Oct 02
Thoughts on the Aalborg win and reactions
United won a game that I thought wasn’t exhilarating for a 3-0 scoreline, as a spectacle. Perhaps the 10,000 odd strength of the stadium made it look like a kick about at a Sunday league game. No disrespect to the fans of Aalborg, who to their credit sang their lungs out, but when I heard the commentator mention about a section of fans holding a banner with “Welcome to hell!” written on it, I thought they had a really good sense of humour — a heated cauldron with mentalists baying for blood was certainly not a picture that came to mind.
The headline makers of the day were Dimitar Berbatov and Wayne Rooney, for their goals, but the man who really caught the eye was Rafael da Silva. More on that in a bit.
Fergie sent out what he thought was a strong United team. Wes Brown would have every reason to be livid about it. Even I was not happy at Fergie’s decision to overlook Brown. My unhappiness was slightly tempered by the fact that we got another chance to see one of our young prospects show their wares on the European stage. The idea — to blood youngsters — was good. But the cost — of doing it at Brown’s expense — wasn’t.
Now I’m sure Brown’s a decent lad who’s been United through and through and wouldn’t throw a fit straight away. But whilst he may have been able to come to terms with seeing Gary Neville play ahead of him — he’s our skipper after all — coming off the bench for a puny 18 year old, and only because said puny 18 year old was feeling his knee, would have sucked out the last vestiges of self-respect left in him. I appreciate Fergie’s bravery for selecting a youngster in a European game, but I feel sorry for Brown.
But back to our puny Brazilian. The kid’s got amazing desire and skill. He’s not afraid to get stuck, and his trickery and pace can rival even our most accomplished wingers. He’s quite a talent: raw, unhinged, and unafraid of the occasion. And boy, did he grasp the opportunity given to him! A couple of shots that he took could have easily been goals. They weren’t blind pot shots that end up being missiles targetted at the friend in row Z who wanted a souvenir ball. They were good shots on target that tested the ‘keeper. And well informed observers of the South American leagues, like the excellent Tim Vickery, think Fabio is the more talented one. Now I hope I temper this excitement down. He is, as I said, raw. And with raw, you get parts of the game that need to be worked on. He does need to learn to track back and not get caught out too forward. A marauding full back like Evra would help the chap better at that.
Moving on, to another character that deserved more than a cursory mention: Dimitar Berbatov. He scored a brace, but was struggling to find his feet in the first half. His passes were off — even the simple ones — although the ideas were good for most part. It’s the pulling those ideas off part that wasn’t up to scratch. From what I’ve seen of Berbatov, I really think he’s got a good footballing brain. And someone with a good footballing brain can adapt to a system more easily. His influence is growing, but it’s been gradual. In the second half I saw more of the Berbatov I wanted to see. Some of his skills are so languid in execution that they don’t get the appreciation they deserve. His ability to shift the ball from one foot to the other with minimal upper body movement and with two defenders on his back was a subtle move that I’m not sure a lot of people may have noticed. But more than the quality of his goals, what caught my eye was his pass with the outside of his boot to Ronaldo that the Portuguese somehow contrived to miss. That was class. I think Berbatov is getting there, as far as gelling with the team goes, and his comments on being angry with himself for not scoring a straightforward chance gives us a glimpse of how much the man wants to prove to the Old Trafford faithful. More than his partnership with Rooney, I see a greater and a more mouthwatering understanding with Ronaldo in the works. Watch this space.
Another player who was left for the last was Wayne Rooney. He was again impressive, and scored again. The presence of Berbatov seems to have taken the responsibility — of having to be a primary scoring threat — off his shoulders and this lessening of burden has freed him more and perhaps, given him more composure in front of goal. Or am I reading too much into this? Oh well, how typical of him then to get into a vein of form and then limp off the field. He seems doubtful for Blackburn.
I was shocked at the selection of O’Shea alongside Scholes in midfield. A more decent side would have ridden roughshod over us. In fact, the Aalborg midfielders did bypass O’Shea rather easily. I don’t know what sort of rotation Fergie has in mind, but it’s a good idea to keep Fletcher fresh for the graft that is in store against Blackburn — who always give us a good fight.
