Sep 02
What Did We Learn from Deadline Day Transfers
Paying over the odds to Tottenham (yet again) for the signature of Dimitar Berbatov: £30.74 million.
Citeh paying over the odds to Real Madrid to prise Robinho from under the noses of Chelsea: £32.5 million.
The look on the faces of Peter “I fucked it up again” Kenyon and (some) eager Chelsea fans: Priceless.
I have been in a naughty mood today, hence the baiting and teasing. A more serious article will follow (either today or tomorrow). But I’ll just say this: whilst we got our pants pulled down yet again over transfer fees, it at least dispels the thought that had seemingly enveloped a lot of fans over the summer — that we are broke. We are not, and I think spending 30 million quid on a 27 year old surely stands as reasonable evidence?
Comment away…
[Oh, and I acknowledge the flurry of activity that smashed all commenting records for a single post yesterday. Cheers for spending a good part of your day on Red Rants. And apologies for some of the comments that somehow got sent into the moderation queue. I've managed to recover some and lost some others. Sorry for the inconvenience.]
- Deadline Day Approaches. So, United vs Chelsea: Who Spent More?
- Deadline Day Looms…
- Hargreaves Move Confirmed – Breaking News
- Nothing of Significance as Silly Season Continues
- Nani and Anderson – The Future Gets Brighter
Tags: Daily Roundup
September 2nd, 2008 at 10:11
crazy money to be honest but if he brings us towards the promise land again then yeah it’s worth it i can see fergie staying for a few more years now!!!
September 2nd, 2008 at 10:25
if we are gonna pay 30 mill anyway, we could have got him at the syart of season thyself…..why wait for so long……and the same old story of milking united continues…..
September 2nd, 2008 at 10:28
Kenyon must be shitting in his pants right now. I am happy we finally got that signature after a long and confusing night yesterday and i would like to reiterate to all doubting thomases that he will turn out good and i also think this we wake up the old rooney since IMO one of the reasons he’s not performing is due to lack of competition upfront.
@Redranter. Finally ur back. I want to know why i cant edit my comments after i post them. that ajax thing tells me i dont have enough permissions and 2)how does one upload a picture so as to appear next to your name
September 2nd, 2008 at 10:48
This is what we do. This is Man Utd. We pay 30 mil for every striker we need, but keep in mind that Ferguson likes to pay his transfer fees based on performances, so if Berbatov will be a complete flop (which he won’t), we will most likely only have paid the inital fee…
September 2nd, 2008 at 10:50
An essential signing considering the increasing quality of the rest of the league.
Hopefully the team can regain its focus, I think Berbatov will help other players by giving them more options on the pitch. I’m hoping this will help Nani and Rooney in particular with their decision making in the last third.
September 2nd, 2008 at 10:51
RR: Surely your statement is a tad unfair.
For those with selective or short-term memory, we had placed our initial bid of 20m a long time ago. At that time, we were to be the only serious bidder (there were rumours of Barca, Real taking a sniff but none of them lodged a formal bid) but Levy was holding out for 30m. Between when we had our initial bid rejected till now, it’s not as if Fergie and Gill just sat on their hands and waited. We off-loaded Silvestre and Saha to reduce our salaries in anticipation of a new signing. And I’m sure other options (read: players) were explored as well.
Once Berbatov submitted his transfer request a week ago, it seemed that we were poised to seal the deal at a compromise of ~25-28m. The player was dropped from the squad and Spurs crashed to 2 defeats. But the thing that pushed up the price to the final 30.75m (with Campbell on a one-year loan) was the unexpected sale of City to ADUG and City’s last minute 34m bid for Berbatov. It would have been unfair to put the blame on Fergie and Gill to not anticipate such a development. I don’t think many people in the footballing world did. Did you? Had City not put in the 34m bid, Levy would have caved in and we would have got Berbatov for a lower price.
People take risks all the time in buying and selling players. Fergie and Gill read the situation and took a calculated risk to try to get Berbatov for lower than the 30m asking price. Levy held out in anticipation of higher bids. Alas, luck wasn’t on our side and Levy won.
From a longer and broader perspective, what is an extra 10m if we successfully defend our titles this season? There are teams that spend a lot more than that and end up empty-handed every season (you know who I’m talking about). And don’t forget the bargains we have gotten over the years – it all evens out at the end of the day.
Finally, it’s not your money – it’s the Glazers’ money. If they feel like spending 30m on a 27-year old, that’s their prerogative. Sure, you may say that it’s going to hit us with higher ticket prices. But nothing’s free – if you want to watch a better squad play (compared to last season), you’ll just have to pay a bit more.
September 2nd, 2008 at 11:02
expensive but nonetheless an important signing..i hope he settles down fast enough.I was shocked when i read that Robinho had joined City. Seems like chelski are “slipping”
September 2nd, 2008 at 11:12
I hope we all give Dimi sometime to settle in. Now I know for 30 mil quid the level of patientce granted will not be high, but this man is more than a goal scorer. Dimitar Berbatov is extremely skillful and will only add to the flare in which we are used to seeing at United. So if he doesn’t score 30 goals it does not matter. What matters is how we play as a team and whether we win or not. For me, Berbs will help in both areas. By the way, does Berbs look thin as feck or what!? What have they been feeding him down in London? Perhaps Levy tried poisoning him, but hell, those pictures made him look as if you was related to Peter Crouch.
Nevertheless, I am thrilled and I cannot wait for the scousers already!!!
September 2nd, 2008 at 11:26
Massive signing – and he’s worth every penny. He’s pure class, and I can’t wait to see him in action at Anfield, who’ll have a hard time keeping us away.
This, to me, is the signing that’ll keep us winning titles this season. We could have done it without him, but we should never disregard the impact in freshness such a signing can have.
And the reason why we’ve signed him is his ability, and that’s why SAF waited. He wanted Berbatov and noone else, because he knows, this is the man that can take us to the next level.
Watch out Europe as well – he’ll be absolutely superb in Champion’s League.
September 2nd, 2008 at 11:30
@Redranter: no we are not broke, but we have serious debt. which is now even greater thanks to the ridiculous money we just blew on berbacrap.
firstly can i just refer anyone who was bouncing off the walls yesterday like a hysterical jackass to this, My post yesterday, and now this See?
Now as i have said before, i didnt want berbacrap, i didnt think he was “THE ANSWER”, and i sure as hell didnt want to be shelving out much money for him. so you can imagine how elated i am to see that we have signed him, and not only that but we have paid 10 mil more than hes worth, whilst getting rid of frazier campbell!
This has to be the biggest mistake ever! the money for a start….what the hell was all that about? why didnt we just buy him last month when he was overpriced? no no no…we all said SAF was much too smart for that…he wont pay over the odds for his man…he will play the waiting game and get him on a much better deal …”time is on our side”…bolocks. it wasnt. and we paid 30 mil for him….well done daniel son!
and what about our predicament of having no strikers?? that any different now? NO! had we kept campbell then we would be much better off. but no…we have berba and manucho. so what happens when berba gets injured?
screwed.
September 2nd, 2008 at 11:30
rooney stays further up the field but behind berbatov, with tevez playing as well, we might just start shitting our selves, tevez rooney AND berbatov!
question, when ronnie comes back, who gets dropped? if it where uo to me, well you know who i would drop….
September 2nd, 2008 at 11:32
I’m really happy about the City takeover. Let me explain why. For all Chelsea’s cash, we’ve won the league two years running and the European Cup, proving that 1) money can’t buy you everything, and 2) class is permanent. Put another way, we didn’t suffer from not being able to compete with them financially. The big losers now that City have got all this money will be Chelsea, who wont just be able to flash their wads about and buy anyone they want. It’ll take City at least two years of big spending before they are anywhere near a threat.
Yesterday was just perfect – Chelsea being out bid, and Real getting a big dollop of their own medicine. But the highlight was without doubt Sparky confessing to Sky Sports that HE HADN’T EVE SPOKEN TO ROBINHO! Imagine that. How will cry baby Robinho react when he finally gets to Eastlands and sees what sort of club he’s joined, or when he has to face Grimsby away on a wet Tuesday .
And some final thoughts. ADUG have only signed a memorandum of understanding to buy City, in other words, an agreement to agree, in legal terms, barely worth the paper it’s written on. This being City, what chance that they find something dodgy in the accounts and the deal doesn’t happen? And the shareholding in UDAG seems a bit cloudy at the moment, so they may struggle to pass the FA’s tests. And as the Times alluded to this morning, what is ADUG’s relationship to the group that wanted to buy Liverpool? This could also signal the end of any escape route for Gillett and Hicks.
