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.
.
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.
June 6th, 2008 at 0:18
And about the threads going off topic, don’t worry ’bout it. It’s ok to have free flowing discussions as long as it doesn’t get personal. I guess that’s one of the good things about this site.
Although it may worry me personally that during the period where we ought to be celebrating our club, our manager and everyone we rather choose to talk about someone whose heart is not in the club anymore. But that’s my personal take on it, and I will also talk about the portuguese lad after tomorrow. But I will do it in one post and try to avoid talking about it as much as I can after that.
June 6th, 2008 at 0:22
Will; I honestly don’t think to many of the big name stars who played late into the Champions League season will do very well. It’s been a long season and I honestly feel Ronaldo and others are totally gassed. Huntelaar could be big but it all depends if van Basten starts him over the more veteran and experienced van Nistelrooy. For me the players to watch for in the tourney are Huntelaar, Gomez, Benzema, Arshavin, Pavlychenko and Villa. All these players have not played as many games as Ronaldo, , Ballack, Torres, Ribery, Henry, Toni, Fabregas etc. Somebody new and relatively unknown will pop up. My surprise team for the competition is Russia as I think they have a great nucleus of Zenit and CSK players and they are well coached. Greece surprised everyone four years ago with a great team concept and desire but lets face it, how many of their players were exhausted from playing in a killer league and the Champions League. Rest is the key. Remember how lethargic Ronaldinho was at the last World Cup? I feel the same will happen to Ronaldo.
June 6th, 2008 at 0:32
RR – get outta here – really, Hughesie is a Chelsea fan of long standing?. Learn something new everyday!. I thought that he was always red United, and along the way Fergie or someone had upset him, and he went off the club.
You didn’t say what you thought about Ronaldinho rumoured to be going to City. It says on teletext that Hughes is really keen to try and get him signed up for City, and that there is a good chance they can get him. I do wonder why Fergie hasn’t gone in for him.
June 6th, 2008 at 0:35
You know I have to say that I’m getting a little frustrated by RR and others always commenting about people getting off the subject of the thread. I started this morning with a long statement and appreciation for RR’s article on Fergie. Others did to. Sorry but after about 40 posts that thread died. Lets face it, there are bigger stories and bigger fish to fry and I for one am getting a little sick of those who constantly want to move on but have nothing to offer in order for us to do so. Credit to RR for suggesting a few topics in post #74. The problem for me is that I don’t give a rats ass about Mark Hughes move to Man City or the ramifications because Man City are shite and I doubt we will be getting Micah Richards anyway. Also, Roque Santa Cruz is shite too so there you go. My view.
Trust me I AM honestly tired of the Ronaldo story but lets face it, the ramification of his situation with Madrid impacts United and all of us a Hell of a lot more than Mark Bloody Hughes.
But I’ll play cricket and suggest my own new thread that to be honest I’m surprised RR has not started yet. Two days from now the second biggest international football tournament is starting In Switzerland and Austria. And nobody seems to care. IS everybody on this site a bleeding heart England fan?
This is a showcase of some of the greatest players in the world and nobody seems to care. What do many of you think? What are your picks for winners and who do you think will be the players that will do best?
Just watch RR, three people will post replies to this thread idea and it will die. Why? Because everybody but a few are suffering from a malady called Ronaldoitis. And I’m not sure if there is a cure
I for one would like to exorcise the demon once and for all, but it isn’t easy.
June 6th, 2008 at 0:37
Grog, I wasn’t ranting at you, I was just trying to answer the question you asked of me in your post, and explain where I was coming from – that’s all mate.
June 6th, 2008 at 0:44
RR; It’s not our fault that none of us can enjoy the victory. Ronaldo ruined it for all of us with his selfishness. He created dread and paranoia in all of us and for that he can sod off.
Also, good point about Roman at Chelsea. He may not have thought about it at the time but his firing a manager that steered his team to second place in the EPL and into the final of the CL only to lose by bad luck, was a colossal mistake of titanic proportions. No manager worth his weight in gold and with any self esteem or ego will want to take that job when they clearly know the owner is a complete frakken asshole. Abromavich deserves everything he will get. In the end he will hire somebody who is either old, unemployed or not on anyones must have list. He deserves a tactical idiot like Rijkaard. I also hope Mourinho teaches him the final lesson and manages to convince Lampard, Essien, Carvalho and A Cole to jump to Inter. That would equal decimation at Chelsea. Yes he has the money to rebuild but that will be tough job indeed because I even think many players don’t want to sign for a team with such uncertainty.
June 6th, 2008 at 0:46
Craig; When I meant Ranting, I never meant it in a negative manner. I understood the fact that you were making a point in a friendly manner. Not a problem mate.
June 6th, 2008 at 0:47
Grognard, you may not be interested in Mark Hughes, City or Santa Cruz, but others might be. I am not wanting to talk about Ronaldo all the time, and some others may not be either. That is why it is good to have other subjects to discuss too. RR does want to discuss othe topics obviously, but he hasn’t complained when people have gone on in every thread to talk about Ronnie.
I will be watching the European championships, but I just want to see good football, and any new and upcoming footballer finds. I have no particular preference for a team to support during the tournament. I want to support Holland, because I do like the dutch football team, but since VNR opened his big mouth about how shit we made his life, well it will be hard to support a team with him playing in it. So lets hope Huntelaar plays more.
June 6th, 2008 at 0:49
Hughes has always been one of my all time favorite reds.I see no problem with him joining Shitty. For sure it does leave a bad taste in the mouth but here is a guy who has done good things at Blackburn with a miniscule transfer budget when compared to teams like West Ham, Portsmouth, Shitty, Everton, Spurs, Newcastle, and I guess he figured he has gone as far as he could and needed another challenge. If he does well at Shitty then it will only re enforce the belief that the next step is a big club , be it Chelsea or Man Utd. Don’t see what club he supported as a kid has anything to do with anyone. He is a profeessional ans i’m sure he will give 100% wherever he goes. Good luck to him. With his eye for spotting a bargain it will be frightening to see what he is capable of with some hard cash to spend.
June 6th, 2008 at 1:02
Grog – Post 85 – Thanks mate!.
Just1n, I agree with you about Hughes’s credentials as a manager. He was fantastic for Wales, and excellent for B’Burn. With money to spend, he could well be frightening for City. As a United fan I hope not though lol!. I know he is a winner, and he wants to prove just how good he is, by going as far to the top of his profession as he can. It interests me to know players and managers boyhood clubs they supported and players they idolised. In fact I love these little tibits of information, I’m daft like that!.
June 6th, 2008 at 1:08
Craig; You are misunderstanding me. I have no problem with anybody showing an interest on Mark Hughes or Santa Cruz. I was just saying that personally I don’t care about either one of them. Honest to God it’s amazing how I stir up trouble even when I’m not intending to.
As far as the Euros go I think it’s no secret to anybody who is familiar with me on this blog that I will be supporting Germany. Fortunately they should be one of the favorites and they have the added advantage of literally playing before a home crowd in Austria. Russia is my dark horse pick. I think the warm weather teams Spain and Portugal will struggle a bit. France and the Netherlands are strong teams but the group of death will hurt them as well as severely take a lot out of the survivors of the group. Italy I think will be the disappointment of the tournament. Injuries and poor team selection as well as an idiot for a manager will do them in. Greece will struggle to make it out of their group even though on paper they are better and more offensive side than in the past. That alone will hurt them because it was their relentless defense that won it for them four years ago. Other the teams I mentioned, I fancy no other teams. It will be a Germany vs France final and Germany will win 2-1. Russia will get 3rd place.
June 6th, 2008 at 1:09
[Grognard]
Why do you have to get frustrated? This topic was discussed for a week now and some people have amazingly not tired of it. So is it too much to ask if occasionally someone raises a voice asking if we need a change of topic and some have actually tried talking about transfer targets. It’s just that they have been silenced. You’ve all had your place to rant to your hearts content on Mr X. So why the frustration?
I don’t care too much about the Euros. Especially after the events of the past week. I was rooting for a certain country because of one boy. And now I really can’t give a toss. But again, since you said it’s a big tournament, why didn’t you bring it up?
