Jun 05
Why Fergie Is So Precious to United
Talk about longevity; talk about loyalty; talk about a man who values the club and you have the knight from Govan. Yesterday I managed to finally get my hands on Sir Alex Ferguson’s full length interview with Sir David Frost [for those who haven't seen it yet, here's the Megaupload link. Download it before it eventually gets yanked off]. Watching it made me realise — not for the first time, though — how blessed our club is, and we as fans are.
Let’s get the superlatives out of the way first, lest it come in the way of bigger things: he is the greatest British manager ever. Even the thickest scouser will acknowledge that; not that their approval counts for anything. But he is to us the greatest ever, with all due respect to Sir Matt Busby.
On the interview, there wasn’t much, by way of actual content, that wasn’t already available to us — thanks to excerpts already published in the dailies one day prior. But there is only so much picture written words can convey in comparison to actually seeing them being spoken. [The closest analogy I can think of would be watching a match on television versus watching it in the stadium; the former restricts your view to the scope of the camera missing the nuances one can pick up by doing the latter -- not to mention, the role of the former in increasing the chances of a commentator influencing your ability to form an independent opinion.] Watching Fergie speak, exposed you to his demeanour; the way he went about answering the questions put to him; the shrug; the twinkle in his eye as he spoke about his matriarchal grandmother — one could even see a bit of the child in him as he spoke. For someone with a keen interest in knowing a great manager, watching interviews like these are priceless.
He had the relaxed air of someone who knows he’s achieved what he set out to. And yet, the hunger to succeed is very much there. In hindsight it’s easy to say what I am about to say now, but I’ll say it anyway: I had doubts in my mind at various stages in the season, more so in the closing stages (after Chelsea beat us). I was chewing away at my nails ferociously, when I saw the pre-match conference of the Champions’ League semi-final against Barca. The relaxed vibe that Fergie generated when many a great man might have mumbled a few words in nervousness, calmed my nerves instantly. Cut to the speech he gave following the West Ham win. If you saw it — and I emphasise this, if you saw it as against read it in the papers — you instantly knew, here was a man who knew he had the Premier League firmly in his grasp.
The interview I saw was another such glorious moment.
Which is why another contradictory feeling crept in my mind: one of dread. Here was a man, who has been running the club for well over two decades and has, for all practical purposes, held the club through his sheer will. Not only has he been a symbol of continuity, he has used this continuity to bring about change like no other club has been able to that could survive the vicissitudes of time.
Which is why the day — perhaps two or three years down the road — he decides he’s had enough would be the day David Gill and the directors would face the biggest challenge of their lives. It’s an unenviable situation, to have to make such a big decision, and an unenviable situation for the succeeding manager. How will he run (or change) a setup that has been in motion like a well-oiled machine for over twenty years. How odd would it be for some of the staff (or the players, or the OT regular) to see a new face take his seat in the dugout that was the preserve of the Scot. But then let’s not make this a debate on who should succeed him. [That has already been done before.]
The club has endured hardships of the worst kind and always emerged stronger. They say no one is bigger than the club, and it certainly is true of Manchester United. But if there could be someone big enough to come close, it is Sir Alex Ferguson. For my generation of United fans, Ferguson is Manchester United. The club won’t die if he leaves — far from it. But for a few years, it might seem unfamiliar — like an almost completed jigsaw puzzle of a thousand pieces with one piece missing from the corner; it looks good, but not quite the same as all pieces fitting.
Yes, he may not be the same raging socialist, son of the soil person that he was before. He may have made mistakes along the way (some of which he has admitted), but the glint in the eye, the nod to his roots were all there and unchanged from the days [that I've seen of him]; only better and more relaxed.
It’s not everyday that I feel the urge to thank Sky for having made this interview possible [although a big part of me revolts]. But thank heavens we’ve had the opportunity of seeing such greatness unfold before our eyes — the extent of which we’ll only fathom when we recount tales of these glory years to our grandchildren.
Thank you Fergie, for all these years. And thank you for inspiring me to write all this, in the first place.
Related items from Red Rants:- Short Thursday Roundup
- It’s Still All About Ronaldo, Love
- Man Utd v Man City: Preview
- Man Utd 2-0 Bolton: Ronaldo Usurps Best
- Boring Manchester United News
Tags: Opinions/Columns
June 5th, 2008 at 10:30
Brilliant!!!
Well done Red Ranter!
I think this is your most passionate article I have read. Very evident of how genuine your feelings are.
Fergie is definately the Greatest! I’ve never seen anyone else at the helm of the club I love. I honestly can’t even picture United without The Great Man.
One of the best sights is still seeing Fergie showing such passion in the dugout. Especially celebrating a goal!
June 5th, 2008 at 10:35
“They say no one is bigger than the club, and it certainly is true of Manchester United. But if there could be someone big enough to come close, it is Sir Alex Ferguson.” I couldnt have said it better myself RR. Excellent bit of writing RR. I remember the year my mum and dad got me my first united shirt(i think i was four) was the same year SAF was givin the job at OT. Ive growing up watching the great man in charge and building teams who have giving me so much enjoyment to watch. Ever since Sir Alex has come out and said he will call it a day in two years time ive put that thought to the back of my head. I dont even want to consider wat Man United will be like without him there. I know one day ill have to but until that day comes im just gona savour every day we have left wit him. And when the day comes that he does say goodbye i will probaly break down in tears. Over the last 4 or 5 months ive come to love this site and i love posting my comments on here, but with my hand on my heart i can tell you that this is the saddest post ive ever had to write.
June 5th, 2008 at 10:42
SAF legendary status is beyond question, which only makes me fear the day he steps down and Gill must decide on someone new. Like RR said, the debate over his successor has already been thoroughly discussed. However, I think we should all bear in mind that should CQ not end up getting the job, there may be a manager out there that we would not presently predict. There are, after all, two or three years for various managers to build up their resumes. At the same time, there are top-tier managers that have the same amount of time to screw up. Placing ourselves in the mindset that we must have a Mark Hughes (maybe not anymore) or a Roy Keane will only lead to disappointment if and when a different manager is appointed, which would be truly unfair to whomever that may be.
