Jul 17
What Happens When A Player Doesn’t Get His Move?
Three top Premier League clubs — Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United — have players that have been agitating for (or as they say these days: trying to engineer) a move to another club. With Arsenal it’s Adebayor, with Chelsea it’s Drogba (and Lampard) and with us it’s you know who.
In the cases of Adebayor and Drogba they’ve been whining in public for a move away whilst, in the case of Ronaldo he has done a lot with his silence.
The funny part of all this is that it’s gone all quiet on the Adebayor and Drogba front. Milan, after having signed Ronaldinho (haha! take that, City!) seem to have cooled their interest in the Togo man, whilst no one really seems to be interested in Drogba. In the case of Ronaldo, however, Madrid are interested. But, lately, two Madrid players have voiced reservations of varying degrees regarding the signing of Ronaldo. [As an aside, I am not really sure if it was appropriate for them to be making those statements as contracted players of their club but, then, as they say: like club, like players.]
Cannavaro said that Blatter’s comments were daft and that Ronaldo must honour his contract. Wesley Sneijder, who not so long ago said that he’d love to play alongside Ronaldo, said that if Ronaldo is given a bumper contract it would cause tensions in the Real dressing room — confirming that he’s a two-faced twat. But two-faced twattiness aside, what Sneijder said was true. In a dressing room containing living Real Madrid legends like Raul and Casillas, it would cause friction if Cristiano were to walk in with a cool 150k pounder plus image rights. It’s not wrong that he gets that considering his current status in the footballing world as the ‘best player’. But squad tensions will definitely surface — although, it must be said, it’s not new in the Castillian club.
But what happens when Real somehow cool their interest due to fears of squad upheaval? Or what happens when it becomes clear that no one’s interested in the services of Adebayor or Drogba? Because then, the dynamics change. It won’t be the club’s fault — it’s only lack of interest in the player from other clubs. Egg on his face, how would a player react? How would he face his club mates?
He could release statements re-affirming his commitment to the club with an ‘I was always looking to stay on and it was just media speculation’, but it’s not quite easy to face up to the lads in training with a straight face and get on with football.
But certainly it leaves the club in a stronger position with regard to the player. It would be harder for the player to attempt another move to a club the next summer unless a club comes in for him. We are talking about big players here, so basically, it has to be a couple of the big clubs really that the player would want to move into. So when that move does not materialize due to previously interested club’s loss in interest, it’s the ego of the player that will get a battering. And in the current climate of inflated player egos, I think it wouldn’t be all that unfair for a player to get a reality check on his sense of self worth.
Related items from Red Rants:- Why Heinze Won’t Go to Liverpool
- Can the Guardian Please Find a Better Writer than Daniel Taylor?
- Hargreaves Move Confirmed - Breaking News
- Heinze loses arbitration for Liverpool move, what’s next for him and United?
- Decision To Be Made On Heinze… Today!
Tags: Opinions/Columns
July 17th, 2008 at 10:02
Ronalso will be fit by October, so all the tensions might have cooled by then, personally I hope not!
It also does depend on our start if we are top and playing well then he should have to work for his place back into the team, but if we are struggling, that might make his integration back into the team more seamless. I think other players will accept him back, as most are probably talking to him now anyway.
Your point of “it being harder for him to move to another club next summer” well I think footballers have skind thicker than rhino’s and really only care about what suits them, I can here him now saying “I always wanted to play for Madrid one day” comming out!
I would say and I don’t want to defend the little p**ck, and I know he has said “if they pay me what they say they will” but unlike Drogba and Adabeyor, I don’t think his move is totally about money, I do think it has to do with personel ambition, but still I wish he would just f**ck off and we all can just get on with all things United. Glory, Glory!
July 17th, 2008 at 11:23
I don’t want Ronaldo at OT this season. I hope Sneijder and the rest shut their mouth up and let the club buy him. Let them rot along with the world’s best
playerego. Even if Calderon cannot match the asking price of Ronaldo he would have succeeded in one aspect - unsettling the player.Oh my, why are we discussing the same shit over and over? We are the Champions of Europe!!! Lets discuss our greatest win in recent years over and over.
July 17th, 2008 at 11:37
all this transfer shit sucks its even getting to my nerves. the sooner august 31 reaches the better. And I hope the Glazers arent in a collision run with fergie (concerning the sale of ronaldo). if that is the situation then i reeeeeallllly see a gloomy season ahead of us
July 17th, 2008 at 11:50
Yesterdays comments from Sneijder will definitely echo the general feeling that the Real egos would be having towards the bigger ManU egoist. This would certainly make things more interesting for Calderon. He will have to think again on whether he really wants to bring him in with that kind of money and salary and have a locker room full of egoistical maniacs. he might just cool off and either have a talk with his current team and see if others share sneijders views on Ron. If they do, and lets hope they do add to the fun, then he will have a real problem on his hands. And if he does back from the ronaldo deal, ronaldo will have no choice but to swallow his pride and come back to MU with a bruised and battered ego. I think ManU should make another statement or indicate one more time that he is not for sale. This will at least give them more room for negotiations to get Max amount from the deal and also ramos or another player. I still feel, we should ask for Robinho as part of the deal. better than watching him go to Chelsea. Or get more money if Aguero is willing to talk. Would be ideal to get 2 players for ronaldo.