So yes, I’m really buzzing!!
September 2nd, 2008 at 11:34
Thank God! King Berba the Red has arrived! Looking forward to some better fluid football this season! Follow follow, we’re the Busby Boys!
September 2nd, 2008 at 11:47
Berba interview tonight at 6:30
September 2nd, 2008 at 11:53
@Redd75: i dont agree with you mate. the city bid was real and all that but it cant have forced us to pay 30 mil. spurs couldnt force berba to go to city so it wouldnt have mattered what they bid. so the stakes were exactly the same. we bottled it in the end due to someones lack of business knowledge when the contract chats were happening.
regarding your last 2 paras, firstly “what is an extra 10m if we successfully defend our titles this season?”…its 10 mil less off the debt. and we gonna do the double now cos we have berbacrap?
and secondly, yes its not our money but we are supporters and are entitled to care about our club and its finances. if we didnt we could juts sit back and let the glazers rack up huge debts for us. but its not our money so why should we care right?
September 2nd, 2008 at 11:59
@benjd: i havent got MUTV!
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:02
Glad to see our second and final saga of the summer come to an end and now we can settle down and totally focus on doing the business on the pitch.
Its is a desperate price for the player but I don’t think we had much of a choice and hopefully all will work out and he will be worth the inflated transfer fee.
At the end of the day I can’t really blame spurs for sticking the knife in with the transfer fee when we came sniffing round after another one of their stars. I always thought during the Ronaldo Fiasco that if we did sell him (which at the time IMO I thought we should have but thats another argument I don’t want to drag up again) then we stick the financial knife right in to Real and make them pay top top dollar for him. They want him they fecking pay for him big style. Spurs have done the exact same thing and I respect that.
We look for another teams big star expect to be hit with a ridiculous transfer fee.
On robinho absolutely brilliant! Screw chelski and Kenyon talk about egg on their face bunch of numptys. At the same time thats a warning sign as well. Romans billions are small change in comparison to what these guys are worth. Robinho is just petty cash to them. They only had a few hours to splash the cash about yesterday wait until the Jan transfer window.
C’MON UTD
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:14
@dan(u-ol): Nor have I. MUTV Online isn’t free is it?
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:16
@jstar7: so u are not excited jstar! Probably the best striker out there (who was available) has joined us. The price is probably 5m too much but thats what we have to pay for being manchester united. And berba can play till he is 33-34 so thats 6-7 years of top football from him. A solid 4-5 years at his very top and then 2-3 years as 3rd/4th striker so its an excellent proposition. We have a tremendously talented and young forward line now and once settled it should be fine for years to come. Fergie has undoubtedly built a very good team that can be his most successful of all time. look at it this way: To a CL & PL winning side he has added a player of the pedigree of Berbatov! And he has lost nobody important (Saha barely played last year) This year Nani and Anderson are expected to improve (and so are Ronaldo, Rooney, Tevez etc). it can only get better from here.
Even if we expect 15+ league goals from the front 4 of Ron, Roon, Tev & Berba it is 60+ goals. We can expect Andy to open his utd acc now, Carrick to score a bit more (his target shud be to match Keane’s number at the least) and some decent return from Nani.
And let glazers worry about debts and all… the season has started, tr window is over and lets enjoy it while it all lasts. why really worry about something not in our hands.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:17
We have signed Mr Burns!!
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:26
@jstar7: You are a sour tootenham fan for sure. Go bark up another tree.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:26
@jos: you make some good points and i admire your optimism.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:27
@R: woof.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:28
@jstar7:
I would rather spend the extra 10 mill on Berbatov and have a decent chance of defending the League and CL than get no-one and save ourselves 10 mill and then struggle for the season with a lack of fire power.
We have to challenge for silverware no not even challenge we have to WIN silverware to manage this debt not save ourselves 10 mill on a player who could potentially win us that silverware.
Also whats the whole Berbacrap about. Give the fella a chance Im not the biggest fan but Im gonna give him time before I make any judgements.
If you were at OT would you be shouting Berbatov your crap before he did anything?
Also I think we have ample cover in the striker role now even with Campbell gone. Your just annoyed we let him go as part of the deal!
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:29
OUR NEW BERBA CHANT IS AWSOME!
Sorry for the caps, but I meant it in the way that I screamed it out!
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:35
————-VDS————–
Brown—Rio–Vidic—Evra
—-Carrick—-Anderson—
Ronaldo–Rooney—Tevez
————Berbatov———–
Subs
Foster
Neville
Hargreaves
Scholes
Nani
Giggs
Manucho
That is an unstoppable machine!!!
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:40
VDS
Brown Rio Vidic Evra
Anderson Hargreaves
Ronaldo Tevez Rooney
Berbatov
subs:
TK
Neville
Rafael
Carrick
Scholes
Giggs
Nani
With 3 strikers on the pitch you dont need a striker on the bench
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:43
@RedDevil: Berba tov-tov-tov
He told Tottenham to beep off!
Berba tov-tov-tov
We told City to beep off!
With his left With his right
Berbatov is dynamite.
Spectacular. He’ll get ya! …
and he looks like Draculaaaaaaa!!!
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:45
@dan(u-ol): I know, you took that one yesterday. Its good, but I think this one is better.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:45
@scoop: id rather call him berbacrap until he does something to make me stop. 30 goals outta do it. yes we need to win silverware to help with the debt but you think that cos we have this one player that is much more likely now?? and since we are all about giving people chances…why dont we give manucho a chance?…evryone is quick to jump on here with things like…”ah but he is untested in the prem”…so what? he didnt cost us 30mil and one less striker. and yes i am annoyed we let campbell go…how do we have “ample cover” for the striker role?
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:45
F*ck chelski! haha in your face Kenyon! You f*cked up again! this time i think much bigger! haha! berbatov will live up to his price i tell ya. give him a chance to shut doubters up.
love to see this happen: liverpool nil, united 3 (berbatov hat trick)
O’shea > Rooney < Ronaldo
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:47
i think United’s attacking front will be unstoppable. Just bring into mind Rooney, Tevez, Ronaldo & Berbatov and of course there’s Manucho who seems to be a good striker…
I hope they all stay injury free
http://www.utdtillidie.blogspot.com
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:47
@jstar7 : Give the guy an opportunity to shut doubters up
(that includes you) Manucho will shine, come on mate, just sit back and leave the rest to fergie, he knows his thing. 
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:54
@john freakin’ o’shea: at the end of the day im a united fan and i would love to be wrong! cos if i am then that means we are winning trophies and i can hold my hands up and say i was wrong. the problem is that he cant just be good (15 goals)…for 30mil he needs to be absolutely amazing (25+, and assists).
September 2nd, 2008 at 13:05
Red devil…perfect starting line up.altho wen hargreaves is injured carrick would replace him ..i wud also put a striker on the bench just incase,manucho or someone also no need for neville AND raphael as they are both right backs…dam that team is quality!
September 2nd, 2008 at 13:05
I’d be shitting my pants if I was a Liverpool supported right now.
I’m am seriously looking forward to that game.
September 2nd, 2008 at 13:05
@jstar7: maybe he needs to do that to please you, but there is more to his name than just goals. I want to see if he really gives something and understands that this is not a club in Leverkusens or Spurs statue, but Manchester United, I he gives an effoort I will be pleased. Hey, as long as we win games.
September 2nd, 2008 at 13:10
@benjd: i know, no gerrard or torres for our match, and we have berbatov!
September 2nd, 2008 at 13:12
No he dont jstar7 i would be happy with 15 goals and 15 assists..and his first touch…
September 2nd, 2008 at 13:13
What The Fuck, they have gone mad!!
September 2nd, 2008 at 13:13
keegan is off! newcastle to be relegated!
i love it.
September 2nd, 2008 at 13:17
well,up man utd,up berba,that is a great signing for utd….now we have berba,rooney,tevex,ronaldo when his is back,what an attack? i think we can go and defend out tittles and even add to it now that we have more attacking options.
Down chelkis,they can only buy player with the age of 30 for 30mil. robinho would have been a better signing for them but cos he is age is 24 they can only pay 24 for him. i bet you when robinho is 30 they will go and pay 30 for him,let wait and see…..
once again utd go and attack the CL nad PL
September 2nd, 2008 at 13:18
@jstar7: you’re an idiot to be expecting that much from berba. First off if the guy gets 15 goals in the league and 20+ in all competitions he’ll have had a good season because his style of play is going to help other players flourish as well i.e rooney and tevez.
Also you’re calling a guy who is rated as one of the best strikers in Europe as Berbacrap. You’re deluding yourself mate and if i didn’t know any better i’d think you’ve never seen berbatov in full flow because the guy exudes class.
