Jun 30
Wenger Speaks Sense As Platini Loses his Mind
Is Michel Platini for real? Or is this different from the rather good player that strolled the park many years ago?
Yesterday he made a statement backing Real Madrid over the Ronaldo saga. Now, I don’t have any problem with UEFA over not taking action against Real; there is hardly any substantial evidence to back United’s complaint. But when Platini goes as far as to encourage Madrid, then it gets a little bit worrying.
This is what he said to reporters in Vienna:
“Every club in the world would like to have Ronaldo. It’s part of the system we have today. Players move from club to club and I can understand why Real Madrid want him. They had [Alfredo] di Stefano and [Ferenc] Puskas in the past, and as Ronaldo is considered one of the best or the best player in the world it’s normal. If the club has the finances they can do it, if they don’t have the money they can’t.”
Like Alfred di Stefano? Are you fuckin’ kidding me? There was a lot that was shady about the purchase of di Stefano — one that, to this day, brings out the worst in Madrid and Barca fans — so surely he’s not going to use that as an example to justify the Ronaldo interest?
What is this love affair between footballing governing body presidents and cretins? Can Platini come across as sounding any more retarded? Not taking action is ok, but speaking about the whole Ronaldo saga in a tone that condones or even encourages Real’s actions is sad to say the least.
Wenger, meanwhile, speaks sense on the whole Ronaldo saga:
“I think Ronaldo will stay at United because I cannot see the club making the kind of statements they have made if they have no assurance from Ronaldo that he will stay. Once a club of their stature say he will stay, he has to stay. If he doesn’t stay you look weak, weaker than if you said nothing at all.
It is not right what Real Madrid do, I agree. And there comes a point when somebody needs to make a stand against them. United have come out strongly at the moment and said ‘No’, and I give them credit for that. Maybe as well they know that the desire doesn’t really come from the player himself. It could be from another environment, from a club that has tapped him up. But it is not something that usually happens between big clubs. It’s not something you do.”
Indeed, and it is a rare occasion where I actually agree with what Arsene says. The Arsenal manager has problems of his own, having to deal with the possible departure of Adebayor. However, it’s all well and good making a stand but will it be easy for Fergie to get Ronaldo motivated on a daily basis, if he does stay? We shall have to wait and see.
Today, I believe, Fergie returns to work and would spend the good part of this week listening to messages on his answering machine. Hopefully by Tuesday we’ll get to see the rumour mills chugging along, linking us with the next wunderkind from Haiti. (We need these stories, don’t we? Otherwise what will we talk about? Actual facts? Bleh! Who talks about facts these days anyway?)
In other news, tickets for the Aberdeen game on July 12 will go on sale [phone lines provided in link].
The Telegraph gives a preview on what to expect from United in the 08/09 season.
Finally, a word on the Euros. It was thoroughly exciting, as a tournament and rewarded teams that attempted to play football. Which is why, barring Austria and Switzerland, every team seemed capable of beating the other because they backed themselves and had a go. Which explains the success of teams like Turkey and Russia. In a way it was fitting that the team that played a good brand of football won the cup, and a team like France and Italy that showed mostly disjointed displays were unceremoniously dumped out of the competition. I just wonder what, Michael Ballack, “the nearly man of contemporary football” must be thinking now.
Anyway, nothing else to report for the day. Till tomorrow, over to you.
Related items from Red Rants:- Sepptic Blabbermouth Opens Gob + Roundup
- Edwin’s Dutch Delight, King Cantona and The Ronaldo Daily
- Shirt Numbers Anyone?
- Heinze loses arbitration for Liverpool move, what’s next for him and United?
- Featured Video: Ronaldo - A Mini-Documentary
Tags: Daily Roundup
June 30th, 2008 at 10:15
Just wanted to ask what happened re; di Stefano going to madrid? Ta
June 30th, 2008 at 10:22
Well said RR. When it comes to talking bout that cunt Platini nobody should hold back. I for one have always disliked the smug prick and i hope he gets kicked out of his job sooner rather than later. As far as Wenger’s comments go i personaly think he is tryin to kick the boot in by sayin we would look weaker if we sold ronaldo after all the statments we made bout him not bein for sale.
June 30th, 2008 at 10:36
Platini is a congenital idiot and vies with his mate Sepp Blatter for the lunatic of the year award. When has either of those two said or done anything that you could say is sensible?
It’s interesting that, when Spain ruled the Champions league/European Cup through Madrid and Barcelona, FIFA and UEFA thought it was good for football. Similarly, when Italy did the same, through Juve and Milanx2. As soon as England are the top dog, it’s all bad for football that one country dominates and Pinky and Perky start looking for rule changes to limit our success.
Corruption????
June 30th, 2008 at 10:40
Spike I believe that Real just basically took him from Barca, with connivance of spanish government and FA. no money , just, he’s now our player, next thing he’s playing for Real. In todays situation it would be similar to Ronaldo just rolling up to training at Ream Madrid next week, with no communication or transfer fees at all, and UEFA saying, yes that’s fine.
bout time you guys noticed Wenger speaking sense, he always does
and oh yes, Platini is a faggot
June 30th, 2008 at 10:41
Wenger is up to no good in my view and Platini is just simply a cunt.
June 30th, 2008 at 10:51
Di Stefano was supposed to go to Barca, and they had him signed apparently. But RM (as usual) entered the field late and confusion prevailed as to who had the rights on him, a la the Mikel saga.
As many would be well aware, Real Madrid was supported by Franco, the Spanish dictator at the time, whom many believe turned this case in favor of Madrid, though Barca had rights on Stefano. Finally, Madrid offered that he play 6 months for barca and 6 for Madrid,, to which Barca refused and he became a madrid player.
Franco was rumored to have not only helped Madrid in this deal, but overall in his reign Madrid were supposed to be untouchables, they were like the dictator’s pet bitch. This is one of the very few reasons barca fans absolutely detest madrid. recently figo’s transfer aroused similar emotions.
