Jul 11
United Return to Action From Saturday As Queiroz Departs
Amidst the supposed gloom and transfer kerfuffle, Manchester United, as if like an afterthought, return to playing action against Aberdeen tomorrow.
So much has one man taken the wind out of any success or pre-season, that so little is being talked about our forthcoming clash against a side with a rich history.
Sir Alex Ferguson returns to the club where he brought so much glory back in the day and he would certainly receive a grand reception in Pittodrie. Gary Neville is expected to captain the side, and I for one, would be very keen to see how he fares, even if it is after a long lay off. The pre-season games will be extremely important for Neville in particular and it would help Fergie assess how much of playing time the skipper can take over the course of the next season.
The team, like all pre-season teams go, would be expected to have the regulars with a sprinkling of youth thrown in good measure.
Here’s the squad that’s travelled to Aberdeen: Amos, Woods; Neville, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, O’Shea, Silvestre, J Evans, Simpson; Carrick, Scholes, Fletcher, Hewson, Martin, Gibson, Eagles; Rooney, Giggs, Campbell
Hopefully we’ll get to see how the young lads are coming on and the game in general played out in good spirit.
Meanwhile, the BBC reports that Carlos Queiroz has been appointed the national coach of Portugal. The Portuguese FA also confirms it on its website.[Link -- it's in Portuguese but run it through Google Translate and you'll get the gist.] Update: The official site also confirms it now.
He may have sounded like a hypocrite for moving away from Old Trafford, but his move is justifiable and I can accept it. He’s faced so much flak when he came to Old Trafford. There used to be a time when he was almost always blamed for our losses when what he was really doing was to make United more tactically astute — an effort that culminated in United winning the Champions’ League in May.
Although I feel bad at the timing of his move, I wish him all the luck. I’m sure it will be hard for some of the players who’ve grown close to him, but really, all this will pale in comparison to the day Fergie leaves.
Related items from Red Rants:
- Why Carlos Queiroz is More Important than Ronaldo
- Who Is Your Choice For United’s Number 2?
- Fletch For Everton? Pako for a ‘Thrilled’ Queiroz?
- Sir Alex Ferguson’s Successor
- Rooney Out For A Month
Tags: Daily Roundup · Manchester United Fixtures
July 11th, 2008 at 19:44
Why isn’t Foster in the squad? Is he out injured or something?
July 11th, 2008 at 19:48
Well goodbye, dear sir.
At least you depart with some dignity, unlike another of your compadres…
July 11th, 2008 at 20:29
Queiroz is a hypocrite but I too cannot begrudge the man for taking this once in a lifetime opportunity to manage his home nation. Still, he should have kept his mouth shut when he urged Ronaldo to stay at United and not be tempted by Real Madrid. That United would offer him more love than any other team. Well obviously that does not include the Portuguese National side of which Mr. Queiroz is now in charge of.
I think he showed United a lot of loyalty returning after his failed stint at Real Madrid and I am appreciative of his efforts and influence on the club. But having said all that, he’s proven to be just another mercenary when it’s all said and done. I also feel that he must have received some strong vibes from United that he was not going to be an automatic replacement for Fergie and as he is not super young he probably thought 3 years and a prayer is too much to put faith in. I wish him well although I am still disappointed by his decision.
July 11th, 2008 at 20:37
*sigh* im depressed… no signings, players leaving, and now this…
July 11th, 2008 at 20:52
Is there anywhere on the net the game is being shown??
Y isnt welbeck in the team??
July 11th, 2008 at 20:52
yeah, it does seem kinda downhill at the moment.
July 11th, 2008 at 21:15
@Grognard: I think the difference is that going from assistant to manager is a massive step up. United to Madrid however is not a step up these days for a player.
Some people don’t want to be managers, but carlos obviously does. He was right for telling Ronaldo not to go to Madrid, because he himself was tempted by them, only to find out first hand how poisoned their chalice is. If there is one man who has been in Ronaldo’s position it is he.
Anyone begrudging a man taking charge of his national squad, a country he obviously loves, and can lead them into a world cup campaign needs to take a serious look at this again.
He left, and he left classy. I for one wish him luck in his new job, as long as he doesnt knock England out on penalties in the Quarters
July 11th, 2008 at 21:23
RedRanter I read your post in Soccerlens about US soccer and I can tell you that it was really good and informative. I’m from India and this is the case here as well. As you would know we are a cricket fanatic nation. Football does not affect a normal Indian. However, things have definitely started to change since ESPN (and another channel which ESPN has a tie up with, STAR Sports) brought the EPL and the champions league to India. That is how I started watching football(that was around 1994-1995. It became really popular and now you have school kids and college goers like me who have started to appreciate football better. I like football better than cricket even though I’ve played for my college and university. I guess only when you start watching a sport played in a better way you would start loving it.