On a completely separate note, skysports.com has an article quoting Torres as saying that EPL defenders are unimpressive and goes on to say that Terry and Carvalho are the best the league has to offer. I dunno what he’s smoking, but I’d really like some. We let in a total of 22 league goals - four fewer than Chelski. But just to make sure, I went back to look at the match reports for both pool-man utd games only to find that he played 172 of 180 minutes, all the while scoring a grand total of 0 goals for them. idiot.
June 5th, 2008 at 10:42
Nice article. Very passionate that shows how much Fergie means to the club,the players, the fans..all of us!
June 5th, 2008 at 10:43
I watched it too, and it re-inforced my feeling that the man is truely one of the greatest men of the last 20 years, in all jobs… Christ Blair asked him for advice!!! I like this part of the article;
“But thank heavens we’ve had the opportunity of seeing such greatness unfold before our eyes — the extent of which we’ll only fathom when we recount tales of these glory years to our grandchildren.
Thank you Fergie, for all these years. And thank you for inspiring me to write all this, in the first place.”
This is exactly how I feel, I’ve felt like this since the Treble. I remember a few years ago when we went out of Europe at the group stages, that pain and hurt made me realise more then ever how good the glory days are and how lucky I am to witness them. I’ve only known Manchester United with Sir Alex, I don’t know how I’ll handle a new manager.
Its amazing when you think what our generation has lived through as far our football club is concerned. We’re very, very lucky and I will forever be in debt to the great man for the moments of sheer joy he’s brought me.
June 5th, 2008 at 10:50
Amazing Article RR, your best ever! You said everything I felt during the interview, im sure everybody like me, who love United & SAF, would love to sit down and have a pint with him as he is such an interesting individual.
No wonder players want to play for him so much! I love too his comment on when frost mentioned the trouble in anfield and he said “long may it continue” What a legend!!!
June 5th, 2008 at 10:57
Great great article RR - you’ve outdone yourself on this one.
I know this is dangerous territory, but I seriously fear the day, when SAF retires. We could be a headless chicken for a few years. Hopefully he will have built a squad so good, they will guide themselves to triumphs.
June 5th, 2008 at 11:23
I can just agree with the others, lovely read!
The qoute “For my generation of United fans, Ferguson is Manchester United” is exactly how I feel. It will be strange to experience someone else manage our team, but I am sure that the one who takes over will inherit a great great team.
Once again, brilliant article!
June 5th, 2008 at 11:29
Great Man Fergie has always said, that no one is irreplaceable. When we lost the great Sir Matt Busby, we thought him irreplaceable, and for what he brought to the club, and what he went through (Munich) he was!. Fergie though he is proud and stubborn yes, he also has a lot of humility too, and he truly believes that all men are not indispensible. He is quietly pushing for CQ to be given the opportunity to succeed him. Why is this?. Because Fergie has breastfed CQ United pride, history, tradition and what is required of those who take the helm at our great club. So Carlos is as much in love with United as Fergie, and has proved that by refusing other good jobs where he would not have been 2nd to Fergie anymore. CQ by Fergies commendation deserves a chance to succeed him. I don’t believe Fergie would say that just out of loyalty to CQ, because Fergie is a honest as the day he was born regarding United, and has our best interests at heart ALWAYS. Great article RR.
June 5th, 2008 at 12:06
I love him.he is man utd for me.i just fear if man utd will be the same when he is gone
June 5th, 2008 at 12:11
SAF is amazing. The last of the great managers. No one will ever repeat what he has done.
June 5th, 2008 at 12:22
Yes Fergie is the best, the greatest.
Everyone will remember Man utd of this generation and they wont say its the one Cantona played in or Beckham played in or even Ronaldo played in, they will all say its the one Sir Alex Ferguson managed so perfectly.
When United came to Saudi Arabia in January all my friends my cousins my uncle wanted to see the players they wanted to see Ronaldo Tevez Rooney, but not me I was walking alone because I was the only one who wanted to see Fergie and thank him for the years and for the dedication.
Thank you Fergie, you will never be replaced in our hearts.
I think Ill stop watching United for a year or two after he leaves.
June 5th, 2008 at 12:38
LOL, I am sure Red Ranter didn’t mean to make this thread a lament to RIP Sir Alex!. I feel sure he will be with us for at least another 3 years, and he will leave a legacy with the new manager. Celebrate the Fergie Celebrate. Enjoy, not grieve lol!.
June 5th, 2008 at 13:05
It is clear that CQ is Sir Alex heir in waiting. It will be really tought for anybody to succeed a legend but I think he deserves a chance.
June 5th, 2008 at 14:24
even through the nasty times in 2004 and 2005 still thought he was the right man, the 2005/2006 season has been a key season and that was the year when fergie got the team on track again. but what is realy annoyed me all day is this clown who wrote this idiot of an article, redrants can you tell me why are people like this in a job.
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/transfers/why-selling-ronaldo-would-be-a-good-thing-840369.html
that realy makes sence replace ronaldo with an arsenal reject who is has not got half has many goals has ronaldo and cant do most of the things ronaldo does, its like replacing my ferrari and buying a three wheeler thats how crazy that sounds. and throw 30 million pounds away on an ageing forward who is moody slow and is not a united player. we are manchester united we are the european and premiership champions why should we have second best.
June 5th, 2008 at 14:55
Screw Ronaldo ..But for now i feel There is no Manchester united without Alex ferguson…He is Mr.
Man utd…and its going to be hard to replace him I just hope we don’t take a long time as we took
to replace Matt busby….
June 5th, 2008 at 15:02
Ronaldo has just announced that he wants to move to Real.
But only if Madrid agree to pay him and us what they say - great, thanks mate.
At least we know now and can move on.
June 5th, 2008 at 15:09
Well then, hell, let him go. If he wants to go, see ya later.
June 5th, 2008 at 15:11
Sorry for the distraction, RR - only concrete news of this type could lead me to violate the “he-who-shall-not-be-named ban”.
