Dec 05
West Ham United vs Manchester United: Preview
Fresh from World Cup draw fever, the attention will once more be focused on the Premier League. Manchester United have the rare occurrence of a Saturday, 3pm kick-off, and the lucky recipients of a visit from Sir Alex Ferguson on his 1,300th game in charge of the Red Devils are West Ham United. That’s 3pm GMT at Upton Park or the Boleyn Ground if you prefer.
The Hammers are fresh from the 5-3 victory over Burnley last weekend, at one point 5-0 up. But former United reserve Chris Eagles was the catalyst for the Clarets as they looked to make the score more respectable and ultimately demonstrate the weakness of West Ham’s defence. Having not had a clean sheet since August and scoring in each of their last eleven matches, including an impressive 8 in their last three games, a goal fest should ensue.
Matthew Upson should have recovered from a hamstring injury to help repair the leaky defence that has conceded at least two goals in 9 of their last 10 Premier League matches. Reported United target Carlton Cole is out until the New Year and Alessandro Diamanti is doubtful with a thigh strain. This means Zavon Hines will start upfront for the Hammers,
Long-term absentees Calum Davenport, Dean Ashton and Luis Boa Morte are all still sidelined. Valon Behrami is also out after minor knee surgery. Forgotten man Kieron Dyer should be on the bench after playing 75 minutes for the reserves on Monday.
Gianfranco Zola has the Hammers playing an attacking brand of football, a brand of entertaining football that has led his side into a relegation dogfight. One player who is always up for a battle is Scott Parker, he has matured into a more holding role during his time with West Ham and is a vital component of Zola’s team, he will look to impose his game on our midfield and is also a threat when he ventures into the opposition half.
United go into the game on the back of a comfortable 2-0 victory over Tottenham in the Carling Cup. With Ferguson selecting a second string side, the young lads will have definitely put themselves into first team contention, Darron Gibson being a case in point.
Edwin Van der Sar, who has saved 83% of all shots on target, a league high, has recovered from a knee injury and will force Tomasz Kuszczak back onto the bench.
Patrice Evra will return to the back line to join Gary Neville, Nemanja Vidic and Wes Brown in an almost unchanged unit. John O’Shea and Jonny Evans are still out with thigh and ankle injuries, respectively.
The biggest headache for Ferguson is the midfield, Anderson was impressive against Spurs, Michael Carrick had a late cameo but Darron Gibson stole all the headlines with two wonderful goals and surely deserves to keep his place in the side. Antonio Valencia, Darren Fletcher and Ryan Giggs should all return to the team, and Paul Scholes is also in with a shout.
Wayne Rooney who bagged a hat-trick last week, will almost certainly partner Dimitar Berbatov, leaving Michael Owen out in the cold once more.
There have been more goals at Upton Park than at any other Premier League ground this season. We do not have a great record at Upton Park with two defeats in our last three trips to east London, though last season we completed the double over the Hammers. We should expect nothing less than a victory to keep the pressure on Chelsea, who face a tricky tie against that ‘massive club’ from across the way.
Prediction: 3-1 United
Probable Line Up: Van der Sar, Neville, Brown, Vidic, Evra, Valencia, Fletcher, Gibson, Giggs, Rooney, Berbatov
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Tags: Game Preview
December 5th, 2009 at 12:42
I concur with a lot of things you say, but this I just aggressively disagree with:” Zola has the Hammers playing…..a brand of entertaining(attacking)football THAT HAS LED his side to a relegation dogfight”. It seems this myth of attacking football being the cause of failure for most teams has grown. It’s not the attacking football,it’s mainly the case of being poor defensively for West Ham and injury issues.
December 5th, 2009 at 12:46
When Neville plays, I don’t watch the games. It’s simple as that. I pray to god that he isn’t in the team.
December 5th, 2009 at 13:02
@Johnsom33..thats the most stupid thing I’ve ever had someone say. Are you watching Neville or United? Anyway, i’d love to see Scholes start. Gibson doesn’t offer much else apart from his shooting ability. We need someone who can control possesion and the tempo of the game plus a hard man who can compliment him. We also need as many mature heads as possible this being a difficult away ground. I’d go with Scholes and Fletch in the middle with Giggs and Antonio on the wings. Should be a good game.
December 5th, 2009 at 13:16
I hope he is, and it’s a brilliant game that we win with attacking prowess. And you miss it.
December 5th, 2009 at 14:10
@Johnsom33: Comments like that is why i hardly post here anymore.
December 5th, 2009 at 14:18
Gibson is not even in the travel party for today’s game, so he obviously won’t start. Don’t be surprised if it was SAF’s way of delivering a message to the kid — keep your feet on the ground and all that.
@Dan — agreed. Thanks for calling that out.
December 5th, 2009 at 14:33
Good write up David. Yeah we’ve got to keep the pressure on the chavs, i’m wondering how many United fans would swop our position right now for some gung ho attacking football? Of course we’re spoilt and we expect both! Do we still possess the manpower to play this way? West Ham, as you said are very frail defensively, so lets put them to the sword early and have them “blowing bubbles”
Really want to see us dominating midfield and dictating the tempo. Still need to be much more clinical infront of goal too! Come on lads, step up to the mark.
December 5th, 2009 at 14:43
@Jay wire: Attacking football might not be the problem but I think it’s the focus put on it by Zola that’s got West Ham leaking tons of goals, contributing to their relatively poor start to the season. They have a shoddy defence and I think Zola needs to focus on strengthening his backline before his brand of attacking football can pay dividends. IMO, attacking football isn’t the root cause but their focus on it is contributing to their poor play.
December 5th, 2009 at 15:15
I heard from my soothsayers that this is our best game of the season: United to win 5-2!
Call me OPTImistic.
December 5th, 2009 at 15:17
from the cafe:
PIG
Fletcher
Neville
Brown
Evra
Gibson
Anderson
Scholes
Giggs
Valencia
Rooney
Subs: Foster, De Laet, Nani, Carrick, Park, Berbatov & Owen.
December 5th, 2009 at 15:23
I thought for sure EVDS was playing? And 4-5-1 against leaky hammers is surprising (unless it is a 4-3-3).
December 5th, 2009 at 15:24
We have de laet but fergie plays neville at CB instead?
December 5th, 2009 at 15:24
@Johnsom33: The worst comment this blog has ever witnessed…so congrats
December 5th, 2009 at 15:25
If you can’t watch this game you can try free United – West Ham Live Streams
Hope we will win today
December 5th, 2009 at 15:25
@Dan: Bcoz De Laet was bad in the last game…
December 5th, 2009 at 15:27
@owen: We will surely win bcoz David Schiavone has again given the preview…And we have never lost when ever he has …
December 5th, 2009 at 15:27
@owen: No he wasnt.
December 5th, 2009 at 15:28
Mmmmmm talk about makeshift defence – lets hope hammers forwards and MF’s haven’t got their shooting boots on eh?
December 5th, 2009 at 15:29
Does anyone else think Fletcher is WASTED at right back, and should not be playing there? NO – just me then!
December 5th, 2009 at 15:33
@AndyCR7: so fletch is playing right back, no vidic, and a timid 4-5-1?
December 5th, 2009 at 15:36
@owen: Delaet got a lot of accolade from the media and ex pros about his performance against Spurs. Its only a few blind United fans who were watching a different game
I think Delaet should be in a Right back today, and Fletch in MF where we will need him and Gibbo on the bench!
