Jul 07
Three Questions for Manchester United
This was written several hours before the time indicated against the article so there is a chance that one of my questions could already have been answered by the time you are reading this. So bear with me.
Let’s play a game folks. It’s not a game really, but still, humour me on this one. Not much has happened in the transfer front and many fans have developed an acute illness borne out of furiously refreshing Newsnow, clicking through to headlines that scream out “EXCLUSIVE: Huntelaar signs for United” or “United sign next Pele” or “Kaka declares love for United (after declaring his love for Jesus for the 12567th time)”; the chief perpetrators of such behaviour being sites like Tribal Football, Sportingo, Caught Offside, The Sun and plenty of blogs looking to generate quick cash with misleading headlines. [I may have been guilty from time to time, but then I am really too lazy to be arsed to think of catchy headlines or perhaps, I just don't have the creative spark in me.]
Moving on… here’s the ‘game’.
I am going to ask three questions to United. I will expand on each question, and then all you have to do is to either agree with my three questions or, if you disagree, post three questions of your own. These three questions can be anything from the current transfer saga to anything that concerns you about United at the moment.
A brief bit of a disclaimer before going ahead, though: I won’t be putting these questions to the folks at Manchester United — be assured. I have no inside knowledge of the people there. It’s just an open letter and anyone can answer to them.
Question 1. What is going to happen to our number two (Assistant Manager) position?
There has been no quotes from Queiroz assuring us that he’s staying at United. There is a growing chorus from the media that he has agreed personal terms. Despite the lack of clear quotes from the man himself it is certainly possible that he will quit United and head over to his homeland. So what names would crop up if that happens will be for us to wait and see. Cantona’s name will be at the forefront in media circles, and although he could be a great motivator, choosing him would be a decision of the heart, not the mind. No one knows his tactical acumen so we can never tell if he’s ideal. Update: As I write this the Mirror claims that McClair is being lined up for Number 2. Whilst he brings in continuity to the club hierarchy, I personally have misgivings on his appointment based on what I’ve heard from different people.
Question 2. Are we getting a striker?
When Fergie said it will be one signing this summer, do we know for sure if it’s a striker he’s talking about? Names like Huntelaar, Berbatov have been bandied about whilst reports circulate that Manucho may have come to Old Trafford carrying an injury. So this ‘mystery single signing’ of ours will not be known for sure until we get an official confirmation.
Question 3. Why have we taken so long to decide on an operation for Ronaldo?
This is my most important question to United. If the club have decided that Ronaldo will not be going anywhere why didn’t they have a meeting with the Portugal doctors earlier? He is still on a holiday and he could find time to meet with the doctors now, so surely, he could have done this immediately after the Euros? What were the doctors waiting on? If the club are firm that Ronaldo isn’t going anywhere and they know that he’s carrying an injury, common sense would dictate an assessment of the injury at the minimum, as soon as possible.
Ok, so these are my three questions to United. Feel free to comment on these questions (see if you can give me satisfactory answers) and add three questions of your own.
Over to you…
Related items from Red Rants:- Do you like Rio Ferdinand?
- Revisiting the Ronaldo Debate
- Transfer magic / what next for United?
- On the Kaizer Chiefs Friendly + Rodrigo Possebon
- Liverpool 2-1 Man Utd: Questions Galore for Fergie
Tags: Discussions
July 7th, 2008 at 10:12
RR, what have you heard from differnt people with regards to McClair?
July 7th, 2008 at 10:22
1) Portugal have to agree a fee with Manchester United.
2) Yes
3) The club believes an operation may not be necessary and that rest will take care of the problem.
July 7th, 2008 at 10:27
Is Anderson OK?
Has Tevez had his batteries charged?
Why sell Silvestre when we need cover for Evre?
July 7th, 2008 at 11:21
does fergie really only want 1 player
or is it guff (in other words manager speak so the current players feel wanted and so other clubs do not play hard ball)
or is it to do with cash?
are we going to sign any of these brazilians kerlon, renato and the like?
will fergie ever take a risk on a player again?
due to the flops when spending smaller sums, we now seem to either sign a proven “world class” player or a kid with potenial. would he sign andy cole today (with andy newcastle form) as a player like darren bent could score goals for us in the prem but i just can’t see fergie signing him or a player like him.
July 7th, 2008 at 11:40
I got some more questions,
1.) Why is there an unnerving silence from the club, is there turmoil within the ranks?
2.) Why are we not celebrating or acting like a club that just won the double, rather than taking shot after shot of demeaning rumours or allegations from R Madrid and the press?
3.) Why hasn’t the required signings been acquired and the surplus relinquished, we are starting pre-season this weekend, aren’t we?
July 7th, 2008 at 11:56
In reply to ur questions RR.
1) Carlos has pretty much signed and is gone. History tells us when opportunity knocks, he leaves. As was the case with his stint at real madrid.
2) Most likely we will be getting a striker. As much as i like Saha hes just not been spending enough time on the park. A quality striker the likes of Santa Cruz, Berbatov or Hunterlaar, possible even Falcoa from south america. But a striker is clearly going to be signed because Ronaldo wont score 40 goals again.
3) They explained this already. This is a problem Ronaldos been carrying for a while. And they said it was best to examine it after a period of rest. Plus they needed to get various specialist opinions. They know what they are doing.