I helped launch the fantasy football league for the Euro’s and it’s the most I can do. I really don’t even have to cover the Euros in a Man Utd blog although I may bring up snippets of United players’ performances. Sorry, I don’t seem to enjoy international football as much as I used to. If it’s the WC I could have had Brazil to support.
June 6th, 2008 at 1:14
concerning Euro 2008, I’m actually looking forward to a international tournament for the first time in my life (bar 1996,which was the first one i remember watching) with the absence or England i am free to enjoy the tournament for what it is; a damn good celebration of football.
on the face of it there are several contenders for the cup and in all honesty everyone of the 16 teams (bar Austria and perhaps Switzerland and Poland) have at least a decent chance of getting into the knockout stage of the competition. perhaps RR can post a more in depth ‘who’s who’ concerning each of the teams… if anything just to get away from this ronaldo-fest (I’m as guilty as anyone for perpetuating the topic on this forum)
anyway, my picks for the tournament are as follows.
the favorites i believe will be Spain. admittedly most of their squad have had a lengthy and arduous season, in which all have played well (with perhaps the exception of Fabregas who seems to have faded towards the end of the season) Villa will be out to prove a point, with the under performing of Valencia this season he will be whoring himself out to the best teams in Europe and if partnered up front with Torres it could become the partnership of the tournament.
up until the other day i would of said that the world champions Italy would have walked it, however with the injury to their captain Cannavaro they will perhaps not be as solid as i expected them to be, that said, with the height an poise of Luca Toni, and the perennial talisman of Del Piero, I’m not going to count them out.
the problem with the group of death, in which Italy are in, as well as Holland and France (and Romania, who despite the odd decent player such as Chivu and Mutu i think will find it tough to get past the other three) is that only two will go through, id love to see France and Holland go through, if only to see more of Benzema and Huntelaar, concerning France i think they could do well, with a new nexus of talented youngsters they could win the thing outright, i guess it just depends which french side turns up… and whether or not Anelka gets to take a penalty. i personally would like to see the dutch go far… partly because it will be van Der Sars final tournament, and after such a high as making the winning save in the champions league, im sure he will be on top form… how ever i think Hollands strengths lie in attack.. with Van der Vaart, Robben and RVN they will be a threat to anyone… but i do hope Huntelaar gets his chance.
other than the four i’ve mentioned i would agree with Grognard that Russia pose a threat, with their discipline and the luck of their group, and also Croatia, who wiped england out convincingly home and away.
Portugal on the other hand… i could and probably am wrong here, but i believe that the Ronaldo shadow will hang over them, and if they rely on him to win the competition single handedly they will struggle, no Luis Figo this year… but i think nani will come into the frame for them… but it could be just like the 1998 world cup, a la Brazil.. when another Mr.Ronaldo let the pressure get to him.
all in all carn’t wait for the tournament, as it will be a nice reprieve from the pressures of this season, before the serious business of the defense of our titles (and the frenzied summer transfer window) begin.
June 6th, 2008 at 1:17
Really guys lets move on and talk about the Euros, I for one will be supporting Purtogal and no not because of HIM, Ive been a follower of Purtogal since the Figo, Rui Costa and Pauleta generation I just think they play the nicest, truly they are the Brazil of Europe, dont think they will win though Semis maybe I also think France Spain and Germany will be in the semis and Ill be betting on either Germany or France winning the title.
June 6th, 2008 at 1:21
Re Santa Cruz. I believe he will be a fantastic signing for us although 15 million is a bit step in my estimation. 10-12 million tops. We will then have a player offering something different when coming off the bench and we would be able to change our gameplan. My only worry is now that we might be losing a winger means we need to replace him , but preferably with one who attacks the fullbacks and puts in the crosses that Santa Cruz can attack in the air. Pointless getting a target man if our wingers keep cutting inside and going for glory.
June 6th, 2008 at 1:34
Will – enjoyed reading thru your post mate – v. interesting. Luca Toni is a fantastic player, and if he is fully fit, I think the Italians could do ok. I love watching him play when he is on form. From the group of death, I would like Holland and Italy to get through, although I see your point about seeing more of Benzema. I prefer Italy to France though.
I really hope Nani plays for Portugal and has a great tournament for them. Although I think Portugal have a few good wing players. I don’t want Portugal to win the tournament though, especially with a certain player spouting about him making more history, like he only matters and not the Portugal national team.
Croatia will be missing their best player – Eduardo. So who knows how they will do.
Germany will be in last 4 I think, because don’t they always do very well in the big international tournaments.
June 6th, 2008 at 1:48
Cheers Craig Mc, yea i think its a great chance for Nani to show how good he can be. but i reckon Quaresma will get a start ahead of him… unless they play Ronaldo as a tucked in striker.
Despite Croatia missing Eduardo, i think we will get to see just how good Spurs new signing Modric can be.
True about Germany, its that built in ability to convert a penalty that does it.. that and Ballack seems to be in the form of his life, but i think they might be let down in the goalkeeping department.
June 6th, 2008 at 1:50
Santa Cruz would be good,also can’t wait to see Manucho at pre- season training to evaluate him. I think if we had a target man striker, no one would be talking about HIM cus he wouldn’t have been the one scoring all the goals, therefore he won’t mean as much to some people as hedoes now. If HE does decide to stay, Tevez+Rooney+Manucho and whoever we buy should make sure he doesn’t score as much next season, and so he’ll see he doesn’t mean as much to Utd as he thinks. Sorry to backtrack to the dreaded talk
June 6th, 2008 at 2:07
O yeah Will, I forgot about Modric. Not seen much of him really, so it will be a good opportunity to see more of him. Tottenham seem to be having quite a bit of luck with transfers don’t they?. Wonder if they will break into the top four next season. I would love Berbatov at United, but it doesn’t look like we are going for him now – does it?.
RD – haha, it’s difficult sometimes not to mention the unmentionable one isn’t it. I see what your saying though. I too am looking forward to seeing Manucho. He was really very good in the African cup, so I hope he can reproduce it for us. He can do a lot of damage if the winger’s get the ball to his head in the goal area. Fergie does seem to want Santa Cruz, but I wonder why he is waiting, when he could have sealed it by now?.
June 6th, 2008 at 2:23
RR; It’s not so much frustration as much as it is an observation. Like I said before though, if people do not like the direction or the topic they should feel free to divert us into another direction. Instead they just whine with their customary one sentence. In a court of law that isn’t going to sway the jury. For example in post #89 I went out of my way and wrote hoping to change the topic with a bit of a starter paragraph hoping to ignite others interest as well as their picks and feelings. At a time when there is nothing else to talk about regarding United except the obvious transfer nonsense, I would think you would welcome the Euros as a topic and welcome a lot of dialog on the subject. Just because this is a United blog does that mean we have to have tunnel vision? Especially in the off season. RR, I just want to talk footy and I really don’t care if it’s not about United in the early part of June. Man Utd won’t be getting started until the middle of August. I hope you can see my point.
June 6th, 2008 at 2:30
the frustrating thing is this was our time our era and now this side is going to be needed rebuilding again, lets pray to god that united don’t go backwards like when beckham left in the 03/04 season with bad buys and a side lacking a thrust to take down teams. what has frustrated me even more we have had to carry this player for three years and develope him into the player he is today and all the hard work united have done is going to be taken away by Madrid.
what does make me sick to the bone is how ronaldo has treated fergie the management staff and the players who have helped him and have played a big part has ronaldo no they are not good enough for him. They way he has seen united and treated them has a club after what they done for him and the 50th anniversary of the Munich crash makes me sick, and how special the year was. which shows he knows nothing about the romance and what makes united a special club, he has shown this when we see the three statues of three truly great players real legends who ronaldo is not fit to lace those legends boots. I never thought I would say this but dunphy has got it spot on about ronaldo.
but something that has really angered me is you fan boy ronaldo lovers who have giving the likes of rooney scholes giggs so much stick now really appreciate how special gems they are who are proper united players.
I have always ranked those players in higher regard then ronaldo who never go after the limelight and just get on with their job. fergie says madrid have no morals well so does ronaldo who both deserve each other. One thing is for sure the relationship between ronaldo his people and manchester united has reached the breaking point. we have had our best season since 99 we should be enjoying this summer and laughing at our rivels no its they who are laughing at us including city fans when we are the premiership and european champions.
