Feb 26
United v Villa – Can the reds turn the tide around?
United have failed to beat Villa twice already this season but the market takes its lead from the history books by rating the Reds 1.89 (10/11) favourites to win the Carling Cup final on Sunday.
Those odds only apply to a Reds victory inside 90 minutes but the price is still well worth taking. This is a massive game but, at a congested period, Sir Alex will want his side to pick up their first silverware of the season in normal time. For a United win which allows for extra-time or penalties you can get 1.49 (1/2) in Betfair’s Carling Cup winner market. Villa are available at 2.98 (2/1) and 4.5 (7/2) in the match odds market.
The Villains have a decent pedigree in this competition. Martin O’Neill won the League Cup with Leicester in 2000 and before that Villa won the competition in 1996. Most memorable for fans of the claret and blue is their 3-1 victory over United in the 1994 final – a defeat which cost United what would have been an historic treble.
But nobody has a better trophy winning pedigree than the Reds. Sir Alex Ferguson has taken United to six League Cup finals so he knows exactly what it will take to win on Sunday. United have shaken off last week’s defeat at Everton with a clinical 3-0 win over West Ham and they look hungry for success.
The Reds attack will aim to put Villa on the back foot from the start and, after being taken off against West Ham, Wayne Rooney will be raring to go. He should be backed to be the first goalscorer but to make things interesting you might also fancy a small stakes bet on a less likely scorer, perhaps Antonio Valencia – whose influence increases with each match – or Nemanja Vidic at bigger odds.
The two early goals Villa conceded in the semi-final showed that they can be vulnerable early on the big occasion. United won’t want this game to drift away from them like two recent visits to Wembley – last year’s final against Spurs and the FA Cup semi-final against Everton – and Sir Alex will demand that his strikers take their chances early on. Villa were involved in a testing FA Cup tie on Wednesday and could tire late on so back United to lead at the break and to press home their advantage in the second half by snapping up odds of 4.2 (16/5) in the Man Utd Win Both Halves market.
Their failure to beat a 10 man United at Villa Park earlier this month suggests that O’Neill’s side will struggle to break down United. With Ashley Young, Gabriel Agbonlahor and in-form James Milner, Villa are an exciting team, but United’s defenders have their measure and should be backed to keep a clean sheet.
A third League Cup trophy in five years will set up United nicely for the business end of the season which starts directly after this game.
Related items from Red Rants:
- Free tickets for United v Villa final
- Aston Villa v Manchester United: Preview/Match thread
- Manchester United v Aston Villa Preview – Tougher than it looks
- Aston Villa vs Man United: Preview
- Aston Villa 0-2 Manchester United: Ronaldo and Rooney complete a late win
Tags: Game Preview · Manchester United Betting
February 26th, 2010 at 20:03
Very tough game.But if it goes to penalty,then i think Villa will have upperhand.Bcoz who except Rooney is here to take them???
February 26th, 2010 at 21:37
Villa are nobody’s fools, as they showed us at Old Trafford both last season and this. O’Neill will have them well set-up, typically difficult to break down, well capable of catching any team out on the break. They’ve over-turned us twice in the last two Wembley meetings between the sides, the ‘57 F.A. Cup Final and the ‘94 League Cup Final, and will be after the hat-trick. Rooney though will be the difference, United to shade it.
February 27th, 2010 at 1:03
I’m going to guess at a team:
Foster
Rafael Vidic Evans Fabio
Valencia Gibson Carrick Obertan
Diouf Owen
February 27th, 2010 at 8:18
@Traverse: The recent fergie interview with Sky (or Guardian?) he mentioned that when you get to the semis you want your team to win the tournament and you stop using the young guns (very rough approximation of what he actually said). Therefore I see him use a full squad: that is,
EVDS
Rafael Vidic Brown Evra
Vally Fletcher Scholes Carrick Giggs/Park
Rooney
PS: Does anyone know anything about Hargo… he should be practising with 1st team but I cannot confirm it anywhere…
February 27th, 2010 at 8:21
@Jester: Villa are easy to beat: Score 2 or more goals against them and you are sure to win the game. I think they are one of the lowest scoring teams in the top 10 of the EPL (only Fulham and Birmingham score less).
I say attack attack, attack attack attack. VIKING FOOTBALL!
February 27th, 2010 at 8:25
Bedtime, gotta get up early for Chelsea – City on ESPN 2 HD!
For American viewers, the United-Villa game is streamed live on ESPN360 — very good stream.
Cheers and good night.
February 27th, 2010 at 9:07
Anyone have a latest update on Hargo and Macheda? I would think Macheda wouldve recovered from his injury by now? Or is he off in the summer as well now that Diouf seems to have impressed?
February 27th, 2010 at 12:00
Hargreaves is travelling with the squad down to London, and according to this http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/England-boss-Fabio-Capello-to-hold-summit-talks-with-Manchester-United-s-Owen-Hargreaves-over-World-Cup-place-article335783.html Capello wants him for England. If that doesn’t give him a kick up the mental jaxi then nothing will.
I’d love him to be on the bench tomorrow.
February 27th, 2010 at 12:05
@Traverse: He is going for the hospitality matey, he won’t be anywhere near the squad.
February 27th, 2010 at 15:05
Hilario is doing a Foster against Citeh! haha.
Go Citeh!!! Knock the fucking socks outa the chelsea and their cunt captain!!
February 27th, 2010 at 15:08
my god how can chelsea fans boo bridge, should have just let it go and focus on the game but no~. And those goals look like stuff that would happen to us lol.
February 27th, 2010 at 15:09
Fucking Come on Team Bridge!!!
February 27th, 2010 at 15:23
Just for today, I’ve listened to my old man and been a city fan!
February 27th, 2010 at 15:49
Hilario is quite spectacular. Do I need to send Tevez a thank-you letter after those enormous gift?
Chelsea-City: 2-4 with Chelsea receiving 2 red cards (Ballack should get additional ban after that tackle/assault)
Quite good weekend so far. Let’s see if Liverpool and Arsenal can lose too.
February 27th, 2010 at 15:51
Chealse’s achilles tendon: Their age.
After a trip to Italy and with the FA Cup back on, they have too many games and too old legs — I look forward to a crumbling of Chelsea in weeks to come.
February 27th, 2010 at 15:54
HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAQHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
I love this!!!
February 27th, 2010 at 16:00
February 27th, 2010 at 16:02
@EduardoDaVinci4:
– so do I mate 
.
February 27th, 2010 at 16:05
This has been one mad/crazy/interesting/FUCKING AMAZING/incredible season!!!
February 27th, 2010 at 16:06
@CraigMc: And all I hear from my Chelsea mate is “leeedddsss”…
4-2 mate
I am really loving this season, its been mint!
February 27th, 2010 at 16:08
@EduardoDaVinci4: Ok mate – then just ask your mate – exactly what LEEDS have done since they beat us – because it is fuck all
.
February 27th, 2010 at 16:09
Apparently, there was a game played today after the handshake main event between Terry and Bridge.
Seriously though, more of the same from Hilario will cost Chelsea in the premiership and Champions league. 
Long may it continue.
February 27th, 2010 at 16:10
@EduardoDaVinci4: And it is NOT OVER yet – but it is getting too too tense
.
February 27th, 2010 at 16:16
I hope our lads DO IT for us at Wembley tomorrow, because it will at the very least be a good psychological blow, after Chelsea’s meltdown today. Also – come on Stoke – Shawcross mi man – give it to the Arsenal for all your MUFC teamates of few seasons ago. Shawcross – Manc in heart and Spirit
.
February 27th, 2010 at 16:25
@CraigMc: Who cares?!
Seriously, this has been an amazing season! Even though we have lost 2 more games than we did the whole of last season already, I’ve been more entertained this year than we did last. 4-3 vs City, 3-1 vs Arsenal, 3-2 vs Milan, 3-1 vs Spurs…. Then there is Liverpools meltdown, Arsenal being there, then leaving, then coming back, then going for a holiday before they return to be a threat, Chelsea being incosistent as hell, Rooney scoring 27 goals(!), Anderson scoring(!!!!!!!), Nani raping Arsenal, us playing a back 4 of De Laet, Carrick, Flether and Evra, Scholes and Giggs pulling the strings like never before… And that’s just United!!! 
What a season, I’m loving this
February 27th, 2010 at 16:28
ROFLMAO!!!
You just gotta love SkySports game report of the City game.
Attempt of the match – John Terry’s attempt to shake the hand of Wayne Bridge.
HAHA
February 27th, 2010 at 16:37
Okey, question!
Who would you rather end in 4th spot, Shitty or Liverpool?
February 27th, 2010 at 16:48
@CraigMc: & EduardoDaVinci4. No one has put a consistent run together and really stamped their authority this season. There are most likely more speeds bumps ahead and the Liverpool and Chelsea games at Old Trafford are huge for us, but Fulham are a potential banana skin. It’s the games following Champions League trips and even when we,re playing at Home in Europe that will cause problems from tiredness and fielding weaker teams due to squad rotation. If we progress further in the Champion’s league…
The 1st leg of Champions league 1/4 finals are scheduled midweek for 30-31th March and then we play Chelsea on the Saturday 3 April. We might be better off having the 1st leg 1/4 final game at home and then then 2nd leg away for 6-7th April when we play Blackburn away on Sunday 11th April.
For the Semi Final the 1st legs are on the 20-21st April and we play Man City on the 17th and Tottenham on the 25th, then the 2nd leg semi final game on the 27-28th. Sunderland away on 1st May follows, so again it may be better with 1st leg semi final Home and then 2nd leg Away.
Que Sera, Sera. Interesting to see how it will all play out.
February 27th, 2010 at 16:56
@EduardoDaVinci4: Reluctantly, prefer Liverpool for 4th. Do you really want to see City in the Champion’s league
They will get more exposure and money, with the ability to attract better players into their team on top of the £ angle they offer.
February 27th, 2010 at 17:25
@rsg: I know mate – but it’s the same for the top 3 teams isn’t it? Now is the part of the season when the best team will triumph in games, especially the big games, and nobody can afford to think tiredness – otherwise they will psyche themselves out of it. Roy Keane used to say – “tiredness – what tiredness?” That’s the attitude mate
. We have massive game against City at Wastelands, and Chelsea/Scouse GITS at home. We have got to take the points from the BIG games to win the trophy, or we don’t deserve it. The wastelanders will play against us like RABIDS on speed, they always do. So lets hope we don’t do an Everton eh. Lets hope also that the referees get it right in the big games, because they seldom do against us 
. We lose more big games thru ref errors or giving us nothing in big games – that I wonder how much they get paid by the opposition – 
.
February 27th, 2010 at 18:08
The shock of the day for me came when I was browsing Q magazine with a Rooney interview in it.
Apparently Gary Neville plays guitar.
How cool is that?
February 27th, 2010 at 18:09
@Traverse: Amazing that Capello wants him for England yet he tells poor Mickey Owen that he has no chance unless he plays more. Isn’t that justice eh?
February 27th, 2010 at 18:12
Thanks to Shitty for opening the door wide open for us to take advantage. Just a week after it looked a little hopeless, it now looks like it’s ours if we want it bad enough. Now for a change of pace, wouldn’t it be nice for United to play hard and actually win their next league game when first place beckons. How many times can we let Chelsea off the hook in a season?
February 27th, 2010 at 18:14
@NicoQB: That’s nothing. I hear that John Terry plays with himself.
February 27th, 2010 at 18:16
@godzilla: What did I say a few days ago about Hilario? He’s hilarious. The guy is pants. Cech’s injury is going to devastate Chelsea and we need to take advantage of the period he is out by winning every game.
February 27th, 2010 at 18:17
Well we’ve been handed a gift by Chelsea. Now all we have to do is beat them at Old Trafford and the Premiership is ours for the taking. When you consider that the importance of the Carling Cup diminishes in importance. Sure it would be nice to win but a fourth league title in a row or another Champions League final would be much nicer.
We have real injury problems. Rio is out indefinitely. Anderson is out indefinitely. Vidic’s fitness is questionable this season and if Rooney keeps getting played every single game I can foresee him picking up an injury as well. I also wonder if players like Scholes and Giggs can continue to carry us for the rest of the season.
But I agree with Eddy. This season has exceeeded my wildest expectations. I thought with no Ronaldo we would fail to win anything. But as late as March we are still in contention for three trophies.
This is the stage of the season when we really have to draw on our squad depth and hope that players like Nani, Gibson and Owen, who have barely been used this season provide fresh legs and give us the extra boost we need to achieve our potential.
February 27th, 2010 at 18:31
Some news are coming that in summer ,due to debt Man Utd will be offloading 15 players including Andy,Owen,Nani,Foster,Carrick,Berba,Clevery and …………………….
Is it true???
February 27th, 2010 at 18:36
@Grognard: dont you mean herself?
February 27th, 2010 at 18:38
@Grognard: Ha!
@NicoQB: apparently not so cool.
He plays wonderwall (bleurgh!!!) and elton john covers.
February 27th, 2010 at 18:39
@NicoQB: That’s nothing, Foster plays drums.
And Park can walk on his ass.
Didn’t hear it from anyone, just noticed it myself.
February 27th, 2010 at 19:02
stoke can hold on we will be sitting pretty
February 27th, 2010 at 19:03
Danny Pugh scores to help his former team
February 27th, 2010 at 19:03
@Grognard: Im not gonna lie to you, before the olympics I couldn’t name one US player. But I have been getting into it the longer the tournament continues. Watching us demoralize a strong Finnish side in the first period was amazing.
Am I expecting us too beat Canada twice in a row? No, but I’ll be watching anyways. The olympics have turned me into a hockey fan(even if it’s only temporary)
February 27th, 2010 at 19:17
@Johnsom33: us will beat the canadian men but then… so would the canadian women
did you see those beasts
February 27th, 2010 at 20:43
Horrendous tackle and seemingly a bad injury to Ramsey!!! Heart goes to the guy. Shawcross’s reaction said it all!!! Hope him a speeeedy recovery and the strength and hope its not as horrendous as it seemed!!!
February 27th, 2010 at 20:44
With the run of games Arsenal has now, they will be more dangerous than Chelsea. they can put together 6-7 wins in a row potentially!!
February 27th, 2010 at 20:46
That was a horrible injury, Ramsey’s lower leg was snapped in two. Really hope he makes a full recovery as quickly as possible.
I put a bet on Arsenal to win the league at the beginning of the season and I’m quite worried that it’s going to pay out now.
February 27th, 2010 at 20:54
that was a really bad injury.. i am happy that replays were not shown. i think that was not a bad tackle by shawcross. he was just unlucky..
February 27th, 2010 at 20:55
@CraigMc: shawcross understood u in the wrong sense
February 27th, 2010 at 20:59
@Johnsom33: It really comes down to who has the best goaltending in the game. The US beat us last game because the Canadian keeper Brodeur was just terrible. Now with Luongo in goal and the home crowd cheering him on, he needs to put in the game of his life. If the real Team Canada shows up like they did against Russia, it really is no contest. But the US team is good despite not having superstars, they work well as a team and with a few breaks here and there, they can pull it off again. I wouldn’t bet on them though. Canada was lucky against Slovakia. It’s rare to see them play two bad games in a row. Team Canada to win 4-2.
I’m glad you are enjoying the hockey as it is hockey in the purist form. Run n gun without coaches implementing systems and neutral zone traps which destroy the speed and beauty of the game.
February 27th, 2010 at 21:01
@EduardoDaVinci4: True, after all, he is a cunt.
February 27th, 2010 at 21:02
@EduardoDaVinci4 Foster plays drums? Jeez, I’d prefer if he could play goal.
February 27th, 2010 at 21:09
I watched the tackle again and it looked to me a 50/50 that normally wouldn’t end up in a red or even a yellow. Feel really bad for Shawcross as well now he looked absolutely devastated after seeing half of Ramsey’s leg just dangling where it should be straight.
