Feb 12
United outclass classless Liverpool with Rio at the helm
You would not think that anything could overshadow a Manchester United-Liverpool game, but thanks to Suarez and his antics everyone has seemingly forgotten that United won 2-1 thanks to a quickfire Rooney double right after half time. The former Evertonian could have had himself a hat-trick had the referee not disallowed his 30-yard effort for a free kick against Evans, who to his credit won the ball marvellously. It really has been a big-game season for Wayne Rooney, who has now scored 21 goals in all competitions. More impressively, 11 of those goals have come in matches against Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Man City, and now Liverpool. United could have had more though, totally dominating Liverpool from start to finish. Following Glen Johnson’s effort in the third minute, the Scousers did not have a single shot on target until Suarez pounced on some poor United defending to make it a nervy couple of minutes at the end.
Following some less than impressive performances against Liverpool Sir Alex got it right this time around, and in the end the scoreline severely flattered the visitors. What exactly did United do?
In the past few weeks we have seen a midfield set up in very much the same way: Carrick holding back, Giggsy doubling up on the flanks from his central-midfield position, the left winger cutting inside acting like an attacking midfielder along with Rooney, and Valencia doing his own marvellous parading down the right. However, there was something odd about United’s set up in this game. With Scholes returning and Giggs moving out to the left flank it looked like a pretty solid 4-4-2, but as soon as the game started you could see it was anything but that. Offensively it was a 3-4-1-2, defensively it was 4-5-1. Despite getting a few crosses in, Giggs was anything but a left winger. He moved inside, making it a three-man midfield along with Scholes and Carrick, with Evra doing the duties on the left. Carrick and Scholes both held back to defend against any counter, although Scholesy got out of position one time to get United’s best chance of the half. Rooney played as a main striker, something he has done rarely this season. Both him and Welbeck dropped deep at times, but they were seen in the opposing penalty more regularly than they have all season long. United rarely got free down the left flank, mainly because there was not any solid threat down there, and despite Evra’s best efforts to attack he rarely got it going. The build-up was either too slow or too risky for Patrice to fully commit in his forward runs, so the right wing became United’s main source of danger.
Let it be said that Valencia and Rafael have created a really good relationship together. They seem to know each other’s game inside-out, and honestly they should! They are a perfect fit, with Rafael certainly not afraid to attack and Valencia more than willing to defend that side. Whenever Valencia seemed trapped, Rafael was exactly where he needed to be and got the Ecuadorian out of danger. They have previously shown their magic against Liverpool in the FA Cup tie, with Rafa getting an assist, and against Bolton where both had a stormer. Valencia tormented Enrique for the full 90 minutes, and with Downing yet again proving his lack of focus Rafael had no worries going forward. Unlike Evra, the Brazilian shows no respect to his opponents and marches down the right wing as if it was his own. It was a good partnership in 2009/10, but it has majorly improved since then and these days opponents seem to have no answer.
With Evra having more attacking duties than he has had lately, Rio and Evans had to be sharp. An obviously fired up Suarez is a tough nut for all to handle, but the two of them kept him quiet for most of the game. Rio put in another great performance, stopping everything that came his way. He put in a vital challenge on Suarez when he was straight through, and made sure that the Uruguayan knew this battle was one Rio wanted to win. He did everything right, vital interceptions, solid headers, and when needed his passing either got the Reds out of danger or stopped Liverpool’s surge. 
His partner had a great game as well, doing everything right. Evans has gotten a lot of stick from United fans during the years, but again he proves just how vital he is. His one laps of concentration got Liverpool a goal though, mistiming his header leaving Rio in very difficult circumstances. Besides that he stopped everything, and could have had himself an assist had his wonderful tackle not been given as a free-kick against. The Rio-Evans partnership yet again looked solid, with Evans doing the dirty work of following Suarez’ every step, leaving Rio to pick up the pieces. Evans man-marked the controversial striker, and whenever he got free Rio was there to stop him. Marvellous.
In the first half United’s tactics was fairly obvious. The back four stayed low, and packed the whole midfield with three men. If Liverpool were going to get to chances it was through the wings, which in the end did not turn out to be a big threat. Glen Johnson had a few shots when Evra got dragged in by Kuyt, but when you manage to force them into crossing for Suarez with Rio and Evans in there, there really is not any contest. Since Valencia never sways from his defensive duties, their left flank was completely blocked, and with Kuyt not being the most attacking of wingers they often got that side served. No unpredictability from them, with United stopping them to great effect. Rooney did not close down Johnson properly in the first few minutes, but when 10 minutes had passed Wazza was there to do his job. United could clear the ball and it would end up at Welbeck or Rooney, with their mobile runs creating havoc for Agger and Skrtel.