Also one question, name one guy who was available -and “available” is the operative word here- you would have rather seen us buy instead of berbatov?
September 2nd, 2008 at 13:18
Liverpool team against us:
Reina
Carragher Skrtel Agger Dossena
Babel Macherano Alonso Riera
Keane Kuyt
United team vs them:
VDS
Brown Rio Vidic Evra
Anderson Scholes/Carrick
Nani Tevez Rooney
Berbatov
Duels:
Reina < VDS
Carracher < Brown
Skrtel and Agger < Rio and Vidic
Dossena < Evra
Macherano and Alonso < Anderson and Scholes/Carrick
Babel and Riera < Nani and Tevez
Keane and Kuyt < Rooney and Berbatov
Rafa “Fat Spanish Waiter” Benitez < Sir Alex “The God” Ferguson
VICTORY SHALL BE OURS!
September 2nd, 2008 at 13:18
http://www.arabianbusiness.com/529737-abu-dhabi-planning-240mn-ronaldo-swoop
September 2nd, 2008 at 13:20
Anderson is injured………hope it is a short term thing and will be better before the international break is done.
September 2nd, 2008 at 13:20
@R: They seriously think this is Football Manager!
CRAZY PEOPLE!!! 
September 2nd, 2008 at 13:23
@RedDevil: fairly good analysis
September 2nd, 2008 at 13:48
Once I heard Berba was at OT I was confident he was going to be in place in time. I had my doubts about whether we really needed a striker in his mould until Friday but then it all became very clear.
Having Berba up front occupying the central defenders will create so much more space for the likes of Rooney, Tevez and Ronaldo and I just don’t think teams will be able to cope with it. Tevez was again the best player on the pitch on Friday but needs to be working off someone to be at his best, Rooney likewise.
I think the comparisons with King Eric are a bit ridiculous though (not from here necessarily), Cantona came at a time when we hadn’t been as successful as hoped and was the catalyst for changing all that. Berbatov comes to the Premier League and European champions, I guess he will be measured by whether we create European dominance, which I’d say is probably a lot harder, especially given that no-one has retained teh CL to date!
Overall, good signing, £30m was the going and market rate so that is what we had to pay to get him, Fergie rarely lets us down so here’s hoping for a 25+ goal season from Berbatov, Rooney, Ronaldo and Tevez hahaha
September 2nd, 2008 at 13:56
@Penguin: Do you think it could be a smoke screen, due to him being away @ the Olympics for so long?
September 2nd, 2008 at 14:06
@Stephen: Not impossible, and I hope it is an injury skin to those that Giggs used to come down with before Wales friendly games!
Still, with Carrick and Nani returning to the side, we should be ok in any case.
September 2nd, 2008 at 14:08
@Penguin: It will now start to get intersting, any news on Hargo, is there any chance he will be fit?
September 2nd, 2008 at 14:10
so keane and berbatov will face ov in our next match…
September 2nd, 2008 at 14:16
@Sidharth: im an idiot? thanks for that. and am i really expecting too much from a 30 mil striker? 15 goals is not good enough im afraid. torres cost 20 mil, never played in the prem before, and scored 33 goals last season. and im expected to be ok with berbacrap scoring 15 for 30 mil??
September 2nd, 2008 at 14:18
@jstar7: Berbatov is not a Torres type, who plays on the shoulder, so you can’t judge him as the same player and expect the same return.
September 2nd, 2008 at 14:20
as for kenyon same story and I got two words for chelsea ronaldinho 2, its like kenyon does not want tp pay to doller for talented brazilians.
September 2nd, 2008 at 14:24
@Stephen: ok someone needs to explain to me what “type” of player he is then….given that we have rooney and tevez who we all seem to agree are not out and out strikers…i was under the impression we were after a goal scorer no? or is it that we want someone with flair to basically do what those two do?
September 2nd, 2008 at 14:30
@jstar7: He has a bit of everything in my book, he is not lightening quick like Torres but he can create and score he is also 6′2/6′3 which Rooney and Tevez are not, he is a class act mate.
September 2nd, 2008 at 14:38
Somebody’s gonna it his own **** when berba spells his magic…
September 2nd, 2008 at 14:40
A good, balanced view on the Berba signing.
September 2nd, 2008 at 14:42
@Stephen: Not sure, but I read some comments a few days ago from Fergie which sounded pessimistic. This tendinitis thing sounds as though it’s never going to go away completely, it’s just a case of managing it.
Shame, given how good Hargreaves was in the last six weeks of last season – but hardly a surprise. Let’s hope he isn’t stepping into Saha’s shoes…
September 2nd, 2008 at 14:43
@jstar7:
“id rather call him berbacrap until he does something to make me stop. 30 goals outta do it
Ok fair enough you call him Berbacrap for now. If he turns out to be guff and huffy Ill call him Berbacrap as well. If he turns out to be class Ill call him Berbagreat (or something like that) but for now he’s Berbatov. If he scores 30 goals Ill call him whatever you want me to call him
“yes we need to win silverware to help with the debt but you think that cos we have this one player that is much more likely now??”
As a matter of fact I do. No way am I saying its written in stone he could turn out to be a complete flop but for now Im a dam sight happier about winning something this season with him than I was yesterday without him. Even without him I was pretty confident but the firepower worried me. Not now!
“and since we are all about giving people chances…why dont we give manucho a chance?”
Brilliant Im all for that I want to see what the kid can do. I hope he gets his chance and I hope he shines but would I want SAF to think ‘right Ill give manucho a chance this season and see how he gets on and forget about berbatov. Brilliant and The glazers will be pleased because I saved 30 mill’. Bugger that Im glad we got Berbatov and like I said I hope Manucho gets his chance but given the choice for the season ahead I’d take Berbatov.
What would you do Jstar take the chance on Manucho and not buy berbatov. Berbatov is a punt as well but not anywhere near as risky as a punt on Manucho for the season!
Also if we didnt buy Berbatov who would you buy or would you be happy startig the season with Tevez, Rooney, Campbell, Manucho and Wellbeck?
“and yes i am annoyed we let campbell go…how do we have “ample cover” for the striker role?”
IMO Tevez, Rooney, Berbatov, Welbeck and Manucho is ample cover. Do you think losing Campbell has really made that much of a difference?
September 2nd, 2008 at 14:44
@jstar7: I agree with Sidharth. Your projections are unrealistic and downright fanciful. In fact your understanding of a striker’s role seems to be akin to that my 5 year old neighbour.
September 2nd, 2008 at 14:48
@benjd: Particularly well put.
September 2nd, 2008 at 14:50
@Stephen: but who is gonna actually score all the goals? ive no doubt that berb can flick rooney into a great goal scoring opportunity, but with rooney’s one on one record its not a great thought. i thought we wanted someone that could link up with rooney and tevez so they could weave some magic and put the ball into the box for our new out and out striker to bang it in. do we now have 3 strikers laying each other up with outlandish skill and finese?
September 2nd, 2008 at 14:50
I don’t think Berbatov should be judged on a perform/price ratio, the manager yes, but not the player. It’s not Berbatov’s fault that he cost so much.
If he doesn’t show full commitment to the club then that is another thing, but for the moment he has been quite dignified about the whole issue (not slagging off people in public)and stayed faithful to United.
I can’t wait to see him play.
I’ll judge him at the end of the season
September 2nd, 2008 at 14:54
Have you seen Citeh’s new kit? http://www.laughfc.co.uk/wp/?p=115
September 2nd, 2008 at 14:54
@jstar7: Yes, he is another flair player, like rooney and tevez, but he is classy in a way rooney and tevez (and torres) will never be. You will love him soon. His general play is an absolute pleasure to watch. 30 million is acceptable for the most watchable player in the world.
September 2nd, 2008 at 14:57
@benjd: really? more so than everyone here who thinks we are virtually guaranteed trophies now we have berbcrap?
September 2nd, 2008 at 14:59
@tevez: i will love him if he produces the goals mate. if he does it with style…even better. if he doesnt with style..i wont.
September 2nd, 2008 at 15:00
@magno: how will you judge him at the end of the season? obviously given that the goals ratio isnt important.
September 2nd, 2008 at 15:01
I think fergie is smarter to know what is right…
He thinks Berba will improve our squad… so he got him… thats it…
He knows better…
I would be happy if Berba gets 15+ goals and assists…
And I personally think he will perform better any other striker (supporting/shadow/whatever) on our squad…
September 2nd, 2008 at 15:02
I am sure mate he will get goals, with Ronaldo, Rooney and Tevez all knocking in goals we will be fine, this season is going to be tough but we have no devine right to win anything, we just need our young players to continue to development, and more goals from rooney. Berbatove will score goals I think last year he got 23, and Spurs gave up after winning the League cup.
