Nov 13
What Ails Manchester United?
This post has been long time coming. Ever since the Arsenal defeat angry words have been exchanged between fans over the direction the club seems to be taking on the pitch. And, while it’s too late to be doing a match report per se on the Arsenal game, it is a good time to reflect on the week(s) gone by.
So let this piece be a place where I look back at the days gone by.
So, firstly, the Arsenal game.
Contrary to what many commenters on here (and many other fans on various boards) thought, I actually thought we played very well. The movement was excellent, there was positive intent throughout the game from the lads. And when they went 2-0 down they just bossed the whole game — but for the finishing touches. Of course, one would say that’s what matters in the end. And it is true. But it is also the fine line between fans branding Fergie as a senile, over-the-hill pensioner and a genius. But that’s the way football works, and one can expect even the most knowledgeable and intelligent people lose their minds over trivial things as football. So I’ll leave the saccharine sweet optimists and the gloomy naysayers to themselves. [If you ask me, I wouldn't have the time for either of them, but then, I myself do fall in one of these categories, in varying degrees, during my time following United -- so it doesn't really matter.]
Back to the game, it wasn’t perfect — to make a vast understatement. Where we really let the game slip by was in the personnel selected to play the game. But again, one can’t lay the blame squarely on the manager. In retrospect, it was easy to say that Rafael deserved to start ahead of the Neviller. But with Brown unfit, and Rafael having looked suspect defensively, at times, in the past — but most importantly, being way too young and inexperienced for such an occasion — it seemed a fair call on Ferguson to ‘protect’ his ward and play the more seasoned pro. It was a different issue altogether that Neville seemed so badly out of sorts and allowed the likes of Nasri run rings around him.
Of course, one could see this coming as Neville’s dip in form and performance has been so marked that it’s difficult to just pin it on his long injury layoff. Yes, it was the injury layoff, but age and his time away from the game has hastened the decline one would expect of a 33 year old. Perhaps, O’Shea would have been a better option. But then Fergie has always been one to give his old charges a fair run.
Now that it hasn’t exactly worked, I do hope Fergie — and most importantly, Neville — realise the problem created by his inclusion against teams that have a lot of pace in the wings. I love Neville, but his decline has been markedly obvious, and whilst it’s sad to see, I’d rather have memories of the marauding right back than the confused, lumbering veteran — it’s really painful to watch. And it doesn’t help if said confused, lumbering veteran is also captain of the side. He’s an honest trier, but all his efforts can’t make up for the decline in his powers.
It would take a miracle from the captain, from now on, to make me eat my words — although if it does happen, those would be the sweetest words I’d ever get to eat.
Moving on, and a brief word on the midfield. It’s easy to say this now, but if we had a fully fit Darren Fletcher alongside Carrick we’d have been singing a different tune, and Arsenal’s demise would be complete — so to speak. Of course, a lot of if’s there, but such has been his form so far that when he returns, we won’t feel the loss of Owen SaHa-rgreaves; excuse the comparison with Saha, Hargreaves fans, but I can’t see it any other way. I blame the medical team for not having done this in the summer, but that’s for another day. Anderson seems a shade of the player he was last season. Although, part of the reason for that could be because we didn’t have too high of an expectation from him last season, yet he held his own in the big games. He seems a bit off in lot of departments of his game. But I still see promise from the lad. He may not become the midfield schemer we seemed to have thought of him to be, but there is a chance that he could become a marauding midfielder in the Essien mould. Time is obviously on his side, and my instinct tells me he’ll turn out alright. Although, he wouldn’t be the attacking midfielder we paid money for.
The striking department divides opinion greatly this season. I found the selection of Park understandable — because, when you have Ronaldo and Berbatov not renowned for defensive duties, you’d need someone who can do that. But if the manager is not going to give Nani a fairly extended run in the team, then it will hurt the lad. Berbatov flitted in and out of the game as did Ronaldo, but they, along with Rooney, created enough chances to win the game. They didn’t put them away, though, and these things can happen.
To get a sense of perspective, playing away from home, we had significantly more possession than them, more shots on goal than them and a lot of chances that were, for the lack of a better word, ‘put-away-able’. But it was one of those days that didn’t go our way. And a loss against Arsenal is not something to be ashamed about. But let that not paper over the obvious cracks that have creeped into our game.
And my primary gripe was the alarming ease with which we seem to be conceding goals this season. That is my main point of worry. That, and the blow-hot, blow-cold nature of our game, all season, on which I’ve talked about numerous times. Rio and Vidic have to share a bit of the blame, but more so, EVDS. His kicking has been suspect but, more worryingly, he seems unsure in his decision making and that confidence (or lack of) seems to be rubbing on to his back four. And this is being reflected on our less than stellar goals-against tally in recent games.