Questions of my own:
1) Van der sar has confirmed this is going to be his last season, so how much are we going to see of Foster or Kuszczak for a changing of the guard?
2) Why havnt we locked down Tevez? His still on loan and his deal hasnt been made permanent and theres been no movement to change the situation. Tevez showed his class throughout the season, goals will come, just lock him down.
3) Although Neville has been a loyal servant of the club, why does he remain captain? At 33, injury ravaged and with Brown making that RB slot his own, surely SAF needs to select a captain who will play week-in week-out in the first XI and have that influence on the park
July 7th, 2008 at 12:27
1) is someone taking the piss with the away kit?
2) what are the plans for manucho next season?
3) is john o’shea worth £45,000 a week?
July 7th, 2008 at 12:47
1) Querioz will leave. I think that’s a big blow since we all know how our season went when he’d gone to RMad. Hope we get a good replacement.
2) Yes, we are getting a striker - defintely. Hunter or Berba it will be.
3) The club was hoping that a surgery was not needed, and was trying to find if any other solution was possible. Now it seems that surgery is the only answer, hence Ronaldo will go under the knife.
July 7th, 2008 at 12:56
According to Setanta Sports, Ronaldo will get operated tonight/later today. He will be gone for 6 weeks, may return for the Popey away game. He will return to Manchester tomorrow.
July 7th, 2008 at 12:59
answers
1: it appears that CQ have spoken to both club and country regarding a move to take over the national team. im guessing they are discussing a fee?
2:Hope we are signing a striker, just cant figure out who. ive been in big doubt about huntelaar, but reading through the posts im getting a little more assured that he will do fine. other than him i cant think of any striker that SAF would buy.
3:On skysports they wrote the reason for delay was that the medical team would see if an surgery could be avoided, and the injury could heal itself. thats why he was allowed go on vacation just after the champ.
July 7th, 2008 at 13:13
1. McClair seems odds on for the job, CQ will go and manage Portugal which is fair.. Cantona to come in as a coach?
2. The only thing we need is a striker. Huntelaar. Please! And now!
3. They were trying some mumbo jumbo seaweed nonsense and all that. Obviously that failed. Bit of an oversight considering Nani is banned for the first 2 matches. Newcastle at home, Portsmouth away. Portsmouth away will be a toughie without both C.Ron and Nani.
July 7th, 2008 at 13:25
1) Love to see Eric, but I cant see him going in as No.2, im sure Fergie knows who he wants tho, he always get quality in these rolls.
2) Can’t see berbs happy to rotate, we have about 5 strikers on the books, could do with some more strength in
defence
3) Ronalso sells papers, lets not fuel these sales and we should ignore him as much as possible
4) to cure the lack of football, please start a redsrants fantasy football league at http://fantasy.premierleague.com/
will stop me looking at newsnow…
July 7th, 2008 at 13:32
1. Querioz will be goin, sure of it. My pick for number 2 is Blanc. He just had a great season with Bordeaux and would be perfect imo.
2. A new striker is defo on the cards. My guess is Huntelaar, Berba or Falcao.
3. The medical team wanted to see if surgery could be avoided.
July 7th, 2008 at 13:44
It looks like CQ will be leaving us again, so wonder what he is telling Ronaldo?? Stay or go? does he want an unhappy player in his international squad? Very complicated.
Larry White, would be a good number 2 I think, decent management record, knows the club, ( he was shit for us I know) has links in France, a market we should have tapped into more I believe, seems sensible but would he want to be a assistant as he is managing now, I don’t know but seems a good option to me.
July 7th, 2008 at 14:01
1) CQ will go I think we can all pretty much agree on that. Would love him to stay but you can’t blame the guy for going its a great opportunity for him. The only way I can see him staying is by Utd giving him some pretty big assurances of taking over from SAF when he retires. To be honest Im not sure Id want him taking over from SAF. Being a great assistant certainly doesnt mean you make a great manager see Kidd and McLaren. Chocie seems a good choice as he’s part of the Utd management team already even though he didnt have a great time at Blackburn with Kidd. Doesnt matter who we get CQ’s Portuguese influence over the years has been crucial.
2)I think it will be a striker with Berb or Hunt as looking at the minute as being the likely candidates. Not really struck on either to be honest but Berb would be choice of the 2. Benzema would def be my 1st choice of strikers I would try and bring in but I realise thats not going to happen Im just saying he would be quality and would be great for utd.
3) Seems reasonable as a few people have mentioned that surgery was a last resort and that a holiday would allow for the problem to fix itself. Alas no!
Questions
1)Do you think SAF is giving serious\any consideration to Rooney as a possible replacement for Scholes
2) Whats happening with the Brazilian twins Rafael and Fabio given that full back in particular right back is a positiong I would like to see us strengthen?
3)@Grognard for an earlier post on kits. Were you being serious about a white top, red shorts and black socks for an away kit? Really not sure about that at all mate! Red shorts we have never had red shorts!