June 5th, 2008 at 15:22
[Penguin]
Don’t apologise. I haven’t banned anyone from it. It was a personal choice made by me. And trust me, I won’t be talking about it until Saturday.
And it’s not anything new that I’ve written in my post anyway that could sustain a debate; we all agree that SAF’s the greatest. I don’t suppose this will last more than a few stray comments before it inevitably veers into you know what.
June 5th, 2008 at 15:25
Alex ferguson is clearly the greatest, most loyal manager ever to have lived shame he cant stay forever
June 5th, 2008 at 15:25
Ronaldo wants to go to Real Msdrid as per SkySports.
What a MERCENARY!
June 5th, 2008 at 15:29
Ronaldo wants to leave IF madrid are prepared to pay our asking price. How much can we get i wonder…
June 5th, 2008 at 15:32
We shouldnt let the fact that “you know who” has made a statement distract us from our homage to SAF.
June 5th, 2008 at 15:33
Yeah I agree - Red Ranter - in interest of keeping this post on topic, any chance you could create something on our now departing winger for people to post on?
June 5th, 2008 at 15:50
I have been a reader on this site for a long time and you are doing a gr8 job Red Ranter.I loved your article on fergie.
But lets say i will comment on that later cos ‘you know who’s statement has really made me sick.I agree with many that we should be grateful to him for his 5 years of service he has given us.But i just cant get over the fact that he values nothin of the support we have shown him.I am very dissapointed by him and would prefer he be sold to barcelona
June 5th, 2008 at 15:54
It is not a bad article. Rooney would definitely step out of Ronaldo’s shadow.
The fact is there is a dearth of good wingers in the world. And certainly Ronaldo is almost unique in what he brings to the club. He really is close to being the second coming of George Best.
Ben Arfa is basically the same as Nani. Very raw.
Quaresma is overpriced. Id pay 15 million tops for him. 30 million is ridiculous for a player who is nowhere near world class.
Bentley would at least be cheap and we could use the money to improve other positions.
I like the idea of a 4-3-2-1 formation with Huntelaar/Benzema/Gomez up top and Rooney and Tevez/Nani behind with a fairly flat midfield of Anderson Carrick Hargreaves. If necessary we could buy another attacking midfield type player to play alongside Rooney in the 2
We’d get width from overlapping full backs so someone like Alves or Richards would be required. The two behind the striker could also drift out towards the wings.
June 5th, 2008 at 15:59
excellent article, one of your best, fergie is legend, there a lot of words to describe how great he is but you have come mighty close. :wink:.
June 5th, 2008 at 16:11
Look at this http://adtech.panthercustomer.com/apps/157/Ad1838237St3Sz170Sq1652424V0Id1/MPU_Seas_Hosp_0809.jpg
Can you see the ON SALE sign?
It’s just near the best player in the world photo.
I mean the player that will break zidane’s transfer record not Rooney.
June 5th, 2008 at 16:11
Sorry to disappoint you lads…but the skysports page is nothing but a rumour..not out of the woods yet..eh lads?
June 5th, 2008 at 16:25
Excellent article I think it sums up what we all feel. He has transformed our club, it is almost now role reversal, we were chasing Liverpool not won the league for 26 years now Liverpool have not won the league for 18 years and long may that continue!!
June 5th, 2008 at 16:27
I’m so happy! Do you think that we will play something like this?
————-VDS or Foster———-
Brown—–Rio——-Vida—–Evra
—————-Owen H————-
Park——————————–Nani
————Andersin Abreu———–
————Rooney—–Tevez————
The ugly thing in this case is that you can’t rewrite the history.Real M. are the richest and most famous club in Europe.They are the only club that can buy everything and still be rich.Of course we have the greatest manager in the world.He can equalize money with experience and IMMORTAL GUTS.Making him angry is not the solution for Real M.
but still…the fact that they are not a team but a whole bunch of stupid Franco-supporters makes me hate them.
June 5th, 2008 at 16:37
when he does go he is not going for football reasons but going because madrids rich history the money the weather and the city. its annoying that we had to put up with the garbage for three years from him and only get a taste for two years of ronaldo which shows we are not the biggest club in the world. what next when anderson nani become world beaters they will be sold to madrid is well.
June 5th, 2008 at 17:01
Good riddance to ronaldo he is so ungrateful for everything ferguson has done for him
i want at least £70 mil Or £50 mil and ramos (we dont need robinho) we can buy benzema no problem with some of the £50mil
June 5th, 2008 at 17:02
Now, why should Ronaldo reveal his future plans exclusively on a brazilian website? This is made up by said website to increase the hits on their site.
He’s not going anywhere this summer that’s for certain. And all those who think it’ll be a good thing if he goes… well it wouldn’t. Atm he cannot be replaced in our team, and bringing in someone like Bentley or Quaresma is certainly not the long term solution either, because they are not good enough. People tend to think that Quaresma is a full replacement for Ronaldo, but he’s not. He’s actually quite overrated, which is why he’s still at Porto.
He might leave Porto this year because they were thrown out of CL. But it won’t be for United, trust me.
When SAF and Gill say they won’t sell Ronaldo, it’s because they know that at the moment he can’t be replaced. They may have something up their sleaves a couple of years from now, but right now a sale would harm the team quite a bit.
One thing worth keeping in mind is that Real Madrid might loose interest in Ronaldo, if they don’t get him now. They may be forced to spend big on someone else, which would lessen the need for them to get Ronaldo’s big name in their door. It’s not like Real Madrid are dependent on Ronaldo - he’s not bigger than Real Madrid either.
June 5th, 2008 at 17:02
Err Steve, where did you read that United are selling him????? Like Ronaldo has finally come to see, it’s not his decision to make. Gill has said, that United have said that they have said all they have to say about it, and he will be at Old Trafford next season, like it or not. Ronaldo is now spouting about how he is going to make more history at the European nations tournament - what a feckin big head he has become. I have a feeling he will do piss all in this tournament.