July 17th, 2008 at 12:09
Etoo is in Tashkent to sign for Uzbek side Kuruvchi. Its actually true
What a money sucking bitch…
http://www.goal.com/en/articolo.aspx?contenutoid=780118
http://www.pfc-kuruvchi.com/eng/news…asp?newsID=605
July 17th, 2008 at 12:21
It’s quite possible for a club to hold onto a want-away player and for that player to continue performing. Daniel Alves wanted out of Sevilla last summer, and went to the press saying so. Some clubs lodged bids but none met Sevilla’s valuation, so they refused to sell. Alves stayed for the 07/08 season and performed to his usual standard, then got sold to Barcelona in this transfer window for a fee that was acceptable for Sevilla.
I can see the same thing happening with Ronaldo. Real might try to fuck us by coming nowhere near our valuation, so we’ll just refuse to sell. Ronaldo will have alot of back-tracking and winning over to do, but I can’t see him refusing to perform. His ego is too big to ‘play badly’, and he’ll want to continue to cement his position as BPITY, for fear of losing out on awards. He’ll have a hard time winning the fans over. I certainly won’t be singing his song again.
Perhaps the OT crowd could come up with a new song, an ironic and comedic chant about him being a slave. Certainly not anything which celebrates or worships him. Something to bring him back down to earth. Something that sends out the message ‘you may think you’re a slave, but we think you’re a joke’. I don’t see the need to show him any animosity. He’s just a naive, easily led, misguided young man, who’d had his head turned. He doesn’t deserve hateful abuse, but he certainly doesn’t deserve our respect or love either.
July 17th, 2008 at 12:42
OK, thought of a song. Goes to the tune of the O’Shea/Torres song. (The animals marched in two by two)
Ronaldo says he is a slave, HA-HA, HA-HA!
A peasant boy who scrimps and saves, HA-HA, HA-HA!
Get’s paid a fortune, wins the double,
A life of strife,
Full of trouble,
Ron-al-doh, can we be slaves as well?
July 17th, 2008 at 12:51
These news has not been published by SkySporrts or any other sports site, but I can promise you that it will be the main topic in some hours.
In an interview Sir Alex said he has bid for Berbatov. He is calm about the case and is sure Berba will be a United player soon. He has admired the Bulgarian since the 2001-02 season and now looks like he will get his man. Its in Norwegian, but its on their United site. Official!
July 17th, 2008 at 13:00
What a prick, and we were only saying pos next manager!!
Queiroz replied to a question about Ronaldo’s future by saying: “As a national team coach and being attached to the Portuguese football federation, we must not interfere with relations that are professional between our players and clubs. We should not even have an opinion about that.”
July 17th, 2008 at 13:15
@Stephen: Queiroz is a prick? I think not.
I think that is the right thing to say there.
July 17th, 2008 at 13:18
The first thing reporters asked him was if he had any inside information on the Ronaldo deal. He nipped it in the bud quickly by saying he would not be commenting now he was Portugal manager. Sensible by Quieroz, otherwise they’d be torturing his head for more information if he said anything. Now he can just focus on his job without the spectre of Ronaldo hanging over him.
July 17th, 2008 at 13:20
@RedAddict:
love the song!
July 17th, 2008 at 13:27
@ benjd, Ok mate what one minute he says one thing then changes his mind?
I am a United supporter and nothing else, I am loyal to my club, CQ has let us all down in my view by not standing by his initial comments.
I know he has to play the politician, but I wonder what he was saying to Ronaldo while he was still at our club?
He is protecting his own self, which is understandable and not the interests of United so in my view he is a prick, you don;t have to share my opinion, but I am getting so fed up with this on going drama, can it please end soon!!
Ok rant over.
July 17th, 2008 at 13:28
@RedDevil: Link’s not up?
July 17th, 2008 at 13:32
@RedAddict: Good point.
Ronaldo is very professional and will try his best. It really depends on the player and the team itself. If United was not big and was a one-man team then they would get affected too. I think in players like wayne, rio, scholes, and giggs, we have the commitment, passion, and professionalism that is very important for younger and newer players.
It is not like nobody knew Ronnie wanted to go to RM one day. It is true that a team does not operate in different styles, with different players yielding the same results, but we have world class players who can adjust to a different team and get us the results. Aand we have SAF, who has done it over and over again.
July 17th, 2008 at 13:33
@RedAddict: CQ actually showed his class by not involving in the matter, now that he has conflict of interest in the situation. This is the perfect response, no way he’s a prick for saying that.
July 17th, 2008 at 13:33
hmm, wierd! Check out United.no, its written there
July 17th, 2008 at 13:37
@Shreyas: I didn’t say he was a prick. Look at my post. I agree with what you say.
July 17th, 2008 at 13:54
CQ in my opinion has left us twice which is why my views on him are so strong, it does seem his views do change from one extreme.
“Cristiano Ronaldo will never be Spanish, as they will never take Olivenca [the border town whose nationality is disputed by the two countries] again.
“They already did the same with Christopher Columbus, and it now seems they want to naturalise Cristiano Ronaldo,” Queiroz continued. “Have they already forgotten what we did to them in the past?”
To the other one depending on who is paying his wages, thats fine but he clearly do not bleed United through and through.
July 17th, 2008 at 14:12
goal are saying Barca are lining up a bid for Berbatov…. sign him now United!
July 17th, 2008 at 14:51
@RedAddict: Oops
I meant to reply to : @Stephen:
July 17th, 2008 at 15:37
The SAF interview was just on SSN. He said that he has bid on one player but didn’t say who (ok so its obviously Berbatov but I still remain hopeful of a surprise
) Also Manucho does have a metatarsal fracture but we still don’t have a work permit for him. I missed the start so I don’t know if he said anything about slaveboy. Owen Hargreaves is, you’ve guessed it, injured with tendonitis
July 17th, 2008 at 15:56
Short answer: they wait till the following summer and then start angling for a move again.