December 5th, 2009 at 15:39
Glory Glory Man Uniiiiiiiiited! Glory Glory Man Uniiiiited… And the Reds keep marching on on on!!!
December 5th, 2009 at 15:41
@[OPTI]Madschester United: You got the right name – OPTI – judging by your last post
December 5th, 2009 at 15:41
@CraigMc: i agree! besides, we have 2 strikers and nani on the bench, for crying out loud! why do we insist on playing such negative, boring fooball this season?
December 5th, 2009 at 15:42
what de fuck? very strange line up?!!!!?
December 5th, 2009 at 15:42
@CraigMc: By gibbo, you mean scholes.
December 5th, 2009 at 15:44
@phoenix red: I see what you did there
December 5th, 2009 at 15:45
Rumors are that Scholes will retire this summer… Legend legend legend! I am both happy and sad!
December 5th, 2009 at 15:45
That is such a bad line up that I don’t want to know the result!
December 5th, 2009 at 15:47
@AndyCR7: WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTTT?!?!?!?!?!?
December 5th, 2009 at 15:58
COME ON UNITED!!!
December 5th, 2009 at 15:59
If Fletcher is the back up RB,then why we are paying wage to Rafael and De laer
December 5th, 2009 at 16:01
@Dan: No Dan bro, by Gibbo I mean GIBSON
December 5th, 2009 at 16:01
from the beebs: “Nemanja Vidic is ill apparently, while Rafael and Fabio, or Rabio as they’re collectively known, are both injured, hence Gaz Neville at centre-back and Darren Fletcher at right-back.” what about de laet though?
December 5th, 2009 at 16:15
gibson’s been just horrible…bad touch, bad pass
December 5th, 2009 at 16:17
does anyone know our corners-to-goal ratio this season?
December 5th, 2009 at 16:20
@bildani: 0
December 5th, 2009 at 16:24
I`ve got no problems with Andersons dreadlocks, but his beard on the other hand….
December 5th, 2009 at 16:28
@bildani:
Ill try my best to find out for you
December 5th, 2009 at 16:34
What the fuck is our defense now?!?!?!?
Fletcher-Carrick-Brown-Evra?! Oh dear…
December 5th, 2009 at 16:35
Scholes to play CB!!!
December 5th, 2009 at 16:41
That is probably the least creative manutd team ive seen…Gibson has a good strike but his overall gameplay aint too good this game
December 5th, 2009 at 16:42
gibson’s very poor today, PIG’s clearances are awful, and we have no one going forward. twice now rooney looked for support and found none.
December 5th, 2009 at 16:46
Nice strike scholesy!….
December 5th, 2009 at 16:47
Scholesy!!!!!!!! 1-0!!!
December 5th, 2009 at 16:48
SCHOLESY!!!!
Dire 1st half, but for the goal… btw, what happened to our defenders?? I think I saw Carrick in defence, WTF??
December 5th, 2009 at 16:48
Well done Paul!
December 5th, 2009 at 16:51
Question:
I understand that using the entire squad allows us to be competitive on all fronts but why do we see this Rafa-esque rotation policy in every single game — when do we play of best 11 at one time — and are we seriously playing with 7 midfielders (2 in defence and 5 in midfield?) … poor rooney!
Other than that we have been in charge of the game throughout and the goal was coming… deserved lead.
December 5th, 2009 at 16:52
@bildani: i think PIG isn’t getting any love or confidence from his CBs and its affecting him a bit but he has made the right decisions so far, gibbons has been atrocious especially his passing..somebody needs to remind him he is a midfielder back in training
December 5th, 2009 at 16:54
And for the 7th game running, a midfielder scores for us!
Where are all the goals gonna come from?
December 5th, 2009 at 16:56
Now there is some hope for Nani in nex tmatch as Defender..
December 5th, 2009 at 17:00
If Gibson didn`t have one of the best shots in European football, he would never have started a game for us… Terrible touch, passing and is not focused enough to be playing at the top level.
De Laet in for Gibson and I`m happy.
December 5th, 2009 at 17:01
Players who react towards Fergie the way Neville did there don`t stay at the club for long…
Neville to take a Keane? I`ve never seen him that pissed at the manager.
December 5th, 2009 at 17:04
@Footy4Eddy: but we are reduced, and resorting, to long range strikes to get our goals. when’s the last time you saw a signature counter attacking manchester united goal?
December 5th, 2009 at 17:11
@bildani: Hey, I`m not complaining. I like it when the goals are shared around the squad.
December 5th, 2009 at 17:19
GIBSOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!!!! THAT! LAD!!! CAN!!! SHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT!!!!!!!!
December 5th, 2009 at 17:20
lol cant pass or tackle but a monster shooter…go gibson!!
December 5th, 2009 at 17:21
Holy moly! Gibbo 2-0~!
December 5th, 2009 at 17:22
holy shit, gibson! 2 shots on goal, 2 goals!
December 5th, 2009 at 17:24
@bildani: And poeple said we didn’t take our chances in front of goal! :
December 5th, 2009 at 17:25
Love Berba’s new haircut!!!
December 5th, 2009 at 17:25
Gibson puts all our other midfielders goal records to shame…
December 5th, 2009 at 17:28
@bildani: There was a classic Manchester United goal…
December 5th, 2009 at 17:29
and we have 3
December 5th, 2009 at 17:29
HOLY SHIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 5th, 2009 at 17:29
and 4
December 5th, 2009 at 17:30
@RMJ: WE HAVE 4!
December 5th, 2009 at 17:30
lol kuzzy…tries a nani but fumbles over
December 5th, 2009 at 17:31
Thank God our player found out that crossing low is more dangerous than those high balls!
Well done Tony and Andy!
December 5th, 2009 at 17:31
Rooooneeeeeeey….the last 10min have been AWESOME from the lads..gr8 play from Gibbo, Ando, Giggsy, Valencia and Rooney for the last 3 goals. and Berba too!!!
December 5th, 2009 at 17:35
@Footy4Eddy:, @Footy4Eddy: and @Footy4Eddy:
i stand corrected. 3 goals from midfield, 4 different players, nice counter attacking play and some good assists.
also, please gift berba a goal. thanks!
and lol, PIG!
December 5th, 2009 at 17:36
December 5th, 2009 at 17:47
why do you call Kuszczak “PIG”?
I really wanna know..
December 5th, 2009 at 17:48
omg brown is out
December 5th, 2009 at 17:48
@Devilinho: PIG=Pole In Goal
December 5th, 2009 at 17:48
@Devilinho: Pole In Goal =PIG
December 5th, 2009 at 17:48
Bloody hell Wes Brown OFF – we are truly fucked now defensively in our future games
December 5th, 2009 at 17:49
We have the most injury ravaged defense in the world. I have no doubts about it…
December 5th, 2009 at 17:50
Defenders out:
Vidic
Rio
Evans
Brown
Rafael
Fabio
Neville
Oshea
What the fuck?
December 5th, 2009 at 17:51
Scholes-Carrick to be our centre back partnership against Wolfsburg.
December 5th, 2009 at 17:52
What a 2nd half… good game by starters. We controlled game for 93 minutes and deserved our win. Let’s see if City can dent the Chelsea scum machine.
Onto Wolfsburg next week..
