Aug 06
Shallow Squad or an Injury Crisis?
The team we pick to start the first “competitive” game of the season (if you can call the Charity Shield competitive) is going to be pretty threadbare. Prospects aren’t so hot for the Newcastle game either. This has caused a lot of debate here recently about whether our squad leaves us too vulnerable to injury or whether it is an unfortunate run of injuries which we could not have foreseen or provided against.
By the way, I’m going to try out numbering and lettering my paragraphs to make commenting and debating easier. I’m going to touch on a lot of themes here, and so it may help facilitate debate if you can refer simply to paragraph 3a. It may not work, but hey.
1. The squad
First of all, I’m going to set out all the options we have in each position, so that we start this debate by looking objectively at the resources at our disposal.
GK: EVDS, Kuszczak, Foster
RB: Brown, G Neville, O’Shea, Hargreaves, R da Silva, Evans [Simpson is now out on loan, in case you missed that]
CB: Rio, Vidic, Brown, O’Shea, Evans, Silvestre
LB: Evra, Silvestre, O’Shea, Evans, F da Silva
RM / RW: Ronaldo, Nani, Park, Giggs, Hargreaves, Fletcher, Rooney
CM: Scholes, Carrick, Hargreaves, Anderson, Fletcher, Possebon, O’Shea, Giggs
LM / LW: Ronaldo, Nani, Giggs, Park, Evra, Rooney
CF: Rooney, Ronaldo, Tevez, Campbell, Giggs [Manucho is still awaiting a work permit; Welbeck has been mysteriously absent from pre-season games - anyone with info why please post it below]
In short, we have at least 5 genuine options in each position. Yes, you read it right - five. Not two, as Mourinho once advocated, five. Some better than others, but none would disgrace the shirt. Some overlapping, too, but there are thirty distinct players there, not counting Manucho, Welbeck or any other youngsters like Gibson.
2. The striker
a) Let’s also get the striker issue out of the way right here. Yes, we need another one - it is the only area where we have inadequate cover. Yes, it would have been nice to have wrapped up Berbatov already. But should we have gone out and splurged on a striker, any striker, just so we have someone for the start of the season? Definitely not. And yes, a fast start is desirable and a huge advantage, but we hardly got one last year and we coped.
b) It takes a rare combination of skill, temperament and potential to become a United signing. Being good isn’t good enough - you have to be good in the right ways for the team, just ask Seba Veron. Should we have signed Robbie Keane for £20m, just because we could probably have sewn it up by now? Dean Ashton for £17m? Peter Crouch for £12m? Or should we wait for the right guy at the right price?
c) My answers to those questions are please no, good god no, not for that price and yes, in that order. Also, just because we’re not reading stories in the press doesn’t mean that progress isn’t being made. If you’d just been reported for comments made in the media about Berbatov, you’d be pretty stupid to antagonise the selling club by continuing to make comments in the media about Berbatov. This is how we do business these days - quietly, behind the scenes, and not like Real Madrid.
d) I will admit, though, that our lack of interest in Huntelaar is surprising. But then there are a lot of top clubs on the hunt (sorry) for strikers, and none of them have put a concrete offer in for him - so what do they know that we don’t?
3. The injury list
a) Here’s the list, first up:
Ronaldo (ankle, 2 months)
Rooney (virus, first two games)
Nani (suspension, first two PL games)
Anderson (Olympics, August)
Carrick (virus, probably CS only)
Hargreaves (tendinitis, possibly fit from start)
Park (knee, possibly fit from start)
Saha (sniffly nose, the rest of his life)
That’s a pretty brutal spate of injuries - particularly so because it has focused entirely on our midfield and attack. We would happily trade, for example, Evra for Rooney and Brown for Nani, since we could easily absorb those injuries in the defence but would keep some of our attacking potency.
b) To illustrate further, this is what a comparable injury list would be for our rivals:
Chelsea: Drogba, Anelka, Joe Cole, Mikel, Deco, Essien, Malouda, Shevchenko
Liverpool: Torres, Keane, Babel, Mascherano, Alonso, Benayoun, Kuyt, Voronin
Arsenal: van Persie, Adebayor, Nasri, Rosicky, Fabregas, Diaby, Walcott, Bendtner
c) So to criticise United for not being able to absorb the injuries we have suffered without a drop in performance is to criticise the whole league, and probably every other top club in Europe (I don’t know the Barca, Real, AC Milan or Bayern squads quite well enough to do a similar comparison with them - if you do, please do so in the comments). Those teams would be lucky to put eleven players on the field who could beat Hull, let alone who have every chance of keeping us afloat for a few weeks if needed. We should instead be saying how lucky we are to have a few golden oldies and Tevez to reliably fill the void.
4. Should we have more cover?
However, to take our own squad in isolation and knowing Ronaldo was out for the first two months, would it be optimal for us to have signed more players? The answer to this remains no. There is a roadblock practical reason for this, and an objection in principle.
a) The problem is that you are trying to attract players when they know full well they have no chance of playing if the squad is anywhere near fully fit. This immediately rules out players who are really good right now or likely to become really good in the next year, leaving us with two types of player: youngsters for the future and oldies who might have an Indian summer. We already have the oldies, thanks, barring a miracle loan signing akin to Larsson. Equally, youngsters who are over a season away from being good are probably no better than what we can cobble together internally.
Therefore, the pool of players who will sign for us knowing that they will only get regular first team football if we have an horrific injury crisis and who are good enough to play for us even on a part-time basis is pretty small. The only name I came up with was Eidur Gudjohnsen, but there we go.
There is a third category of players, those who are in it for the money and a quiet life. Step forward, Carlo Cudicini (the best keeper in the Premiership when Cech was bought) and Wayne Bridge (only Evra and Clichy are better). But then is greed and lack of ambition a combination of qualities you want in a United player, even if we could afford them?
b) Whilst I’m here, I want to touch on Aaron Ramsey, who has attracted a lot of inches on this blog. A commonly-held belief is that the reason he went to Arsenal is because Fergie couldn’t be bothered to go and meet him. Whilst this doesn’t look very good (particularly set against fireside games of snooker with a young David Beckham, etc), it is wrong to say that this cost us Ramsey’s signature.
What cost us Ramsey’s signature was that we wanted to buy him and loan him back to Cardiff for a season. Arsenal, on the other hand, wanted to take him straight into the first team squad and offered him a shot at Premier League football. He (understandably, in my view), preferred the latter option. This isn’t speculation or my interpretation of things - this is what Cardiff chairman Peter Ridsdale said in an interview with the BBC.
So to use this as a stick to beat United and Fergie over the head with seems a bit silly. We didn’t need him for this season, but tried to secure him in the long term - he’s not so wonderfully amazing that he had to be signed immediately like we did with Nani and Anderson. Ramsey was thinking short term - end of.
c) The objection on principle is that I don’t want to return to the era of utility players. You all remember it - Djemba-Djemba, Kleberson, Phil Neville, Quinton Fortune, Diego Forlan all as integral members of the first team squad. Good enough to be in the squad, but not good enough for the first team. Fergie splintered our transfer budget, signing lots of bit part players rather than one big name. Would you have him spend £10-15m of our summer transfer budget on a fourth reserve player, or save it and secure the player we have identified as The One? I’ll leave that one as rhetorical.
5. I’d like to say one more thing before I throw this open for what I imagine and hope will be a fairly heated debate. I’m not a “loyalist”, I’m not supporting United for the sake of it, and I don’t believe the sun shines out of Fergie’s arse. Everything I’ve offered above is, in my opinion, closely reasoned and supported by facts. So if and when you disagree with me in the comments, please try to make your responses the same.
In summary - our team is going to be badly under strength for the first two games of the season. That does not make our squad defective and does not mean we should spend millions of pounds willy nilly on squad players to compensate.
Related items from Red Rants:- The Effects of the Injury Crisis
- Can Chris Eagles be everything Kieran Richardson is not?
- Preview: Reds vs Spurs
- Why We Love John O’Shea
- On Manchester United’s ‘Greatest Ever’ Squad
Tags: Opinions/Columns
August 6th, 2008 at 17:41
I agree with that. Be patient peoples. But I do hope they are trying to get the Bulgarian because that would just be waaaay too much for people to handle.
August 6th, 2008 at 18:18
Manucho currently has a broken metatarsal. Hence he has not featured on preseason
August 6th, 2008 at 18:31
brilliantly said mate. hope we get a brill strika though. we need a striker for the long term.
clever hey.
about the bulgarian, tottenham are apparently going to sell him to us to fund the signing of Villa. i say we f*ck berba and Villa straight off.
August 6th, 2008 at 18:34
A very well thought out and well written piece — I knew there’d be one, one day
Let’s weather the injuries and hold out for Berbatov.
August 6th, 2008 at 18:43
While i agree with the thrust of your argument i am still a little frustrated that we have not strengthened our squad a bit. We all knew who we wanted in and who we wanted out. A few of the names you mentioned are akin to the Klebersons and fortunes of yesteryear - silvetre, Fletcher Oshea. We also have absolutely no idea how good manucho may be and others like Possebon, Evans, The da silvas and Campbell are players who should be able to benefit from the seven subs and be able to gain experience - not those we need to rely on as cover . We need another striker and at this stage i think we should have one. Berbatov fits the bill as a player - as does Huntelaar. We also needed to sign a quality RB to challenge for (take) Wes’s position.
I see exactly what you mean about the difficulty of attracting squad players - but we should not have to do this. Our homegrown (or imported at a young age) players should be able to provide this squad cover just as Fletcher and co do now - if they are not good enough to get a regular first team place then we can sell them at 23/24 for good money as they will still have excellent careers elsewhere.
I do agree however that the injury list is both unusual and could not be legislated for. What i am saying however is that our first team squad has not improved since last season (i am taking possebon etc into account as youngsters who need another year)
At the end of last season we all said get rid of saha and silvestre and buy a quality striker and a RB (preferably one who could also play LB if needed). THIS HAS NOT HAPPENED and is the cause of my annoyance. Mind you i think we will still have too much for the rest. Fergie could also do with getting a quality assistant sharpish but that is for another day.
August 6th, 2008 at 18:50
Injury crisis.
August 6th, 2008 at 18:56
In response to something Grognard said in the previous post….No worries dude. I’m not gonna get upset over something somebody wrote on a blog. Good conversation is all i’m looking for. You called it, gotta give credit where credit is due.
August 6th, 2008 at 19:06
Tonight looks like twins, possebon, martin and gibson all going to play at some point…so not quite a first team run out I don’t think.
August 6th, 2008 at 19:10
Trophy Presentation now
Do you guys know any where we can watch the 2nd half since it doesn’t shows on justin.tv/mstv3.
Thanks
August 6th, 2008 at 19:11
I agree that the transfer plans should not be changed given this unusual injury crisis (and assuming of course the the tired Ronaldo saga still coming out of Spain has no legs).
