Apr 28
Ryan Giggs – It’s SIRtainly inevitable!
With 10 Premier League titles, four FA Cup’s and two Champions League trophies to boot, Ryan Giggs has achieved more with Manchester United in eighteen years then Manchester City ever have in their entire history (although chin up Dimitar, you’ve probably won more in half a season with us too).
The recently crowned PFA Player of the Year has been enduring some pretty harsh criticism over the last few days purely because his fellow professional peers deemed it appropriate he receive the prestigious award. Yes it’s true to say that he hasn’t set the Premier League alight with his performances this season but, to be fair, who has? Ryan Giggs has epitomised professionalism and dedication to the game of football for almost two decades now and, for me, that alone is testament enough for him receiving the PFA accolade.
The critics tend to forget that Giggs has actually been a prominent member of our first-team squad this season despite only making 12 starts in the league. He has helped us become Champions of the world, he was arguably the best player on the park against Chelsea earlier in the season and scored an ultimately decisive winner against West Ham at a crucial stage of the season. He’s also set to play an important role in hopefully helping us negotiate our way past Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final too. Not bad for a player that has supposedly received the sympathy vote eh.
Remarkably our 35-year-old winger may well have been enduring years of disappointment in City blue (a painful thought isn’t it) had Sir Alex not intervened on Giggs’ 14th birthday. You clearly don’t need me to remind you of exactly what happened next but I’ll paint a brief picture of the Welshman’s career at Old Trafford to put a positive spin on all this recent negative press.
Giggs turned professional at United in November 1990, making his league debut for the club at 17-years-old on 2nd March 1991 against Everton (a good six months before young Federico Macheda had even entered the world would you believe). The City connection was once again revisited with his first league goal coming against our bitter rivals in the derby at Old Trafford back in May 1991. And just to add to the City nostalgia even further, anyone remember that goal at Maine Road in 1996? How City fans must eternally rue the one that got away!
The first winners’ medal to make its way onto the Giggs mantelpiece was the European Super Cup in November 1991 and boy have the honours been flooding in ever since. I’ve already mentioned the major trophies but it is important to note that our decorated winger was an influential part of our double winning sides of 1993/94 and 1995/96. Fast forward some ten years to last season and he was still at the forefront of our Premier League and Champions League double. Lest we forget the unprecedented treble winning season of 1999 and that goal against Arsenal. To this day it continues to send shivers down the old spine.
It was in 2001 when Giggs was awarded a testimonial match against Celtic for 10 years of truly fantastic service to the club. Here we are in 2009 and the level headed master of Old Trafford is one appearance away from 800 in a United shirt. He’s already broken Sir Bobby Charlton’s all-time appearance record at the club and who’s to say he won’t go on to claim another half century.
On the international stage we all know the story about Giggs being one of the greatest players ever not to have graced a World Cup. With 64 caps and 12 goals he was certainly a decent servant to his country and as Gilberto Silva once put it, he could have quite comfortably played for any country in the world – even Brazil.
On and off the field Giggs has been an ambassador of the game and is the perfect role model for children looking for inspiration from football. Not one for poorly timed tackles or nightclub frolics, if Carlsburg did professional footballers, Ryan Giggs would undoubtedly be the prototype they would use.
Before I close let’s get things straight. Not to harp on about it too much but at the end of the day it’s not up to us, the press or anybody else to determine whether Ryan Giggs deserved to receive the PFA Player of the Year. His fellow Manchester United teammates couldn’t vote for him, his Premier League rivals did and that’s a fact that can’t be contested. The voting system may need a revamp but that’s not Giggs’ fault is it.
So what could possibly be next on the agenda for a player that has achieved pretty much everything during his life in football? A knighthood would perhaps be the most fitting tribute and hopefully the press won’t be quite as hasty to question the Queen’s Birthday Honours list as they have with the decisions of Premier League footballers.
Related items from Red Rants:
- United get Milan, Giggs gets new deal
- FA charge Ferguson over conduct
- Saha, Giggs and Agents, EVDS and Other Stories
- Manchester United vs Manchester City: Preview
- United are on the ‘Brink of a Signing’
Tags: Manchester United Players · Opinions/Columns
April 28th, 2009 at 16:17
Always loved Giggs, was stood in the Stretford End for his debut against Everton. Reminded me a lot of Ronaldo’s debut in that here was a very young lad completely undaunted by the occasion. Rooneys debut was definitely the best I’ve ever seen though.
Remember Giggs used to get loads of stick early in his career for not being able to cross the ball. Those days are long gone and just when I thought his days were numbered a few seasons back, just recently he seems to be playing like Zidane and not the whippet we were all used to. Pretty amazing how he has adapted really.
I posted about Nani in the other thread. It was my first ever post, although I have been watching you!, and (quite sadly!) I got a little excited about it….only for a new thread to appear. Damn it!
So I am re-posting it as I think Giggs’s successor is still to be found. Which is a bit of mis-leading really as Giggs has long since left the left touchline. God knows whats happened to Tosic? Fergie threw him in at the start and now he has disappeared into the reserves. Probably needs bulking up a little for starters and by all accounts Llajic is the one we should be getting excited about.
However I just want to add my two penneth about the boy Nani. I honestly dont think he is fit to wear the shirt and obviously Fergie feels the same, which is always a good indicator in my book!
Whoever says wingers dont need to track back is obviously extremely deluded and Nani’s attacking output does not vindicate his sheer laziness in helping out his fullback. He also nearly cost us the game the other week against Porto when he came off the bench and did nothing except prance around and ignore his duties in a hugely important tie…arent your subs meant to inject a bit of energy and work rate?
Fair enough he is one of our best crossers at the club but that is literally all he does….except try hugely speculative screamers that end up in the family stand. He also rarely beats his man and gets to the byline, so I really do not see the point of him. Gary Neville is a better crosser of the ball for starters. I can just, and only just, about take it from Ronaldo but not this unlikeable little prima donna.
Another thing…maybe if you watch on TV you dont get to see the full extent of his laziness but if your at the game and can see the whole pitch it makes a huge difference.
It seems this report vindicates mine and others opinion on his attitude.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2009/apr/28/ryan-giggs-nani-manchester-united
I hope I never see his annoying little Michael Jackson mug wearing red ever again. The slimy get has the temerity to leave the stadium early during one of the biggest games of the season…on what grounds? He once scored a screamer against Spurs and took the piss out of Arsenal for 30 seconds a year ago. And look what happened when he did go back to his ideal home on the bench…5 goals
Ok thats my first rant…please be kind and dont inflict me with too much vitriol!
April 28th, 2009 at 16:24
Has there ever been a player of any sport who was knighted whilst they were still active in the game? Cause knighthoods are given in the New Years Honours list also, done quite obviously at the start of each year. If he gets knighted in the next NY’s honours list, he’ll still have 6 months on his contract!
April 28th, 2009 at 16:41
@Dominic:
In response to your query on the previous post re: Nani –
You are allowed to say anything here as long as it’s not personal. However, some people take anything said against Nani personally — as if they had a role in his development as a footballer
. So I just wanted to warn you not to take it badly when you’re called a prick for your efforts. Just giving you context.
Also regarding posting several times, not to worry. There has been way more amateurish stuff done on this blog.
April 28th, 2009 at 16:54
@Red Ranter: Well if they had a role in his development then they are obviously the pricks!
Only joking!
I hope I am a proper United fan in that I dont boo the players, I doubt think I know more than Fergie and I stand by the lads through thick and thin.
However I also dont tolerate a lack of effort or backbone…and I think Nani lacks both.
April 28th, 2009 at 17:02
Genius!! The space and time he commands with the ball at his feet is still magical!!
April 28th, 2009 at 17:22
Giggs should be knighted for playing for wales! had he been playing for england we probably would have been better internationally better then we are. The fact that he has never graced a world cup, compared to some other shite fucks, really, really pisses me off, it shows the type of person he though, picking wales over england.
Can you imagine if giggs was knighted this year? next season, we would keep seeing sir ryan giggs coming on off the bench, it would make him feel/look older then he already is!
April 28th, 2009 at 17:23
@Dominic: LOL, good one Dominic!
Let me re-post my comment on the last thread too:
Well, Fergie’s come out and rubbished the Nani rumours that he’s off in the summer. Well, I don’t know if the rumours are true (that Nani was upset and left OT before the final whistle last weekend), but Fergie would have surely given him a piece of his mind if he did so.
Anywayz, it now looks like Nani IS gonna stay, so let’s hope he brings home the goods next season!!!
PS: Somebody tell me why we’re speaking about Nani when we’re supposed to be discussing Giggsy!?!
April 28th, 2009 at 17:32
@antsBoy: He was upset, but was allowed to leave early, and only left after the 5th goal went in. It’s a bit of a non story really.
“Football player sees team win. Is allowed to leave stadium. Must be off in the summer.”
April 28th, 2009 at 17:43
My dad was actually born in the same hospital as giggsy obviously years before, but coming from wales was a massive wales fan and also followed united because of this. I remember asking him what he thought of giggs a good few years ago when i was really just a little kid and why he played for wales. It was really cos he was a good person, people always say he could have played for england, i dont know if thats true or not, but to be honest even if he could have he would probably still have chosen wales, cos they were his country and they were the only international team for him, shows his class really. I remember watching an england game in the late 90s and followed this by watching some wales game. England were just playing typical rubbish and i remember the left sided winger was just absolute cack, he was rubbish. Then watching the wales game after, abolsutely everything was coming from that left side, it was amazing just what giggs was doing. I dont remember the opposition but he was simply brilliant and i remember my dad saying if england had giggsy in their team they could win the world cup, who knows that may be true.