June 6th, 2008 at 2:37
this is going to be the most bitter and nastiest transfers in the history of the game, and after this is over man utd will never forgive ronaldo and both will hate each other to the bone for a very long time, if madrid and man utd meet each other the crowd could be has bitter has barcelona fans did towards figo.
June 6th, 2008 at 2:52
Will; Interesting post mate. As far as Germany is concerned they are an efficient machine and before 2006 they were efficiently dull. Now they are efficiently entertaining with a number of quality individuals. Ballack is the key however. He is the talisman and everything they do flows through him. How good are they? In 2006 they almost made the final with Ballack hurting all through the tournament and rarely showing his top form. He’s healthy now and after the CL disappointment with Chelsea this is another chance at redemption for him and perhaps his last chance at a major trophy. Klose, Gomez, Schweinsteiger, Lahm and others are all quality players who show it in the big tournaments. And lets face it, they are a machine when it comes to taking penalties. Although that streak of having not lost a penalty shootout since 1976 will have to end at some point. I wouldn’t bet on it though.
The one team I cannot stand and that I hope doesn’t win it for the good of the game is Italy. I’m sorry but I hate all things Italian except their food, Lake Como, Ancient Rome movies and Luca Toni. They are the instigators of everything that is negative about the modern game from the diving and theatrics to the defensive and negative style of play. Whats really sad is that they have such great individual talent but they are technically handcuffed (or should I say footcuffed) by a style that stresses defense and not making mistakes over adventurous individuality and offensive enterprise. They are and always will be a disgrace because it’s built in to their DNA. I’m not putting down Italians here, just the way they play football. The game needs a team with real attacking style to elevate it and create a new renaissance for other s to follow and emulate. My all time favorite teams were the German teams and Dutch teams between 1972-76. The Beckenbauer/Cruyff years. The “Total Football” experience that worked so well but was abandoned once the Italians won in 1982 with their dull defensive display and a lucky Paolo Rossi. I really see no team in this tournament that has the coaching or style to really reinvent the game but I do see the Germans, the French and the Dutch as having the best overall package to perform well and score goals. Portugal may have IT as well as Quaresma and Nani but their lack of a true striker and Scollari’s rigid defensive approach leaves a lot to be desired. They looked dull dull dull during qualification. A 1-0 or 1-1 tie is all they cared about. Russia I feel have the talent and the attitude to do well. As a team they can play the explosive counterattacking 1-2 style that Zenit played so well in the UEFA Cup, especially when they so thoroughly humiliated the great Bayern. Spain I don’t fancy. Why should I? What have they ever won? When they finally break that loser label then I may take them seriously but for me they are step slightly above England. Great domestic league but they never gel internationally. But if ever they were to gel, this would be the time because on paper, this is their best team by far.
WOW! I for one just can’t wait. A major footy extravaganza. My big 56″ inch tv broke down three days ago and I am waiting for the repairman to show up this evening to get the set up and running or I will be in major panic mode. I don’t just watch all the games, I record them also and put them in my footy library. God how I love football. I can’t get enough. I’m addicted.
June 6th, 2008 at 2:52
i think that Berbatov is off the menu and tbh i was always unsure about him, yes he can have flashes of sheer brilliance, but his languid style and seemingly effortless performances(or should that be performances lacking effort?) at times means i have to question whether he would suit us, that and the £30million price tag, in some ways i can see comparisons between him and Cruz, he has replicated Berbatov’s first season in the premiership, cost relatively little to his value now, and is being linked with Utd, on the other hand i think that he has less of the ego of the Bulgarian which is a plus, and perhaps wouldn’t mind as much sitting on the bench, that and the cheapness of him. we could take him as without Hughes Blackburn could sink rapidly and he will want to move, especially if our interest is true. yet there is something in the back of my mind saying that he is a step backwards, yes he could be a success, but considering we are European champions i would think we have both the money and the attractiveness for a top klaas European striker… in terms of why we haven’t moved straight away, i think perhaps fergie is keeping his options open… if we were to jump for cruz and then Cristiano left, he would have a vast some of money, which could be put to use on a more high profile striker, which would leave Santa mulling around on the sidelines.. we have to remember that the make up of our SQUAD is important, it just shows how one spoilt egg can unsettle us, even after such a superb season so i think fergie has to be careful about who he brings in, remembering constantly that who ever does come in want to join utd more than work under him, because it looks like he won’t be around for more than 3 years.
regarding Spurs i remember thinking when we drew with them at their place… ‘if this Ramos guy gets a decent keeper in and a couple of players they could be dangerous’ and Modric is touted as hot property, i’m going to keep an eye out for him in the Euro’s because if he does well… and baring in mind Chelsea can’t seem to get the manager they want ( and the speculation surrounding the exodus to Inter) i can’t shake the feeling that they will be really strong competitors next season.
June 6th, 2008 at 2:57
Steve, You are asking someone who holds orgy’s and call escorts to be romantic?
The kid knows nothing about the history of the game outside Portugal and Spain. That’s just the way things are. But lets also remember that he did help bring a Champions League trophy, two league championships, a League Cup and an FA Cup to the club so his stay was a fruitful one and worth the time money and effort. I just wished it could have lasted longer and if not, that he had shown nobody else but Fergie the kind of respect the man deserved for being a coach and father figure to him. It’s Fergie I feel for because right now he has got to be pissed and feel betrayed.
June 6th, 2008 at 2:59
Any link other than Megaupload? please share in Rapidshare or Easyshare instead. I can’t get the file from Megaupload please.
June 6th, 2008 at 3:02
Will; Spurs have to fix their goalkeeping and back four problem before they can be taken seriously. They also need a CDM and play maker to set up their strikers. I still think they need a lot of work. They gave up a lot of goals last year, especially at home which is a very poor sign. And I agree 100% with you about Berbatov. One of the most talented lazy bums in all of football.
June 6th, 2008 at 3:05
I’m still willing to be optimistic and stick my neck out and say Ronaldo isn’t going anywhere, i have faith in Gill who seems to be a pretty ballsy chairman and I’m sure Fergie can use his genius once again, sure Ronaldo won’t spend his entire career at Utd, but if it takes offering him another improved contract to keep him, id do it.
the most encouraging thing, and i think everyone who is cursing him should be a bit more restrained is the fact that he has stated “However, it does not depend on me,” meaning that he respects man utd and will ultimately go with their decision, at least this time round. its all well and good Real saying they will pay him £200,000 a week, but would they really see it through..
it would set a precedent in their squad where players would care more about money than the success of a team, which at one point in history ruled Europe.
June 6th, 2008 at 3:39
[Grognard]
Feel free if you want to talk footy but the better place is our partner site Soccerlens.
As I said, international football topics will be based on my mood. But I am not stopping you (nor have I ever stopped anyone) from discussing things other than United.
June 6th, 2008 at 4:32
Good stuff Grognard, You are reiterating what I mentioned yesterday about not being allowed to enjoy this great season. And as far as the discussions this is the only topic that we should be dealing with at the moment. This is a United site, and Ronaldo is the only United news going on at the moment, so let it out. In the end if all of this is just the media stirring things up then fine, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that Ronaldo has made this about himself and not the club. This club is over a hundred years old and it will be here long after Ronaldo is gone, so if that is the case then to hell with him.
June 6th, 2008 at 5:00
Well said TinMan. Here! Here!
RR; I’m very familiar with Ahmed’s site Soccerlens and I have posted a few times under my regular name but I have to admit, RED RANTS is my home. Even though I’ve had my tense moments, I love your blog and I wouldn’t trade it for nobody elses. Unless of course you kicked me off.
Then I would sign over my allegiance to the biggest and richest Real Madrid blog out there
June 6th, 2008 at 7:17
Everybody put the pitch forks away and hear me out. I will start off by saying that Ronaldo is my favorite player, so it is absolutely gutting to think of him leaving. After examining what he said and reading other reports I have come to a strange conclusion. I think it is perfectly rationale for him to want to move.
