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:
- Revisiting the Ronaldo Debate
- Do you like Rio Ferdinand?
- Blah, Blah, Blah… Waffle, Waffle, Waffle…
- Transfer magic / what next for United?
- On the Kaizer Chiefs Friendly + Rodrigo Possebon
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 12:31
M-A-N U-T-D United Are the team for me…
i think this season will be the most important for a while.
i’m disapointed at the fact that CQ looks like he is on his way to manage portugal. ok it’s his national team, but surely he’s up for more success (and money?) if he stays, however i think that Utd are being rather relax about it ( or should i say Fergie) because a replacement has already been nominated. the key to success in this season is how the new assistant handles the duties that CQ has, that includes keeping the portugese contingent h-a-p-p-y.
im also quite annoyed with the bloody olyimpics… who the hell made up the rule that teams carn’t withdraw players from under 23 squads… this is going to be Andersons season.. just like last was Ronaldos
Our first pre-season game is on the 12th (right?) of july so any signings should be immenient, personally i believe it’s going to be Huntelaar, or should that be hope, his comments the other day pleased me but also slightly worried me.. the fact that he seemingly likes the idea of joing United, however im not a fan of players coming out and talking to the media as a way of forcing a sale, its for the clubs and managers to do. players should do their talking on the pitch… so lets hope this season that mr. Carrick sets up rooney more times than he talks to Manutd.com. players should take a leaf out of Scholes’ book.. the model professional.. if only all footballers we’re like that.
p.s. loving the self destruction going on at Arsenal.. with Helb coming out and lamblasting the selfishness of Flabrigas.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:35
Hey Tomas. Look. Whatever you say is probably right. But how do you explain the Academy factor? Look. Last Year Ronaldo showed up! But I dont know what will happen this year. Cause Teams now know US as well! And look as far as i am concerned. Carlos Querioz was the one man after Fergie who Helped MUFC Football ALOT! All i am trying to say is we pretty much look screwed! atleast till mid august. Anderson would be Tired after the olympics! Wont he? and last year we only had ONE plan in our game. We had no option B like in the City derby at OT. So waht do you suggest. I just want to destroy MadriD!
July 8th, 2008 at 12:36
Has Querioz officialy left MUFC?
July 8th, 2008 at 12:37
@Will: Good point on Huntelaar. I actually think his open mouthedness indicates that we’re not in for him – not yet anyway. If we were negotiating with him and the club, he wouldn’t be allowed to speak like this, I think.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:46
@Tomas: Makes sense! I also dont think we are after Huntelaar.
Most likely its Berbatov Fergie is after. He is just waiting for Spurs to first sign a replacement (that they are actively looking for) is what I think is reason for delay in his signing. He will come for 25m.
July 8th, 2008 at 12:51
@Tomas: Hey Tomas. Look. Whatever you say is probably right. But how do you explain the Academy factor? Look. Last Year Ronaldo showed up! But I dont know what will happen this year. Cause Teams now know US as well! And look as far as i am concerned. Carlos Querioz was the one man after Fergie who Helped MUFC Football ALOT! All i am trying to say is we pretty much look screwed! atleast till mid august. Anderson would be Tired after the olympics! Wont he? and last year we only had ONE plan in our game. We had no option B like in the City derby at OT. So waht do you suggest. I just want to destroy MadriD!
July 8th, 2008 at 12:54
ITS HIGH TIME rooney showed UP! Seriously I dont know what happened to that guy! just scared if the same thing doesnt happened to Benzema! Seriously
July 8th, 2008 at 12:56
If Benzema signs up that is!
July 8th, 2008 at 14:22
Questions
1. How will we get over the language barrier without a multi-lingual coach?
2. Just how full a recovery has Neville made, will he be like the Gary of old (which would be like a new signing) or a shadow of his former self?
3. Is one of my favourite players Owen Hargreaves over the niggling injury problems which sidelined him most of last season and going to stake his claim to a starting position
July 8th, 2008 at 14:22
@ Tomas and Stephen..if Ruud could settle in quickly whilst having the same credentials as Huntelaar. If Huntelaar signs he should also fit in like a glove
July 8th, 2008 at 14:26
@Red Ranter
1. Portugal and Manchester United will decide. And if Carlos goes. McClair wont be the number 2. Some one better will be.
2. No. We are getting 3. Saha’s replacement, Tevez on a permanent basis and Manucho (Ok. I admit. I’m trying to be clever here
Yes is probably the better answer )
3. Ronaldo felt he could play through the pain until he couldn’t any more.
July 8th, 2008 at 14:32
Regarding Rooney, i think (at the risk of being totally disagreed with here) he had a par season last year, considering two things:
Firstly he had 2 lenthy absences due to injury, both of these were to his feet which means that it would take him longer to recouperate due to the fitness and the skill elements, and yet even with those injuries he strived to come back before predicted.
Secondly Rooney was being played, for the most part in a completely different position that he is used to, for me at least Rooney is NOT a centre forward.. i.e. he won’t score 35+ goals every season, he is much more lethal and much more helpful to the team as a whole (e.g. his covering and running back) when he is played ‘in the hole’ or as the ’second striker’ whatever way you wish to discribe it. at the start of the season he and Tevez paired up brilliantly as they took it in turns which bamboozled the defence. however in the later staged of the season, along with Ronaldos amazing goal contribution, they both seemed to be told to spread out to the side, where they were both least effective (Rooney in the Nou Camp anyone?)
IF we bring in ONE star forward man, be it Berbatov, Klass-Jan, or Falceo the system will be much more of a 4-4-1-1 with Rooney and Tevez taking it in turns to play the first ‘1′ with the conventional goal scorer being the man the defence will be fearing and man marking leaving Rooney/Tevez to bring destruction to the opposition but it will also mean that more of the midfield will be able to contribute with goals.. im looking for at least 15 goals from both Nani and Anderson. Scholes will score his brace for the season and Ronaldo will be contributing from free kicks and headers (penalty taking should be given to Hargreaves.. what with him being quasi-German and never missing). over all, IF the single purchase SAF mentioned is a striker (we have no guarentees that it will be, although i carn’t think of another position that needs strengthening other than the left wing) i would think that the goal ratio would have an increased number of contributors rather than a giant spike from Ronaldo.. that said, if Cristiano fancies scoring another 42 goals please don’t let me stop him
July 8th, 2008 at 14:59
Querioz doesnt need to go.. HE knows that he’s a assistant managaer to the best, and couldnt take a Managers job fully.
I hope the Madrid days haunt him and he stays
i hope Huntelaar signs to United.. He’s young and got’s load of talent.. But he needs to improve on this flicks and ticks which made Ruud a star ……
Ronaldo just wanted to win the Euro.. I think..He might have kept it a secret from everyone.Now that’s he needs a loong rest..he decided to bring it out..