When Scholes limped off, I wasn’t impressed with Fergie bringing on Giggs in his place — “Oh, so we have a a world class squad, yet we are back to our central midfield of O’Shea and Giggs that dragged us to 2nd place in the 05/06 season”, I thought. Irony? I think so.
But Giggs looked like the sort of player we really needed. Has just enough pace for a central midfielder, has enough experience and vision to create time for himself on the ball, and showed that he could thread some neat passes as he setup Rooney. So, world class squad it is then.
As a concluding note, I still think we were never even out of second gear on the day. The 3-0 win was another step as we look to move into a situation where we really start spanking teams that are half decent. Till then I’ll keep the faith in our squad to be in touching distance with the league leaders. After which I hope Liverpool begin their time honoured tradition of imploding under the weight (and noise) of the Kop and Chelsea continue to play as badly as they did against Cluj.
It’s a pity we head into the international break after Blackburn away, just as we seem to be hitting the right notes.
Related items from Red Rants:
- Manchester United’s 08/09 Champions’ League Opponents
- Aalborg v Man Utd: Preview
- United get Milan, Giggs gets new deal
- Some More Thoughts Ahead of the Scouse Trip
- CHAMPIONEEEESSSSSS! YESSSSS!
Tags: Match Reports
Opti (541)
Stephen (485)
RedDevilEddy (459)
Craig Mc (346)
Moscow is my heaven (272)
How about Nani? I’m really sick of watching him (almost everytime) having the ball and begin his solo performance, did anyone in the coach team tell him what’s the meaning of teamwork? I realize that he is a gifted player like Ronaldo first came to Manu, but his selfish performance will not help but only destroy him. One selfish player (but he have the skill & ability to be selfish) in a team is enough, we don’t want two!
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I agree nani was shocking in front of goal.
Once he has the keeper in his sights he seems to go into loan ranger mode and suddenly its the “nani show”.
A show with a decent actor, more than decent co-actors and a terrible plot than inevitably involves the audience groaning (as nani shoots wide into the stands).
I’m actually surprised the coaching staff haven’t had a quiet word with the lad about the situation.
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No doubt though – nani’s got talent
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I think they will notice this when Nani’s selfishness will cost us some points…
PS: not questioning Nani’s talent, but selfishness…
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@AndyCR7: spot on mate.
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Good article. Once Berba got that 1st goal you could see a different player. He was more involved, dropping back to help and trying to set others up (e.g the pass for Ronaldo). Definitely settling in. Rafael certainly caught the eye but, like you, i also felt for Wes. I think Fergie has got the hump about something behind the scenes after the anfield fiasco. John O’Shea in central midfield = shivers down spine time! Is this really the best we can do? With two full-backs bombing forward, you need a holding midfielder with pace & ability to check counters and cover defenders. O’Shea gives you nothing. If I was Darron Gibson, I would be thinking it’s never going to happen!
As for Nani (great ability and potential) but why can’t he clear the 1st defender with a corner, why does he have to shoot from 40yds and why does he have to constantly throw himself to the ground each time a defender breathes and complain a la Ronaldo. I wish Keano was still around to have a quiet word with him!
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I think Nani knows he’s not a first team regular, and is therefore desperate to impress when he gets the chance.
Unfortunately, he’s trying too hard, or trying in the wrong fashion a the case may be.
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http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid=%7BC7DF7CEC%2D3BC3%2D4859%2DA3FD%2DFE4AAD215DD8%7D&redirectorid=news_story&newsid=6619658
any comments?
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@benjd: he will impress me and everyone who hates his selfishness when he makes assists
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Where is everybody?
Just so you know, Ill get my FIFA 09 in about 3 hours. 
Looks like Ive got a head start.
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Hey Red Diablo Eid Mubarak…
Where is my Shir-Kurma?
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@AndyCR7: I dont get it…
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@3Vunited: Nani didn’t need anybody to tell hime last year
, he was 2nd highest in assists, 1 less than Rooney. This season like other of our players, he hasn’t hit top form yet. It is not fair to judge him until he gets more playing time THIS season.