Assuming that all the players on your injury list are out for the CS, I prefer the following lineup.
Campbell Tevez
Evra Scholes Fletcher Giggs
Silvestre Vidic Rio Brown
EVDS
You could make an argument for going 4-5-1 with O’Shea in the center in place of Campbell; but after Giggs, the second wide player (Evra in my line-up — Fletcher the likely other choice) is never going to be super-offensive, and probably not properly able to support a single striker.
August 6th, 2008 at 19:34
HEY people! It’s a long time since I was here for the last time. Well,this summer is so un-cool for us , the MU fans. Anyway,Berbatov is not a MU player (I didn’t want him anyway , but better buy him than nine) , Roma is buying Huntelaar http://www.transfermarketweb.com/?action=read&idsel=22271 and we stand like asholes watching these rediculous friendly games against stupid teams… + the squad looks so injured to me !
August 6th, 2008 at 19:43
links to the match pls…
August 6th, 2008 at 19:47
http://www.justin.tv/widgets/jtv_live.r8448.swf?channel=mstv_2
GOALTUBE.ORG
August 6th, 2008 at 19:48
Welbeck was supposed to play for England in the U-19 championship but got injured and dropped out of the squad. Consequently he could not train with United let alone play in pre-season matches due to his injury.
August 6th, 2008 at 19:52
Shallow Squad or an Injury Crisis?
Tonights line-up perhaps answers this debate>> CRISIS..
VDS
Brown
Rio
Vida
Evra
Fletcher
O’shea
Scholes
Martin
Tevez
Giggs
Subs
PIG
Campbell
Silvestre
Possebon
Da Silva Twins
Evans
It’s a crisis but the charity shield is no concern, lets hope to see Carrick and Hargo back for the Newcastle game. I can’t for the life of me see Rooney miss the WHOLE of August that would be a massive concern.
Also much to the dismay of fellow ‘ranters’ Saha is almost certain to stay now, I hope he and Park can get match fit and actually contribute to a whole season we all know there qualities.
August 6th, 2008 at 20:00
MU cannot afford to depend on the oldies Giggs, Scholes and Gary because they all lack of pace and cannot compete with they youngsters.Selling off Eagles was a bad decision when it should be John Oshea who never show improvement season after season.You dont expect miricle to happen again this season when all other clubs has already strengthen their squad. Wake up Sir Alex and beefup the team with a striker and a right back world class.Its time for Ferdinand to be the captain and Rooney deputy.Gary N should retire or play in the reserved team.
August 6th, 2008 at 20:00
face the facts ronaldo will go maybe next and i am suprised in SAF his reaction was out of the blue (if he goes i go) so we should not get anyone this year except sign tevez and just plan for a massive spending spree for next year with the money from ronaldo,trophies,tv and glazers we should get a top class young side all ready for the future of man utd these our some players i think we should look at buying next year: messi,richards,huntelaar,sanchez and garay and sell oshea,saha,ronaldo next year (subs) :foster(kuszaczk),rafael(brown),ferdinand(richards),vidic(garay),evra(fabio),messi(sanchez),carrick(hargo),ando(possebon),nani(giggs),rooney(campbell),tevez(hunt)
August 6th, 2008 at 20:08
http://www.goalcentre.com/manchester-united-vs-juventus-live-stream-and-highlights/
August 6th, 2008 at 20:13
i cannot agree with comments made about Fletcher, oshea maybe, but what he lacks in skill and quality, he makes up in plain lucky winning strikes
Fletch on the other hand IS united material, seriously one of the more under-rated players in man utd. he never lets us down. shores up defence, helps in build up a bit, i think he is needed in the team.
the times he has touched the ball, he delivered what was asked of him. so did park, and oshea. i dont think we should sell them.
silvest and saha, yes, but even silvest is showing some promise and hope now… not as silly as before…
only saha is unforgivable…
August 6th, 2008 at 20:20
@mufc fan:
Sorry mate Garay has joined Real Madrid, he is a great talent but he has moved on. Messi is at Barca your have to keep dreaming he won’t leave there for a long time.
I do believe we should make one signing Sanchez is possibility but I don’t believe he is ready yet, I’d be surprised if he starts for Udinese next year let alone break into are starting XI. Berba is the obvious but lets see I trust Fergie so if he keeps it the same I for one won’t worry all that much this is a mini-CRISIS.
August 6th, 2008 at 20:21
AT LAST! NO BARCA NO ARSE!!!! http://www.justin.tv/widgets/jtv_live.r8448.swf?channel=mstv3
August 6th, 2008 at 20:22
The injury crisis is crazy i thought preseason was to get players fit. But we can still field a team that could beat anyone outside the top 4.
e.g. Assuming all the guys Penguin mentioned are out
EVDS
Brown Vidic Ferdinand Evra
Fletcher O’Shea Scholes Giggs
Tevez Campbell
Subs: Kuz, Evans, Possebon, Gibson, Neville
Our defence is almost unchanged and won’t concede
Giggs and Scholes will provide service to Campbell and Tevez and O’Shea and Fletcher will battle in midfield and do the running that Giggs and Scholes are too old to do. Tevez is world class and while I have my doubts about Campbell this team would create enough chances for him to grab a goal or two.
August 6th, 2008 at 20:31
We have no width at all.
August 6th, 2008 at 20:35
Wellbeck is injured.
August 6th, 2008 at 20:47
We didn’t create even a half chance. We have no width and no penetration
August 6th, 2008 at 20:51
I have said this time and again. If we are to get a world class centre forward then the opportunity cost is the offloading of Rooney.
August 6th, 2008 at 20:51
Wow, Juve are pretty awesome. Their defence is simply stifling, and they’ve created the two best chances of the match. Martin is trying, but somehow even when he’s out wide he’s double teamed. We’re being outclassed at the mo.
Oh and we have Giggs circa last season back. Everything he touches falls flat. Please put him back where he belongs, on the wings, not in the middle. And bring on a damn striker, the reason Juve are so comfortable is because not a single United player is getting near the box!
August 6th, 2008 at 20:58
Hello Red Ranter mate, a flying visit. United vs Juventus - feckin abysmal so far. Giggs did not make ONE pass that got to the person he passed too. Where the feck is Nani?.
August 6th, 2008 at 20:58
Yeah no width I don’t wanna start aggro but Martin just isn’t Utd material good luck to lad in his career but he has never stood out in any reserve outing and whilst on loan he was injured. He shouldn’t have started are last warm-up game swap him with Campball and get Giggs on the left(Giggs is no forward). O’Shea in the middle is a weird one as well it must be cause he needs minutes but I’m sure he played against the posh and Espanyol. GET THESE BRAZILIANS ON!- its worth a runout, this is dull Del Piero still has it though. What a player.
My broadcast is down?! shit
August 6th, 2008 at 21:15
Rafael is absolutely siick!!!!! Forget all hu say hold on… he is only young… blah blah blah…. absoulutely sick!!!!
August 6th, 2008 at 21:17
We have a real gem here
August 6th, 2008 at 21:17
crisis? what crisis?
August 6th, 2008 at 21:20
@Jay wire: And why pray tell would Utd need to offload Rooney? If we played a 4-2-3-1 with the new striker up top, then playing Rooney in the middle of the attacking 3 would see him in his best position, no?
August 6th, 2008 at 21:21
Rafael has some skill, but seriously needs reigning in, it’s hilarious watching him get ahead of our strikers..
August 6th, 2008 at 21:23
@Beachryan
You wont be saying that when there’s actually someone in the box to cross it to. The boy is fearless.
August 6th, 2008 at 21:36
YESSSS GEM!!!
August 6th, 2008 at 21:39
He can probably play right wing as well. Great pace and control!! I love him!!
August 6th, 2008 at 21:40
peterbrough was low opposition…dont tell me juve is too
August 6th, 2008 at 21:44
Cant get enough…hes brilliant…sorry lads im too excited
August 6th, 2008 at 21:44
This may have already been posted, but Ronaldo says he’s staying
http://sport.setanta.com/en/Sport/News/Football/2008/08/06/Prem-Ronaldo-says-he-will-stay/
August 6th, 2008 at 21:49
@Peterson
Dont say sorry!! He is the best attacking full back I have ever seen at 18. Fantastic! If he can be consistent then we have got absolute world class. No bullshit!
August 6th, 2008 at 21:55
We played better in the second half without creating any real chance. Rafael a major plus, he is not one for the future, he is for the present!
August 6th, 2008 at 21:56
Well Rafael had 20 minutes to make an impression and he bloody well did it. Good show!
August 6th, 2008 at 21:58
Anyone who thinks we’re not in trouble for the early part of the season, after tonights performance, needs their eyes testing. No width, no strikers, no competent midfield, and our defence is our only salvation. Like Grog has been saying for weeks, we are done for.
August 6th, 2008 at 22:00
I wish RDS could’ve gotten 45 mins.
August 6th, 2008 at 22:00
Wrong Fergies said hes staying…ronaldo just listened hehe
August 6th, 2008 at 22:01
Italian teams always stick 10 behind the ball and Juventus are no exception. Our injury problems are bad, but I’d rather it were happening now rather than in December. A few players might miss 2 games against Newcastle and Portsmouth. Everyone bar possibly Ronaldo will be ready for the Chelsea and Liverpool double header. No need to thrown money away.
August 6th, 2008 at 22:05
gosh…bloody hell…never watch…seems as if i missed out…
August 6th, 2008 at 22:10
I watched most of the second half and I must say my fears are being fully realized. No attacking options or hunger up front and no real speed or imagination on the wings unless it comes from the fabulous Raphael Da Silva who almost looks good enough to start. Trust me, he’s not. He is a tremendous talent and he will be a world class player but he is too young to man a post on the team’s right side right now. He still doesn’t understand when to go forward and when to go back but he does have a lot of talent and and desire and his little effort by the corner flag in the 75th minute was priceless and will endear him to fans greatly. I also am impressed with Possebon. Very Scholes like. Good and tidy distribution of the ball and a willingness to move forward. To bad Scholes wasn’t Scholes like. He totally sucked and made some awful passes which were definitely not his MO. The team seems to lack any sense of urgency and adventure. Very static and lacking any kind of break through ability on the flanks that can stretch a defense. Still, we look solid on defense which is very important but I see us having problems scoring goals until all our injured come back and especially Ronaldo. A totally pedestrian performance considering we were playing at home. Still the young Brazilians give us lots of hope and show plenty of class and potential. What I like the most about them is they seem very composed and sure of themselves at such a young age. It says so much of the Brazilian player development compared tot hat of England’s where most young players act like straight guys invited to a gay party. They just seem unsure and uncomfortable. These Brazilian kids play like they are 22 or 23. Very impressive.
August 6th, 2008 at 22:10
Well hi there Craig! As I said before you are always welcome - temporary or permanently.
