Aug 15
United Players out of Favour With Supporters
Quite recently I’ve been seeing (not just on this site) a few United players being - how can I put it? - verbally abused (okay, maybe not to that extent!) but I thought I’d just put them all together, give u guys some info on them and possibly why they have been ’picked on’ and the case, in my opinion, for or against them - and also a place where u can either ‘big up’ or ‘put down’ a player u either like or dislike.
So let’s get on with it.
Mikael Silvestre: Bought for 4 million pounds from Inter way back in ‘99, a player who has made over 350 appearances for us and in that time scored 10 goals. Not bad from a player who doesn’t really have much of an aerial threat. Silly has recently been the focus of most united fans’ abuse after surprisingly being involved in our previous two games and not playing particularly well. I personally don’t rate him at all and would prefer we gave some of the younger players, Evans or Pique, a chance instead if we are going to play him.
Does he deserve a place in our first 11 or even in the squad?
Scholes and Giggs: Yes, surprisingly enough, these two have been criticised by many United supporters for their ’below par’ performances against Reading. I feel this criticism is unjust and because both of these players have been solid performers for United over the past many seasons, one poor match may have prompted many to suggest leaving both out in favour of another player: Nani for Giggs and Hargreaves for Scholes. On their day Scholes and Giggs can be just as effective for us as Rooney and Ronaldo.
Do they deserve this criticism for their poor performances against Reading?
Heinze: This is due to the fact that he is taking legal action against us for not allowing him to move to Loserpool rather than his performances for us, though he had recently lost his place in the squad to Evra before this whole saga. Now, apparently, Lyon are interested. So maybe they can help sort this thing out.
Heinze or Evra, who would you pick? Should we allow him to move to Loserpool?
Fletch: He is usually the player us United fans are quick to blame when we have a poor result. Maybe because he made his debut for us in 2003 and has never managed to get a regular spot in our starting XI. And though he is not an impact sub I would still have him on the bench, as he seems happy to keep it warm, and some good performances last season has lifted some fans opinion of him. You may also be surprised to know that he made over 40 appearances for us in last season’s campaign.
What are your thoughts on Fletch?
Dong: A player who hasn’t proven himself as yet and there isn’t much to go on so… what do u think?
Saha: Last, but not least, we have Saha, who some United fans don’t like. Not because of his performances - because they are usually good - but because of a lack of them. In other words, he is VERY injury prone. But I personally rate him highly and feel that when he is fit he is one of the best strikers in the Prem and a deadly finisher. If he gets fit quick enough his partnership with Tevez could prove to be very exciting (I’d still rather have Rooney).
Anyway, is Saha worth the 12.85mil we paid for him or are his injuries just too much?
Ed: So what do you guys think? Which player, while on the pitch, gives you the jitters, and why?
August 15th, 2007 at 10:45
Good article, but I don’t think this is a healthy topic for discussion.
I like all our players and feel we should all support them.
Player performances have a lot to do with self-confidence. The more us the fans support them, the more their self confidence will grow, the better they will entertain us. Let’s rather put the Liverpool playes down.
August 15th, 2007 at 10:46
Silvestre - I always cringe when i see him in the team sheet! This guy, gives the ball away too often. Doesnt look comfortable on the ball and always wants to hit a 40 cross feild pass that always gives away posession!
Scholes & Giggs _ Critisim for Reading Display?? Dont think we can critisise anyone for what happened. First game of the season, last thing you need is for the opposition to put all men behind the ball! Specialy when your not at your sharpest, and finishing is not quite there yet! The team did well on sunday! Reading well done!
Heinze - Good as understudy, Not quite the same player after his injury! Every may be lighter but offers so much more to the team and attacking play.
Fletch - Needs time to grow and mature, hasnt really let us down yet that much. Always looking for the ball, always running! Unforunite he has came into the team and a young age and has not matured as quick as the rest. Would be first choice every week if playing for a team outsite the top 5… Got good potential!More to the point, Has he ever complained???? Give him a chance lads!
Dong - Give a couple of seasons! Had a look at him playing for antwerp on utube and some of the goals he scored was good!
Saha - too Injury Prone! Injury free a good squad player!! We need him! Please stay fit!
August 15th, 2007 at 10:54
Michael silvestre!no doubt in my mind he scares the crap outa me when he plays.and probably also kuczhach(no idea)he also scares me as a dont rate him as a good backup
August 15th, 2007 at 11:00
(HEINZE)
to put it midly he’s a bitch and a little kids IQ seems quite big than his. How dare he consult liase with our enemies. bastard. i hope wherever he ends up his ass will rot to the stinking hell.