And guys if you think this comment is irrelevant to the post or site then I’m really sorry I just didn’t want to talk about the doom and gloom currently surrounding our clubs.
RR and the others why is Ben Foster not in the squad? Do you have any info on that?
July 11th, 2008 at 21:28
Where is Foster, Welbeck, Manucho?
July 11th, 2008 at 21:30
Both Ben Foster and Louis Saha? Had thought this would be a great opportunity for him to get back and involved now that he’s healed and all
July 11th, 2008 at 21:39
“My greatest challenge was knocking Liverpool right off their fucking perch…and you can print that.”
FERGIE
Today, amidst all this transfer hoopla and assorted doom and gloom, I would like to reminisce on why Manchester United is the only club for me. As hard as it may be now, we soon will forget about Ronaldo’s transgressions and just get back to the football. Regardless of who comes and goes, United will always remain. If Ronaldo chooses to belittle his whole experience with us and forget where he came from, then so be it. Pride comes before the fall. I’m not going to let his wandering mind and astronomical ego ruin my excitement for the upcoming season.
I’ve only had the privilege to attend one United game at Old Trafford, and I didn’t want it to end. My father shelled out some major cash for my little brother and I to attend the match, and we sat way up in the West stand among many others who seemed to be here for the first time. The atmosphere was a bit quiet in our section, but I didn’t care. The first thing I remember was the warm-up, oh how they warmed up! To me, they did more work before the match then I remember when I actually played in high school. First, van Nistelrooy and Barthez came out and exchanged left footed passes from the halfway line to the touch (Ruud could only use his left foot due to an ankle injury…didn’t seem to phase him!). Then the others jogged out into about 20 minutes of one-touches, pennies, and cones. I also vividly recall Seba Veron and Beckham doing their much publicized passing routine across the pitch…. what a joy to watch!
Then there was the match, and green, so much green. The pitch looked immaculate on this night and the game seemed to go in slow motion. I could see every pass before it happened, and tell what the players were thinking. It was so much better than television. United slowly began to break down Birmingham City, and it was Forlan to score first on a half volley with his left foot off a corner. 1-0 United.
The second half came too quickly for my liking, and every time I glanced at the clock, time seemed to fly by. I recall the imposing figure of Rio causally passing the ball along the back four, the #5 like a statue on the halfway line. My favorite footballer at the time was Beckham, in the midst of his last season with the club, although no one knew it then. He had let his hair grow out again, but it wasn’t styled in any such way. It was just….hair. Many of the new fans around me were there to just see him, and they muttered things about how he looked, even though we were hundreds of meters away.
Then it happened…. Like a thunderstorm cloud suddenly coloring a clear day. Veron (who always had such supreme skill) played a 50-yard through ball with the outside of his right boot. Beckham, waiting on the halfway line like a sprinter took off, onside but only just. Suddenly it was Beckham and the goalkeeper, with acres of space ahead (what the Birmingham defense were up to I have no idea). I could see it all play out in front of me, like a chess player anticipating the last move. The Stretford End rose in expectation, and Beckham delivered. The keeper began to approach, and Beckham, almost in slow motion, casually chipped the ball into the back of the net from 30 yards. The ball was only going one place, and it landed there as if it wanted to be there. Beckham jogged to the left, saluting the fans…..2-0 United and a lifelong memory to boot.
The only thing I remember about leaving Old Trafford that night was the lights as we faded away on the train back to central Manchester. Oh the lights, I will never forget them.
We all love and care for Manchester United, and although these recent events may have hurt our pride, try not to let the millionaires ruin your day. Take five minutes and think of why you support this club so much, and recall your favorite players or moments. We could all have it so much worse!
“Leaving a club is like leaving a woman. When you have nothing left to say, you go.”
ERIC CANTONA
July 11th, 2008 at 21:46
I cant blame Queiroz for leaving not many other assistant managers would get a chance to manage their home nations team.
onto the subject of who will replace him i have previously suggested Cantona but as was pointed out he has no experience as a coach but i still want someone who is united through and through so my choice would be Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (just some wishful thoughts)
July 11th, 2008 at 21:54
nice telling, PO13.