August 6th, 2008 at 22:13
Why the hell would we have problems scoring goals this season when we have the exact same team that scored the most goals in the league all season last season?
August 6th, 2008 at 22:16
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_3942509,00.html official news
August 6th, 2008 at 22:22
“Before rumours emerge saying that I will play against my will, I want to make this clear - whoever says or writes that is lying.
“I will play for Manchester with all my heart and soul. I will fight and honour that shirt with the same commitment and dedication as always.” Good lad….il still support him. He has acted like a bitch but hes still a player hat plays for MANCHESTER UNITED.
August 6th, 2008 at 22:23
@Peterson: Well he sounds very honest, unless fergie has convinced him that he should say these things for his own good.
August 6th, 2008 at 22:29
Yea atleast hes being honest when he says “My desire was, for some time, that Manchester had accepted my transfer to Madrid. Saying otherwise would be to trick people and my own consciousness.” Because you know thats they he felt but that doesnt excuse him for what he put the fans of united through…should
have been handled better.
August 6th, 2008 at 22:33
Craig at 44….”We are done for”?? Come on man, cheer up!! We were just playing fucking juventus man, not newcastle and not pompey. And we didnt look like conceding, our defense was comfortable and will always provide a solid platform for the team. Newcastle might not have 6 put past them again, but dont worry so much, 1-0 will be the same 3 points. Its going to be ok.
August 6th, 2008 at 22:34
Ronnie says he will play for us for the next year. RedRanter, do you think that means he has made some kind of deal that he can go next season?. If so, I am not impressed, because that would in my eyes mean Fergie has compromised, and Ronnie will not in fact be held to his contract. I don’t understand the last part of his message to Sky news, the last sentence, does anybody else?.
August 6th, 2008 at 22:35
And to be honest, if it comes down to it and Carrick is still sick for newcastle, and there is a need for a partner for Scholes in the center mid, I would pick Posebon over o’shea in a heart beat…O’shea is a good cover at RB, and decent cover for LB and decent even for CB, but he just isnt quick enough across the pitch to be effective at CM. Let Rodrigo show what he can do.
August 6th, 2008 at 22:39
Not only is it a relief to have one of our best players motivated to play for us, because now we can actually plan our title defences!
I gotta sneaky feeling Caldemoron will be back doing what he does best next year though…….
August 6th, 2008 at 22:44
Only one signing for me. I hope Fergie goes for Huntelaar, Berbatov or Aguero. But fergie has insisted that he has the squad to defend our titles. dont get me wrong, i would kill to follow fergie to the ends of the earth, and i always accept his decision as the right one, but i have a bad feeling that the lack of a signing will affect our season
August 6th, 2008 at 22:46
I dont know…the team looked…unimaginative…I think we might be missing carrick quite a bit,Rooney aswell…We should try raphael at right wing on Sunday…i cant even remember who played at right today..absolutely no penetration…Ronny your ass fit!!!
August 6th, 2008 at 22:47
okay i overeacted. everyone knows. sorry
August 6th, 2008 at 22:49
“Saying otherwise would be to trick people and my own consciousness.” Craig I think he means that he had desire for united to accept madrids “offer”…and if he didnt say that he would be lying to himself and everone else…honesty
August 6th, 2008 at 22:51
Drew Vader, I hear you mate. Sorry to seem so pessimistic, but I do not believe we will be able to make the points up this year, if we fall behind as we did last season. We were fortunate that Chelsea had a poor start to the season, and that Arsenal lost ground after behind well ahead, due to injuries. I thought Fergie had every intention of strengthening, and I am feeling disheartened that he hasn’t. I haven’t seen anything to change this thinking Drew, because as I said, we only have a solid defence right now. I feel our midfield has been weak in pre season games, and I do worry about the strikers with our players unavailable. I don’t think we are as strong in depth as we think we are, but I will wait and see if I am proved wrong. I hope I am Drew Vader.
August 6th, 2008 at 22:51
Vader….I also have no idea why oshea is picked ahead of possebon in center midfield…he does absolutely nothing there
August 6th, 2008 at 22:54
WELL! WELL! WELL! Ronaldo finally speaks. I have to say I was quite impressed and very taken by what he said. Was it rehearsed or was it from the heart? I don’t know but I do know this, he said all the right things.
“”Before rumours emerge saying that I will play against my will, I want to make this clear - whoever says or writes that is lying. I will play for Manchester with all my heart and soul. I will fight and honour that shirt with the same commitment and dedication as always.”
Ronaldo has also taken the blame for the transfer saga, which lasted for several months and damaged United’s relationship with Real.
He continued: “I was responsible for all this controversy. I was the one who publicly expressed my desire to go to Real Madrid. I ended up being, even involuntarily, responsible for the poor relationship between the two clubs.”
Well said and certainly something that was well overdue. Obviously he still has Real Madrid on his mind but he also realizes that he has a contract with United which he is expected to honour and he also needs to remember that he has always been happy at the club. At least he has put this soap opera to bed for this year and hopefully for the next couple of seasons at least. To be honest I never expected him to be man enough to make such a mature and responsible statement. He has surprised me and he has reassured me that upon his return, he will be happy to be with the club and that he will give his all on the pitch as well as off.
As for my very well known feelings about him, I will still keep them and reserve my right to change my mind once and only once I feel he has shown me what he is promising to show. If he shows commitment and dedication to the club than I will be more than man enough to forgive and forget his two month period of greedy selfish madness. He is still in my doghouse but at least I haven’t put a leash or chain on him. he will have to work hard and act professional in order for him to win my heart again. I’m sure he doesn’t live for that moment but I at least feel good and more positive towards him than I have for a long time. Consider my promises of booing him to be dead. Now he has to make me want to cheer him once again. I hope and pray that he keeps his word on this and doesn’t disappoint us all yet once more. OK….I’ll be positive. He may be dead to me but I see someone with defibrillator. Perhaps a couple zaps to to my heart and he will rise from the dead place he presently resides in deep within my heart. Now lets buy a fucking striker so this team can get even better.
August 6th, 2008 at 22:56
interesting thought. we could put rafael on the wing.
after thinking about it. maybe fergies right. our squad is good enough. we got cover for vida and rio, evra in silvestre and fabio, and our right back position is looking strong with brown neville and rafael fighting for a place. oh and also oshea who can play anywhere
midfield, possebon, fleth, oshea,anderson, nani, rafael (rw?)as well as our first team starters, scholes and carrick. and i forgot hargreaves, who can play rb as well.
now to strikers, manucho,when he gets back (PLEEAASE BE SOON!)saha (he might go BRING IN BERBATOV, HUNTELAAR OR AGUERO!!) as well as campbell, wellbeck and our first team, rooney and tevez. what do u guys think?
August 6th, 2008 at 22:58
this is what i would do (i always do it on footy manager) buy aguero, buy veloso, buy marcelo (madrid. i know, why madrid BUT HES GOOD!)sell saha, dong.
August 6th, 2008 at 23:00
DONT FORGET!! PETRUCCI!
where can u find a video (that works) of our title celebrations today?
August 6th, 2008 at 23:03
Peterson, O right mate thanks for clarifying that. So what Ronnie is saying, is that he wanted to play for Madrid, and felt that United would agree to the transfer. The transfer was his desire and hope. So why prolong the agony any further, why do United want to hold on to him. The cards seem to be stacked in his favour, because he is not commiting for longer than another season. That does not make me happy and enamoured to him to be honest. I believe he has done some sort of deal. I believe United have done some sort of deal with Real to stand off, and they will be sold Ronnie next season. To me I don’t like that - its garbage!. It is like Ronaldo is doing us a favour. Like he is honouring us with one more season, doing us a favour. Well feck him. Tell me am I wrong?.
August 6th, 2008 at 23:04
well said grognard. i cant wait for his first appearance! he better do sumthin amazin!
which striker would you like?
August 6th, 2008 at 23:15
I wonder if Old Trafford will once again fall in love with that boy Ronaldo when he returns…?I have an image of him coming on to a standing ovation and him falling in love with the club again…wishfull thinkig me thinks.
August 6th, 2008 at 23:21
A lot of guys on here are being way too pessimistic. This is pre-season. I think we will have a striker in before the newcastle game (probably Berba) even if we don’t i still think we have enough to weather this injury storm until Nani, Rooney, and Ronaldo get back and Anderson gets back from China. I also think we will see Hargo and Carrick in the squad for Newcastle.
As for the Brazillian twins - Rafael looked amazing again tonight but these guys should be used sparingly this season. With the new 7 sub rule we can include them in the squad and bring them on in games we are comfortable in - that way we will see if they can handle playing for the biggest club in the world. I would be delighted if either could prove good enough for this season but i feel like Possebon, Gibson , Cathcart that these are for the future.
August 6th, 2008 at 23:22
@Beachryan:
I don’t think that is too much of an issue in the right team, for example a team with Hargo playing in who is smart enough and good enough at right back to be able to drop in and cover. He obviously does need to learn when to go forward and when not to but tbh Evra’s decisions at times arent always great so its not exactly something unique when it comes to roving full backs. The reserves alone wont help him develop this skill, its only going to improve properly by playing first team games so he should be given ample chances if he isnt going to become another Pique who suffered from lack of first team games
August 6th, 2008 at 23:27
Peterson, as a member of the United Terrace fan faithful, I think I can say, ‘wishful thinking indeed’, I cannot imagine Ronnie getting a stading ovation on only a 1 year commitment. Especially when his heart is elsewhere, regardless of what he says. I believe his present statement is a matter of appeasement, damage limitation in the hope United fans will come onside. Call me a sceptic, but he wants an easy ride back at OT, and he has been told what to say.
August 6th, 2008 at 23:29
@edi: I have been the loudest advocate for Huntelaar on this blog but I would gladly welcome Barbatov, Etoo, or a guy from the stands wearing a #9 jersey. I even think the guy from the stands would be better than Campbell. I’m still pretty certain we will end up with Berbatov. We just need to wait for Spurs to nail down one of either Arshavin, Pavlyuchenko or Villa.
August 6th, 2008 at 23:32
@Craig Mc:
Check confirmed Ronaldo interviews since he joined us and check out his attitude about his future. He has always been a live by the day kind of guy. Even the various times through his time at the club where he has talked about his dream of playing for Real one day its always been followed by comments like dreams dont always come true and only god knows the future. In football its not a bad attitude to have tbh cos the clubs can be pretty cut throat so long terms plans are doomed for disappointment
August 6th, 2008 at 23:45
Wakey, I know exactly what you are saying, and especially about the clubs being cut throat too. Yet Ronnie has never said that he wants to stay, apart from immediately following the CL final. Even now, he is not staying that he is staying out of choice, because he was truly hoping for United to agree his transfer to Madrid. Wakey, I think it’s admirable that you want to give Ronnie the benfit of the doubt, but it doesn’t answer my question, that he has done a deal with United for another year, and United have done a deal with Madrid. I am not happy about that Wakey, because we have just put off the inevitable it seems, when we could have sold and bought some really top class replacements. Maybe I am on my own in thinking this, but I know many of the United faithful feel the same way.