December 5th, 2009 at 17:53
@Footy4Eddy: Do we blame physios, coaches, or players for this injury crisis in defence?
December 5th, 2009 at 17:53
@Footy4Eddy: @RMJ: thanks guys, then Van der Sar will be DIG Dutch In Goal.
December 5th, 2009 at 17:54
bring cathcart back from his loan… and looks like james chester needs to be promoted to the first team!
December 5th, 2009 at 17:56
and liverpool draw against bburn!
I think this season will help them prepare for next season’s Europa league
December 5th, 2009 at 17:57
brown is injured?
December 5th, 2009 at 17:58
Xmas is a coming
Lampards getting fat
Terry is a lady boy
Drogba is a twat
Ballack is a crackhead
His nostrils are getting bigger
Essien is a useless cunt
See who has the last Snigger
merry xmas from all united fans over the world
Come on shitty, you must do us a favour
December 5th, 2009 at 18:06
Eddy,
Neville wasn’t pissed at SAF. He was just angry that the substitute wasnt ready to come on. Especially when PIG throwed the ball out to enable the sub to be made. Wish we had more players like him, who shows so much passion for the team. To be honest, Red Nev was having a commanding game today before he pulled up lame. Wonder what our back 4 will look like next game. Maybe we play 3-5-2
December 5th, 2009 at 18:07
@Scotjimland: except for Essien, I enjoy your jingle…
Today: Neville and Brown got injured.
December 5th, 2009 at 18:08
so we’re 4-0 up and we bring in a pair of fresh strikers. why then do we take our foot of the pedal? seems counter intuitive to me. we should be doing our gd an even bigger favor by going for the jugular!
December 5th, 2009 at 18:10
@owen:
December 5th, 2009 at 18:14
@[OPTI]Madschester United: Good evening lads, yes i saw ,that puts us in a very tight postion, particularly with the Villians at OT next Saturday evening, and them scoring freely just now.We need to keep everything crossed shitty do us A big favour tonite at wastelands.
December 5th, 2009 at 18:15
@Bryan’Robbo’Robson: Arite Robbo, just looked like he was screaming at Sir Alex. I saw his was injured, but having a go at Fergie is never good…
December 5th, 2009 at 18:17
wayne rooney: 14 premier league appearances this season, 11 goals. his previous best was 16 goals from 34 appearances in the 2005-2006 season.
December 5th, 2009 at 18:21
We now have a better goal difference than Arsenal, just 7 behind Chelsea. If they lose tonight, we will be at most 6 goals behind and 2 points.
Way to go lads!
December 5th, 2009 at 18:21
Another ordinary performance by Gibson, which will be glossed over because of his goal. Notice how our attack had much more fluidity when Berba came on and he was subbed out.
But that boy, can he shoot.
Is there even a better shooter of the ball in Europe?
If he can improve other aspects of his game by a tiny bit, we can say he’s definitely etched his name in the first team squad.
December 5th, 2009 at 18:26
all i can muster is ………Bizarre. West Ham were really that bad. First half, very bad, second, much better. So many midfielders!!! ! !!! We put them to the sword, Job done. Lovely goals from Scholes and Gibson.More of those please
December 5th, 2009 at 18:27
@bildani: So how do we go for the jugular in your opinion? By bringing on defenders?
December 5th, 2009 at 18:32
@NicoQB: I dunno if there are any BETTER shoots than Gibson in Europe, but he is definately in class with Stankovic, Totti, Quagliariella, Zlatan, Ribery and Gerrard.
December 5th, 2009 at 18:38
We really have to work on our corners… I think we had about 15 corners todat but didn`t threaten on any of them. It`s been the story of the season really… We have only scored one corner this season, Welbeck against Barnsley!
Yeah, should defo work on that
December 5th, 2009 at 18:40
@Footy4Eddy: We had both the best and the worst shooter playing in the same team today…
December 5th, 2009 at 18:42
lol Adebayor!
December 5th, 2009 at 18:52
Some facts :
1> We are very much unpredictable this season
2>Rooney will score 25 goals this season(In EPL only)
3>Valencia is a good player nd will score 10-12 goals
4>Ronaldo is missing us more than we miss him
5>Goals can come from any of 9 players except PIG and Andy
6> Pools are 10 points behind us and will be 20 at the end
7>Nani is an exe Man Utd player
8>Gibson is like Ronaldo.Can produce magical moments (Only in terms of goals)
9>Scholes is still a good player
10>I am not getting enough minutes
December 5th, 2009 at 18:52
@AndyCR7: Was Park playing?
December 5th, 2009 at 19:05
@owen:
some very valid points and views, whisper at point 10, got any good tips on Up and coming horse racing! 
Its about 40/60 possession at wastelands , very predictable sadly
December 5th, 2009 at 19:09
Some sides might have buckled with so many defensive problems. Adversity, as always, seems to bring out the best in United.
December 5th, 2009 at 19:10
adebayor, scores at both ends, yipeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
December 5th, 2009 at 19:10
Yabbadabbadebayor!
December 5th, 2009 at 19:11
Gibson+Anderson=Ultimate football player
Anybody dare disagree?
December 5th, 2009 at 19:16
@owen: we have not hit form yet, its as normal all about timing, its a marathon not the 100 metres, Like most of the lads who type on here we are used to a style, It will happen.
December 5th, 2009 at 19:16
@Footy4Eddy: Yes I…
Gibson+Anderson= All time best player
December 5th, 2009 at 19:20
@Scotjimland: I have again started to believe that this season will also be ours…what you think???
December 5th, 2009 at 19:25
@owen: If i did not believe, i would not watch or go to the match,I am not convinced that the season will be ours, i think we will have a better idea after January is out, after the rent boys loose 3 players to the African cup of nations, then we will have a clearier picture, in the meantime I trust, and trust That sparky does us a favour in the next 45 minutes.
December 5th, 2009 at 19:41
@owen: Time will tell… But we sure need you to make a telling impact in tight matches!
December 5th, 2009 at 19:43
And speaking of a 4-0 thrashing of West Ham… Where on earth is the master of Doom and Gloom?
Come out come out Groggy wherever you are!
December 5th, 2009 at 19:45
@Don Pablo: Gibson’s shooting ability is so immense that what he offers with that skill alone is ten times more than what Scholes and Anderson offer combined. So what if Scholes is ultra tidy? Personally I am tired of his back passes and safe routes only style. I want someone who is a little more adventurous. Gibson is proving to be the number one reason why Adem Ljacic was left hanging on a tree. He is coming on leaps and bounds and is showing something that we have been lacking on this team since early in this decade when Scholes was able to score goals on a regular basis. Gibson is showing a very Frank Lampardish quality but from longer distances. You cannot put enough of a value on that.
December 5th, 2009 at 19:45
Manucho has scored today
December 5th, 2009 at 19:47
@JLC21: Well I guess you were wrong. Perhaps he hitchhiked to the game.
December 5th, 2009 at 19:47
ugly argentine scores 2-1 city
December 5th, 2009 at 19:48
Scare face well well, who would think,
December 5th, 2009 at 19:48
TEVEZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
December 5th, 2009 at 19:53
chelsea are being outplayed by city…
December 5th, 2009 at 19:53
Come on Citeh!
