field as the ball was helped on to Saha by Brett Emerton. Saha passed it forward to Tevez as he and Ronaldo broke forward in pace. Tevez took one look and threaded a pass off the outside of his foot to Ronaldo, who showed the sort of composure of a poacher, to coolly slot it home. 2-0 and Blackburn might have been wondering if they did anything really wrong.
The match was killed off in the second half as Dunne got sent off for a second yellow, which was harsh. But United showed enough professionalism to get the job done.
Performances? Well, to start with, Ronaldo stepped up to show us that he could pitch in when Rooney wasn’t around. It was sad that he couldn’t get his hat trick — he was operating as a striker towards the end of the match, looking for that third goal! Carlos Tevez continues to show why SAF was willing to go to great extents to get his signature. He setup a goal and his tireless running ensured that we did not miss Rooney too much. Ryan Giggs had his best match of the season. He showed glimpses of old, with his close control, turn and movement and it feels nice to see that. Now he will get some more rest with the international break and will, hopefully, return with renewed vigour.
Saha didn’t have too much of an impact. He still seems a bit short on match fitness. But I thought he did hold the ball up well at times and he was involved in the build up to the second goal. So job well done. The thing with Saha is that his value is felt when he is not playing. He does a good job engaging defenders which opens up space for the others. So in the absence of Rooney, his presence is key to us maintaining our position in the league.
Owen Hargreaves hustled and got stuck in nicely. Another excellent addition to the squad that gives us the bite we’ve lacked all this while. Anderson had a mixed game. He tracked back and won a few tackles in the first half but also misplaced a lot of passes. But in the second half he was pinging long passes at will. He had a little bit of skill to show too before being brought down. The kid is learning quickly and even had the confidence to take one of the corners. Unfortunately for Michael Carrick, Anderson is playing too well to be dropped. But Carrick’s calming influence and experience would be crucial. He made a substitute appearance and he will certainly have an important role to play this season.
The defence was rock solid, as usual. There were some nervy moments, early on, when Benny McCarthy had a sniff of a chance. But other than that, they did a great job keeping things tidy at the back. It’s satisfying to see a clean sheet in the league after a while. Evra, once again, impressed going forward as well as defensively.
It’s the international break that will enforce a lull for two weeks. Hopefully Rooney’s superhuman powers of recovery help him to return well in time for the Liverpool game. And we will continue our prayers well into the international break, hoping our players return in one piece.
And before I end this, a word on the unfortunate Lazio fan who got shot by police by what the police have termed “a tragic error”. While it’s alright that sport ignites passions in people, it is saddening if incidents like this happen and taint, what we know as, the beautiful game. As reports pour in, violent clashes have erupted between fans and police in other games as well, as fans were visibly stunned by the incident.
Our condolences to the family of Gabriele Sandri. Rest In Peace.
Related items from Red Rants:- Derby County v Man Utd: Preview
- Boro v Man Utd: Preview
- Man Utd Blog 2007/2008 Home Kit
- Hargreaves Move Confirmed - Breaking News
- Ferguson Speaks as he Returns to Old Trafford
Tags: Match Reports
November 12th, 2007 at 11:21
It was a superb result, even if the performance might not have been up there with previous games (which isn’t to say it was bad!).
The best thing, as Ferguson mentioned and as quoted above, is the strength of our squad. We can now claim, for the first time for years, to have a second team which could compete in the Premier League by itself. Look at this and assume a fully fit squad:
First team (4-4-2):
EVDS - Neville, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra - Ronaldo, Hargreaves, Scholes, Giggs - Tevez, Rooney
Second team (4-4-1-1)
Kuszczak - Simpson, Brown, Pique, O’Shea - Park, Fletcher, Carrick, Nani - Anderson - Saha
Subs (ie players not used in either team): Foster, Evans, Silvestre, Frazier Campbell, Eagles, Lee, Dong and a few others
This makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. The players on my “subs bench” (Foster excluded) are the sort of players who, in the past, we would have had to include in that second team and therefore been laughed out of the pub when we tried to claim we had a strong squad. Now they are fringe players who will only get a look-in if either (a) they are young and improve significantly or (b) we have a total injury nightmare.