February 27th, 2010 at 21:12
Shocking result at the Bridge as Wayne Bridge gets revenge at the Bridge. Four goals against tells you just how bad Hilario is. Man Utd needs to really take advantage of this opportunity to not only take over first place but to create a cushion before Cech returns. Fergie better rest Rooney tomorrow as we have bigger fish to fry than the useless Carling Reserves Cup.
February 27th, 2010 at 21:37
@RM: I think it sickened every player on the field, and to play after something like that when you are all in shock – well??? Stoke players were scared to death of tackling after that, in case any other Arsenal player got injured, so it ruined the game really. How could they do otherwise though? Poor Ryan Shawcross – no way would that lad ever go in to deliberately hurt another player. He is just a very spirited, hard tackling, but straight up lad really. That is the second time an Arsenal player has sustained a very serious injury like that – they need to have somebody in the heavens change their karma for them
.
February 27th, 2010 at 21:38
Wish Aaron Ramsey all the best for a good recovery from all of this, though it will take a long time obviously!
February 27th, 2010 at 21:40
@Reddy: I know – poor lad, he is heartbroken about it – so sad!
February 27th, 2010 at 23:29
My thoughts go to Aaron Ramsey, I am heartbroken after that. Simply horrible, get well soon Aaron.
February 27th, 2010 at 23:48
I have to say it is embarassing the way Tevez has shown us up for letting him go. He’s scored against virtually all the big clubs this season and he would be very useful for us. Yes the price was too much but if we hadn’t delayed and delayed we could have probably got him much cheaper.
Chelsea are missing Ashley Cole and Peter Cech both of whom are vital in their defence. Im sure they will drop points and could even get dumped out of Europe. It is essential we capitalise because we will be on our last legs and will drop points later in the season because Rooney will tire, Scholes and Giggs are unlikely to last the distance and our defence will probably implode as usual.
February 28th, 2010 at 0:09
I realize Aaron Ramsey deserves all the good wishes for a quick return, but…
After looking at the tackle again (albeit in low-resolution streams), it seems like Ryan Shawcross went to kick the ball and instead kicked Ramsey’s lower leg and it broke. That is, I did not see raised studs? I must be missing something because surely a non-studs-up tackle with no malicious intent cannot warrant a red card? Seems like Ramsey’s bones are more brittle than Shawcross’ tackles are illegal??
I wish Ramsey’s the quickest of recoveries but I also feel bad for Shawcross who obviously was shocked as well.
February 28th, 2010 at 0:12
@colver: I don’t think we need Tevez. He would be warming the bench and would be nothing but a regular sub. Playing 442 with Rooney and Tevez is not exactly brining much of an aerial challenge — yes rooney scores headers but only when he is all open.
February 28th, 2010 at 0:13
@colver: + Chelsea’s age is catching up. I really think that three losses in a row is a symptom of them running out of gas… BELIEVE!
February 28th, 2010 at 0:46
@[OPTI]Madschester United: For me there are valid reasons for Chelsea’s loss. Other than being down to 9 men, they had a really poor keeper manning their goal and John Terry and his personal problems have hung over the club like a nasty black cloud and they have distracted him to the point where his play has been poor. Couldn’t happen to a more deserving outfit.
February 28th, 2010 at 1:06
@[OPTI]Madschester United: Yeah, I too feel really bad for Shawcross… Must’ve been devestating too him.
February 28th, 2010 at 1:16
@Grognard: they were down 3-1 before playing with 10 men… Hilario does not help but I think their age is showing
February 28th, 2010 at 1:35
@[OPTI]Madschester United: Hilario was the major reason Chelsea lost today. It’s very likely that City’s 1st 2 goals would have been saved if Cech was on the pitch and it was a soft penalty for the 3rd goal.
February 28th, 2010 at 2:18
Deja vu for Arsenal with Ramsey today and Eduardo last season. Difference being that they won the match this time around and it seemed to galvanise them as a team, whereas they cracked in the same situation last time. If they carry this through into their next games, with their comparatively easy season end… they could go on a run.
But I reckon they will slip up, this is still the naive and unreliable Arsenal that lack the killer instinct needed in such a situation. How they respond in the next few games will be interesting.
I think Wenger doesn’t help there cause. He himself seems weak mentally and creates a victim mentality within the dressing room. It wasn’t a dirty tackle with studs showing but a 50/50 contest gone bad because of the speed at which Ramsey was moving and Shawcross’s momentum into the challenge.
Horrible for Ramsey, wish him a speedy recovery.
February 28th, 2010 at 2:24
@rsg: City penalty was clear to me— the red card was harsh. I found the chelsea penalty rather soft.
February 28th, 2010 at 2:33
Ignore the sensationalist headline, but the article below gives some insight into Hargreaves injury situation.
Link
February 28th, 2010 at 3:06
@colver: Tevez was absolute crap for us last season, that, and as you say, the price tag, made him very expendable!!
February 28th, 2010 at 3:09
@rsg: I love Hargo for trying to fight the pain. That is the spirit of United… unfortunately this fighting was short-sighted.
I truly hope he comes back and Fergie seems to be pushing the date closer and closer. It used to be “next season”, then “couple months”, then “three weeks time”, then “against Milan”, now rumors are floating about him going to the World Cup + he is actually training and has been training with first team and done physio work-outs.
I believe he will make it… he is too good to retire. OGS did it, neville did it, hargo will do it!
February 28th, 2010 at 3:14
@Grognard: They also have all but abandoned the wide game. It makes them very 2 dimensional and thus very predictable when building an attack.
They play the diamond because they have to, and not because it gives them an edge.
Look for a big downturn in their fortunes over the nest 18 months if they don’t do some major upgrades.
Four different managers, but basically the same squad. This tells me something, here!!
February 28th, 2010 at 3:34
Well if Terry, injuries to Cole and Cech, and sclerosis of an old squad is what it takes to land us the title, I’ll take it!
But we’ve slipped up a lot this season and I think it is going to be a case of who loses the title rather than who wins it.
However I am confident that if Vidic stays fit until the end of the season and Rooney avoids a dip in form the rest of the squad should hold together and win us the title. In particular it would be very useful if when Nani comes back from suspension he produces a few more performances like the Arsenal game.
Im not seriously saying I want Tevez back. But after all the Tevez hate, Im pleased he is proving wrong the people who thought he was a crap player. You give him games, build up his confidence and he is a class player who can score some very important goals. They aren’t many players this season who will score as many goals against us and Chelsea as he did.
February 28th, 2010 at 3:40
@Redrich: Tevez wasn’t crap for us last season, fergie just wouldn’t play him consistently.
February 28th, 2010 at 3:41
I think we can beat Chelsea to the title this season, but I am certain Roman will rebuild the side this summer. With the economy recovering he is getting most of his wealth back and Im sure he will sign two or three young stars. Meanwhile for us Giggs and Scholes will be a year older, Vidic could well jump ship, Rio will be as injury prone as ever and Rooney will not be as prolific next season, because this season is a one off just like Ronaldo’s incredible season in 2007/8. Yes Rooney will still be good nexxt season and score 20 goals but he’ll go back to his old habits of picking up injuries etc.
February 28th, 2010 at 3:50
@Johnsom33: Yeah, and Berbatov will prove SAF wrong when he leaves too.
In the meantime, we’ll win a bunch of trophies, and Tevez and Berbatov will win nothing!
Not just anybody can play for United.
February 28th, 2010 at 4:01
@Johnsom33: Fergie didn’t play him, – because;
(A) he wasn’t good enough, or;
(B) because he wanted us to lose and make us all very unhappy and quantify all the massive spending he was gonna do last summer??
February 28th, 2010 at 4:43
@[OPTI]Madschester United:
I would love to see Hargo playing for us again, bossing the midfield, patrolling the right wing. I don’t buy some of the stuff questioning his mental strength. The guy is a competitive warrior. When it comes to player injuries or niggles, football prima donnas are often wrapped up in cotton wool and medical staff are too soft, I don’t think this has been the case with Hargo. But this quote from the article really stuck with me and I am just not sure man.
‘Recalling his doctor Richard Steadman’s admission that he had never seen such bad tendons in 35 years of surgery, Hargreaves added: ‘It was a dark day, hard to take because this was coming from a guy who was 72 years old and had seen a lot of knees.”
If we get him playing again, will this be a problem that he never fully recovers from, something that will never be 100%, at best controlled but always likely to flare up or recur. The human body has enormous powers for rebuilding and recovery, so there is hope that it will all work out.
February 28th, 2010 at 5:19
The first United game I went to see as a kid was the game where that Coventry player’s leg got destroyed and I don’t recall anyone getting sent off then. That one was much worse too although I didn’t fully understand what was going on at the time.
February 28th, 2010 at 5:37
@RM: Yep, that was tough on Shawcross.
I played it back and forth a dozen times, and it just looked like a 50/50, – and I don’t think he went in over the top!
February 28th, 2010 at 5:45
@Grognard: So does the US even have a chance tommorow against the Canucks? I’m looking forward to the game but I’m keeping my expectations in check.
February 28th, 2010 at 7:14
@[OPTI]Madschester United: Hilario was incredibly weak in goal. I mean my 92 year old bedridden mother could have stopped Tevez’ first goal. If I were Chelsea, I’d be very worried.
February 28th, 2010 at 7:18
@Redrich: For all the gaffs Cech makes, he also bails them out with great reflex saves at least twice in a game. Now imagine that those two saves aren’t made, and you have what happened today. Chelsea are royally fucked, and like I said earlier, it couldn’t happen to a more deserving bunch of assholes. And to their fans who booed Wayne Bridge I ask them one thing, Do they even know the definition of class yet alone know how to spell it?
February 28th, 2010 at 7:22
@colver: Hey nobody seemed to give our leader the credit he deserved when he kept this team from self destructing when our keeper was injured and 3/4 of our back four were out with lengthy injuries. Yet we survived and and moved on with class and dignity. Sure we haven’t always been great this season but then again, who has? The season is one of those where the champion will not be the one that wants it the most but the one who makes the least mistakes. And we can thank Fergie for the fact that we make fewer mistakes than the Arsenal’s, Liverpool’s, Shitty’s and Chelscum’s of the league. If he sits Rooney down tomorrow I will have a new found respect for the Gaffer. First place is ours and we need a healthy and rested Rooney to do it. To Hell with the Carling Cup when it comes to sacrificing the league.
February 28th, 2010 at 7:27
@Johnsom33: Sure they have a chance. It will be a tight game but in the end I can only see Canada wearing gold. Pretty proud that Canada with it’s paltry 30 million people can tie and possibly break the winter Olympics record for gold medals. Amazing really because other than hockey and curling I really thought we were a nation of choke artists who never had the bottle for the big event. I take that back. I’m one proud Canuck.
February 28th, 2010 at 11:13
@Grognard: Spot on, Chelsea fans should be ashamed of themselves classless scum.
February 28th, 2010 at 11:19
@Johnsom33: But when he played he didn’t play well, plus the money asked was too much for our empty vaults, but he has been superb for the Bitters, Ballack’s challenge on him was a disgrace and typical of Chelsea if they don’t get their own way the toys come flying out of the pram.
February 28th, 2010 at 12:15
Wenger is a classless tawt, saying Shawcross should be banned for more that three games, “Spare me the articles about how nice Shawcross is because the same thing happened [with Taylor] after Eduardo’s injury.”
Would he have said the same if Gallas’s tackle had done the same the other week?
February 28th, 2010 at 14:35
Arsene is a prick, always has been, always will be. If Gallas had broken someone’s leg it would have been their fault for getting in the way.
February 28th, 2010 at 15:21
Berbatov and Owen start, more to follow……..
February 28th, 2010 at 15:23
Kuszczack
Rafael Vidic Evans Evra
Valencia Carrick Fletcher Park
Owen Berbatov
February 28th, 2010 at 15:58
Not being shown in india
Any live streams ??
February 28th, 2010 at 16:57
@Traverse: shame owen had to come off… he was playing well. Valencia just needs to attack his man… he halts our play by standing still and watching for other players to make a move.
Run Valencia, run!
February 28th, 2010 at 16:57
Didn’t get home from work last night till 4 am. Carling cup kick off was at 7 am my time…
It’s tough being a football fan on the west coast of America.
February 28th, 2010 at 17:00
JUST SHITE PARK!
We would be up 3-1 if that ass clown Korean had an ounce of skill and composure. Unbelievable how crappy he is with the ball at his feet in the the attacking third.
Evans is a nightmare right now. I don’t know what has happened to the lad but right now he is pants.
Carrick needs to wake up. Too slow feet, too slow to react and his free kicks are just awful.
Too bad for Owen. Once again it is the the lives of Michael Owen. The great goal scorer and the injury prone freak. How the Hell did he pull a muscle from jogging? I swear the lad can injure himself reading the morning paper.
Berbatov is a frustrating talent. Just awful at times in the first half and then he would make a sublime play and all was forgiven, only to be followed by a bad play. He needs to be more aggressive and by that I mean he needs to attack opponents, not shoot from 25 yards and rather than capitulating. I feel good about the second half because we are playing well, but Evans and Rafael needs to up their game in the second half.
February 28th, 2010 at 17:02
@[OPTI]Madschester United: I think you’ll see a different Valencia in the second half because Rooney is out there now as a target. To be honest, Valencia wasn’t getting the kind of target potential with Berba and Owen.
February 28th, 2010 at 17:02
Berbatov – for fucks sake GET STUCK IN
.
.
Park – How many times have we seen Park get wonderful opportunities to score, and he invariably either hits the post, misses either upright, or his best ACT – Falls on his arse!. Gotta give it to him though, he is putting more effort and is far more industrious in MF than Mickie Carrick.
Vida – I fear for Vida in the 2nd half, because this tosser ref has a record in sending off Man Utd players, and with the continual ear bashings from Marty O’Niel, he will be wanting to make amends
I do think that Vida if it was indeed a penalty. he was last man and by the rules should be OFF!
Carrick – WTF is he taking all the corners and free kicks into the box from the left – he has been quite shite at it
February 28th, 2010 at 17:04
If I’m going to blame anybody for us not winning today. it will be Nani. Yes Nani. Having to endure a game with Park on the left side making a meal of every offensive opportunity makes me wonder just how much better we would have been in attack had the Lil Man been out there.
February 28th, 2010 at 17:04
Decent game.
Evans still a bit dodgy, Owen scored a good goal despite not doing much else, and the midfield still being a bit lightweight, despite Fletcher’s efforts.
Berbatov also doing his best impersonation of Tevez.
THe coommentary though is making my ears bleed. It seems that they’re just repeating every possible banality (berbatov lazy, owen unlucky) and just can’t actually make pertinent analysis on what is actually happening.
February 28th, 2010 at 17:06
@CraigMc: Correct on all counts. Park is Krap. Vidic was hard done with that penalty call. I see John Fucking Terry and Carvalho get away with that kind of clutching and grabbing all game long when they play. And Carrick needs to wake the fuck up.
February 28th, 2010 at 17:07
Owen has done his hamstring – AGAIN
. Fergie FFS please bring on Wes Brown, Rafael is getting done by Villa’s big lads MUSCLE! Errr is Wes on the bench?????
February 28th, 2010 at 17:09
@CraigMc: You mean like when Berbatov stole the ball from Dunn for Owen to get his goal? Or when he tackled the left back Tevez style?
February 28th, 2010 at 17:58
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
February 28th, 2010 at 17:59
One down
February 28th, 2010 at 18:01
@Grognard: Park covered every blade of grass though Grog – he got through so much spade work. He just needs to improve his expertise in the box and around it – where he seems NEVER to be able to have any composure. He reminds me of Anderson in that final third – poor, poor, poor
.
February 28th, 2010 at 18:06
Yeah bitchezz, we won!
February 28th, 2010 at 18:06
@Grognard: You are way hard on Park Ji Sung. He did well, I thought. Ran his socks off and besides a couple of poor decision in the final third has every right to be proud of his performance.