July 7th, 2008 at 14:27
1. CQ will leave for national teeam - Replacement: Steve McClaren
(Please remember the treble)
2. Yes probably Klaas: Again we are locked in battle with the Gunners
3. Come on, he need a break after the disappointing Euro
1. How many times can we expect Anderson, Ben and Nani in the starting 11?
2. Can we revenge a much improved City who did a double over us last season?
3. Can newly wedded Rooney clean up his acts ?
July 7th, 2008 at 15:03
@Ashley: Defo agree with a fantasy premier league for the fourm
July 7th, 2008 at 15:09
Q1- Quieroz LOOKs like he’s taking over the Portuguese job, oddly enough I wondered after a succesful reserve team season why Ole had been invited to takeover from McClair. When you take into consideration Quieroz’ Utd career surely fans won’t be too upset at him wanting to move on(He can’t leave on better terms). Choccy I believe will takeover some idiot has already changed his WIKI profile to Assistant Manager.
Q2- Having had the CR7 merry-go-round plague my mind-set ever since we won(and didn’t have time to celebrate) the double, I think I echo the majority of fans wanting us to sign a big-name. I had been calling for Benzema but Huntelaar was always my 2nd choice, I the Hunter is the man we opt for certainly fans on this forum will be happy.
Having said that I’m really not fussed if we sign a lesser known forward who will go onto become a BIG name. The truth is SAF might not be looking for a forward, we scored a shit load of goals last year and I can’t imagine Rooney or Tevez being on any other teams bench!! I hope we sign a player worthy of the shirt cos quite a few of are ‘targets’ have been right twats(i won’t use names)
Players SAF I hope could swoop for only 1 signing is needed>
Huntelaar- nuff said on this guy no one would complain!
Falcao- he WOULD be a success although a work permit and inexperiance should prevent this transfer.
Lahm- If we needed a fullback his horror Euros haven’t put me off better option than that City fool.
Santa Cruz- Always a shock, I admire his game and temperment hes around 10m and wouldn’t complain having a lesser role.
Alex Texiera- Who?? If CR7 leaves, we will be linked with everyone. We tried to sign him with the twins, he’s now 18 and he has already destroyed teams in the Brasiliero. £6m for a player worth double.
UNKWOWN- I have a feeling we may sign an unkwown CB I think Evans may move on.
Q3- To echo earlier post Utd didn’t want to risk an opperation, this could favour us he WILL be back for the away double Chelsea/Liverpool and the media can report on his ankle rather than his ‘dream move’.
Please mute Roman Calderon!! I have heard Marca and AS have close ties to Real but does Calderon edit these newspapers?
Is he like there ‘page 3 girl’? does he have his own Ronaldo column??
July 7th, 2008 at 15:17
pls any body have any news about anderson???????
July 7th, 2008 at 15:20
July 7th, 2008 at 15:27
RR we definitely need a fantasy league.does soccerlens have one?
July 7th, 2008 at 15:30
@Ashley
Quality call on the Fantasy Football league. I had emailed Red Rants at the start of the day to start one up and had suggested that very one. The Premierships own FF is a good one.
Count me in - bring it on!
July 7th, 2008 at 15:34
Yea, SoccerLens is making one…
I have some questions:
1) Wellbeck and Campbell - are they going to be given a chance in the first team next season or are they going to leave the club in two years time and impress somewhere else?
2) Is Darren Fletcher going to be happy to make 10 appearnace the whole season? How about Park?
3) How many of us have been fed up with Ronaldo’s antics and just wish that he disappears from the face of the earth? He could have ended this gossip shit a year ago…
As for the Ronaldo surgey, I think it might have been made in time to ward off interest from R Madrid. If the player is injured until the end of the transfer window, they are less likely to make a mega-offer methinks.
July 7th, 2008 at 15:53
For CQ to manage Portugal is a win win situation. He raises his international profile and he will still be a string candidate to succeed Sir Alex when he retires.
July 7th, 2008 at 15:54
1) He’s going to go because the only stumbling block would have been the wages and he’s already agreed to the package. Portugal will pay the compensation United ask for and I don’t think Ferguson will fight too hard if Queiroz genuinely wants to go, there’s too much respect for that.
Brian McClair is a possible option because of his experience with the youth team but I envisage a sharing of responsibilities this season and then maybe we’ll get a continental coach / manager coming in, someone that we haven’t heard too much about.
2) If Saha is fit, then we might go for another young player (winger / striker) instead and keep pushing Ronaldo up front. If Saha isn’t fit, then we’ll go for experience and proven pedigree. Someone on SL mentioned that after van Basten’s arrival, Huntelaar might stay at least another year. Eto’o is my bet, but you have to admit, Fergie is loyal to his players.
3) Because he was on a well-earned, richly-deserved holiday. He had the checkup after that, so he’s going to get the opp done now.
July 7th, 2008 at 15:56
About fantasy footy I’ll speak with Ahmed about getting a custom league setup for RR. But for that I’ll run a poll to see how many are interested. I see no point in having an RR league with 20 players. We need a lot more for it to work and be fun. I’ll keep you all posted on this in a few days. Either way the league is still about 4-5 weeks away, so you still have to bear with Newsnow.
