Jun 17
Someone is going to die
It’s getting ridiculous by the day. Times Online, for whom I have lost respect this summer, have published another report without any quotes whatsoever claiming Cristiano Ronaldo will hand in a transfer request.
It’s one thing when the likes of The Sun indulge in such crap, but when the likes of the Guardian and the Times join in then they get a little worrying. Of course, it’s not as if I haven’t seen this before, but when one can write a full length report claiming something without quoting a named source, then it’s a little worrying — not the content, but the journalism.
About the report, it’s bollocks really. So who is the real loser then? The gullible fan, of course.
Now we here at Red Rants, aim to filter out the rubbish from the truth — or at least attempt to call out the BS — and we have been successful at times and not so successful on other occasions. But we have seen many seemingly intelligent fans, who seem to be swept by reports that seem to come about these days. This is for them. If you look at reports over even a two day period you will see an equal number of reports contradicting each other. Let’s take the Ronaldo example: over any two day period you will see one daily claiming Ronaldo to hand in a transfer request, and another, on the same day, claiming he will stay at United. So which one to believe. In most cases you will realize that you can’t believe either reports. The reason: no quotes from the parties concerned. In this case, Ronaldo and a member from United — either Gill or Ferguson or the Glazers. The quotes in the article must be attributed to them and in quotes. Nothing else would do. You will have articles where they will say, Ferguson is reported to have told his aide blah blah blah — all that doesn’t work.
Meanwhile fans will continue to fall victim to the spammers on Newsnow looking for hits, clicks and dollars to make full use of the silly season. Fans will continue to furiously refresh Newsnow in the hope that there will be some exciting, breaking news and if they don’t see that it’s the end of the world and apocalypse is round the corner. I’m sure the day will not be far off when someone falls victim to OCNRD (Obsessive Compulsive News Refreshing Disorder) where a fan will suffer from the effects of refreshing websites looking for the latest breaking news. Symptoms include frantic clicking on an imaginary mouse, followed by pulling a strand of hair for every passing day without any transfer news.
Seriously though, any of these reports may turn out to be true, but we cannot be sure until we hear from the horse’s mouth. So while we read through news websites, let’s do so for the sake of entertainment while occasionally coming across a stray quote from SAF — in which case we can jump with excitement. So keep your packet of salt with you, you’ll need more than a few pinches of them, and they’ll sure taste better when taken in with said pinch.
I realise that I haven’t brought up any news items so far, which probably is why I devoted so much space to general sports reporting but here is something which actually has quotes. I quoted this yesterday from MEN, but I didn’t spot the quote yesterday where Ole says he’d like to get into management one day and stay at the club.
And the Guardian reckons the fixture list will stir up Fergie’s rage — which wouldn’t surprise me. We do have a tough first half of the season, considering we have to travel half way around the world for the World Club Championships.
On the Euros, I feel happy for Croatia going through. Slaven Bilic has seen his stock rise during the last six months, and I like his outspokenness. And is it only me, or do the others also want to see Portugal get raped by Germany so that Ronaldo can get his pretty ass back and decide on his God-damned future. For once, I really want to see him cry — not that he’ll disappoint, because he seems to cry at everything, anyway. [And before the Ronaldo backers start throwing stones at me, sorry, that's the way I feel about him and let me say it right now that we shall agree to disagree.]
Related items from Red Rants:
- Veloso Rumours Won’t Go | Nani, Ronaldo Shine| Gerrard Continues To Be Media Darling
- 18 Titles, Champions of England — and those are actually facts
- Questions Continue to be Asked of United After Another Draw
- Ferguson joins fight against cancer
- How good can Tevez be for Manchester United?
Tags: Manchester United News
Opti (541)
Stephen (485)
RedDevilEddy (459)
Craig Mc (345)
Moscow is my heaven (272)
HA-HA, Robben missed a sitter! Hate those Real players! Except for Sneijder that is
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It’s OK RedDevil, don’t worry about it. If I get suspended as you put it, that will make Tomas’s day. He will get less flak.
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I will post this again:
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_3702671,00.html
Please watch the video on the right. Journalist got OWNED! Ronny looks satisfied. Hopefully a good sign for us.
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Surely everyone here would be calling for our boy Ronaldo to ‘commit’ if all the stories were about how much he wants to stay and how big of bitches RM are? For someone to say the only thing they want from our boy is for him to commit either way is, in fact, succumbing to the stories. I’m not saying I agree with the situation, or I’m handling it any better (I actually find myself refreshing this site seeing if anyone posted any juicy links), but I wont say ‘He’s dead to me’until he holds a smoking gun.