December 5th, 2009 at 19:56
@[OPTI]Madschester United:
we will do the same when we get them at OT TWO days after the real day,
December 5th, 2009 at 20:04
City are employing small-club tactics now… sitting back and trying to outlast chelsea… if they continue this way, Chelsea will score at least once
December 5th, 2009 at 20:09
@Grognard: I agree, if i had any say in the matter, i would start him over scholes anytime and then bring in the old man to tidy up once we get the lead…
haha but honestly, i think eddy got it right when he said put the best of andy and gibbo together and u have the best midfielder in the world i reckon…
gibbo sucks at anything else other than offering a goal threat.
December 5th, 2009 at 20:10
@[OPTI]Madschester United: I sorta agree, this is where they need a good manager to kill the game off, not do everything to save your Queen( as in chess).
In the meantime sitting rockin in my chair 13 minutes to go,
December 5th, 2009 at 20:14
ffs, drogba again, crack open the malt, and lamps MISSES,
December 5th, 2009 at 20:15
Yes given!fuck off fat frank!
December 5th, 2009 at 20:17
Today was the beginning of a new era in Manchester United football. No it was not the return of our dominating style or the beginning of a fantastic run of results that will catapult this club above Chelsea and to a 19th title. No this was the beginning of Grognard’s new world order when ti comes to watching United games. Yes we won 4-0 but the desire and the energy to wake up at 6:00 in the morning to watch this club is a thing of the past. Too many crappy results and boring ones to boot have forced me to value my sleep more than sacrificing it to watch United deliver nauseating football to me so early in the morning. How often in the past year have I awoken at 5 or 6am to watch United just put me back to sleep or to make me feel like a pregnant woman by giving me early morning sickness that induced vomiting? Well no more. No more unless they start playing like they did to day in the second half and way more often.
I am very happy about the result although I have not watched the game. I am looking forward to watching the second half later when it’s replayed. Do I regret my decision? Not in the least. Too many times I have gotten up and too many times I have been burned. Still, I am overjoyed with today’s result as it shows our team to be very resilient with all our injuries. Darren Gibson may not be everything to everybody but he offers a dynamic that this club has lacked for a very long time. A true attacking midfielder with a rocket for a leg. Give him time and I think his other skills will catch up. He is still so young and Scholes at his age was not as good in all those other areas as he is now.
My feeling is who cares if he doesn’t do a lot of the other things if he offers us a goal a game or every two games with that lethal shot. How long have we had nothing but play it safe midfielders who did absolutely fuck all in the attacking third of the pitch. Well this lad buries the ball in the net and in a sport where one goal quite often decides things, i find that far more valuable than anything Carrick, Anderson and Scholes do combined. I want to see more of Fletcher and Gibson as a combo. Give the kid time to learn and to improve on his weaknesses while he offers us an extra weapon in attack.
As for the result, 4-0 is way more than I expected and even though Zola made an error in his tactics, I still applaud him for trying to offer entertainment over parking the bus. May not seem smart considering where they stand but I still think he is trying to change the mindset of the game and for an Italian emphasizing attack, that is a rare gem and he must be applauded. His team is too good on paper to get relegated, of that I am sure.
Finally, I do have to commend Fergie for a job well done. He has pissed me off so much of late but I have to hand it to him for one thing. Realistically, I expected our season to offer up the drudgery and boredom it has, but with the points and lack of results that have befallen Liverpool. He has shown how much better of a manager overall he is than Benitez and has also shown that the depth and versatility of this club is second to none even if our starting eleven are not the cat’s meow anymore. I may not like his tactics or his squad selections but he gets results despite all that and that is the only thing that matters to most. Fergie manages for a marathon, not a sprint and that is something I and others who have a problem with him have to consider. Yes he might allow Chelsea and Liverpool to beat us in one game but his strategy is designed around having the most points at the end of the campaign and not at the end of single game. In that way he has mastered the system tactically and is far superior to Wenger and Benitez. Now if only Ancelotti would fall in line and no his role, all things would be as they should be.
December 5th, 2009 at 20:17
cole shouldve seen red… last man
December 5th, 2009 at 20:19
@Wink: Adding Anderson to any other player is like adding salt brine to pastry. Anderson is a useless git, end of.
December 5th, 2009 at 20:21
niters lads thanks for letting me join in, an keep up the fabulous posts, away to celebrate, over all a good day for us, In UNITED i trust, after all if you aint UNITED, yer lost
December 5th, 2009 at 20:30
two points boys
i guess it was too lonley at the top for chelsa too bad they couldnt both loose though 
December 5th, 2009 at 20:31
finally someone beats the blues…but moment of the match was robinho trying to shake hands with ancellotti..lol…
December 5th, 2009 at 20:36
I think most people don’t know the meaning of the name of City’s sponsor… ETIHAD = UNITED
Take it for what you will.
December 5th, 2009 at 20:38
@RMJ: why he was doing that
December 5th, 2009 at 20:39
Grognard gets -1000 points for saying “cats meow”
December 5th, 2009 at 20:51
@Grognard: Ballack+*insert any living object*= Cheating Cunt
December 5th, 2009 at 20:52
@owen: probably passing out his resume..all his barca talk came to nothing so i guess he is going to the next big spending club which chelsea is in january…i wont be surpised if he tries to woo fergie in the middle of the carling cup match we have against them lol
December 5th, 2009 at 20:54
@Grognard: yet he continues to play….
you are an unforgiving grouchnard
man utd won 4 nil!
clash of the cash went our way…
cheer up a lil, all is right in the world today at least
December 5th, 2009 at 20:55
December 5th, 2009 at 20:57
@Wink: why He is always like that…
Is he the official critic of Man Utd…
December 5th, 2009 at 21:08
@Footy4Eddy: @owen: Gibson + Anderson = Duncan Edwards?
Nah, that he was even better than that.
December 5th, 2009 at 21:10
@NicoQB: Anderson is himself the best player in the world
December 5th, 2009 at 21:14
@owen: This is why you don’t play regularly!
December 5th, 2009 at 21:17
THoroughly enjoyed the chelsea beating.
Just had to mention: Tevez – good goal, but he can’t assist for the life of him. City could have won 3-1 at least, but quasimodo forgot what passing the ball meant.
December 5th, 2009 at 21:25
Hah! Andy Murray got dumped for playing too much MW2!!!
December 5th, 2009 at 21:25
@Darth Red Diablo: I am the best bench decorator in the world
December 5th, 2009 at 21:25
@frankie: We lost I think.
December 5th, 2009 at 21:29
@Traverse: David Schiavone is the best…we can never loose if he gives the preview
December 5th, 2009 at 21:29
Someone is a bit of a psychic here.
December 5th, 2009 at 21:32
@Traverse: But in fairness I thought we were moderately poor in the first 45.
Against stronger opposition we might not have run away with the result like that.
December 5th, 2009 at 21:33
Lol. Chelsea. Beaten by Kettle neck.
December 5th, 2009 at 21:45
Ronaldo got red card
December 5th, 2009 at 21:48
@NicoQB: Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah, Blah –
.
December 5th, 2009 at 21:58
@Footy4Eddy: Trying to get even eh?
December 5th, 2009 at 22:01
@Wink: Cheer up? Did you read my post mate? I think it was pretty cheerful considering my usual venom. And the French definition of Grognard is a miserable old bastard soldier.
Grouchnard hardly hits the mark.