August 6th, 2008 at 23:51
@Craig Mc: havent posted for a while, but I will tonight, welcome back mate, your voice was missed
August 6th, 2008 at 23:51
@Peterson: Fans are fickle. Todays quote was good enough to make me feel better. Imagine how the majority of others that didn’t want him strung up like me will react. Fans are fickle. They will welcome him with open arms.
@RAZ 08: Pessimism is something we all possess in different degrees. There is reason to feel pessimistic due to our injuries, difficult early schedule and our lack of depth at striker. Still, when Fergie opens his mouth and looks so damned relaxed in an interview, you wonder if we aren’t just blowing things way out of proportion. The reason we do is because we all care so much. This team means a lot to us and so like a family member, we care what happens and we are concerned when things look uncertain. It’s only human nature to feel pessimistic when things aren’t looking as assured as we are used to. Remember, United fans are a spoiled bunch. We’ve had too much success over the past 22 years. We all don’t handle adversity as well as Fergie. I guess that’s why he’s the Boss, and in the Boss we must trust……even if it’s against my nature to do so.
@Craig Mc: Welcome back Craig. You are probably right about many of the fans although, I think the lad finally did the right thing today and for that he needs to be cut a bit of slack. Had he reluctantly returned with an attitude and a closed mouth then I would be the loudest boo bird of them all. But seeing as he has taken responsibility for his part in this affair, I am prepared to cut him a little slack and allow him to rebuild the bridges he has burned. And people say I am unfair.
August 7th, 2008 at 0:10
Fred the Red, Wooo hoo, I have missed you too mate. What’s your opinion on the Ronnie return then?.
Grog, I still can’t help but feel, that Ronnie has been primed to say what he has. I mean he is made to return, even though he says it is not against his will. I want to know what deal has been made, for this whole return to come about. I want to be a believer Grog, but come on mate, do you really believe that this is Ronnie talk - I don’t mate.
August 7th, 2008 at 0:12
guys it is looking increasingly likely that we will not be signing any player this transfer window. after the juve game, it was the second time in as much days that fergie has insisted that the current players he has at his disposal are enough to regain the double. A master plan to get spurs to lower their price for berba or just plain indication that this will be the quietest transfer window in a long time?
August 7th, 2008 at 0:17
well, well.. I have to say i’m in a chripy mood right now. First, ronnie confirms he’s staying at United nxt yr
, then our youngsters outclass the oldies in the Juve match. I’m ecstatic, at least we can boast of having a defence and central midfield for now and the future. 
One thing that was quite obvious though, was our total lack of width and striking options. I’m never gonna tire of saying this, I think we need a striker and a young promising winger. Y’all mite say we can manage without both, but on the evidence on display today, we need those players. We WILL get injuries, suspensions, fatigue etc and we just need those two players to help us through it.
The striker issue is very clear, so I’m not gonna ramble about it, as I believe SAF realises he needs one (an established one). As per the winger situation, we seriously do not have enuff top quality and consistent options anymore. We do have injuries at the mo, but still, Lee Martin? If this need for a ‘promising, young but ready to play now’ winger is not obvious to people, then I reckon we are not looking at the same side. Today, our supposed ‘cover’ players were on the wings, and what did they produce? Nothing, there was no width, nor was there any imagination or penetration from the wings (something we excel at and rely on to win matches).
I’m still looking forward to the season, as I know Fergie rearly fails to deliver, but I’m just concerned that if we do not solidify our squad with those two signings we DO require, it might be a bumpy road towards the ‘Septuple’
August 7th, 2008 at 0:21
@Grognard: HEHE! Yeah? Dude lets be a little optimistic! Yeah no MORE SLAVE BOY! Welcome back CR 7! The best player in the world! Madrid you cunts! Take this up your arse
! Well thats done listen I would still wait and see if what CR7 said was true! But anyway! There are pre-mature celebrations! GO CR7 may you the Number 7 shirt embrace you with open arms, as well as the OT crowd if what you are saying IS from the bottom of your heat! 
About R. Da Silva! Hmm Mate you forget! That he will learn! But in my books he looks like 1st TEAM CLASS! And sooner rather than later! Donno how Fabio will feel as he was touted a s the better of the two!
BUT THESE TWINS ARE THE BOMB! And you were true! Raphael’s stint at the corner flag was priceless for him! Lets just say that the OT chants are warming up for the twins from Brazil! I just cant wait for the combination of RONALDO and Raphael! Our deadly R duo on the Right side! That makes it R+R+R! I know that you would say that you would prefer Brown! But dude no matter how good he can defend, he can never learn to attack! Lets give Raphael a chance just like we did to G.NEVILLE!
And of today’s game! Hmm! I know that you would say that we were uncreative! Unimaginative! Blah blah! But mate listen to me and think! This was Juve! We were withour
Rooney and Nani and God knows who else! But Juve is AND EUROPEAN A GRADE Team! Now pompey and newcastle are certainly not!
And dont worry we will have Berba by then as well! :wink:! Yes Let me immerse you in the POSITIVE Diablo energy!
Oh and since i am new to this blog and i feel that i am becoming a regular to post! who is CRAIG MC?
August 7th, 2008 at 0:24
@Gabriel: Trust me, We only need the striker and Fergiw should Gad Damn know that! If he doesnt I am sure Rooney will open his eyes by finally telling him that he has had enough sacrifices!
August 7th, 2008 at 0:29
all of this hype about somebody who isn’t even the best player in his family
hopefully Fabio will get his chance before he is left in Rafael’s shadow
Welcome back Craig btw
August 7th, 2008 at 0:33
Hey peoples,
I am infact a Gooner, stop… Don’t shoot! I thought I would read something else apart from Arsenal stuff because I am bored of the same news recycled over and over again.
Just thinking about the United striking situation and thought why would you buy yet another deep striker?
Can you really partner Rooney and Berbatov or Tevez and Berbatov etc etc
It would make more sense for you to buy a mobile, quick striker with a proven goalscoring record. Don’t get me wrong, Berbatov is class, lazy bastard but class on the ball.
What I will say though is that many people.. fans, media etc are writing Arsenal off. I can see a wonderful squad now with so much talent. We are much better than last year but people think we are weaker. Be warned!
August 7th, 2008 at 0:35
Red Diablo, haha, I am just a regular poster on this blog from times past. I have a few friends on here, but have been away for a while. Nice to meet you Red Diablo!.
August 7th, 2008 at 0:37
@Craig Mc: The pleasures mine! So One last question! Are you doomy and gloomy like Grongard or the the complete opposite of him?
August 7th, 2008 at 0:40
@Red Diablo: lol.. Can just imagine rooney givin Fergie the hairdryer, telling him he’s tired of playin outta position and what not
Anyway, I’m sure Fergie knows we need a striker and I think we will get him before the end of this week!!
I’m starting to suspect this sequence of events has all been planned, first ronnie declares his intentions of staying at United, while we parade our trophies; showing we are the best in Europe, hence can keep the best players. The next thing will be us signing a striker.. A hat trick!!!
This is just speculation and wishful thinkin on my part, but I wouldn’t put it past Fergie to reward the fans in this kinda way after the tormentous summer we’ve just had!!
August 7th, 2008 at 0:47
@Gabriel: Hehehe! Too true! I hope that what you think should come true! anyway i’d better get to sleep! its 6 AM in Pak!
August 7th, 2008 at 0:53
@Red Diablo: Night mate, or should I say morning
don’t think too much about the recent good news, else u might get too excited to sleep lol 
August 7th, 2008 at 0:53
Red Diablo LOL. I just might be gloomy and doomy about the Ronaldo saga, but I think you’ll have to judge me on other things yourself!. Grog and I haven’t always agreed on everything, but in some things we do most definately agree. Like Fergie should have brought in a new striker, and one other player. I agree with Grog that we have been too slow to strengthen. Although, I don’t know that Grog agrees with me, that we do not have the strength in depth we think we have. Only time will tell though.
Gabriel - I hope your right mate. That Fergie has plans for adding another striker all along. I have my doubts though - haha!.
August 7th, 2008 at 0:55
Red Diablo, doesn’t everyone in Pakistan get up at 6am then. How come you go to bed at that time?????.
August 7th, 2008 at 0:56
@Craig Mc:
Obviously we won’t know for sure but I don’t personally believe the club would make such a deal. Its something that sounds like paper talk as it makes our stand completely pointless. Really I don’t think theres anything to suggest that Ronaldo is the type of person who would throw a strop if he wasnt allowed to go so what would be the need for such a deal as we have a contract, a contract that Ronaldo would honour because footballs his life (and the fact he clearly is happy at United as having a dream of playing elsewhere and being happy where you are arent mutually exclusive, in fact as is probably the case with Ronaldo its probably normal to have your head saying your happy and at the right club but your heart yearning for the dream).
If we do sell him next summer I think it will be our choice to do so in that moment in time rather than any agreement made now. Im actually still not 100% persuade Real even wanted him as much as they indicated initially. I get the feeling that VdV was their main target and Ronaldo was a pipe dream that that they only really wanted if they could have knocked 30-40mill off the price tag by unsettling him enough that he forced a move
August 7th, 2008 at 1:07
Wow Wakey, that is some assumption!. I suppose we will never really get to the bottom of this. But most United fans will find it difficult to get past Ronnie’s statement that he is with us for this next year. That means the rest of his contract he is not prepared to commit to. I so hope you are right, and his heart is with United. I have serious doubts though Wakey. His interview all seemed so pre prepared.
August 7th, 2008 at 1:08
Ronaldo has finally shown some class and done the mature thing and admitted defeat. I think he clarified his position rather well and I am confident that this whole thing will not affect his performance levels next season. So the best player in the world is back on board…at least for another year!
Gabriel, a striker would please me no end. Tottenham seem to be sniffing around for strikers. Ashton is the latest. Im sure once they buy a striker we’ll be able to get Berbatov. But even without a new striker so long as we have Rooney, Ronaldo and Tevez goals are not going to be an issue next season.
It is a weird feeling. I guess its like dating a supermodel, not seeing her for a while and finding out she’s been flirting with another guy, and then having her come back to you. Part of you is overjoyed because you know very well you are lucky to be dating a girl that beautiful and if she’d left you she would have been hard to replace but the pain is still there and you do not feel you can really trust her or love her like before.
Well that is how I feel after the Ronaldo announcement
August 7th, 2008 at 1:13
Colver, your girl friend analogy is a good way of putting it.
August 7th, 2008 at 1:14
Im glad Ronaldo is staying, now we can prepare for next season…..