July 8th, 2008 at 16:30
100
July 8th, 2008 at 17:12
All this Huntelaar talk and still nothing is happening. And the reason nothing is happening is because United aren’t interested. Ajax has confirmed that they have heard nothing from both United as well as Arsenal. That leads me to believe that all the talk coming out of Huntelaar’s mouth as well as his agent is nothing more than wishful thinking. In my opinion he is not overpriced so why the delay? Perhaps Fergie has his heart firmly set on buying Berbatov even if he pays 10 to 15 million more than the Bulgarian is worth, but I seriously think that is the reason either. The real reason is still rooted back into my same old story and theory over the past month. We have not got the money to buy a player that pricey. Fergie is presently scouring the world for the best 12 to 15 million pound buy he can find because that is the war chest he has been given. When he thought the Glazer’s said 50, what they actually said is 15. Sounds similar if spoken quickly you know. That’s probably 15 million short of what it will take to buy Berbatov and 10 short of what they need for Huntelaar. Sure I could be wrong (and I sincerely hope I am) but at this point even many of you may start jumping on my bandwagon due to confusion and frustration. Thanks to Tomas for creating a new and amusing term for this sort of malady to the system.
Folks, you’ve been Grognified.
July 8th, 2008 at 17:19
Please somebody who knows about this, answer this question for me? Is United obligated legally to allow Anderson to take part in the Olympics? Seriously, this is a professional team that competes and makes money like any other business. I don’t see how any professional organization is required to release player’s for any kind of international duty, especially a tournament that is amateur in theme? Why are United not saying NO to Anderson and to Dunga? The lad is 19 and he really hasn’t got a say in anything his club decides. He will just shut up and take it. He is needed at his club and that’s that. Why is this not being done? And why would we let him go knowing that we risk him getting injured for Brazil rather than for us? Please, somebody enlighten me?
July 8th, 2008 at 17:34
They can choose to keep him Grog, they just didn’t here. I’m not really sure why. He may have begged them to play, and I don’t see United standing in front of a player wanting to represent his country. I’m sure they told him that he’ll have hell to pay if he gets hurt lol.
July 8th, 2008 at 17:37
What’s the rush Grog? It seems like the players we are targeting aren’t going anywhere, so I don’t see why we would have to rush. I mean, we’ve all heard Huntelaar to Arsenal, but we know they cant afford him, so I’m not even worried about it. SAF will get his man, have no fear.
Just thinking outside the box though, what’s been going on with Samuel Eto’o? I’m surprised he hasn’t been more of a target for us.
July 8th, 2008 at 17:37
We will then end up with Luis Fabiano!!
July 8th, 2008 at 18:41
Just something to keep in mind. Tevez easn’t signed until Aug 10. Interest didn’t really turn into anything until about this time. Let Fergie do his thing.
July 8th, 2008 at 18:48
@Grognard: Ajax has confirmed that they haven’t heard from Arsenal. But they remained tight lipped about United.
And yes, if Anderson is called, he is obligated to join.
July 8th, 2008 at 18:59
@Brian Lomax: Inactivity to me is a show of weakness. If I have the money and I know what the Hell I want, I go out and get it. That’s the way Fergie used to go and get his players. If they were available, he just went and got them. Why rush to buy van Nistelrooy after he just had knee surgery? He went out and bought him anyway. Why not wait and see a little more of Ronaldo before you buy, or a little more of Nani or Anderson? People were not breaking down the doors to get to them either. When he made up his mind he wanted Sheringham, Cole, Yorke and Stam, he went out and took care of the negotiations quickly. He even showed his hand aggressively and positively with Hargreaves’ and Carrick’s former teams even they forced him to wait.But back then you would here that the team was in negotiations with a player and a team for that player’s contract. Now all we hear is rumors that are not substantiated by any concrete offers. Now all of a sudden we hear nothing about our team being seriously linked with a player due to a communication with a team or a serious offer being tabled. Instead we get absolutely nothing. It is not like Fergie to not buy a few players every year. What is he cheap and thrifty all of a sudden? Doe she honestly believe that our team is so incredibly perfect and unbeatable that we don’t need any more new blood? BOLLOCKS! Every year he has been manager he has been progressively aggressive in pursuing new players despite whether the team has won anything or nothing the previous year. He does not live in the past and he is always willing to push the envelope and make things happen.
Why do you suppose he has never sold players like Saha yet? There’s always somebody out there willing to throw a bob on Balsa Boy? The reason is the money is too little to make a difference for him and he cannot afford to lose him as he knows he is thin on strikers and the money may not be there to replace him. Bullshit you say? Perhaps, but on the chance I am right you members who are not yet “Grognified” will have to explain to me what the Hell went wrong this upcoming season, when no new blood showed up and instead, our squad just began to dwindled and whither because of injuries and dissent. Keeping Ronaldo is a major mistake if in fact he plans to do so. The scumbag has burned his bridges in my mind and I cannot believe his teammates will be jovial and open hearted to him once training camp opens. In the past players who showed dissent were sold immediately and that was that. RVN, Beckham, Stam, Keane are the strongest examples of stars who were shown the hairdryer and the royal boot out the door. And why? Because Fergie knew he could replace them with money well spent. But any money that will be had from a sale of Ronaldo will not go towards buying more players I fear. And that may be the number one reason why Fergie is doing an about face in terms of his stance on dissent and insubordination. Truthfully, I am tired of this rant and this paranoid and negative thinking as you folks are of reading it. I apologize for my feelings and my honesty but what am I a devoted United supporter supposed to think when all this sitting around and doing shite is driving me and many others loony and towards depression? I’ve almost had enough. I seriously think there is a problem here and I just wish Fergie would get his Scottish arse in gear and prove me wrong. I’d like nothing more than a little egg on my face. Please Fergie, end my misery and make my millennium.
July 8th, 2008 at 19:02
@Red Ranter: RR, is he legally obligate to join and is United legally obligated to let him? Patriotic obligation is one thing but does United have to allow him to go based on that? Wasn’t Barca telling Messi he could not go and even Bayern had told DeMichelis that he could not go either. I’m royally confused.
July 8th, 2008 at 19:04
Any news on Tevez? Why hasn’t his contract been sorted out yet? Or Is Fergie planning on booting the guy? It’ll be hard to swallow.
July 8th, 2008 at 19:13
@Grognard: Well, for one thing, I don’t see him selling Saha. For all his injuries and junk, he’s working as hard as he can to get back into a United shirt. You can’t give up on a player like, because once he’s healthy, he’s a hell of s a striker. Is Fergie banking on him? I certainly hope not, although, if you get him back healthy, its like a new signing. almost.