July 7th, 2008 at 16:00
Ronaldo how we know him
July 7th, 2008 at 16:43
@scoop: Being Canadian and be used to the color schemes and traditions used in Sports here in North America I myself prefer away kits to be the same color scheme as the home kit except lighter or darker depending which tone the home kit is. I’d be fine with black shorts and red socks but I really don’t have a problem with red shorts. Many great clubs have worn the color on the shorts and the scheme is consistent with the team colors. In fact all football should incorporate a strict adherence to team colors. The reason they don’t is because of money. They make millions taking advantage of poor fools by exploiting them and fleecing them of their hard earned money by creating kits that last one year and then are a thing of the past. By doing this they ensure that they will exploit you every year. If they adhered to a strict color code it would take a lot of creativity to change the kits every year. You can only do so much with the same two or three color every year. Supporters of all teams should wake up and realize they are being taken advantage of with these consistently ugly eye sores that resemble nothing uniquely connected to Manchester United. History and tradition says that the team colors are red, white and black with a yellow logo. All kits should carry just these colors in my opinion.
July 7th, 2008 at 16:49
@samphraim: The one thing I don’t worry about is losing Huntelaar to the Gunners. If we indeed want him, we will get him as he wants to play for us. Secondly, Wenger and the Arse are so tight fisted about their cash that they will not pay more than they feel they can bare. Remember, despite the fact they have money, they are determined to play off the cost of building the Emirates in record time. Even all the money for an Adebayor sale would not go to his replacement. And finally, if there is anybody left in the upper hierarchy of Old Trafford left with any pride, they will not allow Wenger swooping in and stealing yet another one from us like he did with Ramsey. Huntelaar may not end up with United but one thing I am certain is that he will only end up joining Arsenal if it comes out that United have chosen Berbatov as their man and have bought him.
July 7th, 2008 at 17:04
Red Ranter; Good job of questioning United. Three very valid and very important questions. Sorry I have to steal this one from you but I asked the very same question just last week regarding Ronaldo’s surgery. I’m happy that you to brought it up and are concerned why United pussy footed around waiting two incredibly valuable weeks before meeting with Ronaldo and getting him the surgery he needs for his foot. That’s two games and a very important away clash at the Scouse farm that he will miss because of their procrastination. Why was this allowed to happen? I have a theory and it’s all I have to go on. I think two weeks ago they were contrary to their own comments prepared to sell Ronaldo and they wanted Real Madrid to get a little appetizer of revenge to go along with their big main course signing. When Ronaldo did an apparent about turn and stated that he will return to us, they started to scramble and ask themselves, perhaps we better have a look at his ankle?
Whatever the case, I am starting to really wonder what is going on at Old Trafford and why it seems the place is shut down and is placed in moth balls and storage when Fergie isn’t around or on vacation. Running a billion pound team means that the store never closes and that there is always somebody there to turn the lights on and let the cat out. They botched this up royally and their pettiness has backfired and will cost us 2 valuable games without Ronaldo when it should have been no more than two games total. I honestly think they were so upset with the player that they didn’t care until he changed his position. This of course should make me and many of you question their position and original stance regarding Ronaldo. Like I said, I think they were prepared to sell him and now they are backtracking. It just opens up a Pandora’s box of concerns regarding the team and how they seem to be acting more like West Ham United and less like Manchester United of late. Speaking of West Ham, why are they delaying and stalling to offer Tevez a new contract and the final buyout from the Hammers? Is it because they like me realize he is not worth that kind of price?
July 7th, 2008 at 17:07
July 7th, 2008 at 17:11
@AGP: Regarding Lahm, what horrot Euros are you referring to? He was selected to the second team all stars and he was outstanding throughout except for the final. And you know why he looked bad against Torres when he scored and why he was subbed off at halftime? Because he received a gash on his foot that needed over 10 stitches to close. That is why he never returned and that is why he was beaten by Torres. Up to that point he was having a fine tournament which he had capped off with a very fine goal, making up for his one real mistake of the entire tournament that could be blamed on him. That being the Turks second goal. Ramos, Bosingwa and others were victimized just as much in the tournament, so I think your evaluation of his performance is terribly unfair. Just my opinion.
July 7th, 2008 at 17:13
3 questions I’d like to ask United?
1. Why have they signed no players?
2. Why have they signed no players?
3. Why have they signed no players?
Oops! A bonus question arises.
4. Why have they not sold or given Louis Saha away?
July 7th, 2008 at 17:15
End of Euros +8 and all is quiet.
July 7th, 2008 at 17:16
@Grognard: apart from manucho, petrucci, and the two brazilian twins?
July 7th, 2008 at 17:18
1) Yes, i think CQ is prob going to be the new coach of Potugal
2) I think we r getting a new striker which one nobody knows
3) The club thought the op wo’nt be need n the injury could heal itself
I heard there r a lot of championship managers r being linked to the no.2 job
July 7th, 2008 at 17:19
Grog, I agree with you on Tevez, he had a decent season and I will stick with decent, he certainly got us some vital goals and I love the player but if we have to pay £20 plus million for him, it does seem a lot for a player who Fergie stated himself is more of an impact player.
We do pay over the odds for player, 18m for Anderson was alot and 17m for Nani is to me still a lot of money, considering their lack of experience. I do love them Anderson especially, but to me we payed far too much for them and clubs/agents seem to take advantage of that, eg Carrick 18.6m, again a good plyer but a lot of money.
July 7th, 2008 at 17:25
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_3789359,00.html
Is it me, or is this imbecile beginning to sound incredibly desperate?