In the case of Ronaldo I think everyone knew his heart was not in Manchester. So long as he performs on the pitch, which he will there will be no issue. He does not seem like a strong enough character to have any influence in the dressing room.
July 17th, 2008 at 16:06
Yeah, just saw that Owen’s tendonitis is back. Argh. Expected him to play a much larger part this season, was pretty excited to have him for the whole year, so its a major setback.
Just heard also that Saha is in France rehabilitating, I thought he was healthy. Argh.
Pity for Manucho, would have been the perfect time to show us how good he can be. Can’t believe we’re having such work permit issues though. Not ideal.
July 17th, 2008 at 16:10
slaveboy also has an interview on SS but its done by some clueless American journalist who only asked him about his injury and if he wanted to play for the Galaxy in the future which of course was answered with ” in the future you never know” he also said that he was “optimistic ” about his future. Once again he gives us no concrete answers
July 17th, 2008 at 16:37
I told you!
July 17th, 2008 at 16:43
@Stephen: It doesn’t take much to set you off does it mate? If Queiroz got you upset by saying the proper thing and staying out of the mess between Ronaldo, Real and United, I’d hate to see your outburst if he took Ronaldo’s side in all this.
Queiroz is a gentleman and a stand up guy. A bit of a hypocrite in my opinion for telling Ronaldo to stay put and then he bolts but his reasons and his prior agreement with Fergie allowed him that privilege and so he took it. I doubt if he will get the United managers job in three years time because of this but if he takes Portugal very far you never know.
July 17th, 2008 at 16:49
@Grognard: It doesn’t take much to set you off does it mate?
Funny you say that.
Seriously though, I completely agree regarding Queiroz. His position now as a Portugal head coach prevents him from making any comments on clubs/organizations that he’s no more a part of. And I’d be angry if he did say anything about Ronaldo now — good or bad, because he shouldn’t be abusing his position.
July 17th, 2008 at 16:56
I think Queiroz may have had a little dig at Blatter and Platini with his comments, saying that “We shouldn’t even have an opinion on it”, as Blatter and Platini (like Queiroz now he is Portugal boss) are supposed to remain neutral.
Or am I looking into it too much
July 17th, 2008 at 17:22
just to go off in a tangent…am i right in remembering that there will be 7 subs on the bench this season for the premier league?
July 17th, 2008 at 17:29
You know every morning when I wake up I have a routine. I do my business and wash up in the bathroom, I go to the kitchen and get myself some coffee and I immediately sit down to my computer and serf sites like the Guardian, BBC, Daily Mail, Setanta, SkySports and the Sun for up to the minute football news and most importantly, transfer news. I’ll then go to my favorite NewsNow and check under Manchester United to see what’s happening with my team. This is a daily routine I have been into for years. After all that, I refill my cup with java and I head over to RedRants to see what’s happening.
Well, in the last two months I have to say that routine has started to get tiresome, frustrating and a little boring, but mostly frustrating except for the part about going to RedRants. You see for a couple of years now I was used to clicking on any of these news services in the Summer to hear about Manchester United’s preparation for the new season and to read that they were bidding for a number of players and having even already signed one or two. One would get a very optimistic feeling for the future and the news was always bright and encouraging even if the odd black cloud would occasionally creep in. However, this Summer has been a futile, depressing, barren, frustrating, maddening and totally hair pulling period having to deal with Ronaldo’s desire to bolt and United’s unwillingness to let him. Add to that their relatively comatose attempts to improve the team through the transfer market and you have a Summer filled with nothing but heartache. How long will it be before I can wake up in the morning and read something fucking positive for a fucking change? When will this Ronaldo situation finally be resolved once and for all? Will we sign Berbatov and if not, will we sign Huntelaar as a second choice? Will we get rid of Ronaldo and will we take that money and purchase Aguero or buy Sanchez and Falcao instead???????? What the Hell will the club do? I understand that Fergie is not going to bow down to the feelings of the supporters and he isn’t going to make a deal just to get supporters like the Grognard of his back but when will this misery end for me and for the thousands of United fans who have had their Summer destroyed after feeling euphoria in May?
Ronaldo’s situation has become a real enigma and a drawn out battle of trench warfare. I don’t honestly know where the Hell this thing is going to end up and with which team he will be with in 2008/09. And you know I don’t think Fergie or anybody at United has a clue either. Instead of taking prolonged vacations and procrastinating and not meeting with Ronaldo immediately upon returning from these holidays, Fergie and Gill have dragged this fiasco out to well beyond the irreparable damage point known as No Man’s Land. Regardless of the the Real mess, why did the team drag it’s ass to have Ronaldo’s ankle finally looked at and then operated on three weeks after the Euros ended, instead of immediately after Portugal was eliminated. The team has lost a valuable month (give or take a few days) in recovery time because of this and I find that inexcusable on so many levels. I mean it has me fuming.
So now we await for a decision on Ronaldo’s future. A decision that as far as I can see is 50/50. I can think of 10 reasons why he will go to Real Madrid and I can think of 10 reasons why he will stay at United. Just when you think it’s leaning in one direction, something happens and it sways back into the court of the other player. It’s reminding me of Nadal vs Federer. A never ending Marathon that is so evenly matched we may never have a conclusion that will be satisfactory. One thing I know for sure, I don’t want Ronaldo on United, that is no surprise. It also seems Sneijder and many of the Madrid players don’t want him at Real. Do they have the balls to confront Calderon if the deal happens? What would they do to voice their displeasure? Strike, starvation diet, slash their wrists, refuse to play???