I don’t think Fergie is being cheap and thrifty. I think he’s unsure of the situation. Seriously thiink about…you have a Berbatov, who has all the talent in the world, and a pissy attitude to go with it. Then you have the likes of Huntelaar and Arshavin, who are both talented, but will they fit into the United system? Its a question Fergie has to ask himself, and its one he has to get right. If he’s onyo gonna sign one player. he better damn well get it right. I think he gets his man in the end, but I do think he’s weighing his options here.
July 8th, 2008 at 19:14
@Brian Lomax: No thanks to Eto’o here, he is a head case and SAF would slit his throat before Christmas.
July 8th, 2008 at 19:22
http://www.espnstar.com/football/premier-league/news/detail/item84357/Exclusive:-Arshavin-worth-US-47m/
I really hope that United are one of the 3 premiership clubs…..
July 8th, 2008 at 19:24
@Grognard: Since Anderson is under 23 Man Utd have no say on whether he is called up to play in the olympics, had it been over 23 Man Utd could of denied him from playing for Brazil in the olympics; sucks if you ask me, hopefully he won’t be too tired but at the same time i hope he shines and makes a big name for himself and also maybe even score
July 8th, 2008 at 19:24
@k9: Mate we have got him on a loan deal for 2 years,, thats why there is no rush to make him permanent and besides we have to sort out his 3rd party ownership as well….
July 8th, 2008 at 20:26
Why does the Ronaldo video say :No longer available?
, Anybody?
July 8th, 2008 at 23:16
@Brian Lomax: Aahh come on Brian. You don’t honestly believe that do you? How do you explain Veron, Djemba Djemba, Kleberson, Blanc, Poborsky, Forlan etc? He bought all these guys and he wasn’t sure what he was going to get or whether they would work out. The difference is that when he bought them, he wasn’t worried about spending the money. Now he has to because the ownership will not give him the funds he needs to go out and do his usual buying and speculating. All of a sudden he can’t take a chance on a player. He’s had to alter his game plan and shopping list because his wallet isn’t as thick and as durable as it used to be. The Fergie of yesteryear never gave a second thought about a player fitting his side. He’d buy him and if he was wrong for the team he would sell him at a small loss. Really, I’m surprised nobody can see this because the warning signs for a troubled business with no cash outlay is staring us all right in the face. This is not my old Manchester United. The sooner this team is sold to a winner and out of the hands of pretenders, the better off we all will be. Say what you want about Abramovich, if his manager wants money for Kaka, money he shall get. Honestly, I get more and more depressed when I think about. Sorry for being such a downer to all of you. I just can’t help it. It’s how I honestly feel. Man Utd is going to break my heart this year off the field and I think on as well. It’s just looking that way and that killer schedule is not going to help. You can all put my feelings and theories down until you are blue in the face, but from where I sit I find hard for any of you to not examine my solid examples of evidence that paint a particular picture that shows me to be right. Seriously.
July 8th, 2008 at 23:16
I think United are in no rush to resign tevez because as previously stated he has a 2 year loan. And i think Fergie wants to have all the cash available if and when he decideds to plunge into the transfer market.
and the Ronaldo video was absolute quality. It almost brought a tear to my eye, and reminded me why I loved him so much. I know alot of you think he burned his bridges but I am not so sure. as a fan I have nothing to base my opinions on except for what I read from the English press. So I have no way of knowing what is fact or fiction. He vary well may have burned his bridges, but only time will tell.
July 8th, 2008 at 23:17
@Krishnan: The three clubs from what I have read are Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs.
July 8th, 2008 at 23:19
@ManUtd Fan: I couldn’t care less if he sucks apples for Brazil and stinks the joint out. As long as he comes back in one piece and not knackered.
July 8th, 2008 at 23:31
@Grognard: I think you have a valid argument up until you say “Really, I’m surprised nobody can see this because the warning signs for a troubled business with no cash outlay is staring us all right in the face.” as far as I can tell as a Business United is very healthy. yes there is debt, but as of right now club earnings are having no problems servicing the debt. I do agree with you on that something in the background is slowing ferguson in the transfer market. IMO The glazers have told fergie to spend if he has to, but if at all possible avoid huge gambles. The success of our club both on and off the pitch means that we dont pay “fair prices” for players. because of that, and the fact that are current team is League and European champions, I think fergie is having a tough time justifying the need of a 15-30 million pound striker to the naive Glazers. I agree with most of you in that we need to buy this summer, it was painfully obvious when players like rooney and ronaldo were out last season.
I would love to see a top rated striker come in(villa,eto’o,Berbatov) but I would settle for a Huntelar or Santa Cruz. I also think we need to address the RB position. Wes Brown stepped up admirably but he to me, is the not the right man for the first XI job. I want either Ramos, Micah Richards or Lahm.
I know I am dreaming a little bit but this is what I would like to see, not what i expect. I think we have the money, but the Glazers dont want to spend.
July 8th, 2008 at 23:36
@johnsom33: Fair enough, but if he comes out publicly and requests a move to Real but is forced to play out this season, how will you feel towards him then? For me he is dead and has more than burned his bridges. He’s flown an airplane filled with my heart and soul as a passenger straight into the side of a mountain. I’d call it more than burning bridges with me. He could go out and score 40 goals again this year and he will be dead to me. The only chance he has of bringing life and love back into my heart when he is concerned, is if he signs a long term personal commitment deal with United stating that he will definitely not ask for a move. Then I will forgive, but I still won’t forget. He has treated United and all there supporters and especially the ones that adored him the most of all, like total shit. It is nothing short of a horrible betrayal. I feel like Michael Corleone and he’s my Fredo. I think I’m going to suggest a quiet boat ride in the near future for my little Madeira Bambino. Can anybody say Big Pussy (reference to the Sopranos)?
I now think he deserves a lot of that same abuse and ignorance back. His statement that we will forgive as soon as he scores a goal smells of such arrogance and total disrespect for us all that it makes me sick to the stomach. We’re all just a bunch of stupid and fickle idiot s that all we need from him is to swing a few shiny objects in front of us and we will bow to his greatness. He can go fuck himself. Man Utd fans should act like the Roman Mob of Ancient Rome. They had the power over whether a gladiator lived or died by which way they pointed their thumbs. And right now my thumb is pointing way down for Citizen Ronaldo. Where is Maximus and his sword when I need him most?
July 8th, 2008 at 23:37
Is there gonna be any press conference before the match on August 12th? Maybe a journo could raise the question on our lack of activity in the transfer market…and no i’ve not been groggified cus i know Fergie said one player and we’ll still have like a month and half till the transfer season closes. Though i might be worried if we don’t sign anyone at the end of July.