September 2nd, 2008 at 15:05
@jstar7: Yes really. Maybe you could provide us with an insight as to why you think he’s crap? Tell me, do you think Rooney is crap too?
jstar7: Why are you being so single minded? Open up.
September 2nd, 2008 at 15:13
@jstar7: Maybe you give him a chance, fergie obviously sees something in him?!
September 2nd, 2008 at 15:13
@jstar7: He’s not a 30+ goals-a-season striker mate. He’s not a predator. Were you a fan of cantona? Or Sheringham? You wanted an out-and-out goalscorer, fair enough, but we didn’t get one. You can blame fergie for that though, not berbatov. Don’t blame berbatov for not scoring enough just because that was the kind of player you wanted.
September 2nd, 2008 at 15:16
@jstar7:
Goals to minutes played is important to me, or assists to minutes played.
But I said price (£30 mill.) to performance ratio.
I wont be thinking 30 goals per season for 30 million, or 10 goals for 10 million.
He’s a prize asset, and should be treated well. It’s one of the basics of any management…make people feel wanted, not get on their backs after a little mistake.
How can you be insulting his name before he’s even played
September 2nd, 2008 at 15:17
Jstar, if your a United fan, I’m feckin glad we haven’t got too many like you. You should join Liam and start your own WE HATE BERBA fan club. Berba aint as much crap as you haters are crap United fans.
September 2nd, 2008 at 15:17
@Penguin: Finally, an unbiased article from the media that actually exudes well-thought facts and reasoning. Berbatov has been pursued for a reason and that is because he has the ability to bring out the best in players around him – thru assists and link up plays – just like he did with Robbie keane at Tottenham (who was average before Berba).
He’s the type of striker that leaves defences confused, because whwn he gets the ball in the box, it is unclear if he’s gonna shoot, dribble or pass(he can do all three) and that is why Rooney, Tevez and co will benefit excellently from his foil.
With this signing, we will be going back to the style of the 06/07 season when we scored 120 goals and won the prem with 8 points ahead of the runners-up, chelsea. That season, everyone scored their fair share because the team was not built around Ronaldo; last season it was – part of the reason he did so well – and although he scored 42 goals the team scored less in total.
Also, with Manucho looking like a younger, taller Saha (less the injuries, hopefully), and the fact he will get valuable playing time (due to Campbell’s loan) we will hopefully have a wealth of options to choose from.
Campbell, in my opinion, should have been loaned to hull if playing time was what was desired for him. He will get chances at Tottenham, but very few, beause there are two top class strikers ahead of him, added to the fact that he is only there for a year, he’s pretty much just cover for them – similar to Rossi at newcastle – and will get little top-level game playing time whereas in Hull, he’ll almost definitely play week-in, week-out. He will however have a better chance to train and play with players of a higher calibre at Tottenham compared to Hull and also better training staff and manager, so maybe it all worked out for the better.
Can’t wait to see Berba in action for United though, he always looked like he had more to offer when playing at Tottenham and hopefully he unleashes the full plethora of his massive talents while on display for United…
September 2nd, 2008 at 15:18
David Villa would have been a better signing and suit the team more. he is younger, faster and twice as deadly in front of goal. Berbatov isn´t a bad signing but for 30 mil, united should have invested in a younger player for the future.
September 2nd, 2008 at 15:19
@Gabriel: Two top class strikers, what Bent?
September 2nd, 2008 at 15:22
@benjd: no ben i dont think rooney is crap. and to be fair i dont think berba(tov) is crap either. i was venting my frustration with the “berbacrap” thing. but i dont think he is anywhere near as special as you all think. i dont think he is the right kind of player, even though he is great to watch/ and links up well/ and all that, and i dont think he is worth 30mil. im sorry if my want for a united striker to score loads of goals seems juvenile to you, but it is borne of a love for winning and getting trophies.
September 2nd, 2008 at 15:23
@Stephen: i will of course give him a chance to prove me wrong…and i hope he does.
September 2nd, 2008 at 15:29
@tevez: i know man and that i spose is my gripe, the fact that he isnt a 30+ man and that what i wanted. and yes i was a fan of eric(1.2 mil) and teddy(3.5 mil) both awesome players. but i didnt think we were after one of those guys…i thought this was about getting a main striker…not someone to create.
September 2nd, 2008 at 15:30
@Stephen: like it or not, Bent is a top class striker; the typical old-school out-and-out striker whose sole purpose on the pitch is to look for the net. He has proved he can score plenty, while at Charlton and despite his very limited playing time last season, scored a decent amount. Hell, look at his pre-season tally and the goal against chelsea.
Pavlyunchenko is also another option for spurs and i don’t see Campbell starting ahead of those two if fit. Also, all indications point to Tottenham playing a 4-5-1 formation which even decreases campbell’s chances of starring for them.
September 2nd, 2008 at 15:31
@magno: fair enough with the ratio for judging. but its hard to get that 30 mil outta my head at the same time ya know? and ill stop referring to him as berbacrap…(at least until he deserves it)
September 2nd, 2008 at 15:33
@Gabriel: A pre season tally is not a gage mate, if Heskey can get in front of him in the England squad than thats proves he is not a “top class” striker.
September 2nd, 2008 at 15:34
@Craig Mc: im sorry for disaggreeing with you craig. i guess we cant have differing points of view and rant with each other about them? maybe ill just wait till you post from now on and agree with you…hows that?
September 2nd, 2008 at 15:37
@Gabriel: I like the way bent is constantly running in behind a defense. He is very quick and he gambles. He is still not a top class striker though.
September 2nd, 2008 at 15:41
@Redd75: Which statement was unfair?
September 2nd, 2008 at 15:44
@Craig Mc: Er, what’s wrong with someone not liking Berba? Stop judging people just because they don’t agree with you.
I seriously wish we don’t have fans who start throwing judgements on other fans just because they don’t agree with them.
September 2nd, 2008 at 15:46
@Red Ranter: In Craig’s defense we also don’t want fans judging players, before they have even kicked a ball for us to surely?
September 2nd, 2008 at 15:47
@jstar7:
Good. It is an important point to established that you can’t judge a player just by looking at a their goal tally.
…well I’m with you on that one.
No, that’s fine, everyone loves goals; But your point came across rather bluntly as: 30 goals or he’s crap.
We have to remember that we now have 4 (rather than 3 last season) potentially high scoring goal scorers (20+ goals) and it’s just bad (and decremental to the team, maybe) to hope that one striker gets majority of them. I would argue that they need to be spread more evenly than last season for the good of the team.
I wish I could take 10+ of Ronaldo’s goals last season and split them between Tevez and Rooney.
September 2nd, 2008 at 15:48
@Stephen: funny you should say that, because I always wondered why Heskey was included ahead of Bent, Defoe, Ashton, Owen, Agbonlahor etc That is England for you and hence another matter…
Also, don’t just pick a snippet of fact and use it to back up your point when the bigger picture says something else. He scored bags of goals while playing up top ‘alone’ at Charlton (37 goals in 79 app). He, despite coming off the bench in almost all the games he played for Spurs last season, managed to bag 8 goals. He is a top striker, and this season, under a manager who understands his strengths, he has already began to prove it.
Btw, why should pre-season not be a gauge? Are the matches not meant to be won?
September 2nd, 2008 at 15:58
Just a little look at last season’s league stats:
Keane Goals: 15, Assists: 7
Berbatov Goals: 15, Assists: 11
Torres Goals: 24 Assists 3
I’d put money on Keane not being anywhere near as potent as he was last season.
September 2nd, 2008 at 15:59
@Gabriel: They are friendlies mate not competitive games, and you are using a snippet of infomation to back your point. He has had one good season in the prem for Charlton and fair play to him he played well, but form is temporary and class is permanent, he was awful last season, under mostly Ramos, but we will agree to disagree mate, I am not a fan, but he is better than Heskey I must agree!!
September 2nd, 2008 at 15:59
@benjd: true enough. if the goals get spread and we win silverware then i will be content.
September 2nd, 2008 at 16:01
@benjd: if you want to take 10 off ronaldo from last season… don’t let him take penalties!
September 2nd, 2008 at 16:03
@Gabriel: i have to say i felt for bent that season he scored 37 goals…then erikkson goes and picks theo walcott ahead of him for the world cup. in saying that…i dont rate bent and i dont support england so im not that bothered.
