Sep 12
Some Waffle Ahead of Liverpool Game
Late post today, but better late than never.
Cristiano Ronaldo is inching closer to a return to the side and feels frustrated at not being involved in United’s current campaign. In fact, shockingly, Fergie says Ronaldo could even be part of the squad travelling to Villarreal.
“I hope I’ll be back to playing football soon. I already count the days to my return and the recovery process is going perfectly. Right now my plan is playing, scoring lots of goals and helping Manchester United and Portugal win titles this year. My dream is being the best footballer in the world but I haven’t made it yet. This is the first time I’ve been out for such a long time and it’s a tough experience. Watching the games from the stands hurts me a lot without being able to do anything to help my team-mates.”
Despite all the talk about how the international break takes the sting out of the season, it’s a good thing for us particularly. Since the start of the season, we’ve only played Pompey and Newcastle in the league; I can’t be too bothered about the Super Cup and the Community Shield. So we haven’t missed Ronaldo as much as we would have missed him if we were forced to play lot more games in the league without him.
Hopefully Berbatov settles in as quickly as Larsson did, the season before last.
Speaking of Berbatov he admits to being a little nervous ahead of the Liverpool game. Any footballer would be nervous to be making his debut for United and, of all the teams, against a rival as fierce as Liverpool. Here’s hoping he scores at least 5 goals. Anything less would spell disaster.
Sir Alex has spoken about Man City, and also Sparky’s nonsensical statement (that the City-Chelsea game this weekend is bigger than our game against Liverpool.):
“I had better check what Mark has had for his breakfast because something must be upsetting him. How many games did he play for United against Liverpool? Our game is the biggest. It is a great game.”
I couldn’t have said it better myself. There is a longish interview with Fergie in the official site where he talks about the fitness of Carrick and Hargo and the Liverpool game, among other things.
I’ll end this with a video of the pre-match conference clip where Fergie and Berba speak to the UK media.
EDIT: Here’s the 11 minute press conference with Fergie.
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Tags: Daily Roundup
September 12th, 2008 at 18:26
great player he is…
September 12th, 2008 at 18:28
As a Liverpool fan i agree, Liverpool v Man U are the two biggest games of the season. If you care about all that stuff I would guess their combined “world wide” fan base is probably bigger than the rest of the league put together.
September 12th, 2008 at 18:36
@Andy: i dont think you need me to tell you where to go, just go there, and do not come back. thank you, have a nice day.
September 12th, 2008 at 18:36
Testing
September 12th, 2008 at 18:50
Ronaldo is Ready
September 12th, 2008 at 19:14
To “dan(u-ol)”, wow, thats a really constructive response, really worth taking the time to read. Are you one of those utd fans who’ve never been to old trafford? when did you start supporting them, 1994?!
September 12th, 2008 at 19:32
Is it true that hargo and carrik are fit to start against liverpool.
September 12th, 2008 at 19:38
@dan(u-ol): What the fuck was that for mate. Yesterday you had a problem with someone else for insulting your intelligence which was justified. But now, when someone hasn’t provoked you why the fuck do you have to taunt? If he’s commented here it’s because I allowed the comment to pass. You have a problem with that then take it up with me. Otherwise it’s none of your business. So stop acting juvenile.
September 12th, 2008 at 19:48
YeaH! Anyway @Andy: Youre absolutely correct! Nothing! Not even City United or Liverpool everton matches this rivalry! So what do you think? You getting those goosebumps?
RR. Would you all if I posted a petition on this blog? Its gonna be called ” Please call Grognard Back!”
September 12th, 2008 at 19:55
@Red Diablo: I dont think you should do that. Ive heard he has moved over to Arsenal cause of the Ronaldo saga and non-transfer activity this summer. I could be wrong, but…
September 12th, 2008 at 20:03
I’m really not sure about tomorrow, I think we could see two slighty different teams that what we are used to with the introduction of Berbatov for you lot and Reira for us…We haven’t been in great form so far but i’m still in that “this is our year” phase that all Liverpool fans go through at the start of the season…I don’t think there is any point in making a prediction..it could go either way. I’m just hoping my mate comes through with a ticket (I should know in about an hour – fingers crossed).
With regard to City, I hope their fans don’t end up like Chelsea, its bad enough having one lot of plastic fans…although I think City could become the “bigger” club, as chelsea stuggle to fill their ground – did anyone else notice the large empty spaces during their champions league group games last year??
September 12th, 2008 at 20:12
@Andy: Mate don’t you guys ever get bored following the same “This is our year” ritual again and again? What do you think about your team? Would Benitez risk both Torres and Gerrard or would he provide them with some rest ahead of your Champions League match midweek?
September 12th, 2008 at 20:18
@Andy: I reckon you lot should play Riera and keano up front, but Rafa might play safe and try and include either gerrard or torres, which i think will be a mistake, as they are not 100% fit – unless Rafa was lying about their injuries. Rafa is not one for taking chances, and will probably pack the midfield, and that will be your downfall, sorry mate.
Unless Rafa starts to place confidence in other members of your squad and get some good wingers, y’all are gonna continue to be a one-dimensional team and will not go the distance in the prem where attack, especially wing-oriented attack, is the crux of the game. In Europe however, maybe…
My prediction for tmz game is maybe 0-1 or 0-2 to United, cuz i really don’t see Liverpool scoring, and if they play defensive, we will scrape a goal and if they play open, we will snatch more.
September 12th, 2008 at 20:21
@Red Diablo: For your information Grongard was last seen Here!!!
September 12th, 2008 at 20:36
You never know with Rafa! I will be very suprised if Gerrard and Torres both play 90 mintues, but even if they don’t I have a funny feeling about Keane, I think he could score tomorrow.
I don’t know if this is a good or a bad thing but apart from a few obvious names (Reina, Carra, Masch) I have no idea what our team will look like tomorrow, will torres and gerrard be on the bench? who knows..
With regard to Reira, lets be honest, he’s no ronaldo, but he doesn’t need to be because he likes to stay really far out wide which will stetch your back 4 and could open up space for other players.
I don’t think we are a one diminsional team, but the lack of width in midfield is our weakness, in my opinion I think Liverpool are the strongest team in the league if you look through the centre of our team (you lot come a strong second!!), but all of our full backs and wide midfielders (I think of babel as more of a forward than a wide player) would struggle to get in any other top 4 starting 11.