February 28th, 2010 at 18:07
Antonio Valencia, good sir, do you know that you can actually pass to other things than Wayne Rooney’s forehead?
February 28th, 2010 at 18:07
Can anybody work out how Fergie’s mind works sometimes, because I sure as feck can’t. I mean our defence has so many big Aston Villa forwards to contend with, and he substitues a hobbit with a hobbit
. Wes should have been brought on for sure!
February 28th, 2010 at 18:08
The most important thing about winning today, we not accumulating tiny trophies but keeping out momentum going from the west ham game.
February 28th, 2010 at 18:10
@NicoQB: brilliant!
February 28th, 2010 at 18:11
Seems like Rooney is carrying a knee problem… according to himself: ” I had a little bit of sore knee… but I’m delighted with the winning goal.”
February 28th, 2010 at 18:14
Michael Owen on his World Cup chances: “I didn’t think of who was watching. It was a real chance for me because I haven’t started too many games. I don’t think about the World Cup. A lot of people have been getting their knickers in a twist about it. I just want to play for Man United and if that gets me recognition, then great. I’ve been to many World Cups and European Championships. If I don’t go, it gives someone else a chance.”
Awesome from Owen.
February 28th, 2010 at 18:16
I feel sorry for Nani, because Valencia seems to have the most incredible understanding with Rooney. Seriously has anyone counted how many goals Rooney has scored from Valencia crosses?
Nani has got to learn to produce his best form on the left. Because Valencia is making the right wing his own.
I have massive respect for Fergie for taking a brave decision and starting with Rooney on the bench. And good for Rooney scoring the winner!
It’s only the league cup but hey its a trophy and hopefully will give the team a second wind. Im pleased Owen at least got one medal for us. He’s really had a pretty shit time at United never getting any games.
February 28th, 2010 at 18:16
turns out Richard Dunne is a class act:
From BBC: On whether Vidic should have been sent off: “They got a man sent off at Villa Park and it didn’t make a difference. It’s better to play against 11 men and it made it a better game. It’s their day today.”
February 28th, 2010 at 18:17
@poiuy: “knickers in a twist” – classic!
February 28th, 2010 at 18:18
@colver: Have you noticed the goal-scoring formula: Berba -> Valencia -> Rooney = goal.
February 28th, 2010 at 18:22
Assuming we beat Chelsea at OT, I think the title will come down the following three games: We must get more pts than Arsenal and Chelsea over these three games to win the title.
Saturday, 17 April 2010
#35
Man City v Man Utd, 12:45
Sunday, 25 April 2010
#36
Man Utd v Tottenham, 14:00
Saturday, 1 May 2010
#37
Sunderland v Man Utd, 15:00
February 28th, 2010 at 18:24
Chelsea play:
Saturday, 17 April 2010
Barclays Premier League
Tottenham v Chelsea, 17:30
Sunday, 25 April 2010
Barclays Premier League
Chelsea v Stoke, 16:15
Saturday, 1 May 2010
Barclays Premier League
Liverpool v Chelsea, 15:00
And Arsenal play:
Sunday, 18 April 2010
Barclays Premier League
Wigan v Arsenal, 13:30
Saturday, 24 April 2010
Barclays Premier League
Arsenal v Man City, 17:30
Saturday, 1 May 2010
Barclays Premier League
Blackburn v Arsenal, 15:00
February 28th, 2010 at 18:25
@CraigMc: I do not put a lot of stock in that kind of play. It’s the typical English attitude towards the game that says that covering every blade of grass and running like crazy is the greatest thing in the world. Well mate, it isn’t. It’s a waste of energy and if that is what is important to English fans, then may I suggest they start to watch track and field instead. Football is about skill, finesse and making things happen with the ball at your feet. Park does none of these things therefore, for me he is a complete waste of time and the greatest human water slide of all time.
CONGRATS TO UNITED!
A strong performance and much better defensively in that second half. Evans and Rafael were a problem in the first half but Neville brought some surprising stability to the game for us and Evans was much better in the second frame. Carrick was crap and I wonder where his great passing ability has gone. He was ok defensively but honestly, his attacking game was nowhere to be seen. Evra and Vidic were strong and very composed under pressure. Fletcher was frakken outstanding whenever he was counted upon. A real steadying influence for us. Valencia had an outstanding second half and was full value for his start when you consider that he does create chances. United had 6 great chances to score today and really should have done better. Two posts, a Park misfire and a few Berba gaffs and we allowed Villa to stay in the game.
Berba was a mixed bag. Some incredibly ingenious touches that created opportunities that should have been put away but then again, he squandered a few chances of his own with poor concentration and a terrible shot.
Still, his distribution at times was sublime.
Park is just Krap. Enough said. I could care less about how hard he works. When has it become necessary that a winger become a one dimensional defensive player? What a waste of a position. If Nani had played on the left side today we would have scored 4 or 5 goals but may have given one back to Villa. I’ll take that over what Park offers every day of the week. That miss he had where he literally fanned on the ball after Berba passed to him beautifully in the box has got to go down as the poster child for players who have no coordination or skill on a the ball. The man is a mess in the offensive third of the pitch.
A fine performance today from PIG. Didn’t make a mistake out there and handled his area like an expert.
And kudos as usual for Wayne Rooney. Was at times poor on the ball and seemed a little out of it but still found the time to score the big goal and was unlucky not to get two with that post. He has gone from being the worst header in England to the very best. That was a truly brilliant header and it’s become a real habit for him. I also was impressed in his defensive coverage late in the game. A bit sloppy with his passes though.
And too bad for Mickey Owen. A good game until he got injured and a clinical strike to even the game up. Hope he only tweaked the muscle and didn’t actually do more damage to it. Up to his injury I thought that he had been making a strong case to Senior Capello for England consideration over such human excrement as Peter Crouch and Emille Heskey. Come on Fabio, Owen is twice the player those two are at only 50%.
Well done to the lads and to Fergie as he got the squad selection right and came to play an attacking and positive game. A good result and yet another pot won for us to pee in.
February 28th, 2010 at 18:26
@[OPTI]Madschester United: He’s a talentless git and a liability to our offensive system. I could care less how hard he works. We are United, an attack minded team, not a minnow who requires a defensive workaholic with no skill whatsoever. I respect skillful players, not grunts.
February 28th, 2010 at 18:26
Berbatov does not look like a confident man at the moment. I’m starting to question wether he believe he is good enough for the club.
I never get excited when park has the ball, because I know it’s only a matter of time before he falls on his ass.
How many assist does Valencia have this year, it seems like he is involved in damn near every goal.
February 28th, 2010 at 18:28
@NicoQB: Why? I think passing to Wayne Rooney’s forehead seems to be working just fine thank you very much.
February 28th, 2010 at 18:33
The Berbatov / Valencia / Rooney combo is working wonders lately. If only we had someone on the left wing to join in!
February 28th, 2010 at 18:35
@Grognard: Yeah I don’t know what Rooney did this summer, but he has become absolutely lethal with his heading. He was inches away from getting two today.
It’s funny because during the second half I got the feeling that Rooney is going to win this game for us. I haven’t felt that way since the greasy one left. If Rooney doesn’t finish in the top 3 of wpoty then the award is a joke.
February 28th, 2010 at 18:37
Can Valencia change his nation and play for England bcoz without him what Rooney will do.How long he can carry dead loads like Gerrard,Lampard etccccccccccccc.
February 28th, 2010 at 18:48
@Johnsom33: Let’s hope Rooney continues his amazing form for the last 3 moths. Currently, who is on better form than Rooney? No one!
February 28th, 2010 at 18:50
@EduardoDaVinci4: I just heard an amazing song that could work in one of your footy videos: “Point of No Return” by Immortal Technique. What about “We didn’t start the fire” by Billy Joel…
February 28th, 2010 at 19:03
@Johnsom33: Its not whether we believe Berba is good enough, its whether Berba believes it, and by all accounts he’s given this season, he doesn’t! Berba is not bad with the assists, because he would rather pass than shoot, he has developed confidence failure with shooting. He used to be a striker, who got the goals, now he would rather assist. He has too much fear to ever be a big value player at United
February 28th, 2010 at 19:09
@Grognard: I think you’ll find that we do need players who battle away to break up play and get the ball back, and that’s what industrious players can do. I thought Park did a good job for the team today. I agree though, that if he could improve his balance and aptitude in the final ball, or in and around the box, and add goals – he would be really decent player!
February 28th, 2010 at 19:12
@[OPTI]Madschester United: You need to surely add Man Utd vs Liverpool to those games as a must win game. They have 3 wins over us now!
February 28th, 2010 at 19:21
@CraigMc: Thats my point, he doesn’t believe in himself.
February 28th, 2010 at 19:22
@[OPTI]Madschester United: I’ve retired mate, ain’t gonna make more fucking FIFA vids. Aint got enough time on my hands, for neither FIFA or editing. Wonder how Hjerpseth does it, he really must live for FIFA…
Btw, you seriously hadn’t heard that song until now?
February 28th, 2010 at 19:25
Valencia is incredible at the moment…
February 28th, 2010 at 19:27
@Johnsom33: Valencia would not have had a third of the number of assists he has currently but for Berbatov, I hope you do realise that.
February 28th, 2010 at 19:30
@EduardoDaVinci4: Valencia was quite average until he woke up for a 15 min spell in the second half. Yes,he was one of our better players, but *incredible* is stretching it.
Rooney is incredible. So is Ronaldo, Messi et al…
February 28th, 2010 at 19:37
@Grognard: I agree whole heartedly. (notice the smiley at the end?)
But surely italians video tactics staff only need to watch the tapes of our three last games to see how our attack can be rendered near toothless.
I just want a bit more variety from Valencia. I notice that time and again he’s in great position for a drag back pass in the box or he could just dink it for himself and cut indide just like Ronaldo would always do, but he just about always either look for the low cross in front of goal, or Rooney’s forehead.
While for now it is very effective, it is also very predictable.
February 28th, 2010 at 19:41
@NicoQB: From our last 8 goals, Valencia has 5 assists…
Beckham who?
*sarcasm*
February 28th, 2010 at 19:43
@CraigMc: Sorry to burst your bubble for for the umpteen time, no he never was a goalscoring striker. He is, and has always been an assisting striker.
Like Beardsley, Bergkamp, and just about every striker whose name starts with the letter B.
I agree though that his shooting has been piss poor tonight.
February 28th, 2010 at 19:51
@NicoQB: He was a 23 goal a season man for Spurs and the German team he played for Nico – so to me that is a striker?
February 28th, 2010 at 19:52
@EduardoDaVinci4: Efficient is the word you’re looking for.
I’m not anti Valencia by the way, he’s more than proven his worth and justified his transfer. But I do notice that he’s often anonymous until he assists or have a good 10min of play…
February 28th, 2010 at 19:54
@Johnsom33: Oh right – fully agree then
.
February 28th, 2010 at 19:57
@NicoQB: Now I’m gonna burst your bubble.
Benzema
Borriello
Bent
There, I found three that weren’t assisting strikers. Now, suck on that bitch!
February 28th, 2010 at 19:57
@CraigMc: I agree mate, Park is a whipping boy on this site for me he gives everything for the team, he lacks quality but certainly not heart.
February 28th, 2010 at 20:00
@NicoQB: Your berba love is starting to become an obsession. Valencia consistently gets crosses into the box, your making it sound like berba is giving Valencia assists on a silver platter.
February 28th, 2010 at 20:02
@CraigMc: A striker alright, but not a goal machine in the traditional sense of the word.
In the 207/2008 season he scored 22 goals for 42 games started. Scored 15 league goals for 33 starts.
Like I mentioned several times already, this season had he started the same number of games, he would be well on course to replicate that kind of scoring statistics (9 league goals for 16 starts).
And as for Germany, we all know their defences are a bit on the poor side.
February 28th, 2010 at 20:03
@Stephen: I lack quality but have loads of heart, you think I could get a contract?
February 28th, 2010 at 20:07
@Johnsom33: I have heart and quality, I should get a contract!
February 28th, 2010 at 20:10
@Stephen: agree mate everybody loves to hate park and he seems to be nothing more than to fill the 11th name on the team sheet, but he does that role well and we are currently experiencing a dearth of quality on the left side bar hit and miss nani. I was surprised nobody brought up Vidic not being sent off, thanking your lucky stars huh
but i think vidic got away without getting a yellow but i didnt think he deserved a red cos i thought ablanghahor seem to have lost control of the ball when vidic tackled..
February 28th, 2010 at 20:14
@Johnsom33: Are you an International footballer like him?
February 28th, 2010 at 20:17
@RMJ: Vida was lucky not to be sent off, we had a bit of luck there being a goal down and with ten men it would have been very hard to get back into the game.
February 28th, 2010 at 20:20
@EduardoDaVinci4:
I was waiting for it really. 
@Johnsom33: To be fair he does!
No, really, I agree that Valnecia has been good, but out of last 5 assists Valencia had, Berbatov did have important involvement in the build up as he released a pass that no other player in our team would
be able to.
I know that it may look like I’m an obsessive about berbatov, but tonight is the first time in six games where he was just about average, and like I fully expected, a whole brigade of doom-mongers are out to announce his future exit out of united.
The media always need to have a united mojo doll to vomit their bile onto and currently its berbatov. In the past its been Fletcher, Veron, Djemba (x2) and only for the latter I think the criticism was justified.
I’m adamant that if he wasn’t a united player he would not have had a tenth of the criticism that is directed to him. Unfortunately many of our own fans are gullible enough to buy their stories.
February 28th, 2010 at 20:20
I also though Berba had a good game today, I do love the guy but he simply hasn’t performed since he has been with us, also feel for Owem he looked really sharp especially as Capello was watching, for me if Carlton Cole, Heskey and Crouch can get into the England side Owen deserves a least a game in a friendly.
February 28th, 2010 at 20:26
@Stephen: He played ok in the first half, got a knock on his thigh and then was a bit anonymous in the second. Maybe it was related.
February 28th, 2010 at 20:29
@NicoQB: I though he did well, had some nice touches and chased Dunne down for our first goal, he needs to do that more, be more agressive,
February 28th, 2010 at 20:41
Now laugh.
February 28th, 2010 at 20:44
@CraigMc: I assume the Liverpool game would be cake. They have a horrible away record and we shall beat them. It is commanded.
@EduardoDaVinci4: Retired… wow. I have his album just thought it would make good use now that we are a the point of no return in the season and must target ECL and EPL.
BELIEVE!
February 28th, 2010 at 20:58
@[OPTI]Madschester United: I hope your right OPTI, because to them playing us is their highlight of the season – and Torres has Vida worked out and the beating of him. Lets hope that our coaching staff can work more on that area of Vida’s game eh?
February 28th, 2010 at 21:03
@Stephen: Your right mate, and IF Fergie gives him more games – providing hamstring doesn’t keep him out long, then I think Capello will give him some trial games. Owen has always been a scorer, and especially in important games – like Wembley finals, world cups etc. I love Owen, just wished we had got him earlier in his career!
February 28th, 2010 at 21:09
PETTER NORTHUG!!!
You fucking wankers, suck on that bitchezz!!!
YEEEEEEEEEESSSS, HE IS A RAPIST!!! Fucking immense, just so massive!!! Yeeeey!
February 28th, 2010 at 21:13
@NicoQB: Is it wrong that I got turned on by that?
….
Yeahhh..
February 28th, 2010 at 21:14
@Traverse: he would have said “i did not see the incident”
February 28th, 2010 at 21:16
YOU’RE THE BEST AROUND
NOTHINGS GONNA EVER BEAT YOU DOWN!!!
February 28th, 2010 at 21:24
@EduardoDaVinci4: Nothings gonna ever beat you down – m’thinks Everton wouldn’t agree after their win against us
.