September 2nd, 2008 at 16:05
@Will: Jesus yeah. Hargreaves this year surely. (Although Giggs’s penalties in the Champions league final and Charity shield were superb) Was Berbatov spurs’ penalty man?
I’m not going to get on the back of a 42 goal a season man, but missing in the champs league for two games running was…well…poop.
September 2nd, 2008 at 16:07
Berbs, Berbs
Wherever he may be
He never wanted to join City
He chose the Reds and followed his dream
Now he sticks it in the net for the best damn team
im scouting thte internet for thte best chant for him!
September 2nd, 2008 at 16:08
@Stephen: actually, he had two good seasons at Charlton and three equally good ones at ipswich town before. All i’m saying is it is hard to ignore the fact that the boy scores goals when given the chance; last season he wasn’t given the chance, this season he has and he has scored plenty already, pre-season or not.
Anyway, the original point was he and Pavlyunchenko will be higher in peckin order than Campbell and even more so when they play a 4-5-1 formation.
September 2nd, 2008 at 16:15
scary thought, we broke the record yesterday with the comments, imagine how much we would of gotten if grognard where here, we would have to double that number lol
September 2nd, 2008 at 16:16
@Gabriel: I agree with you on the Campbell point, if he gets a run in the side than it will be worth him moving there, if he doesn’t then he as you rightly pointed out could be another wasted opportunity.
Bent did play 30 games last season, and only netted 7 times but we could go on for hours!!
September 2nd, 2008 at 16:32
Those Manchester City buyers are absolute loons. But it’ll make the January transfer window interesting if they’re still in this frame of mind then…
September 2nd, 2008 at 16:47
@Penguin: £130,000 a week?
that’s ludicrous… and people say money doesn’t talk!! 
September 2nd, 2008 at 16:53
its all bollocks…. its quite simply the best marketing scheme from for football manager 2009… the tagline ” create your team, the way you want it”
as if ronaldo would move….. to city… i mean they are seriously properly nieve and stupid.
September 2nd, 2008 at 16:55
@Stephen: You are equating judging fellow commenters with judging players. You don’t want me to be reminding you that it’s ok if you judge players or call them whatever you want as long as you don’t do the same to fellow commenters, do you?
I think I’ve made this clear several times before.
We don’t want fans to jump on the back of a player before he’s even kicked a ball for us, but that does not justify putting down a fellow commenter just because he shares a differing opinion.
September 2nd, 2008 at 16:55
anybody have links for mutv?
September 2nd, 2008 at 17:02
@Gabriel: 160,000 actually. Interesting times up ahead….
September 2nd, 2008 at 17:10
Yep Robinho is getting 4 million a year after tax
September 2nd, 2008 at 17:14
@Craig Mc: OK so since you don’t like Rooney and O’Shea you are a crap fan. If you don’t agree big deal but to call me a shit fan because I don’t like Count Dracula. Fuck you! You think you are superior to me because you like a player that I don’t? Wow that’s mature
September 2nd, 2008 at 17:16
@R: yeah,
i probably wrote £130,000 a week cause sub-conciously i couldn’t believe he was gonna be paid £160,000 a week 
talk about asserting yourself in the game!!
Those Abu dhabi guys mean business and although some of the players mentioned by them are almost inconceivable, they have established themselves as no nonsense owners and will definitely not have any problems attracting the best players come the next transfer window.
September 2nd, 2008 at 17:20
4-4-1-1 or 4-2-3-1
VDS
Brown-Rio-Vidic-Evra
Ronaldo-Carrick or OH-Anderson-Nani (or Tevez if 4-2-3-1)
Rooney (or Tevez)
Berbatov
September 2nd, 2008 at 17:21
btw has everyone seen that prick from one of the newspapers on SS saying United acted like the Mafia yesterday? Naturally the papers are going to try to drag us down after the ‘high’ of signing Berba.
maybe we can get City to pay 600m for CR and clear our debt
September 2nd, 2008 at 17:26
I don’t like Berba so much………..but it’s better than Saha…….and way better than Adebayor (in terms of techinque)…………….
He is slow but what the fck
WE HAV AN IN-BOX STRIKER
September 2nd, 2008 at 17:29
Hey does anybody know what salary Berba will be getting per week?
And where can i watch his interview online?
September 2nd, 2008 at 17:32
We are going to be the biggest club in the world, bigger than both Real Madrid and Manchester United.” HAHA this dude knows fuck all bout football
September 2nd, 2008 at 18:04
rite.. so what’s gonna happen to tevez’ contractual situation?
September 2nd, 2008 at 18:08
Man Shitty owners offer Man Utd 250 million, their biggest oil field, 10 camels, and a harem full of the worlds finest women, for Cristiano Moneyaldo – hahahahahaha!. Don’t make me laugh. When he leaves United, it will be for Spain where the sun always shine. Sunshine, one thing the Arabs can’t buy for Manchester. Shitty will come down to earth at some point.
September 2nd, 2008 at 18:15
Liam, I remember distinctly I told you that I liked Rooney, but that I thought he was playing shit lately. That is a bit different than jumping on a players back before he has had a chance to show us what he can do for OUR CLUB. I don’t think Rooney has been doing the business lately, but I don’t want him out of the club. And what’s all this I think I am superior?. I wish I was, but I don’t think any such thing mate. Anyway, it ain’t worth getting so arse-y about mate.
Viva, Viva Berbatov.
Ronaldo better than Rooney.
September 2nd, 2008 at 18:18
By the way Liam, I don’t think you’ll find a post of mine where I mentioned anything about O’Shea. Show me it if you can find one mate.
September 2nd, 2008 at 18:25
@Craig Mc: and I distinctly remember yesterday when I said I would give Berba a chance but you still called me a crap fan earlier.
September 2nd, 2008 at 18:27
Red Ranter, we really don’t need you to be a schoolmaster all the bloody time. Liam and I are quite able to sort out our own differences between us. We’re not going back to the kindergarten again are we. RR are you a bit of a control freak, because it seems like that sometimes.
September 2nd, 2008 at 18:30
Can someone post the link for that Berba interview?????
September 2nd, 2008 at 18:31
Stephen, thanks mate. It’s ok though, don’t worry about backing up my point about giving a player a chance until he doesn’t do the business. Cos I don’t wont you to get your knuckles rapped by the headmaster mate!.
September 2nd, 2008 at 18:31
@Craig Mc:
, be prepared to face the wrath of red ranter.
September 2nd, 2008 at 18:32
@Craig Mc: RR can be the schoolmaster if he wants…
in fact, I hereby declare myself the Dean of Commentary on Redrants!!! yes, that means any disputes relating to comments have to be settled thru me, kapeesh? 
September 2nd, 2008 at 18:34
@Gabriel: thats not even funny…
September 2nd, 2008 at 18:39
Berba interview link plsssssssssssssssssss…
September 2nd, 2008 at 18:41
@dan(u-ol): is that some kind of surbodination i detect?
since, it’s ur first offence, and i’m also a nice guy 
i’ll let u off with a warning this time… 
September 2nd, 2008 at 18:43
@Gabriel:
September 2nd, 2008 at 18:46
http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid={F9E570E6-407E-44BC-800F-4A3110258114}&newsid=6617399&page=2
September 2nd, 2008 at 18:48
sorry about that link.
September 2nd, 2008 at 18:48
@AndyCR7: there’s a report on manutd.com, you can read that….
September 2nd, 2008 at 18:51
Gabriel, who the feck are you mate?. That you set yourself up as judge and jury. I’ll say it again, Liam and I can fight our own battles. We are of Irish heritage for feck sake, we like a good scrap. But who are you really?. Stay out of it.
September 2nd, 2008 at 18:52
Dan(u)ol, haha mate, don’t worry I am used to it.
September 2nd, 2008 at 18:53
@Krishnan: thanks mate…
Hey RR are you gonna put the full video of Berba’s interview in your next post?
If not, any idea where I can watch/download it?
September 2nd, 2008 at 18:56
Liam, I am sorry mate, but I didn’t see your comment yesterday about giving Berba a chance. I missed that post. So are we cool then Liam?.
September 2nd, 2008 at 19:00
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_s3WPXxxilM its dan given you news 24/7 lol
September 2nd, 2008 at 19:02
@Craig Mc: mate, it was a joke!.
why the harsh tone?. thot u liked a bit of a taunt?. well, anyways…
September 2nd, 2008 at 19:08
Gabriel, OK mate point taken. I thought you were meaning something else. Thanks for clearing things up. I’m cool. I just believe that if I am in a debate with somebody else, then that person, i.e. Liam and I can sort it out between ourselves, without anybody else coming in. RR was the one who made that rule, and told me not to support arguements between others people, but he does it himself. Anyway, its over. Well until RR starts again.