December 5th, 2009 at 22:02
@owen: Why not ask him directly?
December 5th, 2009 at 22:03
@CraigMc:
Ain’t it true?
December 5th, 2009 at 22:13
@Grognard: Tell then
December 5th, 2009 at 22:19
@Grognard: You had it coming champ!
December 5th, 2009 at 22:27
It’s the fourth time United scored four or more goals in the league this season, with 15 games gone. Last season we managed to do it five times. In total.
Way to go lads!
December 5th, 2009 at 22:30
@Footy4Eddy: We will score 10 timesthis season…
December 5th, 2009 at 22:30
@Footy4Eddy: Are we on a roll Eddi mi man
December 5th, 2009 at 22:31
How we lost to Burnley????
December 5th, 2009 at 22:58
For me Anderson was wonderful today. While there was an occassion or two that he either should of shot the ball or misread a teammate which lead to the off pass, I feel his vision and strength shown through today and when he plays like he did today he is the best central midfielder we have going forward.
Also I believe PIG had a very solid game. Everytime he plays he makes incredible saves, ones Foster probably would have let in, but his kicking is terrible. If he could just straighten that out I would have no problem in him being our number one.
Also, though he has a game or two which does not warrant his place, Ryan Giggs absolutely amazes me. The commentator of todays match mentioned something about Ryam Giggs doing things at 36 that most could not even do at 20. Being 36 myself, I remember thinking the exact same thought right before it was mentioned during the game. Giggsy is such a lengend. Quite possibly the greatest player ever to wear the red of United in my humble opinion.
Glory, Glory United.
December 5th, 2009 at 23:07
So does anyone believe Sir Alex when he stated that Nani was not for sale in the upcoming January transfer window? Personally I think it is already signed, sealed, and delivered that his days are very numbered. Which for me is a huge disappointment. I am a big Nani fan and while I feel he has not taken advantage of his opportunities, I also feel he has not had the proper opportunity to prove himself. One game out of four or five is not a proper opportnity. Nani needed consecutive games. I feel if Nani is to leave it is more poor management than it is anything else.
December 5th, 2009 at 23:08
@RichmondRed: hear hear… except PIG will be backup at best at united, if I ran things; however, he did play well today.
Defenders out:
Vidic
Rio
Evans
Brown
Rafael
Fabio
Neville
Oshea
That is our 1st and 2nd string of defenders… we will need youngsters and Carrick/Fletcher in defence against Wolfsburg. That is sick!
December 5th, 2009 at 23:21
Liverpol are 10 points behind, that is soooo funny!!! They’re pathetic! Ha, ha its brilliant. I know I need to get out more but still, that has made my weekend!!!
December 5th, 2009 at 23:33
I would like to see gibson´s goal/minutes ratio. I think we have a new gibson/torres rivarly in EPL.
December 5th, 2009 at 23:38
Gonna work on a FIFA 10 video tonight, may be up tomorrow if I manage to succeed recreating some of the goals/highlights of this season…
December 5th, 2009 at 23:38
@RichmondRed: PIG is fine when he has to come in and substitute for VDS for a game or two but I recall a couple of years back when he had to fill in for VDS for a run of games and he done a Foster – dodgey decision making!!! He looked very shakey. Was that me or did that happen???
December 5th, 2009 at 23:44
@rysho: That would be a good comparison if gibson was a striker but he ain’t (obviously). He’s shit at passing, has no energy, pace, can’t tackle, no creativity etc.
December 5th, 2009 at 23:53
@NicoQB: I thought he had a great game and generally the passing from City players was rather poor and so was the off the ball movement
December 5th, 2009 at 23:54
Regarding the citeh vs chelsea match, all the stats go in citeh’s favour, it seems at home anyway! Hopefully, and I know its a certainity to be honest, Fergie puts a few more first teamers on for this match. U’d never live it down, otherwise, if we’d get beat!
December 5th, 2009 at 23:54
Carling Cup match that is
December 6th, 2009 at 0:03
@Wink: Actually it was a pretty uplifting post, by his usual tone. You’ll see that when you get past the first paragraph.
December 6th, 2009 at 0:10
@CraigMc: I HATE Terry! Its always good when that cunt is on the losing team. He is always made out to be the “warrior” in the media! He will always “die” on the pitch for his team
December 6th, 2009 at 0:22
@[OPTI]Madschester United: PIG has played well the past three games he has played, not just today…and as far as him being a first team player…well, I too think this will never happen considering the fact that he proably will never have the footwork on the ball or the kicking accuracy to compliment his shot stopping ability, but I prefer PIG to Foster…
December 6th, 2009 at 0:29
@jpg: There have been moments in the past that PIG has had a problem or two with his decision making, but I feel he is no different than a majority of the world’s keepers when it comes to decision making. Even VDS has pissed off United fans, including me with the one-off blip. Of course PIG is not a “class” keeper, he is steady and reliable for the most part. Hell, I still have nightmares about Roy Carroll being our number one for a couple of years and PIG has never made me cringe like Carroll did no matter his mistakes. The point is, I find PIG to be a solid shot stopper and a keeper who plays with passion and one I rate above Foster at the moment. PIG has had a solid three games in a row and I hope he starts Tuesday in Germany and against Villa next week…
December 6th, 2009 at 0:36
@RichmondRed: You are getting me wrong. I like PIG, especially over Foster, I’m only saying that he’s not our number one keeper for the long term. I’ve every faith in him as a filler in but I feel we should be hunting for someone that will replace VDS long term.
December 6th, 2009 at 0:58
@RichmondRed: I agree, but I think VDS will play against Villa
December 6th, 2009 at 1:00
@jpg: Well I think he is out for a while as he had his knee heavily bandaged during the City game, where he was stood looking forlorn on the touchline.
December 6th, 2009 at 1:03
@jpg: We’d never live it down IF we played our 1st teamers mate, whereas IF we play the kids and City win it will be no feather in their cap, but IF our 2nd stringers beat them – THEY WILL NEVER LIVE IT DOWN
December 6th, 2009 at 1:05
@jpg: But he’s winning matches with important goals – GO FIGURE!
December 6th, 2009 at 1:09
@[OPTI]Madschester United: I don’t think we should play Fletch in a game we don’t need to win. Fergie got it the wrong way round this time. We should have played more 1st teamers against Besiktas and got the point we needed
. This game in Germany should be the one where all the reserves are played. We cannot afford to lose any more 1st teamers, especially Fletch!
December 6th, 2009 at 1:14
@RichmondRed: Phelan said in the press conference Friday that NANI has not played because he has been SICK, and missed training for a while. He only just came back and is getting back to match ready. He said SICK as opposed to injured. I suspect the lad is suffering emotional and stress sickness – because he doesn’t understand what is happening to him at United. I think he should INSIST on a move in January, because United is not good for him in any way. Fergie cannot stop a player from going IF they really want too. So Nani’s agent should give a two finger salute to OT and move him on.
December 6th, 2009 at 1:16
@owen: I have nothing to say.
December 6th, 2009 at 1:20
@RichmondRed: He’ll get peanuts for Nani in January but if he waits until after the World Cup where Nani is expected to get some serious playing time and chance to impress, perhaps his price will go up. It makes complete business sense to wait until after the World Cup rather than give him away for a bag of balls and and some Panini stickers.