As far as we know, he was quoted as saying. “he would like to go to Madrid if they really are gonna pay him and United what they promised”. when you first see that, it sounds like an ungreatful little bastard. But when you look at the money side of it. HE WOULD BE A FOOL TO TURN IT DOWN. The reports I read is that Madrid offered him 300,000 Pounds a week AFTER TAXES. I dont know what he is on now, but I would guess he is making around 150,00 a week now. so for the sake of argument lets say he signs with United for 200,000 a week. over a year that is 9.6 million pounds a year. while Madrid would give him 14.4 millions pounds. so over 3 years he would stand to lose 15 million pounds. Now I know nothing of UK tax laws, but in the US Ronaldo would be in the highest tax bracket, so the government would take 40-50% of the 9.6 million. The fact that Madrid are gonna pay him that much more after tax is where the money just becomes absurd.
Let me put out a small disclaimer… I am hopeless at math, so if My rudimentary calculations are wrong feel free to slam me. But I think you see what I am getting at. From a monetary standpoint its a no brainer, especially considering that he is one Martin Taylor tackle away from never playing again.
So keep that in mind when he says “if Madrid are gonna pay me what they said they would”. for all we know Ronaldo could have winked when he said that, cause he knows Madrid wont pay him that much money.
anyways just a rant, and I am almost positive my calculations were way off, but you cant blame a History major for trying.
June 6th, 2008 at 7:18
Hey RR, I see on Unitedrant.eu that it is your bday today. Happy bday mate. Hope you have a good one.
June 6th, 2008 at 7:44
johnsom33 – you’re absolutely right, from a monetary viewpoint there’s no reason for him not to move. The problem is just that money has never before been a reason for him to want to go to Real – it’s a childhood cream of his.
Now, there are rumours going around that Ronaldo hasn’t said these things, and that he might be making a statement on a press conference today.
From the minute I read these alleged statements, there was something that didn’t add up to me:
First, why oh why should he have chosen a brasilian website exclusivly to state his future plans? It woulde make no sense.
Second, all of a sudden it became a monetary issue?
Third, why should he reveal his plans to the brasilian webste and then say that he wouldn’t speak of it again until after the Euros? He’s smart enough to know that once he states these things, people will demand him to elaborate. Even if he had stated that he didn’t want to speak of it again, he should know that journalists would be on his back for more answers, which wouldn’t exactly help his preparations for this tournament either.
I wrote in a different post that this is a hoax made up by said brasilian website, and I still think so. It doesn’t add up in my world. Hope I’m not proven wrong. And even if I am, I still don’t fear losing Ronaldo this summer, because we simply won’t sell the lad.
June 6th, 2008 at 7:57
Oh and I forgot:
I haven’t read any interviews with Ronaldo, since he met up with his national team for the Euros – have any of you?
Before he met up with them, I read a few, and they were all about the CL triumph and the great season. And then I read one more, with him stating that he’d love to be talked about in the same way as legends like Beckham and Best. He said that if he continued to play the way he does, then why shouldn’t he too become a legend.
June 6th, 2008 at 10:19
Football exclusive: KAKA DREAMS OF PLAYING FOR UNITED
World Player of the Year, Kaka, has declared his dream for playing for Manchester United in an exclusive interview with a local Milan radio station. The news will come as a pleasant surprise to the European Champions amidst uncertainty about Cristiano Ronaldo’s future. It is said that the hierachy at United see Kaka as the only replacement for Ronaldo, should he leave.
Speaking from his home, Kaka revealed, “I love Milan. I’ve had a great time here, won the Champions League and some great memories. But football is all about challenges and I feel I’m ready for a new one.”
After Milan’s failure to qualify for this years Champions League many pundits felt this was Kaka’s chance to move on.
“I’m young and at the peak of my football and want to play at the biggest level. The Premier League is the best league in the world and it’d be fantastic to be a part of that. And obviously Manchester is the best place to be at right now. They are European Champions, so it’s fantastic no? And when I played there last year, it was a great atmosphere.” Kaka added
The opportunity to play with the stars at United is an added attraction. “United have some great players. Giggs and Scholes are legends. Then there’s Rooney. And also Anderson who is a good friend of mine.”
And when asked if he’d like to play at United his answer was straightforward, “Yes, how can anyone say no? They are European Champions. It will be a dream come true.”
This news will no doubt shock Carlo Ancellotti who has just recently pledged his future to Milan. But Sir Alex Ferguson will no doubt sleep easier tonight, knowing that should his star man leave there’s another eager to take his place.
June 6th, 2008 at 10:33
My two cents worth would it not be better for us to sign our targets first before the Euro’s or ronaldo’s imminent departure whichever comes first.Coz either way we will end up paying some exhorbitant fees on top of the over the top prices we normally pay.Just a thought.How come no one on this site is a s pissed as I am about the porto bribery scandal?Surely if ever there was a thing we should all be pissed about and talking our heads off it should be this.Screw ronaldo,who wasn’t expecting him to leave.That’s why my fave player is a certain scouser(once a blue Always a Red).On another note tell them we want (100m cassilas robinho)=150m.Either way we are setup up for a long time.
June 6th, 2008 at 10:35
Oh by the way sell him Now.While the price is still high.
June 6th, 2008 at 10:37
Jos – where did you find that?
June 6th, 2008 at 10:54
Well there’s the answer, sell Ronnie for £75m, buy Kaka for £40m, Benzema/Huntelaar/Gomez for £30m and pocket the change. Happy days
June 6th, 2008 at 11:23
Jos please provide us with a link. PLEASE tell us its not from tribal football :S
June 6th, 2008 at 11:35
Its doing rounds on another utd fanclub: redcafe
http://www.redcafe.net/f9/milan-star-dreams-united-206474/
Obviously it cannot be verified if it is true but I do seem to remember Kaka admiring Premiership (and Manchester United in particular whom he compared us to the mighty Brazil in playing style terms) in the past. I wouldnt be disappointed at all if we get Kaka for Ronnie this summer!
June 6th, 2008 at 11:44
If the statement’s true Kaka’s smart to say this amidst the Ronaldo controversy. We can get him before/after the Euro’s at the same price cause his not invovled! Woohoo! Ronaldo for Kaka? That will put a smile back on every United fan’s face surely. Hope it’s real
June 6th, 2008 at 12:20
To be honest I can’t see us getting Kaka, Santa Cruz has said he has had contact from us, good squd player but hopefully we can do better than that!!
June 6th, 2008 at 12:32
Kaka has always talked highly of United and there has always been whispers that he would love to wear the Red Shirt. The possibility of him transfering to another club is even more likely because Milan are not in the Champions League games. Having just won the CL our pulling power is at its highest and this would be a dream signing who would slot in perfectly in Scholes position. I don’t want to put this idea into my head until I hear something official because it sounds to good to be true.
A lot of folks are saying Ronaldo out and Kaka in. I like the sound of Ronaldo stays and Kaka in.
June 6th, 2008 at 12:41
Has anyone pinned down the source – Local Milan radio station?
June 6th, 2008 at 12:42
Don’t think the kaka story is real… Don’t get your hopes up…
June 6th, 2008 at 12:49
My my, how a few Kaka pills would cure the Ronaldo hangover.
June 6th, 2008 at 12:49
AT LAST something positive has come from our winning of the Champions league.. i can’t remember a happy day since that night in Moscow.. IF this news about Kaka is true that is, i mean it does reek of someone messing about, but if its true i think it would he would be a decent replacement for Ronaldo ( i stress IF Ronaldo is even going?) imagine the possibility of Ronaldo & Kaka on the same team?! immense!, that and the perfect tutor for Anderson.. i think our summer transfer budget is robust enough to launch a bid for Kaka without having to sell Ronaldo. lets just hope its true… it ain’t from Marca, so thats a start.
June 6th, 2008 at 13:00
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=international_feed/08/06/06/SOCCER_Eng-Man_Utd_Ronaldo_2nd_Le.html&TEAMHD=soccer
THE MUM …. RONALDO MUM …. Unfortunately he is not leaving
June 6th, 2008 at 13:00
Ronaldo’s Mom’s screwed up. It was her dream for Ronnie to play for Real and now she comes out with this load of claptrap. What’s she playing at?