September 2nd, 2008 at 19:15
Craig Mc:
I am a control freak if you didn’t realise. This is my blog, so I have the right to moderate things if they are wrong. I am clear, if you have problems you don’t resolve it among yourselves. Not here. I am the only one who can do this because I am the moderator and that’s his job.
You never seem to get it. This site is not on tax payers money that I have to be accountable to you. If I say something that I feel is not right then you have to accept it and move on. Yes this is kindergarten, but I never forced this site on you. So as long as you are here, there are ground rules that I expect from people. If that’s a problem with you then you know all too well that I never forced this on you.
I never have problems with people sharing their opinions. What I have problems with is people throwing judgements on other fellow commenters (stuff like you’re not a real fan or to that effect).
I can’t tolerate that.
Having a good scrap over opinions on United = OK
Throwing judgements over fellow commenters / insulting them = Not Ok
September 2nd, 2008 at 19:17
@dan(u-ol): thanks dude…
September 2nd, 2008 at 19:24
http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=orCi33NJb7c&feature=related im posting it again because i love it so much(berbatov goals vid, not interview) i want this damn international break over and done with, with no injuries and everybody back to their best for pool.
DUDES! stop the silly jibes and the unnecessary taunts, people need to start to grow some thick skin and people need to start knowing right from wrong. bloody hell, we should have mods, hint hint
…
September 2nd, 2008 at 19:34
Dan(u)ol we don’t need moderation for minor spats though. Bloody hell, do some of you live in a sanitised world. We are not always going to speak PERFECTLY to everyone else. Life is that people have a go at each other sometime, but if it is carried on for any length of time, to make a problem for others, then that is something else. I don’t think that is the case though. It gets sorted.
RR – I am not going to get into it with you, because life is to feckin short mate.
September 2nd, 2008 at 19:38
i wouldnt want to get into it with you as well and havent you noticed, i havent given a proper opinion on this subject yet?
September 2nd, 2008 at 19:41
@Craig Mc: Thank you. You’ll make my life easier too by staying out of petty scraps.
Btw, don’t anyone else seem to think City are dwarfing even Roman with their demands for assembling a galactico system?
September 2nd, 2008 at 19:42
Dan(u)ol LOL, I wasn’t talking about getting into it with you mate. That comment wasn’t addressed to you mate.
September 2nd, 2008 at 19:43
@Craig Mc: LOL im getting crazier everyday!
September 2nd, 2008 at 19:49
RR – Petty scraps are fun though. I wack Liam, and he wacks me back even harder. I can live with that. I just wish you could. We are not exactly vilifying each other, are we?. We are NOT living in the days of old world chivalry, where if somebody insults you, its pistols at dawn. Seems like it on this blog sometimes though.
JB, where the feck are you mate?. What about coming in here, with one of your many words of sane wisdom – haha!.
September 2nd, 2008 at 19:55
@Craig Mc: If you and Liam are fine with it, it’s great. But then not everyone is. For you personally it may not be a problem, nor it is with me too. But then when someone does mind such scraps and feels personally offended then I would have to defend him. This would become difficult if I allowed it in the first place.
My point is, while I do allow arguments to run its course usually, (and if you look back to previous posts, I do try to interfere as little as possible) I do also ensure that things don’t spill over too much. Which is why I advise people from time to time to avoid throwing judgements at others. I am pretty sure no one on here would appreciate being called a crap fan or something like that. Which is why I butted in.
When you run a site on this scale, it’s a bit difficult to take individual cases. So the only way is to have some ground rules so that it doesn’t degenerate into something juvenile.
I butt into these things is because I care. Not because I have anything personal against anyone.
September 2nd, 2008 at 20:01
@Red Ranter: I said it earlier, those Abu Dhabi tycoons mean business. They have ties with members of the United Arab Emirates royal family and were also interested in Arsenal but the Arsenal board wouldn’t let it happen. Collectively, they might be richer than abramovich on his own, so can afford to spend even more.
They clearly have the money and aren’t scared to use it, with those bids for berba, robinho and co coming in the same day as the takeover!! The galactico thing will take maybe a year at least to materialise, cause the team is not as reputable in footballing circles, not in the CL yet and the best players would want to still play in the champions league.
Exciting times ahead for the premiership, the standards are clearly improving. People who complain about the millionaire backing need to realise that the money those tycoons provide, attracts quality players that in turn produce quality football which also attracts massive tv rights deals that is beneficial to every club in the league.
The premiership earns the most out of all the leagues in the world and every club is reaping from this increased awareness/hype surrounding our league. This is partly down to the emergence of tycoons like Abramovich, Glazers and co. Hence, I don’t think they are all bad, although it might not be as healthy for the game as we would like, it does provide us with drama and talking points.
September 2nd, 2008 at 20:05
My God RR, if I had a penny for every time somebody had called me a crap fan on United messageboards, and on the terraces, I would be a feckin RICH man. You know what, I think you have been too used to having to deal with the paranoids who send you emails of complaint every feckin few minutes. about this person or that person. To me that is pathetic. I will never complain to YOU about any other person, I can face the person themselves, I don’t need a minder. But then, from what you say in your last post, there must be a lot of MARD arses on this blog who cry to you every few minutes. I am not like that, and I can’t apologise to you for my character can I. My old man told me to fight my own battles, but to not let things get out of hand. Sometimes RR you make comments like thing have got out of hand, when they haven’t. That’s all I am saying. But when anybody does say something like this, you come back with the “well you know what to do etc.” You are going to have a feckin personality less blog, with no LIFE if you exclude everybody who gets into it with somebody else. You say I don’t get it. I don’t RR, not really.
September 2nd, 2008 at 20:07
These are the highlights from Berbatov’s presentation as a ManUtd player here today in Bulgaria. I’am journalist, my name is Ivailo and I translated these lines for you. Sorry if there are some mistakes, but I made in a hurry. He said today:
1. You see how touched and happy I am, that the switch is already a fact. Now, I will play in Manchester United and this is the highest level I could reach in my career. I want to thank to everyone, involved in the transfer.
2. I’am flattered about City’s offer, but money never played a big part of my life. The only objective for me was one and only – Manchester United! I know what took me to become a player of the biggest club in the world. I have to work hard and make every red devil happy.
3. I would never say a bad word about Tottenham, because they paved my way in the big football.
4. I’m so happy that I would sleep outside “Old Trafford”, if it’s necessary.
5. I’am flattered about the attitude of Sir Alex. When we flew towards Manchester, my agent told me that Sir Alex Ferguson is going to be at the Airport. I was so happy.
6. When I went to “Old Trafford”, I imagined scoring goal.
7. When I and Sir Alex were waiting about some news from Tottenham, he asked me did I like number 9? I said that I don’t mind to have this number on my shirt.
http://gong.bg/uploads/news_images/200809/photo_big_55357.jpg
September 2nd, 2008 at 20:09
@Red Ranter: i wish you would comment more to be honest, its like once every now and again with you, a bit like rooney scoring goals lol
September 2nd, 2008 at 20:12
@dan(u-ol): like the rooney pun
just watch Craig jump on that one 
Rooney = Ronaldo
September 2nd, 2008 at 20:16
Gabriel, what should I say about Dan(u)ols Rooney pun?. Tell me mate and I will do it LOL. Does your Rooney=Ronaldo mean they are both as good as each other, equal like mate?. If so, Oh Gabriel you little sitter on the fencer – haha!.
Ronaldo better than Rooney, a zillion times.
September 2nd, 2008 at 20:17
@Red Ranter: I read that the new owners want City to qualify for the Champions league next year which I think is tough. The season after next may be, but definitely not next. They’ve still not built a team, which is a key. They lost Corluka but I don’t think they’ve replaced him with anyone and Robinho needs time to adapt. I think they have a better chance in the UEFA cup than in the league. Probably the quarters and in the league they could finish 6th or 7th. What do you think RR?
September 2nd, 2008 at 20:27
@Craig Mc: it means i don’t prefer either, ronaldo is a feckin great player with attitude and rooney is a feckin great player with bullish tenacity, how do you pick
Rooney = Ronaldo
September 2nd, 2008 at 20:39
Thats what I thought you meant Gabriel. I feel I must go for Ronnie though, but Rooney when he is doing the business if great too. It is just that Ronnie gets my vote because he is more consistent. I do hope Rooney can re find his form of his first year at Man U though.