Despite having most of the possession in the first half United had not been awarded for their efforts with a goal. For the second half we saw Giggsy moved out to the left wing, making it a solid 4-man midfield for United. Rooney, who had played as the main striker in the first half, got in behind Welbeck and played as he has done for most of the season. The first goal came from a corner, United’s second this season and second against Liverpool, but the second goal was a joy to watch. Some great build up play by United was stopped when Spearing blocked Valencia’s back-heel, but the Ecuadorian was never going to give it up. He won the ball, and slid in Rooney for his second. That goal came as a reward to Welbeck as well, with his gut-bursting run opening up the space for Rooney to score. It is the kind of runs Danny does every game, and against Chelsea it was also these kind of runs that proved to be United’s downfall. Welbeck made a near-post run, with the United players deciding passing it to him was a better option than moving into the space those exact runs opened up. This time Rooney got it right, Welbeck making the run that put Skrtel on the back-foot, thus giving him the problem of deciding where he should go. It was rewarded with a goal, and as Rooney fired away towards the camera in celebration you could see Valencia and Welbeck running towards each other in the background as it was those two who had created it.
Now that United had gone with a two-man central midfield, Dalglish made changes. Adam, Bellamy and Carroll came on, although they did not prove to be any threat to United. Despite having a three man midfield, Scholes and Carrick dominated possession running Liverpool ragged. In the words of former Liverpool boss Roy Evans: “Scholes must have thought “this is just a practice match for me” – no one laid a glove on him!” Scholes played the ball, moved in space, picked up the ball and then created another attack, with one particular move after 63 minutes proving exactly why his return is a God-send. Whenever a Liverpool player got close to him, he just passed the ball 5 yards only to get it back right away, playing some wonderful one-twos that United have not seen since Cleverley performed his heroics at the start of the season. Just like against Chelsea, Scholes and Carrick kept them at bay, and with United on cruise-control there was no way back for Liverpool.
For the second half we saw Rooney help out Scholes and Carrick defensively, with Giggsy being left on the wing. The old Welshman had a quiet game by his standards, and with Liverpool doing their best Stoke City impression for the final 10 minutes it may have been a good idea putting Berbatov on for him. They won a few corners, seemingly United’s downfall this season, but never really threatened. When Rafael wins 4 out of 5 
headers against Andy Carroll, you just know it is going to be a good day. One last attempt was magnificently saved by David De Gea, who for the second match running wins the points for United with a spectacular last-minute save.
Despite giving a goal back to Liverpool through a softly conceded set play (yet again), United were on cruise control and the final scoreline severely flattered Liverpool. Suarez was kept quiet, Gerrard invisible at best, and although Glen Johnson had a couple of shots it was a performance which no Liverpool fan should be proud of. Evra had a decent game, doing his duties and stopping Dirk Kuyt whenever needed. However, despite being the man of the moment he does not get the man of the match award. That goes to Rio Ferdinand, for the second game running. Scholes, Rafael, Valencia and Evans all put in solid outings, but the former England 
captain put in a performance that reminds us exactly why he once was considered the best defender on the planet. He won every 50-50 ball, made some vital tackles and clearances, his passing was sharp, and his dedication for the cause was obvious for all to see. This was a battle for him, Rio has always been vocal in his fight against racism, and from the moment he decided not to shake Suarez’ hand you just knew this meant something to him as well. Unlike Evra he kept it cool, and put in the performance of a true Manchester United captain.
RedDevilEddy (@Eddy93Ram)
Related items from Red Rants:
- Kia confirms Tevez fears as Blackburn visit OT
- Do you like Rio Ferdinand?
- PFA Players Shortlist: Where’s Anderson, Rooney and Rio
- A Simple Guide To Kicking Liverpool Ass
- Et tu, Rio?
Tags: Tactics & Analysis
Opti (541)
Stephen (485)
RedDevilEddy (459)
Craig Mc (348)
Moscow is my heaven (272)
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You\\\'re upsetting the natives with this!
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@That: We created 8 chances:
1. Rafael inside your box.
2. Scholes header.
3. Rooney goal.
4. Rooney second goal.
5. Rooney when he toe-poked it just outside.
6. Rooney’s effort which flew into the corner, wrongly disallowed.
7. Welbeck’s shot which came following some brilliant passing moves.
8. Counter attack with Welbeck who was put through, blazed it over with his left.
Oh, and if you say our goals weren’t pretty what the fuck do you call the one you scored?
Voted a great comment - Well Done poster.
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I bet he doesn’t come back Eddy…….(waits)
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@Ian: I’d love it if he does. Trust me I’ve got a whole lot to tell him! Did I mention they didn’t have a shot on target between the 3rd and 79th minute?
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@That: 19.
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Class?! Look at the renowned troublemaker and liar Evra at the end hahahahha. CLASSY INDEED.
I can things of FIVE things to make all Liverpool fans keep smiling.
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@Alan: i can think of 19 reasons why should get the fuck off this website
Voted a great comment - Well Done poster.