But you gotta give it to the man, wales were rubbish really but he still chose them. It doesnt feel right when you see the downings, lennons, wayne bridges etc going to the world cup and class like giggs has never been. Its players like that that have really put me off england. Smug idiots who think their gods gift when they get in the england team. If only we still had a few like giggs in the england team.
April 28th, 2009 at 17:59
Don’t care about England. Don’t care about knighthoods either and kind of wish Fergie had refused his to be honest, like my man LS Lowry did. That really would have got the ABU’s going.
Giggs is Welsh not English, really dont know why this is always trotted out. He was born in Wales to Welsh parents and lived there as a kid. I agree it does show what kind of person he is because he could have quite easily have played for England. But hes probably about as English as Ray Townsend, John Aldridge, Mark Lawrenson etc. are Irish.
April 28th, 2009 at 17:59
Don’t care about England. Don’t care about knighthoods either and kind of wish Fergie had refused his to be honest, like my man LS Lowry did. That really would have got the ABU’s going.
Giggs is Welsh not English, really dont know why this is always trotted out. He was born in Wales to Welsh parents and lived there as a kid. I agree it does show what kind of person he is because he could have quite easily have played for England. But hes probably about as English as Andy Townsend, John Aldridge, Mark Lawrenson etc. are Irish.
April 28th, 2009 at 18:27
Ryan Giggs is my all time favourite player, I always get his name and number on the back of my United shirts and only recently when i had enough money to buy all the new kits as opposed to just the home one every two years, have i just started putting other players o nthe back of my tops.
He’s the best left winger in the history of the premier league full stop.
I went to my first Man United match a few weeks ago (the Villa game with Macheda’s goal – not a bad first game eh?) and one thing that stands in the back of my mind from that game is not Macheda’s brilliant finish, or Ronaldo’s left footed daisy cutter, but Ryan Giggs touch. Watching him caress the ball just during the warm up was amazing. You really don’t get an appreciation of just how talented these footballers are on the TV. Even the most High Definition of picture doesn’t convey the subtlety and care that professionals control the ball with. Ryan Giggs touch, vision, ability is something to behold in the flesh. It was a dream come true to watch him.
If he sticks around as long as i imagine he will, i wouldn’t be surprised if he’s given another testimonial when he finally hangs up his boots
April 28th, 2009 at 18:39
Going off the giggs subject but is anyone else a bit concerned that it sounds like were not gonna take advantage of arsenals injury crisis. Reading the comments of fergie it does sound like we will be happy with the 1-0 and yes whilst i would be happy with the win i cant help but feek if we really went for this we could have the tie all done and dusted in the home leg.
It will not be an easy game going to the emirates, and if we have to get something there i dont fancy our chances to be honest. Would a 1-0 be a good result, im not sure. Part of the thing i found good with the porto result was we had to go for it, and from the 1st minute you could tell we really wanted it. I wasnt happy how we seemed to sit back after getting the goal, but i just wouldnt be happy going to arsenal with a 1-0 lead as i just couldnt see us holding onto that and it will always be hard getting anything at the emirates. Just looking at their injuries, van persie and arshavin are definitely out as is clichy and gallas, and silvestre is a slight doubt. I mean the 1st 4 are usual starters and they are all out. Arsenals defence is looking very weak on paper, and if we really went for it i reckon we could knock a few past them. In my opinion the game could be won at old trafford if we went for it and im just a little disappointed to hear the comments that make it sound like we wont be over attacking.
In some ways i understand that but you cant deny with their injuries especially at the back they are there for the taking. Gibbs, silvestre are 2 to target, and with 2 key attacking personnel out i would just like to see us go all out to win the game here.
So for my team i would be bold and go for it in a team as follows:
vds
oshea rio vidic evra
fletcher carrick
ronaldo tevez/giggs rooney
berbatov
The midfield 2 of ours may be targetted but there no doubting our attack would be awesome and i dont see arsenal dealing with that.
April 28th, 2009 at 19:25
@Matt: Let’s hope we go with the “let’s score more than them” schooling of thought.
April 28th, 2009 at 19:41
Team For Tommorow……
EVDS
Brown/O Shea Rio Vidic Evra(Unfortunately)
Carrick Scholes/Giggs
Ronaldo Rooney Park
Berbatov
April 28th, 2009 at 19:45
@Dominic: Ah you’re just pissed cause st.George killed all your dragons….
April 28th, 2009 at 19:48
@Darth Red Diablo: Oshea is nailed on to start. Hopefully this means he is looking for a more defensive defence, because he’s going to start all 4 of our strikers. Giggs and Carrick for Centre mid.
VDS
OShea Ferdinand Vidic Evra
Carrick Giggs
Ronaldo Tevez Rooney
Berbatov
April 28th, 2009 at 20:22
@Nick: How about the “lets score a bunch and shut them out” line of thought. Remember this is the home leg and any away goal might come back to bite us!
April 28th, 2009 at 20:35
Just watched the first half of the Barca-Chelsea encounter, and Barca have reduced Chelsea, probably the most in form team in the EPL, to a Bolton…Chelsea are kicking lumps out of Barca, but still they have had something like 65% possession.
I would love to hear from those Chelski fans who were gloating last year at the negative tactics we employed last year. We were surely not his bad last year…
April 28th, 2009 at 20:39
Been watching the Barca-Chelsea game…first half over, nothing much of note yet. Chelsea look set to sit back and soak pressure..and so far have been doing a good job of containing Barca, using as much physicality as possible. Barca look short of ideas sometimes….hmmm…is the ‘best team in the universe’ living up to their billing? I don’t think so.
Best player of the half so far – Iniesta, really impressive.
April 28th, 2009 at 20:47
@Traverse:
April 28th, 2009 at 20:47
@Dominic: are you grognard is disguise?
April 28th, 2009 at 21:16
@Vivek: I kind of pity Barcelona, having to put up playing against such a defense minded team two semifinals in a row!
I’m actually hoping for Barca to go through, because if we do face Chelsea in the final, luck might just swing their way after having narrowly lost to us last year. Besides, I don’t fancy an English game in a European final. Kind of takes the romance out of the event.
April 28th, 2009 at 21:23
@Nick: There’s the problem of Arsenal having too many away goals you see…
April 28th, 2009 at 21:25
Iniesta has been bloody brilliant today, god i wish we could snap him up.
April 28th, 2009 at 21:42
Just watched Chelsea park the USS Enterprise (or would that be the Admiral Kuznetsov) in front of their goal and act like street thugs against a pretty but ultimately ineffective Barca team. Some of Barca’s link up play was out of this world. Its a pity teams like Barca, who represent all the good things about football, have to put up with thugs like Chelsea (and to some extent us, last year)
April 28th, 2009 at 21:48
@Dan & @Traverse: I’m not Grognard or Welsh! You can probably tell the former because I still cant work out how you do the @ANOther thingy and as for the Welsh thing I’m just one of those United fans who have never been able to stand England and the whole charade. Ever since my hero Bryan Robson kept getting bloody injured playing for them and it was drummed into me by my old man! Then it was Beckahm in 98 and all the fun you can have at away grounds like Leicester or Southampton when the whole ‘Stick your f’ing England up your arse’ started!
April 28th, 2009 at 21:49
BREAKING NEWS:
Thieves break into the manchester city trophy room!
Police are looking for 2 men with a carpet…
I was shocked, shocked, to learn they even had a lock on the door
April 28th, 2009 at 21:50
@Dominic: Oh my God, shite, shite, shite and even more shite. Who are you exactly???
April 28th, 2009 at 21:51
@Dan: I am shocked to even hear they have a trophy room
.
April 28th, 2009 at 21:52
@Dan: It can’t be. Dominic used the term ABU
April 28th, 2009 at 21:52
@Craig Mc: Ok easy, easy now. I’ve let you have as much go as you can — at this rate you’ll scare anyone interested to comment here. He’s new, give him some time and he’ll learn how to live and love the Craig Meister.
April 28th, 2009 at 21:53
@antsBoy: iNIESTA IS THE pAUL sCHOLES (sHIT cAPS lOCK!) of Barcelona! You will never hear of him as the player making all the highlights, and yet he is the real heartbeat of Barca, yep ahead of Messi and Xavi.
If there’s another player who would deserve the golden ball this season apart from Messi, its Iniesta. Fact is Barca can play without Messi – even if they lose in penetration – but they are an entirely different team without Iniesta.
Iniesta = vintage Paul Scholes less the shooting; + better passing
April 28th, 2009 at 21:53
@Dan: So was that copied from 606?
April 28th, 2009 at 21:53
@Dominic: I couldn’t mistake you for Grog, because Grog knows how to express himself
.
April 28th, 2009 at 21:55
@Jon: Agree, agree, agree!
April 28th, 2009 at 21:55
@Red Ranter: Yeah but he’s a Nani hater, and I hate all Nani haters, so he will get it in shovel fulls
.
April 28th, 2009 at 21:56
@Craig Mc: That comment should read, anyone who does not say anything against Nani, knows how to express himself. To hell with freedom of expression and calling this a rant site.
April 28th, 2009 at 21:57
Looks like Chelsea are the ones to beat and not Barcalona. Wonderful defending anyway. Barca had like thrice the number of passes that Chelsea had. If I were Guus Hiddink I would play the same way at Stamford Bridge and hope to get to penalties and then hope Cech pulls off one wonder save. Hoping for too much? Because if Chelsea even try to be open they will get ripped to shreds.
April 28th, 2009 at 21:58
@Craig Mc: As I said, he’s said what he’s had to say and you’ve said what you’ve had to say. I’ve let you say it too. Now cool down and move on to better things. Let’s see, what did you think about Barcelona’s fannying about outside Chelsea’s box today?
April 28th, 2009 at 21:58
@Traverse: I’ve been to Wales mate, didn’t see any dragons there, only little pussy cats
.
April 28th, 2009 at 21:58
@UnitedUnited: Cech has a terrible record in penalties. You may as well stick a beanpole there.