December 6th, 2009 at 1:23
@jpg: I wished he would die in the streets for the sake of the world.
December 6th, 2009 at 1:45
Okay I went against my judgement and principles and decided to actually watch the game live. First because this weekend is one of great significance to all my favourite clubs. All 3 were playing today and so were their closest rivals.I just couldn’t afford to miss anything today. Now I watched the West Ham game and the 1st half was almost forgettable and I was beginning to feel a little down and pessimistic. A makeshift of a makeshift defence,is not something I will be too critical of. The midfield had “porous & disjointed” written all over it. And they did not disappoint much in the 1st half. Gibson,was in all honesty poor in his performance,not all round though. His awareness in the middle was closer to zero,than anything else.His passing was just atrocious and he seemed a bit nervy. Now my assessment is based on this specific match and that’s it. He was impressive all round against Spurs and that tells me to trust my instincts and go with patience here. It’s just a matter of development,composure,experience and training. But he was poor today , truth be told. He should get more games.
Anderson in the 1st half was marginally ahead of Gibson but that’s a minus for him. He has more experience and should really do better in games like these. He made the right decisions and these were executed poorly. Near killer passes are not enough. He was hussling and bussling effectively though. He turned it up a notch in after the break and looked more composed and authoritative. He ventured forward even more and we began to see a more sustained attack. Not fluid,but at best consistent. Good assist as well. Overall,an average performance but he should look to cementing that position in the middle with some performances like at the Bridge,in Moscow,vs Spurs(both games) etc against the weaker teams. And proving your doubters wrong with a goal somewhere wouldn’t hurt would it eh Mr Anderson?
Scholes,largely mixed performance. Not his fault if Gibson and Anderson were not constantly finding spaces and freeing themselves up in the middle. He was at times forced to make those now infamous back passes and sidewinders. Andy would just be escorting Scott Parker around the centre circle(Michael Carrick’s apartment building) and Gibson was even less mobile in the 1st half. He scored a great goal,2nd to Darron’s and he did get his passing right. He probably made zero successful tackles and as is required,got yet another stupid booking. To be honest,he would have had a better game if Rooney was Torres,and Giggs was Arshavin. This is not to say the rival players are better,but the reality is they can pass the ball to their teammates. Something which seems quite a task,for Rooney and Giggs. It would be,” Anderson to Scholes,Scholes to Rooney and Rooney to…oh he just misplaces the pass” x5. Replace Rooney with Giggs and repeat. Together with Gibson they were really guilty of breaking our flow constantly in the 1st half. It was ironic that all three were the catalysts or rather the architects of Gibson’s well constructed goal. Back to Scholes,I think he hadthe best game of all our midfielders and this was kind of encouraging for me
December 6th, 2009 at 2:04
@RichmondRed: Personally I don’t get it when a player does almost everything to the highest possible standards for successive games and still is considered not good enough. I’m with you on this one,butI would go one further to say,let’s actually give him this extended run of games and judge him after. Apparently his kicking is an atrocity. What kicking,in the past 3 games are people talking about? I mean I tried as much as I could to watch that aspect of his game and I think he did well today as in midweek. Has anyone seen Buffon kick the ball? He is always looking dodgy,but most times gets the ball away. The same can be said of TK. One of the problems we have here at this club when it comes to goalkeepers’ kicking, is Nemanja Vidic. Like Silvestre, he has the tendency to just pass the ball back to the keeper at awkward times. Even Rio with his hospital back passes,forces the GK to receive the ball in an awkward position and he is forced to make a panicked clearance or else it’s trouble.
December 6th, 2009 at 2:21
@Jay wire: I forgive Gibbo all his stray passes. He did the one thing that is more important than anything – SCORE!!
It just amazes me how ppl on this site
can forget that this game is all about scoring goals, and to a lesser degree, defending against them. It may come as a shock to you, but it has always been that way and always will.
The appeal of the game, it’s world wide popularity, is based purely and simply on the simplicity of it all.
End of!!
December 6th, 2009 at 2:25
@Jay wire: You went against your “judgement and principals”
– There’s hope for you yet!! 
December 6th, 2009 at 2:31
Darren “The Ape Man” Gibson should pound his chest in Tarzanic fashion the next time he tries to put a hole in the back of the net.
He has one of the fiercest shots I have ever seen.
December 6th, 2009 at 2:37
@Grognard: Yeah, Nani needs to be “showcased” before he’s put on the market. His value right now must be next to nothing.
December 6th, 2009 at 2:45
@Jay wire: I think when it comes to Scholes and Giggs, their biggest contribution to the game is the one that is overlooked the most – their ability to draw a crowd of defenders around them. It may look like they’re spinning 360’s or moving laterally, but they are opening up so many gaps for other players to slip into.
December 6th, 2009 at 2:46
@Grognard: It would be a small sacrifice, for the sake of the world.
December 6th, 2009 at 2:50
Now before I crash,I would like to extend my greatest gratitude to my teams who have made me a happy guy this weekend. And I apologise in advance for what I’m saying on a United blog but I’m just too excited. First of all,Manchester United FC. Not only did we win but we won with a makeshift defence and did not concede. Special mention to Evra,Giggs,TK and Tony. Also Carrick who didn’t look too out of place in the heart of defence. On the same note thank you Carlitos,always a reliable servant of the club. Barcelona FC. Thank you Messi and Ibrahimovic for maintaining our grip at the top and for good football. But really the biggest result for me is JUVE. That’s just made me happy. A crucial victory in the Derby of Italy to cut the gap to just 4 points. Thanks Caceres,thank you Diego and Marchisio. What a productive weekend for me. I love the game of football and will probably watch about 14 hours of football this weekend. I urge you all to follow some football beyond Old Trafford and get a richer experience of football. You may get to appreciate other “foreign” teams and styles and be exposed to some real modern day football techniques and tactics. I’m not saying find other clubs to support,but just watch and be more aware. It would also help when people start yapping about Dzeko or Hamsik or David Silva ,having actually watched them play. Cheers folks
December 6th, 2009 at 2:59
After beating Arsenal, the Chelski scum were all mouthing about how invincible they were. The have now lost 2 games on the bounce,
and not looking good at all.
I think the next 6-7 weeks will be a great window of op for us to overtake the bums. We face fairly lightweight opposition until we meet Arsenal at the end of January.
December 6th, 2009 at 3:01
@Jay wire: You are a polygamist Jaywire!!
December 6th, 2009 at 3:07
@Redrich: Well that arguement alone would justify Nani being given as much opportunity as can be availed. He makes and scores goals frequently. It won’t come as a shock to me the thing about goals but if I am assessing a player’s performance I do it holistically. He is not Inzaghi,who can only appear at one point and score,he is a midfielder with other responsibilities. Now.you should take note that as recently as yesterday I was aggressively defending Gibson saying he needs time to settle in and learn and polish up other aspects of his game. This was a match assessment and rating for this specific game. I cannot say I rate Gibson at 9 because he scored a goal and that’s all that matters and also because he will do better next time. I know he will but he was poor TODAY. Anderson was at best average but I know he will play better next time,but people will definitely switch off once I rate him at 8.5 because he got an assist and he will play better. Cheers
December 6th, 2009 at 3:10
@Redrich:
December 6th, 2009 at 3:18
@Jay wire: Nani makes and scores goals frequently??
Enlighten me, please!!