Also, in a lame attempt to maintain the girlfriend analogy, if Adrian Lima (or any girl/guy of your dreams) offered her hand in marriage, you bet your ass I would have to think about it longer then 2 seconds even if I am currently married. Not because I dont love my wife, or because I dont respect my Family, but because the offer may be (potentially) too good to refuse. (Ok, so maybe not such a good analogy, but hopefully the point isnt completely lost.)
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Mmmmm Comma, well we do see where you stand on the loyalty issue don’t we lol, especially if you get a better offer. Think Ronaldo is of the same mindset Comma. Can’t think of any other reason for his non commital.
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Comma- I see what you are saying, but if you are married to someone like Megan Fox or some girl/guy of your dreams, I would reject Adriana Lima. You see where Im going?
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But this is Manchester United, the sexiest there is in the world!
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Craig; I guess I picked that up all those years working in Government. Thanks mate.
JB; Fair enough point but remember that if a team decides to cut a player loose, they are still obligated to pay his contract up until he when and if he signs with another team. So whether they wanted the player or not, they are stuck with the contract.
RedDevil; I fail to see how that video is a good sign. Ronaldo’s continual avoidance of the issue even after the reporter pleaded on behalf of millions of United fans was a show of complete disrespect and defiance. Why is it so hard for him to state his preference? This is beyond infuriating. I would want anyone willing to choke him to death to be knighted by the Queen. His attitude is arrogant and incredibly insensitive to the millions who chant his name, wear his jersey and have his poster on the wall. What a total fucking prick the little peasant from Medeira has become. Fuck I would just like to wring his scrawny little neck for that defiance. Sorry but that’s just the way I feel. I cannot turn off my rage towards him. Germany and Michael Ballack must be my champions as I demand satisfaction.
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Huntelaar scores with a typical poacher’s goal. LUV IT!
Also, my heart sank when Franck Ribery was stretchered off in the other game. Being a Bayern fan I am very upset. I think it looks like an Achilles injury. Could be very serious.
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Groggy- I understand your anger. I wish Ronny could just tell us about his decision and everyone would be happy.
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Comma; Sorry but the point is lost on me because if there is one thing I cannot handle its infidelity. I value loyalty and commitment more than anything. I have never been one to pursue lust or material gain over the things that are truly important in life. Sorry but nothing replaces a solid marriage and family. Even if she is built to rock one’s world.
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You saw that to Grognard? Sweet striker ehh? Imagine a goal like that from him, in a United jersey, against Chelski, at 0-0 in the 93 miniute. Please buy him Fergie!
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RedDevil; The faster Germany disposes of the pricks EURO ambitions, the better. Then maybe we will get some straight answers. And if then he decides he wants to delay some more, I say we all pitch in some money and hire a hit man.
Also, regarding Huntelaar, that is exactly the kind of goals he scores and the kind United rarely score unless it’s Ronaldo in the box to do it. With a little luck he could have had two already and his subtle little flick into the feet of Robben should have been an assist also.
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United play the most sexy football in the world. Brasil has lost that title, we own it now. And since he is married to United, he better do what he is supposed to and prove that he respects his family. If he doesnt, he wont get lucky. And he will not want that! (Okey, too much picture like, but you get the point.)
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Grognard: And if a player just sits down and refuses to play the club doesn’t have to pay their wages and is within their rights to terminate the contract. However the club will rarely willingly terminate a contract due to the loss in transfer value.
The fact that a player carries a transfer fee warps the contract situation from the norm in society by handing the power to the player. It may not be fair from our perspective but that’s the way it is.
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Yup We should hire a hitman;I’ll pitch in Groggy if it comes to that coz im tired of all this shit…
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Even though United doesnt score many of those kinds of goals, we create a lot of chances that is like that. Its just that usually Rooney is on the end of those and he doesnt score so many. I remember him getting chances like that against Fulham, Derby and Arsenal…But he didnt score once!
If we do sell Ronaldo, I would love Sneijder in return. If we get Huntelaar too, we will buy two players that know each other from the Holland team and Ajax. Sneijder setting up a goal for Huntelaar would be great. But only if it is in a United kit!
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Does anybody really care about Ronaldos decision anymore? Or do you just want to know his decision to get peace?
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I knew this analogy was going to bite me in the ass. And Grog, you didnt miss the point, you nailed it head on. I never said I would leave, just that faced with a life decision, especially one as juicy as this is, I would certainly take more than a day to mull it over. Add to the fact that every one asks me every day and I begin to second guess a decision based on what I read other people saying (SAF sitting my in the stands, etc. etc) and I dont think I’d ever want to make it. Surely you wouldnt be so gun-ho in a similiar situation. Remember this is his life, not some hobby or fantasy/video game. If his silence tells me anything, personally, its that he is actually taking time to think about it, which is all I, as a United, fan ask. Call him immature, but had he came out the day after winning the CL and said he wanted to leave, everyone would have been on him for not thinking it through.