April 28th, 2009 at 21:59
And where the hell is Grognard, I am missing him .
April 28th, 2009 at 21:59
To be honest I dont blame Chelsea for parking the bus. We worked them out last year and showed how you can stop them. Chelsea were never going to play them at their own game and I kind of wish we would but pragmatism (& trophies) rule at the end of the day. I am loath to quote him but this quote always makes me chuckle given Liverpool’s 19 years;
“If you are first you are first. If you are second you are nothing.” (Bill Shankly)
April 28th, 2009 at 22:00
@Matt: Right Bro, and probably Giggsy is as old as your Dad
.
April 28th, 2009 at 22:01
@Dominic: Oh my God that explains it, your a scouser right?.
April 28th, 2009 at 22:03
Well…Chelsea took a leaf out of our book then. Maybe Guus called up Fergie for some tips? I still think the advantage is with Barca. Chelsea have to essentially do what we did last year – get a goal and then defend like mad. But if they don’t get a goal early (like we did), the spaces will open up, and I reckon Barca will get atleast one or two.
@NicoQB: I dunno mate, Iniesta’s ball control always reminds me more of Giggsy…but the bias could cos of his hairline too
April 28th, 2009 at 22:05
@Red Ranter: Didn’t watch the game, but I understand it was boredom personified. Just like I hope ours won’t be against Le Arse, but knowing Fergie’s type of Euro football, I am not expecting a lot, apart from usual walking pace
.
April 28th, 2009 at 22:05
@Red Ranter: RR, its a better bet than opening up to Barca.. We saw today what they are capable of. But then the only positive thing for Chelsea might be that if they could hold away Barca at the Nou Camp then they definitely can hold them away at Stamford Bridge. Plus Barca will be without Puyol and Marques, which means that Abidal will be the centre half.
Oh my my, Chelsea’s prospects aren’t that bad are they?
By the way RR, I asked you something about replying by mail to these comments that we subscribe and I haven’t got a reply yet. Is it possible?
April 28th, 2009 at 22:07
@antsBoy: I reckon Baca’s finished now Ants boy. Another all English final. Imagine an all English final in Rome, where they love to send out their knife wiekding thugs. Wonder how many will be coming home?????
April 28th, 2009 at 22:07
Sorry Craig, I know I was warned about this but I have followed United home & away for many years and I think Nani is a liability. I dont like his stupid back flips or his white glove but can we move on from this now?
April 28th, 2009 at 22:11
@Red Ranter: Well he’s been free with his expression, and I’ve been FREE with my answers!
April 28th, 2009 at 22:13
@Red Ranter: And none of the other guys on rants have escaped my septic attacks on Nani haterz, so why should I make an exception
.
April 28th, 2009 at 22:16
@Red Ranter: Freedom of expression Bro, this space becomes a COMMUNIST ban on any dissent on Nani
April 28th, 2009 at 22:35
@Jon: If the 2009 Final is Man Utd vs Chelsea again I can pretty much guarantee that Chelsea will beat us this time and win the trophy because they will be SOOO much MORE fired up for it having lost last year. They’re also far more tactically astute now than last year with that muppet AV Grant in charge, and with a year’s more experience, that could swing it in their favour.
I also don’t want a small team with very little history like Chelsea getting their filthy hands on the European Cup for the first time as it takes away some of the glamour and prestige of the cup. The true titans of the European game like Man Utd, Milan, Inter, Madrid, Barca, Bayern, Ajax etc. should always be playing for the CL trophy IMO. I normally root for all the English teams whenever they play in Europe (yes even Liverpool lol, albeit through gritted teeth) but this time around I badly want Barcelona to get through to the final.
To re-iterate, I’d rather a team with genuine history and pedigree wins the European Cup, like ourselves and Barcelona. The Catalan’s defence is also very suspect when subjected to extreme pressure and if there is one team in world football that is capable of asking serious questions of their defence, it’s Man Utd, so that’s another reason why I’d prefer to play Barca if we do make the final.
April 28th, 2009 at 22:40
@Dan: Fuck off Dan. That was not appreciated one bit.
April 28th, 2009 at 22:40
Ahh Grognard is back !!
Missed you bro.
April 28th, 2009 at 22:41
@Craig Mc: I reckon Barca will score at Stamford Bridge and nick it with an away goals draw: 1-1. I hope so anyway
April 28th, 2009 at 22:43
@Dan: You know that makes no sense.
April 28th, 2009 at 22:44
@Red Ranter: Berbatov may hit it based on his last effort
April 28th, 2009 at 22:47
@UnitedUnited: I don’t think we have that feature. There were some issues before. I’ll hit up Ahmed on that, but I doubt we have that feature.
April 28th, 2009 at 22:52
@Red Ranter: Thanks RR. Is Ahmed the guy who does the programming?
April 28th, 2009 at 22:53
@Red Ranter: Thanks RR. Is Ahmed the guy who does the programming? Or do you have someone else who does it?
April 28th, 2009 at 22:59
@Nino: I agree, it just would not look right to me if i saw chelsea winning the european cup. For me chelsea are like a little play thing or toy, yeah they win a few trophies but they aint and never will be what i consider a proper club. Clubs who have won titles for years, have had excellent players over the years, excellent managers and who have a bit of a prestige. Im not saying a club that has never won the competition before shouldnt win it because thats not true, indeed i would consider arsenal a proper footballing side and would say arsenal and wenger probably deserve it, but can you say the same for chelsea. This isnt just about the money spent but about how they play, their attitude to some of their players and the way their managers are always in and out of the door. There is no class about that club. Indeed we saw last season when kenyon led the way to picking up their medals, what a disgraceful person to lead you huh.
And yeah i do agree another final of us and them and theres no way we will win. Our midfield would be battered by them and as you say the hunger to win would be huge, probably greater than ours. I just hope barca get the win against chelsea because i would even prefer liverpool to win a cup over them, i just hate chelsea that much.
About barca and watching them some of their stuff is just the stuff of dreams, it was just sensational. They do have a slight tendancy to over do it but they are still excellent to watch, hope they beat those twats.
April 28th, 2009 at 23:03
@antsBoy: Not just because of his hairline! He’s just about the quietest the in the Barca team and also is the midfield passing general. I think the one moment where barca had a slump this season was when he was injured for a number of games… Says it all really.
April 28th, 2009 at 23:20
I think we have a much better chance of beating Chelsea than we do Barcelona.
April 28th, 2009 at 23:24
@Traverse: I agree and Barca also have a score to settle with us.
April 28th, 2009 at 23:26
sorry to be really ignorant and to be new to this game…but can someone tell me how I do this bloody @someone thing…
April 28th, 2009 at 23:31
@Dominic: I think chelsea have a little score to settle with us too. And if your wondering how to get the @and their name you just click on the little arrow next to the name of the person you want to reply to.
April 28th, 2009 at 23:47
@Matt: Ah there you go! Thanks Matt. Yeah I know Chelsea will be majorly up for it too…but Barca scare the life out of me, Messi on Evra especially given the way hes playing. Maybe with O’Shea (I cant believe I am actually saying this) and Brown back we would be OK, but still? Also we will play really negative against Barca and like last year we will go for Chelsea again and could murder them down the wings.
April 28th, 2009 at 23:49
@Craig Mc: Hey buddy, cool down….chill. Remember what you told me to do the other day about having a thicker skin and not being so sensitive. Time to practice what we preach eh?
Dominic is just expressing his view about Nani. Be kind enough to correct him and let him know the error of his ways but lets be nice and polite to the new guy. I bet he had no idea he was going to experience the wrath of Craig. That’s almost as bad as when Sauron erupts next to Mount Doom.
Anyway, I am glad you put him straight about our Lil Man Nani and how he has been so unfairly used by Fergie and then so unfairly blamed for the ills of one Patrice (fuckin lost it) Evra. I want that little Frenchman dead……I want his family dead……I want the parasites growing on him ……dead. Basically, I want Evra to fuck off to Barcelona in the summertime (and please, to others out there, spare me with the Grog, you’re being a bit harsh and I really think the dead remarks were uncalled for). To those of you, and you all know who you are, tough beans.
Evra was once an above average LB but now he is a below average liability who reminds me of a carcass getting skinned by hunters. Just ridiculous that he is continually being played. Just watch what Walcott does to him. 
April 28th, 2009 at 23:51
@UnitedUnited: He’s back. He was a little pissed off over the weekend gang bang he experienced on this site but he was also dealing a personal issue that needed attending. But I am back and back in black.
And I appreciate you missing me mate. It’s nice to feel appreciated.
April 28th, 2009 at 23:55
@Dominic: Dominic, honestly mate, leave it alone. You’re just asking for a shit storm of abuse. Your reasons for not liking him like his back flips and his Michale Jackson look are not valid enough reasons to continue getting smoke bombed by Craig and others. It may get to the point where Craig throws away the smoke bombs and starts hurling F-Bombs instead. So do yourself a favor and move on to another subject.
No need to antagonize for the sake of antagonism
April 28th, 2009 at 23:57
@Craig Mc: Ahh sweet. You with the COMMUNISM and me with the FASCISM. I love it. We’ve got them from both ends Bro.
April 29th, 2009 at 0:01
@Traverse: Totally agree. I predicted Chelsea would be Barcelona and so far I’m looking genius. Frankly I knew their physicality and size would make the girly men of Barca piss their panties.
But Barca’s width and speed is a problem for United who are not physically imposing. We know how to play Chelsea and even if they have had success against us, I like our chances against them more than having to see Evra contain Messi and Alves with the help of Park. Chelsea is not that great attacking with width and so Evra is not the liability against them as he is with Barca. Therefore, I wish my boy Ballack all the best and hope to be lucky and good enough that we meet him and his band of whores in the final.