But i have to, if you do not know already,tell you guys to check out our now song “Rossobianchi” its really good. apparently the scousers are making their own so lets spread the word!
heres the song:www.youtube.com/watch?v=6c0gLzoX8qc
and the words:http://community.manutd.com/forums/t/4691.aspx
August 7th, 2008 at 1:14
@Craig Mc:
The transfer market on the whole hasnt been that fluid this window (atleast this far). I just dont think its a good time to try and buy players.
We are after the right players for the club and thats tough to find. As RR article expresses you need to identify a player who is deemed to have a place in the squad either present or future, then you need the club to be willing to sell the player, then the club has to agree a fee that United feel is worthwhile for the players perceived place in the club then you have to have a player who is willing to put up with the squad status offered and his perceived future squad status. Fulfilling all these isnt going to be easy as we saw with Ramsey as it was his current squad status that seemingly was the stumbleing block and with Berbatov (and seemingly Sanchez) its the clubs wanting too much more than united think he is worth for that player
August 7th, 2008 at 1:17
just copy and paste the link into the url bar at the top of the screen
August 7th, 2008 at 1:18
Anybody wonder why Blatter suddenly said with regards to Ronaldo, its okay, the two clubs are sorting this out. That statement made me very sceptical. I thought United weren’t communicating with Real. That statement makes me feel there has been discussion between all concerned and a deal has been done.
August 7th, 2008 at 1:21
just wait and see. SAF knows what to do.
I personally want aguero, huntelaar or berbatov at the club, but i will not criticise SAFs superior judgement. nor should every united fan
August 7th, 2008 at 1:21
@Craig Mc:
It looks bad on its own, but if people view it fairly by comparing what he has said before I do think it justifies giving him the benefit of the doubt until theres something concrete to show otherwise
August 7th, 2008 at 1:22
@colver: WOW Colver, if I didn’t know better. i’ll say u’ve dated a supermodel before
Me, I’m just overjoyed, cuz he’s an awesome player for United and I hope he realises that madrid are just a bunch of two-faced, slimy has-beens who neva had and neva will have the best intentions for him…
August 7th, 2008 at 1:22
blatters a fat fool. the sooner hes out of there, the better. dont believe a word he sais. just like you dont believe caldemoron. or marca
August 7th, 2008 at 1:25
Wakey, I hear you mate, and I don’t disagree!.
August 7th, 2008 at 1:36
colver couldn’t have put it better myself.
In regards additions we all agree that we need a striker, but I don’t agree with people who claim we need wingers too. I believe Ronaldo, Nani, Park and Giggs should be enough. You can’t have 3-4 1st class wingers in one team. CR7 and Nani are our 1st choices and Giggs and Park back up and let’s not forget that if we get the Berba, then Rooney and Tevez can play on wings too. Add to this Evra on left and Hargo on right in case of an emergency, and you will see that we are good on wings.
August 7th, 2008 at 1:38
Not a legendary performance today. Juventus fielded a squad which rotated most of their key players (I wish Nedved would have been in, pure class.) Our squad, on the other hand, is obviously having some injury problems.
I’m not even going to bother stating the case for an additional striker again. It was painfully obvious today. I think these remarks attributed to Fergie claiming that there might not be any new additions is bollocks. Even if he made such claims, its just to send a signal that we won’t pay over the moon. Berbatov will be a Manchester United player. It might not be until midnight on August 31, but he is coming.
Does anyone else think that RDS was one of the best players on the pitch? Is that an indictment of the general lackluster display by most of the team? It was noticeable from my computer screen the effect he had on the crowd. I certainly was excited by what I saw. Did he anyone catch that run chasing after a loose ball into the attacking third where he looked unbelievably fast? He also delivered a few fine crosses in the middle, notably the one that Scholes scuffed. In his defense, I think Paul gotted mugged on the way up. Nothing malicious, but more than enough to mess up the header.
I can’t help but wonder if Fergie has been a bit hesitant about pursuing a winger because he thinks he might be able to get away with playing either da Silva or Evra on the wings if things get rough. I remember correctly, Evra shifted up to LM when Silly came one. An indication that this thought has at least crossed his mind?
RB has certainly heated up. I’m not sure how Fergie is going to handle the situation. I think the best option is Wesley, especially in light of our offensive concerns. Thankfully Nevs is as Red as they come and he’ll do whatever is asked of him. It will depend on how much Wes has to deputize at CB, but I expect Nevs to get 20 games or so. RDS gets the cup games, early FA matches, against Hull or one of the other whipping boys, and hopefully the last few matches of the season as we will already have the title sealed. Is 10 too much to hope for?
I was a bit upset not to see Fabio get a nod. Silly, really? I think it is important to get the top quality youth from abroad playing a game in Old Trafford. Impress in their minds the magnificence of the club. I know Silly is coming back from an injury, but I think the positive effect it could have had on Fabio is much more important.
Other quick thoughts; Tevez was industrious, Campbell anonymous, Martin needs a ticket to Nottingham and a bus…Is this Giggsy’s last year? Fletcher and O’shea not in positions that amplify their attributes. I can’t understand why some fans give these two so much grief. Role players who love the club and do whatever is asked of them is how trophies are won. Consummate professionals. O’shea in particular. Who wouldn’t love to have a pint with that bloke! Possebon looked good again. Unfortunately his position is one of the few at which we are deep. I just hope he gets a chance to claim his place and doesn’t jet off to Spain or Italy. Who else…I know Evans came on but I hardly noticed. Probably a good thing. Rio and Vids were as expected. Same with Evra and Brown.
Anyone know the particulars regarding the virus that affected Roo and a few of the others?
August 7th, 2008 at 1:54
Anybody know why Nani didn’t play tonight?. Injury????
August 7th, 2008 at 2:07
@Craig Mc: yeah, what happened to Nani, there’s no news about any injury on the website, or any other media reports. I’m guessing he was excluded due to his lethargic performance against Peterborough; he was playing like he didn’t want to, but was forced to… if that was the case, we all know Fergie doesn’t stand for bullshit like that, and nani would be in line for the hairdryer!!
August 7th, 2008 at 2:28
@mufc fan: Umm, don’t tell me you actually believed Fergie said those things??????
@Craig Mc: I think the reason for this is that selling Ronaldo now would have been too sudden and we wouldn’t have found anyone to take his place in time enough for the season, but now that we know he MIGHT be off next year, Fergie can access his options and start preparing a replacement, so when and if he leaves we won’t be left with a gapping hole in his position…
@IBleedRed: Not one of the best, HE was the BEST, and when Fergie becomes school-girl excited over a player, he has obviously seen a lot in him.
August 7th, 2008 at 2:29
@mufc fan: Umm, don’t tell me you actually believed Fergie said those things??????
@Craig Mc: I think the reason for this is that selling Ronaldo now would have been too sudden and we wouldn’t have found anyone to take his place in time enough for the season, but now that we know he MIGHT be off next year, Fergie can access his options and start preparing a replacement, so when and if he leaves we won’t be left with a gapping hole in his position…
@IBleedRed: Not one of the best, HE was the BEST, and when Fergie becomes school-girl excited over a player, he has obviously seen a lot in him.
@Craig Mc: I hope not, we really don’t need another to add to the list…
August 7th, 2008 at 2:32
RR…you should provide a “post delete feature” Sorry to everyone for the double post…
August 7th, 2008 at 2:42
@Rd
No arguments here. I’m just trying not to wind myself up too much over the lad. Has he already earned a song? Does he in fact already have a song that I’m not aware of? I wish Fabio would have had more of an opportunity. Hopefully it makes him hungry.
August 7th, 2008 at 2:50
Below is the entire Cristiano Ronaldo interview he did with the Portuguese paper. Very interesting and very refreshing. I’m almost ready to forgive him just because of the things he said about Fergie. Have a read;
Sir Alex Ferguson said this week that it was “the end of the matter” and that Cristiano Ronaldo will be playing at Manchester United next season. Is this true?
Yes. My coach was kind enough to come and see me in Lisbon a few days ago, which I think is common knowledge. It was a very honest conversation between two people that respect one other and that I’m sure share a mutual affection and friendship. What we said to each other will remain private. Sir Alex listened to me, I listened to him and we established that the best for both sides would be for me to continue at Old Trafford. So, I can confirm that I’ll be playing for Manchester United next season. And before there are any rumours and speculation about me staying against my will, I want to make one thing clear: whoever says or writes anything to that effect is lying. I’ll be playing at Manchester United with my heart and soul. I will fight and honour the shirt with the same desire and dedication as I always have.
And how do you think the people at Real Madrid will feel hearing you say that you’re staying at Manchester United?
I want to say that I was the one that was responsible for all this controversy. It wasn’t their fault because it was me that said publicly that I wanted to move to Real Madrid. It was also me, although wholly unintentionally, that caused the friction between the two clubs.
Your statements after the Champions League final and during and after the European Championship demonstrated your enormous desire to leave Manchester United and move to Real Madrid. What did you actually want?
I knew that Real Madrid were interested in signing me and that they had, allegedly, made a very substantial offer to Manchester United. For a while, I wanted Manchester to accept the offer and for me to move to Madrid. If I denied it I would be deceiving everyone, including myself. Anyone who knows me knows that it would have to be something very important for me to admit such a thing. If there’s one thing I’ve never been - nor do I ever want to be - it is ungrateful. Manchester United - from the Glazer family, the directors, namely David Gill, to the coaches, team-mates and backroom staff - is a club that will always be dear to my heart. Whatever happens in the future, that will never change. I’m very aware of what this club has done for me and I’ll be eternally grateful, come what may. But it was because of this, because I knew this club was different and extraordinarily human, that I hoped that my wishes and my reasons would be understood.
And what were the reasons that made you want to leave?
After we’d won the Champions League, I felt that in five years I had helped win everything there was to win. We’d won the Premier League twice and I’d won a host of individual awards, including the best goalscorer in the Premier League, Champions League and in Europe. So I felt that maybe I needed a new challenge. I never hid the fact that I wanted to play in Spain, at Real Madrid in particular, and I thought this could be the right moment. Manchester United and Real are probably the two biggest clubs in the world and it would never be an easy decision to make. Apart from the challenge, everyone realises that Spanish and Portuguese culture and lifestyle are more similar. Those were the reasons that made me consider the change.
Nothing else? The attraction of an even more generous wage that Real Madrid are said to be willing to pay, for example?