That moderate enough for you RR
.
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@Craig Mc: Allow me to rephrase mate:
he is young and everyone around him are also playing quite shit and are playing week in week out, he is a good young player and needs games!! fuck me! 
For fuck sake give the lad a chance, he has played hardly any football this season and had not had a run in the side!!!
Jeez!
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@RedDevilEddy: Red Diablo is a muslim and its a kinda big day for them…
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@AndyCR7: why? What is so special about today?
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@Stephen: Stephen Bro, I feckin love you
. You rewrote my moderate post sublimely, and with such feckin panache 
. Spoken like a true Stretford Ender mate, with bad arse terrace talk 
.
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I actually think the break is pretty good timing, particularly if Fergie is his usual anti-national team self. Rooney gets rested Saturday and therefore misses the England games, giving himself almost 3 weeks without football to make sure his ankle is strong and able. Plus Carrick only misses a couple more, and gives Ronaldo and Berba even more time to get to 90 minutes of fitness.
We should have been where we’ll be after this break after the one in early September, but what can you do.
Chelsea look to be without Drogba for a long time. Not sure what to make of that, but they’re definitely weaker without him.
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@RedDevilEddy: Dunno much about it… Its called Eid… I guess Red Diablo would be able to explain it better…
All Muslims seem to be celebrating today… so thought of wishing him..
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Okey then! Hey Red Diablo Eid Mubarak… Where is my Shir-Kurma?
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End of Ramadan, innit.
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RR:You’re right. The Berba – Ronaldo Partnership seems to be flourishing more than any of the others.
Probably because they’ve been playing more games together haven’t they?
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@3Vunited: One thing that constantly frustrates me is the comparison of Nani to Ronaldo. Sure at times they may have similar styles but that’s where it stops. At 17 Ronaldo was light years ahead of Nani in both skill, speed, finesse and vision. That doesn’t mean that Nani isn’t good, but to compare him to the world’s best player is absurd.
When I first saw Ronaldo play I said to myself and another friend that that lad would be the worlds best player within 5 years. I was dead on. I saw skills that although young and immature, were well refined and his speed off the mark and control of the ball in close quarters is only comparable with Messi. At no time have I ever seen the kind of stuff from Nani except last year against Arsenal. Hardly enough games and enough consistency to make me compare the two I feel. The boy has a great arsenal of gifts but he has never WOWed me like he has fellows like Craig. At no time have I ever thought that in a year or two he would be Ronaldo’s rival for top dog. Even when Ronaldo was being compared to a show pony I felt he was special and to be honest, I rarely found moments that frustrated me or infuriated me when it came to his play or team play. Yes he could be selfish at times but in general, whatever type of play or move he undertook would generally cause havoc for the opposition. Nani is 21. He was 20 when he came to us. Ronaldo was only 17 when he showed up. In my books Nani should have been far ahead of schedule by now and more advanced in his maturity and overall play development. He isn’t because I don’t think he is driven to be the best like Ronaldo and also, because he is stubborn and easily frustrates himself and his teammates by not thinking well on his feet. He loves to sulk and I for one have never seen a player with his head down so much and with a constant frown. That may be cosmetic and may not reveal Nani’s true feelings but body language says a lot. Ronaldo’s body language has always been that of a confident, self assured individual who sees himself as a God in his chosen field. Nano on the other hand has a great goal celebration but during games he does not look nor does he act like a player who is in tune with his teammates or his environment.
But here is the thing, Nani is still a very special player and his skill needs to be nurtured and promoted. He will never be in Ronaldo’s class and lets stop feeling he will. There is no shame in that When his career is all over Ronaldo will go down as one of the top 5 footballers of all time. Nani on the other hand can make a significant name for himself if he just starts to listen to his coaches and if he starts to work on the aspects of his mental and physical game that need work. If he does that Fergie will have no choice but to consider him first team. But in order for that to happen, Fergie needs to give the lad an extended run as a starter and a vote of confidence, and Nani needs to take the opportunity and make it work for him. But, let the comparisons with the great Ronaldo stop. They are false and truthfully, I think they have entered Nani’s head and he has started to believe them. That is why he has been derailed of late. He tries but he cannot and never will fully emulate his fellow countryman. I want Nani to be Nani, not Ronaldo version 2.0.