June 5th, 2008 at 17:45
Red Ranter; Well done mate. When they made Fergie they broke the mold. Alex Ferguson is not just a great manager but a great person and someone that has earned the respects of everyone all over the World. His accomplishments make those of his predecessors look insignificant in comparison. Although he has had some bumps on the road, nobody in the game’s history has been a better man manager than SAF. It’s ione thing to recognize talent, to be strong tactically and to motivate on the field and off but Fergie’s manner and depth at managing the numerous personalities that have played at OT is phenomenal.
The success he had at reigning such emotional individuals as Cantona and Keane and being able to get the best out of them is nothing short of brilliant. He has also been an excellent teacher and tutor to promising young players like a certain #7 who shall not be named. Many managers at this level would not bother too much with the academic side of the game as they believe that players at this level better already have the skills. All they want to do is tactically get ready for the next game. Their whole approach is short term with no real depth or setting up the groundwork to develop star players into even greater players over a period of time. How many young players at Liverpool or Chelsea have improved over the past years that Rafa or Mourinho were there? But I think of the solid and gradual improvement of players like CR7, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Anderson, Nani, Rooney, Fletcher and O’Shea and I see players that learn new things and develop themselves more and more from game to game and year to year. The only other top level manager that can boast this skill as well is Wenger, as much as it hurts me to be complimentary of him.
I’m honestly very depressed over the fact that SAF’s tenure as Boss at OT will come to an end in two to three years. Honestly, United can scour the planet for a successor but they will never find a replacement that will be capable of shining the man’s shoes. At least not in my lifetime. As great as Sir Matt Busby’s record was, it respectfully pale’s in comparison to what Fergie has accomplished. And all this controversy about who is better, Fergie or Bob Paisley is just ridiculous. Although Paisley’s record is great and impressive, both the League and the European Cups tounaments back then were a walk in the park compared to the format and quality of those competitions today. Back when Paisley won his European crowns he had to go up against great teams but then again but he only had to play 6 to 8 games in order to reach the final. Today you have to play 6 games just to get out of the group competition. The knockout competition is another grueling 6 games before the final. Also, both the Prem and the CL are more internationally stocked than in the past. When Pailey’s Liverpool beat Moenchngladbach 3-1 in 1977 the only foreigner the Germans had was the European Player of the Year Alan Simonson. Today United have to go up against the Chelsea’s, Liverpool’s, Milan’s, Barcelona’s and Madrid’s whose rosters are loaded with the upper crust of world talent.
The Prem is so much higher in competition and quality than when Paisley’s Liverpool were winning so many Division I championships. Today the chances of a newly promoted side like Nottingham Forest winning it all and then ruling Europe for two seasons is next to impossible.
So it’s clear to me that the competition Fergie has had to face has been far superior and thus, Fergie in my opinion has no competition when it comes to possibly being regarded as the greatest club manager of all time in the world. There have been managers who have been more inventive and technically brilliant but none can compare when it comes to tenure, consistency and player management. I think of innovators like Rinus Michels, Hennes Weisweiller, Trapatoni, Lippi etc and I just don’t feel that they have the lasting legacy as a manager, a teacher and as a leader that the great Sir Alex Ferguson has. His legacy will live on for centuries and his contribution to United and most of all, to the game can never be forgotten and especially never underestimated. In his profession he truly is a God amonst mortals.
June 5th, 2008 at 17:48
Nikos; You might be happy today my friend but that will not be the final lineup. Fergie will have a few surprises to add to the starting lineup. And I wouldn’t be surprised if Ronaldo is in the lineup for this year at least.
June 5th, 2008 at 17:57
Why are people being so negative towards Ronaldo, he has dreamed of playing in spain and for Real even before he joined us. He has never made secret of this and as such he is obviously interested in fulfilling the dream just like any one with a dream to do something would be simply because you don’t always get a second chance at fulfiling dreams (Ronaldo himself has said when talking about his dream of playing in Spain but dreams don’t always come true)
Now he hasnt demanded he be sold, he has said he is enjoying it at the club and if anything has done the club a favour by stating that if he does go then real have to pay what the club demand and that its down to man utd to decide. He also doesnt seem like he is that bothered if Real don’t meet the valuation and he is still at the club next year.
Also lets be honest here, how many of our players do you truly believe see United as their dream club. Do you seriously think Rooney wouldnt jump at rejoining Everton if they suddenly found themselves in a position to challenge on all fronts every season, Tevez has stated he wants to not only be back home before he is past his best and has said he wants to play in Spain also ect ect. Theres a few who are playing for us because its their dream but alot are playing for us because we are the best option for them to be successful.
Hey just look at Ramsey who we have bid for, he may join us but if he does he will still have the dream of playing for Cardiff in the prem and if the situation came up where he could rejoin them and they could provide him with an environment to challenge to win things still he would want to.
So if he throws a strop and tries to force a transfer then fine slag him off but he hasn’t done anything like that, all hes done is state that he would be interested in fulfilling his dream but Real have to stop playing silly buggers and put in a firm offer that meets a value united would accept or they should shut up as he won’t be joining them at this time
June 5th, 2008 at 18:07
Wakey, how the feck can Madrid put in a bid when the selling club are refusing to deal or sell. Management have said they are not selling and as far as they are concerned that’s the end of it. Madrid can’t speak to somebody who won’t answer the phone at the other end.
June 5th, 2008 at 18:08
wouldnt suprise me if it were all true but you have to question the source of the story. too random & unnoficial i feel…….(&hope)
Either way though, fuck ronaldo….fed up with him courting madrid like he’s there new fancy. he emmbarrasing the club by the way he’s handled the whole situation regadless of this new story being valid or not.
June 5th, 2008 at 18:16
Funny that RVN is telling Robaldo to sign for Real, considering they hated each other at United, and I believe and shoot me down if I am wrong, that RVN was sold because of that.
I am like everyone is fed up with this, I can’t see us selling him, Fergie Made that bet with the Franco jorno, and if we sell him he will be proven wrong, and Fergie is NEVER wrong, GOD bless him!!