July 8th, 2008 at 23:37
Is there gonna be any press conference before the match on July 12th? Maybe a journo could raise the question on our lack of activity in the transfer market…and no i’ve not been groggified cus i know Fergie said one player and we’ll still have like a month and half till the transfer season closes. Though i might be worried if we don’t sign anyone at the end of July.
July 8th, 2008 at 23:40
*Sorry double post
July 9th, 2008 at 0:32
End of Euros +10 and all is quiet…
I think I’m gonna have a heart attack!
July 9th, 2008 at 0:36
@Grognard: Grognard I read that Zenit’s talks with Barcelona have ended coz Barcelona were not ready to offer more than 15 mill euros and it looks like Zenit want something like 30 mill euros.
And also now you’ve started to sound like you want Utd to buy like Chelsea. Abramovich can throw money like that but we can’t because we are being run like a proper business. Chelsea buy players for the sake of it. When SAF wanted to strengthen his squad he was always given money. Next comes Fergie’s failure in the transfer market…. as you’ve mentioned his last mistake was probably Forlan….. But nearly all his signings after that have been carefully chosen and have clearly been a success look at Rio, Rooney, Vidic, evra, nani, tevez, anderson, hargreaves and ronaldo. And there’s no need for panic yet. As for as Huntelaar I believe Ajax are looking for a higher price and that is why this is taking longer than expected. Ramos rates Berbatov really higher and only if he can find someone to fill his boots can let him go.
July 9th, 2008 at 0:46
@Nino: Hey Nino, you can’t steal my gig. That was my line.
July 9th, 2008 at 0:55
@Krishnan: No I don’t want us to be like Chelsea but I do believe the team should be spending anywhere between 25 to 40 million a year to fill gaps or problems caused by players leaving, retiring or slowing down. That’s not to say that I am not envious of a team that has an owner who will do anything it takes to win. That’s why I love the Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots and especially the New York Yankees. Our team is one of the top 5 teams in the world and we should be acting like it and acting like pretenders. I like teams that demand wins and owners who love to win so much they will do anything to avoid losing. I want an owner whose first priority is Manchester United, not his business interests in the States. I want an owner who isn’t buying United as a tax shelter or as a hobby horse. I want an owner who will get his hands dirty and put a dent in his wallet by spending his own money if it’s necessary to make the team better. What I want is someone other than the Glazer’s. This might sound wrong to some but the game is a gamble when it comes to signing player. I have no problem taking chances on players. It’s not my money and I really am not concerned about it because the people who own this team are supposedly billionaires. So my heart bleeds when it comes to their bloody debt. Stop playing and using United like a mop and start dishing out a transfer kitty that reflects the size and success of our team, not West Ham or Wigan.
Also a team with money doesn’t need to wait until August to sign player it wants. Why risk it by allowing somebody else to swoop in and steal him from you?
July 9th, 2008 at 1:18
@Grognard: love your passion for our club, i second some of your opinions esp re: the glazers/ronaldo. That said, Grog you need to tap back into that feeling of belief we had last season. No one has died, we have the same team that beat nearly everyone else last season, we are Champions of Europe and England,
we have up coming talent, and we’ve still to sign another player. Plus its not all roses for our main challengers. Trust in Fergie, BELIEVE 
July 9th, 2008 at 1:28
Grognard:
I think that for the Olympics, players under 23 fall under the same rules that apply for other international games. If their clubs refuse to release them, the player gets suspended. The three players that are over 23 can be held at the club without consequences (other than pissing off a national coach, but who cares). Manchester can’t refuse to release Anderson, Barcelona can’t refuse to release Messi. The players themselves can refuse to go, but forcing a player to decide between club and country usually isn’t a very good idea..
July 9th, 2008 at 1:59
@Grognard: we don’t need to spend 25-40m every year and especially not this one. We have the best team in Europe ffs. I’ve accepted that Ronnie will probably stay and I’m willing to give him a chance to prove himself to us. I respect your stance on him (partly because I was the same a few weeks ago but he appears to have gotten as fed up with the lies coming out of Madrid as everyone else). Anyway, 25-40m ever season is just stupid money to be paying when you have a squad like ours. Look at our team. The only place that we have a (slight) shortage of quality is in the back up for 2 of the best strikers in the world and maybe backup on the wings. We have a good young squad that won’t need any major changes to it for 3 or 4 years at least let alone 40m worth of changes. One player is all we need for this season and we might not even need that if Campbell/manucho/ Saha steps up to the plate so what is the god damn rush that everyone is in to sign the current flavour of the day?
July 9th, 2008 at 2:09
also the Glazers have provided money whenever SAF has asked for it just look at the amount they gave last season. We’ve spent a hell of a lot more than Arsenal and a slight bit more than Pool in the last few seasons and our debt is bigger than both of theirs combined so I’m grateful to the Glazers for that and they have proven to me that they are good owners (just look at Liverpool whose owners were welcomed and ours who were protested against upon arrival and tell me who you’d prefer)
July 9th, 2008 at 4:17
@phoenix red: Thanks for the advice. I do trust in Fergie but I have no trust whatsoever in our owners and I think they are handcuffing Fergie. With that said, patience is not one of my strong points and I need to acquire some here. But what has always been one of my strong points is old fashioned intuition and gut instinct. And they are both reading red alert this pre-season.
Honestly, I am not like this every off season. On the contrary, I am very upbeat and very hopeful because like you have said, in Fergie we trust. But this year there seems to be a cloud forming over OT and that debt we are carrying is I believe, beginning to take it’s toll out on the ownership as well as the team. I cannot remember an off season in recent memory where we were so quiet and where we allowed so much negativity and distress to affect the club and it’s supporters. Ronaldo should be strung up for what he has done to all of us. It’s nothing short of slow torture. Instead of players coming in we hear about players wanting to leave, players being released or Fergie trying to sell players. On top of that, all our competitors seem very busy trying to improve their squads and the schedule makers have done an outstanding job of doing their best to ensure we don’t repeat as champions. Really, other than all that everything is just fine.
July 9th, 2008 at 4:22
For all the success last year, I often had the feeling that ours was a team that hadn’t quite happened yet. IMO there is huge potential for growth and improvement within the current squad – and when they start to really fire it will be fabulous. Only worry is that the Ronaldo fiasco will derail the momentum and positive mindset – Captain Rio needs to take care of this. Clearly a striker must be had.