July 7th, 2008 at 17:48
we are gwtting too desperate for no apparent reason about signing new players.andreson and nani are the real deal and they havent played enough football.we have youngstars gunning for places and old guards still important.we are not chelsea,but we are in a better position than many teams.
to me,tevez is a far better player than rooney and fergie might think so.if you bring in a striker who drops?when will campell play?
3 questions.
1 will rooney finally play as we expect him to play?
2 will the youngstars get a chance?
3 whow will be ourt assistant?
July 7th, 2008 at 17:50
Grog>> ‘Lahms Horror’ I was suggesting he ended the tournament badly. I have seen his performances for Bayern and as I said his temperment and attributes would lead me to believe he is the best fullback for SAF to go for should he decide to strengthen that area. I know your fond of Bayern and Germany so I thought I’d clarify, in fact I thought Metzelder(though injured) and the aweful Mertesacker made Lahm look off-key.
I was going to bring up a Bayern player who I watched in two youth tournaments Toni Kroos, what has happened to his development? He was immense in the U-17 world cup I hope he’s not another Schweinsteiger(that is not a dig).
Not to be to cruel to the staff of ManUtd.com but does anyone think they are quite lazy in informing the supporters. Some follow up questions could be answered by them. I would like to know about Manucho/Andersons injuries, Quieroz’ situation and I don’t believe they have confirmed the Silva’ or Petrucci’ contract info.
What is going on with Tevez I’m not a fan of MSI I worry if the dippers paid £17m for Mascherano that they will drive Tevez’ price up maybe hurting his future!
July 7th, 2008 at 17:55
1) Why do we have the best squad in the world right now?
2) We are going to win the double again next season, I know that, but why?
3) Are there any team we’re not, with our current squad without reinforcements, capable of beating?
July 7th, 2008 at 17:59
@AGP: As far as I know, the price for Tevez has already been negotiated, and last I heard SAF talk about it, he was more than pleased with the number.
If there are any problems with signing Tevez, it won’t be the price. It could be that the rules are still unclear, since he’s still owned by MSI. FA are doing everything in their power to prevent us from signing him under the current rules, you can count on that. I just hope, they won’t close any holes allowing us to sign from 3rd party owners.
July 7th, 2008 at 18:04
Tomas, according to recent history, a team that we would not be able to beat is Manchester City… apart from that, I think that every other team has taken a beating from us last season.
July 7th, 2008 at 18:07
@Tomas: I don’t think buying from 3rd parties is the problem. I think loan deals with 3rd parties involved is a problem (which is why I am amazed we were allowed to sign him). Also and buying players who are part owned by only buying out his current teams share in him, not 100% of the player. That they are dead against. Technically Tevez is on loan from West Ham, and our transfer fee will be paid pretty much all to his ‘owner’. I heard it was around £17million.
July 7th, 2008 at 18:10
I can’t for the life of me understand how Calderon can get away with all his comments with regards to Ronaldo. Surely there are sanctions to his public courting of a player under contract?
Anyway July 7th is nearly gone and and no statement from Real as they promised a couple of weeks back announcing the signing of Ronaldo, idiots!
July 7th, 2008 at 18:11
THE REASON MAN UTD DELAYED THE DECISION ON RONALDO’S ANKLE WAS SO THAT HE WOULD BE FIT JUST BEFORE THE SEASON STARTED OR A COUPLE OF GAMES INTO THE SEASON AND SO THAT WOULD PUT R.MADRID OFF HIM AS THEY WOULD NOT BE SURE ABOUT HIM
COME ON U REDZ
July 7th, 2008 at 18:27
@jstar7: The twins and Manucho were last year’s purchases. And Petrucci doesn’t exaclty light my fire…..yet.
July 7th, 2008 at 18:36
@AGP: Understood mate. I am a big Mertesacker fan but I think he was at times slow and seemed to lack his usual height dominance in the air. He also seems completely out of sync playing with Metzelder who is a smooth and skillful central defender but who shows his weaknesses against a team like Spain because he cannot match their pace and quickness.
As for Toni Kroos, last year the team decided to bleed him a few times and as far as I can see and from what the team claims he has been a major success. He did tail off a bit at the end but lets not forget that he is 17 (or maybe 18 now). Tremendous skill and a magical left foot. He is the future AMF or ALMF for Bayern and for Germany. He is going to be the true heir to Ballack on the Germany team because when he is 20 years old he will absolutely world class. He’s definitely not another Schweinsteiger as he has a more extensive skill set
as well as pace. He is a master crosser, passer and set piece taker and I really feel he will be the shining star for Germany in two years provided that Bayern are brave enough to play him regularly in the next two years. His age may detract them from doing so.
July 7th, 2008 at 18:46
@Minhaj: I’m sorry mate but that makes absolutely no sense. Based on the timetable for recovery that kind of
injury takes 6 to 8 weeks to heal. This means that he will miss 4 weeks of the season and that will be a minimum of 4 games. This was idiotic of United to nth degree. No excuses by them can make up for their stupidity and procrastination in this matter. Those four weeks could in fact end up costing us in May of 09. Remember that we will also be without Nani for the first two games and who knows who else will get injured from now until opening day. I will also say that if Fergie and Gill were both not on vacation when Ronaldo’s Euros ended, he may have been forced to report early and get an examination of that ankle. When I was running my business I rarely went on holidays but when I did go, I was always in contact with my staff and made sure things were being taken care of. From the way things have gone this off season, it seems like Fergie and Gill threw away their cell phones and simply decided to disappear with orders to not be bugged. I for one just don’t understand what the Hell is going on with this affair as well as a lot of inactivity and silence emanating from Old Trafford. Could it be the calm before the storm?