June 5th, 2008 at 18:25
I would be even more upset about this if we hadn’t done the EXACT SAME THING Real Madrid is doing to get Hargo last summer. Hargo’s dream was to play for United, and we made that happen. I’m sure there are alot of Bayern supporters out there laughing at us as you read this. If CR7 want’s to go, let him get. I’d rather Ronaldo left now while Fergie’s still around than after Fergie has gone, as I can’t think of a better manager to find a replacement.
June 5th, 2008 at 18:27
Well it’s official, our young number 7 has decided he wants to move on to Madrid and apparently it’s all because of the money. I guess he has forgotten that 6 years ago he was walking around his hometown in Medeira barefoot and begging for bread. Well this really is no surprise but what happens next? Actually I am surprised that he has made this simply a money related issue, or at least that’s what it seems if one is to take his quotes seriously. If that is the case then the decision lyes completely with Manchester United. In theory they can shut him up if they were to match the ridiculous offer Real have supposedly tabled. Would many of us be happy if United broke their pay structure and tried to match the offer Real has so irresponsibly put forward? I for one want to go on record and say that United should sell him and sell him now regardless of whether it hurts the team on the pitch short term. The money is something that could go a long way to helping us buy other players and quickly forget the selfish betrayal of our once beloved Voldemort. If his reasons for wanting to leave are financial in motivation and have nothing to do with his dream of playing in Spain or wanting to be with his girlfriend or making his mother and family happy culturally, then I say good riddance to selfish cunt. I will always love him as a player for United and I thank him for the five years of exceptional service he gave to the team. And I wish him well in his future endevours but for me as a player and a icon I used to follow and support religiously all I can say right now is HE IS DEAD TO ME. Time to move on.
So where do we go from here? I’m hoping United decide the smarter option is probably to take the money and rebuild despite the fact I would love to see the punk sit in the stands for a season for the sake of team pride and principle. If United do indeed break down and accept players and a whole lot of money they need to go out and get players and get them now. Yesterday Huntelaar’s agent came out and said that the rumors that they were close to signing with Madrid were false and he was angry about that. HINT! Fergie, that’s a subtle way of telling you to get of your duff and go and sign this boy. Fabiano or Santa Cruz will not go very far in helping us forget CR7. Also Soccerlens rumor mill reports that Schalke are interested in signing Arshavin but that the writer claims United have been interested and have tabled a 16 mil offer for his services. I don’t know if this is true but if it is I am elated that Fergie sees in the Russian lad what I do. The boy is quality. Also, stop procrastinating and go sign Alves or Richards and solve the striker problem finally. Arshavin can go a long way in helping us forget CR7 but he isn’t CR7. We need to find another midfielder to make the team more dynamic through the middle. My want list is Huntelaar, Arshavin, and Alves. I also would like to see United attempt to buy players like Marco Marin, Toni Kroos (probably impossible to get) or Sotiris Ninis. And if we don’t get Huntelaar we must get either Benzema or Gomez. I don’t want Berbatov because of his attitude and his age. Forget Fabiano. God I hope Fergie is only bluffing when it comes to him but the price is nice. However, if the sell CR7 Money should not be a problem.
Personally I think Fergie is a stubborn old gaffer and he will not sell him on principle. This may be the correct message to send but it’s probably not the smart thing to do for the team’s long term as well as short term future.
June 5th, 2008 at 18:35
Two opposite examples of the word CLASS. Eric Cantona comes out and says that Ronaldo is selfish and that if he leaves United will still be a great team and will continue to buy other great players and continue to win because Fergie and the team is better than one individual. HAIL TO THE KING!
On the other side we have ruud van Nistelrooy who has come out and said that his life in Manchester was SHIT and that he was overjoyed to leave OT. Who was it yesterday that suggested we go after RVN in a trade for CR7? He also has extended a hand of friendship to Ronaldo. This I find stunning as his bust up with Ferguson came from a training ground bust up with Ronaldo. These two apparently hated each other while at United. Just disgusting and what loyalty CR7 shows Fergy when he considers how Fergie took his side and supported him in that controversy as well as the Rooney incident in the World Cup. Real class Ruud! Real case of NO CLASS!
June 5th, 2008 at 18:55
wakey; If somebody broke into your house and attempted to kidnap your daughter would you not be upset? Especially if your daughter came out and said she wanted to go? Yes it’s a rough analogy but my point is that people are upset because they invest their time, money and love for a team and for a player they enjoy to watch. When that player walks away from them it’s a personal insult and a wound they can’t heal as quickly as they should. People are people and they are possessive with the things they love. It’s only human nature. We all loved Ronaldo whether some of us are willing to admit it right now or not. Yes his personality grated on some but those moves and goals cannot easily be forgotten or dismissed. But like Cantona, Beckham, Keane, RVN etc, players leave or retire and the team will move on. Truthfully, I’m not worried about losing Ronaldo as much as I may have come across in previous posts. Why? Because while Fergie is running the ship I have full confidence that that we will rebound and only get better. I’m more concerned three years from now when he steps down. Ronaldo can be replaced easily, Fergie is irreplaceable, and yet the team will have that unenviable task in the not to distant future.
June 5th, 2008 at 19:14
He’s not going anywhere cos he’s is quoted saying “I would like to go only if they pay me & Manchester United what the say they will” so if we say no then he’s pretty much fucked! I say we keep him for 3 more years and off load him then! meanwhile we need another player of his caliber and ronaldinho and kaka don’t seem like a bad option both good keep em out of the spot light and we’re good!
June 5th, 2008 at 19:17
“I want to play for Real Madrid, but only if it is true they are eager to pay me and Manchester United what they have been saying they will,” said Ronaldo.
so hang on, he will go if we sell him… IF! we get the shit load of money they supposedly have.
but since we don’t want to sell him… doesn’t it make what he said a bit irrelevant?
June 5th, 2008 at 19:17
grogy
RVN now plays for Real so its natural he would talk that (Ronaldo to Real). I dont think Man Utd is his fav club or dream club (unlike Becks) so he could be forgiven to say something like that. It is clear he has no love for our club. I dont ******* care what he says or thinks now. But still he will remain a legend for us purely for his services for all those 5 years he was here. And so will Ronaldo be!