June 6th, 2008 at 13:05
She is a fucking lunatic!!!
June 6th, 2008 at 13:09
The thing is every club will inflate their prices even for the non euro playing footballers.Because essentially they base their prices on a certain player.i.e Lyon basing there price on wayne rooney ,for let say Benzema United want to sell Rooney to lets say Liverpool for 30 m but Benzema who has had a blinder at the euro’s is 40 m.United then change their valuation and ask for 45-50m because Rooney is more valuable in terms of what he has achieved with united,his experience.Get my point
June 6th, 2008 at 13:19
Will you are spot on. Since that wonderful night in Moscow we had nothing but bad news.
The Ronaldo situation has, well to me, has taked some of the gloss of that evening. I am fed up talking about him, but it really fustrates me that, yes I know footballers are all mercenaries, but it seems to be all about him and fuck us loyal fans who pay the cunts wages.
Ok rant over!
June 6th, 2008 at 13:21
another case in point
Olympique Lyon have told interested clubs they can land star winger Hatem Ben Arfa for £10 million.
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsenal’s Arsene Wenger have both confirmed their interest in Ben Arfa and Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas declared: “He’ll leave for £10-15 million.
“This is the market price, given that Arsenal will pay £12 million for Nasri.”
June 6th, 2008 at 13:27
Julio good point it is comparative valuation. When one player goes for a ridiculous fee there is a ratcheting-up effect as managers with better players in the same position feel able to increase their valuation.
For example:
Let us say we sell Ronaldo for 75 million, which seems to be a likely figure.
Milan will look at that fee and think Kaka is a similar standard but out of form (minus 5 million). Kaka is also a few years older than Ronaldo (minus 10 million). Final figure 50 million.
It is less unreasonable than it sounds. Milan are known to sell their top players. Shevchenko was their god long before Kaka reached his peak. But they still sold him to Chelsea. I imagine they want to do some rebuilding after their terrible season and 50 million would help with that.
With Kaka we could go for a Christmas Tree a la Milan
Buy a striker then play Rooney and Kaka behind him and have a fairly flat midfield with Carrick in the centre Anderson on the left and Hargreaves on the right.
My mouth is watering at the thought but i doubt it will happen
June 6th, 2008 at 13:30
Oh and Ben Arfa for 10-15 million would be good. I am sure we can shift Nani onto the right
June 6th, 2008 at 13:44
@steve How is Ronaldo treating the management staff badly. Has he turned around and demanded a transfer, has he threatened to go on strike ect ect. No he hasnt, he has just stuck to the same line he has had since the minute he joined that he would like to at somepoint play for Real as its his dream. As ive said before even many of the so called True reds of the modern era were no different, the only thing is that their dream clubs were vastly inferior and couldnt supply the level of football for the level of the players where as Real are in that elite group of clubs with United.
Julio Gomez who did the interview said “He’s not saying he won’t play for United, he’s saying that he wants to play for Real but these conditions have to be fulfilled and the outcome doesn’t depend on him.” so even he is saying that he isnt demanding a transfer but is just intrested in the possability of fulfilling his dream should the situation come up. And Ronnie mum has said “He is fine where he is. The future only God knows, but what is sure is that he is going to continue in England”. Neither comment suggests hes desperate to leave, infact I take from those comments that Ronnies comment is a call to Real “to Put up or shut up” as an official bid being made is the only thing thats going to bring this to a close either way so he can stop answering questions on a hypathetical situation
June 6th, 2008 at 13:57
Wakey I respect your point, but he hasn’t come out and declared his love of the club knowing the speculation surrounding him. He does obviously love the attention which does seem like a kick in the teeth to the fans and the staff.
June 6th, 2008 at 14:02
He has said he is happy at the club though and thats all we can really expect from the players. There isnt a law in football after all that you have to support the club you play for and for that team to be your dream club. Alot of people keep holding Keane or Rooney as perfect examples of players who loved the club but neither are playing or played for the club because their hearts belonged to the club, it was because their heads told them that their dream clubs couldnt compete at the level they wanted and that United was the best option
June 6th, 2008 at 14:08
He did say “‘I would like to play for Real Madrid but only if it is true they are ready to pay Manchester United what they have been saying they will”
Which is not exactly saying he is happy at he club.
June 6th, 2008 at 14:32
Being intrested in fulfilling your dream and being happy where you are are not mutually exclusive. What he said to the Brazilian website is exactly whats hes been saying for his whole career. Was Keane happy at United at the Peak of his career, i would say yes but was he constantly making noises about one day playing for his Dream club of celtic. yes he was.
If Ronnie was unhappy at the club he could have said alot more to force his hand, infact if he threw a strop and handed in a transfer request his value to the club would drop and his dream would be more likly to happen but he hasnt done that and until he does something like that theres no reason to attack him for sticking to his long standing “One day i want to play for real” line
June 6th, 2008 at 14:37
Stephen, why is his Mum a lunatic, her comments sound quite sane to me!. If indeed she was interviewed by a Portugal tv station, and knowing how much she wants her son to play for Real Madrid, it’s hardly in her benefit to say he is happy and staying in Manchester if he isn’t. Lets face it, she is more likely to be in the know then the guessing media and fans isn’t she?.
I would agree though with those folk who say that this interview and words should have come from Ronaldo himself. He could have put this to bed long ago by make his intentions absolutely clear. But putting yourself in his position, it is his dream to one day play for Madrid, so he wants to not jeopardise any future chance of that by upsetting Madrid and their fans. His agent will be advising him too, and every Tom, Dick and Harry wanting to make their opinion felt.
Will, I agree that it would be so fantastic to have Ronaldo and Kaka in a United shirt, if the attributed Kaka staement is indeed true. What a dream team we would have then. I worry though, because the way Ronaldo has handled this situation and his agent has been very confusing and naive, and this is turning the United faithful against him bigtime. That factor alone, United fans love turning to hate could swing his decision. I know his handling of things has affected the way I feel towards him, but if he is intending on staying, I don’t want to hate on him.
June 6th, 2008 at 14:49
Craig, it was a bit of a joke, but she does seem to control him some what, or she is being used as some sort of smoke screen.
Kaka would be great but a bit of a pipe dream, Milan would never sell him as they have built their team around him.
June 6th, 2008 at 15:18
Stephen, OK mate, I hear you. I agree also that R is close to his Mother bigtime!.
Wakey, I know what your saying mate. Thing is, all this I dream of playing for so and so club, is a good way of sounding out said club sometimes, to see what their response is. Footballers in all honesty (because of greedy and demanding agents), have become commercial mercenaries, and will say whatever they need to say to improve their monetery funding, and chances of playing in CL etc, where their income is further magnified. To be fair to Roy Keene, even though he mouthed about Celtic, he openly admitted his hand was forced by United in his eventual move to Celtic. Rooney was wanted by Chelski and Arsenal as well as us, but said as soon as he heard United were in for him, there was no other club for him. No doubt he could have got more money going to Chelski!. It was a big decision for Rooney, because going to Chelski or Arsenal wouldn’t have brought the WRATH of the scousers upon him, as coming to United did.
I can’t remember who said it on this blog, but I agree with the sentiment that even the most ARDENT hearted United players, or the ardent players of other clubs, can have a change of heart if circumstances change for a club, and they are not amongst the top teams anymore, for a time. Like I said, MERCENARIES LOL!.
June 6th, 2008 at 15:37
Gator, I don’t understand from your post what link you are asking about mate?. If you mean what his Mum said in her supposed tv interview with Portuguese, then see Nikos Post 128 in this thread.
June 6th, 2008 at 15:37
The problem is that nothing is going to be concrete until the transfer deadline, unfortunatly!
We can speculate about R as much as we like but as fans it is out of our hands, which we all find bloody fustrating.
I think we all expected him to leave at some point but probably not so soon. He has not gone yrt, but I wish he would come out and congratulate us fans for all the support we have shown him since he arrived.
He was not always the player he is now, and us fans have stuck by him through thick and thin, as we generally do with our players.
I generally believe we are the best supporters in the country as we always back our plyers and manager and maybe certain players should respect that.
June 6th, 2008 at 15:53
[Just1n]
Cheers mate!