Favourite game all year? Home to Roma. That was a squad victory and my compatriot, Hargreaves, was brilliant. I think we have yet to see the best from Hargeaves. I also think Rooney will have a banner year – he is such a maniacal competitor that this Ronaldo crap will make him mental. 20 goals minimum. No cause for alarm, we have a deep squad.
July 9th, 2008 at 4:23
Could it be that this is the transfer window where the owners are trying to break the “Player Power” monopoly that has escalated over the past seasons.
I don’t see any huge deals right now and I don’t see any of the “Euro 2008 All Stars” signing with anybody. Who would imagine that Euro 2008 + 9 days and Arshavin, Villa, and even our very own??? CR7 havn’t made the slightest of a shuffle.
I’m sure the big showcase was the ideal platform for them all to vendor their skills and, boy, some of them sure did, but nary a taker has come forth to this point. Bids have been rejected back and fro – “you ask too much”, “we are not interested in selling” is all I hear. Adebayeur’s game with Le Arse is all about his contract. He wants more wages that his contract states – and he is leveraging them to comply with his demands. I would wonder how many of the other, under-contract, big names being bandied about in the press are doing the same to inflate their, already, stratospheric pay checks.
For the GM’s and managers I would think this is really old hat. They have put up with this for years now – and now they are putting their collective corporate foot down. After negotiating and re-negotiating their top players wages to appease their sophmoric insecurities, I would be sure they are fully sick and tired of it all!!
Berbatov, Huntaleer, and Benzema are all in SAF’s radar – they would all probably be flattered to play for the “Champions of all things Relevant” -but why?, if I have heard things right, has SAF not brokered a bid, as yet, for any of them
It was not that he was on holiday, or lazy or whatever – he simply realises that to pay way over market value for them and to pay way over market value wages to them is not the way to build a team. If we buy Benzema (eg) for 30m plus pay him 120k a week for 5 years then those figures are calculable. If he turns round after 2 seasons – and because of 25 goals per – he demands us to double his salary or demand a transfer to a team that does – then – it’s poor risk strategy to aquire him in the first place.
I believe SAF’s strategy has encompassed these thoughts for some years now. Last seasons acquisitions were not star-studded (although Hargo was a big name) and the mid-season signings of Vidac and Evra (the prior season) left me, for one, less than over elated. We didn’t get the big signing – but we are the most successful club in Britain for the past two years – hands down!!
SAF’s commitment to achievement will always, and inevitably, lead us to make the right decisions for the club. With this in mind I say to hell with all you nay saying bastards.
July 9th, 2008 at 4:33
@Red Rich: Tevez was a huge signing, for me.
July 9th, 2008 at 4:38
@Liam: I’m sorry but I just cannot agree with you on any of that. Check the past ten years of United’s pre season buying. I believe they have averaged in and around that barring a year or two. We are not as strong as you seem to think we are. Yes we won the Double last year but by the skin of our teeths and with a whole lot og luck and a fairly injury free season to boot.
In a perfect world we need not one but two strikers. People can forget selling me on Saha because for me he is garbage personified. We need a major #1 striker and we need a versatile but dependable and very young #4 striker. We need backup at LMF/LW as Giggs is definitely on his last legs and Nani will be taking over soon. You don’t look for that player after his retirement, you find him before so that nobody spikes up the price on you. Whether we need an attacking midfielder depends on the club’s plans for the future and whether those plans include Ronaldo or not. I f they don’t, we need one badly. There is no winger on the planet short of Messi who can replace Ronaldo and be the creator of goals as well as score them at that prolific rate. AMF’s are much better at that. We need to find Scholes long term replacement. Yes it may be Anderson but I don’t think so personally. The lad has too many holes in his game to be called another Scholes.
For me he is Makelele with some distribution talent, nothing more. We ned a finesse oriented player who has the talent and skill set of Scholes who can play back far enough yet have a great influence in our buildup. We need a Pirlo style player. I’m willing to wait that one out a bit as I think Scholes has another two years left in him and Anderson may show great improvement this year. Carrick is good but for me, he isn’t the answer. Hargreaves is untouchable and so I don’t even mention him here other than to say I love him to pieces. We also need to look at RB. I personally have no problem with Wes Brown but if we are to become more dynamic and less predictable in our offensive play and buildup, we have to balance things out between left and right. Evra is so much more influential in our play than Brown is. Yes he has done a fine job defensively but still, is it no the responsibility of the club to try to get even better if possible. For me he is the ultimate secret weapon as a sub as he can play RB or CB with great efficiency. But I would prefer and Alves or Lahm in his place. It looks like Silvestre is staying but I still think we need to find a true and very quick and mobile backup for Evra. A young player with potential. And finally, EVDS is on his very last legs. Is Foster the man for us? I have doubts. Next off season we need to address that problem and see if he truly is the answer or is he another Mark Bosnic?
So as you can see, from my perspective, not all is wonderful with United. Feel free to disagree but know this, very little will dissuade me from my feelings on this because I do believe I am right and I feel that I know and respect the game well enough to be a pretty good judge of these things as well as of talent. Everybody is different in these matters and we obviously can’t all see eye to eye. Actually, Iam very much like Fergie. I never stand pat and I am always looking for ways to get better. Him standing pat has more to do with ownership I feel than it does with what he believes we need to do to improve. Ronaldo’s future with us will have much to do with what happens in the near future.
July 9th, 2008 at 4:40
@Liam: That was yesterday. How does the old saying go? What have you done for me lately? Their debt is causing them major stress this year unlike last year because of the fall of the markets and increase in interest rates. The American dollar has also dived mightily this past year. Many factors and reasons for them to do an about face.
July 9th, 2008 at 4:42
@T.o. Red: You’re absolutely right. I was wrong to omit him from our signings. He still wasn’t the Kaka or Ronaldinho that everyone salivated after though
July 9th, 2008 at 4:46
http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/sport/2008/07/08/how_will_ferguson_manage_witho.html
July 9th, 2008 at 4:48
If some one have doubts of what we are missing in our striker dept. –> Striker….Sadly i have to agree with Groggy that he is not gonna come back and do these again!!!
July 9th, 2008 at 4:48
@Red Rich: You could have a valid point there. Somehow something needs to be done to stop the idiotic escalation and demands by player agencies. The next big step is for a team like United to stand firm and teach a team like Real Madrid a lesson which will reverberate throughout the footballing world and force other teams to also stand pat and to refuse to be bullied into selling players. I’m not advocating left wing socialism in the game but this fascist right wing extremism that teams like Madrid are operating under needs to be destroyed like the Third Reich was. A combined effort by everyone in football and with Man Utd leading the the pack by example. Sorry Fergie, no more tapping up players like Hargo, Carrick, Rio etc. We need to clean up our act too. Fortunately, our antics have never been as terrible or as sleazy as Madrid’s. And finally, players need to be held accountable for the contracts they sign. Enough already. Living in North America, I find the uselessness of footy contracts comical and incredibly frustrating. That kind of nonsense just doesn’t happen here.