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@Col: I don’t think Keano would be as quiet as you think.
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@RedDevilEddy: What really gets me is that Europe and other regions will get the game today and I who lives a half mile away from EA Canada who develops the game will have to wait until two days after the US release date of October 14th. My God, I can throw a stone at the developers window from where I am yet I have to wait two more bloody weeks. Unfair and very ridiculous.
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@Craig Mc: Craig mate, enough already about the assists. Yes he had a lot of assists but he has a lot of flaws in his game and he has regressed mightily since the end of last season. Right now an assist looks like a pipe dream. Yes the boy has talent but the boy isn’t using his head to bring out that talent properly. Instead he is pressing and trying to hard to do too much and it’s getting him in trouble. Everybody thought he sucked in the last game but i for one was happy to see him try to do smaller and simpler things. Let him slowly build his confidence back up and then I think you will once again see the lad who had 17 assists instead of the lad who wants to score 50 goals.
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@Grognard: I see you. People in Australia got it a week ago, it pissed me off!
But 30 minutes ago I got the news that my parents had bought it and they are on their way home. Its holidays for people that go to school this week, so Ive had the whole week off! Ill get the game in about an hour, and I will play it like its the only thing to do in the world! 
If you have any questions, Ill anwer them later, K? 
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Any links for the reserves match against Wigan?
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@RedDevilEddy: Enjoy yourself and take time out to eat and get some sleep to. That game can become all consuming and an obsession. It’s a lot of fun.
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@Grognard:
Know it! 
Experienced something like that a year ago when FIFA 08 came out. Didnt get any sleep and got a 3 on my test the next day(grades are 1-6. Im a 5-6 
). Thankfully I can stay up as long as I want cause I dont have school until Monday and homework are already done. NORWAY RULE!!! 
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@RedDevilEddy: That’s understandable for you being a young student who wants to enjoy a video game. But it gets sad when an old bugger like myself obsesses and gets all consumed with a video game. But hey, last thing anybody should tell me to do is to grow up. Maturity is overrated and rather boring. Truthfully, my XBox and my PC keep me young. I can’t wait for the game as well as Football Manager 09 for my PC. PES 10 is not an option anymore after their last two incredibly poor and lazy efforts. That game used to be the best but has really lost it’s way. Hopefully Konami will wake up and stop offering us 8 year old graphics and technology and revamp their game to match EA. Somehow, I rather doubt it.
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Good news that Rooney’s injury isn’t serious – that would have been a blow. Still expect Tevez to start on Saturday, though…let’s hope he makes a better fist of linking with Berba than he did against Bolton.
I have to say I see both sides of the coin on the Nani argument. On the ony hand, his performances this season haven’t been up to scratch and have been horribly frustrating to watch. On other other, we haven’t had many easy games to let him play his way out of his rut, and if he gets going he can be really dangerous.
I think we should keep persevering with him, but I’m going to need to put a bullet-proof shield in front of my TV in the meantime…
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@Penguin:
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@Grognard: Well, I get what you mean. It looks more awsome to be young than old? Im in a confusing age though, i dont know wether to call myself a boy or a man? Im 15, what will you call me? How old are you btw?
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@RedDevilEddy: Mate at 15, don’t waste your time sitting in playing games all day, go out underage drink, try mind expanding drugs, meet girls come on mate live your life!!
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@Stephen: Man, Stephen thats what i usually do during the spring and the summer! But its been a week of raining and everybody is afraid they might get wet.
Autumn is boring here, but the girls certanly make it better. 
But, football is my life, I play in a team and 4 afternoons of my week goes to training and practice. And when Im done with school, training and homework, I either hang our with friends or play FIFA. And now I have it! 
See you guys in 3 hours, Im gonna play MY GAME! 