February 28th, 2010 at 22:02
@NicoQB:
, I can’t believe that video! Who would have thought that Wes Brown had rhythm – that lad can throw a few moves 
. But WTF was ‘Lil man’ Nani doing, turning with his back to camera, arm waving in the air, and shaking his arse. I mean that is just so far out 
. Fletch and Rio were having too much fun also.
February 28th, 2010 at 22:14
I thought Berbatov was one of our best players today. He was struggling with something for the last 20 minutes or so, wasn’t moving fluidly at all. But had some gorgeous touches today, should have had at least two direct assists if it hadn’t been for poor shooting by Carrick and Park.
February 28th, 2010 at 23:59
Seeing Canada win the Olympic gold medal just reminds me how much more awesome the World Cup will be! It will blow my mind.
March 1st, 2010 at 0:13
Congratulations Grog!
March 1st, 2010 at 1:39
Berbatov can pass, I’ll give him that. But it is more of a case that when the rest of the team plays well, and we are in control of the game, he finds it easier to pull the strings. It is a useful quality to have, as often we control games without finishing teams off. It seems the occasion of a cup final made him a bit more lively so he got stuck in a bit more.
March 1st, 2010 at 2:23
Good win for United today. Struggling, and winning is a good sign, and one which will help us navigate the difficult waters ahead.
I thought Owen was terrific in the minutes he played. He looked very keyed in and was distributing the ball well, as well. He took his goal like the true striker that he used to be, and was showing signs of more of that to come. I was sorry to see him limp off!!
The Carling Cup win, against Wigan in 2006, signaled a fresh start for a team struggling to find consistent form, and this game could well be the same watershed event that we need.
I didn’t like the look of our shape today, but SAF prevailed with the 2 attackers and it kept Villa on their guard until the very late stages of the game. We could have well taken the Cup long before the final whistle, had the woodwork been kinder to us, but a good resilient defensive performance was what really won us the game.
PIG did well, making some very good saves and having a great presence on crosses and high balls that were close to his territory – this against an aerial attack that was far bigger than our matching defenders.
Our CMF started well, picking apart Villa’s aggressiveness, but then struggled when, later in the game, they became more patient.
Carrick looked to be struggling for much of the game, with some half-hearted efforts on goal, poor pass accuracy, and a general slowness in his movement on the ball. In honesty, he was my goat of the game!
Fletcher did what he does best, not creating – but destroying any potential MF threat. Looking every bit the “Roy Keane” of yesteryear, he marshaled the central areas superbly.
When Rooney came on, I thought we looked much more awkward than before. His cavaliering style seemed to upset our Apple Cart, but of course, Wayne doesn’t give a shit about Apples and he won the game anyway!! What a devastating influence he is – and one that can hopefully wake up the laissez faire attitude of his colleague!!
Another trophy in our case, and another reason to believe that United has a gilded future.
LUHG.
March 1st, 2010 at 2:42
Grog: I don’t like Hockey that much, but congrats on the Gold. Great showing by the host country in the Olympics overall – and one that should make all Canadians feel that is was an effort well spent!!
March 1st, 2010 at 3:48
Wow guys, it has gone crazy here in downtown Toronto!!!
What a great gold-medal-game too!! Congrats Canada!!! 
March 1st, 2010 at 3:56
Moot point but nonetheless:
Regarding Ramsey… I am leaning towards the rumors that Ramsey broke his leg “BEFORE” shawcross’s tackle…
see picture
It seems like Ramsey broke his leg after kicking the ball away and them shawcross takes out the other leg. I cannot find a good video replay to confirm this (HD?) but the tackle does not seem hard enough to warrant a broke leg.
March 1st, 2010 at 4:04
Even this link from youtube seems to show that Ramsey breaks his leg after poking the ball and landing akwardly (it is hard to see but using space bar to pause/play and stopping right after the toe-poke when zooming in).
Awful break… but I think Shawcross should not be red-carded.
March 1st, 2010 at 4:25
@EduardoDaVinci4: I am one frakken proud Canadian tonight. Great the hockey team did the job but those closing ceremonies made me feel great about my country. And we kicked ass with a record 14 gold medals. As all proud Canadians would say, FUCKING EH!
My friends were having a hard time buying into the fact I was more happy about Man Utd winning the Carling Cup than Canada winning gold in hockey. Obviously they don’t know the Grognard’s greatest passion in life. that being MANCHESTER UNITED…………………..FOR LIFE.
March 1st, 2010 at 4:33
@NicoQB: Just imagine how much better we would be in attack if our left winger was as talented and as enterprising as Valencia? It would take a lot of the pressure of Valencia or Nani and make us less predictable. The number one fix it this summer is to fill that left side with anyone other than Park.
March 1st, 2010 at 4:38
@NicoQB: Shows how much you know about German football. NOTHING. German defenses are far from poor. the problem with German teams is that when they match up with richer teams in the Champions League it’s lack of fire power where they struggle at. German teams have very stellar defenses and the best goalkeepers on the planet bar none. Ask Barca what they thought of Stuttgart last week? no pushovers. You just by into the hype from the rich leagues and ignore that that Bundesliga is still the home league of one of the top three national teams in the world. And they aren’t week defensively.
March 1st, 2010 at 4:41
@[OPTI]Madschester United: I watched all of the Olympics in HD. I cannot wait for the World Cup in High Definition. It will blow my mind. DEUTSCHLAND UBER ALLES!!!!
March 1st, 2010 at 4:47
@Redrich: It was fantastic mate. I am not anti American in the least but man I hated those US hockey players for taking the game into overtime. Canadians are a very humble apologetic people by nature but there are two sports we demand respect and claim as our own, hockey and curling. So I’m glad that in overtime the USA new it’s damned role and finally capitulated. I am proud to be Canadian not just because of the impressive medal haul, but because of the outstanding job my city and country did in hosting these games and really showing the world that Canada is not just a winter driven land famous for snow storms with Natives, Eskimos, whales and moose. That we can think big, and put on a Hell of a big party.
I love these closing ceremonies. William Shatner and Neil Young made my day. But as happy as I am to be Canadian and my blood does run red……….that is United red first, Canadian red second.
March 1st, 2010 at 5:10
@Grognard: I’ve been to Canada a dozen times, but I’ve never seen a Moose!!
March 1st, 2010 at 6:33
@Redrich: I saw one when I was five, yet Canada supposedly is overrun by them and they often substitute for beef to many of us.
March 1st, 2010 at 9:51
@Redrich: Rich mate – your ‘He was MY GOAT’ of the game,
– Classic just pure classic quip!
March 1st, 2010 at 16:53
@Grognard: Again I’m no hockey expert, but from my couch it looked like Canada was slowly putting on their choke collars. Your lucky you have match winners like Crosby in there to snatch victory on the jaws of defeat.
March 1st, 2010 at 16:55
@Grognard: Sorry I meant “from the jaws of defeat.
Last question on hockey, is that American player “Nash” anything special? He seemed like he was involved in all of the US’ big plays in the tournament.
March 1st, 2010 at 17:27
Carling Cup Dressing Room Celebrations
March 1st, 2010 at 18:37
@rsg: Hilarious.
1. Owen is not limbing. That is a good thing.
2. No one is REALLY excited besides maybe Kuschazchlshgzczxw and Rafael.
3. I love Evra! True United player. Plus he hates Chelsea too!
4. We need to win the League before chanting Champione!
We will win the league! BELIEVE!
March 1st, 2010 at 18:56
You guys seen this. The Evil Ice Queen (or medusa) has finally gotten Ronaldo.
March 1st, 2010 at 19:55
@ [OPTI]Madschester United
That’s nothing compared to this statue in tribute to Ronaldo
March 1st, 2010 at 20:28
@[OPTI]Madschester United: wow that does look interesting if you find a better vid post it.
wenger is a prat
March 1st, 2010 at 20:31
@rsg:
WOW! HAHAHA! You’ve got me beat big time. amazing. What was the occasion?
March 1st, 2010 at 21:18
@CraigMc: What? I thought Nani definitely had some of the best moves of the guys in there.
March 2nd, 2010 at 0:16
The Red Knights have had a ’secret summit’. This may well signal the beginning of the end for the Glazer virus.
http://blogs.news.sky.com/kleinman/Post:a85fd49d-60e4-42bc-a91a-936be4c28cb1
March 2nd, 2010 at 2:08
@Traverse: ANYTHING BUT GLAZERS! (bastards, bastards, bastards)
Don’t forget that the fans – together with Red Knights – can force the Glazers (bastards, bastards, bastards) to sell by boycotting tickets and merchandise.
Sidenote: Seems like Goldman Sachs people are working with Red Knights. Goldman Sachs are dirty bastards who prey on people’s misery. They made enormous record amounts of money when the US economy flunked — while rest of America were/are struggling with mortages, loans, and bloating credit debt. Goldman Sachs are never going to save us. But do we have another option?
March 2nd, 2010 at 4:04
@[OPTI]Madschester United: Apparently, the main main man in all of this if a friend of SAF!!
I’m tempted to add that the retirement path for Fergie could well have just been paved by a yellow (and green
) brick road.
Ferguson retiring to the board would be as appealing to him as it would for most of us!!
Who knows, stranger things have happened!
March 2nd, 2010 at 4:34
@Johnsom33: They were putting on their choke collars but you are again correct as we have numerous game winners where the US doesn’t. In my gut I just knew Canada would score because it’s not in our nature to be defensive minded, especially in overtime. I just felt we would take it to the US in overtime and eventually get the break, and that’s what happened. Kudos to the US for being a tough opponent. A good team but lacking the finishing quality of a Canada or Russia. They succeed on good goaltending and hard work.
March 2nd, 2010 at 4:35
@Redrich: as far as I am concerned Ferguson will never retire.
March 2nd, 2010 at 4:38
@Johnsom33: You have me confused. Rick Nash plays for Canada. There was no Nash playing for the US. I’d say the best players on the US team are Ryan Kessler and Zack Parise. After that it’s a bunch of lunch bucket 9 to 5 types. Rick Nash on the other hand is one of the most talented players Canada has and was probably the best player on the ice for us yesterday. A great goal scorer and a hard worker.
March 2nd, 2010 at 4:41
@rsg: Where do you guys find this shit?
March 2nd, 2010 at 5:02
@[OPTI]Madschester United: That’s what I’m saying, mate!!
March 2nd, 2010 at 7:54
@Grognard: Dont ask me why I said nash. I meant Kane
March 2nd, 2010 at 9:38
@rsg: At the end of his playing career,he could be the best player to have played the game.All he needs is a good world cup and his status is sealed.
Come to think about it,the likes of Maradona,Pele, Zizou,were not as talented and determined/
March 2nd, 2010 at 14:08
@donibrasco: Yes I agree 100%, Ji Sung Park has the physical attributes and technical ability to go down as the best ever, in the history of football.
Seriously though, you’ve got me confused, I didn’t understand your comment. I’m guessing your probably talking about Ronaldo or Rooney and just replied to the wrong post. Please enlighten me mate.
March 2nd, 2010 at 14:09
@[OPTI]Madschester United: Goldman Sachs aren’t involved, but a man who is high up in Goldman Sachs (and a lifelong United fan) is, so no need to worry about us being owned by an equally as bad organisation!
March 2nd, 2010 at 14:53
Bit of a news round up. According to Spanish newspapers, Di Maria has said he would love to continue his development under SAF at United. This was after he scored a hat-trick in front of Martin Ferguson. Benfica want £27Mil. Maybe the Glazer virus will stump up the money to try and shut us up? Heaven knows we’re desperate for a left winger!
Patrice Evra, United legend, on the players awareness of the Green and Gold campaign :
“They are the original colours, and the fans wear them because they love this club. They have their reasons for doing it and we don’t think that they’re crazy. They’d like things to change”
March 2nd, 2010 at 15:33
Di Maria would be a nice little signing. But isn’t he Argentinian, and we tend to have bad luck with Argentinians. I guess the real question is can Nani get used to playing on the left wing? Valencia is becoming a fixture on the right wing and while rotating them could work, I think they both prefer regular games.
Our real priority should be a central midfield. Hargreaves is broken, Anderson has the type of injury which is likely to make him even worse as a player, Gibson does not look up to scratch, Scholes and Giggs will be a year older, so there is a real need for a quality midfielder to play alongside Fletcher and Carrick.
March 2nd, 2010 at 16:08
@colver: I think the addition of a player to play on the left wing is a priority over central midfielder signings. Although we don’t have the quality in central areas we do still have quantity. Whereas injuries to Nani and Valencia will mean wide positions to be taken up by either Park, Giggs, Fletcher, Gibson or Anderson when fit. None of these are ideal candidates and provide what is needed from wingers. Welbeck is not a winger either, so unless Tosic and Obertan step up their game on a consistent basis for the first team(unlikely), then options in wide areas will continue to be limited.
You are right though, there are still holes in central midfield. Ideally we need both wingers and central midfielders. This is where a signing that provides flexibility in the mold of David Silva makes a lot of sense.
March 2nd, 2010 at 16:44
Theres a report on Beeb that our debts are down now!!!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8545662.stm
As per the bonds requirement, Glazers are now required to publish financials every quarter. Apparently by the end of last year we have managed to reduce debts to 500m (from 716m earlier in the June reports). This debt could now totally be met by 504m that we have raised thru bonds meaning the club is virtually “debt-free”!!!
What is going on here???
March 2nd, 2010 at 17:57
@jos: confusing as heck… no clue. Though I doubt the 500 million from bonds are available to pay the loan back… simply because we only 122 million cash balance. Did anyone notice the article on BBC, where it said: Six of the Glazers (bastards x 3!) children had borrowed 1.67 million each (total 10 million) from United! WTF!
March 2nd, 2010 at 17:58
Regarding Ribery, he is never coming to United (I will eat my words if he does but…) Ribery shares the same agent, Alain Migliaccio, as his compatriot Zinedine Zidane, who is now the special advisor to Real president Florentino Perez.
March 2nd, 2010 at 18:25
@jos: Mate the bonds have still to be paid back WITH HIGH INTEREST by 2017 – so still same debt, just longer to pay it. Somebody say if this is wrong. On top of that, the Glazers still have their own 2.6 million in PIK bonds with extremely high interest ( and I understand that is where Ronaldo sale money went), or so its reported, so whichever way you look at it – Glazers are raping our club for everything we are worth, and then some. Only way we are going to shift those bastards, is looking at every which way to make sure they suffer personal loss, but hard to do without United being badly effected in the process!
March 2nd, 2010 at 18:27
David Gill should be fucking ashamed, because he has allowed the Glazers to take Man United by the balls, and squeeze the life blood out of our club. Shame on you Gill!
March 2nd, 2010 at 18:34
@NicoQB:
– really?
March 2nd, 2010 at 18:59
@CraigMc: nay impossible to do without united being hurt in the process.
the bond issue has virtually insulated them from being pressured into sale by the type of fan revolt the red knights and must are trying to call for.
Dont you remember they are now able to sell off carrington and old trafford? and before that our players?
I doubt that boycotting and stopping the cash flow into the club will cause them to take the lowball offer from the red knights. who are offering 1bm when an offer of 1.5 was made 2 yrs ago by a Chinese group and turned down.
the whole boycott scheme just stinks of someone trying to get the club on the cheep.
It would suck sooo bad if all it did was cause the glazers to start selling assets and strip the club further. If they did this guaranteed the red knights would withdraw their bid and so would everyone else that was looking to buy United
The red knights should not call for a boycott but ask for donations that would correspond to small part of the ownership of the club if their bid is accepted. If they could raise 300-500m from the global fanbase and pony up 1+bn themselves then they may get the glazers to bite. or offer to purchase a controlling stake in the club.
i just think that boycotts will only bring heartache for the fans.
March 2nd, 2010 at 19:02
@CraigMc: true i think the real evil dooers are the ones that sold out to the glazers. They are the ones that took the money that glazer borrowed to buy the club. That is our debt. the fuckers that took money from the glazers should be receiving the anger. where the fuck are they?