And what about United? What do they do with a player who clearly does not want to be here but who also has less reason now to be a Real Madrid player. He’s human therefore, knowing that Madrid players don’t want him there and the fact this main reason for wanting the move, his ex girlfriend is no longer a part of his life, will this cause the SOB to have a 180 degree change of heart? Possibly. But somehow I wouldn’t count on it. When I see him being interviewed and he constantly raise that wrinkly left brow of his in a fuck you and your question manner I ask myself, how could he possibly come back and have everything go back to the way it was? Are we all going to have to suck it up and take a chapter out of Jewish history that says and I quote, “Forgive but never forget”? To be honest, I don’t think I have it in me to do that. And yet, when compared to the tragedy the Jewish people endured in the last great war, it puts things into a proper perspective. At the end of the day, all we are talking about is football and one football player. Life is too short to be dragged down by this crap and so as of today I am turning over a new leaf. I am getting of Ronaldo’s and Fergie’s collective backs and I will wait to see how things are played out. Sometimes one has to dig deep to find patience and tolerance, and all I can say is I will try to show both when it comes to Ronaldo and the team’s inactivity to satisfy it’s frustrated and hurt fans. Frankly, I’m exhausted.
July 17th, 2008 at 17:32
@Red Ranter: I get it I get it. You think I get set off easily ha? Well to quote Han Solo, “Laugh it up fuzz ball”.
I guess I set myself up for that one now didn’t I?
July 17th, 2008 at 17:35
@Kal: I was not aware of that so thanks for letting many of us know. That’s great. So often I get frustrated watching an EPL game knowing how deep our bench is and how limited we still are in making the proper substitutions. Seven subs allows us the same freedom and luxury we have in the EPL and will also help the team deal with game scenarios in a better and more efficient fashion. Like the few times we had to bring John O’Shea in to attack because we never had another attacker on the bench. This is great news, Thanks.
It also used to cause me great frustration playing FIFA 08 and Football Manager. Now I will have freedom to properly manage accordingly.
July 17th, 2008 at 18:25
off topic- Utd make bid but for who? Berba has to be the favourite though he for my own reasons is the player i would least like us to bid for concerning are ‘transfer targets’.
- Old trafford currently the mecca of mutes everywhere, c’mon Fergie tell us who your after!
Also the Hargreaves thing is a kick in the teeth, currently due to injuries, suspensions and olympics this is Man UtdXI vs Newcastle
VDS
BROWN/NEV?
VIDA
FERDINAND
EVRA
random right winger?? no park,nani,fletch,owen!!
SCHOLES
CARRICK
GIGGS
TEVEZ
ROONEY
concern? maybe?! I think Utd may move for another winger we do have a lot of forwards on the books, lord knows Eagles and Martin aint good enough!
July 17th, 2008 at 18:31
Sorry Fletch is available I thought he was injured maybe not that bad then, Ole’ team looks good for next as well.
July 17th, 2008 at 18:36
@RedDevil: Fergie never said it was for berbatov…
July 17th, 2008 at 18:41
@tevez: Fergie never says anything. That’s the whole problem. For him silence is golden.
July 17th, 2008 at 18:49
Nice article. Guess u must be really bored to death than u gonna resort to doing this kind of piece. Hey, i’m not complaining tho. I just wish SAF buys Hunterlaar and Berba, selling Saha. Maybe sneaking in Lahm, if we really need him.
Keep posting good pieces, maybe something about United players playin in the Under 19s, maybe? think bout it…
July 17th, 2008 at 19:11
@Grognard: You might be wondering why I’ve had a rather patient stance during the summer. It’s because of seeing things this way over the past summers and realising that there is really no point being up in arms well before the window shuts. I was in the past, as you say, “exhausted and frustrated” but from that experience learned to stay more calm over the past few summers. It is why I see things in a more optimistic light because that way, it takes less energy out of you.
July 17th, 2008 at 19:14
@AGP: That team can beat Newcastle. We DESTROYED them last year.
July 17th, 2008 at 19:19
And trust me, this summer pales in comparison to the gloom that surrounded over the summers preceeding 05/06 and 06/07 season. In the 05/06 summer we had the doom merchants in full flow with the Glazer takeover and us buying only VDS and Park (and the jury were out on both of them).
In 06/07 people screamed “Fergie out!” when everyone was clamouring for Torres, and Michael Carrick (+ Kuczszak) were our purchases. And we sold RvN. Trust me, there was a lot more gloom then and at that time for most part it was justifiable because there were gaping holes in our squad. Since I lived through that, I don’t feel as much negativity this time.
July 17th, 2008 at 19:24
If/when Ronaldo stays w/ our team, I expect that he will try his hardest. He’s like Kobe. Too much of a competitor to not give it all. He will put this summer behind him and have a great season.
July 17th, 2008 at 19:37
CQ saying that as national coach mgr he should remain neutral sounds like a dig at Scolari for giving Ronny advice of “take the opportunity when it comes” or something…
because that was fucked up scolari telling him to go when he was yet to be revealed as chelsky mgr and looking to bring in robinho.
Scollari is the prick and i think CQ is eluding to that with his statement..
July 17th, 2008 at 19:58
I was thinkin just the same thing RR.
That summer was a fuckin joke, this is a walk in the park in comparison.
There aint as much need for us to be out buying 3/4 players this summer, the squad is almost perfect still.