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Really good read Eddie. Thought you were spot on Giggs playing as CM in the first half, which is way i thought we looked a bit too jammed through the middle. When he moved out wide things improved drastically. Again spot on Rafael and Valencia, if they stay fit that’s our right flank sorted for a few yrs. Seriously, Valencia reminds me of Kanchelskis, out and out winger, like they don’t make them anymore. As for Evans and Rio, well they were superb. Im not Evans biggest fan but he’s improved a lot and who knows, perhaps all he needed was a consistent run of games under his belt
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@Daniele: You know what, when I think about it Rafael and Valencia really is a perfect combo. When Valencia signed for United in 2009 Rafael was pretty much our first choice right back, and we all know what a great season he had. You remember how we dominated against Bayern in the first half?! Could have been 5 or 6 up!! Rafael had Ribery in his backpocket, Valencia had two assists…. They’ve really been a potent combo for years now. I remember the 5-0 mauling against Wigan late december, when Rafael had 1 goal and 1 assist, Valencia 1 goal and 2 assists… Deadly combo those two are! Loving it
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Mourinho has a 10 point lead over Barcelona
They could win La Liga at the Nou Camp 
ALL HAIL THE SPECIAL ONE
Everyone\\\'s talking about this one! - Join the debate.... Like or Dislke:
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@Moscow is my heaven: Sorry mate but this is getting cringe worthy…..
The only special one is Fergie…
Everyone\\\'s talking about this one! - Join the debate.... Like or Dislke:
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@Moscow is my heaven: His teams play way too defensive for my liking…
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@AndyCR7: One of the great myths about Mourinho
They’ve scored more goals than the Best Team in the World ™ 
Guys I was just trying to diffuse the situation… the Suarez shit is getting a bit boring
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@Moscow is my heaven: Fair enough mate, I agree we all now need to move on.
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@Moscow is my heaven: I was being sarcastic mate… ALL HAIL THE SPECIAL ONE
by the way that Ronaldo strike was insane!
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Just made a dig through the old archives and must say I was really impressed by what I saw regarding the Rafael-Valencia combo. Here are some games they played together in 2009/10:
United 5-0 Wigan (Valencia 1 goal, 2 assists)(Rafael 1 goal, 1 assist)
Milan 2-3 United (Valencia 1 assist)
United 4-0 Milan (Rafael 1 assist)
United 2-1 Villa CC Final (Valencia 1 assist)
United 3-2 Bayern Munich (Valencia 2 assists)
I don’t know how strong your memory is but I for one can remember some of those games being real crackers! I know we went out to Bayern that years, and Rafa got sent off, but the first 40 minutes of that game were some of the best European minutes Old Trafford has ever seen! If we are to talk about this season then we’ve got:
United 2-3 Blackburn (
) Valencia and Rafael one assist each
United 3-0 Bolton
Liverpool 2-1 United (Rafael assist)
United 3-3 Chelsea
United 2-1 Liverpool (Valencia assist)
I know the results aren’t too impressive, but some of the performances really have. To me that’s our strongest right sided combination, they really fulfil eachother perfectly.
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@RedDevilEddy: Good spot concerning Valencia and Raphael. I have thought for some time that Rafa brings the best out of Valencia. The kid gets a bad rap at times. Personally I think hes a gem, and when he gets experience will be a top player. I would not like to see Smalling get back in at right back, though he is a good player too, its Raphael every time for me.
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Oh and there’s a pathetic excuse for a human being in the last thread who calls me a saint because I’ve never been racist towards anyone… Wow, is that all you have to do now?
Some people, just wow. Thank God I’m not a Liverpool fan, I can see why they love Suarez so much
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@Alan: @RedDevilEddy: @RedDevilEddy:eddy I just want you to know that I don’t believe you! Your tendency to anger and foul language just makes methink you are fibbing. Ha ha now you and danielle and ian can all do one you fucking hypocrites.your club will always be in the shade of lfc. You were nothing before matt busby and matt busby – who was captain of lfc – felt sorry for you and took over the club. But then you wouldn’t know about history! Ha ha ha ha.
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@candide: Shows how much you know about me. A thank God for that, would rather die than have someone like you know me as a person!
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Even the Liverpool fans I know who have been defending Suarez the whole way saw the lack of a handshake and said ‘you dick Suarez’. The only people still defending him are neckbeard internet trolls. Do not feed the trolls.
Voted a great comment - Well Done poster.
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Manure pure class?
Red Issue Ku Klux Klan edition
stoking up the bile
pathetic and puerile
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@nevthered: Can all be classy like you….
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To be honest, the only reason Kenny was building this whole saga up was to distract his worshipping fanbase from the poor results they’ve had in the league. Clearly it’s working
Liverpool fans should ask themselves why they are on a United blog after an embarassing defeat which defamed their club, instead of discussing on their own forums the naivety of their chequebook manager on the football pitch and in the transfer market.
YNWA – You’ll Never Win Anything
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You scousers going on about our club being classless. Huh, says the club who couldnt even be arsed to do the dignified thing of wearing black armbands in respect for those who died in munich. Too much of an ask for you it seems. Disgusting, yet no fucking word of this in the press.
If it was roles reversed though, and we were at anfield on the anniversary of the hillsborough tragedy, and didnt do the same, your lot would be spitting blood id imagine calling us all sorts, aswell as the press.
Always the fucking victims your club though eh
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@tonymontanna4united: I was disgusted at the lack of armbands worn by Liverpool. Would we have worn armbands if it were Hillsborough or Heysel (although they seem to talk about that one less for some reason)… of course we would. There would be no question. It would just happen. That is the difference between class and classlessness. Not petty bickering, the bigger picture. Liverpool’s antics have tarnished their history and it’s all of there own making. Their bitterness towards us (maybe it’s because we’re on top now… 19-18 and all that) has blinkered them. They still list Sir Alex Ferguson as just ‘Alex Ferguson’ in their match program. How bitter can you get?