Otherwise if Ronaldo leaves and we get 60-70m from his sale then we can go out and splash that on Huntelaar and Villa! We will have 4 world class forwards from Rooney Tevez Hunter & Villa to play in a 4-3-3 (with Nani/Giggs deputising in case of injuries/suspensions or in 4-4-2 formations) and a very solid midfield in Andy Carrick & OH. Admittedly wing play will suffer but without Ronaldo and Giggs being not the same Giggs anymore we dont have quality wing players anymore (Park and Nani are too raw or physically weak). Anyway if we can get a marauding ring wingback like Alves than this 4-3-3 can still be a very attacking side!!! And OH & Carrick can always play deep enough to cover for attacking play from full backs.
And yea this way we can loan out Manucho to a prem club like Sunderland or one of the promoted ones to see how good he really is!!! At teh end of the season a decision can be made to either offer Tevez the contract or get manucho back in if he is good enough!!!
June 5th, 2008 at 19:22
i have lost nearly all respect for this guy and i believe if we sell him now, it would make the most out of fergies last two years as he would be able to leave a stable team for the next manager.
June 5th, 2008 at 19:25
well said grognard, but wakey brings up a good point for me. Maybe its because I’ve just recently started to watch united religiously, but why does it seem like there are no players that bleed United Red? All i read about is how so and so’s dream is to play for Real, or Barca, or (forgive me) the scouse? For a world class team, andthe current european champions, you’d think we’d have someone out there saying they wanted out of their contract with real or chelsea and wanted to come here.
I also agree with you, gorgnard, with the fact that I actually prefer that we sell him although my reason is filled with malicious intent. I would love to see him go there and struggle, just to see him try and secure a transfer back (and us not take him, might I add). Just a dream.
June 5th, 2008 at 19:43
Comma; I’d prefer seeing him rot in the stands because of his big mouth and lack of class. Still if we sell him the team will have a large transfer kitty unless the Glazer’s use it towards paying off their debt. As bad as that may sound, it’s actually the very responsible thing to do with the money. The sooner the team is out of debt the better.
And there are plenty of players past and present who bleed United red. Keane, Cantona and Beckham still do. Evra, Rio, Brown, Vidic, Giggs, Scholes, Hargreaves, Rooney, O’Shea, Fletcher are all examples of players who put the red jersey above all. Yes some might want more money and negotiate but that’s normal. None of these players would choose another club over United willingly.
Jos; What gets me about RVN is that he is welcoming Ronaldo who is the number one and only reason his days at United were cut short. He’s either very forgiving or a major hypocrite. And now he says Huntelaar would be a nice addition for Real. He’s also brain dead because Huntelaar showing up at Madrid will force RVN’s hasty exit out of Madrid because I doubt very much he would settle for a subs role. The player has the narrowest head I’ve ever seen and it’s clear the reason for that is there is nothing of substance residing between the ears.
June 5th, 2008 at 19:56
I had a thought. It’s too bad a player has to agree to a transfer or Fergie should sell Ronaldo to Real…….Real Salt Lake of the MSL. It would serve him right.
June 5th, 2008 at 20:49
the ball is in our court, so we can name our price. We should go to the press and say we want 50 million lbs and ramos… Take it or f off.
With the extra money buy arshavin, benzema. And what ever us left over I think we should still get Santa cruz, he is a perfect back up.
June 5th, 2008 at 21:02
i wouldn’t settle for a penny less than £80million… if Real really want him, lets see if we can bankrupt them in the process so they can’t pull stunts like this again.
regarding Ronaldo, every interview this season he has thanked his team mates for providing goals for him… does he really think the same will happen in Spain? Real is a team full of super egos who are out for themselves… with out such fantastic support from hardworking players like Rooney and Tevez i seriously doubt Ronaldo can reach the heights he wishes to at real’ bullying fuckers’ Madrid. not to mentioned he’ll be reduced to a mediocre show pony and shirt merchant. i really would prefer him to stay, so we can knock 10 bells out of Real in the champions league next season.
Huntelaar has to be first choice target.
any news on welsh wizard 2.0?
June 5th, 2008 at 21:08
will) real will never be bamkrupt not in this day and age but i agree with you i would not sell ronaldo for anything less than £80 mil also if you thimk about it ronnie is like a god to man u to madrid he will just be another galactico
I think villa should be our first choice £17 mil valencia want and we have manucho to win balls in the air,then micah richards then huntelaar
June 5th, 2008 at 21:11
75 Million, Robinho and Ramos take it or get stuffed is what I would say. I am not a big Robinho fan but we could use him to sell to another team if he doesn’t work out. Who knows, the British game could suit him despite his lack of size. I’d also settle for Wesley Sneijeder instead of Robinho.
June 5th, 2008 at 21:22
Is Richards really gonna be a viable target? i doubt this, firstly because we have Neville, brown O’Shea and Hargreaves who can all play in the right-back position. and secondly with mark Hughes now installed as manager at citeh, reports of Ronaldinho’s arrival have been backed up with pledges.. so i doubt Micah will be wanting a move, not to mention his lengthy contract.. i mean given the prospect of playing with Ronaldhino, or moving to your clubs main rivals to play with a potentially ronaldo-less team… it just doesn’t seem likely that he would come to us.
regarding villa, i think it will depend very much on how he performs in the Euros… will he play the support role to Torres (in which case.. Rooney and Tevez can already offer this) or will he play more as a partnership.
similarly with Huntelaar i think, if he gets a decent run out in the group of death it will give us more of an idea regards to signing him.. bad news.. that means every other top European club will be wanting him. but he can play the poacher, the out and out striker, the final piece of the jigsaw, and in my opinion better so than Villa…
Santa Cruz - personally i wouldn’t of thought of him as a target.. but he was very impressive for Blackburn, which means he could do even better for us, cheaper also.. however i think we must act quickly because sparky might just be wanting to take him with him to the council house.
June 5th, 2008 at 21:34
Do anyone have any thoughts of another Argentine boy Ãngel Di MarÃa…heard he plays for Benfica and is a star in the making…Have never seen him play or heard big of him!!!…Anyone have any insights on how good is he?