So is our season over? Well, that’s a ridiculous question, but it sure is hard for us to hope that both, Liverpool and Chelsea, will simultaneously implode over Christmas and we’ll sail right through with the cup waiting for us, come May. Of course, Liverpool will implode. But of Chelsea, I’m not so sure. So do I need a title this year for my trophy blood lust to be satiated. I think not.
I’ve always been more of a grateful fan than a demanding one. I have also mentioned myself as a low-expectation fan. I need the simple joys of the lads going out to play some good football to keep me going — winning trophies aren’t everything for me. (Well, they are, but I can live two seasons without trophies.) I remain eternally grateful to the club for the sort of football it has played for as long as I can remember following its fortunes. So a bad series of games won’t instantly make me throw the kitchen sink at my television set. Therefore, whilst I’d be disappointed if we don’t win the league, like any fan would, I do comprehend the enormity of the task that awaits United. We may have smooth sailing in terms of opposition lying in wait, but we have a hectic December schedule, what with a stupid World Club Championship to fly to.
There are more than a few chinks that need to be ironed out, but we’ve been through worse. So let’s cut the Champions of England and Europe a little more slack, shall we? Or scratch that — to avoid running the risk of people jumping at me for telling them to cut the team slack — I’ll stick to cutting the team some slack for now.
End of one of my longest posts in a while. Over to you…
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Tags: Manchester United News
Opti (541)
Stephen (487)
RedDevilEddy (459)
Craig Mc (348)
Moscow is my heaven (272)
@RDJ: Maybe Ill check into it sometime. BUt first I have to finish Gears of War 2, COD 5 and reach my goal on FIFA 09. I will see later, but right now those 3 games are my priorities.
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@Beachryan: its not even those qualities that make me want him to be our no.1! its 2 things, his command of the box, and his kicking. if he was playing for bolton, it wouldnt matter how good his shot-stopping is, he kick the ball from one end to the other. these 2 very important thing are what is lacking in our current no.1 and no.2, and that frightens me to be honest.
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@Gabriel: I saw the penalty mate. Yes, it is his determination and selflessness that makes him so endearing to us fans. He was our best player in pre season and his goal against Liverpool was sublime. He is determined to etch his name in United folklore. Fergie should show more confidence in Tevez and has to give him more starts. I for one would be extremely disappointed if we let Tevez go without giving him a fair chance to shine.
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@RedDevilEddy: ive cloacked gears 2 already
im chuffed with that.
COD:WaW(its not 5) campaign is poor to say the least, i would not recommend it at all. but the online is class
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@Gabriel: Gabriel, too many of you fellows make such a bloodybig deal over the kind of celebrating or attitude player’s show when they score. It means nothing. What does mean a lot is the normal body English and facial mannerisms they show during a game and when they aren’t scoring goals. To me Tevez looks like an unhappy camper who is not only frustrated by his own play but with what the Manager is asking of him. And I for one would not act like I just won the World Cup after scoring a bloody penalty against frakken QPR. Much ado about nothing I’m afraid.
This all goes back to the nonsense that people have been saying about Ronaldo after he scores goals. Oh he isn’t happy or he’s pissed off or he’s selfish. It’s all just a load of bollocks. Personally I like it when players don’t act up so much after a goal. As a former athlete I was always told that when you score a goal (hockey) or a touchdown (football) don’t act out like a clown. Show respect to the other team but above all, show them that it’s no big deal. Act like you’ve done this before. That tends to intimidate opponents more than if you act like you just won the lottery. For me Tevez has always acted like a four year old after scoring. So many of you love that and that’s OK, but lets not read too much in it. Personally speaking, I don’t think he is very happy right now at Manchester United and things will have to drastically change for him if he is to be offered a new contract and if he is to stay beyond this season. I for one like the player but do not believe he is worth over 20 million. In fact, I don’t think he’s worth 15 million. Hell Hoffenheim have player like Ibisivic and Obasi who could both be had for that total and who I feel would be better overall players than Carlito. At least both know how to find the back of the net and hunger for it by prowling the box. At this point, Tevez needs to start in order to kick start his goal scoring. If that doesn’t work I would have no problem having Welbeck come in as a sub instead of him. At least he goes looking for goals and after all is said and done, goals are what is expected from a forward. I sincerely hope Carlito turns things around. He is a fun player to watch when he is in form.