I think weve got two valuable youngsters in Rodrigo and Welbeck…
Just stick Berba in there plus a Micah Richards (hopefully) n well be sorted. Almost unbeatable-
Even WITHOUT that CUNT Ronaldo.
July 17th, 2008 at 20:03
@Grognard: I got to admit that it’s been really very frustrating. Especially when my mind drifts back to that afternoon before our last game at Wigan, when I found it hard to breathe, but still believed it was double or nothing. Or going back to that awesome night of May 21th, when the ground in Moscow said no to Terry and Anelka decided we deserved it? It all seems too long ago to me now, all because of Ronald De Fag. Whats even more frustrating is the 50/50 state of events, all the memorized speeches from the “slave”, and the silence from Fergie. Its crazy mate. Do these folks know just exactly we the supporters and club faithful have to go through? I certainly feel a lot of sympathy for any of us fans who is even mildly hypertensive. Jeez.
And just when I was planning a night out with fellow dipso reds to celebrate “the Berbatov signing”, I am hearing its still going to be a long ride before I can truly deserve that sweet hangover. Did someone say it’s the prize of success? Whatever happens though, I am forcing myself to have faith, but dare I say its really killing.
@Red Ranter: I have to, for the sake of my sanity, take your advice to Grog as divine. Truth is, what more can we do? SAF seems to, in every interview, flaunt he’s maturity and sagacity to the world. We the fans are screaming “ do something, do something”, and still, he wont even reveal the identity of “the one”. I hope He repays the trust we all surely have in him. We cant afford to witness another Post 99, it just wouldn’t be worth it.
July 17th, 2008 at 20:15
…..By the way, does anyone know where the hell Manucho is??
July 17th, 2008 at 20:17
@Ghost: I think it would be impossible, even if Saha was shipped off, to buy both Berbatov and Huntelaar. We need just one world class striker, and I don’t think Huntelaar would fancy leaving 30 goals and a Ist team birth right, to come and keep the OT reserves bench warm. I say we sign Berbatov, before Barcelona, who suddenly seem to be in possession of a huge chunk of cash make a bid. The big puzzle is whether or not Judas is staying?
Phillip Lahm? That dude can defend mate, the likes of Torres or any decent EPL striker for that matter would have a field day against our supposedly indomitable back four. Except of course, all coaches at United would be ready to give up their lives to teach the chap how to defend. Taking nothing away from him, he’s attacking prowess as a defender though, is almost second to none.
July 17th, 2008 at 20:29
@Ghost: typing too fast. I meant that Lahm CANT defend
July 17th, 2008 at 20:29
@WhiteY: There is good reason why Fergie won’t name Berbatov or whoever. It’s because he doesn’t want to be seen like Real Madrid — that’s what this summer has been about. It is a conscious decision, I’m sure. Anyway it’s unprofessional to go about blaring your interest in a player when things are being done at the back.
July 17th, 2008 at 20:54
@Red Ranter: Yes the summer has been about rumors and just so many mind games, I’m wondering if my mind has enough RAM to cope with it all. But I see your point about Fergie’s not mentioning the name of the supposed player. But if he did, would that amount to tapping up? Considering that, we’ve alledgedly contacted the club – if It’s Berbatov we are referring to here – about the said player’s availability for transfer. That said, SAF’s silence is not golden, it’s rather deafining. Just look what debate it ignites amongst we FANATICS.
July 17th, 2008 at 21:20
Grog, listen to Red Ranter, this is NOTHING compared to the summers 05/06 and 06/07. At least we have some success to revel in. I suggest you do what I did before, watch a video of our penalty shootout victory vs Chelsea in the Champions League Final, and you’ll be instantly put in a good mood. Works for me every time!
July 17th, 2008 at 21:33
@AlexOfMancunia: I think he IS looking to mellow down.
July 17th, 2008 at 21:36
Well thanks for that Roy
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7512607.stm
July 17th, 2008 at 21:40
@benjd: He is clearly hurting from the way his time ended at United.
July 17th, 2008 at 21:46
@Red Ranter: yeah for sure, it just makes me sad to hear him say things like that.
July 17th, 2008 at 21:47
@WhiteY: Grognard won’t be happy with your Lahm comments
I think Lahm is a good defender he just made a mistake in the semis and was injured when Torres outdid him for the goal
July 17th, 2008 at 22:26
@benjd: im not going to lie, i took that to heart, he needs to sod off, i almost hate the guy.
July 17th, 2008 at 22:47
@benjd: That might be harsh by Keano but you know with all honesty he is absolutely right. Loyalty is a two way street and although Fergie has shown great loyalty to players like Solksjaer, Scholes and Giggs, he has shown the door to others like Beckham, Hughes, Robson, Bruce, Pallister, Yorke, Cole, Sheringham, RVN and Keane himself when the time came in his mind to ship them off. Players are responsible to only themselves and they should only look out for number I suppose but here is the hitch. THE CONTRACT. As long as there are contracts, they are obligated to look after themselves and therefore must be very careful about the kind of contract they are going to sign. They all want the security and the big bucks that comes with a long term deal yet, they are the first to bitch if they want to break that deal because another player received a bigger offer somewhere else. One must honor a contract as it is a legal agreement. They can’t have it both ways. Security of the contract protects both party’s who agree to it. And no team has ever been able to transfer a player against his will. Why then should a team be forced to deal a player against against it’s best wishes?