September 2nd, 2008 at 20:42
@dan(u-ol): I do post on the main blog you know. And usually that’s over a 1000 words
I get what you’re saying though. I should post more often, but then again, I am going through a very very busy phase of my life. Work and other things are killing me. So the fact that I manage to post everyday of the week (well, almost) is itself a big chunk at the moment. But I will post in the comments too when I get the time.
All in good time.
September 2nd, 2008 at 20:56
Glazers OUT!!! Dubai IN!!! Im sure they could clear all our debt in a flash…Aaah Fantasies…
September 2nd, 2008 at 21:00
@Red Ranter:
September 2nd, 2008 at 21:10
Who needs ronaldo
who needs ronaldo
no need to fear
coz berba’s here
who needs ronaldo
September 2nd, 2008 at 21:21
Craig: Is there any particular topic you would like my sane wisdom applied to
September 2nd, 2008 at 21:25
I’m loving Berba already after his MUTV interview. You can see the fire in his eyes. Hope to see him in action wearing the red shirt against Liverpool.
Enjoy
Here is an extended MUTV interview Video Link
September 2nd, 2008 at 21:29
My Bulgarian isn’t very good but his grandparents seem happy enough with the transfer Vid Link
September 2nd, 2008 at 21:36
Just watched the interview with Berbatov and my doubts have magically been erased… the summer that has just been has magically erased also. Yes his performances will be the real reason we will aplaud him but I absolutley love his hunger and his personality! haha I can almost see him swinging from the poles aka Cantona on my birthday, Sep 13th!
September 2nd, 2008 at 21:59
@rsg: Hopefully he wears white or blue against Liverpool next Saturday.
September 2nd, 2008 at 22:01
I watched the Berbatov interview on MUTV, he looks like he really love this! He wants to win and score goals to make us win trophies. I cant wait for him to make his debut vs the Dippers.
September 2nd, 2008 at 22:15
right, i was planning to rickroll all of you but i decided not to(dont know why). everybody go to my site smouch.net/lol for pranks and jokes for forums and blogs like ourselves
September 2nd, 2008 at 22:17
link for smouch.
September 2nd, 2008 at 22:20
dont know why its not working, copy and paste this:
smouch.net/lol/
September 2nd, 2008 at 22:22
DIMITAR BERBATOV HAS ARRIVED!
September 2nd, 2008 at 22:24
Dimitar Berbatov + Nani corners = Lots and lots of goals.
Berba + Rooney and Tevez hard work = Unstoppable Magic!
September 2nd, 2008 at 22:27
Hey can anybody plz post a working Video link for the mad skill that Ronaldo pulled of on an Arsenal player last season…Cant remember the name but I remember Ronaldo was playing on the left flank…PLZ PLZ ppl…It would be greatly appreciated.
September 2nd, 2008 at 22:31
@Ishaq(South Africa): here you go
September 2nd, 2008 at 22:35
@Craig Mc: its ok I realize its only a blog and I may have overraected earlier. So we’re cool, for now anyway
Rooney+Ronaldo=
September 2nd, 2008 at 22:39
JB – hahaha. Yeah mate, about everyone fighting there own battles on this blog, without mediatorial interference lol. But then, thinking about it, it will just be dragging you into things – not good.
September 2nd, 2008 at 22:49
Liam, Yeah, I knew the Irish could survive a scrap, and shake hands immediately afterwords.
September 2nd, 2008 at 22:50
@abood89: Hey thanx man but the video says no longer available….
any ada links ??? or is it just a problem from my side?
September 2nd, 2008 at 22:54
Dan(u)ol, We need Ronaldo, We need Ronaldo,
Even with Berba here, Ronnie’s still the one to fear.
We need Ronaldo, We need Ronaldo,
With Berba and Ronaldo NOW, we’ll wallop the scouse.
September 2nd, 2008 at 22:54
@rsg: Mate it says that the video is unavailable. Do you have any other link?
September 2nd, 2008 at 23:04
@Ishaq(South Africa): it’s definitely a problem from your side. happens to me too sometimes. usually to do with the ISP. try connecting through a proxy site (like hidemyass) or through a VPN or something.
hope that helps
edit: or try this
September 2nd, 2008 at 23:59
berbatov interview
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRtx1ZZUkAU
September 3rd, 2008 at 0:27
@ Craig MC and anybody else that critisizes Rooney but is happy for signing Berbatov….LOL LOL LOL
——————–PREMIER LEAGUE GOALS————–
———————2006-2007 ——–2007-2008
Berbatov’s goals : 12(33games)—–15(36 games)
Rooney’s goals: —14(35 games)———-12(27 games)
You still think taht Rooney will sit on the bench?????
Total goals
Berba 23(49) 23(52)
Rooney 23(55) 18(42)
The only one who wins here with this signing is the team ….. and Rooney …. and his admirers
ahahahahahaha
September 3rd, 2008 at 1:07
@Liam: Yeah i heard this too…it was really disrespectful to Fergie and really stupid too. So he thinks Berbatov would get on a plane and have a medical with United all without Tottenham’s permission??? Very daft thing to say. Anyway, like Viv said on MUTV…now that the transfers are over, they need something to sell papers.
@ebrahim: Good interview, so City DID offer him more money, nice to hear he still chose us. Now like i said yesterday, will he be worth it? i doubt it, he’s being massively hyped by other Man Utd fans, its just unreal.
September 3rd, 2008 at 1:11
Hows about this one….
Viva Berbatovvvvv
Viva Berbatovvvvv
They wanted him in blue, but he said fuck you
Viva Berbatovvvvv
September 3rd, 2008 at 1:50
sorrrrry. but its just hit me……. berba… rooney… tevez….. ronaldo….. nani…. omg we is gonna merda those scouse!!!
September 3rd, 2008 at 2:32
Nikos you make a good point but I think it should also be pointed out that Tottenham create less chances than United. Berbatov has not been prolific by any means but I think once he gets service from the likes of Scholes, Carrick, Ronaldo, Rooney, Nani and co he will be banging them in.
Besides it is not like they are in serious competition. I could NEVER imagine Ferguson dropping Rooney when he is fit. Berbatov and Tevez will rotate. I think Berbatov will be favoured in the Premiership while Tevez will be favoured in Europe.
September 3rd, 2008 at 4:20
@abood89: Hey mate tanx a ton…The hide my ass site works brilliantly…
September 3rd, 2008 at 6:12
seems like the new owners at Man City will come a knocking…with regards to Ronaldo. how about a 135million bid? What would you do? take it or leave it?
September 3rd, 2008 at 7:00
@kal – take it as simple as that …it wud clear half of our debt !!! i think fergie is planing for a ronaldo less era and trying to build the team around rooney – tevez – berbs…. for that 120 m get a goood winger who is young…
September 3rd, 2008 at 7:40
@Kal: I would reject it. Ronaldo is priceless, plus we have to looks it this way: If City realy are the richest clyb in the world, they can buy players like Messi, Aguero, Snejder, Ramos, Fabregas…. In Spain, contracts have buy-out clauses. If City can afford that, then they can buy every mothafecking player in the spanish league. Would you really sell Ronaldo to City then? I wouldnt. I think that they can become massive if they buy smart and blend players mentality and skill. I wouldnt sell Ronaldo to them for anything in the world.
September 3rd, 2008 at 7:53
@Drew Vader: lol
September 3rd, 2008 at 8:38
@ Redranter.
Im still waiting for my response
September 3rd, 2008 at 8:49
“What did we learn from Deadline day transfers?”
Well I learnt that Malcolm Glazer should start negotiating for transfers himself. I just hope the Manchester United board learns that as well.
For all those who think we have the PL and CL wrapped up just because we signed Berbatov, consider this…
His scoring was not exactly prolific at Spurs where he acted as the main focal point. How much better can we realistically expect him to fare in a team “without wingers”? Our wingers are forwards. They don’t cross or supply, they want to score goals. In fact, other than Nani, I don’t think we have any wingers/wing-backs that CAN cross. (IMO, our second best crosser went to Arsenal).
I’m trying not to be pessimistic, but this also means that Rooney will eventually end up with more playing time on the wing. Also, it will be interesting to watch the clash of egos between Berbatov and Ronaldo. (I’m actually excited to see that one).
I just hope Berbatov lives up to the Cantona hype.