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Antonio Valencia on who his most difficult opponent: “I’ve not met him yet.”
Voted a great comment - Well Done poster.
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lan, why are the Avatars not showing up and why is the edit post option gone?
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@AndyCR7: I can see every avatar, must be something wrong with your connection or something. The edit post option I agree with, would be nice to have it back.
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As far as I can see the avatars are visible. As for the edit option, I didn’t know it had gone.
Will have a look.
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I think the edit function is back.
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Just saw an old United photo of us against Dutch opponents. It must have been a corner kick and we had Diego Forlan, Nistelrooy, and Louis Saha going for it. That is some serious attacking talent (back then).
Fun times to look back at
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to all my fellow united fans we should just put an end to any topic regarding liverpool……. they arent worth mentioning in any way! The fact newcastle is ahead of them in the table says it all really
Newcastle were relegeated a few seasons back and have not spend anywhere near the riches liverpool have spent! SAYS IT ALL…………..
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DId anyone watch Tottenham’s game this past week. Did their play remind you of someone? They played A LOT like Real Madrid. In fact, there were times when I had to remind myself that I was watching Tottenham and that the pacy Assou-ekotto was, in fact, not Marcelo. Bale also seemed to be filling the role of “Ronaldo” in the attack with his lung-busting sprints into open space…
#crazytimes
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I am already having the horribal feeling. Its that time of the year when UCL Comes back with the Knockout Stage Matches and we are already out of it. Sad things is we will be Playing on Thursday Night instead of our rightfull place on Tuesday/Wednesday Night.
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@Onkar: Totally agree, playing Thursday nights could be the tipping factor in the title race. Hopefully we will not treat the Europa seriously and simply concentrate on the title, play the kids in Europe and the big boys in the league.
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@Stephen: Yeah and playing Kids in Europa may prove to pivotal in keeping them happy as well. And to be honest some one like Pogba, Fryers, Keane needs Minutes on the Field under their belt. And this Competition can provide that.
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@Onkar: I agree with both, there is no game this weekend but Pogba, Fyers and some of the fringe players will bennefit from some game time.
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@Stephen: We’ve got no game this weekend though, so hopefully there’ll be some good games against Ajax.
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I agree with both, there is no game this weekend but Pogba, Fyers and some of the fringe players will bennefit from some game time.
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@Stephen: If we play the big boys in Amsterdam and get a couple of away goals, then the kids can play the return leg with less pressure and really show us what they’ve got.
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@Moscow is my heaven: Yeah and always better FOR KIDS to Play at OT then away from home in Europe be it in some mickey mouse competetion.
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@Moscow is my heaven: Sensible point mate, but if we play the kida, like Pogba, they will gain valuable experience and hopefully feel part of things and stay.
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I don’t know about you guys but since we were drawn with Ajax I’ve really started to want to win the Europa League. I know we won’t face Barca or Bayern and teams like that, but if we are drawn against teams like City, Porto, Shalke, Valencia and Athletic I really want us to push for it. I know it’s a Mickey Mouse competition but honestly, except for the Chelsea games last season I didn’t enjoy our Champions League run. An embarrasing loss to Barcelona and two easy draws against Marseille and Shalke, if we face some good teams this season then who knows, maybe I’ll enjoy it!
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@RedDevilEddy: I don’t blame you Eddy, it’s probably the only piece of European silverware we can win with this team.
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@Moscow is my heaven: To be fair it’s something about the Champions League lately that has put me off. It’s not that I don’t appreciate teams like Basel and Benfica, but when you are in the final stages of an elite competition it’s the massive teams you want to face! When we won the Champions League in 1999 we beat Inter, Juventus and Bayern on the way, along with getting two 3-3 draws with Barca! Now that was a great achievement! In 2008 we faced Lyon, Roma and Barca, teams who in that period really were on form! Lyon had won the French League 8 seasons in a row, Roma were actually doing well in Italy, and we all know about Barca. But since then it’s not really been that enjoyable. The 2009 journey saw us face Inter as the only “real” big team until Barca came along, and we all remember what happend then. Last season was odd, and most people agreed that United had an easy journey to the final. Yeah, it’s good getting there, but sometimes the way we get to finals is the most enjoyable! That’s what made the 1999 season so fucking great, I for one will remember the semi-finals of the FA Cup and Champions League when someone talks about that season.
I think 2009/10 is the closest we’ve come since then to really be “great” in Europe. 7-2 against Milan, then we tore Bayern to shreads for 40 minutes before they got a goal and changed the tie. Two excellent games, which is what Europe is all about.