What Keane should consider when he makes these comments is that he is managing a minnow and minnow are good for two things. Being pounded by great teams and being raped of their better players by those bigger teams. Wake up Roy, Fergie’s stand can only help you as a manager. Showing an allegiance and a loyalty to players is not going to make them loyal to you when the day comes and a bigger payday is being offered elsewhere. I think his views are correct up to a point but the basis for his argument sounds like it comes from some bitterness towards Fergie and United for shipping him off before he was ready to go. Not feeling wanted by a team that you gave everything for for over ten years has to hurt. But unfortunately it is part of the game. Players get old and lose their effectiveness. Some don’t know when it’s time to hang it up. Yorke, Cole, Sheringham and Solksjaer are examples of players that refused and in the case of Cole and Yorke, still refuse to call it a day even thought they are well beyond their best. For me that’s sad but it’s their decision. But Keane or Ole should not expect United to have a spot for them when they are past their best and this team is still fighting for trophies. One must not hold bitterness to a club for letting them go when they were clearly through. However, he has a point when you consider the way players like Beckham and RVN were shown the door. Apparently, loyalty in those situations don’t mean much to Fergie as he wants his players to tow the line and never question him ever. Hang on! Isn’t that sort of like slavery?
July 17th, 2008 at 22:52
@Liam: Yes Grognard definitely disagrees with that comment but what really gets me is that Lahm is being blamed for that Torres goal despite two major factors that are in his favor. First and least of all, he was covering up for Metzelder’s shoddy marking. Torres was not his man and he had to scramble to get to him. Secondly, just a few minutes before that Lahm suffered a foot injury that required over a dozen stitches to close. His speed and ability to perform with this injury probably lead to his ineffectiveness against Torres and also lead to him being subbed off at halftime. Do you think Germany would substitute the number one fullback in the world over one mistake? No, he was injured and unable to continue. So lets be fair to the lad WhiteY as he is a quality defender who can defend as well as he attacks.
July 17th, 2008 at 22:52
Hm, it seems welbeck is a key player in the england u19s, lets see a 17 year old, playing for under 19s, 1 team away from the senior squad, we should loan this lad out to hull/stoke shouldn’t we.
July 17th, 2008 at 22:56
One thing Keane is doing though that is wrong is while he is showing his bitterness towards Fergie and United he is also hurting if not stabbing the loyal fans who loved him to pieces in the back with this statement. Most won’t sit down and see the logic in what he is saying. They will only hear echoes of Septic Bladder in their ears. He shouldn’t disrespect his loyal following with comments like that as he is also shooting himself in the foot if by chance some day he has the qualifications to be United’s manager. Man the amount bridge burning that goes on here is unbelievable.
July 17th, 2008 at 23:02
@AGP: He said on Sky Sports that Hargo would be fit for the start of the season, so he should play ahead of Fletcher.
Today’s news from Fergie was cheering, cus even though we haven’t signed anyone, at least i know Fergie isn’t sitting on his hands like some thought. Now as for the big surprise which isn’t a surprise, its probably Berbatov, but i’m still keeping hoping for Huntelaar.
July 17th, 2008 at 23:44
@Rd: Yeah I caught that but he was ultra confident about Hargo’ injury last year, I think this tendonitis thing is a real problem for Owen. the point is Utd have on board a lot of players carrying on/off injuries and perhaps goal shy Saha is the scapegoat!?!
I’m not concerned by the early fixures but september we need to be in the hunt Chelski and Scouse away that ain’t easy. Ronaldo(still here) will miss those matches and this injury hit squad better recover in time.
July 17th, 2008 at 23:55
@Brian Lomax: As I said above I ain’t really concerned with Newcastle, though Pompey away and a few other tricky games I just think we need to start better this year(remember Reading they held us at home) its the pre season fitness you want the top players fit cause they can make the difference.
July 18th, 2008 at 0:04
-Is setanta showing the South Africa tour?? or MUTV?? Not to be to negative but why has Eagles, Martin and Gibson travelled I thought these boys would be in the shop window!?!
surely Rodrigo and Eckersley are worth looking at? perhaps Ole wanted to keep them with the reserves.
I’m looking forward to the season really kicking in largely due to be unable to celebrate the double triumph as the Ronaldo circus is still pissing me off.
lol at Keano bidding for the Spurs rejects, this can’t be true can it. Lets lone him out Campbell and Eckersley they have gotta be better than Taino and Kaboul!!
July 18th, 2008 at 0:40
See this is what happens when you drag your ass in negotiations. The Daily Mail is reporting that Barcelona have entered the arena in the attempt to sign Berbatov. Just what I needed. If they coughed up the two frakken million that was needed to get the job done this week, we wouldn’t have to worry about this. And it’s something to worry about because unlike United, Barcelona has money to blow. Especially now that they unloaded Ronaldinho’s salary. The only bright spot to this situation is that if Fergie fails and Berbatov goes to Barca, then we would surely have to sign Huntelaar. But with Fergie you never know.
July 18th, 2008 at 1:13
for chelsea, it isnt drogs who wants out, its lampard. drogba hasnt said anything really about leaving
July 18th, 2008 at 2:13
@Grognard: The daily mail report a lot of things. The negotiations did not stall over two million. United have more money to spend than barcelona, especially since they have just signed hleb for 12 million and have already signed dani alves. Guardiola has assured henry that he will play the central striker role this season so don’t expect a bid for berbatov from them. They wouldn’t cough up for arshavin either so they do not have money to burn.
Ofcourse, i like to think huntelaar is a little further down the list of targets.