July 7th, 2008 at 18:56
@RedDevil: that was one of the nicest Ronaldo videos RedDevil…
July 7th, 2008 at 19:39
@Grognard: I think Minhaj was joking. (or he could be an idiot which justifies your retort)
July 7th, 2008 at 19:58
@benjd: Possible, but even with all the smiley’s I wasn’t sure because the statement seemed sincere to me. Still, it’s not a big deal. But as Desi used to say to Lucy, I will say to United. “Boys jou got some splainin to dooo”.
July 7th, 2008 at 20:22
Maybe I am mistaken but I thought SAF was given a 50 mil pounds warchest and now we are
being told there will only be one signing? I would seem evident that the Glazers want to
absorb debt instead of spending following the double.
July 7th, 2008 at 20:23
I think sky sports have got their punctuation wrong. It says ‘Calderon - Let Ronaldo Go’, whereas it should say ‘Calderon, let Ronaldo go’….. I called it in yesterdays posting, he is out of a job if they don’t sign him.
July 7th, 2008 at 20:29
@Minhaj: Minhaj, turn off your caps lock key. My eyes hurt reading your comment.
July 7th, 2008 at 20:44
Huntelaar on United
Sorry I tried to post this earlier but posted the wrong link. Not sure if this means anything or not, but at least it’s something on Huntelaar.
July 7th, 2008 at 20:54
Nice to see that cunt Calderon not showing his face at Geneva today, instead getting his assistant to be there to greet David Gill. So much for the announcement of the Ronaldo signing - didn’t Madrid say that today’s the day they will announce the signing? Leaving themselves open to total ridicule.
July 7th, 2008 at 21:07
“Whilst he brings in continuity to the club hierarchy, I personally have misgivings on his appointment based on what I’ve heard from different people.”
Redranter: You still have not told us wat you’ve heard…..
July 7th, 2008 at 22:18
@Krishnan: Oh not anything special but just that he is a little uninspiring as a manager and stuff like that. I just heard from people who went there to watch the kids play to see Choccy appear sedate on the side lines — but then I may be wrong. Either way I think having a foreign number two who can communicate well with Fergie as well as Nani/Anderson/Tevez would be better.
July 7th, 2008 at 22:20
@Kurt: It’s been discussed to death and mentioned on here, I think. The same quotes are even up on the official site.
July 7th, 2008 at 22:39
@Kurt: Did you just quote Tribal football????
My questions:
1. Will Fergie pull a Wenger and try some youngsters next season?(Campbell, Wellbeck and Posseborn look promising)
2. Are the Brazillian twins going to get first team chances or are they going to the reserves to show what they’re made of.
3a. Will Grog ever stop posting Euro’s + xnumber of days and all is quiet?
3b. How does Fergie plan to handle the more than usual amount of games we’ll have next season?(the WCC)
July 7th, 2008 at 23:03
Some news that Grognard might be interested in!
) to his loved one, he went on to say that he doesnt want to talk to Ramos anymore. Nereida is worried that something might happen to one of the players if they meet, because of Ronaldos jealusy and temperament, so she is trying to convince Ronaldo not to move to Real. She hopes Ronaldo will stay with her and not get into trouble. She is desperate for Ronaldo not to meet Ramos, and since she is still friends with Sergio, she wants both to be alright. She is trying to convince Ronaldo to stay in Manchester and try to make a famliy with him there. She has gotten used to the thought of living in Manchester and as long as she can spend 3 months in the hot places, she is willing to stay.
Hopefully Ronaldo listens to his loved one!
Nereida(Ronaldos girlfriend), was Real Madrid player Sergio Ramos lover to November 2007. Ronaldo is a jealus person and loves Nereida sooo much and doesnt want to talk about other men she has had. When he found out that Sergio Ramos had done things(lets not get into details!
This is good news. Groggys theory is that Nereida(and any other woman you love with your heart) can make you do everything and move everywhere. He thinks Nereida is the reason Ronaldo wanted to move to Real in the first place was because of her. If Ronaldo really wanted to move because of her wish, then he might stay now after she told the press that she is afraid Ronaldo might get in trouble with Ramos. Cheers Grognard!