June 5th, 2008 at 21:37
Some people on here seem to think that all we have to do is demand 70 or 80 Million, plus Ramos and Robhino, and these players will have to come. Give me a break. Why would Ramos who loves Madrid, want to come to rainy Manchester?. That’s even if United are thinking of selling, which Gill and Fergie insist they are not!.
June 5th, 2008 at 21:40
I dont go with the idea of buying every world class strikers in the market to our team…That is mere stupidity!!…What we need is a striker who is good in air and can play as a target man…Santa Cruz is good in that but i am not sure how he fairs against big teams….
Groggy - I agree with the idea of swapping Ronaldo for Robinho Ramos cash. Although i dont know if RM want to part with Ramos or vice versa!!..Robinho should be able to cope up with EPL coz he has magical feet..good first touch and can change the pace of the game quickly..Moreover he have better close control than C.Ronaldo..But what we really going to lack his Ronaldo’s thunder shots from outside the box..he fools GKs with the swerve,power and accuracy he gets on them..I dont see anyone good enough to do that…
June 5th, 2008 at 21:41
[Shyam]
He’d have to be good, I reckon. After all he’s the Angel of Mary!
June 5th, 2008 at 21:47
Unfortunately, the company firewall blocks streaming media so I have to survive on the written excerpts on various news sites. Thanks, RR, for the wonderful piece. Fergie really is a treasure. I saw Sky had 28/1 odds of SAF replacing Grant at Chelsea! Good for a laugh at least
As for today’s news, I’ll withold any gnashing of teeth or effigy-burning until I see something on the United site. I’m just too burned out to react to this latest bit of drivel. Instead, I’m trying to reclaim the wonderful afterglow I felt at the very end of the season. Replay Scholes’ bullet against Barca, the look on Giggsy’s face as he ran behind the goal at the JJB, Terry’s slip in Moscow, and VDS’s save against Anelka. Champions of England and Europe - man, that feels good!
June 5th, 2008 at 21:50
Let’s sell CR7 and buy Villa. Then we can play with one winger (Nani/Giggs) and 3 forwards. Rooney and Tevez can play wide interchangeably cutting in while Nani stays wide.
June 5th, 2008 at 22:04
GROGGY: AT LAST YOU HAVE LET OUT YOUR FEELINGS..WELL ALL THE PAPERS IN ENGLAND SEEM TO HAVE THAT
AS THEIR MAIN NEWS SO ACCORDIN TO ME ###FUCK OFFF ###UNNAMED MAN PLUS I HATE THAT FUKIN RUUD VAN NISTEL ROYYMF..SON
OF A BITCH########I CARE A FUCK LETS SELL HIM HE IS NOT THE END OF OUR CLUB,SO ID SAY SELL HIM TO
THE FUKIN SCUM MADRISTAS…I CANT BELIEVE I COULD NOT ENJOY THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE VICTORY FOR ONE
FUCKIN MONTH PROPERLY THIS IS HORSESHITTT,,,,THIS IS A DISGRACE…IT JUST RUINED THE SUMMER….
June 5th, 2008 at 22:06
Nice article RR..loved it. I haven’t seen the interview yet, but I can’t wait to get it downloaded.
Regarding Mr.Gallardo - If what he has said is true (we can never be sure these days), then I hope Fergie and CQ have one last talk with the boy, and try and make him see sense. If he agrees to stay, well and good. If he does not, we buy another winger (Arshavin!) and make Mr.Gallardo sit on the bench all season till he stops sulking. Either way, we don’t SELL him.
June 5th, 2008 at 22:39
Grognard: Something your ‘Daughter’ example falls down on though is that in the example you havent stated that the daughter hadnt been making noises about running off the the guy breaking in from before she was born. We all knew full well Ronaldo wants to play Real at some point as thats been his dream for a long time and hes stated it over and over again. This new interview really pretty much says the same thing, if the situation presents itself then hes intrested in fulfiling his dream.
Roy Keane who you seem to hold up as the perfect example of a bleeding united red was constantly in the same boat. Over and over again he professed his love for Celtic and his desire to join them one day. The only thing that really held it up was that Celtic on a european stage are now an insigificant team as they play in whats ultimatly a piss poor league which makes them less appealing and thus ruins their european ambitions somewhat.
When Keane pulled on the united shirt he was as much a united fan as anyone and tried his hardest but Celtic were the team true to his heart. Its the same with alot of our team (and most teams) theres only a few who you would consider true fans of the club and even the likes of Scholes don’t really fall into that (neither would people like Ole or O’shea both who are self confessed Liverpool fans in their hearts).
You don’t have to be a united fan to play for the team and you don’t have to give up dreams of playing for the team they do support you just have to give your all when you pull on the jersey (I mean look at Smudge, people doubted he was united quality but he tried despite the fact he was a Leeds fan and that is all you can ask from all players).
The only people to really be angry at are those from the Real camp who antics are such that they are stiring up a media circus in an attempt to get him on the cheap much like they did with Beckham and RVN and teh various other players they have picked up from other clubs, you cant be angry at Ronaldo for being intrested in following his dream
June 5th, 2008 at 22:42
So Craig, ;et me get this right, we should not bother asking for any of their player because Manchester is a a terrible place to live in?
Let the player decide. If he doesn’t want to then change the demands but we should at least make the effort to poach their best players in return. Just how serious are they when it comes to wanting CR7? All I’m saying is it’s going to cost them. If they don’t want to give away any players then the price tag should be over 100 million to get him. Gill and Fergie may have principles but unless Ronaldo decides to play for us this season they really cannot pass up the money involved, principles be damned. They need the cash for top purchases and for the Glazer’s debt. Practicality and reality come in to play. Just buy Arshavin and Huntelaar and then Ronaldo can take the slow boat to Spain for all I care.
June 5th, 2008 at 23:09
just a question, if ronaldo moves to madrid , and goes on to later win the fifa world player of the year in december or whenever the event is held, does that still mean that no player playing in the premier league would have ever won the award, seeing as he would be playing in spain at that time?
