It’s that day of the week again; the day you’d almost feel holiday-like but for the eight hour shift you’d have to put in before letting your hair down. Then again, as they say, thank God it’s Friday!
It’s been a hell of a week for me though, and I’m sure, for most Reds. I’ve not been quite as nervous for a whole week. I’m sure — although I hope not — the players would also be a bit nervous. Wigan have been comprehensively beaten by United almost always. But Steve Bruce’s side now have drawn Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal.
Continue reading “Last day finishes, lawnmowergate, trouble at the JJB… and other tales”
Well, not really a round up. I have my hands full, so I’ll be off the blog today. I’ll pop in once in a while just to ensure you behave nice.
However feel free to discuss whatever pops in your mind. Today Chelsea visit Newcastle and they haven’t won at St James’ Park since 2001, which is a strange statistic to be honest. A loss would virtually guarantee us the title on goal difference. Let’s hope Keegan does us a favour.
Meanwhile the Sun reported that Nani could be fined two-weeks wages for the incident. It was clear from Fergie’s post match comments that he wasn’t impressed by Nani’s antics the least bit. An old-fashioned bollocking would have surely been in order, but one would hope that only good can come of this. It’s a good opportunity for the young Portuguese star to have a good look at himself and work on improving his attitude. And at this juncture it’s come at a much better time than, perhaps, a few games ago.
Anyway, I’m done with this for the day. Will get back tomorrow with more worthwhile stuff to talk about, I assure you.
Over to you…
With it being Friday, and me having to wrap up quite a bit of work for the week, I’ll take a break from the blog for the day. But not before I link you to some interesting articles and news bits to keep you clicking and discussing. Also feel free to link to other articles that interest you — on United, of course. Although interesting football related stuff can also be linked to.
On to the list:
Small Monday roundup for you all.
The official site has still been cagey about the Rooney and Vidic situation. The Sun claims that Rooney is only 30% fit. But then, only the Sun is capable of zeroing in on such a percentage.
Continue reading “Worry over Rooney and Vida | Evra’s Abuse | Curbs Plans Weak Squad “
Lads, plenty of stuff to talk about, with the Barca clash round the corner. So let’s get on with it quickly.
Continue reading “Hot News Ahead of Barca | Gattuso and the Usual Nonsense”
Some United related news to talk about today, as usual. So like real gentlemen, let’s talk about it.
Avram Grant and his title ambitions
It’s come to this. Most fans weren’t too happy when Avram Grant was appointed, and opinion hasn’t changed much now. At this point many Chelsea fans just want the season to be done with and don’t even think that they deserve to win the title — however improbable it may be. Avram Grant thinks the title can still be won. Mathematically, yes. With his style of management, unlikely. Anyway, it’s not my interest to discuss their season at the moment, but towards the end of the article there are some interesting stats thrown about on how some of Fergie’s old pals have done us a favour by nicking points off the ‘big four’. And they are substantial. I am not too much on stats, but it’s interesting reading that.
Continue reading “Grant “Believes” | Capello on Rooney | Queiroz Loves Ron “
The title race is not over as yet. We have to go to Blackburn and Chelsea before we start celebrating — assuming we beat them both. But yesterday Steve Bruce’s Wigan Athletic did us a huge favour with an injury time leveller which gives us that extra cushion going into a dodgy trip to Ewood Park.
Continue reading “Brucey We Owe You One!”
It feels nice to be in the semi-finals for the second year running. We have a mouthwatering semi-final draw against Barcelona. For a change, I don’t feel the least intimidated about the Catalan outfit. Had we played them a couple of years ago, I’d have been quaking in my boots. But today’s Barca are unfortunately a poor imitation of their once all-conquering self. But one must also exercise some caution here. We must remember the Milan game of last year.
Milan were poor in Serie A last season but managed to win the Champions’ League. In recent times it’s been a trend where a team that has been dire in the domestic league has managed to turn it around in the Champions’ League. Barcelona are well behind Real Madrid in La Liga, and come April 23rd, they may be entirely ruled out of their title chances. So they may choose to rest players ahead of playing us.
However, to be honest, if Messi does not make it at Camp Nou, I don’t see how we could be threatened that much.
Continue reading “The Day After Roma”
Okay, apart from today’s earlier piece, here’s your daily fix as well.
1. Times Online thinks it is Hargreaves’ tardiness that’s cost him playing time. Now I am not certain of passing judgment here because I don’t see a single source quoted in the article (”one source said”, doesn’t cut it for me). It’s all up in the air and speculative. But I find it hard to understand how, someone who was desperate to play for United would be so tardy. Not to mention, someone who had his football education at the altar of punctuality and efficiency that is Germany. Last I checked, tardiness is the worst thing you can do to piss off a German. And I find it hard to believe Hargo would be guilty of that.
2. Messi expects to be fit for United. Hopefully, Schalke come from behind to knock them out. A Barcelona with a fit Messi is a much different proposition.
3. Fergie confident of tying up Rio, and soon.
4. Wenger tries to do what Fergie did to him in December — saying United will drop points. I am sure we will, but the question is how much, and hopefully Arsenal and Chelsea too will. Hopefully they manage another draw against ‘Pool in the weekend. Unfortunately, Benitez could scupper that by rotating his side keeping the second leg CL tie in mind.
5. Ronaldhinho out of United tie. Hmm, now that’s interesting. Not that he’s particularly setting the stage on fire at the moment.
More links when I find them.
It’s the day after beating Roma, and boy doesn’t it feel nice. Today will see another pair of Champions’ League games with three other English teams on duty; Liverpool take on Arsenal and Chelsea play Fenerbahce.
The reaction from the media has been positive, although some have gone overboard in their praise. Paul Doyle in particular declares that Fergie has finally found the answer to winning European games away. Now I find such effusive over-the-top praise as a little unnecessary. Fergie got things right yesterday, the team played well. End of. But that does not necessarily mean that he’s found a cure for everything in the world. If unfair criticism can infuriate, over the top praise is on the other extreme end of the spectrum — and is no less annoying.
Trust the Guardian bloggers to barrack Fergie the next time he manages a tame away draw in Europe — these people excel in Orwellian doublespeak.
Continue reading “Featured Video: Manchester United Reserves v Newcastle and Citeh”