(FLETCHER)
May be it wasn’t meant to be. But give him time(which we are running out of) and lets see how he cops. a good suggestion is for fergie to transform him into a utility player and who knows he wil be the next unsung hero(sic)
(scholes and giggs)
Tottally agree with you oiley. is just that guys are taking out their frustrations. We all love the welsh wizard and the midfield maestro. I dare anyone to reap his balls off if you seriously hate this two. Consider scholes was back from injury and they are both getting old and rusty(comparing to their younger years)
(Christiano)
Sometimes he takes matters to his own hands (it works sometimes). all i want to say is that he should become more of a team player like he did over the weekend with a little improvement and somebody please shoot that right foot of his- it takes atrocious and annoying free kicks
(Ferdinand)
Should stop his napping antics(remember charity shield)
August 15th, 2007 at 11:02
wow oiley is this a new format ( the editting and preview) or is this computer doing this? nice one
August 15th, 2007 at 11:06
i personally find all our playerrs able to do a job for us, hence the reason they wre signed in the first place
i only get annoyed at the face saha isn’t ever fit enough, because when he is he helps united play so much better.
unfortunately we can only hope he gets fit and plays a blinder of a campaign cuz i really think it’s do or die this season.
August 15th, 2007 at 11:48
I think this topic of discussion is extremely unhealthy. On discussing this subject, we are acting like Arsenal/Tottenham and Liverpool fans and that is not the Man united way. Like the name, we are supposed to be unitedly behind our team no matter what. True fans stick with their side through thick and thin. I would never dream of criticising scholes or Giggs…Not after what they have dedicated to our cause after all these years. That’s nuts! Mikael Silvestre was part of the treble winning side and Dong is still young enough to prove himself. Fletcher is a good utility squad player and Saha when fit can be compared to Henry for pace and ability. Just ask the national coach for france! Lets not forget what heinze has done for us and except that he does not want to be a sub. Liverpool have knocked and he has answered, Let fergie deal with that!
It would be nice if we could just concertrate on lifting our players rather than dishing out the scapegoat tones. Get behind your team, be the 12th man pitchside or the 13th man in the armchair. I actually want the team to do well…Do you?
August 15th, 2007 at 11:56
Silvestre: Bit of a liability. Nothing against the player personally, but would pick just about any other player at the club in front of him.
Heinze: Gone. In my mind, no longer a United player and I’m sure Ferguson agrees.
Saha: Don’t see the problem. Of course, bemoan the fact he gets injured but he doesn’t do it on purpose I’m sure.
Dong: Not seen enough of him, but I don’t think he’ll ever be 1st team.
Scholes and Giggs: How can you possibly critise them?
Fletcher (and I’d put O’Shea here too): Good squad players, underrated.
edit: ooh, nice editing feature !
August 15th, 2007 at 12:05
I don’t have any bad feeling with any of our current squad players. I think some need a bit of defending here:
SILVESTRE - He’s prone to the odd mistake, but noticeably he seems more feeble now that he isn’t starting regularly. You can’t blame him for not being quite sharp enough if he’s not been playing at all. Great loyalty too.
SAHA - Seems to have got over his funny handicap of not being able to score a one on one, but when fit i’d have him straight in my team for the big games, possibly even ahead of Tevez.
FLETCHER - I really don’t understand why he is so hated by the United fans. He is such a hard worker when he plays, often out of position too. When he does get to play central, he doesn’t dissapoint much and always seems to get a goal when he does. Great for the squad with a chance of a future first team place.
HEINZE - I feel upset that he has decided to call in the lawyers, but I can see where he’s coming from - from a personal point of view. The opportunity to join a club where he’d find many friends who speak the same language would make life so much more fun for Gaby. I think partly his lack of understanding of the history of the english game and the rivalry between the 2 clubs is why he has gone so far with it. However from a footballing point of view, the move is nonsense. I think he’s got far more chance of competing with Evra for a place than John Arne Riise.
GIGGS/SCHOLES - What on earth! These 2 are absolutely essential, especially Scholes. If there was any criticism I’d make of the two it’s that they often go a bit ‘Arsenal’ at times and look for a ‘nice intricate pass’ whereas their previous selves would’ve taken the shot on, and probably succeeded.
August 15th, 2007 at 12:10
i use to think fletch was shite, but after last season, he proved why he’s at united, scholes and giggs, scholes isnt 100% match fit, and giggsesesese old age is just getting to him, he probably has another 2 season’s in him at most, and the second season he’ll be on the bench.
August 15th, 2007 at 12:24
We shouldn’t support our players if a) they’re playing crap b) they’re stopping other better players or promising youngsters from getting in the team c) they’re a scummy little traitor who goes by the name of Heinze (Ketchup). I don’t mind Saha being constantly injured that much because when he plays, he plays well. He also doesn’t moan about not being in the team like the traitor. Fletcher also tries really hard and I can’t fault that. Scholes and Giggs…whoever insults them is plain stupid. One bad game after years of quality service. Shame on you. So that leaves Dong, Silvestre and Heinze Ketchup. Dong and Silvestre fufill option b. Dong stopped Rossi and Silvestre is stopping pretty much all our young defenders. Heinze is just…
August 15th, 2007 at 12:28
obviously we’ve to face the sad fact that giggs is way way way way way past his best. his runs, passing and finishing have gone from 100 to 0. look at the way he tried to lose the reading defenders but ended up slipping and chasing back but gave up after they out ran him.. and take last season for another example, against blackburn cristiano squared a perfect ball back for him, but what did he do? blast it against the crossbar from the penalty spot.
on the other hand, scholes still has it. passing is his gift and this talent can be used in any team and any situation so he’s still an integral part of united.