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How is COD 5 mate. COD 4 was legendary. Can’t wait for the pc version of COD 5 to be released. Oh and trust me mate, you wont regret giving Mass Effect a try.
I’m interested in getting The Witcher Enhanced Edition and Fallout 3 . Has anybody played these games? Are they good?
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@RDJ: fallout 3 is supposed to be a great game. i havent played it, but it has got top notch reviews.
COD5, campaign, stay away, its crap. online, legendary.
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Good article RR, missed the arse game
due to my unusual work schedule! I think the lack of a real leader as captain is affecting the team overall, i dont think this is the only problem but i reckon it contributes to our lack of cohesiveness. All due respect to Gary Neville and Giggsy, but i dont think the armband helps their games or the team as a whole. Make Rio captain now 
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@Grognard: dude, ur last statement just re-iterated what I meant. Tevez is a joy to watch when playing well. He is what some call a Fans’ player. He just brings so much enthusiasm and passion to the game that even if the end product is lacking, you’d still be a bit satisfied with his performance.
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@dan(u-ol): Crap! i was going to get COD WaW for it campaign mode. I hope the pc version would iron out the flaws in console version of the game. Better not to take any chances. I’ll get Fallout 3 then. Atleat RPG’s have a lot of replay-ability.
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@Gabriel: I know. I just wanted to elaborate a bit more on that theme. He is a great player a very frustrating one as well.
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@RDJ: The most innovative game out there right now is Tom Clancy’s End War. Truly ground breaking stuff when you consider the voice activated commands. Makes you feel like a real commander.
I also prefer Brothers in Arms over COD because it is a more accurate representation of ground command and the tacts that are used. COD is just another 3D shooter. It looks nice but is generally mindless fun. Brothers in Arms uses great strategy and tactics to thwart enemies. It also has a very strong cinematic style and story similar to Band of Brothers. COD is so old school. It’s actually time to give the SD shooter in World War 2 a rest. It’s been done to death. At least last year it was modern warfare. COD 4 was a kick ass game. Going back to WW2 this year is a big mistake. Especially when you can come up with many different world scenarios for another modern combat version.
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@dan(u-ol): Ibe not gotten GOW2 or COD 5 yet. Like Ive said earlier my Xbox crashed last week so I havent had any time to play the games. I get a new on Sunday. I enjoyed COD 4, and I have big hopes for World at War. Ive never played a GOW before, so i am wondering how this game is. I like shooting, football and sports games. Liek FIFA, COD, Skata, CL/Euro and Need for Speed.
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@Grognard: I think people should celebrate when they score. Some celebrations like Nani and Waynes vs West Brom are good to watch, but can injure a player. I feel that when Ronny earlier this season didnt celebrate it was a sign of disrespect towards our fans and the club. I dont want to make a major issue of it, but I like the way Scholes, Rooney and Tevez celebrate the goals they score. They all go crazy!
When I score a goal I feel happy and proud and I want to express it. I have a regular celebration. If I score a penalty I go thanking the player that won the pen, and if it was I that won it I go the coach and thank him for giving me the penalty taking job. I think he feels happy when I do that. 
If I score a free-kick, long range shot or just a tap in I go to the player that have the assist and do a Ronaldinho celebration. Show your happiness with a dance! 
Some people think its wierd, but if Im proud of what Ive done I think I should do what makes me happy.
But maybe thats just me!
To go mad if you score a regular penalty is wierd to me. It feels just like a tap in to me. But if it is in a final or in the last minute and the score is a draw, then I will scream my head off and run towards the coach like Fabregas did against AC Milan last season. Tevez is a happy fella. You can see that on his face and his body language. He feels massive relief when he scores so I think its appropriate to show your happiness.
BTW, Did you watch the video in comment 137?
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Bad news for me, Fergie says he thinks Norwegian football is on the way down.
Ole says that there are not enough talents or good passers in this country. Having played footbal in Norway since I was 5, and having watched Norwegian football since I was 10 I cant say I disagree. Teams here focus too little on passing, but too much on vision. Some players can have great vision, but their passes go astray. Some players on my team are incredible crossers and have the most amazing skills, but short, regular passes are horrible. Only defenders work on their passing, something that I think is stupid. Are midfielders or strikers not supposed to pass the ball? shit….
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@Grognard: i agree, when i played endwar, i was so amazed at what ubi done using the mic. but it did miss that x factor you look for in every game. but i disagree with you on brothers, that game is poo with a capital p. the only problem ive has so far with COD is the campaign. i tried it with my brother, the split screen was more like i get a 1/4, and he gets a 1/4. then i tried online co-op, its just random missions further down the game.
but i would still get it over brothers in arms.
heads up, COD5(the infinity ward version) will be modern/futuristic, and not WW2. this is well and truly the end of WW2.