Also, what if the situation was reversed? If CR7 was a RM player and was linked with a move to OT in all the papers, dispite having a contract at RM and wouldnt say anything concrete about the move, would you be so mad? Surely there are people with more tact, but I dont expect that from him, and it certainly doesnt show me his disloyalty to a club and fan base that gave him everything he wanted. I actually tend to think he couldnt believe RM wanted him until all this media shit started, and then he started to think ‘hmm, maybe theres some validity to all this shit.’ Not a good excuse, but one none-the-less.
Anyway, I really thought I’d catch more shit for the fact that I pointed out how fickely and one minded some people are by saying that they werent mad at the media, just at CR7 for not squashing it. Just shows the power of the ladies.
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United will never behave like Real when it comes to buying players. United go to the club, then the player. Real go to the player, then the owner, then the club. That is a disgrace! Mark my words, they will get punished for this one day. And that day will be oh so sweet.
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Looks like Italy will go through…
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I cant believe we have written more than 120 comments about Ronaldos future! He is getting his attension alright!
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[RedDevil]
120? You are forgetting it’s all we’ve written about since the CL final
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On a side note, does anyone think this ‘news’ with Messi and Barca could lead to Messi unrest and eventual transfer from the club? If so, would it be wise for us to start getting in now?
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Looks like Italy will go through and if they do go through then my guesss is that they will win
this tournament as well…
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Errr Comma, why should we be mad at the media, shit stirring is their job!. The kind of non commital shit Ronaldo is dishing out though, is not part of his job. I think JB said the most important thing on this blog today, when he mentioned that if the media reports were just coming from one or two newspapers, then fair enough we might question. But it is widespread reporting, and as JB wisely said, and does constitute more likelihood of it being realistic. Yet I agree with Grog too, that there is no reason for CR7 not making his position on the issue more clear.
JB, I will probably get my arse kicked for using capitals for your signature name (wink)!.
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[comma]
Doubt it. Pep Guardiola is at the helm and he oversaw many of the youth prospects when he was manager of Barca’s B side. He’s said that Ronaldinho, Deco and Eto’o are surplus to requirement yesterday which means he obviously wants to build a sid around Messi.
I doubt Pep would want to sell Messi.
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[craig]
No you won’t. Because I know when it’s not right and when it is.
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I agree with Craig, I am very wise
RR: I don’t have to change my name to lower case do I
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RR- Sorry, I forgot to write today. I mean its amazing that we have written 120 comments about Ronaldos future today.
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Ok, go on, tell me when you’re done with your piss fest.
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HI-HI!
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But certainly Messi can pull a hienze, or Ronaldo if you like, and demand a transfer because they won’t let him participate in the national side if he wants. I realize its more complicated than that, but a boy can dream.
And sorry Craig, I don’t remember ever saying to be mad at the media for doing what they do. I meant be mad at CR7 for not making clear his intentions. No, we would have a field day with the news.
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Don’t start on Messi please. It was Kaka at first.
Hey! Did anyone realised we are 2007/2008 Premier League Champions and Champions League Champions? Well it’s true but it’s not getting reported by The Sun, The Times, The Guardian, etc because they like to feast on the best player in the world leaving the country that THEY report in! Hello-o anyone at home?
Pep Guardiola won’t sell Messi. Barca would get to messy after that. (Sorry for the lame pun)
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right, we’re gonna be linked with a £20mil swoop of eto’o tomorrow morning(Gmt i believe), if not tomorrow, the day after.
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Oh Ok Comma, I got your meaning now!.
JB, haha – you sure your name isn’t Solomon?. Only the Irish will get that one I think lol!.
RR, was that a smiling smilie, in reply to my kick arse comment?. Well I never!.
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Well, I agree with some of you that I will be very happy if Germany just absolutely massacres Portugal. It will be a happy day, that’s for sure. Still, I’ll feel sorry for Nani.
Anyway, nice to see Huntelaar get a goal and play about 85 minutes… I really hope we capture him soon. I thought Affelay was good too.
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http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/sport/article-1027278/Why-Fergie-cope-Ronaldo-takes-flight.html?ITO=1490
nice article…
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TurkishRed, yeah come on Germany!!!!!.
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Suppose, for example, they bought Dimitar Berbatov or Karim Benzema, plus an A-list winger to provide fresh width: how long would it be before the brilliance of a new United side had eclipsed the bitter memory of Ronaldo’s exit? Was there life after Eric Cantona’s shock retirement? Were there goals after Ruud van Nistelrooy? Did the defence reconstruct itself post-Jaap Stam? Were there no more whipped balls into the box after David Beckham?
liked this bit especially….