Even now, Madrid are accused of being a government funded club. When they made the world record bid on Zidane they were heavily under debt and the spanish government bailed them out by buying their training facility. No doubt this constant government patronage is the reason for thier arrogance that lasts till date, believing that they can get whoever they want and that they own the copyright and Trademark and patent for the best club in the world for eternity.
They have shown similar impudent behavior in using the media and press to tap up figo, zidane, ronaldo (fat one) as they are doing with ronaldo right now. and we have our dear so full of himself UEFA president michael bloatini, supporting madrid. it is very apparent he has a negative bias towards the premier league and doesn’t even try to hide it.
first he came up with the home player rule thing, knowing fully well that this would affect premier league clubs the most. la liga already has a similar rule in place where a maximum of i think 4 non-spainards can be on the pitch. but those gys have already found ways round it, with naturalizing the players being easy in spain.
then came his tirade against clubs in debt, referring specifically to united and chelski , calling them cheaters. Is this guy retarded or what, not understanding the basic concepts of free market and buyouts and acquisitions? and what about Real madrid, they too are in a big debt, but no, as long as any club is not from the premiership, they are absolved of everything, even tapping up!!
this guy should be shot on sight before he and his chums septic bladder and calderon do further damage to the beautiful game. on second thoughts, he is not worth it
June 30th, 2008 at 10:51
Spike, No need to call me a twat mate, just my view and I am responding to the article in question.
June 30th, 2008 at 10:53
Platini, while being an exceptional player in his days has become completely the opposite these days, especially when he got into UEFA…his comments of late always leave me amazed. Is he nuts?
Thanks for your nice words about Wenger…
I personally think that the people who are advocating for Ronaldo to go to Madrid (especially those in the EPL) are doing so for selfish reasons….because they are afraid of Ronaldo’s threat!!…the likes of Phil ‘Gene Hackman’ Scolari, Alvaro Arbeloa, etc.
Ronaldo will stay at united I feel, and his perfomance will be as good, if any summer would have affected him mentally, it would have been after world cup 06.
cheers!
June 30th, 2008 at 10:55
In Platini’s eyes, debts can never be allowed, but he allows club to act shadily when purchasing players… it makes no sense. And what about his beloved club Real Madrid, whose finances aren’t exactly textbook. He never comments on them, that french idiot.
He should stay out of our Ronaldo business, and his job should be at a general level. How he finds time to assess individual cases, I don’t know, but he always seems to do, whenever he can hurt English teams. It’s quite remarkable really.
June 30th, 2008 at 10:56
Thanks for the info; Shreyas. I think in La Liga its 4 non-EU players.
Stephen; No offence, its a term of endearment where I live!
June 30th, 2008 at 11:00
@Shreyas: Read “This is one of the very few reasons barca fans absolutely detest madrid” as “This is one of the thosuands of reasons barca fans absolutely detest madrid”
June 30th, 2008 at 11:00
Stephen I have to say this as an Arsenal fan, you have limited vision if you think AW is trying
to distabilise your club. AW is simple speaking from experience of coming out publicly and
confidently that his own top players are staying only to burned many a times.
Well explained Shreyas, very informative.
June 30th, 2008 at 11:02
Tomas, By the way Plati is a two faced cunt, being french he hates this country and the same rules
do not apply abroad.
June 30th, 2008 at 11:02
@Shreyas: Thanks for remembering Real’s situation around their signing of ZZ. How disgraceful is it to let the tax payers fund your debt. It’s highly illegal and sickening, and frankly it only reminds me of Italy’s mafia… only here, it’s government based.
Real are in massive debt right now, and still they try to lure Ronaldo away with enormous sums of money. I feel sorry for the boy, because he doesn’t know, what he wants to join… it’s a beast that eats people up and spit them out like they were a piece of paper. I think, a lot of players not succesful in Real can testify to this. And a lot of coaches too.
June 30th, 2008 at 11:04
Spike, I know I am a twat, no need to remind me
Spot on Tomas, he never comments of the corruption in Serie A, or the racist chanting in La Liga, but he can always find time to comment on English football, which has certainly cleaned up its act in the past 10/15 years.
June 30th, 2008 at 11:10
And in any other field, one out of place comment by men in top positions usually means they have to quit or suffer a loss of face and apologize. Same holds true for most administators, players and managers in football.
But somehow none of this seem to apply to Platini, baldder and co. Keep on making nonsense comments and proposals with no checks and balances to keep their heads from bloating out of proportion.
And hardly any accountability. The disruption in the semis broadcast of germany v turkey should have been a major issue and in any other field would have seen a loss of face and resignation from the head of the department. why, even referee lubos michel was taken out from the refereeing panel after he bravely reverted the yellow card against the russian player, sighting rules of the book.
so are there no rules of the book, code of conduct, laws against bias governing these UEFA and FIFA administrators?
These guys look to be governed not by modern football laws but the mafia laws of Sicily.
June 30th, 2008 at 11:19
Grognard : I head papers in Germany yesterday were saying United had made a £15million bid for Schweinsteiger. Any word on this? I can’t read german unfortunately…
June 30th, 2008 at 11:23
@Stephen: And Porto has been let of the hook after being banned initially for corruption. And all punishment dealt out to Italian clubs were done internally by the Italian FA. Contrast this to banning all English teams from the UCL for the Liverpool-Juventus European cup disaster.
UEFA, FIFA and the twats in the media have always seemed to be biased against the PL. Isn’t it obvious why after Bestie no one from the PL has the won world/european player of the year.
June 30th, 2008 at 11:48
I guess we’ll see this year if United keep Ronaldo. He has been by far the player of the year. If he doesn’t get the award, then it confirms that Platini is a short fat twunt.