July 7th, 2008 at 23:12
Some good news, Ronaldo’s surgery is completed and was successful
July 7th, 2008 at 23:34
Oh and, story was from News of the World. ‘
Ronaldo surgery succesful! Great news. Hopefully everything in the future will be great from now on. I think we United fans have deserved enough difficulty now. We should be celebrating, happy, looking forward to a season where we face the prospect of winning 7 trophies. But no! So far we have heard too much rumours about a Ronaldo move to Real that it has made me sick, we are facing the prosect of losing one of the best assistant manager of the world, Anderson injured, we have gotten a terrible away kit, something is happening at Old Trafford and noone knows what! Every supporter with a true heart has the feeling that something is happening wihtin the doors of Old Trafford. I have spoken to many United supporters that think United are a club in confusion, the manager is losing control over the players, the club has financial problems, we have problems buying players, and we dont hear much news from the manager wheater things are okey, how the club is getting ready for a tough season, which players are injured, FUCK, we dont even know if Anderson is injured or not! Something has to be said, this Ronaldo stuff has to stop. IKts frustrating,its making me sick, its making the supporters turning against their own players! Why doesnt anyone realise that? Why doesnt Fergie understand that? Why doesnt Ronaldo finish this with two simple, fuckin, finishing words? “I stay!” or “I go!”. He will stay anyway, its just a matter of getting the players focused on the season, their task, their mission! Let Ronaldo get is news, and let United have thier news. Hopefully things will turn brighter now, hopefully Fergie will make a statement, hopefully United will buy a player soon, hopefully Rooney get some brand new goalscoring master boots from Nike! And hopefully we will talk about another CL win after 365 days…
Only future will tell!
July 7th, 2008 at 23:41
@Rd: Yes Grog will stop posting that when things aren’t quiet.
July 7th, 2008 at 23:52
@RedDevil: Honestly mate, where did you find that information out about Ronaldo’s girlfriend? That sounds like such tabloid trash it’s laughable. Still, on the chance it’s true, that would explain Ramos willingness to move to Manchester and not stay with Madrid. Also, sounds like this girl has done the rounds and has a gold digging fetish for football players. I just saw her nude photos on another site yesterday and I ask myself, why would Ronaldo be hung up on a girl like that if he has a temper and a problem with jealousy? She’s a little whore and an opportunist and she is taking him to the cleaners and for a ride. He’s too young and frankly too stupid to realize it until of course it’s too late and he catches her in bed with Anderson or Nani.
I’ve believed all along that she was the main reason for this Madrid move and I still do. But if she has divulged this Ramos thing and yet remains good friends with him, you really have to wonder about her and of course Ronaldo’s lack of judgment. And to think Fergie sent Beckham packing because he disapproved of the lad’s marriage to Posh. If true this is certainly not going to sit well with the Boss. Seriously, even if Ronaldo stays, it will not be for more than one more season. It will give Fergie time to plan the team’s new direction and philosophy post Ronaldo. And I think the Glazer’s can live without the cash windfall for one more year.
July 8th, 2008 at 0:35
@Grognard: who would you rather have seen fergie sign, pettruci or ramsey? I haven’t seen either play, but judging from Roma’s reaction I get the feeling he could be special one day.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:46
damn that bird has a hot ass but if she already let sergio hit it…
July 8th, 2008 at 1:55
If Wenger signs Huntelaar and not us I will literally shit.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:23
@johnsom33: Scoring one goal for every six games you play is special to Italians. I have seen only a few clips of Petrucci play and from what I see he seems like a goal scorer with some finishing skill but nothing in his overall game really impresses me. But then again, if he bulges the old onion bag that’s fine with me. Ramsey I liked and I thought he had a lot of skill and vision for someone so young. The reason I preferred him is that a great AMF is a lot harder to find than a forward. Forwards are stolen and bought on the open football market every day. Finding a skilled offensive midfielder is tough. If I was Fergie I would have signed Ramsey because for me, he is the more suitable replacement for Scholes. Anderson is still too much of a defensive midfielder as he lacks the finesse of an attacker. But time and more experience may prove me wrong. And Roma is mad because Serie A’s rules keep screwing their teams over as foreign teams keep nabbing up all their 17 year olds. They aren’t allowed to sign for a Serie A team until they are 18 I believe. Certainly a sure way for Italy to shoot it’s foot of. And they deserve it to for the garbage they’ve brought to the game over the years. I hope they suffer a famine when it comes to talent in th future. They deserve it.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:26
@Traverse: Welcome to my club. If we lose Huntelaar to Wenger I’m going to hire the SAS to go into OT and kick some ass. Losing two to Wenger will be unforgivable. Especially since Huntelaar made the claim that his team of choice is United. Fergie, get the hint. I honestly don’t know what’s taking so damn long? Sign him already.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:43
@Rd:
That’s a good point….the schedule is packed even more than last season, specially at the start. Maybe SAF will play more of the youngsters and give them a chance to shine.
July 8th, 2008 at 3:39
I had some questions…
Q1: Why don’t we try on David Villa?
Q2: Do we need to let go of Carlos Queiroz?
Q3: When do we start to buy players? I wanted to see who’s gonna be the next RED DEVILS!!!
July 8th, 2008 at 9:38
HELLO!!! Guys we are SO SCREWED!!!!!!!! No Ronaldo for liverpool and looks like no anderson as well! What is happening?
July 8th, 2008 at 9:52
And there is one more thing! Remember class of 1992? i think fergie should give the ACADEMY youngsters a Chance again! Cause Welback is not bad from what i have seen! And Why do You all Foreget Manucho?
July 8th, 2008 at 9:55
@Red Diablo: Í doubt, Ronaldo will miss the game at Liverpool, and Anderson certainly won’t, since the Olympics end on August 24, and the game at Liverpool is on September 13. Anderson will, at most, miss the first 2 games. As for Ronaldo, we’ll just have to wait and see, but players tend to be fit and ready before the initial suggestion, so he might make it for the opener on August 16, which is almost 6 weeks from yesterday. The first game is against Newcastle at home, so if he’s out, I’m sure we can win it anyway. The second at Portsmouth is more tricky, but at that time he’ll have been out for more than 6 weeks, and I seriously doubt that will happen.