Rooney – better than Ronaldo
September 3rd, 2008 at 9:25
@ Karl. What about giggs. seems fairly a good crosser of the ball
September 3rd, 2008 at 9:28
THE REAL BERBATOV STATS:(ap)(gl)
1998-2001 CSKA Sofia 65 37
2001-2006 Bayer Leverkusen 195 90
2006-2008 Tottenham Hotspur 102 46
1999- Bulgaria 65 43
pretty prolific to me
September 3rd, 2008 at 9:33
@ Dan
Manchester united 2008-2012 200 appearences 130 goals
becomes even more prolific
September 3rd, 2008 at 9:36
Nikos, Rooney should have double those goal stats you mentioned, considering the great players around him, and the chances he is given by playing with greatest players. Think of all the one on ones he misses etc etc etc. We shall just have to reserve judgment on Berbatov now he is playing with much more quality type players. Cannot really know until end of this season. By the way Nikos, I have NEVER said that Rooney will be left on the bench EVER. I just happen to think he has been playing SHITE lately.
September 3rd, 2008 at 9:48
After all that Spurs management and players have said about Berbatov, him not been a nice person and all. I think he has shown to the world now what sort of character he is. Seeing he could have gone to Man Shitty or Chelski’s Kremlin, for a LOT more money. He chose United because he feels we are the worlds best, and he wants to play with the best, regardless of monetary gain. He wants to show what he can do on the bigger stage with the Red Devils. I ADMIRE that, in these days of money grabbing football playing mercenaries. Go Berba!.
Same cannot be said for Robinho can it?. For weeks now he has been CRYING Chelski, Chelski, Chelski. Yet the Arabs come in, turning the council house into a Sheikdom, and show him the £££££££££££ signs, and he GRABS it, and all his Chelski LOVE disappears out the window. Now that is somebody without allegiance, who is like a prostitute and will sell himself to highest bid. No love involved with prostitution is there?. Just MONEY for hire.
September 3rd, 2008 at 9:48
and i think with the arrival of berbatov, rooney will have to step up his game
September 3rd, 2008 at 9:48
If we get 135m for ronaldo I’d say we take it!!! We can get benzema or aguero or even kaka and still have major portion of that left. and in any case ronaldo isint a utd player thru and thru! he might just refuse contract extension and leave us for very little in 2 years. i guess fergie has finally resigned to losing him and has started building for a future without him. a player who is not utd thru and thru should not be seen as indispensable.
September 3rd, 2008 at 9:51
Exactly how much debt does united have and how is it being repayed, anyone?
September 3rd, 2008 at 9:52
By the way, I hope Berba has a LONG and HAPPY love affair with the Red Devils, as all the United faithful do!.
September 3rd, 2008 at 10:03
I am personally looking forward to Berba’s debut against Liverpool, I can see he will be a new talisman for us. He is already a fans fav with his comments about wearing the shirt, he will be a real star me thinks!!!@Nelson Otieno: about £600m give or take the odd mill!!
September 3rd, 2008 at 10:26
@ Stephen. that debt looks scary and thanks to being taken off the stock exchange we probably never know how it is being paid off.
on the bright side if things go bananas, we have Dubai companies ready to take over
September 3rd, 2008 at 10:30
@Craig Mc: give the rooney criticising a rest, huh? if he was to score double that amount, he would have a ratio of a goal per game, which is even more than ronaldo’s possibly, one-off feat. Besides, how do you expect him to score that much when the majority of his playing time is on the wings or out wide, lke last season?
Tevez who played more games, and more time as a CF last year got similar stats to Rooney, yet no one is complaining. In fact, Tevez has played the same amount of games as Rooney this season, any difference in the goal tally?
You talk about one-on-ones, at least he gets in those positions and the only thing missing is that confidence/composure which obviously diminished with him playing so much in wide positions, limited time in a striker role and fans/media criticsm/pressure.
Give the lad a break, people expect too much from him, he sacrificed himself for the team and that showed with him providing the most assists, and an above average goal output, given the circumstances, yet no one talks about that.
A player can only get better with commendation/encouragement not condemnation/criticsm.
September 3rd, 2008 at 11:19
@Gabriel: gabriel
tevez also scored lot more match saving/very important goals. if not for him we wont have won PL or CL. If you take away all of Rooney’s league goals, united’s points tally would have been less by just 1 point!! We would still have been champions!!! You cannot say the same about Tevez.
Anyway point of the whole rooney bashing exercise is he hasnt developed into the player most of us believed he will (why sir alex paid 30m for him even as a 17 yr old) last yr sir alex built his team around ronaldo coz he is better and he delivered as well!!! If rooney was good enf sir alex would have built his team around him. alas he isint!!! when tevez loses the ball (and it happens rarely) he runs and fights for it with 10x determination. nowdays when rooney loses the ball (and sadly it happens much more frequently) he just berates the ref or other players!!! there is a tremendous attitude diff here with rooney now. all the time he is just looking for a super chip or pass when he shud be doing simple things, build up his confidence… other teams are no longer afraid of him unlike Torres or Ronaldo or Messi…
September 3rd, 2008 at 11:46
@jos: I can’t believe i have to say this again.. Rooney was almost everytime employed out wide, especially in the CL while Tevez was always employed as a striker!! of course he should be in the position to score more match-winning goals than Rooney, as that is his job within that formation!! Rooney was to provide assists and he did it excellently!
The determination/aggresiveness thing is a catch-22. When Roo was doing the same earlier in his career, refs bagan to call fouls against him and when he got frustrated, people said he should calm down with his bullishness. Now he’s calmer, people say he should be more aggressive? That kind of tenacity/bullishness required by people can only lead to fouls and cards and soon when tevez becomes known for it, players will use it against him, like they did with rooney and the refs will begin to call the fouls, like with rooney.
Again, it’s unfair to judge a player based on his price tag. These players do not set these price-tags and can only play to the best of their abilities. When Kaka was brought to Milan for $8.5 mil, from that price tag, he should have become a below-average player then? The fact of the matter was, it was an english-english transfer for a very promising young english player who had just lit up the euros. What did you expect, £5mil?
Also, we are a big club, hence we pay big money for players, especially ones already in our league, point-in-case, Berbatov.
It is also unfair to slate Rooney alone for the team being built around Ronnie; Ronaldo was chosen over all the players in our squad – bacause of his physical attributes and dribbling pace – not just Rooney. Besides, Ronaldo has spent a season more at United than Rooney has, so on United experience alone, trumped Rooney.
September 3rd, 2008 at 12:51
Gabriel, I know how much you love Rooney mate, and fair play to you. Yet you cannot tell me not to give my opinions on any players, on a rants blog which was formed to facilitate opportunites for such opinions. The blog rules are that we can say any thoughts we have on any player, BUT not on another poster on the blog. (I don’t happen to agree with that sentiment, as you all know, and frequently get my arse kicked by RR for saying something I consider to be a minor ‘having a go’ at another blogger.) I have never really VILIFIED another blogger, but I find it difficult to be SANITISED in personal comments all the time. Anyway, back to the topic of your post. If I want to have a rant about Rooney, or anyone else, then that’s OK, unless RR has suddenly changed the rules. Gabriel, your okay mate, but please don’t try to control another persons post. I don’t hate the Roon, I just don’t think he’s as majestic as you think he is. Look I love Nani, and it goads me to here rants about him, but in the end I just have to put up with it. Because even though we ALL support the players we love, in the end we have to come to bite our tongues, and accept others comments differing to ours. God haven’t you learnt anything from all of RR’s pulpit banging messages to the Craig Mcs of this world, if we even slightly have even the smallest go at someone else. The end of this then Gabriel, don’t tell me what to post okay. Unless of course RR has made you his moderator mouthpiece.
September 3rd, 2008 at 13:14
@Craig Mc: Mate, I’m not telling you what to post or how to think. I’m merely expressing my stance on Rooney based on your points. Never did i vilify you or try to control your posts(if i culd, i wuld make all ur posts end with ‘Rooney > Ronaldo’
)
September 3rd, 2008 at 13:24
Gabriel, fair enough mate. I was never intimating that you were personally vilifying LOL. I was trying to say that vilification was the only thing banned on the blog, when it came to other posters, not to the players. Wires crossed again – hahaha. I seriously do not dislike the Roon, you can see in the other thread, that I have included him in my dream team. I do believe he should be scoring more goals though, and not missing as many one on ones, and easy chances. It is something he should work on. Ronaldo, Nani, Andi, Tev stay behind after training to work on their game, maybe the Roon should work on these flaws in his game. I want him ti do well for us you know, and comments can encourage, with a little kick up the arse. Anyway, I’m cool mate.
September 4th, 2008 at 12:34
@Nelson Otieno: I’ve followed Giggs since he first jogged out for United. The most frustrating aspect of his game were always his poor crossing. He seemed to have improved it the season before last, but last season, when he did not lose the ball, his final crosses seemed a bit pityfull (and believe me, this is coming from a HUGE Giggs admirer).
In hindsight, I suppose his crosses were’nt that bad, unfortunately, he played in the same team as Beckham…