[Everyone]
Feel free to continue on here. Plenty of work today. I assure you, tomorrow I have a post on the unnamed man lined up. I will name him too. So lot’s to look forward to
June 6th, 2008 at 16:36
I’m getting a little bored with all of this Ronaldo talk, as it seems just to make me angry. So, I’ll attempt to change the topic. I read somewhere towards the beginning of these comments that David Villa was for sale for 17m. If this is true, we should sign him immediately in my opinion. 17m is a steal as Valencia could probably get 30m or more for him. He’s nearly got everything we are looking for in a striker right now. His finishing is simply amazing, and he is fast as hell. The only set-back is that he is fairly short, but still he is a good header of the ball. Thoughts on the pros and cons of buying David Villa?
June 6th, 2008 at 16:37
Until i see a video of ronaldo saying he wants to leave united, i’ll believe none of it. I was the first person to say get rid of him when he tried and suceeded in getting rooney sent off in the world cup (and i dont support england) i just thought any player who could treat a fellow teamate that way wasn’t what i want at untied, no matter how good they were or could be.
look what ronaldo has done for this great club since!
The lodon media stired up s*it then to unerve united fans, sell papers to the ABU’s and maybe if they were lucky unsettle ronaldo!
Although you may feel betrayed (as catching your’e wife in bed with some bloke) by ronaldo, as I do, insulting him on a Manchester united website and continually stating our willingness to cash in will only prove how fickle us fans can be and may only suceed in pushing him out the door!
June 6th, 2008 at 16:45
I am surprised that we have not shown any interest in Dos Santos, he seems a good punt at £4.7m which could rise to £8.6.
June 6th, 2008 at 16:55
Cantona to make new film, playing himself
June 6th, 2008 at 16:57
OK, today’s news was the final straw for me. It’s being reported everywhere that Ronasshole has given the royal snub to Fergie. He has refused Fergie access to see him at his training site with the Portuguese National Team to discuss this whole affair. Fergie cut short his vacation to see the bastard only to be told to sod off. Even Scolari out of respect for Fergie granted him rare permission to interrupt their training to see him but Ronasshole apparently doesn’t want to see him. Reports also indicate the reason for this is Ronasshole is pissed off with Fergie over the statement that he would rather see him rot in the stands than to go to Madrid.
To quote Sven……”Well”. For me this is the last straw. The unmitigated nerve to snub the Boss after what the Boss has done for him is just completely unfathomable. I had to read the article twice to believe what I was reading. I find it incomprehensible and totally diabolical that Ronasshole would stoop this low and burn his bridges like this. Not an ounce of class and respect and lets not forget the complete lack of gratitude and tact. I personally will be disgusted if he plays another game for us if all these confirmed reports are true. My God, it’s come to this. Turning on the boss the way a son would turn on his father for greed and lust. I am totally gutted and ashamed to have called myself a Ronasshole fan for 5 years. He was my third favorite player and I had even gone out on a limb and said that he would remain that even if he left United. Well to hell with that allegiance and loyalty. OFFICIALLY, Ronasshole is dead to me.
He can rot in Hell, on the bench or in some scummy Madrid back alley for all I care. His disloyalty, and above all disrespect for Fergie is just not tolerable on my part an certainly not forgivable. Today he did Fergie wrong but he also broke the Grognard’s heart as well
June 6th, 2008 at 17:01
i would have one question for ronaldo,
why in the hell did you sign a 4-year contract just to come out 6 months (or however long ago it was) later with a burning desire to go to madrid?
i’m all for letting a player go if he doesn’t want to play for his current team but why don’t contracts mean anything these days? what is the point of having them then?
June 6th, 2008 at 17:11
I heard about the Ronaldo Ferguson snub story as well but didn’t think there was anything behind it but it has appeared in The Times so who knows. If Fergie has made a decision to go and meet Ronaldo than that is an indication that there are concerns for next season.
June 6th, 2008 at 17:16
This news about Kaka is interesting but I personally am not thrilled. I don’t think Kaka is going anywhere and if AC Milan say he is not for sale than I hope United respect their position and don’t stoop to the level of Real to try to get him. I think he may want out because there is no Champions League for him. That just shows me how disloyal he is to Milan that he would opt out and jump the first chance he got. You know which players I respect? All the first team players and stars that decided to stay with Juventus when they were punished with relegation two years ago. The let their personal ambitions take a rest and felt an obligation to the club as well as a love for the club’s history and tradition to help the team win bag promotion to Serie A. Players like Buffon, DelPiero and Trezeguet showed real class and patience while putting their own personal and selfish desires on hold. I’m not a Juve fan but I totally admire and respect them for that.
Kaka is a few years older than Ronasshole and I feel his best days may be behind him as I saw a major dip in form this year as well as a propensity to get hurt. To be honest I have never been a fan of his and I was appalled last year when he won the World Player of the Year award over a certain little turd whose last name should end with hole. Would I complain id Kaka was available and we got him? Truthfully, yes. I think he is overrated even though he is a great player, I think Fergie can do better and go younger. Still, I would prefer him right now to another year with Ronasshole on the team destroying the team unity, atmosphere and feeding Nani, Tevez and Anderson delusional poison which will ultimately lead to their unrest and eventual desire to bolt to Spain also. If Kaka truly wants to play for United and it has been a desire of his I want to see him say it on film and then I will welcome him on the basis that he is a player that wants to wear the red. Still, I cannot help feel for AC MIlan who have always treated us with respect. Ancelotti and the team deserve more respect from Kaka. This footballing world of millionaire mercenaries is just so pathetic and disgusting. If it wasn’t for the allure of the Champions League I honestly wished the Prem would close the borders and only have UK players playing in the league. At least you know where you stand with English, Scottish, Irish and Welsh lads. Honor, respect and allegiance means very little away form the UK.
June 6th, 2008 at 17:18
Crogster, what about Dos Sntos for £4.7m, seems a worthy punt?
June 6th, 2008 at 17:23
rsg; It’s being reported everywhere so there is a 95% chance it’s true.
Primachenko; It is strange behavior which is why I have always felt that it’s got to do about more than money or even Real Madrid. There is a personal motivation in there that is pulling at him hard to leave Manchester. Perhaps it’s family and their desire to live in Madrid but I still think that only the seductive power of a woman can make a lad turn his back on everything he holds sacred in order to pursue his dream with her. I could be wrong but my gut tells me differently. He did meet this Madrid born model/whore within the past 6 months so the time frame fits his odd change of heart after signing the four year deal.
June 6th, 2008 at 17:23
Giovani Dos Santos has signed for Tottenham, the Spanish club have announced.
June 6th, 2008 at 17:24
Stephen; I wouldn’t have a problem over signing Dos Santos for that amount but I still don’t see him as the answer to our #1 striker need. But you never know. He is a great young talent. But if Tottenham have him already, I guess you can forget about it.
June 6th, 2008 at 17:29
It is probably 99% bullshit but according to Marca
Ronaldo agrees terms with Real
June 6th, 2008 at 17:30
just what spurs needs another class forward haha why wouldent they strengthen eltswhere unless they think somone is leaving. or are they just cf whores
June 6th, 2008 at 17:35
I have seen that unfortunatly, same money as Ramsey, 17 years old has played 28 games for Barca last season, 5 mexican caps mmmmm might have missed out there.
Have anyone you seen Huntelaar’s agent has hit out that he has signed for Real, come on Fergie get into gear and buy him!! Huntelaar is the awnser to all our problems up front!!!
June 6th, 2008 at 17:40
Stephen I actually wrote a post about that a few days back and I agree with you 100%. That’s a subtle message to Fergie to get off his butt, forget about Ronasshole and go sign Huntelaar. Why would the Hunter want to sign in Madrid where he will have to play behind RVN and the legend Raul for at least a season? I’m sure he would be first team if he came to United. Sorry Tevez fans but I’m just calling it as I see it.
June 6th, 2008 at 17:44
Stephen: On Huntelaar – it is more of a case his agent has hit out that there is NO contact with Real or anyone else over him. Eveyone is waiting for the Euros to see what he is really made of and if he is worth the transfer money.
The agent of Ajax striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has responded furiously to suggestions in French sports paper L’Equipe that his client is on the verge of a move to Real Madrid.