December 6th, 2009 at 3:18
Anyone else notices that Petr Cech has developed. His flapping skills i.e.
December 6th, 2009 at 3:34
@Shami: He’s is like a Canada Goose getting ready for take off. He’s migrating from good to poor!!
December 6th, 2009 at 3:38
@Redrich: You insulted Canada goose. Expect an old fashioned shellacking from Grognard for insulting national pride.
December 6th, 2009 at 3:41
I did it!!!
I managed to score the Owen vs City goal on FIFA 10!!! 
How good am i?! 
Gonna work on the video tomorrow, will probably be up during the course of the week. Stay tuned…
And good night by the way.
I`m tired, it`s 03:40 here… 
December 6th, 2009 at 3:46
@Red Ranter: I do need to work on my PC’ness. It’s become a lifelong quest!!
December 6th, 2009 at 3:50
@jpg: My point was that I would not lose sleep over PIG as our number one for a while. Of course there are better goalkeepers in the world than him, but I do not think it is a position of priority for our club right now, so as long as we do not have the likes of Roy Carroll kicking stopping shots back there I will have no complaints. Personally I would like to see PIG continue to get a run of games. You can see his confidence building and his United teammates support him. I think he could prove you wrong that he is a number one…
December 6th, 2009 at 3:56
@CraigMc: It will be a sad day for me if Nani does leave. Granted, he did not make the most of his opportunities when he played, but the boy needed more than a game or two every month to prove his worth. I think Sir Alex has let him down and we will regret not giving him a long run of games. Please tell me why he could not play three or four games in a row on the left and Valencia on the right? Sir Alex, when speaking of Nani, said that it was Valencia’s form that has kept Nani from playing. Well that is bollocks…when Ronaldo was here Nani played on the left…therefore Valencia has nothing to do with Nani not playing…
December 6th, 2009 at 4:04
@Grognard: Your right. January would not be a good time for him to go, as far as the price we would get for him is concerned. However, I am of the lot that believe getting rid of Nani, be it January or over the summer, is a mistake. Look, if Nani had a run of four or five games and was bollocks for the most part then I might come on board with those who feel he is not United material, but Nani never gets that opportunity to prove his worth. I just think Sir Alex is handling Nani the wrong way and we are going to look at Nani playing for some other club where he is able to get a run of games and he will be electric. Aside from Ronaldo, especially in Ronaldo’s absence, Nani was the best player for Portugal during the World Cup run. Yet he comes back to United and does not even make the bench! I just do not get it…
December 6th, 2009 at 4:11
@RichmondRed: PIG is a fairly solid keeper. His Achilles is his kicking game, as evidenced today, but his decision making is quite good and I would put up with bad kicking if he was making the right choices in the box.
He seems to have improved with age (as do most keepers) and his reflexes are sharper than ever. He can command great respect with the teams back line and I just wonder, if at some point before, his English skills let him down with communicating with them.
He is clearly a better choice than Foster, based on this seasons appearances, but is he our next number one? – too soon to judge.
However, with the fickle nature of GK’s, this could be a case of better the devil you know!!
December 6th, 2009 at 4:17
@Jay wire: Spot on Jay…PIG has been just as consistent in my opinion when he has the chance as VDS has this season. I also agree that some of our defenders are responsible for PIG’s kicking woes. However, I have observed the PIG brings much of this upon himself as well. There has been plenty of moments where a quick ball with pace is kicked back to him and PIG does not even come close to finding a single target in the field of play. Plus, when he gets the ball to his feet and he is looking for someone to pass to he moves the ball around as if he has a potato sack wrapped around his feet. Now I for one have been spoiled by the fluid motion VDS uses when the ball is at his feet. But then again, not many are as good at VDS when it comes to that kind of ability. However, does this shortcoming of PIG lead to goals scored aginst us? No. And yes, kicking the ball out of the field of play makes us lose possession, but so does kicking the ball to Rooney when he is fighting upfront all by himself with no support! The point is, I like PIG and as long as he is stopping shots and keeping clean sheets, then an occassional ball kicked out of play while frustrating, will never have me calling for Foster to come and take his place.
December 6th, 2009 at 4:22
@Grognard: OMG! thats a first! haha
@Grognard: been watching too much sesame street and hence came up with the reference…. blame my 2 year old niece and my sister for making me baby sit her…
@Red Ranter: i know it was not a venom fill post, which is why i was joking with him. haha maybe my humour didnt flow through with the sesame street reference and smilies.. haha but i was definitely trying to be funny…
guess i failed haha
December 6th, 2009 at 4:23
i’ll be sticking to my day job i guess…
December 6th, 2009 at 4:23
@Jay wire: Can’t say I am thrilled with all the other clubs you enjoy watching, but for certain, if their is any other club that has always had my attention over the years it is Juventus. Nice to see that someone else on here pulls for the Bianconeri…great match today…Forza Juve…
December 6th, 2009 at 4:25
@Wink: I certainly can relate to your Sesame Street situation…my two year old needs it like I need United…
December 6th, 2009 at 4:37
@RichmondRed: I have lost all respect for italian football… they are nothing but corrupt politicians dressed up as cheating club owners. Juve, Milan, Fiorentina, and Inter Milan are on my naughty list… I can stand Roma but that is as far as I take my love for italian soccer. I sincerely hope Italy falls flat on their face in June — Materazzi/Zidane killed any Italian romance for me. Cannot stand Italy or their clubs.
I enjoy German football for the physical nature of their game and their die-hard loud fans.
Spanish is a 2-horse race every year and the players are diving cheats and lack any physicality in their game. A shoulder barge and they drop as if they have been shot. El classico was a good game and if I have to support a team, I pick Sevilla for my FM-crush for Kanoute. How can you not like a team with Jesus on it?
French soccer is boring and outside of Lyon and Bordeaux/Marseille/PSG their league seriously lack quality.
Danish soccer is worth my time when I am in Parken for FCK’s homegames, other than that their league lacks quality but physical game with true fan-dom intact.
EPL is europe’s superior league and it will stay this way, even with Madrid’s spending spree. Physical, high-pace game with technical gems spread on every team.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:05
@RichmondRed: I get it mate – Nani is Fergie’s whipping boy, that’s why
December 6th, 2009 at 5:15
@RichmondRed: Like you said in your other post mate – Nani was Portugals best player in Ronnie’s absence in World Cup qualifying games. There are folk on here who do a lot of disputing that, but you can bet they didn’t watch any of Portugals qualifiers, and yet still they dispute – the mind boggles mate. But I really think Nani is very unhappy at United, and he had the opportunity to move to Spain at the time Ronnie went, but he said he wanted to try and make it at United 1st. He didn’t reckon on Fergie being Fergie and ICING him out in the cold. Berbatov and Rooney are a disgrace in their treatment of Nani too, and any unbiased observer of the attitude of these two towards Nani during games cannot dispute this – but they will
. I can tell you though, that Berbatov and Rooney were just making Nani and other of their team mates scapegoats for their own ineptitude many a time!
December 6th, 2009 at 5:22
@Redrich: I hope you noticed that the last 2 games lost were against NORTHERN teams, and Southerners are not able to overcome Northern warriors or their warrior fans
.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:26
@Redrich: Your such a genious Bro
December 6th, 2009 at 5:34
@CraigMc: To be fair, Nani had his chances in the beginning of the season and he petered out after 1-2 games and produced poor displays and got relegated to the bench. after a couple sub appearance where he failed to show why he deserves to play he was not longer on the bench. He will leave come June. If he leaves in Jan it will only be to bring in someone else.
