Dec 19
United Win and Some Non-game Thoughts
I couldn’t catch it live. And watching the whole match on tape, with prior knowledge of the result, can do only so much to the excitement a live match can generate.
First of all, tell me this: why does this tournament have to be scheduled in Japan every single year? [Apparently, it will be played in the United Arab Emirates for the next two years before returning to Japan.] So much for trying to foster a global appeal.
The game was unremarkable until well past the halfway stage: United went two goals up — courtesy, set pieces — before Gamba Osaka pulled a goal back. But it was Wayne Rooney’s introduction that really injected zest into the side. A few late slip ups aside — which gave the Japanese club a couple more goals — we did control the game, although there was the typical huffing and puffing that has come to characterise our play this season.
So 5-3 to United and, since I haven’t shown too much of an interest in this tournament, I will end the ‘report’ part of this post here.
Meanwhile, much speculation seems to have been put to rest — at least for the moment — on Ronaldo. First, this gem from Fergie — “I won’t sell them a virus” — and then Ronaldo calming things down with an “I’m happy”.
But with the amount of noise being made even among the more ‘credible’ news sources, the possibility of Ronaldo moving to Madrid cannot be completely ruled out.
The biggest news though is that of our round-of-16 draw with Inter. Mourinho returns to England and is bound to be a feisty affair. I wouldn’t call it a tasty match up though; on current form I expect both teams to stutter, huff and puff their way. Oh well, bring ‘em on!
Finally, Scott has done a great job of breaking down the FA’s mis-handling of the Evra affair. I’ve spoken of my disappointment in the decision earlier briefly, but he’s done a better job of it. I will disagree with the last part of it where he says that it’s one rule for United and one for the rest. I wouldn’t be too sure of that; I think it’s more all round inconsistency and incompetence from the FA, regardless of clubs, than a conspiracy against United in particular. Anyway, go read that piece nonetheless.
Related items from Red Rants:
- United get Milan, Giggs gets new deal
- Some More Thoughts Ahead of the Scouse Trip
- CHAMPIONEEEESSSSSS! YESSSSS!
- Deadline Day Looms…
- Porto it is then…
Tags: Match Reports
Opti (542)
Stephen (500)
RedDevilEddy (463)
Craig Mc (349)
Moscow is my heaven (272)
@Craig Mc: no, not at all.
Like?
0 
0
Cmon now craig, for a month or two when he shaved his head, he looked like the real deal. When he is that type of devastating form he is truely unplayable!
Heard that Liverpool are snooping around for Renato Augusto.
I swear this boy is pure gold, if we signed him we could aford to lose Ronaldo.
Wish we’d brought him from Brazil last yr…….
Like?
0 
0
Are we still whining about this Evra thing? Sure, he’s one of our best players and we’ll miss him for the four games, but he fully deserved that ban. He hit a member of the Chelsea staff! Even if Bethell did call him a “fucking immigrant”, which Evra himself didn’t claim at the hearing, that’d be no excuse.
We need to move on from this one because it’s spats like this where we just look like a spoilt child of a football club which expects everything its own way all the time.
Like?
0 
0
@johnsom33: Mmmmm – someone with common sense at last when it comes to assessing the IN/OUT form of the Roon
. You know I agree with your comments 
.
Like?
0 
0
@realred: Well that SKINHEAD look of his certainly helped to cement his clogging image
.
Like?
0 
0
@michael: go back to supporting chelsea.
Like?
0 
0
@johnsom33: The thing is, Ronaldo does that more than any other player and he doesn’t get any stick for it. He needs about 10 shots for every goal and don’t tell me he doesn’t. Torres, Messi, Adebayor all need plenty of the ball for their goals. The only thing that I can think of is that none of these are the saviour of the England team. Rooney scored the same as Messi and had more assists last season and while I’d be the first to tell you that Messi is a better player, Rooney offers our team something that nobody else does. Look at our form without him for proof. Rooney gives the 2nd best output in the league (goals and assists) and I guarantee if he was Portuguese or Brazilian and not hailed when he was 16 as the best thing since sliced bread, people would be saying he is world class (which he is) and be focussing on the good parts of his game instead of all the bad parts. Look at Ronaldo, does anyone call him an accident waiting to happen? This is somebody who completely ignores referees and kicks out and headbutts players. Yet because he is Cristiano everyone ignores it
Like?
0 
0
@Liam: Don’t know how you can say that Ronnie doesn’t get the same type of stick Rooney does for his petulant image, and ref baiting antics mate. You must have been missing for the many posts accusing Ronnie for what he has become, especially this season. Nobody is proud of his retaliation kicking out at other players, and is fast becoming Rooney No2. So I cannot agree with your last post mate, because several people and myself included have commented on Ronnie’s unacceptable behaviour. So like I said, you must have missed our posts
.
Like?
0 
0
@michael: Michael, I don’t care what you have read mate, but did you see the televised scenes of the incident?. Chelsea hit out first before Evra responded. Also, don’t know how much Abramovich payed Manchester United and the seedy bunch at the FA to keep the racist comments out of the report. Because intitially that was Evra and United’s main complaint, and Chelsea officials asked United to drop the racist charge, and we refused. So what happened?. Bethell was openly reported a member of the BNP, so that should tell you something mate.