CQ leaving is a sad day for the club. but i think SAF and the club learned alot from him, and bringing in a new ass wont be that bad. even though he is leaving i think that the relationship between SAF and CQ is still good, and therefore MU will still benefit from CQ´s eye for portugeese talent.
July 11th, 2008 at 22:05
Portsmouth have signed Crouch and I really believe that Defoe and Crouch would work well together and they really seem to have some good MFs like Muntari, Diarra and Krancjar… I believe they would be a tough team to beat….
RR I just thought of a topic…. Teams that you think would end up in the top 6 and how much they would be a challenge to united…….. This would help us get away from the things that are surrounding us…..
July 11th, 2008 at 22:17
Bye bye Carlos Queiroz! You left with dignity and you left your mark in your last season with us…
Now for tomorrow, where is Foster, Hargreaves, Saha and Welbeck? But, its an exibision and young players hsould play. I hope Campbell and Rooney will start on top cause I think Frazier has a great future. He is an exeption talent, and I believe he can become a great striker for us in the future.
Prediction: 2-0 to United. Would have predicted mopre goals since its a training match, but its the lads first one since their holidays so tomorrows game is just about playing and getting to know the ball.
July 11th, 2008 at 22:31
@Krishnan: Would be great if you can copy paste that onto the soccerlens article, since the comment was meant for that.
July 11th, 2008 at 23:49
A deserving opportunity for CQ. Good luck Carlos. Wanna see you win the World Cup (with that c**t Ronaldo left whining on the bench)
July 11th, 2008 at 23:53
@Red Ranter: Have done that…. Do you have any info on Hargo, Saha and Foster in particular?
July 12th, 2008 at 0:24
Where is Possebon??!!!
Only from the highlighhts of that Blackburn reserves game he’s shown more promise to me than Aaron Ramsey!
SAF start using Rodrigo now! please..
July 12th, 2008 at 0:48
End of Euros +12 and all is quiet.
I’m almost wishing for something to happen whether it’s good or bad, just so that I’m sure someone is actually working at OT these days.
July 12th, 2008 at 1:12
@Grognard: Two things have happened:
– We are going for a friendly to Aberdeen.
– Queiroz has left
July 12th, 2008 at 2:03
Sky Sports News have just had a look at the mornings newspapers and the Sun is reporting that we have lodged a 20 million pound bid for Berbatov and that the deal is expected to be completed by the end of the week, dont no how valid this is but Ive thought for a while now that Berbatov was SAFs preffered option
July 12th, 2008 at 2:34
Would not be suprised to see Arshavin on the radar now. We will probably need a winger with the “slave” set to be freed and with Gigsy going into a faze-out year we will be thin there. Hope the rumors on Berbatov are true – his touch and audacity will fit perfectly with the our setup. SAF will deal with any downside issues associated with his attitude, I’m sure, and with a huge year in the EPL under his belt it would not be that much of a gamble.
July 12th, 2008 at 3:00
almost every news source on the internet is saying we have beid £20mil or over for berba. euro’s + 12 and a bit…. action!
July 12th, 2008 at 3:04
@Red Ranter: Those things don’t count. My actual meaning is that there are no new signings. Only people leaving us and Fergie taking the team up north to meet old friends. The lack of urgency is really disturbing and I’m honestly asking myself if I am in a dream state and will I wake up from this soon? It’s actually more of a nightmare. Is somebody spiking Fergie’s wine with Valium? Honestly, he just doesn’t look concerned nor doe she look like he gives a Damn. Am I missing something here?
July 12th, 2008 at 3:13
Well what can I say, my bitching and pleading has finally been heard. There is a stirring of life within the terraces of Old Trafford. It appears we have made a 20 mil bid for Dimitar. Well that’s promising but I doubt 20 mil will do it. We’ll see. If he is signed I will be relieved but it will also mean that my dream for Huntelaar wearing United red will officially be dead. Now how do we replace Ronaldo? Berbatov was never intended to be a replacement for Ronaldo. He was a needed missing link to our offense. Now can we also go and get Arshavin and give our team a fighting chance to win it all again. If Fergie is expecting Ronaldo back he is really losing it. Find a replacement and before the season starts. At least there seems to be some action finally taking place.
July 12th, 2008 at 3:17
@Grognard: hold fire there mate, the Daily Mail are running with the same Berbatov story in the morning, I have a feeling that this story might have some merit
July 12th, 2008 at 3:23
@Grognard: You are missing the fact that he has just taken us to a wonderful double. He was as integral in bringing in all of our squad and integral in getting rid of the dead wood. He was integral in wooing the “slave” and he will be integral in granting him his f**king freedom. He will get us out of this sh*te and will set us on our way to newer and greater things. I can’t believe that you would dump on the creator of the MUFC universe because of no new signings yet!!!!! Slow down, take a moment, let some things take their course. I cannot and will not ever find SAF culpable for things that are transpiring at this moment in time!