I like to think i’m more of a realist but the whole “this is our year” thing is doing my head in now, we need to just win number 19!! I’m in my mid 20’s so I hardly remember the last title we won…
September 12th, 2008 at 20:39
@Andy: Im sorry, its just me being to red, and you being a scouse, thats all, i apologise. And btw, i have been a united fan all my life, so that would mean since 1983. just 11 years shy ay.
September 12th, 2008 at 21:01
No worries mate, maybe you thought i was one of those w*nkers who go to rival fan likes to be abusive.
Anyway, I’m off, I would wish you luck for tomorrow but I wouldn’t mean it! Come on Liverpool!!
I might come back here tomorrow…depending on what happens!
September 12th, 2008 at 21:01
@Andy
Nice to have a Scouser able to form an accurate, coherant and reasonable football statement. I think if Gerrard & Torres play, it will be easier for United to deal with the predicatability. Like Gabrial said above, Keane with Riera behind would be interesting, perhaps with Gerrard as AMC purely on what he *could* do. Although he never does against United. Rio clearing space in his pocket for Torres. Again
September 12th, 2008 at 21:09
@Andy: eerr well yea
i guess you shouldn’t judge a fan by his colour…
September 12th, 2008 at 21:34
@Andy: All reasonable and understandable coming from a scouser EXCEPT the thing about the strongest spine…that HAS to be the team with the two best centerbacks in the world who let in the least amount of goals last year, the team with the keeper thats won the Champs League twice, the team with a CM that contains arguably the best centermidfielder to ever grace the Prem in paul scholes alongside an up and coming brazilian monster (or possible hargo, or carrick) and with roovez up front causing mayhem and destruction?? right??
Mascherano is fucking outstanding as a Defensive CM I’ll give you that, but other than that our spine dominates yours in every aspect.
September 12th, 2008 at 21:45
@RedDevilEddy: Grog to Arsenal, feck me. Not something I would have ever visualised happening, not in a million years. Are you sure about this mate?. I always thought Grog was an Arsenal hater, because of his feelings about Henry, Viera etc. Grog had come around to Ronaldo staying at United, and with us getting Berbatov – mmmmmmm!. If it’s true, I guess Grog meant it when he said that he wouldn’t stick around with teams that he felt were heading for a downward spiral. Gosh, to me that is unthinkable. No matter how difficult times became for United, I could never go support somebody else – NEVER!. Born and bred within spitting distance of Old Tafford ground, before we moved to another area. A family United forever history, from Grandad, Father, Brother and uncles etc etc etc. Salford Red, always and forever. But Grog is a canadian, and just enjoys all sport really, and will support whoever he feels is worthy at any given time. I don’t knock him for that. It’s not me though.
September 12th, 2008 at 21:55
@Craig Mc: now that my friends, is what i call a plastic if true, wasnt he going on about how he thought there are 2 sets of fans for united, ones who support united, and ones who think its a religion, he said he was a religious fan(even though he hated arsenal and chelski more then the dippers) and how jay wire i think was was just a supporter. i guess he was neither.
September 12th, 2008 at 21:56
I think tomorrows game will be won in midfield. I pray our combatants are out in force for us. Hargo, Tevez, Vidic, Rio, Wes, Andie (if fit). We are going to have to hustle in midfield, and we need our midfield warriors. If they are not really fit to play though, then we will be lightweight in midfield, and that does concern me. From all the noise coming out of L’pool, they want to rip us apart, to them its win or die. I sense that they are determined to win this game, or die in the fight. We all remember the fervour they played with at our place in our last game. Mad Mascherano – manic and frothing at the mouth. Torres, charging around like a loon, together with several others of their midfield and defence. Keane wants to get one over Fergie big time, and he will be raging and bullish. This might once again be their downfall. I hope our lot keep their heads, we don’t want any early bath players. Tevez needs to lighten up and cut out his opposition player strangling act, or he’ll be off,
.
September 12th, 2008 at 22:00
Ronaldo is coming back this week?
September 12th, 2008 at 22:07
@MUFC Fan in America: your making sound like a one man team mate!
September 12th, 2008 at 22:11
@MUFC Fan in America: Lets hope you are right mate
. Anybody heard any news lately on Manucho?. I think things could be exquisite for us this season in the striker department.
September 12th, 2008 at 22:22
This is getting ridiculous! First some guy comes and says Grog’s gone to an Arsenal blog with no evidence whatsoever and then someone else starts believing it and then all of a sudden people have started believing that Grog’s an arsenal fan? Are you people really seeing what you’re doing? This is how rumours start and people start believing it.
Get a grip people
From what I know Grog said he needed a break and perhaps the blog might have taken a lot of energy out of him. But I am pretty sure he’s a United fan.
September 12th, 2008 at 22:26
@RedDevilEddy: And RedDevilEddy, it would be a great help if you don’t bring up unsubstantiated gossip about people you don’t really know about. It’s unfair, in my opinion.
September 12th, 2008 at 22:33
@Red Ranter: you dont expect any of us to believe it do you? if people did id be surprised, because the fact is, no one knows grognard personally. i only put up that message to see if he was still viewing the site, hopefully it would of pissed him of enough to post. But i guess his back said no
September 12th, 2008 at 22:34
Greetings to all. Yes the Grognard has returned. I just had to take a break from this blog before it gave me a nervous breakdown. Truthfully, I needed a rest from all of this as my temper and frustration with a certain individual got me very close to quitting all together. I’m all for a good debate and even a heated disagreement. What I am not into is insults and personality assassinations so I just felt it was time to take a break and think about my future contributions.