I see the Champions League this season and it doesn’t really interest me. Chelsea and Arsenal are both pretty shit, Inter are an embrassament to the team they were 2 seasons ago, Milan have improved but don’t really have “it” anymore, then there are teams like Napoli, Basel, Apoel and Benfica… Good teams, but compared to what we’re used to? I think football as a whole has decreased in the last few seasons, with United, City, Bayern, Barca and Real the only teams left standing. Spurs and Dortmund may get there, and Juventus have done well in Italy, but compared to the competition it was in 2008 or 2009 it’s not really the same thing.
I love football, and in many ways I want it to get back to former glories. Watching Chelsea these days saddens me, I used to hate them because they were so fucking good a couple of seasons ago but now they are just embrassaing. Inter and Milan, my God how the mighty have fallen! Arsenal are… Well, there’s definately room for improvement to put it lightly. I miss the days when I actually feared these kinds of clashes, you don’t really rate them that high these days. People go on about United needing to improve, and I’m not saying I disagree, but compared to other teams around the globe we are incredibly well positioned! The future is bright for United, can’t say the same for other teams.
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@RedDevilEddy: I completely get what you’re saying, but it’s just that if we were to face the likes of Barca or Real, we would simply be beaten again (by tons of goals I might add), and considering we have had to suffer two embarassing defeats on the biggest stage, I don’t think we would like to go through that again.
The important thing is that we learn from our mistakes and identify the weaknesses in our team. Whether we rectify those errors by investing in the team or promoting youth we need to do SOMETHING.
If we were to face Real tomorrow, Welbeck would be up against Pepe who would eat him alive, Ronaldo would tear Evra to shreds and Benzema vs Evans (no further comment needed)…
For a club of our stature and expectations, that is simply unacceptable.
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@Moscow is my heaven: “by tons of goals” like 2-0 and 3-1.
6-1, 5-0, etc are tons of goals and we would not lose that badly to Barca or Madrid.
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@RedDevilEddy: Eddy, I wouldn’t be so condescending about this year CL. So there are teams like Napoli, Basel, Benfica and Apoel? Well Basel and Benfica proved too be too good for United. Napoli completely outclassed City and I’m sure United would have to be on the top of their game to beat Apoel. As for the rest it hasn’t changed that much. It has always been about 2-3 top teams and another 3-4 in the second tier. It is pretty much the same this year with the only difference that United are not part of the equation.
The future is bright for United and you can’t say the same for other teams? But if United were to face the likes of Barca or Real this year they would still have to rely on Giggs and Scholes in midfield. We are talking about Giggs who was part of that 99 final you speak so greatly. And Scholes who was also in the team but missed the game because of suspension.
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Everyone follow me on Twitter, I make bitches wet and Scousers cry!!
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Good for you Eddie. We didn’t take the Champions League group stages seriously and we got humiliated. So lets restore some pride and show Europe that we are still a team to be feared. We have enough depth to play Europa and Premier League football. Besides we are out of the domestic cups.
I would agree though that we should save Scholes and Giggs for the Premier League where their experience and quality is absolutely vital.
This would be my European team:
De Gea-Rafael, Evans, Rio, Evra-Valencia, Cleverley, Pogba, Young – Welbeck, Berbatov
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@colver: No Jones or Smalling? Fabio over Evra, surely? Chicharito over Welbz, too.
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Totally random
Michael Carrick
-average pass rate this season-90.3%
-in 10 of his 17 league appearances he has attempted and completed more passes than any player on the pitch both sides considering he played CB twice
-most interceptions at United- 49
-makes an interception every 27.8 min
-most clearances for non-defenders-35 (1 every 39 min)
-only Jonathan Evans(19) has made more vital blocks than Carrick(10)
- only Jonathan Evans(1.1) makes more interceptions per game than Carrick(0.68)
-according to football analysis website whoscored.com Premier League rankings based on “football performance”, Carrick is 6th behind RvP, Rooney,Modric,Silva and Bale.
-
All Carrick needs is teammates performing with the same high and consistent level in their respective positions and roles. Enter Paul Scholes and Valencia from January till now. With Evans and De Gea(yes, he is still one of if not the keeper with most saves) in defence, and an impressive Rafael, all we need is Nani and Cleverley back. If we strike good fortune with the coaches and their team selection dice keeps falling on this side every game, we’d be on top:
GK- David De Gea
RB- Rafael
RCB- Jonathan Evans
LCB- Rio Ferdinand
LB- Patrice Evra
RW- Antonio Valencia
Double Pivot:
Michael Carrick(Regista-Anchor)
Paul Scholes(Regista)
LAM- Luis Nani
CF- Wayne Rooney/Berbatov
ST- Daniel Welbeck
Subs
Amos,Smalling, Fabio,Young, Pogba,Chicharito,Welbeck/Berbatov
Berbatov is a real complex situation. I’d play him ahead of Rooney if I was in charge, to play behind Welbeck, but more to the left, because I think if he strikes an understanding with Nani like they were showing in their last game, we’d be flawless. Nani on the wing is a waste of time. Play him as some sort of “interiore” or an inverted winger. The closer he gets to goal ala Silva, but more accurately Nasri,the more dangerous we become. Carrick and Scholes in the double pivot role they had in 2006. Both deep, passing and retaining possession. Nani and Valencia joining the attack and Nani in particular, playing as a link between the pivot and forwards. Evra and Rafael, both very poor at crossing but both excellent dribblers, attacking very high up the pitch and constantly interchanging positions with Valencia and Nani like Messi and Alves, or Marcelo and Ronaldo. The pivot sits deep to thwart counterattacks, thereby creating a dormant four man shield with the two centre backs. This allows us to attack, at least theoretically with 6 players at a time. City attack with Silva, Richards,Clichy, Aguero,Balotelli,and Nasri/Milner.