June 30th, 2008 at 12:21
But how painful must it be for Platini that english clubs are now walking all over the rest of Europe? I can’t say, I’m displeased with the evolution of things.
June 30th, 2008 at 12:22
Is this for real: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2008/06/30/ufnron130.xml
He looks Horrible! Horrible!!!
June 30th, 2008 at 12:34
fergie just quoted on skysportsnews as saying he doesn’t expect us to sign more than one player…. it better be a bloody good one!
June 30th, 2008 at 12:35
Just seen on the offical web site that Fergie said he probaly would buy only one top player this summer
June 30th, 2008 at 12:38
@Chris Traverse: Just beat me to it
June 30th, 2008 at 12:51
The good news this brings is that it’s very unlikely we are selling Ronaldo. Silvestre doesn’t look like he’s going anywhere, so we are ok for defensive cover with Neville back, our midfield is in great shape, with Nani and Anderson set to replace Giggs and Scholes more often than last year… there is only one thing we need. We need a striker. Berbatov and Huntelaar are the ones that spring to mind. Both are deadly, Berba has better touch and vision, but Huntelaar is quicker and younger. If it’s Fabiano, I will not be happy
June 30th, 2008 at 13:47
“People think it’s easy to buy players nowadays, but it’s not because money plays a big part first of all,” he said.
“Clubs with ambitions don’t want to sell their best players, so it’s not as easy as you’d think and we tend to look for younger ones.”
a quote from what Fergie has said today, now when i read that, i think it is safe to assume that the “one” player we are bringing in will be young.. no change there, but will also be a player deemed to be one of their best. also the fact that just one player is coming in could mean that they will cost a bomb. now, when i heard SAF say that my mind instantly thought of S.Aguero, then had to tell my self not to be so stupid. but surely that takes players such as Berbatov and Arshavin out of the list of possibilities… in fact i reckon the “one” won’t be over the age of 23.
June 30th, 2008 at 13:48
I hate this Ronaldo saga, but, are we not perhaps overreacting a bit?
It seems very much like hypocrisy to me…
This Real-Ronaldo-United issue seems EXACTLY the same as the United-Hargreaves-Bayern issue.
How is it possible that we seemed like ‘victims’ then, and again seem like ‘victims’ now. What about the Pool-Heinze-United issue? I’m glad we did not sell to those cunts, but still…
June 30th, 2008 at 13:50
@Shreyas
Septic Bladder…Bloatini…I like the humour. Good one.
June 30th, 2008 at 14:11
Platini was asked if Real Madrid spending so much money on Ronaldo was a good thing for football, and Platini’s response was that if a club has money, they should spend it but if they don’t have it then they should run on debts or operate at a loss.
His statements have been reported a tad bit out of context. The whole Platini-vs-too much money in football thing was covered here.
Also, the gaffer says we’ll buy one player in the summer.
June 30th, 2008 at 14:17
the reason why fergie will not buy to much is because there not much out on the market unlike the world cup 2006, if we keep ronaldo then who is better to bring in that is better then vds brown neville ferdinand vidic evra anderson hargreaves carrick scholes ronaldo nani giggs rooney tevez, it is a talented pool of players and I always wanted a summer where we could say we dont need much to add.
June 30th, 2008 at 14:23
@Ahmed Bilal: Nothing can convince me that Platini is anything other than an ignorant, egotist, biased and incompetent prick. I have seen enough of him to come to this conclusion.
Maybe this comment was taken a bit out of context, but you get the idea.
June 30th, 2008 at 14:31
Platini is a massive CUNT that has seen its share full stop. I remember when He said some very uncomplimentary things about Ronaldo De Lima (One of my all time favorites by the way), Zizou came to Ronaldo’s defense by saying PlatiCunt was just jealous. These players have achieved far more than He did and the Bitch has been was just sulking and whining. Platini I have noticed is a very jealous person, and frankly I wasn’t surprised by his bitch talk. First of, He hates Manchester United and the fact that we are unstoppably TOO dominant. Remember the look on his face when he handed Giggs the trophy? Fucking looser. Secondly, He dislikes English clubs for the obvious dominance, too bad He cant do nada about it. That said, screw Platini, He can sulk all He wants, the Ronaldo decision does not rest on his obese shoulders.
Fergie is characteristically being furtive about his transfer targets. I firmly know we are in for a surprise. Like I’ve said before, I will welcome Ronaldo back with open arms if He pledges to us simply because I love United far too much. Fergie will buy Berbatov or at least Huntelaar. He might have even been referring to Benzema in that interview. Let’s keep our toes crossed.
[ Grog ]
What do you think of the following players? Rate them if you can.
1. Diego ( Werder Bremen)
2. Moutinho
3. David Silva
4. The Jones dude from Schalke
Plus, don’t you think we need an AMC, say a Scholes replacement. Any ideas?
[Craig Mc]
Where have you been mate?
June 30th, 2008 at 14:32
@karl: Strangely I have more respect for Heinze (the scouse sympathising git) for saying ‘I want to leave United’. Lets see if Ronaldo has the balls to do that…..
The Hargreaves situation was also different in the fact that Hargreaves told Bayern he wanted to go to United. He didnt get his move, played for bayern for another year, and then we eventually got him, which is probably how the Ronaldo saga will turn out.
That’s if Ronaldo actually says he wants to leave…..
@Whitey : yeah, Anderson
June 30th, 2008 at 14:41
To add to my rant on UEFA/FIFA’s bias and incompetence in this whole Ronaldo saga, here’s what the FIFA spokesman had to say when United lodged a complaint against madrid:
A spokesman for the FIFA executive committee said: “United’s chances of getting Real punished are zero.
“I think everyone knows that these things go on in football but proving any wrongdoing is next to impossible.
“Real are very powerful and I don’t think they’ll be too worried about United’s claims.”