March 2nd, 2010 at 19:24
@gator: Let’s say that MUST musters up 100,000 members and that each member was able to donate 100 pounds (that is quite a lot, I think). Then we would have 10 million pounds.
We need about 100 million to 500 million to add to the 1bn already offered by R.K. Thus, each member would have to donate between 1,000 and 5,000 pounds EACH… that is impossible.
March 2nd, 2010 at 20:05
@Johnsom33: AHHH!
Kane’s not a bad player but I do not think he is as great as he showed himself to be in this tournament. In Canada Paul Henderson was thought of as a god after scoring the epic goal to win the Summit series in 72. An instant hero and built way out of proportion because he was not a major star in the NHL. But in that 8 game series he played the hockey of his life and to foreign fans they could easily have been fooled into believing he was much greater than he was. I feel the same way about Kane for the US as well as Miller and for Canada, Boyle and Toews. All had great tournaments but are not major stars, nor do I think they ever will be.
March 2nd, 2010 at 20:10
@[OPTI]Madschester United: I said this a year ago. Zidane is very close to Ribery and he wants him to come to Madrid. It would take an incredible amount of money in salary to tempt Ribery to not go to Madrid and instead go to Shitty or Chelsea because they along with Barca are the only teams that could afford to get him. I agree, we have zero chance of getting him.
March 2nd, 2010 at 20:13
@CraigMc: You are absolutely right. And the Glazer’s wanted this extension because it gives them more years to extort the profits from the team and put them into their own personal coffers. They are despicable and should be whacked. They have no reason to sell and no money the Red Knights come up will be sufficient I feel because it will not be more than what the Glazer’s can steal on their own over the next five years. The Glazer’s have to be threatened and physically intimidated it seems. I am not a proponent of violence or intimidation but in their case, I don’t mind.
I think it’s time to send Tom Hagen over to the Glazer’s so that he can make them an offer they can’t refuse. Hope for their case they don’t own horses.
March 2nd, 2010 at 20:19
@[OPTI]Madschester United: Must has a little over 50,000 members of which I am one. I have already made a claim of being willing to donate about $100 pounds to the effort. I 80% of the members offered up 100 pounds that would be nice but what would be nice is if 20% of those members who may have deeper pockets were willing to offer up 500 pounds or more. Then that would be great on top of all the money that the Red Knights are willing to put into the project. I want to see United owned by the people. Let the community own them and elect a team President like in Madrid and Barca. I want a say as I’m sure all of you would too. Enough with private corporations or greedy millionaires running the team and messing with the club and our dreams.
March 2nd, 2010 at 20:55
@Grognard: Anyways, how has been Ribery’s form this season?
Seems to me he has been injured for an eternity.
March 2nd, 2010 at 20:58
I rate Richard Eckersley. Thought he was a much better naural defender than Rafael.
Me thinks Burnley deliberately did not play him for them to get him at a rebated price.
March 2nd, 2010 at 21:02
@NicoQB: 100% the truth on why he hasn’t been playing. Although, I think Rafael will improve a hell of a lot and I think Eckersley isn’t far off as far as he can go, which is why he was let go. He’ll be a decent premiership middle rated team defender.
March 2nd, 2010 at 21:20
Surely Rafael and Fabio’s natural ability matters about as much as John Terry’s word at a bar if they can’t play more than 65 minutes at a go without being injured. No one talks about it too much, but the two of them have barely ever made it through 90 minutes, even less-so played 2 games in a row. Our defence needs consistency, a lot of it is about understanding and feel of where your teammates are. We’ve utterly failed this season to get 4 people playing together long enough to achieve that.
I’d take a full back with less ability who could play every week, personally. I still rate De Laet, would like to see more of him in the first team. Better than Neville these days, without a doubt.
Interesting comments from Owen about accepting his role as a super-sub. 9 goals is nothing to scoff at really, given his opportunities. Fergie seems to have confirmed he’ll stay. Berba has been showing some form, and obviously Rooney is undroppable. Diouf has shown plenty to suggest he’s worth testing out, and Welbeck is presumably coming back from loan. Even ignoring Macheda (where is he, what injury is it that has kept him out 6 months?!) that’s a big load of strikers, none of whom can play wide. Makes me curious if Fergie is actually going for another striker, or if he’s happy.
March 2nd, 2010 at 22:00
@Grognard: The only way to stop the Glazers m’thinks is to cut off their money line, so they can make profits to rip off. For that we need to know from people in the know in high finance how exactly to do this!
March 2nd, 2010 at 22:03
@Grognard: Grog Ribery is always injured, and surely we don’t want another Hargo on our hands GIFTED to us by Munich at high price. Munich know when to aell – canny German GITS
.
March 2nd, 2010 at 22:19
@[OPTI]Madschester United: they could take pledges and offer fans that donate a smaaaaaaaaaaaaall %age ownership of the team or whatever holding company they create to purchase the team.
but i think glazers dont want to sell and for sure not at the cut rate that the red knights are throwing at them. they turned down 1.5bn before the bond issue bought them time. so what do they want? as weird as it sounds they want united.
Instead of trying to force them out maby MUST should try figuring out what exactly they are trying to achieve by their ownership of united? Maybe its a $ammount maybe its to be the owners and win championships while paying off the debt? but Glazers are in the drivers seat and their goals for united should be easier to get out of them than a forced sale.
March 2nd, 2010 at 22:32
Is everyone here signed up to Must? Are you United?
Manchester United has always been there for us. Now United needs us.
A wealthy consortium of true fans, called the Red Knights, are developing plans to buy the club – but they need to know that the fans support them. We need at least 100,000 voices calling for them to take action – add yours now:
http://action.joinmust.org/StandforUnited
Sign the pledge and join tens of thousands of United fans calling for change. This is our chance – we will win if we are United.
http://action.joinmust.org/StandforUnited
Thanks
March 2nd, 2010 at 22:59
Defence is another area that needs a bit of an upgrade. Many of our losses this season have come from having key defenders missing or having Foster in goal
I do not really rate the twins. They are useful to have in the average Premiership game because they are good at getting forward. But a bit of a liability in Europe.
Evans has also been very worrying this season. I do not think he is anywhere near ready to replace either Rio or Vidic, both of whom are increasingly injury prone. If we can pick up an experienced defender on the cheap it would be worth doing. That would give time for Evans and Smalling to gradually take over while getting lots of experiences in cup games, and minor Premier League games.
March 2nd, 2010 at 23:09
@Grognard: I have joined too but I cannot justify 100 pounds (~200 dollars) when other bills are much more important right now.
March 2nd, 2010 at 23:27
@NicoQB: “Me thinks Burnley deliberately did not play him for them to get him at a rebated price.”
that only works on clubs like us, fergie tried it with tevez and it didn’t work to well. But watch it work like a charm coming from burnley.
March 3rd, 2010 at 2:16
@gator: We already know what the Glazers are trying to achieve, – it’s called Rape and Pillage.
When they’re done satisfying their needs, they’ll move on – leaving us defiled and broken!!
The actions of MUST is a beginning in turning aside the Vampires. Who knows where it will lead, but a gathering of momentum with create a strong opposition to them, and hopefully one that will make their ownership untenable!
March 3rd, 2010 at 2:18
@[OPTI]Madschester United: How about $10 a month, for a year??
March 3rd, 2010 at 4:21
Speaking of defenders for the future Smalling etc,
Apparently (according to the Daily Mirror) Sir Alex made a personal call of support to Stokes Ryan Shawcross barely hours after lifting the Carling Cup at Wembley.
Shawcross quit Old Trafford in 2008 for £1.5million, and is still highly regarded by Ferguson who made sure to include a buy-back clause when he let shawcross leave for Stoke.
March 3rd, 2010 at 6:02
@Redrich: @Redrich: But if they only need to suck is dry then they would take the cash! And they have been ofered 1.5 only to turn it down.
So unless they only want to destroy united, they have a different agenda??? What do they want?
1.5 is a monster profiet for them, so there is something other than money that is driving them?
March 3rd, 2010 at 6:38
@Gator: They are using us as a revenue stream, bleeding off all our profits to pay back their debts and to skim very sizable “management fees” off the bottom line.
What they are doing now, is what they want to do. If they sold us their net profit,(after settling debts, paying taxes) does not match the ongoing source of income, and the potential long-term resale value.
Their motivation to sell will be when we make red ink on the balance sheet – their revenue stream dammed, and that’s why the strategy of boycotting was born.
The future for them, operating with a negative balance sheet, is very limited. It will effect the overall performance and, thus, the overall value of the team.
They have chewed off much more than they can swallow right now, and are really looking for the sweetest way of not choking on their (our) debt!!
We have to motivate them to sell sooner rather than later – before they drag us down into the same abyss as Pompey, e.g.
March 3rd, 2010 at 13:11
@colver: i think evans was overused this season and with that comes the mental stress of playing at the top level day in and day out..he shouldered the defense on his own for decent amount of time..he looked good whenever he came back from a break and i think fergie has gotten the message of late
March 3rd, 2010 at 13:45
@redpenguin: MUST membership has gone up 30,000 in the last couple of days. We are only 15,000 away from the 100,000 target. Get involved in your club!
http://action.joinmust.org/
March 3rd, 2010 at 13:49
@gator:
The bond issue was not about buying time, it was about making it easier to use club resources to pay down their PIK debt. The senior debt wasn’t a problem for the club. It was a lot (not mention needless) but in and of itself manageable. The original deal was set up in such a way that the Glazer family couldn’t pay down their personal loans with funds from the club before getting rid of the senior debt. Now they’ve “repayed” that senior debt by issueing bonds (which will cost the club even more in the end) and they’re pretty much free to take/sell whatever they want from the club. They couldn’t care less about United, their only concern is their bottom line. There’s still a lot of money left to be squeezed out of the club between now and 2017, which is why I don’t see them selling.
That being said, what makes every one so sure the Red Knights — apart from their snazzy name — aren’t just trying to get the club at a knock-down price on the back of valid supporter discontent just so they can be the ones bleeding the club dry instead of the Glazers?
March 3rd, 2010 at 14:14
News round-up…
Nani has been talking about how well Miguel Veloso would do at United, and how they are great friends. I’d imagine this has been allowed/encouraged by SAF. Expect us to make a bid in the summer.
Villa/Silva rumours persist. Like I said earlier in the thread, I expect the Glazers to make money available for a marquee signing in the summer to try and placate the green and gold movement.
Benfica want £15mil for David uiz, who we are apparently fighting it out with Chelsea for. I’d expect this is on the provision that Vidic is off, and his agent does nothing but say this isn’t going to happen. Are their elections in Spanish football this summer?
It looks like the wealthy Chinese United fans who made a £1bn bid for United last year are looking to join the Red Knights.
March 3rd, 2010 at 14:58
@YDR: Go on the MUST website (formerly Shareholders United, who clung on to their shares till the bitter end in an attempt to stop glazer taking over in the first place) and read up on them.
The ‘Red Knights’ are lifelong United fans, and unfortunately it takes lifelong United fans with real deep pockets to be able to wrestle control away from the Glazers.
They are United fans who, like us, are appalled at how the Glazer virus is bleeding an otherwise profitable club to the point where we can’t compete with teams who generate far less revenue for players!
It’s in their plan for a cap on ownership of any individual to 5%, to keep it out of the stick market to stop someone like the Glazer virus taking control ever again, and for the club to be governed on some level by the fans. Read up on the Barcelona model…..
March 3rd, 2010 at 17:42
@NicoQB: When he has played he has been fine but as you say, injuries have derailed a lot of his season. He’s back now and looks good. Scored a great winner last weekend vs Hamburg and looks set to make a statement of his intent for the future.
March 3rd, 2010 at 17:46
@Beachryan: Christ mate, your expectations for of them when they are still teens is ridiculous. Injuries aren’t the main reason they do not play 90 minutes, maturity is. Fergie knows what he is doing and he is slowly but surely developing both players to be regulars in the future. Rafael is coming along better than expected at his age but he has still got a lot to learn and Fergie isn’t going to burn him out before he reaches 20.
March 3rd, 2010 at 17:48
@CraigMc: The only way to stop the Glazer’s is to have them whacked. The Red Knights do not have the leverage or the leadership to pull this off I’m afraid and the Glazer’s want to hold on for another seven years because they know a cash cow when they see it. Seriously though, unless somebody with really deep pockets and the ability to buy this club outright shows up with a real plan, we are stuck in Hell.
March 3rd, 2010 at 17:52
@CraigMc: If Ribery were available at around 30 million I’d jump at getting him. He is not as injury prone as you think. This year has been bad for him but two years ago he hardly missed any games and before that, he had a strong health record in France. The player is class form a skill point of view and he is just what we need. But we cannot afford him as he will go for over 50 million for sure. So we might as well not even discuss him because it’s nothing more than a pipe dream. Too bad though, Gary Neville would have loved to be reunited with his long lost brother.
March 3rd, 2010 at 17:53
Defenders take a lot longer to mature. 25+ is usually the age at which the good defenders make it at big clubs. There is no rush for Rafael and Fabio, or Evans for that matter. The main problem for us is that we do not have a natural right back and Rafael is not ready. Evra is quality at left back but we do not really have anyone able to step in for him. It would be nice to have O’Shea back because he can be trusted in the big games.
Apparentely Rooney is struggling for fitness for England. A knee injury that has restricted his training. I hope to God it isn’t anything serious because the one thing that could completely derail our season is an injury to Rooney. Hopefully Capello will put him on ice.
March 3rd, 2010 at 18:00
@Traverse:
I’m aware of MUST and fully agree with the vision they have for the club. I would love a fan-based ownership structure similar to Barca’s at United but in order for that to happen a considerable amount of money needs to be raised first. The Glazers don’t give a damn about the protesters (I wouldn’t put it beyond them to come up with a G&G second strip for next season) so the only way they’ll sell is if the offer gives them a bigger profit than bleeding the club for the next seven years would. That’s a lot of money to be raised.
I’m just sceptical about the notion of a sizeable number of investment bankers and the likes being willing to put millions of their own money into the club without some sort of tangible return on their investment, even if they are United fans. Getting the fans on board for boycots etc. is a way of affecting the Glazers’ bottom line and therefore their selling price. I sincerely hope that everything they’re saying is true; that they really are lifelong United fans with only the best interest of the club at heart, but it just sounds too good to be true to me. Call me cynical, but I’ll believe it when I see it…
March 3rd, 2010 at 18:09
@gator: Mate, nobody ever reads what I am saying. I have explained many times in the past what the Glazer’s are all about and why they want to hold on to the team. Forget the debt, the debt is not a problem for the Glazer’s. The majority of the debt is not on them but on the team to pay back. Meanwhile the team makes about 600 million a year and the majority of the profits are going into the personal coffers of the Glazer family. They are being completely irresponsible and catastrophic owners of a business. Imagine you own a business and every day your business makes money but then has to pay it’s debts off. Well the Glazer’s have structured those debts to be a slow payment back which allows them more freedom to do whatever they want with the profits the club makes now.
The day will come when the debt will have to be paid back. That is the day the Glazer’s will default and skip town. And there will be nothing anyone can do about it. They will leave United saddled with the debt, and no ownership (See Portsmouth for a close analogy). But they have five to seven years before they have to force themselves to skip town. Until then they and extort and basically steal millions form the club and there isn’t any law or stipulation in place that can stop them. If you were placed as a caretaker of a business you didn’t give a damn about in a town you disliked and your business had a deadline to pay back a debt you yourself didn’t want to pay back, you would wait until D-Day, take as much money as possible out of the company and then let it fall into default and let the banks take it over. By that time the Glazer’s will not mind having paid off the amount of the debt they personally owe because the money they will have extorted from United will make the debt they paid back seem like pocket change.