Possibly an article subject, Red Ranter?!
Oh, and areas to strengthen? These should be pretty obvious - striker and left back. Those are the only positions where we might look in any way stretched if one of our regulars picked up a long term (eg cruciate ligament) injury.
November 12th, 2007 at 11:27
Until the first goal Blackburn where more dangerous. Every possession they took, it ended in a decent effort and their build-ups were excellent. There were times when they were a man down yet could have pulled one back.
With 10 men against, the game became too boring as united created little and Ronaldo has to continue his hat-trick dream. The team didn’t support him enough to get his hat-trick.
November 12th, 2007 at 11:52
As i wrote about the Rooney situation, it wouldn’t have too much of an impact. We must not forget how much attacking talent there is in this squad. Where Rooney could be missed is in the really big matches, like the one at Anfield. In those matches his passion and power is needed. If he’s ready for that match, Liverpool will have real problems stopping us.
You’re absolutely right on Saha. You don’t get the feeling that he’s performing that well, but if he hadn’t been out there, Tevez would have had less room to operate, and so would Ronaldo. He simply ties down the central defenders. He can receive the ball and turn and immediately have beaten the defender… that’s why he gets so much attention and creates the extra space for others. He’d be able to do the same against any team in the league, but unfortunately his physique doesn’t allow him to.
Anderson really does continue to impress. He’s really quick, and he has great vision. He overplays some of his passes, but I think it might have to do with him still being very new in the starting line-up… let him settle a bit more, and you’ll see even more from him. He also has an ability to win his tackles, because he moves in with his body. He might be small, but he’s so quick on his feet that he just places himself between his opponent and the ball. And the bit of skill he almost showcased is proof he’s starting to feel comfortable… he wants to please us, which we’ll obviously praise when he does.
Very nice to see a clean sheet again. My first reaction to Rooney’s injury was that we might score a little less, and that the defense would then have to regain full concentration. I don’t think the few lapses in concentration of lately in defense has to do with the overall quality not being there… it’s simply because we’ve been so dominant in attack that they might have been at 95% in the back. But now that they’re needed again, they’ll come through.
Hopefully Neville will be back after the break - he’d be a great boost in leadership - , and Rooney will surely be back for the game before our clash at Anfield. That leaves us with almost everyone fit for the busy December and January, which will be very important. By then the injuries might start to challenge Arsenal’s title aspirations, and the Africa Nations Cup surely will.
November 12th, 2007 at 12:00
Tomas - I agree with almost all of that, apart from the bit about the African Nations. I think Chelsea will be far more damaged by that than Arsenal. Arsenal only lose Toure and Sagna, and Sagna is hardly crucial to them since Eboue is basically the same player. And Gilberto can do a decent job filling in for Toure. It will only hit them hard if they have those types of player injured.
Now Chelsea, on the other hand…Drogba, Essien and Kalou (only relevant because he’s a reserve for Drogba). Now that’s a problem for them, because you take away their two most consistent ly good players.
November 12th, 2007 at 13:49
After watching the match I was surprised to see the highlights chosen on MOTD, they seemed to show every single Blackburn chance but missed out quite a few United chances. Is this positive discrimination for the losing team or something? Where was the clip of Giggs run in the second half before being hacked down.
November 12th, 2007 at 15:09
As far as I know, Arsenal will loose Eboue and not Sagna, since Sagna is from France, and Eboue is from The Ivory Coast, just as Toure. Well it might not seem of a lot to loose those 2 players, but it is still 2 players out of their squad for at least 6 weeks, which is quite a long time. Especially Toure will be missed, since he’s the backbone of their defense. You might add a few injuries to that, if things even out a bit, and suddenly the ANC becomes a big problem for them, since they’ll miss those 2 players.
I agree that Chelsea will be even worse off on account of the ANC, but I never really commented on them and didn’t compare Arsenal’s loss to their’s. To me, Chelsea’s title dreams are not that realistic this season, although I’d never completely write them off.
November 12th, 2007 at 17:32
we have no africans-right? must suck for pompey or should i say africa fc.