July 18th, 2008 at 2:35
@AGP: Gibson will turn out to be a half decent player, well at least as good as fletch.. Eagles would play more if we didn’t have Ronaldo, but he’s 22 now and really should be moving on to… sunderland.. don’t know that much about martins..
anyway.. it looks like the “mystery player” is unless SAF is throwing a real curve ball here is mr Berbatov… personally i think he will make our already quite frankly awe inspiring (read put the fear of god into the defence of the rest of the premierleague clubs) front line even better… now the only thing to think about is how to line them all up.. (hope im not cursing the deal by jumping the gun here)
Berbatov
Rooney Tevez
Ronaldo Scholes Hargreaves
Evra Vidic Ferdinand Neville(c)
D.Saar …. if you want to go for the millan way of doing things.
or the more
conventionalMy perferred wayBerbatov
Rooney
Nani Anderson Hargreaves Ronaldo
Evra Vidic Ferdinand Neville(c)
D.Saar
i reckon Foster should get a run out unless he goes on loan again…where is he in pre-season btw?
next year… if not in January we shall be looking for Nev’s replacement that is if a combination of O’shea, Simpson, Hargreaves and Brown won’t do…and im not saying that they won’t.
like fergie keeps saying, this is an awesome squad, and it only needs a little tweaking… you could say that Berbatov will be the cherry on top…. but i don’t think we’ll find out for certain until after S.africa/Charity shield rehursal.
July 18th, 2008 at 2:47
keane in a way makes some good points that clubs do kick players out the door when they are finished it goes hand in hand, he is bitter over the club but what he should not forget he had overstayed his welcome at united and should have been sold in the summer of 2003 he forgets that doesn’t he. look at giggs scholes and neville they are getting on but united are sticking by them isnt that loyalty mr keane, look at solkjaer when he was getting injured during his late years how many clubs would have cut their losses loads.
But I will say this again berbertov is way too old to be paying 25 million cant you lot get it two maybe three good seasons out of him, when man utd pay 20 to 30 million on a player I expect 7 to 10 years at the top not two to three years. why do some of you seem to think he is that good there are better options out there, when the going gets tough where is he is just a lazy slouch. The grim thought of having that moody idiot in our side is a worrying prospect, how many goals did he get 23 in all competitions while someone like Santa Cruz scored just as many in a lesser side. His price his wages and the temperamental player he is he would be a disaster.
July 18th, 2008 at 3:37
Steve
How did keane overstay his welcome? We didn’t have better players in the squad, therefore he was still not just useful, but important. Giggs, scholes, neville and solskjaer were and are kept on because they are still useful to the team. Neville and scholes are still the best players in the squad in their positions. I’m sure giggs is useful for something but i struggle to see what it is…maybe just a good example to the younger players and has a great deal of experience. Solskjaer was kept on because in the end he would never let you down. Bring him on when you need a goal and he would score.
A large fee is justifiable for either a top player in his prime years or a young player with the potential to do well for a long time. Berbatov fits into the first category and would be worth 25 million based on his current ability. The level of performance for the next 3 years would be of the highest standard. He can be a lazy bastard, but i think the idea that he is lazy is blown out of proportion. He is so relaxed on the ball and generally laid back. It’s just his natural game. You call it laziness, i call it class. In the end, i couldn’t care less if he tries his hardest to stay in the one spot when the opposition have the ball. When we get the ball he will perform, which is the important thing. You can get away with having a lazy striker. Rooney and tevez are both busy little workhorses anyway, they will carry his workload and a bit extra. Also, having this sort of approach from teammates as well as the management should motivate him and get him working. As for his moody side, in 2 full seasons at tottenham i’ve only ever seen a problem with him at the start of this season, where he wanted to join united and never got it. It unsettled him, and yet ramos came in and sorted things out at spurs. Berbatov got back on form and was excellent for the rest of the season. Fergie will know how to deal with him. Put an arm over his shoulder. Molecoddle him and he will perform. He won’t go around in the huff. Also, blackburn can’t really be classed as a better side. They finished 7th, with tottenham 11th. So berbatov actually scored just as much as santa cruz playing for a lesser team, as well as contributing much more to the team’s overall play. So he would be fantastic.
July 18th, 2008 at 3:47
@tevez: They didn’t cough up for Arshavin because they didn’t fancy him. Instead they bought Hleb. They have spent money so for a team that doesn’t have more than United, you could sure fool me.
July 18th, 2008 at 4:15
Barca need to spend lots of money, they are overhauling their entire squad. They’ve bought Pique in on the cheap, only £13mil for Hleb and spent big on Alves.
Will they be any better than last year for that outlay?
United did this (rebuilding) last season (Hargreaves, Anderson, Nani and Tevez) so 1 player seems more than reasonable to add to a team who just won the EPL, Champions League and has the best defense in Europe and thus world football. Evans will come in to replace Pique in the squad, and Neville and Slvestre are like new signings…
Next season I’d expect us to strengthen at RB as Neville will move into the backroom staff, a winger as Giggs will do the same (someone to be backup for Nani) and cover for LB as Silvestre moves on after his testimonial.
Hopefully after defending both of our trophies
July 18th, 2008 at 4:24
They didn’t cough up for arshavin because they wanted too much money. They made a bid that was turned down before they went for hleb. Hleb was there second choice. If they had money to spare, arshavin would be signed with them. They have spent something like 35 million so far, how much do they have left? Last year we spent a fair amount. We’re not going to go from huge transfer warchest to struggling for funds in a season. Also, gill, fergie and the glazer’s (i think) have all said the money is there for strengthening the squad. You are assuming we have no money because we have not completed a transfer yet. You believe that we would not up a bid for berbatov and so do not have the funds, even though there is no way of knowing that, and yet you believe barcelona have money to splash around even though it has been confirmed that barcelona made a bid for arshavin which did not match zenit’s valuation and they would not up it.