I’m aware that, whatever the circumstances, there will always be speculation about me. I knew that there would always be someone who’d say that my main concern was making more money. Others would insist that my vanity couldn’t resist being linked to the biggest transfer fee of all time at the age of 23. Of course I am proud to see my work recognised, but none of this had any major effect on what I wanted. In fact, if it was just a question of money, I would never leave Manchester United. Apart from the reasons I’ve just given, I also have to recognise that my family would welcome the change. The chance of being an hour’s flight from my mother and the rest of my family was very attractive, even more so playing for a club like Real Madrid. I know I have to deal with these circumstances, even though it’s difficult sometimes, but it’s harder to ask the same of the people I love the most. The best proof of what I’ve just said is the fact that I’ve just made a major investment in a house in Manchester, even though I didn’t have to. I did it not just for my own comfort but also for those closest to me. The people at Manchester United, particularly the manager, understood my reasons. But we all eventually concluded that I should continue to wear that No7 United shirt. It’s no sacrifice for me, it’s a great honour. I have important things to win in England. I will give everything I have to Manchester United. I want to defend the European title and help United become world champion, not forgetting the Premier League and other competitions.
Are you afraid of the reception you’ll get from the Manchester United fans?
No, to be honest. It’s possible but I hope it doesn’t happen. I know I’m a good professional, I know that no one’s harder on me than myself and that’s never going to change, under any circumstances. The high point of my career was winning the Champions League. No one will ever erase that from my memory, in the same way that no one will ever erase the fact that I did it in a Manchester United shirt. What I said publicly, which was maybe a little naive, I take total responsibility for. People have to understand one thing: at the age of 18 I arrived at a dream club like Manchester United. It was a dream come true. But, even at that moment, I was thinking about playing in England for some years and then going to play in Spain. Even at that time I was thinking that way, and I always gave 100% everything. Why lie? I’m not going to be a hypocrite and say the opposite of what I think, like some others do. I said exactly what I thought: I have a dream of playing at Real and I thought it was time to move on. People can’t be upset about me fulfilling a childhood dream.
But would it be fair for Manchester United to lose you while you are still under contract?
I’m very aware of what this club has done for me. I’ll be forever grateful. Manchester United and its fans can be sure that I’ll never forget them, no matter what happens. They’re special and they’ll always have a place here [puts hand on heart]. In fact, I confess that one of the reasons I had the courage to say what I did was the fact that Manchester United would be fairly compensated. The figure mentioned, which would be a world record, would serve as some compensation for the debt of gratitude that I owe the club, as least in material terms. I’m going to say something here that I’ve never told anybody: if we hadn’t been European champions I probably wouldn’t have even thought about going to Madrid. And there is something else that should be mentioned: I never wanted to leave against United’s will. When they turned down the offer, the people at United made it very clear how much they wanted me. I didn’t fully understand it at the time, but now I can really appreciate it.
But you agreed with Sepp Blatter when the president of Fifa said that long-term contracts between players and clubs were a form of “modern slavery”?
That makes no sense, nor do I believe that’s what he meant, as he himself has already stated. My comment was about something else. I was saying that players should be where they feel happy. Nothing more. Sir Alex Ferguson was always intransigent and denied any possibility of a transfer … Believe me, it makes me proud to know how much he thinks of me. And he knows I feel exactly the same way about him. He has been one of the most important people in my playing career. Not only because of what I’ve learnt and continue to learn from him in sporting terms but also in human ones as well. I love the passion he has for football. If it were humanly possible I would like to have him always by my side. Of course it’s not possible but it shows how much affection, admiration and respect I have for him. He has always been like a second father to me at Manchester United. I’ll never forget that it was him that explained the significance of the No7 United shirt, which will always be my shirt. When I was at Sporting I had a number of offers, some of them very lucrative. One of them offered eight million Euros just as a signing on fee and meant that I would play for Sporting for one more year and then leave as a free agent. But money isn’t everything. Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter, Milan, Juventus, Valencia and practically all the big clubs were also interested. At the time, Jorge Mendes explained that Manchester United also wanted me and that Sir Alex Ferguson had told him that he would be very careful with my playing career. So I would play at least 50% of the games in the first season, which is what happened. This shows that I also chose Manchester United and that money wasn’t the deciding factor. Alongside my agent [Mendes], Sir Alex Ferguson has been the most important person I’ve ever known in my career. Because of this, because of the special relationship that exists between us, I know that he’ll understand that there are times when a father has to worry only about what’s best for his child.
The Spanish press continues to say that your future is at Real Madrid
There’s no point in making predictions. It’s not worth speculating because nothing is set in stone and things change all the time in football. Today there are opportunities that no one knows if they will come round again in the future. There are only two certainties: I’ll be playing at Manchester United, a club I’m proud to represent; Real Madrid will continue to be a great club without me and I will continue to admire the Spanish club, as I have done since I was a boy. I’m saying what I think and I hope that all the speculation will stop. The press has written some terrible things about me and about this whole thing. They’ve invented a thousand and one things and that’s one of the reasons why I decided to talk about this now. And people can be sure of one thing: everything I’ve said comes from the bottom of my heart and is the only truth.
Which means you don’t exclude the possibility the dream of playing for Madrid?
I’m 100% professional and I’ve always given my heart and soul to this club. I even played a major part of the season injured, which was verified by my operation. I played in excruciating pain while taking anti-inflammatory medication every day. And I’d do it again if necessary. This club deserves it because the United staff and the fans are fantastic, not forgetting the affection and respect I have for Sir Alex Ferguson. If one day I leave the club, I want to do it knowing that I did everything I could to help the club win as much as possible. If that happens, I’ll leave with the feeling of having done my duty to the maximum.
August 7th, 2008 at 2:53
From the look of him in pre-season, Giggs will get his 11th Premier League title and say thank you and goodnight.
Giggsy’s decision making has to be top notch to make up for his loss of pace, and from watching every pre-season match there has only been one time where he hasn’t hesitated his move, and it lead to Campbell’s goal against Espanyol.
August 7th, 2008 at 3:07
@Craig Mc: Have a look at the whole interview that I just posted. That’s not United placing words in his mouth. Nobody has been more down on him than I have and yet, I buy what he is saying because he is being honest and still he is somewhat conflicted. He’s like my ex, while going to school in LA she met somebody she fell for but she still loved me. In life you can’t often have both but in his case he admits to his love for Madrid but he also admits his love and gratitude to United and especially Fergie. I really believe his words are from the heart now that I have read the full interview. Also, the fact that it was in Portuguese should signify that it wasn’t staged. Lets put it this way, I’m not fickle and I am not one to easily forgive but for a guy who was dead to me, I have revived him and put him on life support. We’ll see if he forces me to pull the plug on his life support.
What he has done today is basically beg us all for another chance. Earlier today I discussed the fact that we should all have some perspective and realize that football isn’t on the same level of importance with the really difficult things in life and the horrors that happen every minute around the planet. To literally want to lynch a player for wanting to change teams is wrong even if he was wrong in the manner in which he went about it. He acknowledged that mistake and took responsibility for those errors in judgment. Now we all need to give him that chance but to quote the Dean in the movie Animal House, he is being placed on Double Secret Probation. One screw up and I pull the plug on the life support. I’m even willing to grant him my blessing for him to leave for Madrid in two seasons from now when Fergie also retires. I would think that would be a fair compromise and a historically romantic finale. If you want to still hold a grudge against him, I can’t blame you. He did shit all over us and it is still hard to think about it. But if everything is OK with Fergie and Ronaldo is OK with United, then who am I to rain on the parade. Commence au festival!
August 7th, 2008 at 3:12
@Red Diablo: CraigMC is one of our longest and finest members. He’s just been on hiatus for a while taking in the rays I suppose.
August 7th, 2008 at 3:14
@Craig Mc: sorry it took so long for me to get back to you, but since you asked, heres my take on the Ronaldo situation.
I share a lot of your sentiments towards Ronaldo and although I definately like what he brings to our team as a player part of me is uneasy about him staying after he so blatantly tried to engineer a move to Madrid, stealing our happiness in the process.
And although some of the statements in his latest interview still display a leaning towards Real, at least he appears to have been honest in recognizing the role he played in the whole situation which as Grognard stated earlier was more than I was expecting.
As regards to him possibly agreeing with SAF about staying for one more season then leaving next summer, lets wait and see, coz no matter what the fans may feel about him staying, SAF clearly wants him to stay so there comes a point when the supporters must trust the gaffer and get behind the team for the rest of the squads sake, coz if the fans do give him a hard time over a long period, it will eventually start to affect the team so we as fans must do whats best for the team also, and that means getting behind the team no matter who is playing.
He deserves to get an earbashing from the fans, but if he is true to his word and gives 100 percent to the cause, then we should probably give him a bye ball this time although I dont think his song will be sung as loudly next season as it was last season.
August 7th, 2008 at 3:15
@Liam: Unfortunately Fabio is stuck behind Evra who is young and a world class defender. I don’t know but if Fabio really starts to impress also, we may be willing to sell Evra in a year or two to make room for him. Certainly Raphael has got the RB spot nailed down for next year at the latest.
August 7th, 2008 at 3:20
@Mean Lean: The reason for wanting a striker like Berbatov or Huntelaar is that it gives the team an added dimension especially when teams place ten men behind the ball. Someone with aerial presence and total comfort in the 18 yard box is vital. Both Rooney and Tevez like to roam around and they spend very little time in the prime goal scoring areas of the pitch. We need that option of a striker who can hold the ball up and who can enter the box and become an instant target for crosses and passes. Both Rooney and Tevez like to carry the ball and work intricate little give and goes. That doesn’t work well against teams who defend all out. So Berbatov and especially Huntelaar would give us more options and give defenders more problems to think about. Hope that answers your question sufficiently.
August 7th, 2008 at 3:23
@Grognard: Wow, I knew ronaldo had a heart!! People tried to make him look like a cold-blooded mercenary, when he is actually a very passionate guy. This shows in the way he plays and his desire to succeed; now I know why he always throws a hissy fit when he’s fouled or doesn’t get the ball!!
I’m actually beginning to feel sorry for him, and see why Fergie was so calm about the whole situation. I totally blame Calderon for all the rubbish that we have witnessed this summer, if he just kept his mouth shut when we refused R madrid’s offer instead of blabbing to everyone within earshot his desire to snare Ronaldo, the poor boy’s name would not have been dragged through the mud by the media.
I for one would be cheering for Ronnie nxt season and hope we can win the ‘Septuple’ this year and send him off on a high; at least that’s what he deserves after for his immense contribution to the club these past few years…
August 7th, 2008 at 3:25
@Craig Mc: We are in agreement. We definitely need a striker, Hell, we need two strikers (one world class) and we could use a winger or two or at least one who can play both sides. We seem awfully content and pleased with our friendly today considering we had two good scoring chances all game. I honestly think we are in a world of hurt offensively but the good news is that eventually everyone will return from injury and I am convinced that we will get Berbatov or some striker before the window closes. For such a pessimistic and gloomy guy I honestly feel confident about that. Now if we don’t, we can whine and cry on this blog and we’ll do it in stereo.
August 7th, 2008 at 3:32
@Gabriel: Fergie said Nani was suffering from a slight calf strain and he didn’t want to risk him today. He said he expects him to be fit for Sunday.