July 12th, 2008 at 3:42
@Grognard: as much as I agree with your sentiments about Ronaldo, having listened to him all summer it wouldnt surprise me if he remained at OT next season coz as disrespectful as his comments have been, the guys so arrogant that it wouldnt surprise me if he was using Madrid to get an improved contract at United which could be the reason why he hasnt categorically stated that he wants to leave coz surely hes intelligent enough to realise that theres abslolutley no chance of United even thinking about selling him unless he puts in a transfer request which he knows full well would cancel his loyalty payments.
The only thing I can say in Ronaldo defense this summer is if it is 150,000 a week contract that he is after, [which United are rumoured to have been open to but then backtracked] then he probably deserves it considering that 4 or 5 chelsea players who played against him in the final are getting paid more than him. give him the going rate.
Now dont think that I am pro Ronaldo coz Im not and I think that his behavior has been disgusting this summer but I do think that an improved contract offered at the end of the season could have prevented all this nonsense.
July 12th, 2008 at 4:05
@Fred The Red: Honestly, how many of us really want Ronaldo to stay right now? If you offer him higher wages now, he will pull the same stunt next off-season for even higher earnings. If you try to convince him that United were the team that made him what he is, then he will always maintain that he is a free-agent, nobodies slave. Your hindsight is only relevant if we really want to keep this guy – my feeling now is that nobody really does!!
July 12th, 2008 at 4:42
Berbatov would be a good signing. Ferguson is a known admirer and he is proven Premiership quality. Tottenham have been spending like crazy since Jol arrived and selling Berbatov would make sense.
Really we also need another right winger. With Ronaldo out for three months regardless of whether we sell him or not there is no natural replacement in our squad.
On the left we have Giggs, Park and Nani. All good players who can do a job.
On the right we have Ronaldo and that is it. Of course in the past we’ve played Rooney, Hargreaves, Fletcher there…but they are not natural right wingers.
I say sign a replacement for Ronaldo today and then it doesn’t really matter if he stays or goes.
July 12th, 2008 at 5:32
@Red Rich: my point isnt about the fans wanting him to stay coz I believe the majority want him out, but Im not so sure that SAF sees it that way so there might be more twists and turns on the way.
July 12th, 2008 at 6:12
@Fred The Red: SAF will always see it the fans way – it’s his fu**ing job to see things that way. This is the reason why the “slave” will be freed. It’s why he will do anything he can to make our next season better than our last. It really is the only way for a man in his position to react. As things unfold you will see. Hold the faith, hang in there. Lets talk about our next trophy now – and you have to admit it – it’s never that far away!
July 12th, 2008 at 6:29
@colver: That is the proper way of looking at things. Don’t wait for the disaster to happen, prepare ahead of time for it. Even if they were to keep Ronaldo, what do we do for the 8 weeks he will be missing at the start of the campaign? We need a quality player placed in his spot for those games and then we need him after his return just in case things boil over so badly that he gets benched for a bad attitude.
July 12th, 2008 at 6:41
I just read that Fergie is pissed off as Hell with Ronaldo over his slavery comment and he plans on ignoring the player until he supposedly reports on August 2. He then has a surprise planned for both Ronaldo and Real Madrid. The stubborn Fergie is now planning to wreck any chance of Ronaldo featuring for Real in the Champions League next season by playing him as soon as he is fit in Europe, which would cup-tie Ronaldo and prevent Real from fielding him if he joins them. This would basically screw over both of the guilty parties but it would not get rid of the growing cancer of keeping this malignant illness around the club and dressing room. I’m afraid his pride and ego is getting the better of him here and although I cannot blame him, he is not doing the best thing for his club.
I honestly don’t care if some of you out there don’t like me criticizing Fergie. I have often said as far as an on field manager, tactician and strategist he is the best as well a great manipulator of opposing managers and our own players minds and hearts too. But when it comes to purchasing, selling and dealing with the business side of things I don’t think he is alway perfect and he has enough skeletons in his closet of mistakes and failures to create doubt for many. Keeping Ronaldo would be another one of those mistakes even if it screws over Real and Ronaldo in the process. What will happen in the end is the squad, team in general and all it’s supporters who will get the royal shaft over this stubborn as Hell display which I can actually admire on one end, and not condone on the other.