Also we need to press with intensity from the front, recover in the middle and squeeze at the back. This means the defence plays a very high line and we need ball playing defenders. And given Evans’ average pass rate, close to 90%, and De Gea’s distribution probably best in the league, that’s a perfect setup. You can’t sue me for dreaming.Totally random
Michael Carrick
-average pass rate this season-90.3%
-in 10 of his 17 league appearances he has attempted and completed more passes than any player on the pitch both sides considering he played CB twice
-most interceptions at United- 49
-makes an interception every 27.8 min
-most clearances for non-defenders-35 (1 every 39 min)
-only Jonathan Evans(19) has made more vital blocks than Carrick(10)
- only Jonathan Evans(1.1) makes more interceptions per game than Carrick(0.68)
-according to football analysis website whoscored.com Premier League rankings based on “football performance”, Carrick is 6th behind RvP, Rooney,Modric,Silva and Bale.
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All Carrick needs is teammates performing with the same high and consistent level in their respective positions and roles. Enter Paul Scholes and Valencia from January till now. With Evans and De Gea(yes, he is still one of if not the keeper with most saves) in defence, and an impressive Rafael, all we need is Nani and Cleverley back. If we strike good fortune with the coaches and their team selection dice keeps falling on this side every game, we’d be on top:
GK- David De Gea
RB- Rafael
RCB- Jonathan Evans
LCB- Rio Ferdinand
LB- Patrice Evra
RW- Antonio Valencia
Double Pivot:
Michael Carrick(Regista-Anchor)
Paul Scholes(Regista)
LAM- Luis Nani
CF- Wayne Rooney/Berbatov
ST- Daniel Welbeck
Subs
Amos,Smalling, Fabio,Young, Pogba,Chicharito,Welbeck/Berbatov
Berbatov is a real complex situation. I’d play him ahead of Rooney if I was in charge, to play behind Welbeck, but more to the left, because I think if he strikes an understanding with Nani like they were showing in their last game, we’d be flawless. Nani on the wing is a waste of time. Play him as some sort of “interiore” or an inverted winger. The closer he gets to goal ala Silva, but more accurately Nasri,the more dangerous we become. Carrick and Scholes in the double pivot role they had in 2006. Both deep, passing and retaining possession. Nani and Valencia joining the attack and Nani in particular, playing as a link between the pivot and forwards. Evra and Rafael, both very poor at crossing but both excellent dribblers, attacking very high up the pitch and constantly interchanging positions with Valencia and Nani like Messi and Alves, or Marcelo and Ronaldo. The pivot sits deep to thwart counterattacks, thereby creating a dormant four man shield with the two centre backs. This allows us to attack, at least theoretically with 6 players at a time. City attack with Silva, Richards,Clichy, Aguero,Balotelli,and Nasri/Milner.
Also we need to press with intensity from the front, recover in the middle and squeeze at the back. This means the defence plays a very high line and we need ball playing defenders. And given Evans’ average pass rate, close to 90%, and De Gea’s distribution probably best in the league, that’s a perfect setup. You can’t sue me for dreaming.
Voted a great comment - Well Done poster.
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@Jay wire: Surely got to be smalling in over rio. Or at least in my opinion anyway, thought smalling was outstanding against shitty and arsenal a few weeks back, always looks quality everytime he plays. Looking at the games he got last season where he also excelled (city at OT, arsenal again, marseilles away, chelsea at stamford bridge in the PL and CL legs) makes him very much a starter in my books in the big ties aswell as the smaller ones. Not that i dont rate rio still, but i do feel hes looked uncomfortable for much of this season, against lesser opposition too.
Good article though. Admittedly i have been very very harsh on carrick the last 2 years, but honestly i think that was warranted. Carrick himself said hes been off the pace for much of the last 3 seasons, so obviously he agreed. Nice to see him looking as good as he currently is though, alot closer to his 06/07 form and early tottenham days, which is a most welcome boost for that dire midfield of ours.
Hopefully clevs will be back with a bang again, starting tomorrow, and also pogba will get a regular, and i mean regular, run of games in the next few weeks, particularly in the europa league.
Probably more likely he’ll be stuck in the reserves than that happening, but you never know.
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Arsenal are getting hammered!
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Just watch Napoli knock out Chelsea as well.
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@RedDevilEddy: Another indication of EPL decline? To be honest I expected Arsenal to lose today but not by such a big margin. Now I’m curious how Chelsea do against middle table Napoli.
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Europa League <3
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Remember when teams like Wigan had players such as Valencia, Palacios and Roddelega? When Villa had Young, Downing, Carew and Barry? When Liverpool had Torres, Alonso and Mascherano? When Chelsea got to 3 Champions League semi-finals in a row? When Everton were fighting for a Champions League spot every season?