The Glazer’s aren’t idiots and above all, they aren’t Englishmen or Mancunians. They could care less about Manchester United, Manchester or the the club’s legions of fans. They are in this to make money and they will be damned if they will allow a group like MUST or the Red Devils to ruin their plans. Only a truly substantial offer will work which will make them think that taking the money now is smarter than worrying about all the problems they will face over the next seven years. But that kind of offer will have to be in the 2 billion range or more. And unless some rich Arab decided he has money to blow, I do not see that happening. Not while the Glazer’s have money to blow. It’s a very bad situation that right now seems hopeless for the team and millions of fans who live and breath for this club.
March 3rd, 2010 at 18:11
@redpenguin: I was about to post that link as well. Thanks for doing so. MUST and United need our support. Even if things look hopeless, if MUST can build an army of like minded individuals who are committed to getting rid of the Glazer’s, there is always some light showing at the end of the tunnel. Join up and get your United friends to sign up. UNITED….FOR LIFE!
March 3rd, 2010 at 18:16
@[OPTI]Madschester United: You pledge what you can mate. 100 Pounds is what I am willing to pledge, if you can pledge 20 pounds, that’s fine. If you cannot afford to pledge anything, that is fine too. Times are tough for all of us and some of us are debt ridden in a manner that resembles United so I totally understand. We all do what we are capable of. For every ten that can pledge 100 pounds, there will be a couple who can pledge more and many more who can pledge less. Every penny counts in the end.
And for those who cannot pledge money, well pledging their support just as fans by showing concern is good enough. Let the Glazer’s know that we are all “MAD AS HELL AND THAT WE AREN’T GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE”. Thank God for Howard Beal and the movie “Network” for that cry of anarchy.
March 3rd, 2010 at 18:18
@Redrich: Totally agree. Rape and pillage is a great term for what is happening and what bothers me greatly is that Gill and Fergie are either to dense, stupid or misguided to get it and see in to the Glazer’s true motives.
March 3rd, 2010 at 18:20
@Gator: What they want is to take monthly and yearly dividends from the club which by 2017 will have far exceeded the profit they would make from a 1.5 billion sale right now. They extort far too much money per year for them to consider selling at a discount price.
March 3rd, 2010 at 18:22
@Redrich: You beat me to the punch with that very strong and accurate assessment of what they are doing. Well said mate.
March 3rd, 2010 at 18:25
Summer Signings of the Crystal Ball:
1. Miguel Veloso (DMF – 10 million)
2. David Silva (MF – 20 million)
3. David Luiz (CB – 15 million)
4. Rene Adler (GK – 10 million)
5. Edin Dzeko (ST – 20 million)
TOTAL = +85 Million.
Out:
1. Owen (back to Newcastle – free)
2. Hargo (retires)
3. Neville (retires)
4. Foster (5 million)
5. Vidic (30 million)
TOTAL OUT = -35 million
CUM. TOTAL: +50 million
March 3rd, 2010 at 18:28
@YDR: I am not a big fan of many of the “Red Knight” as many of them are nothing more than sleazy bankers, investors and hedge fund scum bags. And their leader Keith Harris who calls himself a lifetime United supporter has been involved in some very shady deals with other teams like Shitty in the past. What we need is a single investor with very deep pocket showing up because although i am not against a group ownership bid, I fear the Red Knights are not strong enough or serious enough to force the Glazer’s to sell. And even if they were, then what?
March 3rd, 2010 at 18:44
@[OPTI]Madschester United: First of all, Veloso is useless and Dzeko is overrated. What have either of them done this season? Sweet fuck all really. Silva would be a nice signing and I know they would like Villa two but the top Spanish clubs will out bid us for them, if it isn’t Chelsea and possibly Man Shitty. Adler is a remote possibility because he does not seem to be on Fergie’s radar, despite being a massive United supporter. That leaves Luiz who I personally know nothing about. Who do I think we have a shot at signing? Either Milos Krasic or Angel Di Maria, but not both. I also think Fergie will try to go after Neuer but will lose him to Bayern Munich who want him badly too and who have an advantage due to the fact that Neuer’s long time girlfriend lives in Munich. Never underestimate the power of pussy.
I would also expect the signing of a striker like Benzema at a cut price or part of a possible trade deal which would include Vidic. Also look for United to sign one or two young prospects from South America, Italy or some region of the world that produces excellent footballers.
Who do I see leaving? Anderson was a shoe in for me before he hurt himself. Now his value is zero and he will have to stay if only to build up his resale value. Nani is a possibility unless he can prove to Fergie he can play well on the left side. I think Fergie is very smitten over Valencia on the right so Nani right now seems like an expensive extravagance. I hope he stays but I doubt it. I also see Owen leaving as well as possibly Berbatov if Fergie can get a good price for him. Hargo is history and so is Vidic it seems. Rio’s day may also be numbered because of his recurring back problem. He looks to become our very own Ledley King, which is very sad. I think Foster will go too but I do not expect United to sign a big keeper this summer now that EVDS has signed to stay for another year. As for Neville, he will stay along with Giggs and Scholes for as long as Fergie wants them to. Add to this about ten reserves who had slim to no chance of ever making it on to the first team.
March 3rd, 2010 at 19:11
@YDR: This link my friend, is for you.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/david-conn-inside-sport-blog/2010/mar/03/manchester-united-fans-takeover-glazer
This by far the best article I’ve read on the whole thing.
@Grognard: Network is quality, although switching on FOX News makes it feel like a documentary!
As I was typing this, David Gill has gone on the offensive abotu the Red Knights, and the best he could come up with is questioning how 40 people could run a club.
The plan isn’t for 40 people to run the club, it’s for 40 people to own the club. People who know how to run a club will be paid to do so, as Gill is now. Maybe he’s just trying to secure a future for himself?
People who wish to be the director would pay £20mil into our coffers to stand in an election, and the supporters would vote on who they want, as in Barcelona and Madrid. If 5 people wish to stand for election, then that’s £100mil available to spend on players, expanding the stadium and reduce ticket prices so regular supporters can afford to go to games without putting a massive strain on their finances.
March 3rd, 2010 at 20:49
@Grognard: so you think they will remove more than 800m in the next 7yrs? i doubt that
March 3rd, 2010 at 21:07
@Traverse: the commentary after that article was good this guy had some good points;
“Says David Conn: “The bidders may not feel as compelled to pay off the £500m bond. Although it is still debt imposed by the Glazers to fund their own takeover, that hideous practice which has United supporters in outrage, O’Neill and his men may feel they can live with some debt left in the club.” Translation: it’s a hideous debt if it’s owed by loathsome Americans, but’s something else if it’s owed by ruddy-faced Englishman who are “lifelong fans” of a particular club.”
“t’s time to stop pretending that the Glazers aren’t treating MU as a business. They are. Perhaps they’re being overly aggressive about it, but they’re still running what in most industries would be considered a responsible manner. Instead of whinging about the Glazers, shouldn’t we be pounding on some PL and FA doors to get them to actually change the way they do business and regulate the clubs?”
I just dont believe that a bunch of banker fucks will be altruistic with uniteds finances. Its not in their nature to fork over millions and want nothing in return. and this guy is spot on with his questions
“either the clubs are businesses and we should lament only the results on the field, or they are something else (my personal belief) and should be treated as such: stronger regulation of who ‘owns’ them, who manages them (why is Ken Bates still in football?), and how they are operated.”
March 3rd, 2010 at 21:14
@Johnsom33: You’re as obsessed with tevez as I am with Berbatov!!!
March 3rd, 2010 at 21:17
@Grognard: Correct me, but I rate Ribery as good as Nani when he (Nani) suddenly find his golden touch. Except that where Nani does it one game out of every fifteen, Ribery does it just about week in week out.
March 3rd, 2010 at 21:23
@gator: It’s in the bond issue documents that they can take out £100mil a year.
And all this money isn’t going to pay off the debt they’ve loaded onto us, it’s going out into their pockets, so with even only paying off the interest on the Glazer debt, that’s £170mil of FANS MONEY not being used to better our cause. Minimum. Per year.
It’s a disgrace, and yes this shit will take a while to sort out even after they go.
Your point that we are being run like a business is false however. We are being run like a personal money tree. I have no problem with United being run like a business, it was for years before the Glazer virus took over.
We NEVER spent more than we made. We didn’t get into £790 million of debt by building a big fuck off stadium or spending it on players. We did that over years as we had the money to do so. We generated every penny the club spent from sponsorship and fans money.
The Glazers come along borrow £700mil to buy the club, then move that debt to our accounts, and line their own pockets with any money coming in. They aren’t even bothering to pay the debt off. That would mean less money for them.
I GUARANTEE their plan is to pay off the £500mil bond issue (which they issued to pay off the people they originally borrowed £500mil from) by issuing a £600mil bond to cover it. They are leeches and anything I can do to help stop them raping my club for every cent, I will do it.
March 3rd, 2010 at 21:26
@gator: Football isn’t a business like any other. People don’t spend their lives paying to watch McDonalds. Read above. United was a WELL RUN business before.
March 3rd, 2010 at 21:42
@Traverse: actually… it is a business like any other, and the point that i was referencing in quotations made by a commenter from the article you posted was suggesting that they should not.
and
“Instead of whinging about the Glazers, shouldn’t we be pounding on some PL and FA doors to get them to actually change the way they do business and regulate the clubs?”
ill quote again
“either the clubs are businesses and we should lament only the results on the field, or they are something else (my personal belief) and should be treated as such: stronger regulation of who ‘owns’ them, who manages them (why is Ken Bates still in football?), and how they are operated.”
read above
March 3rd, 2010 at 21:56
I agree that the club was better off without the glazers, it is impossible to deny that. However our alternatives are not any better.
Say fans do boycott and hit “them in their pockets” dont you think they will just sell assets and continue to fleece the club. Another caveat of the bond issue is their ability to sell carrington and OT not to mention roony, to raise cash if necessary. So they have insulated themselves from this type of tactic.
so to get rid of them we have to all but bankrupt the club and watch united get relegated or go into administration???
I dont see a victory in that happening
the time to do something was in 2005 and we missed the boat. the money has been spent by the sellouts and we are now stuck with owners that are keeping the money that their company makes. There is no law against keeping money your company makes so we are stuck with them until the FA changes the way clubs are allowed to be run.
March 3rd, 2010 at 22:54
@Traverse:
Thanks, this part sums up my feelings on the Red Knights:
“Crucial to the credibility of any bid is that the Red Knights put their own money forward, are not looking for a fat return, and mean what they say: that they are fans who merely want to see their club liberated from a dismal financial draining.”
Which is a lot to ask. We don’t know nearly enough about them to take what they’re saying at face value. Like I said before, for all we know they could be looking to make a quick buck themselves and are using the fans — who have every right to be unhappy with the clubs financial state — for their own personal agendas. We were undoubtedly better of before the Glazer takeover, but blindly following whoever comes along with some nice promises could make things even worse.
March 4th, 2010 at 0:11
@Grognard: this
Never underestimate the power of pussy.
Got that right…
March 4th, 2010 at 0:20
@gator: Well you do nothing, and well sort it out, and you can thank us after. We wont hold a grudge, we’ll be busy having a party.
March 4th, 2010 at 0:30
@gator: I don’t get what you mean. Ken Bates isn’t trying to buy United
.
Yes the FA and The Premier League SHOULD do something, but the people who run these organiations are almost as corrupt as the Glazers. Fit and proper persons test? The same test Taksin Shinawatra passed? The same test that the Glazers passed? Hick and Gillete? Any of Portsmouth’s 4 owners this season?
Luckily UEFA has beaten them to it and are bringing in new rules saying clubs can’t spend more than they earn. Next we need to stop people taking over clubs with borrowed money and then paying for their takeover with the clubs earnings. It is theft by a different name, and it’s what the Glazers are guilty of. Also taking over a club, pumping money into it and then claiming it is a loan, ala Portsmouth’s takeovers should not be an option.
Oh and one small point, anyone who says we are ‘whinging’ about the Glazers must be a supporter of a Russian or Arab Billionaire’s plaything, and doesn’t understand what it is to see your club bled out by scumbags.
March 4th, 2010 at 0:43
@Traverse: David Gill has proven time and time again that he is total git. Expecting logic or intelligence from one of his comments is about as certain as Fergie going on a spending spree.
March 4th, 2010 at 0:45
@gator: They are not trying to remove 800 million. All they are concerned are clean dividends. I can see them taking 50 to 60 million home with them every year. If they were to sell, the clear profit they would make would not be the 300 to 400 million they stand to make if they hold on to the team for seven more years.
Also, if they do plan on selling the team, it won’t be until 2017 when they can take the dividends they will get over the next seven years and then also make a profit from a prospective sale in 2017.
March 4th, 2010 at 0:49
@NicoQB: Craig’s going to hate me for this but Nani isn’t qualified to wipe Ribery’s behind. The gulf in class is enormous. Franck is easily in the top ten players in the world and a sure fire world class player. Perhaps Nani can one day reach those heights but right now, he is nowhere near him. But like I said earlier, stop thinking about Ribery, he’s not coming to United. No way in Hell.
March 4th, 2010 at 0:51
@YDR: Fat chance of that happening since the members are made up of bankers and Goldman-Sachs operatives as well as Hedge fund con men. They are all in it for the profit and ego boost. I am being honest when I say that I have never ever met a banker I liked or a banker with a passion for anything but making money……………..Lots of money.
March 4th, 2010 at 0:53
@EduardoDaVinci4: Sounds like your nose has been in the wrong place mate.
March 4th, 2010 at 0:57
Ribery isn’t worth half what Bayern will sell him to Real for! I’m going to laugh so hard if we bat Milan and Real fail to go through against Lyon!
March 4th, 2010 at 1:15
@Grognard: sorry grog but i don’t think theres a huge gulf of quality there…Nani has looked outstanding for Portugal and the same can be said of Ribery and thats it..the Bundesliga is fourth or fifth place in terms league quality and bayern has been bombing in the UEFA CL for along time, hell ligue one has had better teams.he hasnt done anything to prove he is worth his price tag…
..moving park and co. destroyed ghana..i saw the game by pure chance and it was a good game…spain looks like they are gonna run away with this years WC
..and the americans were put in their place once again..
March 4th, 2010 at 1:42
@gator: The one thing you fail to grasp is that the Glazer’s agenda is far different than United’s long term well being.
Their current business model is only good for them, the Glazers, and not sustainable for United in the years to come.
While they bleed off the clubs profits, United will slowly but surely sink into an era of mediocrity, both on the field and on the balance sheet.
The Glazers aims are plain to see, and they do not walk on a parallel course with United’. They must be removed before irreversible damage is done to our future, and it must be done soon.
If some losses occur along the way, so be it. This is war, and we should expect some losses!!
March 4th, 2010 at 1:49
@Grognard: With MUST representing the massive popular backing that the RK’s need, MUST should insist on a seat on the board. This should be a minimum and, really, it should be a seat with veto power.
This would insure some form of checks and balances for the years ahead!!
March 4th, 2010 at 7:18
@Redrich: VETO power for people with little business sense is not in United’s Interest. However, they should be in full control of MUTV — now that is power.
March 4th, 2010 at 7:31
@Traverse: Beautiful vision. I like the idea of buying up the PIKs if the Red Knight’s bid fails. Another thing fans can do is the following:
If the Glazers (bastards x 3) are having money trouble and dare to sell Carrington and/or OT, then fans must make it clear to any sponsors that sponsoring OT or Carrington will be boycotted by United fans — all 100,000 of them.
March 4th, 2010 at 7:32
@RMJ: I don’t put a lot of stock in any games leading up to tournaments. I’ve seen too many examples of the teams with momentum and good results end up with nothing at the WC and the opposite with the off form teams finding themselves just in time for the tourney.