April 29th, 2009 at 0:08
From what I saw of both Chelsea and Barca this evening, neither have anything to scare us, we beat Both last year and we’ve taken apart Chelsea this season too. We just need to get past unpredictable Gunners first
April 29th, 2009 at 0:15
@Grognard: Fair point. Last thing I want to do is rub people up the wrong way. Everyone has their opinions on certain players and generally Im not a moaner when it comes to United but if they dont appear to put in the work it really grates. But I dont hate him and I dont hate Evra or want him and his family dead! But I guess thats just your way!
I do find his total and utter capitulation completely strange and totally agree we should cash in on him before it gets worse. I hope he proves me wrong though as we havent really had a proper attacking fullback before him. Although the twins more than make up for it these days. Give them a couple of years and hopefully they will be as good as Alves who was pretty damn impressive tonight. Barca play so high up the pitch its like they have 4 wingers. Would be interesting to see them cope against two proper wingers though.
April 29th, 2009 at 2:06
@Dominic: Trust me when I say that when I say I want Evra dead, I truly am just joking. People who know me on this site long enough know that I have a certain way of expressing myself. I don’t hate Evra but unlike many who seem to forgive him for his fall from grace and his continually poor play, I don’t tolerate it. Some may be correct when they say it may be a temporary fall in form. I see it differently. Ever since he has come back from his 4 game suspension he seems a whole lot dumber and has become a glorified ball watcher. He also has lost his aggressiveness in attacking and most notably, he looks to have lost a significant step in his speed. Wingers and fullbacks are skinning him alive and getting by him without a problem. So based on what I am seeing, he needs to go because I don’t see him regaining that step. The passion and the pace is gone in his game and he now spends most of the game ball watching and shitting himself whenever he has to defend.
About Nani, I love Feerguson saying today that he likes Nani and he feels that the number one reason for Nani not starting is the “fantastic play” of JS Park. What the Hell the old man is smoking is beyond me but I think he has also forgotten the numerous games where Park never even started and Nani still never got the start. Also, Park is a major liability to the team in attack and should only be played in games where we need defense to neutralize tough wingers and fullbacks. Lets face it, that’s only a handful of games a season. I wouldn’t start him tomorrow because we should concentrate on attack tomorrow against Arsenal. But I would start Park at the Emirates in a game where we will have to defend a lot more.
As for Nani, he’ll continue to get shafted and blamed for problems that have nothing to do with him. In the last game people forget the three beautiful crosses he delivered into the box that weren’t taken advantage of and the couple of aggressive attempts on goal that he had. You don’t always score from those chances but at least he has the skill and bollocks to attempt it unlike all our forwards who are gun shy. Hail to Lil Man Nani. For his sake I hope Inter is serious and buys him. He deserves to start and show his class.
April 29th, 2009 at 3:12
@Grognard: What Evra’s lost is his bottle!!
Can’t remember seeing anyone else who’s come out of an extended period on the sidelines play this tentatively!! He’s now using his acrobatic ways to look like he’s making the big effort, but it’s really no substitute for the big saving tackles.
Remembering his first few months with United, he was in a similar patch of form and after a period of adjustment he was able to overcome that.
My feeling is that he will overcome all this and get back to his usual excellent self, but he will now be tested by all and sundry and Walcott, especially, will give him a big, big test!!
April 29th, 2009 at 3:44
@Redrich: I hope you are right mate, but honestly, I think he has lost a lot more than his bottle. He honestly looks slower to me. And that can be fatal to a LB.
April 29th, 2009 at 5:02
@Grognard: Nani is not starting because Nani is not thinking!!
He is an enormous talent, no doubt, and he usually shows up to play, but his decision making when he’s on the ball lets him down time and time again!!
The amazing runs and flicks and the occasional bullet on goal seem to be offset heavily by his dumb choice of options when passing, when en route to goal, and shooting. If only he could get over himself and just play within the team structure and not try so hard to outshine everyone around him.
He’s displaying a stubbornness that is now beginning to hurt his value as a member of this team!!
In all honestly, if he could only polish his everyday skills the way he’s managed to with that wonderful celebratory back flip, none of us here would be questioning his worth!!
April 29th, 2009 at 5:27
To all you Nani lovers out there. The above post is not designed to offend you, or to state that my position is “anti-Nani”, but just to portray my feelings towards his present dilemma.
Trying to respond objectively to comments that do not state anything other than a blind passion toward or against a “pet player” is a lost art for me.
So flaming me for the, above, observation will only incite me to ignore your post and therefore make your efforts worthless.
However if anyone can offer some thoughtful debate on this issue, I’m listening on all channels!!
April 29th, 2009 at 5:27
@Grognard: How on earth Park’s form has been better than Nani is beyond me. Kudos to the little Korean for having the legs of a racoon, but he has absolutely no finnese on the ball and can be found being the culprit of slowing down a counterattack. Just as you said, I feel Park can offer much more defensively against players like Messi last year, simply as being the wild terrier to chase them down and starve their play. Beyond that, I feel he contributes nothing a proper winger should: pace, skill, crossing, and a goddamn ounce of skill.
Regardless of Park’s inability, Nani has been just as shambolic this season as well. He has everything you would expect a class winger to have, everything but the brains and heart. He plays himself out of games at times, almost doing the opposite of what the other 10 players on the team are doing. No one really bothers if you nutmeg Bosingwa 5 times whilst doing cartwheels, if you can’t do anything with that possesion at the end of it. His passing has been shocking, and his crossing was a far cry from his real ability early this season. Not to mention, I feel he is just as, if not more arrogant than Ronaldo, and his complacency at times to actually work as a unit with his mates is frustrating.
This is coming from a supporter that truly believed Nani could be the next big thing at United, especially with that stunning goal against Tottenham early last season. However, his recent incompetency in completing decent passes and playing on the same field with the rest of his team has got me very upset. Hence, I would second the motion to oust BOTH Park and Nani off the team, and buy a real left winger. Or, we could try that Big Four combo with Rooney on the left, since he has the lungs to run back and forth the pitch and has fifteen times the determination and teamwork of Nani.
As I’m reading by above thoughts, I am starting to feel I’m being too harsh by calling Nani shambolic. But it’s a worst feeling to have to see what should be our driving attacking force simply gifting the ball to opponents through half-hearted passes and crosses.
April 29th, 2009 at 5:29
@Grognard: That being said, if Nani scores a screaming winner tonight, I’d hail him as the world’s new best winger. So this could be all a knee jerk reflex.
April 29th, 2009 at 5:47
@Jon: Well Nani has not been good, for all the reasons you’ve stated and it’s certainly not a knee-jerk to point this out.
He’s more than capable hitting the screamer, and if he does that tonight and more frequently in the future, he won’t need to worry about his playing time, and you won’t need to worry about writing negative comments!!
April 29th, 2009 at 7:02
@Redrich: And yet he delivered three perfect crosses into the box which were not taken advantage of. Bottom line is he is the only one who can consistently deliver those types of balls into the box. That of course is until Rooney proved to us all that he is more than capable of playing on the left side too. Still, I think the not thinking rap on him is unjustified. Yes he has made some bonehead decisions in his days with United but so has Ronaldo, Rooney, Tevez and a lot of others. He’s the only one though who gets more grief than his playing time allows. If he played four games in a row and made mistake after mistake then maybe I would agree. But all he has gotten from Fergie this year is the cameo start and a few useless substitutions. No way to build any kind of feel for the game and establish yourself when you are so misused and underused. You say if he could polish his everyday skills. Wouldn’t that require him to play every day?
April 29th, 2009 at 7:14
@Jon: Nani’s problem has been frustration and bitterness. He feels betrayed by a manager who allowed him to play last year and where he had an outstanding first year in the Prem. Then suddenly he receives a red card for a highly idiotic move in the second to last game of the year and frankly, he’s not been heard from since. That red card pissed me off greatly and I remember coming on to this blog and flaying the lad for that mistake and asking for his head. A little time passed and I cooled off. The bottom line is the lad has a bundle of talent and his desire is connected to his perception of his role and his value to the squad. He doesn’t really feel apart of this team and he isn’t getting the playing time to build himself and his confidence up. Frankly Fergie has a love in with some players that I will never understand. Park for one is nothing more than a defensive terrier that is inserted into a game to take away distribution lanes that teams used to get the ball to their star winger or fullback. If he plays tomorrow, it’s because Ferguson is smart enough to know that Walcott could really hurt us with Evra playing so poorly. Therefore, you insert the human tick who will stick to Walcott and keep him from getting the ball in advantageous positions and also not allow him to distribute the ball in a dangerous fashion. Now I know Nani can’t do this, but while Park may prevent a goal being scored or created by Walcott, Nani could also score or create one or two goals by playing.
Fortunately for United Mr. Wayne Rooney might have solved the season long dilemma of who should start on the left side. His performance against Tottenham showed that he can cross, assist and score from that position and we all know he tracks back and marks well too. So I will be surprised if we see either Park or Nani tomorrow at home. I do think we will see Park start at the Emirates though. Time will tell. Fergie is so unpredictable with his lineups.
April 29th, 2009 at 7:15
@Jon: We’re all guilty of them, so you having one is nothing new to any of us mate.
I’ve had so many knee jerk reactions I have torn cartilage in both knees.
April 29th, 2009 at 8:02
@Grognard: I have a sneaky suspicion we might see Giggs on the wings instead of Park or Nani, with Fletcher and Carrick in CM. Of course I’d prefer a Giggs/Carrick partnership, or even leaving Giggs out completely (which would be impossible given the nostaliga surrounding his 800th game, overrated IMO with the prize at stake here). I’m actually extremely enticed by the prospect of overwhelming Arsenal with sheer attacking force, knowing their defence is not the best in the world. However, I can bet my testicles that Fergie will chicken out and play the cautious get-an-early-goal-and-park-the-bus game.