Well time has healed those wounds and frankly, I had to return to the blog for three major reasons. First, I missed it. Lets face it RedRants is the finest Manchester United blog on the net period. Secondly, I missed debating, ranting and joking around with many of you. And finally, I need my Manchester United fix and not having discussed the goings on of my favorite sports team started to make me sweat and shake. I was suffering cold turkey symptoms. I need my United fix. So I am pleased to be back and let me take a moment to thank many of you who expressed concern or curiosity over my absence. Trust me, it feels good that many can appreciate or enjoy your contributions, even if they don’t always like what I say or agree with it. So thank you to those of you who cared. To those of you who couldn’t care less or who think I am the Prince of Fucking Darkness and the bringer of drought, famine and pestilence, I offer you an olive branch and hope you will accept me a little more the second time around. My rules are clear. Agree or disagree with me but just don’t get rude, personal or demanding. I detest bullies and thought police and I really hope that my second coming will offer only positive things to this blog. It’s great to be back. Oh and to R who mistakenly posted a photo of his mother but referred to it as me, my sympathies mate. Hopefully you were an apple that fell far from the ugly tree that spawned you mate. To Red Diablo and some others, thanks for your support and desire to have me return. And let me put an end to the silly rumors that the Grognard has sold out to Arsenal. Not even when Hell freezes over or when Sarah Palin is President.
Now about football and more specifically, Man Utd. A lot has happened while I’ve been in seclusion in my mountain hideaway training with my mentor Ra’s al Ghul and his League of Shadows. One has to keep his Dark Arts tuned sharp in order to expound such negative and controversial vibes. But seriously, it looks like a lot has happened while I was away. United and Fergie finally got their man Dimitar Berbatov and I for one am elated with the acquisition. Even if they had to loan Campbell and sell a few players to make up the money they clearly didn’t have. Sure they are not as pathetic as Liverpool but lets face it, United no longer has the deep pockets they used to have. Had Spurs insisted on only money and no Campbell, I’m not sure they could have pulled it off. Sorry, but not all is well with our finances and we just don’t have the financial freedom to go out and get whomever Fergie wants. But I am relieved we got Dimitar and not a day to soon either.
Ronaldo’s injury was clearly casting a dark shadow over the team. We have just become do dependent on his brilliance to the point where we do look like a one man team, even if we aren’t. We are slower and more plodding without him on the pitch. And frankly speaking, Rooney has been total shite so far this season. I love the Roon but he honestly had lost it until that Croatia game. It’s bad enough he runs around the pitch and often plays far too deep to be of any use offensively, but my God his finishing and first touch skills have been betraying him badly. Lets face it folks, Rooney is paid to be a forward, not a DMF. He needs to start scoring goals and taking his chances well. Some of his attempts have been comical to look at although in fairness to him, he is playing a more disciplined forward’s game of late and the Croatia game may be a sign of more positive things to come. Tevez has been magnificent in so many areas but am I the only one that notices that with all his brilliance, there are no goals from him either. What’s with these two and their lack of goal scoring? Rooney plays like a defensive midfielder and Tevez like an attacking midfielder. So who plays forward? Oh ya, Berbatov……..THANK THE GODS.
Midfield has been mediocre at best but I am very pleased to see the improvement and offensive desire of Darren Fletcher continues since his return from injury last year. He seems faster, smarter and braver in his approach. Truthfully, he makes it difficult to exclude him from the team considering Scholes hasn’t played all that well, and Carrick, Park, Ronaldo and Hargreaves have been injured. I’m also wondering when Nani is going to show for United the form he utilizes with Portugal? He was just awful in his last game for us. Sorry Craig, I know you love him mate but he flat out sucked big time. He needs to take the bull by the horns now that Ronaldo is missing. And to those of you who say he should work to his assets, which is crossing the ball, I ask one question. Cross to whom? The only player in the first two games who even entered the box was Darren Fletcher. No Nani needs to be Nani but he just needs to step it up a gear, show confidence and determination instead of sleep walking. I could be wrong but he seems disinterested and unhappy whenever I see him in close ups. Probably just Grognard’s famous paranoia showing up.
It’s great that Ronaldo will be returning sooner rather than later. God we really need his injection of speed, and creativity. We are just to static and dull for words. And yet I can’t say we have played terribly. I honestly felt we looked worse last season at this time. At least we are creating some opportunities. Last year we couldn’t break down those early season teams that placed ten men behind the ball. This year we have had our chances but Rooney and others have made a meal of most of the opportunities. Thank God for super sniper Fletch.
Defensively we look great except on set pieces and especially crosses or corners. For all our dominance and height at the back too many players have had free headers and chances inside the six yard box for my liking. Rio and Vidic need to get more physical and Neville needs to be sent to the old folks home. He’s done, finished, stick a fork in him. Sorry Neville fans but I call it as I see it.
I was just appalled by the loss to Zenit but I have to be completely honest with all of you when I say I actually predicted Zenit would beat us 2-0. So it was 2-1, the fact is I knew they would lay a good licking on us. They totally outclassed us with their counter attack and their great movement off the ball. I knew that this early in the year without Ronaldo, an in form Rooney and no Hargo or Carrick that this team would run rings around us. I’ve watched a fair number of their games and I am a big fan off their style of football and their desire and creativity on and off the ball. And after the game I was crying why we didn’t have a goal poacher like Progrebnyak? Still, the game taught us all a lesson and I really feel it promoted and really urged United on for that final push and effort to get Berbatov. Berby will be awesome for us. He has skill, finesse, aerial ability and the knack for being at the right place at the right time. I still preferred Huntelaar but Berbatov was a great second choice. I really hope he is the second coming of Cantona.
As for the developments of last week, well all I have to say is WOW! What a final day of transfers we had. Man City certainly was a shock to the system but truthfully they don’t scare me. Not until they show me that they can blend talent into a cohesive well oiled machine. Robinho is very overrated and childishly immature. He won’t last a year there. Look for him to be with Chelsea next year after he sulks for the second half of this season. He wants to play for Scolari and I don’t see City being able to hold him. He doesn’t honor contracts and he doesn’t care once he starts whining. As for the wealthy new owners, let them throw their money around. You don’t buy a winner, you mold one. Hughes has yet to prove to me that he is anywhere near Ferguson’s or Mourinho’s class. United will always be the biggest club in the world because of their history, tradition and proven success. City are just wannabe’s currently in the middle of wet dream. Let them have their fifteen seconds of fame. They are so in need of attention and love. Owners like theirs treat the game like a hobby and when things don’t work out the way they would like, they will sell the club. They also will not succeed unless they let Hughes and the GM make the decision on which players to buy. Creating a Galacticos team will not work for them. And no fear, Ronaldo will not go there. Money be damned, if he ever leaves us it will be for the personal reasons he has stated, not for more money and certainly not to the pretenders on the other side of town.