Remember when the Premier League actually felt like the best League in the World?
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@RedDevilEddy: There is no dominant league anymore really, it’s just a showdown between Real Madrid and Barcelona. Don’t think 2 clubs are enough to establish a dominant European league.
Hopefully, Mourinho and his men will lay waste to everyone this season. With United out of the Champions League, I am 100% behind them and who knows, maybe we can meet Ronaldo in the UEFA Super Cup final?
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Days like today almost make me want to feel sorry for Arsenal – but then I remember what happened after RvN missed that penalty… so fuck them, let them sink even lower, have a summer exodus and get relegated. Hope they get knocked out by Sunderland on Saturday, then humiliated at home to Spurs
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Very humbling for Arsenal. It is amazing how fortunes are reversed. Last season Arsenal came close to knocking Barcelona out while AC Milan were humbled by Tottenham.
But then again last season we got to the final!
Barcelona and Real Madrid are definitely on another level. But the gap has definitely narrowed between the English teams and the rest of Europe. Arsenal haven’t really recovered from the loss of Fabregas and Nasri and are unfortunate to have Wilshere out. Chelsea are a total shambles. Our youngsters aren’t quite ready for top level European competition. While City are learning the ropes in Europe.
We absolutely must take advantage of the Europa Cup and ensure a decent run in the competition so some of our younger players get used to the rigours of continental football.
In some ways it is a blessing in disguise as Bayern would have knocked us out of the competition. At least in the Europa Cup we have a decent chance of getting to play half a dozen games which will greatly accelerate the European learning curve of our youngsters and allow them to make amends for screwing up in the group stages.
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Moscow difficult to see any team stopping Barcelona. Real will waltz La Liga which is a massive achievement. But in a head to head with Barcelona in a cup tie they are bound to come off second best.
And no-one else comes even close. In fact the only team that could perhaps beat Barcelona in a one-off encounter (IE the final) is AC Milan because on their day they can be magnificent and when they’ve met Barcelona in the group stages always have fairly close encounters. But even then I think Barcelona’s tendency to save their best for the knock out stages gives them the edge.
We are light years behind Barcelona and the gap will grow even wider when Giggs and Scholes eventually retire and Vidic and Rio are finally phased out.
But Barcelona won’t last forever. Eventually their financial problems will bite and Xavi and Iniesta will be forced to retire. By that time hopefully our youngsters will have turned into world class players and the Glazers and Fergie will bring in some great signings to fill any gaps and in three or four years time we may be ready to steal Barcelona’s crown.
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Anybody got streams for tonight’s game? I’m desperate here, thought I had the “Norwegian Channel 5″ but proved myself wrong there… So, any help lads?
Much appreciated!
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Opti
Carrick has always been playing like this. The only difference is, his role has changed lately. He was playing the same role as Busquets and when you compare them during that period they were on an equal footing. Even if Busquets had better technical conditions and better players surrounding him. Play Carrick at Barca in Busquets’ place and I believe they’ll be marginally better because Carrick can do and did all that Busquets has been doing but offers more in terms of vision, passing range and adaptability. It’s shocking that Carrick was playing exactly the same as Busquets but it’s claimed he was in poor form. If that’s the case then so was Busquets and he continues to be in poor form even today. Only thing that changed is Carrick’s role from early last year. So of necessity he is more noticeable. I’ve discovered that the criticism laid against him is mostly vague and obscure. “He doesn’t boss the midfield”. What does that even mean? “He is easily overrun”. How do we determine that and again what does it mean?
With Rio, I wouldn’t mind Smalling in his place. Just that I prefer Evans over Smalling and I am more comfortable with some experience in defence. Evans, Rafael, Smalling and De Gea are superb individually but are not seasoned. Mix them with experienced players and they get to learn. Rio is another often attacked player but I thought he has been generally solid. Last two games particularly, he was excellent. He’s far from finished. With Vidic out, we certainly need players likeRio.
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Colver
Agree. We’re very far from Barcelona and almost everyone is. But I was pleasantly suprised you mentioned AC Milan as a team that can compete with Barca. Historically that has always been the case. The truth about football since the late 80s, is the super teams have been those two. And it has always been a cataclysmic technical war between them. Late 80s it was Arigo Sacchi’s Milan that dominated Europe and played at such a high technical standard that the rest of football was completely bemused. Colver
Agree. We’re very far from Barcelona and almost everyone is. But I was pleasantly suprised you mentioned AC Milan as a team that can compete with Barca. Historically that has always been the case. The truth about football since the late 80s, is the super teams have been those two. And it has always been a cataclysmic technical war between them. Late 80s it was Arigo Sacchi’s Milan that dominated Europe and played at such a high technical standard that the rest of football was completely bemused. Then Cruyff’s Dream Team revolutionized football and won in 92. But I believe they only won because Milan had been banned that year. Two years later the two teams met in a clash of the pacesetters. The Dream Team vs The Super Team. Milan completely destroyed Barca. 4-0.