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Hey,does anyone have any comments regarding the quality (or lack thereof, perhaps) of Eto’o?
I’m asking because of the recent news that RedDevil and jos pointed out, and because I think I remember something about Eto’o saying that he would leave the Catalans if Barcelona didn’t win the UCL.
Some have said that he is past his prime, but I haven’t seen enough of him to draw a conclusion.
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You know it would be just like those Italian buggers to barely sneak in to the quarters and then go on to win it all. It never ceases to amaze me how things always seem to fall their way whether they deserve it or not. The French were well……like the French today. They surrendered, folded up their tent and went home. Historically consistent for a country that prefers to live behind the Maginot Line and cower in trenches. What a disgrace for a team with so much talent. To bad they left their hearts back in Paris.
My hat goes off to the Dutch. They easily could have gone through the motions today and lost or settled for a goalless draw but they tried to win the game and and in the end they were full value for the victory. Huntelaar looked great and for me, they really do look like the real deal. I see no problem with them beating Russia or Sweden. Sweden or Italy again maybe another story though.
This tournament has got to be a real disappointment for showcasing some of the big YOUNG names in the European game. Benzema, Gomez, Nasri, Ben Arfa (not even selected), Huntelaar (a sub), Fabregas (a sub), Arshavin (suspended), Pavlechenko and others have all come up short or haven’t appeared much in these championships. Most teams seem to be emphasizing experience over youth and pace and I for one think it’s a mistake and very unfortunate. The big goal for all these teams should be to win the World Cup. The best way to ensure you will do well in the 2010 WC is to bloody your young players at EURO 08 so that they have the experience that is needed two years down the line. The ones that have played like Gomez and Benzema have been awful but I think this experience will make them better two years from now. Yes the Euro’s have prestige but teams should be built with 2010 in mind. The Euro’s should be a grand training exercise. Why waste time and space playing dinosaurs like Makelele, Gattuso, Thuram, Vieira etc. I just mentioned 3 Frenchman. Gee, I wonder why they were eliminated? Today’s game is a young man’s game with pace. I just find the addition of all these war horses for all teams rather surprising.
The good news over all this is that the Benzema’s, Gomnez’ Huntelaar’s, Ben Arfa’s etc should not be overpriced based on their Euro performances. That’s good news for United if they want to sign one of the many young players mentioned. Like that will happen. I have a sneaky suspicion United may not have two shillings to scrape together
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Very interesting article perspective there, Krishnan…
I agree with you Grognard about the disappointment of the youngsters during the Euros. Many of the coaches just played it safe with veteran international cap-eaters instead of giving the youth a chance to prove themselves. But, for France at least it did not work. Evra really proved today that he is much better than Abidal, just look at the red card. If Domenech doesn’t use Patrice as the starting leftback in the future, it will just prove how thick a coach he is.
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Turkish red from what i’ve seen of him, he is a good finisher and scores some great goals as well… his movement off the ball is brilliant and his understanding with Ronaldinho on the pitch was great as well…. but I don’t think we would be going for him coz he is 30 and I remember SAF saying that he would go for someone young… I doubt whether he would click at united coz Ronaldinho and Messi liked to cut inside which allowed him the freedom to drift in and out.. i can’t see the united wingers doing that and in the PL he wouldn’t be getting the space that he gets in la liga….
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Mate I don’t see Domenech staying for too long… read somewhere that Derschamps was going to take over from him…
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Is he 30? Really? Oh well, my ignorance of La Liga has shown through, and now that I know that bit of info, it’s enough to say that he won’t be an option for us. Thanks for clearing that up Krishnan.
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never thought anyone could top the tevez saga, but yet again the tevez saga topped the ronaldinho saga.
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Eto’o is 27 not 30. Still prefere it if we signed Berbatov or Huntelaar instead of him though.
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TurkishRED: Eto’o is nowhere near 30, he is only 27! In the year that Barca won the CL and La Liga double I would have regarded him as the leading striker in world football. Effectively he is Saha upgraded in every way, particulary in terms of finishing. He is trong, fast, has excellent movement and scores goals. He is also flexible enough to play in United’s constantly rotating front line.
However since his two major injuries he seems to have lost some of the sharpness and spark he had in his first two years in Barca. That said he is still an excellent player, just not at the extremely high level he was. He scored 18 league goals in 22 appearences last season (20 goals in 28 goals overall). The other concern with him is that he has a tedancy to shoot his mouth off from time to time and is a bit of a moody git.
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No one commented earlier but I really am wondering if something has gone on behind the scenes at OT like the club letting Ronaldo down in some way which is why he has taken this stance, a broken promise or something which until its sorted he wont commit his future – like a warning to united to keep their word or he will go.
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