November 12th, 2007 at 17:50
Jee Dan: That sounds like a racist remark. Do you have something against Africans? Are you color sensitive? Probably not, but now you went and stepped in your pile of poop again. How does it feel to be picked on for a meaningless and humor intended comment? Don’t you just hate it when people overreact?
November 12th, 2007 at 18:08
dan, watch what you say, i could have easily taken that as a rascit remark same way you told grognard to watch it with the diabetes comment, is the same way im telling you to watch yourself and that africa fc comment, you may not mean it as a rascit remark but either way, you should be careful
on a lighter note good to see ronaldo step up when roonaroo is out
November 12th, 2007 at 18:09
Tomas; Some excellent points brought up and a good contribution for debate. I really agree with your comment on Saha. His role of preoccupying defenders does give lots more room to Ronald, Tevez and company. He’s clearly not 100% yet but he makes a positive contribution with his presence. My big worry though is that Fergie takes a major risk by playing both of his strikers from the start. If Saha or Tevez get hurt, we are down to one legitimate striker. I don’t need to say how much grief that would bring us with Rooney missing.
As for Rooney, I really don’t think we will see the real Wayne Rooney for 6 to 7 weeks. He’ll be back in 3 or 4 but he will need to get sharp and match fit again. His past history tells us that when he returns from injuries it usually takes 4 to 5 games before we see him on the scoresheet.
And your comments on Anderson were well thought out. Anderson is the real deal and he is is also a very smart player for his age. His offensive passing game is not as sharp as it will be and he needs to show more aggressive offensive tendencies like more one on one confrontations, shooting for goal and running in to the box. Right now he is a little timid about doing all that because he wants to insure that he doesn’t make a defensive error. This is why we are seeing such a good effort from him defensively. He’s a hard worker but he needs to loosen up a bit and show us his skills. That will come soon, I’m sure.
Regarding the Africa’s Cup, it should really hurt Chelsea offensively. If Ballack is back, he is more than capable of stepping in for Essien. I am firm believer in Ballack and Mourinho was a true ass clown for not playing him properly. He is twice the player Frank Lampard is, just slower. It’s Drogba that will be missed. They just can’t replace that kind of talent. As for Arsenal, losing Toure and Eboue is a major hit because they are good but it will mess up Wenger’s delicate balance and continuity. These two are not just defenders. They play a major role in their offensive attack. On top of all that, both teams like, us will probably be carrying some injuries as well. I honestly cannot see United not repeating again this season. To be honest though, I still think we need some refinement in our defensive approach to win the Champions League. We are weak against opposition attacking midfielders who come and pray in the box from time to time. Kaka, Seedorf, Fabregas, Lampard, are examples of players who have had success causing havoc for our defense. We generally control their strikers but not those pesky midfielders. That could hurt us in Europe due to the many quality AMF’s there are . Hopefully Hargreaves will put an end to that kind of crap. That’s what he was bought for.
November 12th, 2007 at 18:19
technically Nani is African….Cape Verde (West Africa)
November 12th, 2007 at 18:21
hmm dan u feel quite buried now. this has been going on since yesterday
November 12th, 2007 at 18:32
Red Ranter;
Perhaps you or somebody else can explain to me a Canadian why football fans around the world (except in Canada and the USA) have this blood thirsty streak of violence and bitterness towards opponents and to the police? Why does the Hooligan (Factories, Firms etc) mentality exist in the footballing culture? I realize that it is a minority of the fans and that most are like you and me but I find it incredibly confusing. The United States is the most violent and crime ridden country on the planet. There are murders in the hundreds every day and the streets in most big cities are not safe. The country is in decay like the Roman Empire. Yet, the fans and supporters never act violent or possess a mindset of violence towards other team’s supporters and towards authority.
Why are we of all groups so civil at or around sporting events, yet Europe (a continent I consider less violent and more ethical) not only cannot control their football hooligans, but the fact that this violence persists decades after it started. It just seems completely Neanderthal that these individuals find it important to beat the living shite out of each other in the name of football. For us over here, that just sounds completely incomprehensible?
If you can, please explain to me what it is that causes this in footballing dominant cultures and continents. What happened in Italy is because of this disease that is rampant in the game. Perhaps in a post heading designed for debate, or just a reply? I’d be interested in a strong answer to this question.