December 6th, 2009 at 7:21
@Redrich: You are so right mate. I tried saying the same thing earlier. Who cares if Scholes is nice and tidy and if Anderson hustles. At the end of the day it’s about scoring goals and Gibson does that better than most on this team. And I for one do not think the rest of his game is all that bad. Just exactly what is Lampards game other than his finishing?
December 6th, 2009 at 7:22
@Redrich: It’s accurate too. If I was Fergie I would assign Gibson to tutor Anderson after practice every day and show him the finer art of kicking a football with pace and accuracy.
December 6th, 2009 at 7:24
@Redrich: And millions would dance in the streets afterwards.
December 6th, 2009 at 7:29
@Redrich: Honestly I am starting to believe in our chances again. I still think we are lacking a lot and that we play boring football but we are more resilient than the rest and I have always said one positive thing in all my rants, we have great depth. This depth is going to start to show in the second half when the older teams like Chelsea and Liverpool start feeling the effects of a long season. If we can just get our back four back from injury, I think we will be fine. Fergie knows how to do one thing better than all of them, he understands how to pace a team for a long marathon of a season and he knows what tactics best work for the kind of squad we have. We play a boring unattractive game but this style is presently serving us well. I am not happy about a lot of things but at least I can praise Fergie in the areas where they deserve it. Grit, heart, focus and preparation. Now if we only had a little more improvisational world class talent, we would be hard to stop.
December 6th, 2009 at 7:30
@Jay wire: The more Gibson plays, the better he will get. But he needs to get the chance because the Reserves is where good young talent go to die.
December 6th, 2009 at 7:32
@Red Ranter: Like all geese the Canada goose is just an illegal immigrant who comes to Canada in the Summer and then leaves in the Fall. Disloyal little bastards. I say open hunting season on all of them.
December 6th, 2009 at 7:35
@Grognard: Precisely. As unattractive as we may be, one should never write us off. The resilience and Ferguson’s ability to conjure up things other managers would only dream of always makes us contenders.
As I’ve always said, we are perhaps a real star creative player short of being a fearful opponent, we certainly aren’t the pushover many thought us to be.
And whilst I still think the title race with Chelsea will be very tight, we’ll certainly not finish outside the top two.
December 6th, 2009 at 7:35
@RichmondRed: The fact is that the team is Fergie’s and not yours mine or Craig’s. So for that reason Nani has to go. I like the little guy and I want to see him get a chance to play. Seeing as he won’t get it here, might as well let him go. What’s the old saying? “If you love him, let him go”. No need to prolong his misery because he will never get the fair shake from Fergie.
December 6th, 2009 at 7:38
@Wink: Don’t worry mate, I got the joke. Besides, I am a grouchnard and I know it so if I do come up with some positive stuff, I almost expect to get teased over it.
December 6th, 2009 at 7:41
@[OPTI]Madschester United: Italy is the Anti-Christ of football. As far as everything else, it’s a fantastic country.
December 6th, 2009 at 7:45
@Red Ranter: I still think Arsenal will mount a second half threat. We need to beat the Liverpool’s and Chelsea’s when we get them at home in the second half. I hate losing to the big three. We have perfected the art of winning ugly though. For many that’s enough, I just can’t jump on that bandwagon. I just remember too many years and too many better times to accept the style of play we offer these days. But I am less on Fergie’s case now because it’s obvious to me now that he is doing what he is doing because he doesn’t have the real money to improve the club. So he is definitely saving the club from the inevitable. I wonder what will happen once he retires?
December 6th, 2009 at 7:50
@Grognard: even with AFC? I see Arsenal struggle with RvP out and their African contingent.
December 6th, 2009 at 8:00
@Grognard: I agree.
Also, I am sure you will remember a brief discussion we had in the past, where I said I’d take a season in transition where we rebuild and play football the right way rather than an unsure season where we’re being rubbish and going nowhere. And you said you couldn’t believe I would sacrifice glory for beautiful football. But when we’re winning and doing well I think I would take it and wouldn’t see a reason to complain while pointing out certain obvious deficiencies.
However, I think subconsciously you have craved more for beautiful fearless football, although I think you also expect glory at the same time. But from a majority of your comments it seems like you crave more for beautiful football as a priority and glory as a by-product.
Although on the surface of it, I think you will take an ugly title anyday.
I hope I’m making sense with my half-baked, quasi-Freudian analysis.
December 6th, 2009 at 8:01
New post coming up in a minute.
December 6th, 2009 at 13:20
@[OPTI]Madschester United: Opti, thats where I disagree with most United fans who are always on Nani’s back. I don’t think he was poor in those games, but because as a team other players were poor in games, Nani was made the obvious scapegoat. He always will be the whipping boy of the fans, just like Fletcher was. Difference is, Fletch was willing to stay at United and get splinters in his arse on the bench for a good few seasons, whereas Nani and other foreign players won’t settle for that – they want to play to make their international teams!
December 6th, 2009 at 13:33
@CraigMc: Also Fletcher showed marked improvement in performance. Fans don’t take sadistic pleasure in getting on the back of players. They do because they feel frustrated by his performances that’s all. It’s not like they enjoy having a whipping boy. everyone would have loved Nani to step into the void left by Ronaldo when he left. But it’s not happened. And you can blame the fans, Ferguson etc all you like, but I think if there was something really that special about him the coaching staff would have spotted it. Either that or he’s on Fergie’s bad books.
December 7th, 2009 at 0:13
@Red Ranter: Of course I would take an ugly title. I already accepted that last season but I unashamedly also believe in the old adage of wanting mike and eating it too. I want beautiful football and I also demand winning. Why? Because that is what has been fed to me for most of Fergie’s tenure as manager and frankly, we have the players that with a few key additions would allow us to do that. Nothing wrong with wanting both. Winning ugly beats losing ugly. And this year I was pretty sure we would look ugly and have fewer points to show for our lack of style and substance. Fortunately our ugly ways have not transformed us into total losers or anything resembling Liverpool. But I still warn everyone that we are not finished half of the season and we still need to see how this club with it’s lack of world class play makers and goal scorers will fair in the second half. I think we will be fine because we are superior to the others when it comes to a key ingredient in marathons, that being depth.
December 7th, 2009 at 0:14
@Red Ranter: Actually I love having a whipping boy. Foster is my bitch.
December 7th, 2009 at 0:34
@Grognard: Well hopefully you will accept now that since it’s December and we’re not out of the top two: I can say, I told you so!
December 7th, 2009 at 17:34
The full travelling squad is as follows which has travelled to germany:
Ben Foster, Gabriel Obertan, Magnus Eikrem, Paul Scholes, Darron Gibson, Antonio Valencia, Oliver Gill, Michael Carrick, Matty James, Michael Owen, Darren Fletcher, Danny Welbeck, Ji-sung Park, Anderson, Patrice Evra, Cameron Stewart, Tomasz Kuszczak, Nani, Oliver Norwood.
Will we be able to top our group taking into account our makeshift defence & young players? nani is travelling, I expect him to make a start or on the bench,sad for him, most probably sold in january.
What do u guys think our starting 11 will be?