Like?
0 
0
@Craig Mc: 1 or 2 posts maybe in every 600 doesn’t really compare to the magnitude of posts that Rooney gets. Ronaldo has an immunity from criticism from Fergie, the players and the fans because everyones afraid of him leaving if he gets upset. He’s a baby and has a 12 year olds mindset when it comes to football
Like?
0 
0
I see the ‘Rooney bashing’ has come back in style
@Liam: Liam buddy, I made those same arguments a few months back but some would rather focus on his missed chances and hot-headedness. Rooney is one of the best players in our team, and in terms of output and contribution, he’s the best. That game against Osaka – even though they were comparatively weak opposition – showed the effect Rooney has on our team. He is the catalyst of our team and if not for his selflessness, he would be more prolific. His team-mates have been saying this, so they must know what he’s capable of when not asked to sacrifice for the good of the team. Look at what a manager, who didn’t exploit his versatility, did to his confidence and composure!! Under Capello, Rooney played where he does best and look at his goals, assists and general performance!!
All I’m praying is for Fergie to get his tactics and formation right so we don’t have to keep on playing our talented players out of position like he’s currently doing to Berba. I mean, when we bought him, wasn’t the plan to play Rooney in the hole and Berba as a No.9? Why the sudden change of tactics?
If we need an attacking mid, i’m sure ando or Carrick can do a decent job there, not Berba, Rooney, Giggs or any other square peg. 
Like?
0 
0
@Liam: Maybe Liam, but the fact still remains he is the best and most CONSISTENT striker we have when he is injury free, and not imprisoned by 3 opposition defenders on surrounding him throughout the game, and when that fails CHOPPING him down every time he gets the ball. I can guarantee that if Roon got the opposition treatment Ronnie does, he would see red in nearly every game.
Like?
0 
0
@Gabriel:
Bro you slay me. Liam and you are so Rooney protective. If anti Rooney posts fill you with such ire, just ignore 
. Some of us are only stating the bloody obvious – Rooney is not the world beater you think he is, but he is a good player, yet inconsistent over a whole season. I agree with the poster who said that Rooney has IN and OUT parts of season – end of. And he is in fact a nasty piece of work at times, and some fans don’t appreciate his nastiness or any other players for that matter 
.
Like?
0 
0
Yeah really this confirmed what I already suspected that Ferguson views Rooney as a number 9 and when he saw Berbatov’s creativity decided it would be the perfect opportunity to push Rooney forward. Ronaldo is played wide and will not get as many goalscoring opportunities. Rooney will probably get a lot more opportunities and with his strength and running he’ll create a lot out of nothing-but his conversion rate is just way too poor!
Like?
0 
0
@colver: His conversion rate is just way too poor. You dared to say this with Liam and Gabriel on blog with their (‘For all Rooney disparager’) RIFLES’,
.
Just jesting lads
Your right though about poor conversion rate – more so this season than last. He does seem to be coming into a bit of goalscoring form lately though, so hope it continues and bodes well for us.
Like?
0 
0
@dan(u-ol): Hell I can see Huntelaar plying the RWB position for us and Eto would have been a good choice for the Gaffer at DMF because he can hold up the ball.
Fergie is like a mad scientist. He likes to experiments with minerals in millions of combinations. Madness!
Like?
0 
0
@dan(u-ol): Hang on EVDS, Vidic and Rio haven’t been moved around……..YET.
Like?
0 
0
@realred: Why is it that so many Rooney fans cannot face the truth. He is a super talent that is woefully inconsistent and streaky. To be a truly great player you have to have two things going for you besides your God given talent. Consistency and luck against injuries. Rooney has had none of these. It’s not all his fault. Fergie continues to screw around with formations and positions and Rooney has had to play roles that are unfamiliar to him and where his abilities to score are compromised. With that said, he still has issues of his own. His temper gets the better of him and although his first touch is sublime, it quite often betrays him in a tight spot in the box. As good as he is, he’s not as good as some make him out to be because if he was, we would not be constantly bringing up his weaknesses and his countless disappearances of form on the field. I love him but he was born to frustrate.
Like?
0 
0
@Craig Mc: Hey read mine too Bro. It may not be common sense but it could be nonsense.
Like?
0 
0
@Liam: “He needs about 10 shots for every goal and don’t tell me he doesn’t.” OK, he doesn’t….
Truthfully, he doesn’t. This year his form and conditioning has suffered and he has had to take lots of shots but that certainly was not the case last year. Sure he misses from time to time and every great player does because they have the will, sheer audacity and courage to try something, even if it’s a half chance. Ronaldo in form is a sniper of the first order. Sorry to disagre with you on that mate. 
Like?