November 12th, 2007 at 18:35
Redsnake; But Nani plays for Portugal, his adopted country. Don’t you just love loose immigration laws. Thank God for small mercies.
November 12th, 2007 at 18:37
Chris; From now on we will be seeing more of Dan through his new moniker “Supporter of Dan”.
November 12th, 2007 at 18:46
yh i saw “dans supporter” in the other article. what a sh*t load.
and about the policeman that shot the supporter, how can you “accidentally” shoot somebody. but since its the police, he will not be punished. just like the john charles case. because police cannot possibly murder can they?
November 12th, 2007 at 19:13
I really think Sir alex need to sign a left-back and striker during the January transfer window. I used to think Man u need a red-back as well, but looking at danny simpson i think he can make it as neville replacement. Or mayb Sir Alex can sign a striker on-loan like what he do to bring larsson to man u for 3 months. =) cheers to man u supporter. The future is really looking great ;P
November 12th, 2007 at 19:29
REDSOFMANCHESTER: I agree about getting backup at leftback. I also think it’s prudent to go for a loan as far as striker is concerned. Let him prove himself the way Tevez is and the way Larssen did before we decide to take a larger risk. Besides, after the season we will have more to pick and choose from when it comes to strikers and we will better know where our direction is for the future. Perhaps we will need to spend big, perhaps not. Wes Brown, Simpson and Pique as well as O’Shea make us very strong and deep at rightback. They may not Daniel Alves but then again they do the job. And I honesty see Pique eventually moving to that position. I’m sure he can play it and play it well.
November 12th, 2007 at 19:30
what the hell, that person has nothing to do with me. shut it grognard, you’ve said the same thing in earlier articles, dont try and compare you making a joke out of dieing diabetics and a team thats known for having a lot of africans
November 12th, 2007 at 19:35
why would i say something racist about my own colour? that would be like making a joke out of your own deathly sickness, oh wait…
November 12th, 2007 at 19:39
In fairness Chris the Police have a difficult job to do when it comes to handling football related violence amongst supporters. There are so many of them and most are dressed like you and me. To make a mistake is common and although killing one, is terrible, the accident claim could be true. Although carrying firearms against guys who only come with sticks, chains, knives etc seems like unnecessary excess usage of force. To be honest I sure wouldn’t want that job.
The thought of trying to break up an Old Firm thugfest just doesn’t turn me on. Something is radically wrong with the mentality of these people. Something is seriously missing in their pathetic lives. Gang violence in America is also mostly about turf but it centers it’s ugly brand of violence on neighborhoods and the right to call it home turf. To fight over football just seems so caveman. I’d question the IQ of many of the hooligans except I know many of them work in banks, are executives etc. Not all of them come from poverty or hardship. Most confusing and most exasperating indeed.
November 12th, 2007 at 19:42
people forget that football is just a game
November 12th, 2007 at 19:43
DAN; On that note, why would I be insensitive to diabetics if I am one? Once again you put your foot in it mate. Give it pal. You lost the debate because you were wrong from the get go. You see, I was never making fun of diabetics, like you and a few others seem to think. My health is no laughing matter, but taking offense about a comment that ones attitude may be so sweet (as opposed to bitter or negative) that it could cause diabetes is not an attack against anyone with the disease. I just wish you would get over this political correctness crusade. It’s failed and flawed in logic.
November 12th, 2007 at 19:43
Hey RedsOfManchester, since you brought up the issue of cover for the LB position, I was just thinking that since we already have good cover for our winger positions (Ronaldo, Giggs, Nani, Eagles), why not try converting JS Park into a leftback when he returns from injury? I mean he’s aggressive, full of energy and running, defensively sound, and has good attacking instincts…all attributes that make a good fullback. Also, I remember when we first signed him, one of the stated positions that he could play was fullback. Since getting a midfield berth is becoming increasingly difficult, I think Park could try his luck at left back and if need be, as a result of a midfield injury crisis, slot into one of the wide positions. Instead of sitting out, he could become another utility player who will get his fair share of games because of his versatility.
November 12th, 2007 at 19:47
you made a comment intended as a joke in the last article about disbetics, you admited to it aswell, dont try and say you didnt.