Fast forward to Ancelotti’s Diamond Milan team who were an ever present in the CL. Between 2003 and 2007 they reached the final 3 times, winning twice. Then Rijkaard’s Troika Barcelona team with their 4-3-3 inspired pass and move magic. Since then it’s been Barcelona but with Milan re-emerging the rivalry continues like clockwork. For technical nerds like me, it’s intriguing.
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Manchester United: De Gea; Jones, Ferdinand, Evans, Fabio; Nani, Cleverley, Carrick, Young; Rooney Chicharito.
Subs: Amos, Smalling, Park, Pogba, Scholes, Valencia, Welbeck
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The official Manchester United 2012 calendar only has Champions League dates printed on. No Europa League!
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PATHETIC, PATHETIC, PATHETIC. United have 4 player coming back from injury and they are far from match fit and showing it. Why does this always happen to us. Nani and Young are way off sharpness and so no true wide play so far. Jones hasn’t made a decent tackle yet has he? He looks shocking in FB position in this game – I want Smalling on? Also Hernandez and Rooney concede possession like they are playing for the opposition. I am bored shitless with this performance so far. Boring, Boring fookin boring and anyone tuned in not a United fan will not want to watch this kind of game again, unless we can get up a head of steam in the 2nd half.
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@Craig Mc: Rooney and Hernandez are both midgets and have exceptionally poor first touch and passing. A combination made in heaven. I love it when Rooney (he is supposed to be one of our strikers) drops back to the defence to showboat his midfield skills, and then passes sideways.
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@Moscow is my heaven: I know what you mean, but his passing all night apart from the assist was once again missing the mark – woeful. I felt sorry for Hernandez because he got no decent service at all, but if he doesn’t learn to stay onside I will BB gun him next game!
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Holy fuck Nani and Young have been poor.
I love you Clevz!!
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@RedDevilEddy: They do have a reason Eddi – they are far from match fit having been out a good few games. However Nani assist – Young goal, Rooney assist – chicho goal. I was bored out of my mind with this game even though we won 2-0. You can keep your nights on Channel 5 if we are going to see a repeat of this drivel. United could hardly string 2 passes together
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1.Scholes and Valencia are United’s best 2 players.
2.Inclusion Of Young turns United into Aston Villa.
Everyone\\\'s talking about this one! - Join the debate.... Like or Dislke:
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@Owen: stop talking shite- young is class
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@Owen: I think Young was what Fergie meant by value for money. £18 million for a right footed winger
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@Moscow is my heaven: Now i can say Bebe was not the worst ever buy…
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GET IN SON…. all you young haters eat your words
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young is running the show
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@ash is the man: Running the show is fixed for Scholsey…
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@Owen: generally true- however credit where credit is due- young did well
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Young did well today. Rest were OK. Chicharito did fine as well.
Good solid win to pretty much kill off the tie. Unleash the kids at home.
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Ash is the Man!
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@RedDevilEddy: i dont know how to take that smile……????
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@ash is the man: You take it as I want to have your babies.
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@<a @RedDevilEddy: hahaha
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Hopefully Valencia is OK
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Smalling should not be on the bench – WTF is going on? When we got the 2nd goal why didn’t SAF put Pogba on – ideal opportunity. We are going to lose that lad – who can blame him?
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@Craig Mc: yup. i was crying out for pogba to play. he will probably get a chance at home though. if he doesnt wouldnt blame him if he wants out !
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Valencia out for 4 fucking weeks for fuck sake!
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@RedDevilEddy: Oh dear!
If we beat Tottenham next week, we only have 2 tough games to play: At City and at Sunderland (last game). The remaining games should be very winnable (+80%).
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OK it wasn’t a great performance but it was a damn sight better than the crap we served up in the group stage. Ajax were incredibly unlucky not to finish second in their group which was infinitely tougher than ours so they will be a good scalp.
Wouldn’t it be utterly amazing if we met Manchester City in the final of the Europa? It would put that competition on the map for sure and be a great little season finale. Imagine how much it would hurt the blue side of Manchester if we pipped them to the title and beat them to win the Europa Cup!
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@colver: I don’t think we can possibly meet City in the Final, because of the way UEFA Cup playoff games are pre-determined. From what I recall (double check, please), we will meet City in Quarter Finals (next stage, right?), if both teams get there.
So beat Ajax and we’ll play City
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@Opti: Looks like I was wrong… bad memory.. I am not an elephant
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And yeah Valencia out is a blow but if we get through February without him March is really quite an easy run of fixtures.
We better play Pogba second leg. But most likely it will be too little too late.
Pogba should have seen the writing on the wall when Scholes came back from retirement. Scholes is way too proud to warm the bench and the boss knows that so he will play Scholes every chance he gets to try and persuade Scholes to play for us next year. Meanwhile Pogba will be long gone and eventually father time will catch up on Scholes and when Scholes retires for good we will have no midfield.
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Tom Cleverley was awesome today, if I’m not mistaken he had a pass complextion of about 100%. Some of his passes were like sex!
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@RedDevilEddy: clearly you need to have sex
I am only messing, but ya great to see clev back…… great talent
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so whats the story??? am i right in saying the general consensus is that people on this blog are not in favour of ashley young?
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