Well I’ll end this now before I bore you further. It’s good to be back. Now bring on those Scouser bastards. Prediction for tomorrow, 1-1. It’s going to take some more time for us and for Berbatov to find our form and comfort zone. And it looks like Ronaldo will be back next week. Good times are coming. Hopefully the lads will step up tomorrow and stick it to Rafa, but I have a feeling it will be a closely fought draw. CHEERS!
September 12th, 2008 at 22:44
Feck me Grog, don’t do that again mate
, I thought you had fecked off and DEFECTED to the arseholes. I was 
, and it’s not good for my United partisanism, thinking you had joined the London crowd. I can see we are going to fight BIG time about Little man Nani though 
.
September 12th, 2008 at 22:46
@Grognard: eerr, nice article/comment. a player of berbatovs calibur wont take long to blend in at united. there might/will be moments of madness/confusion around him and who ever he is partnered with tomorrow, but im still backing him to score. thats what he’s good at, scoring.
September 12th, 2008 at 22:47
I refreshed, saw a wall of text and without even looking at the poster, knew who had written it. You are among a select few who’s comments actually make me think, so a hearty “welcome back” from me Grognard.
September 12th, 2008 at 22:49
@Grognard: btw, i need to know, did my tactik work, by posting a comment piss you of so much that you would have to post to get me back?
September 12th, 2008 at 22:51
Haha well it doesn’t get much better than this.
September 12th, 2008 at 22:57
welcome back i hope you went on holliday while you were gone bro!
ps did evryone check their pockets after andy left i did haha
September 12th, 2008 at 23:00
@Red Ranter: You said, “are you people seeing what you are doing?.” You people ?????. There’s only two of us
. It was A bit of speculation, hardly a hurricane RR. So quick to condemn. Grog doesn’t seem put out about it, and it brought him out of his lair 
. I had a feeling a wrong assumption would bring Grog to put us speculators right 
. I know him so well – remember that song Grog, bloody brilliant it is?.
September 12th, 2008 at 23:07
@Grognard: What happened to your avatar???? You used to have one, i think.
And did anyone consider that ReddevilEddy was only kidding before everyone started taking what he said serious?
Anyway, on the Liverpool game, we have Hargo back, though i don’t know about Anderson(seeing him boss around Gerrard again would be good
). I’ll take any result besides a loss, hopefully Rooney’s immense performance for England will spur him tomorrow and Berbatov will slot in easily, though if i were him, i wouldn’t have made public my nervousness, he should have kept that to himself. Can’t wait for the game, hoping for a win(like everyone else)
September 12th, 2008 at 23:07
@gator: Who said, “did everyone check there pockets when the scouser had left?.”
Awww poor Andy, an he was so polite too.
September 12th, 2008 at 23:12
@Rd: Your as bad as RR for exaggerating a situation mate. “All started talking about it???”. FFS, there were just 2 of us
. You ought to be bloody thankful that Dan(u)ol and I drew Grog back to make a defence. At least we tried 
.
September 12th, 2008 at 23:17
nawww he was really cool …….
but they steal from their own players when they know they will be away from their house. its just humor no offense andy dont stab me please
September 12th, 2008 at 23:22
@gator:
, I wonder if the Evertonians DO the L’fools players pads when they are away, and visa versa 
. Andy was cool, I agree. A decent scouser, what is the world coming too. I have met quite a few decent scousers bro, and FUNNY with it. The Scousers and the Mancs are renowned for their humour 
.
September 12th, 2008 at 23:23
@Craig Mc: Sorry, my bad…slight exaggeration there on my part, nice to have Grog back, now we can stop with these mealy 60+ comments per blog we’ve been getting lately, here’s to 100 or more tomorrow, lol
September 12th, 2008 at 23:26
@Craig Mc: It was hardly a hurricane because I nipped it in the bud. And today wasn’t the first time people were speculating.
Anyway, I was right about Grog taking a break.
Welcome back Grognard.
September 12th, 2008 at 23:26
@Rd:
, but your posts are short but interesting mate. Long or short, I enjoy them all. If they are too long though, I can only wade thru the half of it 
.
September 12th, 2008 at 23:33
@Red Ranter: Mmmmm, I’d say Grog nipped it in the bud by coming out of his self imposed retreat
.
Is not being allowed to speculate YET another rule added to the bloody long list of do’s and don’ts RR?. I cannot keep track with the half of it
.
September 12th, 2008 at 23:37
@dan(u-ol): Dan ole buddy, you couldn’t be farther from the truth. Actually I felt kind of bad for you being attacked earlier in the day and I felt like telling you to calm down because I could relate to your frustration.
September 12th, 2008 at 23:38
@benjd: Did you check out the link he had regarding where I was? If you did, then you can see why I felt justified mate.
September 12th, 2008 at 23:42
@Craig Mc: I’m totally at peace mate. I needed the break and It was good for me to avoid some of the firestorms that occurred in my absence. As for Nani, truthfully, I hope the lad turns it on big time for us. The talent is there. He just needs to get his mind right and stop sulking silently. He just doesn’t look happy. He also needs to step up the pace a bit. If he does, look out.
September 12th, 2008 at 23:43
@Rd: I don’t know but I will go back to the site and get it fixed. I need the karma the King gives me.
September 12th, 2008 at 23:46
@Red Ranter: It’s good to see you back too RR. Looks like you found a life while I was on my walkabout. Hopefully all is well with you.
September 12th, 2008 at 23:47
@Grognard: Grognard, don’t give me the big peace patter mate
, you LOVE the firestorms. Without the firestorms, all is boring, boring, boring, 
.
September 12th, 2008 at 23:49
@Craig Mc: I only like the firestorms I start.
September 12th, 2008 at 23:51
@Grognard: I know that Grog
.
September 12th, 2008 at 23:53
@Craig Mc: No it’s not added to the list of do’s and don’ts. But speculate as much as you like, you wouldn’t differentiate much from the media then. Be my guest.
And you don’t have to keep track of the dos and don’ts it’s already spelled out clearly here.