August 7th, 2008 at 3:36
@Gabriel: no doubt about it, Ronaldo definatley showed a more thoughtful and deeper side to him in the interview, if he had just spoken like this earlier in the summer it would have went a long way towards the fans maybe understanding the emotional struggle he must have been going through, but unfortunatley his silence made him appear ungrateful and selfish but after reading the full interview, I agree with Grognard in that it appears to be a genuine and honest interview that just might win the fans round.
August 7th, 2008 at 3:41
@Gabriel: His interview was a revelation because he was honest in his guilt and complicity in this mess. He took the responsibility and he took it like a man. I respect that. It also surprised the heck out of me. I am also very pleased over his beautiful words towards the team but especially Fergie. Why? Because what he said was almost word for word what I said that he should be saying about a month ago. He actually literally repeated my words to a tee. That showed me that he has more character than I expected. I do however think he is still protecting Real Madrid’s role in all this. I think that is to be expected because he obviously will end up there one day not to long from now. But for now he is with us and he appears to be happy and content to be. And proud too. Who would have thunk it?
I’m curious what Red Ranter thinks of Ronaldo’s interview? He was one of those that was very upset over his antics too. Curious minds want to know??????
August 7th, 2008 at 3:44
@Grognard: @Fred The Red: So will y’all be cheering for Ronaldo this season?
I will 
August 7th, 2008 at 3:45
Good old Ronny, never doubted him for a minute
: 
August 7th, 2008 at 3:51
Craig Mc, mate we do not know for sure that some sort of an agreement has been reached between United and Madrid until next summer. So why should we speculate and boo someone of our own unnecessarily even before giving him a chance to show his commitment by playing well. I, of course understand your concerns, I have them too, but don’t you think that speculation here is unnecessary to the team spirit of United. Imagine the players thinking the same way, that he would leave us next season, that will only unsettle the team. Let me know if you contradict what I’ve said here…
Raphael has to improve his positioning but I believe he can be tested against weaker opposition to give him the feel of the league. He has not played for a year so he needs a little time in the middle. So probably for a month or so he can be playing in the reserves to make him more aware of his position and to make him fit and strong for the league.
August 7th, 2008 at 3:59
@Grognard: The sweetest part about this whole conclusion is the chance to throw it back in our rivals faces. All those ManUtd haters spewing venom against us and Fergie - levy the liar, Caldemoron, marca, septic blabbermouth, scousers, the english media -, they can stick it!!!
I still expect the media to somehow twist this heartfelt explanation/apology into something evil
and our opposing fans to boo him, but I trust Ronnie; if there’s one thing he knows how to do, he can take all the boos and venom spat at him by the fans/media and channel it into stellar performances on the pitch (just like after the world cup)!! The boy is gonna be a man on a mission when he recovers from his operation, and just in time for the christmas/new yr match swamp!! 
August 7th, 2008 at 4:10
I think Ronaldo came across pretty well, and I’m glad he came out and said something. Personally I’ve sort of got where he’s coming from the whole time. I think he’s an idiot to want to leave a a club that just won the Double, but I don’t think most people outside mainland Europe get the whole “Real Madrid” thing.
They’re a legend in the way even Liverpool and United aren’t, and I think that playing there is seen as validating your status as one of the best in the world. It’s all bullshit, but hey, a kid can have a dream. And as has been said, it’s simple to work in one place quite happily but harbour an ambition to play somewhere else. Ronaldo loves to win, it doesn’t matter if he’s playing for the club or his mates or himself as long as he plays well.
August 7th, 2008 at 5:00
Predictions:
1) Dimitar Berbatov will sign for Barcelona. After watching Barcelona in pre-season it seems to me he suits their slow patient build-up play perfectly while TH14 seems like a duck out of water…and Pep is interested….as much as I would like to see him play for United a part of me think he might not fit in well to our system…and the Spurs-United dealing seems a bit damaged at this point…
2) Sam Eto’o to Spurs (if Arshavin doesn’t get signed) or to United. Eto’o is a man on a mission… granted they were playing an MLS side, he is looking quite sharp…I think he would fit us perfectly with his mobile play and clinical finishing…apparently he is mates with Rio…I think he would be great for us.
Yes we are not firing (literally) in front of goal…Ronny saved us tons of times last term and it is apparent now that he is out…
My Ronny rant for the day … I can appreciate his interview and am ready to welcome him back …as much as it wounds the ego to think United is not his “dream” club I appreciate his professionalism and was never ready to trhow him under the bus…the problem with us as fans is that we are so susceptible to all the press statements…the man has spoken..lets take him at his word..to me his words seem sincere and I look forward to watching his magic for one more season.
Still waiting to ctach a whiff of these twins..missed today’s match…
August 7th, 2008 at 6:06
Follow follow follow.. United went to Moscow, there were thousands of reds who got pissed out of their heads, cozzz, united conquered Moscow!!
If you’re ready for Juve then you’re ready for Newcastle. Carrick should be back for the Barcodes tie, if not we can use Possebon in midfield. No point in putting out world class midfield kids if you aint gona use them at injury times init…
upfront, manucho and frazer campell could play ther first match together.. and
THE DONG AS A SUBSTITUTE!!!
August 7th, 2008 at 6:09
@Gabriel: I’ll be cheering for United. The jury is still out on Ronaldo. He has some mending to still do to those bridges he burned.
August 7th, 2008 at 8:11
@Grognard: grog
you have been such a great admirer of Huntelaar for so long. But one thing that has been amazing me for some time now is how none of the big clubs have gone for him!!! Utd need a top ‘Klass’ striker but we arent going for him (unless it is something entirely behind the scenes). AC Milan need one for sure but they are also not in the queue. Barca need one (despite having Henry) but they are also after the likes of Adebayor or Drogba or Berbatov! Neither are teams like Arsenal or even Liverpool (who splashed 20m on 28 year old Keane instead of greatest goal scorer on earth a.k.a. Hunter!) This is really bewildering!!! Ajax had even contemplated life after him and signed Sulemani as a replacement! Still nobody is coming for him! maybe the top coaches in the world (even his own coach Van Basten included) dont really rate him so much!
August 7th, 2008 at 8:41
Krishnan, I have never been one of those who advocated boo-ing Ronnie. I have never Boo-ed a player wearing a Man United shirt, no matter how much they irritated me. I agreed with those who said they would never sing his songs on the terraces again. Many of them might be having a re-think about that now after his heartfelt interview.
Fred the Red, I hear you mate. I agree that the team would be affected as well, if Ronnie gets aggro from the terraces, but I still feel he should not be the sole one getting all the accolades, chants and songs, as he did last season to the detriment of all the players, who were also giving their all for the club.
Grog, who would have believed it mate LOL, you have a soft centre!. Then again, I know you respect outright honesty, and passion, so not surprised that Ronnie’s plea has moved you back over to his side again. Well until he does something else to piss you off that is - haha. I think the majority of you are beginning to win me round a little. I agree with those who said though, that he should have made these things known from the beginning. If he had presented this struggle of his then, in the same words and modest way, there would have been none of the shite we have all been through all season. Like he said TRULY in the interview, he was naive to the utmost in the way he dealt or failed to deal with things. Ronnie says he hopes he won’t have to face a hostile OT crowd, that his explanation and apology will be accepted. It probably will, and what he said will go a long way to appease those of us who were pissed to the max with him robbing us of remembering our great double. We have plenty time throughout the season to do that though. I will put my doubts about a deal being done for the end of next season, because like Fergie, most of you guys want to put this thing FINALLY to bed, AND MOVE ON.
Sweet United, Oh Oh Oh, good times never seemed so good,
We’re feeling fine, Oh Oh Oh, just like Fergie said we would Oh Oh Oh.
I sing this all day to the tune of sweet caroline - Good ole Neil Diamond!.
Haven’t changed my mind about ALL footballers having Honours degrees in BULLSHITTING though!.
August 7th, 2008 at 9:51
@Craig Mc: I am sixteen mate! And its my holidays! So umm! Yeah you get the idea! Also I had to stay up to watch the Juve match! That ended at three AM over here!
August 7th, 2008 at 9:58
http://ultimahora.publico.clix.pt/noticia.aspx?id=1337984
August 7th, 2008 at 10:12
@Grognard: Where did you find the English version of the interview?
I can say now that I’m happy to have trusted in the good of Ronaldo. As he clearly shows, he’s a good boy that was unwillingly thrown into this turmoil. Yes, I say unwillingly. It was never his intention to create such a fuss about his person. He was unwilling and naive.
August 7th, 2008 at 10:26
Man was I slow there, Red Diablo
August 7th, 2008 at 10:43
@Tomas: In my view you are being naive mate.
August 7th, 2008 at 11:20
@Stephen: In my view, you are being overly cynical mate.
August 7th, 2008 at 11:31
@Tomas: You said mate and I am not being awkward mate.
“It was never his intention to create such a fuss about his person”
He created the fuss, saying he likes playing in white ect. he could have stated he wanted to stay months ago, you need to understand he is only staying because he has to.
Saying he is a “good boy”, I am sure but he is, but not loyal to United, only to himself and fair enough that is up to him but he has a lot of bridges to mend, I wll never cheer him, he has let too many people down.
August 7th, 2008 at 11:51
@Stephen: I think, you have come to believe too much of what you read from gossip bs papers. He explains himself in this interview, and I’ll hold more truth to that, than I ever will to some unsupported story fabricated by papers and journalists under pressure to deliver stories.
What I wrote was that I don’t believe it was his intention to create the fuss, but that he created it because he was too naive about what journalists these days are capable of.
And he couldn’t have stated months ago that he wanted to stay, because at that time he hoped, Manchester United would sell him to Real - he says this quite clearly. He also says that he’d never go against the will of our club, and even though that may only be a half truth, I genuinely believe he loves our club and has no problem staying here. That’s what you need to understand.
And imo his interview shows that he’s loyal, at least to SAF.
August 7th, 2008 at 11:58
@Tomas:, He will not go agianst the will of the club because of loyalty payments.
So he is not loyal to United but to Fergie no mate Fergie won’t sell him and he knows that, not sort of player I want at my club.
He also mate loves the attention, if you can’t see that then good for you and an our opinions differ, but it is obvious mate that he does.
August 7th, 2008 at 12:00
@Tomas: Slow where???
August 7th, 2008 at 12:01
@Red Diablo: I just asked Grognard for the English version of the interview 20 mins after you posted it
August 7th, 2008 at 12:11
@Tomas: HEHE! Oh OK! Glad to be of help! Anyway! On manutd.com, Fergie has now admitted that we are SO short upfront! But he has said that we will cope!
Reverse tactics against spurs?????
I wonder!