November 12th, 2007 at 19:49
it is true that police have a hard job BUT, remember roma last season. there is no excuse there is there?
i dont think park would be too good at fullback, he is not very strong, and is not so good in the air. he would easily get skinned with a bit of pace because he just doesnt have that defensive instinct and composure.
November 12th, 2007 at 19:51
DAN; No I didn’t. Learn how to read. Now PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, lets end this and just concentrate on football. It’s irritating and it’s boring the rest of the group unfairly. I hate it when people think I am am a shit disturber even when I when that was never my intent. So give it a rest and move on, for all our sakes. I’m SORRY you took offense. None was intended.
November 12th, 2007 at 19:54
Chris, I never said Park, I said Pique, big difference. I too occasionally make a mistake by trying to read too quickly.
November 12th, 2007 at 20:11
shield you make a great point, its a good idea to try park there, then again he has no height what so ever so going against big wingers is going to be a problem
November 12th, 2007 at 20:18
Sorry Chris, I missed Shield’s comment and thought you meant to say Pique instead of Park. Remember what I said about reading to fast? Scrolling to fast is also a problem.
November 12th, 2007 at 20:23
“A very satisfying win for the lads today. WARNING! My review may be too positive for many to stomach. Diabetics beware of high sugar content.”
as you can see you did make a comment about diabetics, insulting your self(aparently) an me, everytime you say lets stop this you say something rude aswell. this time please stop, just accept you are wrong for a change.
November 12th, 2007 at 20:33
well pique would manage at left back, at least until the twins come to old trafford. i dont think putting pique there would maximise his potential. i have noticed that his passing and through balls are top class aswell. so he is very multitalented IMO
November 12th, 2007 at 20:41
Adam Eckersley is back 2day, does anyone know how he did at port vale?
November 12th, 2007 at 21:15
DAN you are just a shit disturbing troublemaker! I was not insulting diabetics with that comment. If English is a problem for you, may I suggest buying a thesaurus. It was a friendly mixed metaphor to describe that my comments were far too positive and for me, extremely sweet as opposed to negative or bitter. It is obvious that diabetics like myself cannot tolerate sugar. It was nothing more than a obvious element designed to warn readers that I was in rare positive mode. Seeing as I do criticize the club and players for things I don’t agree with or like. STOP WITH THIS INQUISITION ALREADY!!!!!!!
RED RANTER; Could you please make a point of letting Dan know that I do not appreciate his pointless and useless badgering and to have him cease and desist on his current rampage. Honestly, I want to talk football. Tolerating such crap from a hypocrite who referred to Pompey as AFRICA FC is just bringing me to a boil. Honest to God this blog is beginning to give me a persecution complex I previously never had.
November 12th, 2007 at 21:20
Chris; Pique has played RB in the past for United and he has performed very well. In fact if I am correct, his debut for the club was in the CL where he had a great night playing for Neville. He is a good passer and he seems to cross the ball well too. He’s too good to be waiting in the wings for Rio or Vidic to leave the club. He needs to be utilized as he is a super talent. I think he could be just as good as Micah Richards who can also play RB AND CB. He also looks like a guy who can become a real leader out there because he’s not afraid to communicate and direct others.
November 12th, 2007 at 21:30
dan has annoyed me in the past to grognard, best thing to do is ignore him, if you agree with a point, then yea say u agree, but otherwise just ignore, same to you dan, ignore grognard, this is one of the best blogs around, so please do not ruin it for others with useless banter
November 12th, 2007 at 21:50
[Grognard]
Isn’t saving your energy and ignoring easier? Each one is bent upon enforcing his own beliefs in a fight like this. There is no point going on about this. Honestly, all this is getting a little tedious. Let’s show some class and learn to ignore.
November 12th, 2007 at 22:37
I agree Red Ranter and Adil Alhinai. Perhaps ignoring is the best policy. It’s not that I want to get the last word, it’s just that he wouldn’t stop and in my heart and soul I believe he is wrong on so many levels. Also, I won’t make a big deal about this Red, but defending ones self against unfair remarks is not showing a lack of class. Ignoring rude and unfair remarks directed at you does not mean you have class. It means you have composure. One must defend his pride and his dignity when wrongly accused. Anyway, I do agree with ignoring and I will try my best to adhere to that policy in the future. But honestly, sometimes it’s just not easy or realistic for me to turn the other cheek.