Arnold Oosterveer was also particularly riled that the story claimed Vincenzo Morabito was Huntelaar’s representitive.
Oosterveer said: “This is ridiculous. I didn’t know this story but I can tell that all that is printed there is nonsense.
“There is no contact with Real Madrid or any other club for the matter about Huntelaar.
“Morabito is not the agent of Klaas-Jan and we have in the past already rapped him over the knuckles. Unbelievable. It’s also a shame that a renowned sports paper like L’Equipe prints this rubbish.”
June 6th, 2008 at 17:45
Has he not admitted that he is a United fan also?
Also 70 goals in 82 games for Ajax.
7 goals in 12 games for Holland.
He is 6′1, quick, and only 24 absolutly ideal.
June 6th, 2008 at 17:55
rsg, if he does have a good Euro, won’t his transfer fee go up considerably? Sometimes you have to put your balls on the line, personally I think he is a no brainer.
June 6th, 2008 at 18:02
Platini: ‘United are cheats’
What. A. Cunt.
And to think he played for that institution of virtue that is Juventus.
Not to mention Milan allowed into the CL on the back of match fixing allegations.
June 6th, 2008 at 18:24
I never knew owing money was considered cheating unless of course you default and refuse to pay the money back. I’ve always considered Platini a total prick even in his playing days. A major reason why I hate French football and footballers in general. That of course excludes Evra and I just love Ribery. The person who should have tried to get that post at UEFA is Franz Beckenbauer. A gentleman, an ambassador and a man who understands the business aspect of the game. Instead UEFA went and elected this French tosser who as a whining and childish player seduced many but certainly not me. God I just hated him as a player and I honestly thought he was way overrated. As head of UEFA he is an utter disgrace and should be kicked out for his politically incorrect stance especially against a bastion of the game, England.
June 6th, 2008 at 18:24
@Primachenko – He hasn’t changed his stance in the 6 months since signing the contract. The stance of his is the same now as its been since before he originally signed for us. He hasn’t however done anything to demand he is sold.
@Grognard – Here you go again, attacking Ronaldo on an unverified story, a story which all the reports clearly state Fergie wasn’t even planning to travel to see him so its not even a factor. And lets be honest here,its Friday and Portugals Euro 2008 campaign kicks off tomorrow and he no doubt wants to focus on that so even if he had banned Fergie its hardly a major snub. To quote Ronaldo “Don’t ask me any questions, because I won’t answer” which shows he wants to focus on the championships first and let the Clubs sort it out
June 6th, 2008 at 18:32
RR – I saw that report!. Platini just like Blatter have got a real downer on English football, and out top teams. He hated that England’s top 4 are getting into CL finals and semi’s more and more. Even though the whole WORLD football fraternity loved the United/Chelski Moscow final. He believes that clubs that are heavily in debt thru buying the world’s best players and managers, are cheating other clubs who don’t or cannot find borrowing from big bankers. Platini has no idea obviously how big business is operated these days. The Times reported recently, that the Glazer’s are able to pay off the United debt of 600 to 700 million. But that is not how business operates. They said that the Glazers invest the capital they have that would pay off the debt, and use the interest gained to pay off the annual interest, and reduce the base amount by a little each year. If Platini cannot accept that football is a big business these days, then he should get out of FIFA, because he is thick as!.
Where he should be concentrating his efforts is on dealing with CHEATING and manipulating agents, who are ruining the game, creaming millions away from the football communities, to buy their huge mansions, exotic lifestyles for themselves. It’s the agents that are causing clubs all over the world to go into more and more debt, in order to pay exhorbitant player and agent fees.
Are we to believe that it is only United/Chelsea that are the only clubs of the world in debt. The only time FIFA act is when England is concerned, but we’re not the ones bribing ref’s to win games, like the Italians, Spanish and Portuguese.
June 6th, 2008 at 18:32
Wakey; Honest I don’t need a babysitter. I am a fairly good judge of what is rubbish and what is possible in the news and tabloids. This story is being reported everywhere and in all the reputable sites as well. Therefore I think it’s fair that I comment on how I feel. I personally don’t care how focussed he is. Portugal doesn’t pay his wages and he is allowed to play for his country thanks to United’s good graces. It is a major snub because he is casting United into a period of extreme turmoil due to his selfish desires. He owes Ferguson a private sit down meeting before the EURO’s because after may be too late for both parties. So forgive me if I feel justified with my own feelings. I don’t beat to somebody else’s drums. I say how I feel and when I feel it, right or wrong.
June 6th, 2008 at 18:48
in probably another surprising twist in this endless saga with the winger who has fallen out of the hearts of united fans, ronaldos mother has just claimed on sky sports ronaldo is staying at manchester united, now ronaldo is a mothers boy, so what his mum wants he will most likely do, however this could just be a smokescreen for the bigger picture
whats your views guys
June 6th, 2008 at 18:56
just read redranters link, and i have to say, that has to be one of the most misinformed interviews or whatever you want to call it i have ever read, united are cheats, how about real madrid tapping up ronaldo doesn’t that constitute cheating, all platini is, is an opportunist, just like his playing career, where players like jean tigana did all he work, whils he took the credit, want a prick,
June 6th, 2008 at 19:07
[wakey]
Keep your opinions of Grogs with you. If you don’t agree with him, fine. But there’s no need to judge him.
And about your opinion on CR7 in general, I think you’ve entirely missed the point. And I will explain why in tomorrow’s post where I break my silence on this whole saga. Not just you, but many have missed the point. Anyway, that’s for tomorrow.
June 6th, 2008 at 19:09
@Wakey: Umm.. Because the guy is a git and he needs to show respect to us, to the club and especially to Sir Alex.. Nuff’ Said.
@Grog: Don’t worry mate I support you and I’ll back you up but not just now.. I’m waiting for RR’s thread on that idiot before I blow my steam off even though it won’t make any sense to people lol
Cheers.
June 6th, 2008 at 19:09
In an effort to talk about something other than that shithead CR7, what so you think about Queiroz being linked with Lyon?
June 6th, 2008 at 19:20
Comma: No way Give some gud news man…..BTW Platini is GAY…PLS check the link With Him And SUCk Blatter
June 6th, 2008 at 19:21
There have been so few actual statements from Ronaldo since he joined his national team. The only one is this aledged interview with a brasilian website, which I doubt ever took place.
Only other interview with Ronaldo’s closest was with his mom, who said e’ll be in England next season as well.
Every other story is based on nothin but rumours, aledged friends and so on. It’s absolutely rubbish. As a matter of fact, newspapers are hanging by such a thin thread that they make up stories, because they sell their day to day papers.
Once Ronaldo burries these rumours after the Euros, people will have forgotten how rotten these stories were, because they will come up with something equally outrageous.
Personally I won’t believe a thing, until Ronaldo gives a statement either at a press conference or for several well respected newspapers. Most of the stories don’t even quote anyone saying anything, only what some unnamed person supposedly has claimed… give me a break.
I’m certainly not going to loose respect for or faith in a player, who has given us so much simply based on stories without any what so ever foundation in genuine interviews with the man in the spotlight.
And yes, you can say that why doesn’t he come out and speak – well he’s playing tomorrow. And as it has been, he hasn’t spoken a word since he joined the team – not on any issue, unless you choose to believe the brasilian reporter, which I certainly won’t.
June 6th, 2008 at 19:28
RR – I don’t thin it’s about missing a point. It’s about staying possitive and believing in the good of Ronaldo or getting negative and not believing.
Yes, maybe he should have come with some sort of statement, but it’s really us fans who are wired up in such a short time because of what some newspapers write based on little or no evidence. Maybe we should be smarter and stay cool?
Or maybe he should be smarter and say something? Or maybe a little bit of both. I don’t know.
June 6th, 2008 at 19:38
I forgot this:
There’s also rumours going around that Ronaldo never took that interview. Even the portuguise camp say that he hasn’t given any interviews since joining them. They have actually said that.
I know, it becomes a matter of who to believe and what statements to believe in. But everything that is “said” can’t be true, because if it was, Ronaldo would be going and he wouldn’t be going.