September 12th, 2008 at 23:56
@Grognard: I haven’t found a life. Just that my day job’s been lot more demanding now.
September 12th, 2008 at 23:58
I am looking for a big game from Rooney tomorrow as he looked outstanding playing of Heskey on Wednesday. Funny how old Groggy was always stating the obvious in regards to Rooney excelling just behind a traditional striker who would hold up the ball and create space for him. And that was Emile Heskey for crying out loud. Can you imagine what Berbatov will do for resurrecting Rooney’s offensive form? Give it some time though. I’m pumped. Rooney is coming into form, Berbatov is with United and Ronny is a week or two away along with Hargo and Carrick. And Essien is gone for months. Ballack will probably not be ready for the clash against us either. The time is ripe for us to knock Chelsea off at the Bridge next week. They are an injured shambles and we are getting healthy. Lets beat those Scouse bastards and build some much needed confidence and momentum.
September 13th, 2008 at 0:00
hey so i really have to get up at 6:30 am tomorrow? what a bummer
i live on the gulf coast of florida and the storm is kicking up mad surf so i have surfing buddys staying with me and they will want to party.
i know i will probably have a better chance staying up to watch the game than getting up for it.
ahh whell read you guys in the morning…
get em grogg
September 13th, 2008 at 0:00
@Red Ranter: I hear you mate. And here I thought you were balancing a couple ladies in your schedule.
September 13th, 2008 at 0:03
@gator: Count your blessings you aren’t living in Galviston mate. Otherwise your future posts would be coming from 20,000 leagues under the sea. I’m watching CNN right now and it looks very grim for Coastal Texas right now.
September 13th, 2008 at 0:04
@Grognard: I’m not even nearly quite the casanova you make me out to be.
September 13th, 2008 at 0:07
@Grognard: Hear you mate… coastal Texas is terrible right now. Thank heavens I’m well inside the mainland we’ll just have heavy rains.
September 13th, 2008 at 0:29
people here are scrambling for gas here. in anticipation the lines are crazy long.
September 13th, 2008 at 0:42
@Red Ranter: RR, so all the articles relating to media speculation on United blogs all over the net, is not something we should be doing?. Strange!. United fans discuss the feck out of all the press speculation. Forgive me, but I thought that was the fun of it.
I also read the HERE, like I said, difficult to keep track of. I do try, but it will never be enough for the fastidious I guess. Never heard of love us all WARTS and all. Something I am learning fast
.
September 13th, 2008 at 0:45
RR, your a Texan, well now, we have many Texan friends. My aunt lived on South Padre Island for 6 years. I visited, and spent time with lots of firends in Harlingen and San Benito too. Loved the Rio Grande valley and the Island.
September 13th, 2008 at 0:46
@Red Ranter: Yes but wouldn’t you like to be?
September 13th, 2008 at 0:53
@Red Ranter: I feel bad for Texas although this may be God punishing them for George W Bush.
Also, as bad as I feel for coastal Texas, I have to say I am relieved this one isn’t hitting New Orleans. This storm has proven for sure that New Orleans is still not prepared for waves that are 20 feet high. IKE would have decimated New Orleans beyond repair. And yet, many are predicting that IKE may end up costing more money (80 to 100 billion dollars) in damages than Katrina. Jeez! You would think the whole Gulf coast would have a 30 foot Great Wall of China built to withstand these constant seasonal nightmares. I mean why the Hell do people live there when this shit keeps on happening. Instead they are more concerned about building walls to keep Mexicans out. America really needs to get it’s priorities right. 
Global warming is the reason.
September 13th, 2008 at 1:08
I know this is off the subject but it has really been bugging me, why is it that every former united player when they put their best united 11 for every game it always as ryan giggs in the starting line-up, this is not disrespect to giggs but he offers nothing to the team what so ever only his reputation and his so called experience. as for Rooney I said for quiet a phew years why didn’t united sign Torres in the first place instead of tevez he would have come if fergie tried a little harder to get him, here is a phew reasons why united could have saved a fortune in money, 1 united would not have needed to buy berberov because the target man is already there, 2 united could have kept rossi instead of needing to folk out 30 million on tevez so united could have had rooney torres rossi manucho, rossi could have made the same impact as solkjaer his attitude and ability is so like OLE 20.
Another big mistake fergie made in the transfer market in the summer of 2007 was signing nani over ribery that for me could have been a gem of a signing and would have been ready to play week in week out. But it’s too late we won the double fergie cant have gone too wrong there, I am not too excited with berbertov he is no ronaldo and like I said before I don’t see him out muscling the greatest of defences in the air or going past players, if berbertov is the new cantona didn’t cantona play in the positions Rooney and tevez play off the main striker, lou macarri can be a great pundit at times but is opinion on Fernando Torres makes him look like a right idiot.
as for the lineup I would not play berbertov no matter if he knows the premiership on the back of the hand, we need warriors on the field and for me is no time for playing players that are unfit like giggs carrick and berbertov who as hardly played a game, Hargreaves I am a massive fan of his when fit he is for me the best DM on the planet miles better then mascherano its just he is always injured, if fit I would play his style of play he would be so hyped for the game look at his performance at man city last year, Anderson I would still play he is made for this type of game despite coming back late.
the 11 I would play would be even though there is a lake of natural width would be
vds
brown ferdinand vidic evra
fletcher hargreaves scholes anderson
rooney tevez
Bench
kuszszec g neville possebon carrick berbertov nani giggs/ronaldo
even though there is no natural width with the current options fergie have this maybe the best available lineup for the boss.
I would not be surprised if christiano ronaldo is on the bench tomorrow remember you saw this first on here.
September 13th, 2008 at 1:24
Good to have you back Grog! Whether i agree or disagree with your points, i appreciate your fervor.
) again and again and again ……………. 
As for the dippers, we should have them. I hope that Berba will start with Rooney, i completely agree with Grog that this will be the renaiscance of our fav scouser. Although i dont expect miracles overnight, i expect great things from this parnership especially. This is not to negate any other combos we’ll come up with, Teves, Slave, Manucho, Wellbeck. I really hope for another successful raid in anfield.
my team
VDS
Browne, Rio, Vidic, Evra
Hargo, Andi, Scholes, Nani
Rooney
Berba
as of now i’m not sure whose fit so this is my dream line up for this formation.Fletch def deserves a mention and could play a part tomorrow, aswell as Teves, and Carrick. Bring on the tea leafs, lets beat them in their own back yard(a north american phrase for garden
So RR, you’re a Texan, hope your Lone Star State doesn’t get too much of a battering, and we complain of the rain here in Ireland!!