I also disagree with your assessment of both the gulf in quality between Ribery and Nani and the unfair and completely false assessment you give the Bundesliga based completely on marketing and by the skewed and highly baseless ratings of the Chamapions League. The Bundesliga is far superior in quylaity to what you may think. Right now I think they are far superior to Serie A and only behind the Prem and Spain’s La Liga in quality. As a league the quality from team number one down to the last place team may actually be the best in Europe. You would debate this because you judge the quality of the league based on the top four teams performances in Europe. This is a fase and misleading way to judge a league. First of all, the Bundesliga is the healthiest and financially most profitable and properly run league in the world. No team debts, money distributed more evenly and full stadiums and great fan support from first to eighteenth. The quality of play of the first place teams is great but what makes the league strong is the quality of play of the teams at the bottom. All capable of beating anybody on a given day.
No there are no Madrid’s, Barcelona’s or United’s around outside of Bayern Munich, but that makes the league healthy and not diseased like the other leagues who carry these money or debt ridden giants who pollute the league with there attitudes and financial corruption. It was not that long ago when the Bundesliga was considered the number one league in the world. The reason they aren’t right now is because as a whole, they thought of the fans and keeping them happy rather than allowing what the Prem and Spain allowed which has created massive debt by teams and a top heavy environment where a few teams over spend to flex their muscles and oversized ego’s and so they can do well in the overrated and highly corrupt UEFA tourney’s. Money and debt is the scourge of the game and German teams are not stupid enough to fall into that honey trap just to attain European success. At what price is selling your soul worth risking the team, the league and the game’s integrity?
Finally, regarding Ribery and Nani, There is a major gulf in talent. You memory seems very short term. Ribery has been a major force in the game since the 2005 and he really made a name for himself in the 2006 World Cup where he was arguably the best player in the tournament, Nani has done very little for club and slightly more for country. His talent is there and that’s obvious but he has yet to really deliver. Ribery was arguably in the top three or four players in 2007 where he was awesome for Bayern and has been consistently strong in his play for both Bayern and France ever since. His injuries have derailed him a bit and you place far too much emphasis on how teams with players do without actually judging the player on his own merit. France would suck with or without Ribery because their manage is an idiot and muppet who has no clue how to get a team full of ego’s and attitude to work together. Portugal is a bottom heavy team with strong player on the the corners but no spine and no strikers. To compare Nani who has accomplished nothing with Ribery who has, is ridiculous. It’s like comparing George Best with Yossi Benayoun. I have seen Ribery play in well over 150 games, mostly for Bayern and at least twenty games for France. I have watched every game Nani has ever played for United and many games for Portugal. Mate, there is no comparison here. To compare at this juncture is just folly, believe me. Ribery is a master artist and Nani is a masturbator.
March 4th, 2010 at 7:34
@Traverse: When healthy Ribery is worth around 40 million in my estimation. But that’s not a blemish on him because Ronaldo at 80 million is inflated and the asking price for others is just ridiculous.
March 4th, 2010 at 7:43
@RMJ: Also regarding the teams play leading up to the World Cup. Like every other World Cup mate, at the end look for Brazil, Germany and Italy to be there at the end and it’s up to Spain, Holland, Argentina, France, England and a few others to step up for the big event. Those top three teams always find a way to elevate their game and make it to the the last four it seems. Spain may look like a favorite but historically they have underachieved and they still have to overcome that choke factor. They took steps to do that at the EUROS, but then failed again at the Confederation Cup. A lot of talent but no grit and soft in the middle defensively may be their downfall. If I had to pick a winner I still think the two teams best suited for this tournament and it’s demands are Brazil and Germany because they have class, quality and most of all gritty players who can play tough when it’s called for. France and Argentina are in a shambles because of poor leadership and England has weaknesses on defense, in goal and are lacking Hargreaves who would be so important for them. Holland haven’t got the depth or the stomach for the big show and Portugal have no spine or quality in many areas and are too dependent on one player. Italy also do not look good and that’s why you should fear them. Historically they always look bad going into big tourney’s and yet, like Germany, always seem to be in the mix because of discipline, experience, grit and goalkeeping.
March 4th, 2010 at 7:45
@Redrich: Totally agree. I question however, if MUST have the people on board with the kind of intellect to demand such things and that kind of control and veto power. My dealings and correspondence with them tells me they are still a little naive about the situation and who they are dealing with when it comes to the Red Knights, yet alone the Glazer’s.
March 4th, 2010 at 15:07
England fans you would have noticed something in last night’s game vs Egypt. 1st half England was dominated and overrun in midfield and nullified in attack. Then in the 2nd half Capello introduced Crouch. Not only results changed but also performance and approach. They now had a target upfront who wa linking up play pretty well and retaining possession. They stopped playing thru the midfield and started directing their game thru him. Why is this relevant? Well it solves the age old mystery of how to use our very own Berbatov effectively. I have often struggled to explain in words how he ought to be played to maximise his effectiveness in the squad but Crouch’s performance is the exact model of how to play him. Even at Spurs that’s how he plays and they brought him in to replace Berbatov. They have a lot in common. Both have been accused at one stage or the other of questionable work rate,though in Crouch’s case it had more to do with lankiness. Both are sound technically and have the ability to hold the ball up well and link up with the rest of the squad esp wingers (note Crouch’s link up with SWP and Berba with Tony). Both have a ball retention quality not found in many strikers and are good passers of the ball. They also exhibit good(Crouch) and excellent( Berba) vision to pick out teammates. It’s not likely SAF would pick on this though because he actually didn’t see that Spurs were playing Berbatov in the same way and even Bulgaria and Leverkussen. He might not even consider that Crouch was brought in to replace Berbatov at Spurs. Hopefully I’m wrong and I can promise that if we play him likewise we will become a whole lot of a different team
March 4th, 2010 at 15:20
@[OPTI]Madschester United: There’s absolutely no chance of that happening. That’s an overhaul. We don’t need an overhaul in this team. Veloso? Why? I can understand Adler but really,Dzeko,Silva? Why should Owen be sold? He is the most clinical striker we have had since the Assassin and the Horse.
March 4th, 2010 at 16:54
@Redrich: I think the plan is to cap ownership of individual members (i.e Red Knights) at 5%, with the fans group owning 15%. This way it is impossible for someone to take us over.
March 4th, 2010 at 16:55
@Jay wire: Owen is going to be sold to free up salary money that will then be given to Rooney in a new contract. Owen WAS the most clinical striker. You are living in the past. His best is far removed. Still a good player but not what he was and always a threat for injury.
Veloso I agree is a waste of time. Silva is not. Silva is a great player who can play in the middle or out on the left. I would prefer Di maria only because he truly wants to play for us and I have to believe that counts for something. Adler is fantastic but I do not see United buying EVDS’s replacement until EVDS actually retires. He didn’t sign a new one year deal to sit on the bench and watch either Neuer, Adler, Akinfeev or somebody else steal his job.
Like I said earlier, I firmly believe if Fergie gets the price he wants, he will buy two players this summer. They will be Benzema in swap deal for possibly Vidic and cash and either one of Di Maria or Krasic. And that will be all unless he spends money on children again, which he seems to like these days.
March 4th, 2010 at 17:04
It appears that at least one of the Red Knights has managed to get under the collars of the Glazer’s. Apparently they seem to honor loyalty.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/beb013a2-2705-11df-8c08-00144feabdc0.html?
March 4th, 2010 at 17:09
And I am thoroughly disgusted by the actions of Man Utd bigwigs for doing this to a loyal fan at MUTV. Honestly, it makes you want to turn your back on the club out of sheer disgust and frustration. To be disrespected like this makes me so angry. I would have loved to have been that individual because teeth would have been lost but I would be in jail hoping that somebody over at Red Rants would bail me out with a contribution.
Read it and weep. 
Pretty soon booing a poor performance will be outlawed.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1255291/Manchester-United-fan-thrown-MUTV-wearing-green-gold-scarf.html?ITO=1490
March 4th, 2010 at 17:25
@Jay wire: I think the big difference in the England game was the introduction of Carrick, and then Milner.
In the first half we were playing 3 CM and RW in a 4 man midfield. And it looked disjointed.
With Carrick we have one of the best passers in Europe over the last 3 years. I think it’s no coincidence that we’ve won the league every year since we signed him, and got to at least the Semi’s of the Champions League. He gets a lot of stick because Spurs (as usual) made us pay top dollar, and he got Roy Keane’s shirt….
Carrick and Gerrard should start in the middle, and Milner on the left. If not Milner then Joe Cole. Lampard should be benched, and if Fabio Capello is as strong minded as he is supposed to be, he will be.
The right wing is a conundrum. Walcott, Lennon, Bentley, Beckham, SWP. SWP and Walcott can run but can’t cross. Beckham can’t run but can cross. Lennon and Bentley can run and cross but are either injured or inconsistent. I’d probably go for Lennon, unless Walcott bucks his ideas up and starts playing like he did in Croatia….
March 4th, 2010 at 18:02
@Grognard: I said in our squad. As much as Rooney is scoring these days u can’t deny Owen is still the most clinical. Personally I’d rather have Owen one on one with the goalie than Rooney or Berbatov. Overall are believe Rooney and Berba are better players but he is a more clinical striker
March 4th, 2010 at 18:03
@Grognard: as far as accomplishments go i agree Ribery had a decent WC toruney but what has he done after that?..i don’t share your love affair with the Bundesliga and the teams are far too inconsistent than actual quality being present in many teams but that’s just my opinion…i do however think Nani has long way to go but for me Ribery is not all that he is made out to be…i agree however that Silva is class and wish Fergie would get him but how he will fair in the premiership is another matter..
also some rich dude has tried to buy us off Glazer but the asking price now is currently 1.5 billion pounds! and that is little out of the league of our friends the red knights…its gonna be a long road ahead..
March 4th, 2010 at 18:12
@Traverse: No I disagree completely and I don’t think I’m the only one. Carrick had no visible influence on the game in all honesty. He wasn’t bad but he did not really have the impact Crouch and SWP had. Milner had a brief period to impress and he had an impact. But the real difference was Crouch. There wa a gap between midfield and attack which made England play in a disjointed fashion. Crouch came in and filled that gap by being a target 4 the midfield to aim at. He held the ball up and allowed the midfielders to get into the game attack wise. No wonder he got MoM award.
March 4th, 2010 at 18:19
@RMJ: I get the feeling u don’t actually watch the Bundesliga so your opinion on it is probably prejudicial. I never used to comment on players in the Bundesliga because it wasn’t being shown in my country but now it’s showing and I have been impressed. Ribery is a top quality player believe me. Not worth 30m though but anything around 20-25m is right value imo. I do agree he isn’t a necessary addition to our squad. But he is still top quality.
March 4th, 2010 at 18:26
@Jay wire: If he is only worth 20-25 million how is he a top player? Is he getting too old?
Nani is 3-4 years younger and hence I prefer him if he can improve consistency, because Nani’s qualities are as good, if not better, as Ribery when he is performing at his best
March 4th, 2010 at 18:36
@Jay wire: I think you are in a category on your own to be honest. Papers are raving about him, and all the talk on radio is should Carrick start ahead of Lampard from now on, so Gerrard can play his natural game, and we can play a left sided midfielder, and I agree
I also think SWP in for Walcott was why Crouch looked so good. If Defoe was an at the same time as SWP he’d have scored goals. Walcott was running down blind alleys and providing no service. Don’t get me wrong, Crouch did well and I’ve got nothing against him.
March 4th, 2010 at 18:40
@Jay wire: Sorry mate, I just disagree. I like Owen a lot but he has missed a lot of easy chances this year in very limited time on the pitch. Yes he has scored some great goals but to say he is more clinical than Rooney is false. Rooney misses chances too, but he makes a lot of them also. 27 or 28 goals already in all competition and he’s not clinical? All great as trikers miss chances. The difference between a great striker and a good one is not just the finishing percentage, it’s the number of chances they create or are a part of in a game. Rooney is always finding space and getting chances. Owen can often go an entire game without getting on the end of one chance. That’s partly the lack of quality distribution but then again, Rooney has to play with the same squad and he seems to get on the end of more and make it count. Owen used to do this 5 or 6 years ago, but no longer. I’d be hard pressed to find a striker anywhere in the world right now that is more prolific than Rooney.
March 4th, 2010 at 18:52
@RMJ: Mate, you just don’t know the Bundesliga so your views on it are just not expert enough. That’s not an insult directed at you, just the truth. I have followed that league religiously since the mid seventies. I have seen it’s evolution, it’s ups and downs, and you are not getting the point about the league for all the reasons I gave before. You succumb to the hype machine of the Champions League and the crap being served in England and for the most part in Spain and Italy. The Bundesliga has the best brand of football on the planet. Games are fast and entertaining and the minnows show up against big teams with an attitude to win, not park the bus and defend for a 0-0 draw. I could care less about the Champions League as it is a trophy that is won by money and nothing more.
And Ribery is far from old. Again you know nothing about this player because you made a statement that was ridiculous when you claimed he had done little since the last World Cup. He should have been a finalist for the Balon D’Or after the 2007-08 season where he took Bayern to the title and was simply an awesome player for the club. Last year he was an awesome player but injuries hurt his appearances and that is the case this year. When he plays he is often immense in his ability and in his contribution. Honestly, I think you make your judgment about him based on a few France games you watched. He has not played as well for France because that team is not gelling together and is stuck in reverse due to an incompetent manager and too many stars who are selfish and unwilling to blend together.
Watch him for five games in a row for Bayern and I think you will change your mind. And he is far from being to old. He still has five or six years left at the top level before we start seeing a decline. The difference between him and Nani is great but the real noticeable difference is that of confidence and audacity to try things. Nani is often cautious and scared while Ribery will try many of his tricks and moves at any juncture during a match. It appears that Real Madrid, Barca, Man City and Chelsea agree with my assessment. He’s a very gifted player.
March 4th, 2010 at 18:59
@Jay wire: He is worth 40 million mate, based on the asking price for many player’s in today’s economic climate. In a sane world Ronaldo would be worth 40 to 50 million as well as Messi and I would place players like Torres, Rooney, Ribery, Kaka, Xavi and a few others in the 35 to 40 million range. But since the market is so badly skewed and Ronaldo is worth 80 to 90 million, then I do believe that Ribery is worth over 40 million because his skills are immense. The problem here is not that a handful of players are worth over 50 million, but that dozens and dozens of overrated players are being tagged with a price over 20 million when they are clearly worth less than that. Jack Rodwell is not worth 20 million and neither is Di Maria. Not because they are bad players,but because they have achieved nothing yet and only show promise. As long as prospects are overvalued by three or four times their true worth, then expect players like Ribery to be priced at over 50 million. Because to bring him down to 25 million when Rodwell and Defoe are also around that price is a travesty of justice.
March 4th, 2010 at 19:02
@[OPTI]Madschester United: IF IF IF. Too many if’s equal not worth the risk. If a player does this, if a player does that. I’d rather pay for “did”. The player did this and the player did that. Ribery has done many things where Nani has not. Sorry but Ribery would be my choice. Problem is, his greatness has priced him out of contention for United. So we will have to settle for the Nani’s of the world who offer nothing but potential and promises, and rarely offer tangible goods.
March 4th, 2010 at 19:07
@Traverse: I would never start Carrick over Lampard in a million years. The gulf in class is so wide it’s not even worth discussing. United bias aside, why would Carrick be a better fir over Lampard? The modern game has fallen prey to the idiotic belief that every team needs to have a defensive midfielder to perform those boring and so overrated Makalele duties. How the Hell did the game survive a hundred years without the DMF? A good manager will get Lampard and Gerrard to accept a role where they must track back and play within the team scheme. Sacrifice a part of their game for the overall good. And if they can’t, it’s a failure of the manager, not the players. Christ how I hate the DMF in today’s game. Get rid of that role in football and each game would average at least one more goal. It’s the position that has everything to do with creating the tag “ANTI-FOOTBALL”. Good teams do not need it.