July 8th, 2008 at 9:58
A possible lineup for the first match could be:
Vds
Brown Rio Vidic Evra
Hargo Carrick Scholes Giggs
Tevez Rooney
Should be enough to beat Newcastle.
July 8th, 2008 at 10:01
@Red Diablo: No one is forgetting Manucho, but what exactly are your expectations to him?
First of all, he appears to have a metatastral fracture. Second, his work license isn’t in place yet, so he might not even be at the club next season. And third, we know practically nothing about him.
July 8th, 2008 at 10:36
@ Tomas I agree, we do seem to be hanging our hat on a player who is 25 and has never played in a reconised league, I am sure he has talent but surely he will takr time to settle in to the pace of our league.
July 8th, 2008 at 10:55
Hrm, seems like that night in Moscow was years ago now doesn’t it! Frustrating summer for all of us, at least there’s some actual football coming up, first game is the 12th right?
So as far as I can tell, after just returning from holiday and catching up, we have several pieces of news:
Queiroz likely to head Portugal - I can’t blame him, and it’ll be interesting to see what happens to us, as most people were shouting for his head 3 years ago, but now seem to credit him with a lot.
Ronaldo - No news on transfer, ankle repaired and mending. My view is still that we sell him rather than go through this year after year. His comments were not ambiguous, and his head is too big. No way will he be as effective as last year. Cash in while the going’s good.
Anderson - must be healthy as he’s heading off to Beijing. Means we’ll get to see him a bit more, which is nice, but hopefully he won’t hurt himself. Given he’s only 19 I don’t see a problem with fitness.
Tevez - still no word on a permanent signing. This worries me. Hopefully he has the rest of the summer off to recover.
Fletcher - Everton want him. If we let him go I’ll abandon even more faith in our values. He’s more than a useful squad man, and while he may never be a week in/out starter, we absolutely need players like him to remain successful. Plus he’s united through and through, and we need at least one or two of them in the squad.
A striker - Huntelaar or Berba seems to be the billing, sounds good to me. I’d prefer the Bulgarian, but Klaas is slightly younger and might be a bit less prone to injury. Either way they’ll do the job.
VDS - Agreed only one more year, so who’s going to step up?
July 8th, 2008 at 11:06
Tevez I suppose is on a 2 year loan so there is no desperate need to sign him yet I suppose.
I hope we don’t sell Fletcher really decent squad player and plays his heart out for us when he plays.
I would love Huntelaar, but think we will end up with Berba, a class player, but maybe a bit moody and probably want to sign for Real next season!!!
July 8th, 2008 at 11:14
This is what Calderon said: ‘I think that, first of all, it’s the desire of the player (to join us), but, of course, Manchester shouldn’t be angry and they should open up their stance.
‘We can’t be blamed if nearly every player wants to come to Real Madrid.
‘If I was Manchester United I’d be happy and proud to be able to negotiate such a transfer for one of my players.
‘Everything would be a lot easier if United realised that they could pull off the transfer of the century.”
What a prick.
July 8th, 2008 at 11:17
United are getting screwed for the start of the season!
CQ possibly out!
Ronaldo injured!
Kuszczak injured!
Manucho injured!
Nani suspended!
Anderson in the Olympics!
Neville just back from injury!
A maximum of just 1 new player!
Playing a difficult game against Zenit and getting Fulham later!
Things are looking bleak…
July 8th, 2008 at 11:36
@RedDevil: No they don’t. F*ck the game against Zenit.
CQ’s out - yes probably, but we’ll find a replacement. SAF is still the main motivator, and even though CQ is our Portuguise connection, these things happen in football. The players know this and move on.
Ronaldo is out, yes. But his injury spell won’t last long into the season.
Kuszczak injured. Well, he wouldn’t play anyway.
Manucho injured. Well, he wouldn’t play anyway (not even if he got his work license situation sorted).
Nani suspended. Yes, he’s out for a few games. We’ll win the first at home without him and the others, and even if we should drop points at Pompey, it’s not the end of the world and our title bit, which last season is the best and most recent example of.
Anderson at the Olympics. He’s away for 2 games tops, but we have more than enough cover in midfield, so it’s not a problem. The squad is designed to be without a few players.
Neville just back from injury. Isn’t that a good thing compared to last season, where he played 10 minutes?
A maximum of 1 new player. Yeah probably but we won the double with our current squad, which wasn’t intact all the time last season either. Players get suspended and injured that’s the nature of the game. Add a striker to what we’ve got, and we’re even more lethal.
Things look great…
Another question:
Has everyone in here been completely Grognified?
July 8th, 2008 at 12:20
Tomas - good post, I’m with you. No need to be negative yet, who knows maybe Ronaldo will even decide he loves it in Manchester and stick around!
On a side note, I see Chelski have said they’re not selling Lampard. Raises an obvious question in my mind - how do you play a formation including Ballack, Lampard and Deco? Not to mention Essien. The only way I can think of is to abandon wingers, which might just be what Scolari is planning…
July 8th, 2008 at 12:29
@Tomas: Thanks for making it look good
July 8th, 2008 at 1