Now I am not sure if this is an actual recorded comment or another one of those “insider scoops”, but whatever it is, this shows up FIFA for what it is. How can an official spokesman, who is supposed to toe the neutral line say something like - “Real are very powerful and I don’t think they’ll be too worried about United’s claims”?
From when did FIFA start commenting on who they think is the bigger or powerful club, and how the bloody hell does being powerful have any relation with the validity of the complaint?
And saying that “United’s chances of getting Real punished are zero” even before the any investigation was done is as clear a sign that bladder no balls and his chums would be doing nothing at all about the complaint.
June 30th, 2008 at 14:46
I just saw the Euro 2008 team of the tournament, and I noticed to my dismay that Giorgio Chiellini wasn’t even mentioned. What the blaze?, even class clowns like Bosignwa and Pepe were mentioned. What a technical committee. I know Chellini was the best defender at the tourney no question. Maybe even Marchena. But Pepe?? haba
June 30th, 2008 at 15:02
@ Chris Traverse
We all admire Andy, we have to really. The boy has a man’s heart and plays with grit. That said, I don’t fully believe he is the heir to schole’s throne. Why?, too much attention to strength and physical play. Scholes essentially dictates the way the game flows, receiving the ball from the defence and laying killer passes to the attack. When building an attack WE always look to see Scholes transit from our half to the opponent’s. Plus, Scholes FINDS THE NET!. I guess what am saying is we still need a player in the mould like Xavi, Ballack in his days, Gerrard and God forgive me, a Fabregas. Cant believe I just said that. Did I?
June 30th, 2008 at 15:15
Platini was playing for Juve when Heysel happened, I’m guessing thats when his hatred of the English began.
June 30th, 2008 at 15:25
Karl also Bellion, I think we were paying his mobile phone bills when he was still @ Sunderland, fuck knows why, he is arguably the worst plyer I have ever seen play for United!
June 30th, 2008 at 15:34
@Stephen: You forget Djemba2
June 30th, 2008 at 15:43
Don’t forget Pleberson!
June 30th, 2008 at 15:53
I hate the constant speculation over our transfer activity or should I say lack of, but one signing?!?!? hopefully a striker. We are now in a position of stength being Champions league winners (remember that night, seems a long time ago) and should take advantage of that.
We should have the choice of the market out there, and build on our success of last season and not dwell on it, like we did in 99.
June 30th, 2008 at 16:38
I love all the transfer speculation personally although the whole Ronaldo thing alarmed me at the start and is now just pissing me off!
I often see Huntelaars name being mentioned in the forums for a possible signing and the guy can score poals no doubt about it but is he the type of player we really want at utd. Is he not very much in the same mould as RVN more of a target man with not alot of pace which is the opposite of utds fast dynamic attack?
Benzema looks more the ticket for utd!
June 30th, 2008 at 16:44
@Chris Traverse: I’ve read the rumors but to be honest I find them hard to understand. First off, if they were to go for a player like Schweiny, Ronaldo would definitely have to be going. With that said, Schweiny is not the right player for United unless they were to dramatically change the way they play, slow the game down and start playing Beckham ball. That’s not going to happen. Schweinsteiger is a talented player. H has a lethal right foot, is an excellent finesse passer and when not using the EURO 08 volleyball he is also a great crosser. What he doesn’t have and what makes him a poor choice for United is consistency and pace. Although he is not slow, he needs to have more pace as a winger or RMF/LMF player in order to play for United. The team is built around the speed of our outside players. I just don’t see this happening and I really think Bayern and Klinsmann will do their utmost to keep him. Schweinsteiger likes and respects Klinsmann so I honestly don’t think he is going anywhere unless the financial offer is well over what the player’s value is. And United won’t pay that.
June 30th, 2008 at 16:53
@karl: It is nothing like Hargreaves and Bayern. Heargreaves came out himself and said he would like to move to United. United did not tap him up and did nothing illegal in their pursuit of the player. Bayern did not want to sell because it was late in the transfer season and they simply felt they couldn’t find an adequate replacement in time to deal him. Hargreaves shut up about the thing as he respected Bayern and Fergie only persisted in talking to the Bayern brass about a future deal. And we all no what happened. It’s not wrong to want to buy a player. It is wrong to illegally tap him up and get a media campaign of disinformation designed to not only unsettle tha player but especially the team he plays for. Negotiations can occasionally be tough but when one team refuses to talk price, and the other persists, then that is wrong. Bayern said they were not interested in selling the player that year but they would look at an offer the following season. United showed them the respect they deserved and waited it out. They got their player and Bayern got a lot of cash. Everyone is happy. Also key to this is that Bayern Munich and Manchester United maintain a very friendly and cordial relationship that was not bruised or tarnished in any way over the Hargreaves transfer. In fact, Rummenigge and Beckenbauer have both come out in the press and condemned Real Madrid’s tactics in the Ronaldo affair. That certainly doesn’t sound like the statement of a bitter and angry executive branch when it comes to United.
June 30th, 2008 at 17:00
@scoop: Jee I guess you saw RVN as a failure at United? the guy was just a goal machine and our style was just as fast and dynamic then as it is today. At least then we had a true and worthy target man instead of having to convert a winger into that role. A true striker would still allow us to play the same way but he would add the extra dimension of an aerial target as well as a true presence in the box against teams that like to sit ten men behind the ball and crowd our passing and running lanes. This way we are less predictable. Whether it’s Huntelaar or Berbatov, that problem would be solved.
June 30th, 2008 at 17:04
No club is whiter than white in the transfer market, lets be realistic. Every club taps up players it’s part of the game, but the way Real have have gone about it so publicly surely over steps the mark, and Platini should step in and intervene. I thought it was UEFA who police football and when a club openly courts a player its makes a mockery of the system.
If it was an English club doing the same to an Italian or Spanish club I would like to see his views then, twat.