July 9th, 2008 at 5:01
@Grognard: Yeah, but it really is the big, rich clubs like R.Madrid and United that their antics are aimed at. I think United is on board lets see over the next few days whether Madrid gets its shit together.
BTW also NA based. Different here aint it !!
July 9th, 2008 at 6:23
@Red Rich: It is different in North America because there are stricter league rules to deal with in most sports and because these leagues and their rules generally don’t have to be put into effect outside the two countries. Rich teams are rich but they can only go after a player through trade or if he is a free agent. They can’t tamper. Sometimes it happens but it’s not an epidemic like soccer. No, there are measures and enforcement in professional leagues here that protect teams from the Real Madrid’s. Of course, perhaps the New York Yankees may be a slight exception to the rule.
July 9th, 2008 at 6:48
@Grognard: “He’s flown an airplane filled with my heart and soul as a passenger straight into the side of a mountain” haha thats pure quality, I had to laugh at that.
July 9th, 2008 at 7:33
For me Blanc is the man we want if Quieroz leaves. He’s played abroad, so will help us develop our continental style. He has some knowledge of the French league which will be great because it is a huge talent pool much better than the Portuguese league. He might also make it easier for us to attract Benzema in the future.
July 9th, 2008 at 8:23
@colver: I agree. He also lets not forget played for United and although he was well past his best, apparently Fergie had great praise for the man as a player and as a thinker. From what I have read they got along very well. I’m not generally big on the French or the French League but I think it would be wiser to have someone who has connections there than in Spanish or Portuguese countries. We will always stand a chance at losing players from those countries to the big teams in Spain. But with a French #2, we can start looking closely at not just French players but Africans as well as many of them come from French speaking regions. It’s what has been Wenger strength over the years. So my vote is in for Blanc too.
July 9th, 2008 at 8:38
“Yes it may be Anderson but I don’t think so personally. The lad has too many holes in his game to be called another Scholes.
For me he is Makelele with some distribution talent, nothing more.”
Painful to read your opinions of Anderson. Did you not watch him while playing for Porto in the Champions League? Or not do some research of him in his Gremio days? Did you fail to read how surprised and shocked pretty much all Brazilian footballers/managers were to see him playing a more defensive role for United last season (and doing it admirably for one so young)? Have you forgotten how he had both Gerrard and Fabregas, two of the “worlds finest midfielders” in his back pocket when we played Liverpool/Arsenal? Holes in his game? I don’t remember Scholes playing as assuredly at 18/19.
He has so much more to offer and I can’t wait for him to show you and everyone else what he’s made of. He IS Scholes replacement, he might not have identical qualities, but let’s face it, Scholesy is a one-off and we’re unlikely to see another of his style for a long time.
July 9th, 2008 at 8:44
A poser for all the Grognified guys out there:
a. United finished a poor second behind chelsea in 05/06 season, handing them the trophy much before the final day. over the summer, we lost RVN and got only carrick. chelsea meanwhile added shevchenko and ballack to their squad. both the teams had almost equal trouble with injuries over the season. we won the league very comfortably with chelsea handing us the trophy much beofre the last day.
b. 07/08 season: chelsea added literally no one to the asquad, while we addeed 4 new faces. chelsea had more trouble than us, with their manager gone, new manager not seeming good enough, african vup of nations and lots more injuries than us. still they did much better in challanging us than in the 06/07 season, in the same way that we challanged them much better in the 06/07 season than the 05/06 season.
I see a pattern emerging here, indicating that unless you have lot of departures over the summer, and do not have adequate over for each position, there is not need to invest heavily.
Too many new additions would require more time settling in, effecting at least the start of the season, as seen last time around.
So, SAF is as usual right in saying we need only one player, who in my opinion is a striker, since we have all other positions well covered till next season when scholes and giggs retire.
July 9th, 2008 at 9:30
We added four players last season and won the double?
July 9th, 2008 at 9:37
@Stephen: last season we needed those 4. we don’t need 4 anymore. 1 striker is enuf, anything else a luxury.
July 9th, 2008 at 9:52
I do see your point with continuity, be don’t think if we don’t sign at least maybe one other that we are standing still as others around us maybe start to move forward eg Chelscum?
We onlt beat them on the last game of the season and on pens in the Euro final, and if and when they invest more this summer, and they will they could potentially overtake us.
Plus teams do work out how we play, and to a degree stopping Ronaldo stops our goals, we need more than just one other new option going forward in my view.
Plus we are European champions, and the clubs profile is so high at the moment and we should capitalize on that, as a lot of players prefer London to Manchester, fuck knows why!! but we could now pos lure that sort of player, but do see your point.
July 9th, 2008 at 10:00
….However, the forward’s representative Arnold Oosterveer admits that, until a suitable offer is received, Huntelaar will be staying at the Amsterdam ArenA.
“For him, United is a club that is interesting, but unless a suitable club come in for him, he will be at Ajax next season,” said Oosterveer in the Daily Mirror.
“We won’t speak to Ajax any more about a new contract because they wanted to put a new clause in it, but he has two years to go.
“There has been no contact between Ajax and United, or United and myself.”
Surely, if we wanted him there would’ve been contact… Or the agent’s bluffing…
July 9th, 2008 at 10:10
@Stephen: There will be many ins and outs for Chelsea, and it’s difficult to say, how that will affect their title bid. Usually I’d say that replacing maybe 4 or 5 in the starting lineup equals exiting the title race, because there’s simply too much new stuff happening, plus they’ll most likely change style, which isn’t necessarily easy with the players they have. I think, Scolari wants to play like us or Barcelona, but that won’t happen with Lamps, Drogba, Ballack and Essien, who are more power players than quick and skillful.
Yes, stopping Ronaldo is part of stopping the team, but that’s the same with every team. Every team has 1 player that you need to stop first, but it’s all related. In this kind of conundrum, the problem is that said player is the man to stop, because he’s so hard to stop. Look at Ronaldo last season. He was constantly covered by 2 men, and still he’s so dangerous and quick that no one could stop him. They were aware of him last season as well, you know. It won’t change for the coming season, but neither will Ronaldo.
A list of players to stop:
Liverpool: Torres
Barca: Messi
AC Milan: Kaka
Inter Milan: Ibra
Chelsea: a little more difficult, but Drogba when on form
Roma: Totti
Real: No real class players, but they struggle without Rvn
Arsenal: Adebayor
Every team has 1 player, they can’t do without, but they still have him.