August 7th, 2008 at 12:11
@Stephen: Of course he loves the attention, I never said, he didn’t. But him loving attention is no argument for him only staying because of loyalty payments and out of loyalty to SAF.
Ronaldo is exactly the sort of player, I want at my club, because he wins us trophies. I couldn’t care less if he was in it for the money and attention, because money and attention have become a great part of the sport, and we as fans need to understand and accept this. If we don’t, then all we can do is speculate about the bad in the players. The days of true loyalty from players are coming to an end, and if we don’t keep up, we’ll end up frustrated with them, for which there’s really no reason.
Having said that, I stille believe he’s here, because he loves the club. He may not be here for the remainder of his career, and I’m fine with that. I accept his wishes to move on at some point but refuse to think of him as anything but a good boy. He saw an opportunity to make a dream come true, and he tried to grap it - I respect him for that. I’m just sad that my club isn’t the club of his dreams, but I accept that it isn’t. He wouldn’t change to any other club than Real Madrid, and that’s very important to me, because it shows me, he loves MU - he just fancies Real Madrid more. Too bad for us, so I just want to enjoy the years we have him and not get soaked in the “I-hate-Ronaldo-because-he’s-not-loyal” mud.
August 7th, 2008 at 12:22
@Tomas: I agree, what I was saying the payments are standard to any contract hence why he won’t put in a tranfer request.
He is not here because he loves the club, he is here because he has been told he will not be allowed to move, simple.
I accept that he has always wanted to play for Real, fair enough, but their are better ways of conducting ones self than the route he chose to go down this summer.
I want players who want to play for United not ones who have to. He is a great player no doubt, but not a great person.
August 7th, 2008 at 13:09
@Stephen: I don’t know why you refuse to believe the words that have come from Ronaldo himself. He loves our club… that’s what he says. Why the need to create this negative abuse of him?
Yes, he could probably have conducted himself better, but what was he supposed to do? He couldn’t say that he wanted to stay at OT, because at some point over the summer, he wanted to go. He’s just being honest.
I want players who bring us titles, because that’s what it’s all about. Of course, I’d like the players to love being at the club, and I’m sure, they do - and so does Ronaldo. But I’m not being overly sentimental and expecting players to love the club like I do. The game has changed, and therefore I’ve come to accept that the players are more subject to moves based on money than they were earlier. But most players would love to play for our club, and as he said, he came here by choice, when he could have chosen so many other clubs (including Real Madrid). It was a choice he made, knowing that eventually some day, he’d make his dream move to Real Madrid.
We should just be happy that we’re at the top of the food chain and able to attract players like Ronaldo in the first place. Most clubs never have that chance, and I’m proud he chose us, when he was 17. We can always be proud that our club made him the player he is, and Ronaldo knows this.
And a point where we certainly differ is the thing about his person. I simply cannot fathom, how you can claim that he’s not a great person. None of us know him for anything but his abilities on the field. We may think, we do based on what we read, but most of what we read is fabricated. And then, when he comes out and actually sounds honest, you completely disregard the interview claiming that he’s only saying these things, because he’s not allowed to move?
I don’t get it, but it’s fine with me that you choose to believe in the bad of people - I’m just not that way.
August 7th, 2008 at 13:19
F*CK O’sHea
August 7th, 2008 at 13:22
let’s sign Phil Younghusband.
August 7th, 2008 at 14:46
@Tomas: “The Bad people” What!?
You are so naive mate, but that is up to you, plus I have never abused him!
I can just see through the propaganda he splirts out, maybe you should take off your Ronaldo tinted glasses. If you think he is a great person the way he has conducted himself this summer, then thats up to you. We also chose him, I support United not Ronaldo FC.
August 7th, 2008 at 16:57
@Stephen: You have chosen to see Ronaldo as a bad person, I’ve chosen to believe in him.
It’s got nothing to do with being naive. You probably sit back home now and think, you see the bigger picture, but that’s not the case. The case is that I simply see it differently and choose not to think negatively. Naivity is far from the same.
“Naive” is the easiest word to throw about, but that doesn’t necessarily make people so.
Your view on Ronaldo is negative, because you feel, you as a fan has been wronged by him - my view is possitive, because it’d take a hell lot more for him to wrong me than what he’s done.
We came after him, and he chose us among other clubs.
I’m not claiming, he’s a great person - only that I would like to think, he is. But I would certainly never have the nerve to judge his personality or character, uness I actually met the guy. I have Ronaldo tinted glasses on, because I only judge him by his performances on the pitch. I would never ever judge his personality, because I simply don’t know him. All I can say is that in the interview he sounds honest and like a good boy.
I think, you’re being negative for the sake of being negative.
August 7th, 2008 at 17:08
@Tomas: Trust me I am not being negative for the sake of it mate, posibley cynical, but there is no point arguing matey, he is staying and lets hope for the both of us he delivers next season, because looking @ the lack of transfer activity going on, we will need him!
August 7th, 2008 at 17:22
@Tomas: Sorry for the late response. You probably already found or are reading RR’s latest post. It was in the Guardian.
August 7th, 2008 at 17:33
@jos: No, I just think they are over pricing him and they are putting up unreasonable obstacles. I also think that the teams who have been looking for a striker are looking for a different type of striker rather than the old school RVN type. Barca use a fast flowing interchanging style. They may see Huntelaar as too slow for their system. United may also feel that same way. It’s not about his quality. He is a clinical assassin with the ball. A great striker, but if you don’t play a style to accommodate his strengths then what you probably will end up doing is bringing out his weaknesses. His poacher ability and aerial mastery should be just what United need to better balance their offensive style and approach. But, Fergie is obsessed with Berbatov and nobody else. I think the Dutch league and it’s lack of quality in the eyes of many is also hurting him and that’s a shame because he can score anywhere and he has proven that with Holland. I think the best thing for him is to take a step up in class and go play for a top team in Germany. A year or two there and there will be a lot of teams knocking on his door when he 26.
August 7th, 2008 at 17:37
Hi everyone, new poster here.
What’s exciting about the Da Silva twins is that Fabio Da Silva is meant to be the better prospect! Fabio was captain of Brazil U-17s at the U-17s World Cup and scored about 7 goals.
Possebon also looks class with his close control and passing.
August 7th, 2008 at 17:42
@Craig Mc: Yes I kind of sickened myself when I realized I had warm sweet center. I feel like a puff pastry. Ronaldo did a lot of things wrong and he deserved everything he got from me but let not be said, that I am not fair and capable of forgiveness. But like the quote on the Jewish monument regarding the Holocaust say’s, “FORGIVE BUT NEVER FORGET”, I too live by that motto.
I’ll let it slide but in the back of my mind I realize that his naive schoolboy antics deprived all of us of two months of sheer bliss. We’ll never get that back unless he helps us to back to back doubles this season. His naiveties really drives me crazy. How on Earth he thinks a lot of money would be a fair trade off and help us forget him is just totally insane. All the money from the Beijing Olympics could not replace a player of his quality. Still, he is young and he certainly doesn’t have life experience, a higher education and the common sense of someone who is a little more grounded by the realities of life. Oh to be so lucky eh?
August 7th, 2008 at 17:51
@Stephen: I think, we’ll do just fine, as long as the injured return in not too long
August 7th, 2008 at 17:57
@Stephen: Stephen you and I are usually in agreement on this topic but I have to say as the loudest and most vicious of all the Ronaldo critics even I have to believe in the sincerity of Ronaldo’s words. One of my jobs as Executive Assistant to the Minister of Labor in my former province was to be his speech writer. Although he wrote many of his speeches, i would go through many and he would ask me to write many of the ones he didn’t want to bother with. I was trained on how to tow the company line and exactly how to answer questions to the point that a trained ear can tell when he is being fed a lot of bull. Trust me when I say that Ronaldo’s interview responses were not words that come from a rehearsed speech. These were words that felt very honest and heart felt. Yes he does want to go to Madrid and yes he did a lot of things wrong and you know mate, he admitted to them and to the responsibility upon himself for a lot of the shite that went down. Had I been Ronaldo and Fergie or Gill came to me with a can full of answers to give that towed the United line I would have said to stick it. Especially when it comes to the difficult questions where he humbled himself. He did that willingly and of his own accord. Nobody could have made him say those things under duress. His sincerity and honesty were truly a revelation to me and I am no pushover nor am I naive.
I can’t blame you for your caution and in fact I admire the fact you are sticking to your guns on this because there is always a chance you could end up being right, but I personally think the boy was being honest and sincere. My only issue with him is he still felt it necessary to protect his future employers by claiming that he was fully to blame for this fiasco and not Real Madrid. Not true by a long shot and certainly not honest on that account but oh so understandable. He still wants to play there one day and he is not about to burn that bridge as it’s the bridge to his ultimate dream. As for the rest, I reluctantly accept it as heartfelt apology and although my jury is still in deliberation, I am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt because after all, if Fergie is OK with him at this stage, who am I to go against the wishes of the Boss? But stick to your gundsif you honestly don’t feel convinced. That’s your right and I certainly understand it and respect it.
August 7th, 2008 at 23:55
@Grognard: AHA!!!
Grog was a former speech writer for politicians!
No we know where the prose and “verbal charisma” (ack I know there’s an actual word for it but I can’t quite pinpoint it - hey i’m not you) comes from…
That goes some way to explain how even at times I can’t seem to agree with your points, you manage to argument your case until i’m nearly agreeing with your views, nearly..
August 8th, 2008 at 0:10
We simply don’t have enough strikers period! Welbeck is a reserve, Manucho won’t be getting a work permit and Saha is never fit. We obviously need a 4th forward with some experience to be back up along with Campbell.
We also need a 4th winger
August 8th, 2008 at 0:14
@ Penguin Welbeck is currently injured
August 8th, 2008 at 7:50
@Nico QB: Politics taught me the art of bullshit. If you think that’s hard to do you should see me when I try to speak from both sides of my mouth. Ahh, the things you learn in politics.
And I wouldn’t call myself a speech writer although that did end up becoming a part of my job description. But that was years ago and now I have the hardest time some days piecing a sentence together and even getting the spelling right. As you age the mind starts to go I guess.
August 8th, 2008 at 10:45
I sincerely respect everyones views on this site, but I will stick to my guns on this one, this doesn’t take away the contribution he made not only last season but the season previous.
August 8th, 2008 at 12:04
@Stephen: You stubborn SOB
Nah, it’s perfectly allright my friend… I just hope that you forgive him over the course of the season. Or next season.
August 8th, 2008 at 15:22
@Tomas: Another 42 goals and a contract extension to 2015 should do the trick!!
August 8th, 2008 at 23:02
@Stephen: I knew, you were easy to please
August 15th, 2008 at 16:19
EVDS
Brown Vidic Ferdinand Evra
R.DaSilva Fletcher Scholes Giggs
Tevez Campbell
Subs: Kuz, Evans, Possebon, Gibson, Neville