July 18th, 2008 at 4:34
@Grognard:
Perhaps, it may have escaped your notice that Zenit were asking £24m for Arshavin whilst Hleb went for £12m. That’s double the money. Fancying a player over another would come if the prices were at least comparable.
Like it or not, Arshavin has generally been under the radar (call it poor scouting) so 24m quid could be considered steep when they were getting Hleb for half of it. At least they know what they’re getting with Hleb — even though I must say it would have made Arsenal only happy going by the reactions on some Arsenal blogs.
July 18th, 2008 at 5:03
Will where is Carrick in your line ups?
I disagree that Berbatov is not needed by Barcelona. They have sold Ronaldinho, Et’oo is on the way out and they are a striker short. Hleb was a replacement for Deco not Ronaldinho. If they bought Berbatov their top three would be: Messi, Berbatov, Henry/Bojan.
Tottenham will prefer to sell to Barca so if Barca really are interested and prepared to pay 30 million or so its game over unless Berbatov insists on a move to us.
July 18th, 2008 at 5:15
@Traverse: I’ll gladly settle for Berbatov. Just sign him for crying out loud. Also, if Ronaldo leaves they will have replace him too.
July 18th, 2008 at 5:16
@Red Ranter: No it didn’t escape me but if they wanted him as badly as he wanted them, the deal would have been made. Clearly they don’t value him as highly as Zenit or even myself for that matter.
July 18th, 2008 at 6:24
@Grognard: Yes they don’t value him as highly as Zenit. There is only so much you can want to pay for a person you want at your club. Clearly they thought Arshavin was a bit too highly priced for their liking. Honestly, 24m quid is a bit much for him. The Russian league is yet to prove its pedigree despite the UEFA cups or their run in the Euros. Market forces wouldn’t dictate that much money on him under normal circumstances which explains why Barca were not prepared to shell out that much money.
And Arshavin’s agent’s behaviour has been rather dodgy throughout this saga and I feel for the fans of Zenit as Arshavin himself is declaring his love for Barca, Arsenal and any top club so openly. I mean make up your bloody mind, for fuck’s sake!
July 18th, 2008 at 7:22
@steve: I agree about the supposed fee though my arguement isn’t with his age, more so the fact he will expect to waltz into the starting 11 and for all this guys ability he is extremly lazy. I mean granted some ranters out there have a problem with Carlos Tevez in our starting line-up well heres news for you Berba will waltz in front of him make cleaver touches scores goals then when he loses the ball winge about it. I mean him and Ronaldo both not defending! Are European crown will go if Berba jumps ahead of Tevez(no doubt). This is no discredit to his ability I CAN SEE the comparison with Cantona but guys are team is about hard grafting and counter attack where is Berba in last years line-up(no where).
@Will: Sorry mate not to cause a stir but Fletcher was starting for Utd at a younger age than Gibson(2003) he is lightyears ahead of him! Eagles my god people watch him play he is your mate who can do a Cryuff turn and win the affection of a 16 year old girl, he is naff! close to Richardsons abilty.
Also without starting starting a turf war your line-up is pure fanstasy, Paul scholes holding a midfield with 4 attackers no chance he is 33 Rooney would be dropping back to holding midfield in that line-up.
Listen once a player joins Utd they have my eternal backing(including Dimi) I just hoped it was other transfer targets we had gone for. The Berba/Tevez thing is more Carlos I rate higher and for Utd to stump around 28mil for Berba is a slap in the chops for Tevez who Fergie last March had suggested he claimed to have agreed terms with!!
@Grognard: Mate one thing how on earth has Berba jumped ahead of Huntelaar in your ‘most wanted list’ I thought you had already got the Hunter 9 United shirt on delivery? He had to be way down on your list of potential signings a while back!- don’t take that wrong I mean I just thought Huntelaar was your draft pick #1.
Berba will score goals but this forum is a little harsh on players who are egotistical and lazy, back him as long as he’s scoring(lol)!!
July 18th, 2008 at 7:40
@AGP: This is a blog not a forum. I take offence at that
So you’ll continue to back Ronaldo by your logic?
July 18th, 2008 at 7:43
@AGP: Berba never moved ahead of Hunter at all. I just conceded to myself that this was what Fergie wanted and I was OK with it. In fact I said in an earlier post that the silver lining in all this procrastination and Barcelona jumping in to the bidding war, is that if we lost Berbatov, Huntelaar would almost surely be Plan B for Fergie. But with Fergie you never know. Honestly, Huntelaar is probably going to be wearing the #9 of Arsenal when it’s all said and done.
July 18th, 2008 at 8:35
I think this just went up on Sky sports. Fergie has finally confirmed what we all knew already…
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_3832936,00.html
“…and we have good expectations that this deal will go through”
July 18th, 2008 at 8:39
@Red Ranter: Sorry mate for the using the wrong term this blog I respect and I believe is managed rather than left to rot like other fan-based sites.
As I’ve said before I have lost my patience with Ronaldo though I do believe he’s been misguided. Perhaps for me the one thing(minus the slave bullshit) is that he has stolen the limelight of a perfect season! I mean David Gill still had champagne on ice whilst swatting away Marca the day after we won the champions league, and although I’m a lot older than I was in ‘99 I expected to be grinning all summer past th