March 4th, 2010 at 19:09
@Jay wire: i used to watch werder bremen(and now and then on GOLtv)..i liked diego when he played there..unappreciated and not your normal Brazilian midfielder…i do agree the game is as watchable as the premier league in terms of pace…but the teams are atrociously inconsistent and while Ribery does stand out in the league but they consistently falter in Europe..i wish Fergie takes a look at Eden Hazard..the lad is simply out of this world
March 4th, 2010 at 19:17
@Grognard: lol its fine
and these days i dont have the time to keep up with so many games and i’ll take your word for it..i agree with your assessment on the pricing..these days an above average talents cost hits double figures in the millions which is ridiculous…and no team will sell their assets to us without us parting a chunk of Ronaldo’s transfer fee
March 4th, 2010 at 19:19
@RMJ: i watch Adler and Neuer when they are on GolTV but other than that I do not care much for the BL. Though I have a soft spot for Dortmund as they bought one of my childhood heroes (Flemming Poulsen) in the early 90s.
March 4th, 2010 at 19:27
@Jay wire: Dzeko reminds me of one player.
Niall Quinn.
March 4th, 2010 at 21:11
@Traverse: oh yea signing up to maby give an undisclosed cash amount at some unmentioned point in the future is doing sooo much.
I’ll give you all the credit that that brings you dont worry. 
I’ll sign up when you can buy shares of the club, but untill the red knights stop lowballing and asking fans to hurt the team to make it better im just shaking my head and asking questions.
March 4th, 2010 at 21:16
@Grognard: i can’t believe your classing carrick in the ‘defensive midfielder’ bracket, surely he is worth more credit than that? i will agree that his form has been inconsistent for United this season (his performance against Everton was particulaly woeful) but his range of passing as illustrated by the goals he set up for England last night after he came on in the second half (replacing the out of sorts Lampard)saw them come from behind to finish will a comfortable victory. He is a much better player than some (including myself sometimes) give him credit for, he is no Gerrard or Xavi but i think he plays an important role for United alongside Fletcher and wouldn’t look out of place in an England first XI, particularly if Lampard continues through the below average vein of performances of the moment.
personally, although i doubt i will get many agreeing with me, i would love to see England play Thus:
Rooney
Johnson/Young Milner/Lennon
Carrick Gerrard Hargreaves
Baines Terry Ferdinand ‘X’
Hart
I say ‘X’ at right back because i do not wish to see Brown, Neville or Richards play there, but cannot think of a suitable replacement for the moment. Any suggestions?
March 4th, 2010 at 21:28
@Traverse: “Luckily UEFA has beaten them to it and are bringing in new rules saying clubs can’t spend more than they earn. Next we need to stop people taking over clubs with borrowed money and then paying for their takeover with the clubs earnings. It is theft by a different name, and it’s what the Glazers are guilty of. Also taking over a club, pumping money into it and then claiming it is a loan, ala Portsmouth’s takeovers should not be an option.”
i agree, we are compliant under the new rule, with manshity, fake madrid and chealscum not being compliant. But they should have done something about the hostel takeovers that were allowed. I just think glazers have us over the barrel and their is nothing we can do but give up the money to them. United is making a profit(more than everyone else… well barca just jumped us
) and unfortunately however we look at it they are entitled to some or all of it if they choose.
this article from this morning says the red knights offer was 1bn+ and was rejected and also says they have received two other offers recently and do not want to sell. Ill quote the article
[Soccernet understands there were two offers, one from China, the other from the Middle East, and both felt their bids were so strong that the Glazers could only accept. They were shocked when the message came back: "Thanks, but no thanks". The Glazers refused to put a price on the club and did not even seek an even bigger bid.
The source added: "The Glazers have made it perfectly clear they are not sellers. People are puzzled why they are refusing to cash in, but it's simple: they think it is a good business and they like the club. They are very confident that it can be even more successful in the future both on and off the pitch."]
I think they want the prestige as well as the money
they want it all.
Link
March 4th, 2010 at 21:33
@Grognard: that is too true but there is always a price that would make them jump now and that is what it is going to take to be rid of them. no fan revolt can shake them is what im afraid of.
It would suck to make the team suffer only to see them take the same amount of money out. While also loosing our training ground.
March 4th, 2010 at 21:46
@Grognard: ha i was just linking the article that you link a couple down
great minds eh
March 4th, 2010 at 21:51
@gator: There is one small mistake in that article. ‘they like the club’. (I’d like to see how they’d run us if they hated us!)
that should have read ‘they like the money they can take out of the club’.
March 4th, 2010 at 21:54
@Redrich: its not a war its business and untill you start thinking in business terms and not schoolyard arguments it is you that fail to grasp something and that is reality, the reality that the glazers own united and dont have to sell.
they think that they can have it all and that they can pay off the debt and make a profit while winning and taking management fees. I dont know if they can but they think its possible. They are not going to sell the club because you or MUST dont think they can manage it. To get united away from them they will have to recieve an offer like they did for ronaldo… stupid money.
they value the club, as does the market, at 1.2bn and they would prolly bite at 1.5 so the offer of just over 1 from the red knights was never going to work.
check out this article LINK
March 4th, 2010 at 21:56
@gator: My message to the Glazers:
Silly women, get back to the kitchen!
March 4th, 2010 at 21:57
@Traverse: alot of people were saying this of walcott… needs a brain.
March 4th, 2010 at 21:58
@Grognard: Only the toilet has smelled worse shit than what my nose has
You heard me right bitch!
March 4th, 2010 at 22:01
Glazers are another proof to why you shouldn’t have unprotected sex with gingers.
Seems like Scholesy was the last good one…
I’m not counting Wazza, it’s only his beard that is ginger. 
At laest I hope so… 
March 4th, 2010 at 22:03
@Grognard: Well that’s like saying Adolf Hitler liked the jews!
March 4th, 2010 at 22:04
@Will: Walcott at right back maybe?
Works for me one FIFA….
March 4th, 2010 at 22:07
@Traverse: I think they like the money and the fame and the power. I think they are eating up the publicity and how they can just shut down powerful bankers like the ones that make up the red knights. they probably love it.
They have a high opinion of themselves. They are running the beast, most famous, most money making, baddest ass sports franchise on the planet. I think they love united if only for this reason.
Now do i believe that they can pull off continued success on the pitch and in the financial worle
I have to admit the latest numbers they put out were encouraging. but idk
that doesnt mean that if an offer came in, if they took it, and if it required me to pony up some cash, that i wouldnt. hell yea ill buy shares right now if it was possible but it isnt, so i wait. That is all we can really do.
and hopfully they try to win us over in the meantime with a summer signing or two and keep making runs at multiple trophies every year.
March 4th, 2010 at 23:07
@Will: That is virtually the role he plays with United. United in fact play two DMF’s and put the emphasis of moving forward on our wingers. Both Fletcher and Carrick play too far back to be considered attacking midfielders or even just central midfielders. So there is a reason why I categorize Carrick like that and correctly.
March 4th, 2010 at 23:09
@gator: Pure geniuses.
March 5th, 2010 at 0:52
@Will: Capello will not play 4-3-3 or 4-5-1 with England. Ever. He is a 4-4-2 main.
March 5th, 2010 at 1:53
Also, anyone with any questions as to MUST, The Green and Gold Campaign and the Red Knights should head over to http://www.joinmust.org/ as the website has gone properly live, now with added explanations for all of your questions! (and a member list of over 110,000).
And the latest this morning from The Times is that “We thought we had 40 investors — well, it is already 60,” as members of the Chinese consortium of United fans and Middle Eastern fans who individually had looked into bids have now joined the Red Knights.
It has been talked about that £1.2bil was what the Glazers were after. It looks like £1.5bn has been raised, and they may prove that by the end of today (Friday). £1.5bn is definitely in the ball park of ‘an offer they can’t refuse’.
Jim O’Neill, the guy from Goldman Sachs (born and raised in Manchester) has been given leave to work on the deal.
March 5th, 2010 at 4:50
@gator: To me it’s a war, –
and it’s been over 40 years since I’ve been in a playground, so you can just fuck off with that point!!
March 5th, 2010 at 4:55
@Traverse: Amazing news. Just got my brother to join MUST — he is a United fan.
1.5 billion already (1.5 billion/60 ~ 25,000,000 sterling pounds ~ 38 million dollars per person)!!! That is outrageous.
It seems a little scary that these 60 guys only have United in common, yet are willing to pony up 25 million pounds for the love of the club and with little interest in profits…
March 5th, 2010 at 5:15
@gator: And you would shoot your wad on the first bid??
Come on, this is purely just negotiations at this stage. If it takes 1.5, I think the Knights will eventually pony up.
The Glazers are thinking about the sale, because;-
1/. They are in debt up to their eyeballs.
2/. Their American concerns are not doing well.
3/. The windfall, from a sale of United, would change their entire financial picture.
4/. Their immense unpopularity amongst United fans, makes their future untenable.
The sum of the parts = a certain sale.
What matters now? – when!!
March 5th, 2010 at 8:45
All Manchester United fans requested to have the status “Red Knight, and proud of it” on their Facebook page betweeen 11:00 to 13:00 British time today, to support the cause of Manchester United.
If you do care about our club, pass this on.
March 5th, 2010 at 11:16
wow Michael Owen out for the season.
March 5th, 2010 at 11:18
Just got the news as well that Owen’s out for rest of season because of Hamstring injury.
March 5th, 2010 at 11:27
@[OPTI]Madschester United: I’d do it if I had the money! The honour of being an owner of Manchester United, and going down in our illustrious history as having saved the club I love would be worth that money.
Just because these guys have lots of money, no reason they can’t love United as much as I do.
March 5th, 2010 at 11:29
The other big news from SAF’s presser is that Hargreaves is pencilled in to play in the reserves next Thursday against Citeh, and that is fucking brilliant news.
March 5th, 2010 at 11:30
Seems Hargreaves is set to feature in Thursday’s reserve’s fixture vs City! Hope he is fully recovered…
March 5th, 2010 at 11:50
That’s Anderson and Owen out for the season. Does anyone know if they can be replaced in the Champion’s league squad.
March 5th, 2010 at 11:59
@AndyCR7: Well he played a behind closed doors match and came through the whole 90mins without feeling anything. I think he has been physically fine since November, when he was due back to begin with, but the mental side of things has been holding him back. I can only imagine not doing my job for 2 years and then jumping straight back into it. Your mind wouldn’t be in the right place. Add to that the fear of the operations not having worked, feeling your knee after 60mins… he’s suffered a terrible situation, and for his sake and ours I hope he has come through it as good as he ever was.
March 5th, 2010 at 12:37
@Traverse: hope he gets over this mental thing… he would be very useful for us at RB in big games.
He was dropped from the CL squad, right? Can we add him back in place of Owen or Anderson? Is it allowed now?
March 5th, 2010 at 13:28
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2879901/Hargreaves-boost-for-United.html
holy mother of god!! this just made my day!!
go hargo!!
March 5th, 2010 at 14:20
@AndyCR7: I don’t know, and I can’t find any information on it. You can bet your ass Fergie is trying to do it though…
March 5th, 2010 at 15:26
HARGREAVES!!! My favourite player is coming back??? what the fuck!! please be safe lad…Good luck!!
March 5th, 2010 at 18:27
Hargreaves
Owen
Red Knights
Manchester United – an emotional roller coaster!
March 5th, 2010 at 19:29
@rsg: That’s the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. I read it too but I do not believe it. Hell I tore a hamstring muscle and was back playing in a month. From what I saw of the game I seriously doubt Owen did anything more than tweak it. There is some politics or financial skullduggery going on here and it may be a case of stipulations in his contract that state if he doesn’t play so many games, his wages are reduced. I wouldn’t put anything past Gill and the Glazer’s at this point. Hell I have seen American football players play with pulled hamstrings in a much more physical game and all they do is rap them tightly. This is absurd.
March 5th, 2010 at 19:31
@Traverse: Yes but you investing 100 pounds is a statement of love. No millionaire ever donated millions of pounds just out of love. You become a millionaire because you are smart with money or you invest wisely because you are looking to make money and profit back. It’s nice when you can love what you are investing in but trust me, if they never thought they could get their money back eventually, they wouldn’t drop a plugged nickel.
March 5th, 2010 at 19:32
@AndyCR7: He’ll feature and then take two steps backwards for the trainers room and the physiotherapy trainer. He’s finished.
March 5th, 2010 at 19:35
@Traverse: I have a real problem with this mental side of things. What on earth does Owen have to lose by giving it his all at his age? This is his last chance and if he hasn’t got the courage to really test his knees, then he should bloody well retire. I am sympathetic but there is also a case for being to chicken shit to cross that pain threshold and truly improve.
March 5th, 2010 at 19:41
@Grognard: You aren’t investing £100mil though, you are investing probably £20 million and when you are worth £500mil that is like one of us spending money on a doing up a classic car… a bit of a pricey labour of love!
@Grognard: Also, the mental side of things does exists… and I don’t mean it as a ’scared to go out on the field’ way. I’d imagine it’s not going into tackles like he used to, not making the runs he used to, and not being match sharp in hi mind. It would seem he is over that now, hence the reserves match.
March 5th, 2010 at 20:45
@Traverse: just read it myself
looks like shit just got real 
Now they have a chance if they offer 1.5 or more the glazers are going to have to look at it and not just say no.
Someone needs to make a list of demands for the new owners. So we dont have to rais 2bn 5 yrs from now
March 5th, 2010 at 20:56
@Grognard:
Who really knows what goes on behind closed doors at Old Trafford these days – community based football club or covert Ministry of Propaganda.
I do believe that the United medical staff are a load of tosh. Owen’s scheduled to have surgery on Monday, maybe he shouldn’t have been jumping about so much during the Carling Cup celebrations.
March 5th, 2010 at 20:58
@Traverse: In any case the issue was not about who performed better for England. I don’t care about England. It was the role Crouch played which is how Berbatov should be played. By the way Crouch was voted MoM and I didn’t suggest Carrick had a bad game but I said Crouch had more influence on the way England played. Defoe might still have failed because he wasn’t linking well with the other players. Crouch gave the midfield a viable outlet upfront by holding the ball and clever link up play which not only opened the game up but helped with ball retention
March 5th, 2010 at 20:59
@Redrich: my point exacly you fucking child.
March 5th, 2010 at 21:05
@Redrich: right on they everything is for sale for a certain price and it looks like the redKnights are gonna pony up enough to get to the negotiating table now.
And no one should have to boycott anything and try to bring down the club.
Im in for however much i can when the time comes you can bet. but i dont agree with a boycott green and gold is as far as i go at turning my back to united.
Any way it should be enough money to make them sweat at least. and if they dont take the money right away it will make the summer transfers really heat up.
the glazers will try to buy our love with players and there will be players linked to us as targets of the red knights. itl be a circus for the rags. 
March 5th, 2010 at 21:08
@Traverse: I’m sorry but I cannot relate to Hargo because ulike him I played hard men’s sports where acting like that forced you into a dress. As an athlete you owe to yourself to go about things smart, but not timid. Sounds like he has a real issue with pain and in that case I cannot relate because I have played sports with very serious injuries and just sucked it up. That’s the problem with footy and baseball players in general. They are king sized pussies. I respect American football players and hockey players who not only know how to dish out the pain, but they also know how to suck it up and play with it. I can’t how many football players have come back from serious knee or ankle operations or shoulder operations and still got down and dirty and got back into the game. Hargo needs to check downstairs and see if he has a pair. I love the guy but right now he is doing a disservice to Canadians who are a much stronger lot than that and who grit their teeth and fight through the pain until it just goes away and you once again play the game naturally.
March 5th, 2010 at 21:10
@Traverse: he needs some tony robbins type shit. Be a yes man not a no man
good luck to the lad for sure. sucks about other owen but should give diouf a chance to come good and keep benzema away from united so we can spend some cash on some midfield class for the left side.
is macheda still injured?
March 5th, 2010 at 21:11
@rsg: Honest to god, SURGERY? Seriously, the way he pulled up on the play and was walking afterwards tells me that he didn’t tear anything. I am shocked. What the Hell is that boy’s body made of? Christ all mighty, a strong gust of wind would cause him a muscle tear or bone fracture.
March 5th, 2010 at 21:12