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@RedDevilEddy: never stop believing mate and it doesnt matter if your 13 or 30, you always have a chance of being notice by the greatest club in the world.
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Did I say vision? I meant confidence with the ball at their feet to run with the ball for long distance runs, and skills. Everybody wants to be Messi, Ronaldinho or Ronaldo, but no-one tries to be like Scholes, Lampard or Kaka. Like Ive said, skills is important, but not vital. You can be a great player without doing several stepovers or make 10 flip-flaps in a row. These are things that Norwegian talents need to find out.
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@dan(u-ol): I will never stop believing, Im forever an optimist! And I havent set my mind on becoming a footballer, so its not the end of the world if United, Barca or Arsenal find me.
It would be nice though…. 
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RedDevilEddy dont give up mate u sound like a talented guy. Im 18 but have been out of the game for a while now due to injury. I played goalkeeper and just before i got my injury i had scouts from crystal palace (my local team), west ham and the gooners. Every time i played i never thought i was anything special, infact i thought most of the credit was down to the brilliant defense in front of me so i was surpirsed these scouts were coming down to take a look at me. What im saying is just keep on playing ur stuff and maybe u will be lucky, also dont get injured whilst scouts are watching you like i did lol.
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@Matthew: Thanks for the kinds words. Hopefully you will be lucky someday too.
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@Stephen: “The development of youngsters, what Anderson? Nani? who have played not much better this season.
”
Yeah those 2 are exactly what Im talking about. I dont know if you have watched them play, but they both show flashes of brilliance and flashes of ineptitude. We will only know how good or bad they are when they get extended run outs in the same position. Its terribly hard to build up self confidence when your constantly rotated and forced to sit for extended games in a row.
And I can see you arguing for Scholes(even tho I disgree)but how the hell can you argue for Neville. Against Nasri I felt sorry for him, I hate seeing great players trying to compete but there body lets them down. In his day Neville would have had Nasri in his pocket and he knows it, but t sucks when your mind writes checks that your body cant cash.
And before you bring up Rafael against celtic again, remember that he is lacking experience. Neville is lacking pace, The big difference there is obviously Rafeal can only improve where Neville can only slow his gradual slide. So at this point Wes Brown should be 1st choice when fit, then Rafael then Neville. And give the armband to Rio.
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RedDevilEddy, i dunno about me having a career anymore. I broke my elbow and it has never been the same and for a goalkeeper ur reflexes and hands have 2 be in good condition and mine r not any more. But still thats the way life goes i guess. My coach reckoned i was a dead cert to be england goalkeeper in the next 10 years and as i say there were scouts looking at me, so if not 4 that injury who knows where i cud be. My point is i had no publicity on me or my team and then all of a sudden these scouts r looking at me. I dunno maybe some united scouts will be on holiday and by luck catch a game of urs and decide 2 watch u. U never know.
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did any one just see lawro singing rockstar? i chuckled lol. classic.
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@Matthew: Its all about one moment. Do you take a step forward or do you stay where you are? These things decide your life. If I hadnt been injured for 4 months in 2007, then I would have been on teh Norwegian U-17 side. I had to pass the opportunity because I had an operation in my right foot. If not for that I could be playing for a huge Norwegian club rather than my local team. Thats what my coach said. He felt for me, but he was happy that I satyed so I could help the others. I always wonder if I did the correct decision to go in on THAT tackle. If I hadnt done that we would probably have lost the championship. We were leading 2-1 in the last minute of the last game of the season. We had two more points than the rival, but they had a superior goal difference. The opposition were through on goal and had rounded the keeper. The striker felt overly confident and finished weakly. I ran like my life depended on it and I managed to clear off the line. Unforunately I went in at such speed that while I hit the ball out for a corner, I crashed with the post. My foot was painful as I have never experienced it. They took the corner and we just threw the ball up the field. When the game finishe they all ran at me and everything. They wanted to throw me up in the air, but I told them my foot was too painful. When I got to the bench I took of my shoe. Blood had covered the whole front of my right foot. I had broken two toes and half of the nail had fallen off on my big toe. For a month I walked with a “protection” on my foot. The toes recovered, but from the nail that had fallen off I had gotten an infection. I needed two operations to fix it and there went 2 weeks of school and 3 months of football. The Norwegian U-17 team had asked me to train with them, but I had to pass the opportunity. I was devestated! When the doctor told me I could play again I had a month or so of hard practice to get my strenght and force back. Even though I had fully recovered, I felt empty. At that moment and time my dream was to become a footballer cause everybody had told me to become one. My coach and parents helped me a lot with getting back to form, and I am ever grateful to them. Hopefully the scout from the Norwegian U-17 team comes back so I can have another go. Until then I am helping my team and fellow players get the praise they deserve. Because, football is a team game! That is my mentality on the field and I will never forget that. I feel that I did the right thing going into that tackle, even though it cost me my dream. But when people say they will pick out one moment that descibes me, well then its that tackle. And I am proud of that!