One last point RED. In my post where I asked you to to make a point to ask Dan to stop. Instead, you ignored his BS and just asked me to ignore it. I wasn’t the problem here. Sorry mate, but that’s just not fair and it makes me come out as the villain in all this, yet once again. It makes me wonder if you actually agree with him regarding my harmless remark, while ignoring his remark about Pompey. As a moderator I understand the need you have to maintain peace and harmony, but surely it takes two to tango. I wasn’t the only one shooting bullets here. You never asked him to ignore me, which leads my paranoid mind to think that you see me as the guilty party here. Please correct me if I’m wrong. If you feel like keeping this off of the blog, feel free to e-mail me because I’m truly pissed about this. I find it impossible to ignore the fact this guy considers my comment politically incorrect. It’s completely ludicrous.
November 12th, 2007 at 23:03
Grognard, believe me I’m taking no sides here, but this is what you said recently right?:
“Conor; How can I tell? Can I see the man’s face or read his body language or tone of his voice. On the Internet we must have more sensitivity in how we may say things as to not offend people. I am guilty in this as well. It’s a difficulty we all face but we must at least try take those conditions in to consideration”
So although you actually didn’t mean to do any harm with your diabetes joke, you can see why Dan took offense to it? And well really dan’s comment was a pretty stupid thing to say, many people will have said it before and you should assume he was saying it as a joke anyway. There’s no need to bring Red Ranter into it like, he’s our God, and you don’t question God’s judgement
November 13th, 2007 at 1:11
those two make me laugh with some thier comments.they act like a old married couple who are at each other troat.we should try stick to comment on man u and not go into our personal live.so try keep your comments to man u related topics
November 13th, 2007 at 1:11
Cape Verde’s a Portugese ‘colony’…….as far as im concerned hes African! THE TEAMS EXCITING
ME LADS n were only getting better.
November 13th, 2007 at 1:28
anyone notice how the ref seemed to be a bit more lenient with our players as opposed to blackburns?
November 13th, 2007 at 4:46
“shield you make a great point, its a good idea to try park there, then again he has no height what so ever so going against big wingers is going to be a problem”
Hey Adil, I agree with your comment and I’ve thought of that before as well. However, a lot of the past and present great fullbacks have the same common problem, which is height. Since fullbacks are a part of the defense, having the ability to head would be a tremendous asset, if not almost mandatory one. However, if our midfielders can do a decent job heading the ball, they can ease the burdern off a bit on fullbacks during corners, set-plays, etc. It is difficult, actually..impossible, to make THE perfect team. However, assembling a team with a goal/target to reach perfection in mind definitely contributes to a higher rate of success. It’s the same concept in life, the higher your goals are and the harder you work, the more successful you will be. Saying that, I think if a player’s flaw is overshadowed by his strength and that strength compliments their teammates’ strengths (think Rio and Vidic), then there would not be a problem at all. Park may never become the best, or even great fullback, but I think he can be a decent cover for our #1 LB. Besides, as I’ve said in my earlier comment, I think he has a better chance of breaking into our current team at LB as opposed to midfield where there’s a wealth of depth.
November 13th, 2007 at 6:19
Grognard,
I think you asked the question why there is so much violance in football compare to American sports. Well, just a quick note:
we [especially you and Dan] couldnt cool it down, in this blog it self. Both feeling and arguing that each one is are right. Thankfully, its only in word, but if both of you were at the stadium, I am sure, it would have been ‘violent’ as well. If we cant control ourselve here… do you think the fans out there can?
This is the passion for the best game in the world, with the highest number of fans.
Cheers {no hard feelings Dan/Grognard}
November 13th, 2007 at 6:41
Scrtls; I’m Canadian. Not to sound elitist but we are capable of arguing over things with very loud voices and emotions. But we are very restrained when it comes to violence. When I lived in Edmonton Alberta, we had a very bitter city rival with our down south neighbor Calgary. Many a time did we go down to games or they came up to watch games when we fans would get in arguments and sound off. Occasionally a few drunks would have a fight but the abuse never really went beyond the very rare 2 man altercation. 300 old firm hooligans meeting after a match in a nearby ally doesn’t happen here.