June 30th, 2008 at 17:24
@whiteY: You asked what I thought of the following players and to rate them if I can.
1. Diego ( Werder Bremen)
2. Moutinho
3. David Silva
4. Jermaine Jones from Schalke
First off, Diego. A genius with the ball. Has finesse, style, finishing skill and vision. What he doesn’t have is pace. He’s a lead foot and that’s why he’s still playing in the Bundesliga. His free kicks and ball skills are sublime but like I said, he lumbers about for such a short and skinny guy and it’s really quite surprising. He still is valuable but not for United. Even Scholes today is faster than Diego. Secondly Moutinho. Honestly, don’t know that much about him as I do not follow the Portuguese game. In the games I have seen him he seems very good at finesse skills and especially good at passing and breaking down defensive walls. But he also seems a little soft and he disappears completely in the last third of a game from what I have seen. Not really sure on him.
David Silva; OVERRATED and useless in my opinion. I’m also not impressed with the way he tackles and I certainly didn’t like his head butt against Podolski yesterday. He has always been passionate and temperamental but does have pace and decent long ball passing ability.
Not one of my favorites as he often tries to be a poor mans Gattuso and for me he fails most of the time. I’ll never know how and why he starts for Spain. Finally Germaine Jones. GARBAGE! This guy had a decent season at Schalke but for me he lacks the necessary tools to be a complete player. He isn’t a bad marker and his tackling has improved but that is all he has to offer. Rumors of Fergie being interested in him have to be science fiction. For me the guy could barely make it on Bolton or Hull.
And yes I do believe the team needs to address their weakness at AMF. We need a van der Vaart badly. Anyone who think that Anderson will become this player is deluding himself. Anderson is a physical and aggressive CMD/DMF type who has the ability to make the odd great long ball. He has no finishing skills and lacks the change of pace and finesse needed to be an AMF. Not easy to teach at his level. He should have had those skills years ago. We need a Deco style player who can also score the odd goal. In fact the ideal player for us is Ballack who would have been that extra threat in the box and would allow the offense to still be controlled by our wingers. All the good ones are taken and I cannot honestly think of too many that are United class that are or may be available. van der Vaart is the man and Deco is too old. Riquelme, well he’s mentally incapable of playing to anyone’s drummer even though he is a genius and he also may be too slow for the Prem. Diego is too slow, and Fabreagas is not available nor is Gerrard (although I’d never want him anyway). The ideal player for us was swooped up by Spurs. Modric is fantastic. And my personal favorite Arshavin wants to go to Barcelona.
June 30th, 2008 at 17:52
Now a word regarding Platini. For me one of the poorest sportsmen to ever be a captain for his country and to ever be considered a great player. Too many times I saw that bastard sulk and complain and show no sportsmanship after a loss either with Juventus or for France. The way he acted when France lost to West Germany in the 82 and 86 World Cup semi-finals says it all. Refused to shake hands or exchange jerseys at the end of the game and a player who has never ever had a good thing to say about German or English football. His dislike for German football is understandable. It comes from bitter losses and France’s inability to ever beat the German’s under his captaincy. His hatred for United and for English football comes from something much darker I’m afraid.
About ten years ago I read an article in World Soccer where he claims that everything that is wrong with football comes from England and especially their “IDIOTIC” supporters. He was very bitter and angry over the Heysel (not sure of my spelling) incident where of course the Scouse ran rampant and many Juventus as well as a few Liverpool fans were killed. This of course caused England to be banned from football for a number of years and this was just fine to Platini as he never has liked the way the game has been played in the UK. He is a proponent of technical and continental football and has often said that English football has no form or substance or beauty to it. To a point I agree as it used to be the long ball and chase mentality and it still is in the lower divisions as well as the bottom feeders of the Prem. But the English game has also come a very long way with the introduction of foreign players, coaches and more continental systems. So what’s his problem? Bitterness, ignorance and just and arrogant up tight and callous disregard for a country’s football based on bias and blatant hatred. He is a smug cocksucker and he has always been that even in his playing days. He is also a hypocrite as it has come out that Real Madrid are operating at a 400 million Euros deficit. Obviously they have a way or system in which this seems to be tolerated but how he can complain about teams buying players while being in debt is beyond me? Platini you total wanker, wake up and smell the coffee. Most people today operate on a debt. It’s the way of the world. As long as the Man Utd’s, Liverpool’s and others continue to make their debt payments, the way they buy players should not be a concern to you. Especially when things are not on the up and up in places like Madrid. So could somebody find it fitting to kick this pompous ass off his high horse and do all of us and the game of football a great service PLEASE? This man lacks the impartiality and fairness required to be in such a high position. I’d even go as far as to say his continued influence in the way UEFA runs it’s policies may have a double standard as well as suffer from a blatant conflict of interest. I hated him as a player and I hate him even more as the elected head of UEFA. Excluding Cantona and little Evra, he is everything I hate about French footballers and the way they carry themselves. He is a total and complete ASSCLOWN.
June 30th, 2008 at 18:00
Well Fergie is making me feel as insecure as ever. He has just come out and confirmed to me that the club is broke. He is only interested in buying one player? Are you frakken kidding me? Obviously that player is a striker but what happened to Richards, another central defender to replace Pique and a LB to backup Evra if Silvestre goes? How about a 4th striker for backup unless he plans on aking the collosal mistake of keeping Saha? What, no AMFer either. Instead giggs and Scholes are a year older and we still haven’t found their replacements. Is everything pinned on the hope that Nani grows up and makes the grade? Perhaps. But we still need a van der Vaart in the v=center of the park.
I’ve just got two more things to say. Fergie better make that one player either Huntelaar or Berbatov and he better pray that he can convince Ronaldo to stay for his entire contract. Ronaldo playing for us as a lame duck player who will be leaving does not fill my heart with confidence that United will be a s good or that Ronaldo will give a damn. We shall see but it’s looking more and more like I may have had a valid point in my many rants about United’s suspected financial problems.