September 13th, 2008 at 1:28
I live in Texas, studied here. Wouldn’t call myself a Texan because I’m not American. But it’s a great state despite the fact that characters like Bush came from here.
September 13th, 2008 at 1:29
@Craig Mc: There is a fine line between propagating lies and honest speculation. That’s all I’ll say.
September 13th, 2008 at 1:30
@phoenix red: “Here in Ireland?” And you call yourself phoenix red? Unless there is a phoenix in Ireland
September 13th, 2008 at 1:31
@Red Ranter:
Yeah…me too. Seems like we’ll be getting a whole lot of rain though.
And a hearty welcome back to Grog!
September 13th, 2008 at 1:41
ok so if Hargreaves is fit and Ando doubtful I think I’ll get the ball rolling on team predictions…wait I still don’t have a clue
there is 2 systems which we could play, 4-3-3 with Hargo scholes Ando/Carrick/Fletcher behind Rooney Tevez and Berba(still getting used to him as a United player, maybe seeing him in the shirt will help) or a 4-4-2 with Hargo/Ando/Fletch/Carrick(wow we really do have a lot of CMs 
) partnering Scholes in CM, with Nani and Tevez (I think he plays there for Argentina) or Fletcher out wide. Which leaves Rooney and Berba/Tevez(I still think Berba will start but to those who disagree I’ll include that option) I don’t envy Fergie having to make that decision.
Did anyone see Rafa on SSN earlier? Complete tosser was moaning that United spend too much (clearly ignoring that he has probably spent about as much since he joined Liverpool. He says United signing Berba shows that he can’t compete. Whereas I’m sure Keane (20m), Riera(probably 10-15m) Dossena(6m that’s more than Evra
) and all of those 3-5m signings he’s made clearly don’t come close to the 30m United spent 
honestly will somebody give this guy a reality check or at least a calculator.
Anyway I’m off to bed. I might make a visit in the morning before the pub calls.
September 13th, 2008 at 1:45
@Red Ranter: phoenix has nothing to do with Arizona to me, it embodies the great spirit of our club after Munich, thats what phoenix means to me.
Until quite recently i lived very close to the Phoenix Park in Dublin so i suppose that helped a bit but it really is a reference to Uniteds’ history. Follow, follow, We’re the Busby Boys
September 13th, 2008 at 1:49
Wait just saw SAF say everyone is fit, so bar Ronaldo we’ll have our strongest team on the field. We should steamroll these fucking ‘Dipper pricks!!
September 13th, 2008 at 1:51
@ Red Ranter Regarding Dan’s post #3 – Leave it out…
Pool supporters have no place here.
September 13th, 2008 at 1:54
@phoenix red: wow there’s a surprise, I always thought I was the sole Irish regular on here. I thought you were a yank. Oh well that’s 2 late night Irish commenters that I’m aware of now
September 13th, 2008 at 1:57
Damn I was meant to go to bed
oh well what can you do
September 13th, 2008 at 2:09
@Liam: there’s many more of us hiding in the shadows! I know a good few heads that read, but don’t comment. Hear this, fellow Irish Reds,
speak for fucks sake, lets tell the world what its like in Ireland on Derby Day, I’m not talking about horses here! This country gets devided into two warring factions, this is the closest thing we have today to civil war. Homes, pubs, workplaces, no place is spared from this great battle! Tomorrow is not just about sticking one on the scouse scum but also the ABU’s. You know what i mean, Liam
September 13th, 2008 at 2:11
actual quote from Beni: I was surprised when they spent 30m on a lot(???) of players and 20m on more. Also according to him Nani(14m) hargo(20m) and Tevez(5m loan but let’s humour him with 25m)=70m
September 13th, 2008 at 2:36
@phoenix red: Thanks for the kind words mate.
That goes for you to Kal.
September 13th, 2008 at 2:41
hello…
i was jus thinking…whether we can have post from RR weighin d possibilities and outcomes if OLE takes up THE POST after fergie…
may be later next week…as we wll be busy with match analysis in the weekend…
cheers
September 13th, 2008 at 2:59
My scouser friend told me that we the red devils are kind of annoying he said, told me that we’re just chasing their tail ends as the most successful english club. i slapped his arrogant scouser face and said, fuck mate, lately you scousers have been in our tail ends, and we’ve been winning lately, all you scousers bastards might be circling round in your rat infested flats and making a ritual and pray that the armagedon will come now so you will not have to lose your precious title as the most successful.
to all scousers: keep on praying for the world to end, coz there is no stopping manutd now. 
September 13th, 2008 at 3:02
@micheal: It’s hard for folks to forget what Giggsy has meant and contributed to the team for so many years. And every so often he has a great game which makes all of us feel he still has it. He doesn’t but he does have experience and he doesn’t make mental errors like Nani. Nani will get his day but we all must be patient because Fergie respects old warriors and prefers players with experience more often than not.
September 13th, 2008 at 3:12
Liam
I know but what baffles me about benitez is that 10 million he spent on kuyt he could have got berbertov who both came in the summer of 2006 the problem was benitez was too stupid to realise he got the worser of the two. Another thing that boggles the mind with benitez is he keeps signing these ridiculous unknown players and never plays them which means they are just useless second rate editions. benitez moans about united spending because united look for the best and when the money is spend its spend on the best talent available. Well when benitez spend 30 million on 3 to 4 players this summer united spend the 30 million on one top player. that’s the difference when united go out shopping for players they buy the best not a waste 30 million on players that are not going to take Liverpool 3 to 4 levels up to challenge for major honours, look at the united attack
Man utd
Schools Anderson ronaldo nani giggs park rooney tevez berbertov manucho
Liverpool
Gerrard Pennant babel bennayoun rierra kuyt torres keane
You compare the two attacking options and they are miles apart, Liverpool have weakened their attack with crouch gone, perhaps benitez should look again at the attacking options he has got and realise he has gone wrong yet again. Benitez should not forget if he was more wise instead of buying Lucas pennant kuyt keane rierra bennayoun hope any of those four does not score the winner tomorrow but what the hell I have put them in there sissoko and bellamy, add the other poor buys he has made he would have had over 70 million pounds to spend, he could have got ribery queresma and van der vaart all three would have cost benitez 35 million pounds between them and solved the wide positions, berbertov would have cost 10 million pounds at the time, keep peter crouch as a solkjaer type player for them and he still would have had money left over add the players he as sold.