0 
0
@Craig Mc: Evra and the whole team was fucked over by a conspiracy of idiotic proportions. The FA are a circus of wankers. Even if he was guilty, he was baited and for that alone, he should not have been suspended for more than a pre game piss. The decision is an abomination and their clear bias towards London based clubs yet again shows it’s ugly head. And for those who don’t buy the conspiracy angle, fine. Whatever the case, it was an injustice and it speaks volumes of the FA’s continual attempt to use the books of DF Seus to interpret the law. Assholes and idiots.
Like I would take the word of a fucking Chelsea grounds keeper over a professional footballer who has never had a reputation for violence or a temper? If it was Rooney, maybe. His reputation as a hot head is known, but Evra? Give me a break. And the video evidence itself confirms my suspicions. It was a travesty of justice designed to sabotage our championship run.
Like?
0 
0
@Liam: On that I agree and I would also throw in Ronaldo for that special treatment from Fergie. Today’s player holds managers hostage and for ransom because their big money can basically control the proceedings. They have so much financial power that they basically can threaten the team if they feel they are unhappy. Causing disharmony and anarchy eventually leads to a transfer. In the old days id counted for a suspension and a seat in the stands. But the money aspect, agents intrusions in day to day business and the bias and preferential treatment shown to players by the FA and FIFA in matters like this give players the upper advantage most of the time. Fergie is the Boss and he is a stubborn old disciplinarian but, over the past few years he has mellowed greatly. He just doesn’t relish these confrontations anymore and he is letting certain inmates run the asylum. And you wonder why the team is playing like crap, when what is needed is a swift kick in the ass and a good hairdryer treatment like the one I got yesterday at my barber’s. Some players are allowed to do their OJ Simpson imitations and figuratively get away with murder on this club. And it has to stop for the good of the team. That’s just an outsiders view looking in.
Like?
0 
0
@Grognard: I really don’t think it’s that intelligent Grog
. More like, well this player needs a bit of playing time, so stick him on lads 
.
Like?
0 
0
@Grognard: I am SURE I saw Rio put into midfield for us, in the latter part of one game last season. Edwin and Namanja I will credit you for
.
Like?
0 
0
@Grognard: Grog some great points in this post, and I agree with them – all except the sublime 1st touch mate, because often he lets the ball run away from him, and not just in the box. I have to admire some of the goals he has been getting lately, but he is not the best against tightly packed, park the bus defenders. Then again he is certainly not alone in that department, and shouldn’t cop all the flak. St Nemanjah has got us out of a couple of scrapes hasn’t he?. Has his headers become more potent and arrowed, or is it just my imagination?. He seems to have improved. Now to me, Nemanjah IS World Class defender, a great buy for us
.
Like?
0 
0
@Grognard: And yet for all his mellowing, Fergie has still brought in the trophies, he is definately a winner.
With regards to Ronnie, I remember last season Fergie talking to the press, and saying that Ronnie is so SELF analitical and debasing (after games) where he has played badly, that he does not need to blast him. He said we know which players benefit from the hairdryer, and which players don’t
.
Like?
0 
0
Craig I think the guys mean we should use the hairdryer on Ronaldo for his general attitude. On the pitch he needs encouragement as much as anything else because the guy gets so much abuse from defenders and he needs Fergie on his side. Personally I think Fergie does an excellent job doing his upmost to ensure Ronaldo gets protection and Ronaldo is too ungrateful to realise it.
This season Ronaldo’s form is a bit off because of the injury and the psychological issues players go through when they are injured. He needs to get his confidence and swagger back and feel sure he is clear of injury problems.
And yeah Rooney’s touch in the box confuses me. At times it is amateurish. Just to restate my views-Rooney is an awesome player but I feel he does not have the scoring consistency to be a number 9. Berbatov based on his two years at Spurs does!
Like?
0 
0
@Craig Mc: He shouldn’t get on Ronaldo for his play but for his attitude and his childish behavior at times. It’s the same with Rooney. I wouldn’t get on Rooney for his play but his temper and stupidity in his constant retaliations. It’s not about ability but discipline. These players are fantastic but they need to grow up.
Like?
0 
0
Craig Mc, comment 74, yes you are right about ferdinand. I seem to remember a game a couple of years ago against wolves in the fa cup if i remember correctly and he was being played as a defensive midfielder. Im not sure how long that is, about 3 years is it, but yes ferdinand has been played elsewhere from a centre back.
Like?
0 
0
Ronaldo has absolutely no football brain. That is why he is not the best player in the world. When he gets the ball he sees the goal and makes a beeline for it. When he gets closed down he panics a lot of the time and just shoots. He doesn’t see the things going on around him the way Messi does. It is only when his way is completely blocked that he looks up and sees a team mate. I personally don’t and never really have thought he is all that he’s cracked up to be. It’s his sheer athleticism and good luck which have made him a great player but because of his arrogance I believe that he never developed another style to use when he is double or triple teamed. Instead of passing when he sees players coming he tries to plough through them.
P.S. Yes he does take a whole bunch of shots. He doesn’t know how to properly strike a ball so he just hits it as hard as he can from outside the box and 9 times out of 10 he mishits it and it goes tamely wide or trickles into the keepers hands. Don’t even get me started on his free-kicks
Like?
0 
0