June 30th, 2008 at 18:22
Well put on Platini Grognard. Your rants are always informative, if not a little opinionated. Which is fine as I usually agree.
June 30th, 2008 at 18:32
I have to say that I am elated that one German player has come out to voice his displeasure over the bias shown by Referee Rosetti in yesterday’s final. Jens Lehmann has voiced his displeasure at the phantom foul called against the Germans in the Spanish box just as Gomez was ready to score on a real sitter (not a given with Gomez) as well, he was not amused by the refs ignorance at David Silva’s head butt on Podolski. I totally feel vindicated and relieved that I wasn’t the only one that noticed how the ref has screwed Germany in this final. The problem with all this is that it’s a shame it took the controversial and always flaky Jens Lehmann to bring this out. I knew there was a reason why I liked him. Great minds think alike.
June 30th, 2008 at 18:39
yeah but i noticed lehmann didnt mention the handball he committed that got ignored, that was a bad call aswell hahaha
June 30th, 2008 at 18:44
@Grognard: I think, you’re wrong about David Silva, and comparing him to Gattuso is certainly not fair, since they play different positions all together.
Silva is a quality left winger/forward with great pace and class ball control. And as we saw in the Euros, he’s got a solid left foot as well. And he’s only 22. Unfortunately, we won’t be going after him, since we’ve got Nani for the future in that position.
About us being broke - well, I guess it depends somewhat on what player we bring in. And he hasn’t excluded that we could be going for 2. I guess some of the transfer activity going in will depend on what exits, because obviously we can’t risk losing another defender (Silvestre), and not bring in a replacement.
I think SAF feels very confident in his current crop of players, and why shouldn’t he. Yes, the players are a year older, and Giggs will have only 25 matches in him (SAF’s words), but Nani will be ready for a lot more games, and so will Anderson, which means we’re covered pretty well all round, if we bring in a striker.
Neville’s coming back as well, which could be a very important “signing”.
About the striker situation. I read that we might battle it out with Real Madrid for Radamel Falcao, who’s a Columbian international playing for River Plate. I know absolutely nothing about him, but he might be the signing of the summer. He fits the bill that’s for certain:
Young
Selling club’s profile
Striker
And that’s another thing that eases me a bit. SAF has said, we’re after the best young players from teams around. Could be a good sign.
Plus he seems quite certain, we’ll keep Ronaldo. If he wasn’t, he wouldn’t talk like this about the transfer plans.
June 30th, 2008 at 19:03
@Grognard: Fergie sees Anderson and Nani as the long term replacements for Giggs and Scholes, so in his eyes there is no need to sign for those positions.
Maybe signing one player is a morale thing. If he goes out and signs 4 or 5 players after a fairly young team wins a league and europe double, it’s gonna cause a few heads to drop. By only signing one (and lets hope its a striker asthats where we need one) it’ll benefit the younger players.
Also, looking at it, where are the problems in our squad?
EVDS looked good in the Euro’s, and it’ll be Fosters first propper season, Kuszaczk is better than he gets credit for.
With Neville back, Brown can move into the center to cover (as Pique did last year) and Gary can play right back. Left back is an issue if Evra gets a big injury… Silvestre isn’t going anywhere, and can do a decent enough job in short runs.
Midfield we have Carrick , Hargreaves, Scholes, Giggs, Ronaldo, Nani, Anderson… not even counting Flecther, Park and O’Shea. If that can’t see our Midfield through a season, then we have serious problems.
Upfront we have Rooney and Tevez. Saha cannot be relied on, we are yet to see what’s going on with Campbell, but he isn’t a game changer. It’s not yet Welbeck’s time, Manucho is untested (but judging on the ACON he can belt a ball or two) and Dong is here for marketing, not football.
I’m sure you’ll tell me if I’ve gone wrong anywhere
June 30th, 2008 at 19:11
I also got the impression that SAF’s transfer targets were young. I think his actually words were “we’re looking at one or two things.” I dont think he wants to bring in a ton of players, since that will cause more time to gel. And I also dont think he needs too.
Just because we have money, doesnt mean we need to spend it. And just because we dont spend money, doesnt mean we have it. We are, after all, champions of europe. We dont need a retool. And this may be SAF finally trying to bleed in some youth team players, if not just to find out if they are in fact United material. I would love to see Possebon in the middle of the park with Carrick or Hargo just to see if he can cut it. No use spending money on players to back up people if we ‘might’ already have people that are able. Would certainly love to see us get a good young talent the likes of Garay or someone like that though.
June 30th, 2008 at 19:13
Come now Grog. You can’t expect Fergie to bring in 4 new signings after he just had a team win the double? Our squad is complete, outside of a striker, which to me, if Saha can stay healthy, we don’t really need. But since we can’t depend on him, we have to make a move. Here’s how I see it…we’re not walking a financial tightrope her. Fergie isn’t trying to bust up this team, a team that has been succesful for him just last year. He just splashed a good $50 mil the offseason before this one, and chances are he’ll drop 20+ mil on a new striker. The fact is, especially if Ronaldo stays, we don’t have much to do with the team. An attacking mid would be a luxury I think, especially if we buy a striker. I think the money is there, we just already have a world class team, so why buy when you don’t really need to. If we need something in January, I expect we’ll be able to get a good player.
Keep in mind that Fergie wants to lock up Tevez, and that Ferdinand, Eva, Carrick all got new deals this year. Ronaldo will also most likely get a raise in wages. Tevez will be like a new signing. All in all, I think we’re fine.
And to be honest, I don’t know if I’d meet Zenit’s asking price for Arshavin. I mean its not my money, but I just have this bad feeling about Arshavin. I feel like he is going to be a tournament wonder who doesn’t live up to the hype with his new squad. If he proves me wrong, then great happy for him. Just don’t see it personally.