Compared to the other teams, we have Rooney, Tevez, Nani, Giggs and probably a new striker that are more than capable of turning matches, and I don’t see many other teams with that kind of depth.
I agree with you that we should take advantage of our high club profile, but that’s the case every year. The stock may have risen, now that we showed we can win the CL, but most players would still love to come to our club, even if we didn’t. I just donøt see the need for more than 1 striker, and maybe one defender, but I’d certainly be more than happy with just a striker.
Oh, just read that Benitez has said, Liverpool are interested in David Villa, but that it may be difficult for them to get him.
July 9th, 2008 at 10:22
Tomas, I see your point that every team has a focal point, and we do have other options ( not quite sure about Giggs theae days though!) We were also lucky with injuries last year, and if we loose Tevez and lets say the new striker who ever that maybe, we have to reliant on Ronaldo to score, if still at the club, or Rooney but I think we all agree no natrual goal scorer, and with Saha pos sold or injured.
Also if Rio and Vida get knocks at the same time, like Chelscun has last season with Captian Slipper foot, and Carvalho, then we could have a defensive partnership of O’shea and Silvestre, good squad plyers but not players you want week in week out!!!!
We also have to hope and pray that Nani and Anderson continue to progress at the rate of knots which they did last season, and not have a difficult second season, which young players can do.
July 9th, 2008 at 10:55
@Stephen: Do you really think, we were that lucky with injuried last season – imo you have forgotten what happened quickly.
Let me sum up the worst:
Saha – out most of season
Neville – out entire season
Silveste – out for most of season
Park – out for most of season
Hargo – injured in big parts, and even played through injury
Rooney – had 2 spells of just over a month each out, plus he was downed by a virus and had a hip/thigh injury for a couple of weeks
Vidic – had 2 concussions, a back injury, a knee injury (a couple of weeks?) and a calf muscle strain
Anderson – had a hamstring problem the first month
Fletcher – broken leg, out for 2 months plus a knee injury
Vds – had several problems with his feet and groin
Carrick – broken elbow ot for 6 weeks
Foster – ACL knee out for more than half of season
And then there were a lot of other games missed through minor injuries, so I don’t really think we were that lucky with injuries. We just adapted well to them.
July 9th, 2008 at 10:59
Good point Tomas!!!!
July 9th, 2008 at 11:38
But I will say bar Nev, Saha, Foster and Silvestre none were long term. G Nev is the only player I would say is a starter out of those, and that now is debatable due to the form of Wes.
Football waits for no man and if we don’t invest and I am not saying heavily but more than one player we could be left behind next season.
July 9th, 2008 at 11:59
@Stephen: That’s true – it waits for nobody. But the team is still young, so it’s not waiting either.
You may be right that of the 4 players, only Neville would’ve been regularly in the team, but at least three of them (incl. Neville) would be first backups in their position. I don’t know about Foster, since I haven’t seen him play. So at least 3 of them are very important squad members, and titles are won by squads.
Most injuries are not long term, and I consider Rooney’s 10 weeks as quite a lot away. Same with Carrick’s 6 weeks. How many long term injuries did Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool have? No more than us would be my bet. I’m not saying we were more unlucky than the rest, just that we weren’t particularly lucky.
Arsenal probably were the worst off.
On physioroom the statistics show how many reported injuries each team had last season (or at least one can count them):
Arsenal: 59
MU: 48
Chelsea: 39
Liverpool: 32
So we weren’t particularly lucky. I won’t go into details with who was injured and their importance to the team, because as I wrote – squads win titles.
Of course we were lucky that Ronaldo, Rio, Evra and Wes almost missed no games through injury, but I bet each team had star players not out for longer spells.
July 9th, 2008 at 12:17
@ Tomas, I pretty much agree with your sentiments but all I am worried about if we sell Silvestre which is posible, and Evra sustains a serious injury we are not over furnished with full backs. O’Shea has played there but poorly, and the Silva twins would be a huge gamble to throw them in so early.
Even if Sil stays and we sustain 2 injuries Rio and Evra Sil would go to C/B and we would be very exposed.
July 9th, 2008 at 12:22
Plus Ronaldo out for 6 weeks, Nani suspended for 2 games, Saha well who know same with Gary Nev, Anderson at the olympics. We do have a tricky start, just maybe a couple of squad players plus a very good striker!
July 9th, 2008 at 14:27
@Stephen: Of course, if we sell players, they should be replaced with others. It’ll be up to SAF to judge, if we have them good enough in our own ranks, or if we should get them from outside.
I’m not saying we couldn’t be better prepared for the first couple of matches, but we can’t buy 2 or 3 players just because the first few games are uncertain.
If Neville and Saha never return to full fitness, and if Silvestre is sold, then things are the same as last year (minus Pique of course, who didn’t play much anyway). If they return, and Silvestre stays, then we have 3 additional players to last year’s double winning squad. Now, I did have concerns about especially the backs last season, because we were short in cover, but at this moment we have 2 players for each position and O’Shea as backup. I don’t think it can be justified spending money on those positions. Brown is first choice cover as CB, and he’s probably the best 3rd chioce in the league for that position.
Of course we’ll run into injuries, and of course we might even stretch the squad at times because of them, but it can’t be any different, unless we’re go through injury free, and we won’t. What I’m saying is that we have to be realistic about how big the squad can be, and at this point we’re close to the maximum imo, if the squad is to remain as harmonious as it is now. I really don’t see a problem with our squad any other place than in the front line, and that is merely because, Saha is always injured – the numbers are there imo. You won’t find many players accepting the role of Fletcher and O’Shea, like they have (just look at Rossi and Pique – they couldn’t), so bringing in cover players is risky business.
July 9th, 2008 at 15:56
@Tomas: Sorry mate but that post was the most biased thing i’ve read in a long time. You go and name every team’s most dangerous player and then you offer four names from United that aren’t nearly as dangerous and not only that, but two of them are a bloody joke surely. Giggs and Nani being added in the same breath as Torres, Drogba, Messi, Kaka is absolutely hilarious I must say.
Here are players from those teams you neglected to put on and players that are far superior at this time compared to Giggs and Nani.