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RedDevilEddy, man what is it about them goal posts are they cursed or something, i got injured from them. I was diving down low to my right (my strongest side aswell) and it was 1 of them shots that look they r gonna miss but go in off the post. I dived across got a hand to it and pushed it round the post, but as i had ro stretch my arm out far around the post, my elbow literally went backwards and cracked almost in half. My whole elbow was dislocated and it had 2 be popped back into place. It was so painful. I had 2 have 3 operations and it still feels stiff. These goalposts must be cursed or something lol.
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I’ve just been doing my usual Friday night youtube browsing, came upon some brazilion Ronaldo videos.
All do yourself’s a favour and watch some compilations of him, and remind yourself how good he was. My god. What strikes me is the number of times this guy is fouled but goes on to score anyway.
While your at it check out some Zidane videos as well.
Insane footballers.
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@RedDevilEddy: That means they have poor coaching at the grass roots level. You need to teach them to walk before they can fly. Passing, dribbling and shooting fundamentals before bloody vision. Sounds like they have to many Rinus Michaels and Hennes Weisweiller wannabes. Those were fantastic managers that perfected and promoted visionary football and then “Total Football” in the 70′s They were responsible for promoting the game when players like Cruyff and Beckenbauer became fantastic using their skill and vision. But like they always said, those systems may have been innovative and visionary but they only worked if the players already had great skill and fundamentals like passing, dribbling, shooting and man marking. Norway sounds like they decided to skip that vital segment and moved on to the frills. Hopefully one day someone like Ole will take over their national program and the proper way of doing things will trickle down from there. I’d like to see Norway, Denmark and some of the othe Scandinavian countries do well. Truthfully, I am a little tired of the Brazilian and Argentine overdose that has been hitting Europe over the past five years. It’s time some of the smaller European nations started contributing to the world class talent pool like they used to in the 70′s and 80′s. I miss the Schmeichel’s, Laudrup’s Litmanin’s, Elkjaar’s, Simonson’s etc.
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@dan(u-ol): It’s all according to what you like best. Brothers offer me more strategy and tactics at the squad level. Being a hard core grognard, I like games that remind me of an old Avalon Hill board game called Squad Leader. COD is nothing more than a well made and good looking 3D shooter. The strategy and tactics are very limited, thus the reality meter for me is not as good. It does rule in terms of graphics and sound though.
As for End War, I think there are things that need improvement but it is a good first step and highly original. It’s the future of gaming.
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@RedDevilEddy: Yes that is a big difference. Vision and confidence are two separate items. Confidence is great and I’m sure a lot of Norwegian kids like to emulate the stars but again, it’s up to the discipline and ability of coaches to limit that and to teach them team fundamentals first.
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@RedDevilEddy: By all means you have to live and believe in yourself. Have confidence and push yourself. Have tunnel vision because distractions can hinder and sidetrack your goals and your career. But don’t limit your thinking with delusions of grandeur. The chances of making one of those teams is slim at best for the best of young footballers. You may succeed but be prepared that it may be some other team to start out with. It’s a huge footballing world out there and those three large teams are just a needle in a large haystack. Have an open mind for a host of other potential takers and mentors. And once again, good luck to you. And stay away from women. They come after you have made it, not before. They are capable of crushing and destroying dreams. I’m not talking out of bitterness, just life experience mate. Just trust me on that one.
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Good post RR. I think you approached matters calmly.
Now on the Arsenal game; I thought at one goal down we still had a very big chance in the game. the problem came with Fergie adamantly fefusing to take off Neviler in time. Conceeding the second goal killled off the game.
But even with arsenal scoring the second goal, I didn’t feel so comfartable with the SUBs Fergie made that day (well, two of them).
I think in a game trailing 2-0, taking off Neviller was overdue so lets leave that aside. What seemed wrong to me was removing Anderson for Giggs. We were trailling & needed to chase the game down. so I don’t think there w’ld have been a better choice than to bring in NANI for PARK at that time, then adding teves to that possibly for anderson in the later stages.
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