June 5th, 2008 at 23:10
Grognard: You’ve changed your tune, you were all about showing the world United were not to be messed with a few days ago.
June 5th, 2008 at 23:17
Grognard, if you want to argue the toss - fine!. Where in my post did I say we shouldn’t ask for any of their players?. Nowhere!. What I actually said was, there are people on the blog, who are suggesting that we can demand a fee and certain players of our choosing. All I was saying, was what makes us think the players we demand, or ask for will agree to come. Most Latin players do prefer to play in warmer climates - that’s a fact coming from their own mouths. A lot who do come, admit they would prefer to play in London, rather than the North, so I do not feel that I am doing down Manchester here.
To support my arguement of making demands or requests for certain players, I will just mention the last 2 recent posts, from Johnsom and yourself. Forgive me Johnsom for bringing you into this debate mate.
Grog - Post 57, 75 million, Robinho and Ramos, with your suggested ultimatum TAKE IT OR GET STUFFED!.
Johnsom - Post 54, 50 million and Ramos, with the ultimatum, TAKE IT OR F*** off!.
Now I don’t care about how you express yourselves, or that you have your own opinions, I accept that. But to assume that we can make ultimatums to other teams to release their players as part of any Ronaldo deal, surely it is reasonable to think that said players are entitled to say NO, we won’t agree to any such deal. This is all I was seeking to portray in my post.
Also talk about practicality and reasonableness all you like Grog, but United do not have to sell this year if they feel it is the wrong time, and not in the best interest of United football club. It is Gill, Fergie and the Glazers who are insisting that they are not selling, not me. Also I do not wish to get into any long drawn out debating Grog, because it is just my opinion which you are questioning, and that’s fine mate. I have answered as politely and best I can.
June 5th, 2008 at 23:37
it would certainly test Reals’ resolve if we were to offer such an ultimatum, if they were prepared to send Robinho and/or Ramos to us, then we would gain two good players (if they decided to join) that said, if they refused to “pay what united wanted” then it would show Ronaldo that the team of his dreams don’t actually want him that much, and perhaps would get his head out of the clouds. it would also show that we are the top team in Europe and we won’t get pissed around by those living in the past.
personally i don’t think he will be going anywhere and that he won’t have a brilliant tournament, some other bright young talent will, as if by magic Real will switch targets snap someone else up leaving Ronaldo to come down of his high in blissfully rainy manchester. i just hope that bright talent isn’t huntelaar or nani.
June 5th, 2008 at 23:41
I smell another long drawn debate here [if it's not already]. And to think we had our best season since ‘99.
Shame.
June 5th, 2008 at 23:55
It’s getting a little lonely here. For those interested in debating things of greater interest here are a couple of links. Read them and let me know what you think:
1. Hughes moving to City - and what that entails.
2. Santa Cruz says United are interested in him.
June 6th, 2008 at 0:01
JB; I still feel that way but there is a practical and urgent aspect to my alternate thinking. I say teach the bastard a lesson and sit him down but lets face it, who is that helping other than making a point on principle. This is a business that has millions of pounds at stake and one cannot afford to squander that kind of money on the basis of righteousness and principles. I just cannot see the team holding out unless Ronaldo agrees to play for another year or two. Otherwise the money can accomplish a lot.
June 6th, 2008 at 0:05
Hahaha RR, I know how you must feel mate. You keep trying to start other threads to discuss other interesting things, and every thread gets highjacked back to the same subject. What about just having one thread for Ronaldo posts only, and deleting any Ronaldo referral in other threads for discussion?. People wouldn’t get offended surely?.
I don’t think Mark Hughes has liked United for a long time. There is something suspicious about him re United these days - am I wron?. Cuty fans seem to think he is not strictly United, because he has been a bit of a footballing nomad. They seem to thing they’ve hit the big time with Hughes, but then they did about Sven. I don’t know why, but I am a bit worried about them getting Ronaldinho. He is 27 yrs old, and still a good player. Wish we were after him.
Santa Cruz has done well for B’Burn, so he might be okay for us.
June 6th, 2008 at 0:13
Craig; United are in the strongest bargaining position and so why shouldn’t they counter with as much tactlessness and forwardness as Real did? “Let the player decide. If he doesn’t want to then change the demands but we should at least make the effort to poach their best players in return”. What part of that statement does not allow them to say no? Of course they can say no but there is absolutely nothing wrong with making counter demands of them. In fact they have offered money Robinho and some other player in the past. So forgive me if I’m a little confused over your rant towards me.
And of course United don’t have to sell. Go back and read previous posts I’ve made all week where I have said that Fergie should stand pat and not sell at least for a year. I personally would love to see the punk sit in the stands for a year to teach him and Madrid a lesson. But is that practical in todays multi million dollar football environment? Probably not. So I really do not know what you are going on about because I am generally in agreement with everything you said. “Take it or get stuffed” means exactly that. Take our offer or we will be more than happy to keep Ronaldo and sit on him until we receive a better offer. So really, where did I go wrong?
Forgive me for feeling a little confused by your statement. 
June 6th, 2008 at 0:14
[Craig]
I think Hughes is and has always been a Chelsea fan. I’ve heard an interview where Paddy Crerand says so. He’s been a United legend because of the sheer years he’s played and goals he’s scored. He’s adored by everyone at United, and he also does like United. I think the media ask him silly questions by linking him to United when Fergie is still there. Anyone would get a little annoyed if they were constantly asked the same old stupid questions.
Honestly, I feel bad that Hughes has gone to City, not because I didn’t expect him to go there, but because he is a bloody good manager and will make the Massives a force to reckon. Scott at the republik of mancunia said “Vomit in the mouth” and I can see where he’s coming from, but I don’t really think Sparky bleeds red as much as Keano or Robson — as I already said he’s a Chelsea fan — so given a choice between Blackburn and a cash rich Man City, fair play to him. Also I’d have been more worried if he moved to Chelsea. Thankfully Roman’s being snubbed by every manager in the planet.