Gerrard, Etoo, Ballack, Lampard, Inzaghi, Pirlo, Pato, Suazo, Cruz, and Fabregas. Based on last season I’m not even sure that Rooney and Tevez qualify as dangerous threats but I’ll let them go. you are just showing your favoritism by neglecting to mention these players and just how magnificent they are and how much of a problem they are for opposing teams. For me the only two players that have to be stopped to are Ronaldo and a healthy and in form Rooney. The rest are either too old and passed their prime or too young and not ready to be a consistent threat. It’s OK too love your team and to think the world of it’s players but don’t lose objectivity and just plain fairness in the process. Last year we won the Double because of two factors. They were Ronaldo and our back four. End of story. Don’t go glorifying Nani, Giggs, Anderson or any of the midfield for our trophies because they were only average. Rooney and Tevez were good but not outstanding. Their total goal output as forwards was much less than Ronaldo’s alone. Not satisfactory for strikers who are paid to score goals. Good seasons, not superb. All the players I named except for Suazo and Cruz were absolutely world class last season yet you left them off. Not fair…..not fair at all.
July 9th, 2008 at 16:22
I agree regarding Giggs, but considering Nani and Anderson were thrown into the deep end during a severe injury crisis and suspension, they deserve to be glorified every bit. I remember you spelling doom last year when Carrick, Scholes and Fletch were out injured. Anderson made us conveniently forget that we had no trouble in the tail end of last year leading up to Christmas. Say whatever you want, but it’s just not easy for a Brazilian teenager to come into a new country and fit in straightaway.
Again, it was a big ask for Nani to start so many games in the beginning enforced due to Rooney’s injury and Ronaldo’s suspension. His contributions were subtle and not very apparent, but I think given the situation they deserve every bit of the applause they are getting.
July 9th, 2008 at 17:08
@Grognard: You completely misunderstood my post, and I can see why, when I re-read it.
My main point was that most teams have 1 player, from who most of the threat comes… you gotta admit that. That’s an in-form player, whose season is at a higher level than the rest of the players in the team. If the team didn’t have that player, they wouldn’t be compeeting for the main titles.
What I meant by the other players I mentioned wasn’t that they are as dangerous a Messi and Kaka – that should be clear enough from reading my post. I just didn’t bother mentioning the players from the other teams that are at an equal level to Giggs, Nani, Tevez and Rooney. Of course these teams have plenty of good players alongside their best player. Whether or not Giggs and Nani are jokes is a subjective matter, and I don’t think so. Nani surely brought us points, and all I said was that they are capable of turning matches. He’s proven that, and Giggs still has it as well.
I think it’s amazing btw that a team consisting of 4 defenders, 1 Ronaldo and a bunch of “past-their-prime” and “too-young” players can win the double – either nice going or poor challengers. You are way too harsh.
And don’t judge me or my objectivity. If anyone in here is objective, it’s me. I might be a notch too positive for you, but I’m certainly as objective as any fan (and isn’t a bit of biasedness part of being a fan, I think so) and I put up solid arguments. Don’t patronize me, please.
July 9th, 2008 at 17:16
@Red Ranter: Fine RR, but that does not make these players world class threats. They were valuable role players. United only had one player up front that displayed world class abilities last season and that was Ronaldo. Everybody else was just average or slightly better. To put Nani and Anderson up there with Adebayor, Torres, Kaka etc is just silly in my opinion and it’s more wishful thinking than reality. Nani and Anderson are not of that caliber yet, despite the fact that they were thrown into the fire without much experience. That’s not the issue you here. Tomas put together a list of players to stop. I do not think Wenger, Rafa or anybody else develop a game plan that says we must stop Nani, Giggs or Anderson at all costs or they will murder us. Far from it. There game plan simply states stop Ronaldo and possibly Rooney. That’s it.
July 9th, 2008 at 17:45
@Tomas: I’m not patronizing you Tomas, not at all. And yes I completely misunderstood your intentions in your post but then again, you wrote in a manner that was very easy to misunderstand. And even after your clarification I disagree with your assessments of Nani and Anderson and especially Giggs. They are not world beaters or world class talents. Giggs used to be, Anderson and Nani will hopefully be one day. On the other hand the names I added to your short list are definitely world class players and they mean just as much to their teams as the players you listed. They aren’t just good players, they are “top players”. Also, you can find it amazing that a team with four fantastic defenders and Ronaldo can win the double but thats exactly what happened. The rest were just good or just role players. But that’s more a case of good teamwork and solid depth as opposed to individual play. Carrick, Hargreaves, Nani, Anderson, Fletcher, Park, Scholes, Tevez and Rooney were all decent if not very good at times last year. None of those players belong on your list of top players in my opinion. Because none of them excelled or produced in a manner becoming of that label. With that said, Totti and Kaka probably don’t belong either as they suffered from injury plagued seasons but I guess their reputations preceded them.
I may come across as way to harsh in your opinion but in my opinion you come across as very easy to please and not harsh enough. And you know Tomas, that’s fine too. So what we if we disagree on this matter. It’s all for debate anyway and just because there is disagreement, doesn’t mean that there is any malice or negative thought behind my motives. Assuming that your views were a touch biased being a hard core United fan as you are, is not insulting and only a fair assumption based on what you wrote. There was no patronizing on my part intended. This is a blog for debate and discussion. Just because you disagree with somebody and you bring up your own well thought argument against a theory does not mean you are patronizing anyone. Your views are just as valid or as important as mine. And you certainly have not always agreed with my assessments or valuations at times. I haven’t accused you of patronizing me because you are welcome to disagree and to defend your position. I just stated my view of your comment and whether it is valid or not, all that was intended by it is to stir up debate and for you to possibly clarify your position more. You did so and although that helped, I still have to disagree with you. But that’s no problem as I still have nothing but appreciation and respect for your contributions. So please leave that patronizing comment alone as it’s far from the truth here.
As far as your objectivity goes, fair enough, but from where I was standing your post did not seem or read as very objective. I always try to be objective yet I am attacked about that all the time. Why? Because we all see players and moments in the game differently at times. It’s pretty impossible to look objective to everybody all the time especially when they know where your loyalties lye. Don’t always assume that others see your arguments as always being solid and true. I take a lot of time and effort and I write the longest and most well thought out posts and yet, time after time I am referred to as an idiot a paranoid muppet, and negative cancer etc etc. There is no pleasing everyone and I above all know the feeling of being under appreciated or often misunderstood. Putting up a great argument does not mean squat if the reader doesn’t agree with you. So please don’t take my disagreement of your points so much at heart. We just have two different points of view. Neither is right or wrong. Cheers!
July 9th, 2008 at 21:15
In my book Rooney is world class but as a team player. He doesn’t have the ego to be a star. That is why Capello is struggling to build a team around Rooney and why we built our team around Ronaldo. But I can guarantee that Rooney would be one of the first names in the teamsheet in ANY team in the world alongside Rio and Ronaldo.
July 10th, 2008 at 9:05
wat about David Villa???
if Liverpool bought him, we dead…
the partnership between Torres and Villa will penetrate our rock solid defense(i think)…..
so Fergie, SIGN DAVID VILLA!!!!