Jul 18
Urawa Reds vs Manchester United: Post Match Notes
Morning all. I couldn’t see parts of the game yesterday, thanks to some poor link quality but I did get to watch enough to have some thoughts on the game yesterday.
So I wouldn’t make this a pure match report, per se, but I will give you a bulleted run down of my thoughts on the game, team performances and selected individual performances.
The result: Urawa Reds 2-2 Man United
Before I start I’ll make the obvious confession that it is indeed pleasing to see the team back in action finally and cut the crap that comes with writing speculative articles in the off-season.
So here goes…
- The kit was well, brilliant on the players. The lush grass and the lush red on the players under lights were just simply superb. That’s what I thought. Although, didn’t like those white stripes at the back too much.
- Rooney is losing too much hair. At this rate, by the time he turns 25 he’ll be as bald as Zidane.
- United completely dominated possession in the opening minutes, but they were usually unproductive, sideway passes.
- Ronaldo also had a few tricks that didn’t trouble the Japanese too much
- Edwin van der Sar was awful. Both goals that Urawa Reds scored were goal keeping mistakes Kuszcak is all we have until Foster returns in March. Hopefully we don’t get too many injury problems. And we’ll even excuse EVDS and put that down to jet lag.
- Speaking of which there was some element of lethargy among the players, thanks to the long flight.
- Rooney showed great desire to get the ball and was very impressive. He also went on a slaloming run that should have been a good goal, had he finished. Props to the ‘keeper for saving that shot.
- Fletcher must be appreciated for his efforts today. Not just for the goal, but for his work-rate.
- Danny Simpson was impressive in patches when he came on in the second half.
- Carrick and Scholes were their usual selves, especially in the closing minutes of the first half and early second half.
- Hargreaves and Nani didn’t play. But it is a long tour, full of travelling, so expect a lot of rotation.
- SAF started off with a 4-2-3-1 fomation, with Giggs in the hole behind Rooney. Fletch and Ron in the wings and Scholes-Carrick sitting back.
Now I am sure Fergie wouldn’t read too much into the result, as much as it would be important for the players to get a good run around. But I appreciated the seriousness with which he fielded a full strength side. The game did not descend into a farce, and was reasonably competitive.
Comments welcome. Share your thoughts if you could catch the game yesterday.
Match video can be seen here (Thanks Ahmed.)
And before I sign off, here are some pics from the training session from the previous day. Hope you liked the kit as much as I did.
[Picture Sources: United Rant forums]
Related items from Red Rants:- United 2-0 Doncaster: Reserves’ Day Out
- Heinze Rumours (Again) and Foster’s Injury
- Richardson is Going, Tevez is Coming, Giggs is Talking
- United Would Do Well to Learn from Arsenal
- Fergie Ensures United’s Kids Get Knocked Out
Tags: Match Reports
July 18th, 2007 at 11:11
well i didn’t see the match but am sure to catch it today on LIM africa network then Ill post my comments later. Still admire the previous design of the blog. Say who’s gonna cover evra now that heinze is leaving?
July 18th, 2007 at 11:32
Ya dont like the white lines at the back too .but overall youre right the kit does look fly!van de saar made a big error on the first goal.the ball was shot straight at him and he dived the wrong way.ronaldo scored a good goal. Breakin news is that carlos tevez is to ask fifa to arbitrate dispute with west ham.this could take 3 weeks or so.more waitin dam!
July 18th, 2007 at 12:07
The kit looks great imo - and I predict we’ll get used to the white stripes.
But I don’t see how the second goal is EVS’ fault. Evans makes the mistake by not keeping his eyes on the ball, and then someone (might be Brown) allows for the shot to pass through his legs. EVS could do nothing imo.
July 18th, 2007 at 12:20
Erm….why was the second goal VDS’s fault?? It was a realy good composed finish, and it was scholes’ fault for losing the ball at the edge of the box
July 18th, 2007 at 12:22
i have a feeling VDS din play properly in that match. it seems like he ‘let’ the 2 goals in. LOL. Well, it’s just a frenly anyway. Having a 2-2 draw is always good for frenlies.
July 18th, 2007 at 13:13
By any chance can u suggest some place where i can see the matches online via internet/pc for free
it aint aired here in india
July 18th, 2007 at 13:31
That all United players will give their best owing to the increased
competition brought by the new arrivals could be seen from Fletcher’s
individual efforts yesterday. It is like old players are saying,
‘Ókey guys you have come to OT but you will have to work for it..”
July 18th, 2007 at 15:30
van der sar is getting old, nuff said, we need foster soon, march is too far away, maybe kuscak can play instead, if thats how you spell it
lovely goal from ronaldo, nice pass from rooney
July 18th, 2007 at 16:37
Hi.you can check this site http://85.92.128.155/~myp2p/ to see the match.the commentary may not be in english.
July 18th, 2007 at 23:58
Interesting article I just came across:
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=445988&root=england&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab3pos1&cc=5901
July 19th, 2007 at 3:23
Was a good match, Urawa was well prepared. UTD was good of course, but the defence was pretty shaky.
Anyway, I’m already looking forward for the next match. Seoul has some promissing young talents,
“Lee chung-yong”(Young Winger who admires Ronaldo:) and “Park Joo-yeong”(Very promissing striker)
I’ll be going to the world cup stadium, so see you later friends
July 19th, 2007 at 8:20
[JK]
Nice to know that. Would be great if you could share your experience after the game.
July 19th, 2007 at 12:10
Thanks ebrahim for the link
July 20th, 2007 at 12:40
adil muhozi alhinai - the pass to Ronaldo was from Giggs, but still a very good pass.