At times I wonder, for all the attacking prowess we possess in the squad, we only utilize them against lesser opponents, like Tottenham. When we are up against an equal or even slightly inferior side, we throw up the fences and play without any attacking intent. Ironic considering the world’s best should be able to beat the world’s best. We might as well buy 3 new defensive midfielders and play them all together in every European semifinal with a big team.
If United were really to put on an attacking show and go guns blazing, I salivate at the thought of beating the likes of Arsenal and Barcelona at their own game. I am confident that with the talent we have in our arsenal in going forward, we can overthrow any team’s attacking force, simply because they can’t get the ball, and they can’t leave their defenses unchecked for a second, hence stifling their players back into their own half. If United really want to be the REAL and TRUE champions of Europe, we need to beat not just every attacking force in Europe defensively, but also beat every defensive force in Europe offensively.
April 29th, 2009 at 10:50
@Jon: He will not play Giggs against Walcott and Sagna with an off form Evra it would be suicide.
April 29th, 2009 at 11:06
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CPFEqsP_sw&feature=related
5:52
Check out this video!
THIS GUY is going to fuck Arsenal Today!
April 29th, 2009 at 11:35
I reckon we are going to see a 4-5-1/4-3-3 with Ronaldo and Rooney on the wings and a midfield of Anderson, Carrick and Giggs with Berbatov up front.
April 29th, 2009 at 12:45
@Stephen: With all the respect in the world, sometimes Fergie is just feckin blind.
April 29th, 2009 at 13:13
Jose Mourinho wants to take Lil man Nani to Inter in the summer. He reckons he is a great crosser of the ball, and TOO good to sit on anyone’s bench for almost a whole season. Here’s your chance Lil Man, to get from under the bastard treatment you receive at OT
.
April 29th, 2009 at 13:17
@Redrich: Your position has always been anti Nani, so up yours mate
.
April 29th, 2009 at 13:21
@Redrich: Who gives a fuck whether your listening or not, or whether you IGNORE a post or not, don’t think anyone will have a nervous breakdown or feel any great loss, NANI IMHO has much class – that inciteful enough for you?
April 29th, 2009 at 13:23
This is going to be a bloody long six hours. I want kick off now!
April 29th, 2009 at 13:31
@Grognard: Errrr you predicted United wouldn’t make a comeback from 2-0 downers, but once again the team love to prove us all wrong don’t they Grog
.
I hope Lil Man Nani moves to Inter Grog, because I’m sick of United United fans baiting him, and scapegoating him. None of our fecking players have been at their best this season really, we may be top, but I have not been impressed with the shite plodding football we have played.
April 29th, 2009 at 13:31
@Craig Mc: Your right nani has been treated bad and the good thing is it still sounds like he wants to stay. That shows that hes got the hunger and realises hes at a great club. I would say knuckle down and your time will come but it seems hes not one of fergies favourites and unfortunately some players do get picked just cos of the managers fondeness towards them. I am like you tho, i just cannot for the life of me understand what the hell most united fans see in park, he works hard fine but what about his final product. Its not about working hard its what he contributes and parks stats show that goals wise he doesnt do much and i dont know about the rest of you but when i look at a winger i expect them to be a good crosser, have pace, can shoot and has some skills and park ticks none of those boxes. Were not bloody stoke, it doesnt matter about how hard you work, it matters about helping the team to score goals. Honestly we play the likes of park whos a squad player and people wonder why we aint scoring much this season. The sooner fergie picks nani or someone else over park the better.
April 29th, 2009 at 13:34
@Grognard:
, yeah Grog, and they haven’t seen our feckin “We’ll-do-you-ism” YET. But we’ll work up to that Bro 
.
April 29th, 2009 at 13:35
@Grognard: Atom Bombs more like it mate
.
April 29th, 2009 at 13:39
@Jon: Don’t agree but that’s your view and you are entiltled to it bro, but he certainly isn’t stupid.
April 29th, 2009 at 13:39
@Grognard: I was just answering peoples posts Grog, if they don’t like my answers, then they can always call on Guardian Angel RR to protect them
.
April 29th, 2009 at 13:40
@Craig Mc: Ha ha compared to the abuse you gave me, they have got off lightly bro!
April 29th, 2009 at 13:44
@Nino: Nino Bro, Chelsea being fired up if they do meet us in the CL could be their undoing, cos we will be cool calm RED ASSASSINS
.
April 29th, 2009 at 13:50
@Matt: Ah but Matt, Park sells shirts in Asia though
.
April 29th, 2009 at 13:51
@Stephen: Yeah Stephen, you really had to wear your crash helmet and tank gear
.
April 29th, 2009 at 13:55
@Traverse: Traverse aren’t you down the pub yet, working yourself up to a TIPSY kick off
. I am down in My Manc land again, slowly getting bladdered with the rugby crowd, before we hit OT. Hope I don’t bump into Dominic on the terraces tonight 
.
April 29th, 2009 at 13:57
Honestly it is beyond me how people who only know football from the TV and newspapers can still question Fergie to any great extent. The man has lived and breathed United for 22 years. I remember the dark days when we were the Liverpool of the 80s and never mounted a proper challenge for the league. Fergie took us out of all that to an unbelievable amount of success. It seems some people discovered United with Sky TV and are spoilt rotten. We are on course for another 3 titles in a row and have a good chance of 2nd European cup on the bounce…for christs sake.
April 29th, 2009 at 14:01
@Dominic: Errr how old are you Dominic, because you sound like you’ve been around watching the reds for YONKS. If this is the case, RESPECT. I might not agree with any of your thoughts on football, or players, but I was brought up to respect those who have been around longer than me
. I am all of 24 years of age!
April 29th, 2009 at 14:02
@Craig Mc: Yeah I will be keeping a close eye on anyone wearing a Nani shirt
April 29th, 2009 at 14:06
@Dominic:
, well I will be with some of the Salford Reds crowd, converted by me to Nani fans 
, so if he’s playing, you will hear the shouts. By the way, the Salford Reds are the BEST fucking United fans EVER, and yes I am biased. We have been weaned and raised on Man UNited since birth 
.
April 29th, 2009 at 14:09
@Dominic: Yeah I got a good few years on you! Been going to OT since a very young age, when the stewards let you take a kid in over the turnstiles and let you sit on your dads knee so you could sit there in B stand with all the old men moaning about Peter Davenport! Oh and I really do hope your boy Nani proves me wrong
April 29th, 2009 at 14:12
@Craig Mc: OK fair enough, I take it all back, not going to mess with you and the Salford boys!
April 29th, 2009 at 14:17
@Craig Mc: Unfortunately not in Manchester. Moving there with the girlfriend in a year and a half when she finishes her degree. Partly because it’s a nice place, has a good music scene and we know a few people. Mostly because I bloody love United.
April 29th, 2009 at 14:30
Regarding tonights team it seems everyone is pretty right about the lineup. Pretty sure O’Shea and Evra will be fullbacks, I doubt Tevez will start, Giggs is nailed on so it seems the only decision is Fletcher or Anderson. I think he will go for Fletcher. However you do never know with Fergie.
April 29th, 2009 at 14:43
@Craig Mc: Old fucker!!
April 29th, 2009 at 14:45
@Dominic: Peter Davenport was one of my favorites when I was kid along with Colin Gibson and Jesper Olsen!
April 29th, 2009 at 14:53
@Stephen: Stop it I am getting all misty eyed. I remember Terry Gibson was awful and had a really bad barnet but Colin Gibson was good as was little old Jesper. Not so sure about Davenport he was one those flops we got from Forest along with Neil Webb, both really nice footballers but could not handle United. Forest more than made up with it with Keano though! John Sivebaek I liked because he could run really fast….ah simpler times!
April 29th, 2009 at 15:02
@Dominic: Sivebaek, I remember being at OT as a kid and seeing him knocking a 30 yard cross field pass to Billy Garton or Russell Beardsmore er they were the days!!!
I think he is an agent now!!
Also from Forest we had Birtles and Ian Storey-Moore!! but both before my time.
April 29th, 2009 at 15:20
Why is everyone praising guus for his tactical brilliance against barca? Correct me if I’m wrong but didn’t he just use the blueprint SAF designed last semi-final? I remember last year we were slated for playing anti football in Barcelona, but when Chelsea do it, they get credit for playing a great game.
Also while I am whining, replace messi with ronaldo in yesterdays game and the pundits would say “he disapeared in another big game”.
April 29th, 2009 at 15:24
@Johnsom33: Spot on mate, also tactical genius or Cech having a great game??
April 29th, 2009 at 15:32
@Stephen: Birtles was another flop but yeah I was pretty young when he signed for United. But Beardsmore – Fergies original fledglings, the old man was really onto something when he came to United, what a legacy he will leave behind! Is it just me or were those 30 yard cross field balls a lot rarer in those days? Seems to happen all the time now though.
April 29th, 2009 at 15:32
Interesting details on tonight’s game.. Robin van Persie, Alexandre Song, Abou Diaby and Samir Nasri are on yellow cards, and will miss the 2n leg if they pick one up. On our side, it’s Rooney and Evra.
It’ll be Ronaldo’s 50th Champions League game for us, and obviously Giggs’ 800th in all comps. Only AC Milan and Barca have played in as many Champs League Semi finals as us (6). This is our third in a row.
However, Arsenal have never been knocked out of a European Semi in 6 appearances. This would be their 100th European win, and 50th Champions League win, although they haven’t won in their last 3 away matches in the competition.
We are unbeaten in 20 home Champions League games, and 23 consecutive matches home and away.
April 29th, 2009 at 15:32
@Johnsom33: Spot on!
April 29th, 2009 at 15:36
@Dominic: It is what we called “long ball football” In the good old days, now it is called “Direct” A la Liverpool and Chelsea.