My point is that unless we allow ourselves to get stinking drunk or high on drugs, we are more than capable of controlling ourselves. I cannot speak for Dan but I do not drink that much (diabetes forbids it) but on occasion I will have a few at a pub. Canadian culture really frowns on those who get arrested for drunken disorder.
Alcohol, poor self esteem and hopelessness is the real culprit for hooliganism. They aren’t even close to being thought of as real fans. What they are is criminals who wear colors and who should be thrown in the klink and then have the key thrown away. Don’t mistake a low IQ, inebriation and no common sense for passion.
And football is the best sport in the world but you would get a couple hundred million individuals in North America who might differ with your opinion. To them, “SOCCER” is a peasant sport played by third world nations.
Thanks for your comments and no hard feeling or offense taken. CHEERS!
November 13th, 2007 at 8:57
Well awesome match , great contribution by the front 6 .
This was the best performance by Giggs so far . His 360 and another piece of skill where he almost scored a goal was awesome.
Anderson , Half Pirlo-Half Gattuso is PERFECT !
His physical presence in the Mid-field along with Hargo has helped in reducing the defense duties of Giggs . He rarely makes a foul and if he gets the ball , he is like Rooney . U cannot push him and get it . Even though his passes were not perfect , he will great in coming matches . I would rate Anderson`s performance to be the best by a newbie in the EPL among the Big 4 !
Ronaldo showed his class , i really wish he could do that even agianst the Big Guns ! Well Saha even though could not shine , his performace was superb ! The Back 4 was good . A clean Sheet for VDS will do world of good !
Well let the arse bastards dream on …
November 13th, 2007 at 9:03
you know what grognard i dont care anymore, you stick to what you think and i’ll stick to what i think(note i havent said anything rude to you unlike what you did to me)
November 13th, 2007 at 9:50
Hey guys, I found an interesting quote that SAF ‘apparently’ said about ANDERSON:
“If last week’s Champions League game had been vital for us, Anderson wouldn’t have been left out of the team.”
This is very high praise coming from the boss.
http://www.tribalfootball.com/article.php?id=64645
November 13th, 2007 at 9:54
[40. ebrahim says:]
lol. Yeah, and you can see which one is the wife…the one that always have to have the last say
November 13th, 2007 at 10:02
Give it up Dan. no matter how right I am, I can never win an argument at home.
November 13th, 2007 at 10:18
[Grognard]
About your question on hooliganism, here’s an excellent article, especially about Italy in particular: CLICK
[scrlts]
There is a thin line between passion and stupidity. Sadly in Italian leagues especially we’ve seen more instances of the latter. In England you see passion not violence. Hooliganism and fan violence has been down to a minimum. Even in Spain you don’t see too many instances of fan violence. In Italy it has been a chronic problem.
November 13th, 2007 at 18:14
Yes Dan but unlike you I was man enough to apologize even though I didn’t feel like I did anything wrong. I too will leave it alone. Lets talk football and stop arguing over other things. We both have to stop being over sensitive and overreacting to words that can be taken in the wrong way. Lets just move on and there will be no hard feelings on my part.
November 13th, 2007 at 18:19
Red Ranter; Thanks for the link on the football violence article. I’m surprised more people don’t want to debate a most serious problem with the game today. In fact I have serious fears about United’s upcoming game at Roma. Things could get ugly in the stands and outside. Remember, England had their teams banned for years because of the violence their supporters were blamed for. And I seriously doubt English hooligans will allow Italian hooligans to get the better of them as well as all the free press. I’m truly worried. The Italians seem to bring out the worst in them.
November 14th, 2007 at 18:27
I didn’t think United were at their best and although they flirted with top form briefly in the first half they did not really get out of second gear.
However, although they clearly missed Wayne’s recent form, Louis came in and did a job and Ronaldo stepped up to score the crucial goals.
Let us not forget that Blackburn have been in superb form themselves lately.