June 30th, 2008 at 19:14
well, it looks like Red Ranter and Grogs were right about the transfer kitty! now thats a kick in the bollox. As euro champs we won £££££s, but we can only afford one major signing! What the fuck? I’m pissed off if this is true.
So do we believe Fergie that Giggs and Scholes are able to perform at the required level? even though Giggs has lost alot of his pace? I heard that Anderson got a bad injury recently playing for Brazil? anyone know anything?
, Silvestre to stay 
Gary Neville back from a year out and so big things are going to be asked from Simpson and Manucho :?:This is our plan to maintain our dominance?
the jury’s out there! I’ve said before and i’ll repeat it; get rid and use the money to buy. I think we would get the most out of the fascists this summer, and with some decent aquisitions, we move forward with strength and style
So Saharrrgh is off
We definetly need a striker and in my mind that man is Berba. He would be a great addition to our squad.So what kind of performances can we expect from our star winger who dreams of playing for the fascists? mmmmmmmmm
June 30th, 2008 at 19:15
If we are buying just the one player Im hoping it is a world class striker. But as Ferguson says its hard to buy good players because clubs like to hang on to their good players, so Im guessing we’ll be buying another “one for the future”. The Colombian guy sounds interesting but could end up being another Forlan.
Van der Vaart would have been my choice but a striker is more of a priority and to be fair our midfield is covered. We do not need the AMF player so long as we have Ronaldo and the way Tevez and Rooney drop back they are equivalent to an AMF.
I think it will be another surprise signing like the Nani/Anderson deals of last years. A young forward for around 10 million up front with installments rising to a total fee of 20 million. But I cannot think of a player who fits that bill.
What do people think of Zarate? Only got a few games for Birmingham but has the physique we are looking for.
June 30th, 2008 at 19:38
@whiteY: Give Anderson a chance. Last year he was just past recovering from a broken leg. Now that he is off the mark (penalty in the CLF) he might starting banging them in a la Fabregas only now has started to.
June 30th, 2008 at 19:49
I know i may get a bit of stick for this but i think a great signing this summer would be Benny Macarthy
he had a great season for Blackburn the season before last second only to drogba in the league i seem to remember.
a big plus would be his price we would not have to fork out 20 million for him we could get him for around 10 million
Any Thoughts
June 30th, 2008 at 20:31
So Chelsea have signed Deco - no big surprise there. Apparently it’s a deal worth £7,9 mil. He’s a great player, but in my world, they can sign all the 30 yos they want to… not exactly long term. But he’s a good player, and it gives us an idea of what kind of football Scolari wants to play.
To me, he’s just another midfielder in Chelsea’s squad, but it could mean exit Lampard, and frankly that would be a poor swap, since Lampard is used to the league and a sure goal scorer.
June 30th, 2008 at 21:11
@Grognard: , seriously mate, just because SAF said that he only wants to sign one player does not mean that we are broke coz lets be realistic here, there is at the most 2 positions on our team that need strengthened, striker and right back.
With Nevilles return and Silvestres decision to stay we are adequately manned in the full positions and if both of these players can stay injury free it will give SAF time to get a closer look and develope the Silva twins who could save us a fortune if they come good so I honestly dont feel concerned about us defensively.
The only position that I think we definately need to get a player into is the striking position and I dont think you have to be a genious to work out that the ONE player that SAF is speaking about will be a striker and if he suceeds in getting quality then I will be happy enough.
To bring in more midfielders or wingers might increase our squad size but in the long run could damage the development of some of our existing players like Nani and Anderson who must be given more games and responsibility next season to see if they are the real deal, to bring in more players just for the sake of it would be unwise and unfair coz ultimately this would lessen game time for players who are at a vital stage in their development at OT and I honestly believe that it is this that is influencing SAFs thinking this summer and not a lack of funds.
Now I know some of you are still worried about the Ronaldo situation and what I wrote above only applies if he stays at OT, but having listened to what SAF had to say today about his squad, the idea that Ronaldo wont be there next season is definately not in Fergies mind and I would be very surprised if Ronny boy is not our no7 next year.
June 30th, 2008 at 21:26
@Fred The Red: Agree. I think Ronaldo will stay (although that does little to change the way I think of him), and I’m sure he’ll perform well next season. So really it has to be a striker that he’ll bring in. I’ll be happy if we just sign a striker (a good one) all summer.
June 30th, 2008 at 21:34
Deco is a great signing for Chelsea giving them some creativity in the midfield and someone who can pull the strings. It would be interesting to see how he adapts to the English game but he’ll be a major asset in Europe no doubt. I thought he was better than Ronaldo for Portugal in the Euros.
June 30th, 2008 at 21:40
He said they are looking at a couple of things - so we may sign 1 or even 2 who knows.
We dont need a new goalkeeper.
If Ronaldo stays we dont need any new midfielders.
If Silvestre stays and Neville is fit then we prob dont even need to strengthen at the back as brown/silvestre/O’Shea and evans will be back up CB’s. Maybe a cover LB.
So the one area is up front where we need 1 striker. Berbatov!
So all in all we won the double with this squad so a small tweak is all we need really.
20m on Tevez and upto 30m on another striker will 50m spent! not bad for a club in financial crisis!
June 30th, 2008 at 21:50
@gator: Thats because it wasn’t a hand ball. He handled in the box and then quickly controlled eith his chest because he knew his momentum would carry him outside. Even the commentator for the game in the feed I watched agreed with me on this one. For what it’s worth. It was close though.
June 30th, 2008 at 21:53
If we signed 3 or 4 players then how the hell do we keep them all happy?! must have been hard enough last season. We have a big quality squad and adding 1 or 2 players will freshen it and make us better.
Neville is back and we already have Manucho so thats like 2 new players already!!