April 29th, 2009 at 15:36
@Traverse: Van Persie is out mate.
April 29th, 2009 at 15:49
@Dominic: Bloody hell, kids over the turnstiles????, that goes back to the Boar war days doesn’t it?
. You do have a few years on me oldtimer, so I will give respect. Well til you come against mi man Nani again, and then it’s showtime again 
.
April 29th, 2009 at 15:52
@Stephen:
, quit with the calling me old, 24 yrs is still prime mi man, not that you would remember eh? 
.
April 29th, 2009 at 15:53
@Traverse:
– Good on you mate, and yes there are a lot WORSE places than Manc Land, scouseland for instance – total shite Bro.
April 29th, 2009 at 15:56
@Stephen
But I didnt mean hoof it up to the centre forward, more the sort of nice cross field balls pinged from one wing to another…anyway it doesn’t matter, its really not important and maybe I just have selective memory?!
April 29th, 2009 at 16:05
@Craig Mc: I have aged even more since my engagement bro, moral of the tale never go to Tiffany’s after two bottles of wine!
April 29th, 2009 at 16:16
@Stephen: Because wine is a girls drink
April 29th, 2009 at 16:19
@Traverse: Ha ha it’s an aquired taste, bit like me!
April 29th, 2009 at 16:22
I hope you will all be joining me for the Live Blog tonight guys!
April 29th, 2009 at 16:22
I hope Fergie goes with the four big boys, with Rooney wide left to give Evra cover with Walcott, Ronnie on the right tearing Gibbs a new arsehole and Berba and Carlos through the middle, get Andy or Fletch to do a job on Fabregas with Carrick or Giggsy being the puppet master in the centre, if we do I will be a happy boy!
April 29th, 2009 at 16:23
@Craig Mc:
Very funny! Its not even that long ago really, soon we will be reminiscing of the days when your season ticket wasn’t microchipped into your forehead 
April 29th, 2009 at 16:29
@Stephen:
, Oh Dear, is the engagement GREY hair beginning to show 
.
April 29th, 2009 at 16:31
@Dominic: I think the credit crunch will have done for us all way before then Bro
.
April 29th, 2009 at 16:32
@Craig Mc: It was on Saturday at halftime believe me, and especially after looking at out alleged “low key” wedding venues, has everyone on here got an invite because everyone else seems to have been
April 29th, 2009 at 16:38
@Stephen: Thanks mate. That’s what I like about this blog, we’re supporters of the same team but sometimes have completely different minds! We shall agree to disagree.
I don’t feel Fergie is stupid, I think he can be a tactical genius. However, I wouldn’t be surprised he actually does play Giggs on the wing. Here’s what I see going through his head: He obviously has stated his faith in Evra handling Walcott, so Evra isn’t a problem in his eyes. Secondly, with the form Carrick has been in playing the attacking midfielder, he might prefer him in that role rather than playing him behind Giggs. Giggs had been playing on the wings more regularly than one would expect this season, so Sir Alex obviously has faith in him there. We’ll see when kickoff begins, and I do hope I don’t see the scenario I mentioned happening!
And I would love to have the formation you mentioned in #136. That’s my suggested lineup as well, but probably not the actual one we’ll see later.
April 29th, 2009 at 16:40
@Stephen: Knowing Fergie, and his square pegs – round holes, here is what tonights team will most likely be
.
GK – J. O.Shea
Fletcher Gibson Vida Sausage Skinned
Rooney Ronnie Tev
Park RIO Berba
This is what we have come to know as Fergie’s BALANCED team
. Don’t ever play a player where you ought to play them, always play them out of position, because it gets the opposition totally confused. Errr come to think of it, it gets United players, FANS and the referee confused. Especially the ref, so he books the wrong players 
.
April 29th, 2009 at 16:42
@Jon: No worries mate, as long as we win a will be a happy man
April 29th, 2009 at 16:44
@Stephen: Hahahahaha – Oh Dear, Weddings equal STRESS, NERVOUS breakdowns, and ensueing BALDNESS – ask Grog
.
April 29th, 2009 at 16:45
@Craig Mc: I love the sausage skinned
He does like a bit of playing players out of position, Davis May right back, was one of his all time Champions league fuck ups against Gothenburg, being sausaged by Jesper Blomquist, after that he did another Fergieisam, sign him!
April 29th, 2009 at 16:47
@Craig Mc: I have everthing already bar the baldness
This bloody recession has given me that 
April 29th, 2009 at 16:50
I would love this line up:
——————–EVDS———————
Rafael—–Rio——Vida—–Evra/Fabio
————Carrick——Giggs————–
Ronaldo———Berbatov——-Rooney
——————–Tevez——————–
I think is Fabio is fit, he might be more adept to deal with the pace of Walcott and run him out. Evra offers more experience against a young Walcott, but I do fancy Fabio to offer more cover than Evra has been doing lately, he was totally off his game against Spurs.
Also, the attacking quartet would be my approach to the weakened Arsenal defense. I think we might actually bag a few goals if we actually tried. I wouldn’t mind winning 3-1 as opposed to 1-0, as I believe we are more than capable of getting at a draw at the very least at the Emirates. Let’s get at them while they are in a defensive lapse. We might be surprised we can really hit them for 3 or 4!
However, I feel this is the team Sir Alex will play:
——————–EVDS———————
O’Shea——–Rio——–Vida——-Evra
Ronaldo—-Carrick—-Giggs——Park
——–Berbatov——-Rooney————
It would be very typical of him to play this formation, or even perhaps, a 4-5-1 with Fletcher replacing Berbatov. If this does happen, I can not only see us ruing opportunities not taken, simply because we are not in an attacking gear and we have less chances, and because Arsenal are more than capable of getting one against us. It would be a disaster to get a 2-2 result, like against Porto, here. I say, offense is the best defense!
April 29th, 2009 at 16:51
@Stephen: Awwww – shame
, know what you mean though!
April 29th, 2009 at 16:53
@Stephen: what do you think of my formation analysis, mate? Attacking enough for your liking?
April 29th, 2009 at 16:54
@Jon: Not sure about Fabio giving cover, he is great going forward but not sure defensivly, I know left back Pat hasn’t been playing well but I would easily opt for him tonight. Also would be a massive gamble playing Fabio against Walcott with so little experience.
April 29th, 2009 at 16:55
@Jon: Love it mate!
April 29th, 2009 at 16:57
@Craig Mc: Grog is bald? How on earth do you know?
I would attribute his apparent loss of hair to his growing footballing mind. It’s not easy fitting the knowledge of the other seventy-five hundred German footballing legends in one skull.
I really need to be enlightened on my fellow ranters here. Anyone with a second penis I’m not aware of?
April 29th, 2009 at 17:00
@Stephen: Then again, what experience does Walcott have anyways?
April 29th, 2009 at 17:03
And somehow, I really wish both Gibbs and Silvestre were fully fit and selected to start, because we would rape them over and over with our attack. Silvestre is of no class to be playing in a CL semifinal, and it will tell.
April 29th, 2009 at 17:06
@Craig Mc: Hah! I see Berbatov is still up front! Implying something eh? And where’s your man Nani?!
April 29th, 2009 at 17:12
seriously, if fergie doesnt name the fab4 i will change my name to “im a stupid moron who is not good enough to wipe the crack of dean windass” for a day!
April 29th, 2009 at 17:21
@Jon: I like your team in 147 and the one stephen mentioned earlier, i can however see us going more for the team you mentioned below your personal preference. I like the idea of rooney on the left, we dont need park for marking walcott cos rooney can easily do that whilst still being an attacking threat and getting on the counter. Hope gibbs play tonight, no offence to the lad he looks pretty good but against ronaldo i hope ronnie tears him aprt. From there on we have tev and berba in the middle and they can change from playing behind to being front man consistently. With a strong 2 man midfield behind with say carrick and ando/fletcher or whoever the formation works fine. Only problem i see is fergie will never go for it in a million years. He keeps going on about conceeding an away goal but i just dont see the need to bother about that, if we unleashed the 4 against arsenals weakened defence we would get 2/3 maybe more goals so what if we conceed 1, its better to score a few and conceed say 1 than 1-0 in my opinion. Arsenal are there for the taking, they will come at us and will attack like they always do they will be very open and against their defence in my opinion if we really went for it the tie could be over today. Im sure fergie will go cautious though and go for it at the emirates, i dont know about you lot though but i just wouldnt fancy our chances there, i dont know why, but whenever we come to london we just dont show up.
Come on fergie be bold and go for the 4 up top and lets finish them off.
April 29th, 2009 at 17:34
The official website says there are giant crowd covering flags before todays game, and there will be 2 of those massive crowd mosaics. Lets hope that atmosphere is electric, or we’ll look like right chumps!
April 29th, 2009 at 17:47
@Dan: I look forward to quoting your new name tomorrow
April 29th, 2009 at 17:52
@Liam:
im getting worried!
C’Mon Fab 4
April 29th, 2009 at 17:53
I’m nervous about Rooney missing the 2nd leg or the final. I’m totally pissed off at that nothing yellow he got when he came on against Inter for winning the ball and because of that we could be without him
I’m scared, but here’s a question. Would you rather him get booked tonight and miss the 2nd leg or get booked in the 2nd leg and miss the final? I just hope he can discipline himself in both…
April 29th, 2009 at 17:55
@Dan: don’t worry I’ll hold you to it
Will you be changing it directly after the team announcement or waiting until tomorrow?
April 29th, 2009 at 17:56
I hope to god rooney gets booked tonight! hes one booking off from a one-match ban, better he get it now and miss the next leg, then next leg and he possibly misses the final!
April 29th, 2009 at 17:58
@Liam: You’re speaking like you KNOW he wont pick them
, ill be doing it as soon as i hear team news, im dreading the thought of changing my name.