If that had happened they would have had an impressive number of attacking options and this would not have been fantasy football they were available and were at the right prise too.
thank god it did not happen their attacking options could have been Gerrard queresma ribery van der vaart torres berbertov crouch babel. The players for benitez and the right prices were there but his lack of brains as seen him waste millions.
In the last five transfer summers between united and liverpool the signings for united have mostly improved the side like rooney heinze van der saar maybe foster if he gets into the first team vidic evra carrick hargreaves tevez nani anderson maybe berbertov. When fergie bought badly in 2001 and 2003 fergie knew he got it wrong and the second chance he got he took it with both hands, benitz has been giving enough chances but continues to waste them, I could not even compare united and Liverpool’s transfers in the last 5 seasons since benitez as been there, because benitez as bought so many players it would take me forever to find all the players he has bought and I don’t intend searching the net for them all. But what as showing since benitez as arrived is that the buys between ferguson and benitez since the Spaniards arrival is uniteds buys have improved the side and they have got their money’s worth, while benitez continues waste money and Liverpool have got little return from their buys but maybe keane and rierra will improve Liverpool.
September 13th, 2008 at 3:57
Grognard
in my first post on this article redrant wrote I thought we should have bought Franck ribery instead of nani, I think nani is a great talent and shows moments have shear genius but I do get annoyed when people say he is like ronaldo when the two are totally different types of players. for starters ronaldo is much bigger and more powerful then nani, ronaldo as a good 8 or 9 inches over nani, ronaldo is about 6 ft 2 while nani I say is about 5 ft 5, ronaldo is great in the air nani is not. ronaldo can play as a striker nani I dont think will ever be used as a front man. ronaldo for me even when he was learning his game between his arrival in the 03/04 season and the 05/06 season in the second half of that season he was getting better he was still running at opponents causing chaos and you were thinking if he can add that football brain to his extraordinary talent, making the right decisions more and being a more team player he will be the most effective brilliant and destructive player on the planet, nani I want to see running at defenders more making the right decisions getting in the box more and having a better attitude at times because he has that Wayne Rooney streak about him and can be sent off.
Grognard
another thing that as really bothered me is not just the idiot comments kaka as made but what many say that messi is the best player in the world and he should win world player of the year, forget for the moment what ronaldo as done in the summer because it’s about time idiots like pele kaka half of the football world realise that ronaldo is at the moment the best player in the world by a mile. They say Rooney is all hype for me messi is even more hyped up than any player in the world, maradona is not convinced with messi is well. Messi has done very little in the game only what he may do which may not even happen ronaldo lives up to his talents and is a far greater threat going forward then messi. while ronaldo just wipes up all the individual awards not going to name them all because he has won so much, I am sure hasn’t ronaldo won European player of the year just now, add all the major honours and in the last two years ronaldo has done even more then ronaldinho did for barcelona, what as messi done in the last two years nothing. Would united have won the double last year or the title in 2007 if messi was in the side instead of ronaldo. What more does ronaldo have to do to get the credit he deserves, he scores goals he can play either wing play as a striker, he is never injury prone he is great in the air. because at this moment in time messi should not be mentioned in the same breath as ronaldo.
September 13th, 2008 at 5:20
Just heard on ESPN sports that we have permanantly signed Tevez!!! Does anybody know if it is true???
September 13th, 2008 at 5:52
@micheal: Regarding Ribery, I totally agree. I religiously support two teams in my life. Man Utd and Bayern so I am satisfied that one of my teams has Ribery. Having said that, United would have been unbeatable with him and Ronaldo on the flanks. Just bloody unbeatable. And no Nani is not Ribery and he is not Ronaldo either. I have been down on Nani for a lot of boneheaded plays and stupid decisions like his end of season red card. However, there is no doubting the boy’s skill. He needs to combine his skill, along with a stronger desire and and better attitude and he will be great. He needs to realize that we play a very pass oriented team game and that he needs to show up with desire and pace every game. Yes he got a lot of assists for us last year and yet I feel he is often too selfish for my liking. But he is young and he will learn that when he breaks out on a counter with Rooney and it’s 2 on 1 that he should pass to the man in the better position rather than balloon the ball over the goal. Give him time because the skill is there. I just hope he can improve on his 10 cent head. I think he can.
As for what Kaka (means shit in many languages) and others say, who cares. We all know Ronaldo is king. I personally have a preference for Riquelme but even I have to admit that right now, Ronaldo is the best player hands down. Messi is great and he is also injury prone and easily muscled out of games. Kaka is for me an incredibly overrated player. Oh sure he is great but really, he has half the skill set and pace Ronaldo has. How in God’s name can anyone question or challenge 42 goals by a winger? Madness! Oh he pissed me off greatly over the summer and he is on Double Secret Probation before I truly open up my heart to him again, but that will not keep me from being fair. He is the man. Often imitated but never duplicated. Just watch how United’s offense explodes with both him and Berbatov in the lineup. It’s going to be sweet.
September 13th, 2008 at 6:37
Grognard
I have been bigging torres and ribery for years I find fergie missed a trick with both, yes tevez and nani can be great tevez is already great. But for me fergie should have signed these two kept rossi is well, that would have saved united a fortune on transfers is well. Van der vaart is another we could have signed instead of park who would have cost united 3 million pounds. tevez and berbertov would not needed signed is well because uniteds attacking options could have been ronaldo ribery van der vaart giggs rooney torres rossi manucho, if people say well ribery plays on the right you switch ronaldo to the left. yes people could have said that’s looking back but that was a real possibility that would have been our forward options, yes the attacking options look great now but for balance value for money that would have been a better option. Can you imagine a front four of ronaldo ribery rooney torres. torres would have benefited rooney much more then tevez and selection problems would not have been a worry and we propably would have beaten chelsea at half time is well because tevez just kept missing chances.