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Lol@Stephen…Im 17 and thats probably the worst piece of advice I have ever seen. Lol but then again everything is relative so it might be a good thing.
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@Grognard: I share your frustration about the Fifa release dates. WHy do they stagger them? I feel it is us in North America who should have the pleasure of playing it first.
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@RedDevilEddy: I’m 49 there mate. So from my perspective I respectfully would refer to you as either a boy or a young man. Whichever one works well for you. As for me, I’m just a Grognard.
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@Stephen: None of those things will hurt you mate but watch out about the girls. They have the potential to suck the life out of you.
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@johnsom33: Totally agree. In fact we here in Canada usually have to wait an extra day or two after the US date because they delay due to what they say is getting the documents and manuals Ok’d for French. That of course really pisses me off because they should get that done way before the release date. I am an impatient individual by nature and release dates and delays for software, games, movies etc just pisses me off to no end. I just have to live with it. It’s the kid in me screaming and shouting.
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@RedDevilEddy: Couple of things mate. After you have played the game a bit let me know if they have improved the way to take free kicks. Also, have they added the Argentine league this year or are the continuing to ignore that great league? Finally, have they included the real player names for the Dutch national team. I really get pissed off with their inability to get Holland to sign over their rights in regards to this year after year. I mean really, what is the big deal here?
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@AndyCR7: Thanks alot Andy! Actually Eid here in Pakistan was yesterday. But we Muslims celebrate three days of Eid. Thats why I couldn’t post since day before yesterday. Khair Mubarak to you which means Eid Mubarak to you as well. Alright so Shir-Kurma? Mate there is a kurta! Thats a dress(I bought two new ones) which we wear with a white shalwar! http://rapidshare.com/files/150349077/DSC00172.JPG.html here is a picture of me in a kurta and shalwar today on day 2 of eid. Anyway maybe what you are talking about is Sawaiyan! They are sweet vermicelli cooked and served in sweet milk. oh and Shiri Kurma! Thats a very tasty dish too. We celebrate Eid usually with a grand treat! Its at my Granddad’s. You know it is a Family reuniting for some as it is all my father’s cousins and everyone so it is really refreshing! But the best part is Eidi.This is money and gift that the youngest generation gets from all the elder generations. So it is like a christmas present but only that it is money in the highest form of generosity! and we can buy whatever we want with the money! Again thanks for wishing me Andy and Eddy as well!
But then I being sixteen and the eldest child in my house. My smaller cousins and siblings looted me. But it seriously was fun. Especially that my papers of 3 GCSE start on OCT 13!
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@RedDevilEddy: Mate at 15 you are called in Urdu neither a Mard(Man)neither a Bacha(Boy). Youre a Badlta howa Kacha (An underwear increasing in size! )
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@Grognard: Iwish somebody could exoplain why we have to wait a full 2 weeks after the Limey release date, I haven’t found an answer yet, but I CAN”T FUCKING WAIT for FIFA 09. On a related note, if anyone want’s to get throttled at FIFA 08 on XBOX Live between now and then hit me up, my username is Wheezy23.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=om1-QP5_oa8&feature=related
now i would say we should snap this kid up, but he is playing in a league equivalent to the championship/league 1
, he isnt that other lad we are linked with.
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@dan(u-ol): Look at the coverage he gets. Anyone with a half ounce of skill and imagination can do that stuff when they are poorly marked. Perhaps it’s the Greek in me but he doesn’t impress me that much. Still, he is young so scoop him up.
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@Grognard: Wow, you’re ancient, lol jk.
@john freakin’ o’shea: I don’t know what to make of him, has anyone seen him play or heard stuff about him??? I can’t believe its just October and silly season has started already.
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@dan(u-ol): If half of his tricks amounted to anything i’d be impressed, but he is young so what’s the harm? I say snatch him up.
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@dan(u-ol): @Grognard: Actually I thought the defenders were quite tight on him… Its his quick feet that gets him out of their marking… And this is the turkish league we’re talking about guys, its probably much stronger than league 1.
Is this really the 5 million kid? If it is then that looks like a bargain to me. As a winger he would be better than Park and Nani (on actual form, that is)
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