July 12th, 2008 at 6:45
@Red Rich: I’d like to think you are right but his actions, or should I say inaction has caused many of us to doubt this. I think he wants to teach Real and Ronaldo a lesson and if it means sacrificing United to do so, he will. I think he is on a crusade to rid the game of this awful element and force other clubs to follow suit in the future. It’s a futile gesture and a forlorn hope especially when the game’s governing bodies are not in support of his way of thinking and in support of the enemies in this soap opera. He is fighting a losing battle and he will hurt our team just to make a point. I just don’t agree with it even though I deeply respect the Boss and love him to death.
July 12th, 2008 at 6:47
Prepare for the loss of Ronaldo is the way to go. You could say he’s toast, history, gone. But really he’s gone! Let’s get our head around it! Talk of a replacement has to include Arshavin, and why not? He probably is our best prospect (can’t think of anybody else, can you?) Got a feeling United’s signing strategy has taken a 180.
July 12th, 2008 at 7:09
@Grognard:I just cannot agree with that idea. You assert that SAF’s stubborn, shall we say, Scottish, mentality has created an impasse in the Ronaldo situation. What the f ck are you smoking man? Ronaldo has clearly tried to shaft us (subtly) with every photo-op he’s had. SAF has had to sit back with a bit between his teeth and just wait for the opportunity to react. You have made him sound like a third rate hack, doing his best to hold down a job that he really is unable to grasp. Take a pill my friend, all will be better tomorrow!
July 12th, 2008 at 7:48
we have made a 20million bid for Berbatov. No wonder we haven’t approached Huntelaar yet. SAF really wants Berba though I am not convinced 20 million would be enough
July 12th, 2008 at 9:08
well hopefully there will be a chance after the Aberdeen match to get some answers. Aberdeen are a decent enough side so it should be good. I hope Rooney scores a hat-trick
July 12th, 2008 at 9:13
@Red Rich: You know mate, I don’t much care for your tone and condescending and insulting attitude. If you had a proper comprehension of the English language and actually took the time to read my posts rather than speed read them you wouldn’t be insulting me and accusing me of taking part in your bad habits. So kindly sod off will ya? Nobody has more respect and admiration for Fergie than I do. The fact that I see him possibly making a mistake in judgment is just my opinion and you should accept as such without hurling insults. I suggest you read Red Ranters policy section so that you don’t risk being banned from this site for your rude and unfriendly behavior.
July 12th, 2008 at 9:31
Um, I don’t know who said this, but Park is a right winger, not a left winger. Also, I wouldn’t mind playing Hargreaves/Nani on the right if Ronaldo is out injured.
July 12th, 2008 at 9:33
@dan(u-ol): Can you elaborate on the “players leaving” bit?
Who exactly is leaving (other than a bunch of youngsters that would never play anyway)?
July 12th, 2008 at 18:17
First, CQ is not a hypocrite. He is and has been my favorite manager/coach for roughly 8 years, so his depature hurts few more than me. But lets be objective: according to reports, there were provisions in his contract that would allow him to leave should the chance to manage Portugal arise. It did. He rejected other opportunities to manage, Benfica being the most recent; that’s a measure of loyalty. The man seems to get claustrophic being at one place too long, so 5 years of service aint bad considering.
Gratefully, he’s left the club with a deeper appreciation for and pratical means of applying more scientific principles. He more likely than not left because he wasn’t offered the assurances of being the next manager that his contributions merit.
Elswhere, I in time may agree with Grognard assessment of SAF lack of urgency and his using Ronaldo as a tool in personal crusade against the evils of the game that is taking shape. But he is SAF, so we should give him the benefit of the doubt for the moment
July 12th, 2008 at 19:36
@PO13: Thank you. Never been to OT myself, but had the wonderful pleasure of seeing them thrash Juventus in NYC – watching with the woman who would become my wife. This was the summer after Beckham left. Van Nistelrooy was imperious, Solskjaar, Keane. It was the record crowd for Giants Stadium in New Jersey, mostly Italian Americans. Lots of ex-pat and travelling English. Fabulous atmosphere. I love United.
Ronaldo will soon be gone. Personally, I thought we were on our way to building a dynasty. Last year the team was rarely in top gear – I kept thinking that when they consistently hit their stride there would be few to stand up to them. They have a wonderful team at the moment. I’ll thank Ronaldo to kindly fuck off, and twist his ankle shortly thereafter. Kid has zero class.
Back to the lottery stand- see you at Old Trafford one day.