April 29th, 2009 at 17:58
@Traverse: Yeah they got those massive “BELIEVE” mosaic signs up cos i saw it on SSN, dont know about anything else. Should be a good atmosphere today though, usually is the champions league games really.
April 29th, 2009 at 17:58
@Liam: I’d rather he was booked tonight in a glorious 6 – 1 demolition.
April 29th, 2009 at 18:05
@Traverse: He can take Evra with him too! I bet it’s his fault we would concede that 1 goal in the 6-1!
April 29th, 2009 at 18:11
The team i would pick:
Foster
—-rafael vida rio fabio
———Carrick
ronaldo anderson/giggs rooney
————– berba
————–tevez
But i think fergie will go with
Vds
o’shea
rio
vida
evra
ronaldo
fletcher
carrick
giggs
park
berbatov
April 29th, 2009 at 18:21
@Jon: I have a second penis!
April 29th, 2009 at 18:23
@Babyface: Double the fun!
April 29th, 2009 at 18:25
@Traverse:
yeah I suppose that would suffice
April 29th, 2009 at 18:26
@Craig Mc: I hear you mate but keep in mind that you are walking a fine line. RR will only take so much of the abuse you are dishing out. He can’t dole out justice to all of us and let you off the hook every time you tell someone to feck off because they put down Nani. Cool down a bit or you could be benched just like the Lil Man.
Remember, you are the starting CB and skipper of Team Red Rants also known as the Eleven form Heaven. 
April 29th, 2009 at 18:27
@Dan: Nope….. 1 is fun!
April 29th, 2009 at 18:28
@Grognard: Yup… And I am the rooney of this team! Always optimistic!
April 29th, 2009 at 18:35
@Grognard: Too ba Im the Evra of the team…
Id rather be the Anderson!!! 
April 29th, 2009 at 18:37
@RedDevilEddy: Craig would rather be a Nani!
April 29th, 2009 at 18:37
@RedDevilEddy: But you’d never score. Could cause problems with the girlfriend…….
April 29th, 2009 at 18:40
@RedDevilEddy: this team is nothing without its star player, Kaka/me!
Remember this andy/eddy, im, above you
April 29th, 2009 at 18:41
@Traverse:
April 29th, 2009 at 18:41
@Dan: Does this mean you’ve already resigned yourself to the name change?
April 29th, 2009 at 18:42
@Dominic: It’s very easy mate. We are fanatics and we are supporters who were blessed with a mind and a soul and who have figured out in their years of wisdom that everyone in life is not perfect and that we should be allowed to question things. Leave the blind faith for the religious fanatics.
Fergie is a legend and he is truly a great man but I do not believe that in 22 years he has gone undefeated. My point simply is he is not perfect. He gets it wrong sometimes and this year, despite our record, he has gotten wrong with lineups and especially with tactics and doling out discipline to those who need it. He is 68 going 70 and he is coming close to the end of his fine career. But I also see a 68 year old man who is slowing down and who doesn’t have the hunger or desire to get down and dirty anymore with the team. I miss the years when he would kick the boot in David Beckham’s face or when he would get out the hairdryer. He’s gone soft in his old age and this has started to affect the intensity as well as the determination and most importantly, the discipline of the team.
Today I see a man whose driving ambition ids to win a couple of more European Cups and at any cost. He has turned our fast free flowing attacking style into something resembling Italian football with it’s ball possession and slow pace. Oh it has worked. Look at Guus Hiddink yesterday. He took a page out of Fergie’s playbook from last year on how to get out of Barcelona with everything still intact. This is what Fergie has been reduced to. Anything to get the job done. Even if we fans have to suffer for it. His excuse is that we don’t deserve or require entertainment value, we are faithful idiots that will follow blindly and never question so far as we win. Well I’m sorry mate but count me as one individual who is not concerned with only winning.
I chose United to support more than 22 years ago because of what they represented in terms of class, style and substance. Their mantra was playing attacking entertaining football and that was the kind of football I wanted to see, not the boring but highly successful crap being played at Liverpool at the time despite their success. Well eventually under Fergie my faith in United and my faith in their style of play was rewarded. We played fast attacking football and we entertained the socks of the millions of loyal supporters world wide. And look at us now. Barring our mid season win vs Chelsea and the second half against Spurs over this past weekend, we have had nothing to be happy about when it comes to watching the kind of football we are used to and have been spoilt rotten with for over two decades. And it’s all due to a manager who has sold his soul to some Italian devil in order to be guaranteed a crack at another European crown or two. Well I have news for you Fergie. Don’t trust the Devil because he can stab you in the back just when you think you’ve won it.
April 29th, 2009 at 18:43
BELIEVE!!! That is what Im gonna do tonight, that is what the fans are gonna do tonight, and that is what the players are gonna have to do tonight! Fucking believe that we can do this, that we can progress to the final for the second year in a row. Fucking believe that we are the best team in the world! Fucking believe we can score every time we attack! And fucking believe that we will win this thing!!!
Fuck Arsenal, you guys at this blog that know me know about my relationship with Arsenal fans.
Fucking scumbags the whole bunch of them! Ive done my best to avoid a fight, but I will admit things got a little nasty at training and school. 
Lets beat these fuckers, it will make my fucking day! Im suffering from allergy like never before, nearly cant see with my right eye. Last time I felt like this was against Wigan in May 2008. Lets hope for a similar outcome! 
Because of some peoples problem with my “jinx”(
), I will not predict a reslut. Im only gonna say that I have no trust in Arsenals current defense( Sagna, Silvestre, Toure, Gibbs, Almunia), and our attack really has been astonashing the last couple of games. I BELIEVE we can win this thing, and I believe thta if we take our chances we can finish the tie at our ground! COME ON UNITED!!! 
April 29th, 2009 at 18:47
@Traverse: I read that van Persie won’t play. That would be interesting if he did show up in the starting eleven.
April 29th, 2009 at 18:47
@Dan: You are the proven star, the heartbeat of this team! But I am the young prospect, the future captain, the hero and the best player considering age! You are the best right now, but in a short time I will be above you, Craig and Grognard! RedRanter knows Im the best!
April 29th, 2009 at 18:48
@Traverse:
I bet if Andy had a girlfriend, he would score loads more!!!
April 29th, 2009 at 18:50
TEAM NEWS
VDS
oShea Rio Vidic Evra
Fletch Carrick Anderson
Ronaldo Rooney Tevez
April 29th, 2009 at 18:50
Did you guys hear that Carlos Vela of Arsenal was checked for Swineflu before the game?!
I guess its a trick Arsene is using for our players to stay away from him! 
April 29th, 2009 at 18:51
@Craig Mc: Sausage Skinned! That’s quality mate. I loved that.
April 29th, 2009 at 18:52
Team news:
GK: Van der Sar
RB: Oshea
CB: Ferdinand
CB: Vidic
LB: Evra
CM: Fletcher
CM: Carrick
RW: Ronaldo
CAM: Anderson
LW: Rooney
ST: Tevez
April 29th, 2009 at 18:53
Arsenal team news :
Almunia
Sagna Toure Silvestre Gibbs
Nasri Diaby Fabregas Song Walcott
Adebayour
April 29th, 2009 at 18:54
@RedDevilEddy: If that’s true. Now everyone chant after me: Dan is a stupid moron who is not good enough to wipe the crack of dean windass.
Let’s abbreviate it to Stupid Moron, because the rest is far too long to type. For the next 24 hours we are free to call Dan a stupid moron.
He asked for it anyway 
April 29th, 2009 at 18:56
@Jon: I’m hoping that Wes Brown gets the start tonight. We need a solid defender out there to help cover the leaks that are exposed because of the Skinned Sausage on the other side. I also feel it is important to risk playing without Park so that we can maximize our offensive output because Arsenal’s Achilles heel is their defense and their useless set of keepers. To want to win this game 1-0 and then go to the Emirates is asking for trouble. United need to go out and try to win 3-1 or 4-1 with an offensive barrage. No room for Park in that kind of thinking. But mark my words, he will start Park and will play for a 1-0 win.
April 29th, 2009 at 18:56
@Traverse: No Berba? Ooh MAN!
April 29th, 2009 at 18:57
Despite my spelling… Looking at that defence, we must score! Toure, Silvestre and Gibbs?! Against Rooney, Ronaldo, Tevez?!
Anderson’ll be doing a job on Fabregas. The wings worry me. Walcott on Evra…. Nasri vs oShea. Vidic will have to dominate Adebayor.
United 6 – 1 Arsenal
BELIEVE
April 29th, 2009 at 18:58
@Craig Mc: I am not bald you nitwit. I have a full head of hair thanks. My dad was bald and I thank the good lord I got the hair gene from my mother’s side.
April 29th, 2009 at 19:00
@Jon: The experience to skin Evra alive without even breaking a sweat. He’s twice the player Aaron Lennon is and look at what Lennon did to Evra.
April 29th, 2009 at 19:02
@Red Ranter: Dan the moron!!!
April 29th, 2009 at 19:03
April 29th, 2009 at 19:03
@Grognard: Grog WTF
, I was telling Stephen to ask you about Married life, and wether it gives you permanent stress, and ends in Baldness 
– not saying you are bald. Wise up Turkey 
.
April 29th, 2009 at 19:04
I have changed my name but it says comment awaiting moderation.
April 29th, 2009 at 19:05
@Traverse: About anderson, you say you reckon ando will be used to mark fabregas and thats what i thought at first, but RedDevilEddy posted the team he went with the 4-2-3-1 formation with ando playing behind tevez with rooney and ronaldo on the wings. I know hes not much of a goal scorer but maybe we play ando there and use carrick and fletcher to mark fabregas. On the other hand ando was excellent marking fabregas last season so maybe your right and he will play there, i dont know. What do you all reckon.