August 15th, 2007 at 12:53
there is a certain standard expected of players in certain teams,man utd being one of them. so i think the critism is correct, e.g fletcher has been with the club for 4 good years and still is underperfoming,i ask why the hell have him in the team in the first place..i think this is the right time for giggz to do a cantona(retire) footbal has changed.
August 15th, 2007 at 12:57
al nino, thats what ive been saying, giggs is old and past his sub-best, scholes is old but i reckon he has another 3 seasons in him, but giggs, he has another 1-2 seasons in him, we love him but we need to face the fact the he is going to hang up his boots soon, maybe we should sell to a welsh side for his last season, and scholes to oldham.
August 15th, 2007 at 12:59
jaluo, you wernt watching fletch last term were you, in are injury crisis he really steped up his game.
August 15th, 2007 at 14:22
You load of muppets…….so fickle. Remember we are champions……wait for the tidal waves of attacking football to start
August 15th, 2007 at 14:32
dan, lemme pause this question to you..do u think fletcher is of man utd standard?
August 15th, 2007 at 14:54
yes, he may not have an atacking mind, but he can fill in when we need him, and he’s a decent right back.
August 15th, 2007 at 15:10
Somethings here might be repeated i havent read any comments
Sivestre dong and fletcher oshea are all players we need in the time of need so i say no start ups for them on the bench is the place Though i like oshea a lot after last seasons goal and goal keeping
Giggs and scholes receiving flacks ur kidding right they are legends FULL STOP
Heinze is disscussed and fucked forget him
Saha if he gets injured this year anymore i will personally go and throw him up of manchester far away from the clubs premises even good old ole is better then u man he’s had his fair share of injuries but he still has the will to strike back and make a mark i dont see that in saha
August 15th, 2007 at 15:45
Great news everyone! I have just read this over at the Utd site-
â— Lyon continue to be linked with a move for Gabriel Heinze, but reports suggest that team-mate Mikael Silvestre is the Ligue 1 champions’ top transfer target this summer.
Wouldn’t that be a nice summer treat!
August 15th, 2007 at 16:41
well it would, except for the fact that we would have no experienced cover if we were to undergo a similar injury mess like last season.
August 15th, 2007 at 16:42
maybe they can offer us boros on a 6 month loan for silvestre
August 15th, 2007 at 19:34
So who would you ‘offload’ to Olympic Mayonaise? These are the options as I see it:
1)Heinze goes to France, but we have to keep Tweety.
2)Silvestre goes and we stop Heinze from going to play for ‘pool’
Despite his malfeasance Gabby would serve us far better as cover in the back as he can play in the center too. So I say send Silvestre…
August 15th, 2007 at 19:53
give Silvestre to Lyon, take 3m (or whatever we get paid) and pay them to heinze’s agents to get them to shut the fuck up so we have a stable team
August 15th, 2007 at 20:40
just take a look at how giggs is performing in this first half of the game against pompey. every touch he made was a bad touch.. bad bad bad, giggs should just remain as a backup from now.
August 15th, 2007 at 20:50
your lucky you can see it!!
August 16th, 2007 at 1:47
I can’t believe that Scholes & Giggs would come in for flak. Sure they might not be what they were in their prime, but they are still high quality players.
As for Fletcher, just wait until he scores a winning goal against Chelsea again - then we’ll see who’s having a go at him.
Finally Saha. He’s United’s Harry Kewell. The fact is the when he is not injured he is (now) your third choice striker - second choice if you discount Rooney for being injured. He’ll have to make a showing this season & I think he’ll be used mainly in the Champions League Group Stages to give the likes of Tevez a rest from constant football.
August 16th, 2007 at 11:03
…
August 16th, 2007 at 12:43
i agree giggs is a lengend,one of the great footballers to have ever played for utd, but it makes no sense sacrificing the results of the team jus to play the so called legengs. giggs should be used as backup unless he proves otherwise coz his perfomance since end odf last season is depreciating.
August 16th, 2007 at 19:02
I for one am furious with Heinze. As far as I am concerned he has shown nothing but contempt for a club who stood by him during a long spell out through injury and some very dodgey form, and fans who have always idolised him. Of all the clubs he should choose to play for, liverpool are unquestionabally the most hurtful to all of us. I also think the whole saga may be having a negative impact on the squad.