June 30th, 2008 at 21:57
Tomas. I was comparing him to Gattuso in temperament not in the position each plays. I don’t like his style of play and his cheap shot bull crap theatrics. We have enough of that crap to deal with in Ronaldo and Nani.
June 30th, 2008 at 22:03
I love it. Fergie says it’s hard to go out there and buy players for such and such reason. The bottom line is that it’s hard to buy players when you have no money and the team’s are asking for more than you can afford. Let’s call a spade a spade here. Wake up people! United is almost broke. We’re operating on fumes and what money we make from the Champions League.
And to those people who think I want four or five players bought, you are wrong. Ideally I would love a striker, a backup at LB and an attacking midfielder. For me that’s two major signings and convincing Silvestre to stay. For me Huntelaar and van der Vaart would be ideal. That’s of course if Ronaldo stays. If he leaves I would want those two, Ramos and Robinho in return and Fergie goes out and signs a player like Arshavin. But hey, whose complaining when we can look forward to Manucho and Grandpa Nevile’s return. Wooopee!
June 30th, 2008 at 22:08
Our current squad:
Goalkeeper:
Van der Sar
Kuszczak
Foster
Defenders:
Neville
Evra
Ferdinand
Brown
Vidic
Oshea
Evans
Simpson
Silvestre
Midfielders:
Hargreaves
Anderson
Giggs
Park
Carrick
Nani
Scholes
Fletcher
Eagles
Forwards:
Ronaldo
Saha
Rooney
Tevez
Manucho
Campbell
Welbeck
Add a new signing and we have 7 players that can play as a striker.
A good squad, can get better, will get better!
P.S. Is it just me or has the Ronaldo transfer-talk calmed down since Portugal got knocked out? Maybe CQ was right? Maybe Calderon did this just to unsettle Ronaldo so Portugal wouldnt win. In the end Spain won, so maybe Evil-Calderon got what he wanted.
June 30th, 2008 at 22:09
@Grognard: Showing a lot of faith in one of the absolute best right backs in the world there Grognard?
Huntelaar and van der Vaart aren’t good enough, and therefore we won’t buy them, and neither is Arshavin. He won’t work outside Russia. Van der Vaarts only great asset is his delievery from set pieces, but I guess we have players able at that already. Huntelaar… well, he’s not exactly first choice for his national team, neither 3rd nor 4th choice either. Not sure he fits the bill, but we’ll see. I like his goal scoring ability, but if his footballing skills aren’t good enough to get him on the pitch, what does it matter.
June 30th, 2008 at 22:12
Yeah ok - Huntelaar might be 4th choice
June 30th, 2008 at 22:13
Fred the Red; Sorry mate, I think we are broke. And I also believe in never standing pat. Champions don’t look to yesterday, they look to tomorrow and in the past Fergie has thought like me. If he’s not doing so now, it’s because he doesn’t have the capital to really make the changes that are needed. I’m not saying we need to make wholesale changes. But we need a world class striker and a world class attacking midfielder. Anybody who doesn’t see that is wearing blinders and fatalistically optimistic. Scholes and Giggs are on their last legs and so who is going to back up the already injured Anderson and the not ready for prime time Nani?
June 30th, 2008 at 22:17
Tomas; I’m not even going to dignify that with a reply mate.
June 30th, 2008 at 22:20
Grog why do we need Van Der Vaart? We dont need him, he is just a luxury. Decent player but not needed this season. Drop Rooney into that role of ACM and let Tevez and Berbatov run the show up top!
June 30th, 2008 at 22:23
Grognard - I kind of knew you wouldn’t, but we’ll just have to wait and see.
Imo van der Vaart plays for HSV at the age of 25, because he’s overpriced, and the same goes for Huntelaar. People in the business know the value of these players, and if they aren’t traded away from Holland or Germany, it’s because they’re overpriced.
Arshavin - well, I’m undecided on him. He comes in and plays very well in 2 matches. He’s fully rested and up against slow defenses of Sweden and Holland. Then he encounters more skillful and quick defenders from Spain and is completely torn apart.
June 30th, 2008 at 22:26
@Grognard: Grognard, you are not calling a spade a spade. You are calling what you think to be a spade as a spade. Big difference there. No one knows, so you are neither right nor wrong. The fact is you want to believe (or at least that’s how it comes across when I read your theory of united being broke) that United is broke because Fergie is not buying as many players as you thought he’d buy.
There is a big, big chance that he reckons we are good if we manage to keep Ronaldo and sign a striker. There is a big, big chance that Fergie has a different opinion of the squad than you, rather than the financial situation.
Yes, we may be in financial trouble, but may is the operative word here. We’d be daft to assume we are either extremely loaded or completely broke without having any idea of the numbers. It’s a private company and they can show anything based on their accounting jugglery. Speculate, but when you state it like it is the ultimate truth, then I will say just this: I strongly disagree.
June 30th, 2008 at 22:30
@Grognard: weres the evidence that we are operating on fumes, have I missed something and before you start talking about the debt we are in I am well aware of the current Glazer situation so if you would like to show me the basis of your opinions I would be happy to study it but until then it sounds pure supposition to me.
Like RR said, a quality striker would suffice for me, the rest would be buying for buyings sake and would be to the detriment of the squad.
Many of us on here believe Anderson will provide the attacking impetus from midfield so he must be allowed to show wether we are right or wrong, the addition of an attacking midfielder at this stage could bring about a situation were too many cooks spoil the broth.
This team and particulary its younger players must be given the chance to grow and mature coz the way I see it, there isnt a lot wrong with it.
June 30th, 2008 at 22:45
@Grognard: I agree that champions should never stand still but I honestly believe that our situation is slightly different than most teams that are reigning champions in that our current squad is nowhere near its peak and the improvement that you desire could come through maturity and not major surgery.
This time next year we will know if SAFs blue print is gonna work long term and also we will know what if any areas need changing but until then lets wait and see.