April 29th, 2009 at 19:07
The team is – VDS, O’Shea, Rio, Vida, Skinned Sausage, Fletch, Anderson, Carrick, Rooney, Ronnie and Tev.
April 29th, 2009 at 19:07
@Dan is a stupid moron who is not good enough to wipe the crack of dean windass:
April 29th, 2009 at 19:08
@Liam: I’d rather they changed the rules about these bloody yellow cards and rescinded all past cards when you finally make it to a semi-final. Football is a spectacle and the the final is a spectacle that deserves the best players on the pitch, not in the seats due to some fucking crap that happened games ago. It’s archaic fucking rules like yellow and red cards that makes the game a sport for girly men. The game continually shoots itself in the foot because great players miss finals because of accumulation of stupid yellow cards. Just comedic and totally pussy rules that have turned the game into a pussy fest. I ask you all to go back and watch games form the 70’s and 80’s and watch how entertaining the games were and how often a a referee would book players. Probably about 75% less than today. And the game is still far dirtier today than back then. I still am bitter about Scholes missing the 99 final and especially bitter about Ballack missing the 2002 World Cup final after his goal got them into the game. That’s just wrong and the game needs to address this. There is no way Rooney makes it through then next few games without a yellow. Not with his intensity. And we will be royally bollocked for it.
April 29th, 2009 at 19:08
@Dan is a stupid moron who is not good enough to wipe the crack of dean windass: I’m going to keep quoting this all night
April 29th, 2009 at 19:08
DAMN FERGIE!!!!!!
He doesnt have the balls to attack!!! they probably dropped so hard they fell off!!!
Fuck fergie!!!!!!
April 29th, 2009 at 19:08
That is the actual team just announced on MUTV
. Right we are off to the match – bye 
.
April 29th, 2009 at 19:09
this is painfull….
April 29th, 2009 at 19:10
@Dan: OK, now you have me really concerned.
April 29th, 2009 at 19:10
laugh while it last, but 7pm tomorrow, this name will be changed lol
April 29th, 2009 at 19:10
@Dan: Very attacking team. Arguably our best 11
April 29th, 2009 at 19:11
@Grognard:
April 29th, 2009 at 19:11
@Dan is a stupid moron who is not good enough to wipe the crack of dean windass: This is soooooooooooo awsome!!!
April 29th, 2009 at 19:12
@Liam: you know to hell that berba, tevez, ronaldo and rooney all playing is our best team, you just dont like berbatov!
April 29th, 2009 at 19:12
@Dan is a stupid moron who is not good enough to wipe the crack of dean windass: Thanks for doing this!!!
April 29th, 2009 at 19:12
@RedDevilEddy: If you are the Anderson of the team, enjoy the game from the box seats and also get ready because I’ve sold you to Valencia for a crate of oranges and a cheap whore named Yasmin.
April 29th, 2009 at 19:14
@Matt: We played that formation against Arsenal last season, in the FAC. The game we won 4-0? Carrick and Fletcher behind Anderson, Rooney, Nani and Park. This is a better attacking team, to be honest.
COME ON YOU REDS!!!
April 29th, 2009 at 19:14
@Darth Red Diablo: With that temper and his undying love and loyalty he is our John Terry. To know him is to love him but if you don’t know him and he doesn’t love you, he’s miserable old c%#&@!
April 29th, 2009 at 19:14
@Grognard:
But I score goals… 
April 29th, 2009 at 19:15
@Grognard: quite keeper, you’re easy to replace, foster will start in your place next match.
and anderson will shit on you, that i all
April 29th, 2009 at 19:15
@Dan: Yes and just remember Mr. Danny Kaka, the word Kaka in many languages means shit.
April 29th, 2009 at 19:16
@Dan is a stupid moron who is not good enough to wipe the crack of dean windass: HOORAY FOR DAN!!!
April 29th, 2009 at 19:16
@Grognard: Anderson of personality, Alan Smith of will, Ronaldo of skillz, Rooney of heart, Young of creativity and Klaas of classy goals. Know what Im sayin?
April 29th, 2009 at 19:16
@Grognard:Hah, I forgot Brown was alive!
April 29th, 2009 at 19:17
April 29th, 2009 at 19:17
@Grognard: In Albainan, Kaka means poo!!!
April 29th, 2009 at 19:18
@Dan is a stupid moron who is not good enough to wipe the crack of dean windass: Me Anderson, or Abreu Anderson?
April 29th, 2009 at 19:18
@RedDevilEddy: Anderson couldn’t score with a cheap Brazilian whore who charged 2p.
April 29th, 2009 at 19:18
@Dan is a stupid moron who is not good enough to wipe the crack of dean windass: Who cares, this is awsome!!!
April 29th, 2009 at 19:18
@Grognard: Errrrrrr go back thru my posts, I may use the word fuck, but I NEVER told anyone to fuck off, except to refer in 2nd person, i.e. Nani to tell Fergie to fuck off. Really Grog
. Besides which, I think Mr Angel RR knows I sort my own battles, and finish them in the right way, sooooooooooooooooooooo take a soothing bath Grog, preferably with a busty brunette, and come back soothed 
.
April 29th, 2009 at 19:19
Arsenal’s midfield looks pretty solid to me…I suppose that’s why Fergie chose to use a heavyweight (with Anderson, literally
) midfield.
I think we might have a scrappy game…but I’m awful at predictions.
April 29th, 2009 at 19:19
@Traverse: That lineup absolutely sucks shite. My prediction, Arsenal to shock us at home with a 1-1 draw.
April 29th, 2009 at 19:19
@Grognard: Maybe he cant, but I can score with the classiest of ladies anytime, anyday.
April 29th, 2009 at 19:19
@RedDevilEddy: Well then hopefully its like you said and ando plays behind tevez, would be great for him to score tonight and i think playing in that position may help him as we have fletcher and carrick behind so he can stay further forward.
April 29th, 2009 at 19:20
Bloody hell, 20 minutes to get to the game, we are pushing it tonight, but our driver just arrived, so we are hoofing it, bye again
.
April 29th, 2009 at 19:23
I cannot believe Berbatov and Giggs are not starting this game. Diabolical. The player of the year sits out a semi final
Oh and cheers to DAN THE MORON!
April 29th, 2009 at 19:23
If Walcott switches to the left wing, I think he may cause O’Shea a worst time than Evra. However, let’s hope Ronaldo/Rooney torments Gibbs and forces the Arse wingers to drop deeper…
April 29th, 2009 at 19:24
Ok. I’ve enabled comments on the Live Blog post. You can start off posting comments there, or whenever the live blog starts, you can also comment on the main live blog window. But do not, only select comments will be posted because it is a lot of work to live blog as well as approve comments. It also interrupts the flow of the live blog. So be nice to Stephen Darwin.
April 29th, 2009 at 19:25
@Matt: I think it might Carrick thats the AMF and Anderson the holding DMF with Fletch. It worked the last time when Anderson was pissing over Fabregas…it might work again today…
April 29th, 2009 at 19:25
@RedDevilEddy: It means poo in Greek too. And apparently now we find out it also means FUCKING MORON, Right Dan?
April 29th, 2009 at 19:26
@Craig Mc: Busty brunettes mate. Plural. Grog has a large bathtub.
April 29th, 2009 at 19:27
@RedDevilEddy: So can a pimp.
April 29th, 2009 at 19:28
@Jon: yeah thats another possibility, dunno how theyre gonna go though, guess were gonna have to wait and see.
By the way does anyone have any decent links to the game, would be much appreciated.
April 29th, 2009 at 19:29
@Matt: where u from mate? The States?
April 29th, 2009 at 19:35
Move on to the next thread. This is bound to get slow soon.
April 29th, 2009 at 19:38
@Grognard:
April 29th, 2009 at 19:39
@Matt: Try this fella.
http://www.iraqgoals.net/ch1.html
April 29th, 2009 at 19:39
@Red Ranter: we cant post on that thread bcause of the live blog…
April 29th, 2009 at 19:39
Tevez will do it tonight for us lads,im sur of it
surely we’l score couple goals past this defence tonight?!!
nervous as hell, hate these wee pricks…
April 29th, 2009 at 19:40
@Dan is a stupid moron who is not good enough to wipe the crack of dean windass: of course you can. there are already 3 comments there.
April 29th, 2009 at 19:46
@Red Ranter: but then the blog restarts and im to lazy to type this particular username in all the time!
April 29th, 2009 at 20:02
GET IN!
April 29th, 2009 at 20:27
@m34ch: Cheers mate
@Jon: No im not from the states mate, from london.
April 29th, 2009 at 20:39
WOW! What a half a football. Without wishing to risk that oh so faint accusation of hyperbole, we were a list of football cliches: hungry, pacy, energetic, incisive, controlled, skillfull, dynamic, calm, inventive, disciplined, the list goes on. When have had a first half of footballl as good as that? (I missed the 5 we put past Spurs but were we as good as that?) Downisedes, well Tevez’s touch let him down once and someone let Fabregas ger a shot it but really were sensational. The sad this is that kind of performance worries me, I’m so fivkle. Can we keep it up, Of course not, how can? We only scored one and be it will be closer in the second half, the only thing I felt we lacked was a bit of luck. Arsenal were not even poor, they just never had a chance.
April 29th, 2009 at 23:19
[...] Knighthood in the Cards for Ryan Giggs? [...]
April 30th, 2009 at 0:02
@RedDevilEddy: NO.
Oh yes wait a minute…..yes I do. You mean you are dreaming.
April 30th, 2009 at 0:04
@RedDevilEddy: Are these classy ladies of the night?
April 30th, 2009 at 17:51
Do sign up to the Sir Ryan Giggs petition…
http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/ryan-giggs-should-be-awarded-a-knighthood.html