September 13th, 2008 at 7:18
@Grognard: Welcome Back Grog! Oh i missed the doom and the gloom! Well Folks Prepared to be Grognified!
But I will be always there! The carrier of light to fight the dark forces of the Grognard!
Oh anyway! 2-0 to United!
Lets PUNISH the scouse bastards!
And Rent Boys What you gonna do when we come in for you?
September 13th, 2008 at 8:52
@Red Ranter: RR, who the feck is propogating LIES. Like I said, accusing people incorrectly, or exaggerating is a form of lying – NO?. All we were doing is answering somebody’s post, AND in case you jumped in to correct, before reading my post carefully, I did say to the poster, ARE YOU SURE MATE?. This continuous knuckle rapping for every slight little thing is getting feckin boring. But if your accusing me of propogating lies, your WAY of the line RR. I don’t even think the original poster was seeking to propogate lies either. Like I said, exaggeration is a form of deception too. Anyway, I’ll leave it there, because I can’t be arsed any longer.
September 13th, 2008 at 8:59
@micheal: Errr its United Michael
. If we had gone in for the players you mentioned, the price would have trebled as usual. No way would we have got them for the price you stated, but I agree they would have been great acquisitions 
.
September 13th, 2008 at 9:04
@Grognard: NANI = LOVE!. Ronaldo = Love. Berbatov = Love, its a Love In Grog
.
September 13th, 2008 at 9:07
@jos: I do hope so Jos, but not heard anything over here yet. Tevez = Love!.
September 13th, 2008 at 9:08
@Red Ranter: right, so your not a Brit, and your not an American, what are you then?!?!?!?
September 13th, 2008 at 9:12
@micheal: Mate, you thoughts on Ronaldo – Music to my ears. He deserves Ballon d’or. It will be downright robbery if he doesn’t get it
.
September 13th, 2008 at 9:20
@Grognard: Mate, mental errors or not, Giggs didn’t get the amount of brilliant assists Nani did last season.
.
September 13th, 2008 at 9:23
@john freakin o’shea:
, you keep giving it to those scousers Bro.
September 13th, 2008 at 9:35
@Liam: “with NANI out wide.” Love that comment Bro
. In your other post, about the Irish. Fred the Red and JB are amongst the Irish contingent – couple great guys. Well most of the Irish are 
.
September 13th, 2008 at 9:35
0-3 to United…
Gonna scare the shit outa LooserFool… 
September 13th, 2008 at 9:39
@Craig Mc: with pleasure
September 13th, 2008 at 9:42
@micheal: @Grognard: Ronaldo was the best player in the world last year no doubt about it but i still feel messi is a better player overall. Just look at our game against barcelona last year. Messi was the best player on the pitch by a mile. He completely outshone ronaldo. He is injury prone ofcourse, but he can’t be muscles out of games.
Kaka is still an excellent player too. Ronaldo is faster running flat out but kaka is just as quick with the ball at his feet. They also both have an excellent first touch, and are about equal when it comes to skill and technique. Ronaldo does not have a bigger skill set, he has a bag of often ineffective tricks. I prefer ronaldo when he is positive and direct when running at a defender, but far too often he likes holding up and showing how quick his feet are. Kaka is more intelligent. He has great vision and does look to play in his teammates, so i would argue that in build-up play kaka is more dynamic and unpredictable, whereas defenders always know ronaldo will try to take them on.
September 13th, 2008 at 9:45
@AndyCR7: Oh how I hope you are right on that score Andy
, think it will be more like a 1-0 scoreline though. These games are always closer than close.
September 13th, 2008 at 10:04
@Grogtard: Easy now cowboy, my mom is nothing like your younger days.
September 13th, 2008 at 10:11
As Craig Mc said yesterday, I think the middle of the park is where the battle will be won, is Scholes still up to this type of physical test? I’m not so sure…Maybe in a three man central midfield
September 13th, 2008 at 10:43
@magno: I love scholesy Magno, but it’s not whether he is up to playing midfield in these type of games, it is more that he badly mistimes his tackles, and in these type of games, that could mean an early bath
. Scholesy is notoriously a bad tackler, as always mentioned on MUTV 
. I think Hargo, Carrick and Anderson would be fierce for this game, but how fit are they?. Also, Fergie seems to always have Scholes name pencilled in first for the big games .
September 13th, 2008 at 11:47
any team news guys?
September 13th, 2008 at 12:09
@Craig Mc: I thought they were Northern Irish( big difference)
September 13th, 2008 at 12:19
Berba and Roovez in the squad!!! This is gonna be one heck of an awesome match…
September 13th, 2008 at 12:52
Yipeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee…
Here comes Berba……..
In ur face all Berba doubters/haters…
September 13th, 2008 at 12:53
@Liam:
Bro, Northern or Southern, they are all great guys.
September 13th, 2008 at 14:24
I count both the Looserpool’s goals as OGs…
1st – VDS
2nd – Giggs
September 13th, 2008 at 14:43
shit, its Giggs and Van Der Sar’s fault…
this is a hard pill to swallow, i can accept us losing to chelski or gooners, but to the scousers?! shit, just shit. my weekend is bummed now. shit shit shit
September 13th, 2008 at 14:51
The dippers deserved it….I think something good will come out of this game…despite all our talent…if the whole team doesn’t play with total comittment and concentration we are in trouble )note VDS and Giggs……a big problem area is the midfied…again..as much as i like Scholes I would argue that Carrick is our most important player….he sets a high tempo for our passing game going forward as opposed to scholes….Carrick is the fulcrum, Scholes the facilitator…hargo is basically a sideways-backwards tough-tackling mid…Ando…well still developing and learning….I don’t like that Rooney on the right….Berbatov will be great but he should not have gone 90…i think our best team will be
VDS
brown Rio Vida Evra
Carrick Hargreaves/Scholes/Ando
Ronaldo Nani
Rooney Tevez
Berbatov
September 13th, 2008 at 16:12
@Craig Mc: Craig I too would prefer Nani starting over Giggs, so there is no argument there. But that doesn’t mean that Nani doesn’t need to change things in his game and psyche.