It’s just a fact that claiming to know he’s going sells more papers, is a better story, than if you claim he’s staying. That’s how this world works.
June 6th, 2008 at 19:56
Wakey, I think it is not so much whether Ronaldo stays or goes in the end. What a lot of fans are so riled about, is the way that Ronnie and his agent have been so non commital and so confusing in the way they have handled this whole saga. How many times has Ronnie spoke direct to the press, and said “I will let you know my future plans in a few days”?. Those few days have come and gone, and no sign of making his plans known as he stated. Now this has happened several times, and yes people are pissed off with it. Don’t say things, and not follow it thru. So it appears to everyone like He is not a person of his word. That in itself is worrying don’t you think Wakey. However, I do agree with you that every body else has spoken for him, but he himself. He has as far as we know, just like you said, not asked for a transfer, kicked up a fuss, or retorted to Fergie’s threat of putting him in the stands. This threat was more geared to get the point over to Real Madrid more than it was to Ronaldo I think. I do understand what you mean about the river of shit speaking that is coming out of many United faithful mouths, before we know anything for sure. Your trying to calm this though Wakey, is like someone trying to wade up a river of anti Ronaldo feelings, in a boat without a paddle. Ronnie’s lack of putting these stories to bed, which would have taken a few minutes of his time, has irked many people, including myself. But I do see and respect your voice of reasoning Wakey!.
June 6th, 2008 at 20:02
RR – It is Friday is it not?. And didn’t you say that Friday is the day that you were finally going to open up and reveal your whole thoughts on the Ronnie saga, so breaking your silence?. Now you are saying it will be Saturday, Oh RR are you not yourself doing a Ronaldo – haha!.
June 6th, 2008 at 20:43
The only interview with Ronaldo that was actually broadcasted was after the UCL final and he said he will stay, now all the so called saga is but Marca saying a lot of crap and/or rumours of friends or his mother or even a brazillian newspaper that has no interest in the story that its just stupid to believe have said, now Im in now way defending Ronaldo because I simply hate his arrogance and lack of class wether he is at Real or United even he comes out tomorrow and say he will die wearing Manchester Red it will never change the fact the he is a bitch.
June 6th, 2008 at 21:00
Does anybody know when the Premier League fixtures are out??
June 6th, 2008 at 21:32
grognard you are right about one thing. Now a days you always know what your gonna get from uk players… Rubbish. The day they make the epl a uk only league is the day is the day I stop caring. Right now British players just arent good enough.
June 6th, 2008 at 21:43
mid to late july saudi red devil, that is when they are usually out, i think maybe earlier so do not quote me, but at the very latest mid-late july
June 6th, 2008 at 21:56
@Craig Mc – I’m not sure what comments he could make though. He as much as anyone is caught up in limbo due to Real and their media connections circus (Huntelaar is also in the same situation with Real)
He says he wants to stay and the media in spain declare he is joining them, he says he dreams of one day playing for Real and the spanish media says hes joining them. He could announce he is signing his life over to the club as well as all his future children, grandchildren, great grandchilren and i’m sure the spanish media will still announce that hes joining them. Its what they do every season with hundreds of players over the years and sadly over and over again the more repected countries media (firstly the tablods and then the rest) and the clubs fans fall for it.
Of the comments we know have come from Ronaldo directly and even those we arent sure about but have been attributed to him there really is nothing that should be alarming yet. Infact I think alot of whats he has said thats the media and people here have deemed negative are just sensible level headed comments. He has said hes happy and would like to stay but that his future really isnt in his hands as its upto United and any club who happens to put in a bid (Lets be honest here as United fans we are used to Fergie making some decisions to show players the door if it suits his plans and the offers good even if as Fans we have felt thats the player in question is key, so we know that theres always the possabilty of any player being shipped out). He is a player who’s head is in Manchester, his heart in Madrid and given the choice would be somewhat torn but who doesnt have a decision to make or any real questions to answer as United havent accepted a bid and Madrid havent even made a bid and until both happen the decision is made for him. If both conditions become true then he has a decision to make, has a duty to talk to Fergie about it and answer any questions on his future from the fans and media but until that point he is a United player and seems to be happy to be a United player and thats the case closed
June 6th, 2008 at 22:20
yea something i’ve picked up on is how when ronaldo says he’s staying, not a lot of media attention but when he says something like he’ll review the situation after the euros, the media is all over it, saying he wants to go. God i hate my people.
June 6th, 2008 at 22:42
johnsom33; You missed the point mate. It’s not about whether UK players are better, it’s about them being more loyal and more committed to the teams they play for as well as respecting their fans, teammates, coaches and the team’s history and traditions. I never said a thing about their quality of play. England has fallen off in quality and standards in terms of their development for a decade now. But players are loyal to the clubs they play for as long as they don’t get into an argument with managers. Ask yourself about the loyalty Rooney, Rio, Neville, Scholes, Giggs, Brown, O’Shea and Fletcher have shown over the years. Regardless of the player’s quality or status in the starting 11, the players bleed Red Devil blood and are committed to the team. Hargreaves has been with us one season and yet he acts like he has spent his entire career here constantly bestowing United’s qualities and virtues as an organization. The only foreigners on the team so far that I can say have shown a loyalty are Evra, Vidic and Tevez. Even my favorite
Saha has shown loyalty (although he better have after what he has subjected us to). I don’t see any of that in Ronaldo and Nani but I see promise in both Tevez and Anderson as they genuinely look pleased to be with the club. And in fairness to Tevez, he has always said that down the road he would like to play for either Boca Juniors or a team in Spain. Still, he says that he would like to have 4 or 5 more years with United. Lets see if he holds his end of the bargain.
Loyalty and respect for a team is really rare with foreign players because they have not grown up with the traditions and history of the club they play with. Germans follow Bundesliga clubs, Argentines follow clubs in their domestic league etc etc. But Latinos all over the world are obsessed with Spain and Italy. There’s nothing we can do about it. At least homegrown talent will stick around. Now if we could only find the right ones, if there are any. The Ramsey kid is a good start.
June 6th, 2008 at 22:52
Saudi red devil/Mr. Muhozi: Actually guys the Premier League fixtures come out in mid-June (usually).
June 6th, 2008 at 23:24
Grognard – A little fast on the trigger on Nani, I think. I actually think, he’s shown great respect for the club and all. Also remember that people are different. Some people will praise the hell out of things, where others will not express themselves in these emotional terms. We may wish for more, but sometimes that’s all we get.
I like your respect for honest people like Tevez (and even Ronaldo before it became too much for you with him), when they say they eventually would like to go to spain. I don’t know, if I feel the same way, but it’s certainly a way of looking at a bigger picture in these tense debates.
June 6th, 2008 at 23:28
Grognard, you want to lump Nani with the same disloyalty tag as Ronnie, must be because you always wear blinkers where Nani is concerned. There is no instance where Nani has ever shown he isn’t loyal to Man Utd and the Man Utd cause!. If you know one name it please!. You include Tev in your list of loyalists, yet Tev has been the one saying he would like to play in Spain, not Nani. Your injustice towards Nani knows no bounds mate – but eh that’s your opinion which your entitled too, but I vehemently disagree with you on that one. Still Grog, each to his own eh?.
June 6th, 2008 at 23:32
Thanks RR for a class article, it is totally right to applaud the greatest football manager the world has seen. Thank you Alex, i completely trust the future of our football club as always to you.
Red or Dead.
United > Anyone
June 6th, 2008 at 23:38
Wakey, I think you may be right that United have not accepted any bids from Real Madrid, but whether Real Madrid have actually made bids, well we don’t know mate, do we?. Thing is, if Real M have not made official bids to United, and asked for their consent to talk to Ronnie, then these new supposed reports in the media, that they have done a deal with Ronnie and his agent definately prove that they have acted illegally, and broke FIFA rules. Like that lawyer said to the media today though, United would waste their time complaining to FIFA, because FIFA would just wrap RM’s knuckles, a wee slap and nothing more. Truly, why are FIFA there at all, they are all trousers with no bulk mass in them!. Authority-less Eunuch’s with no balls when it comes to really taking severe disciplinary action. Oh well Wakey, such is life eh?.
June 6th, 2008 at 23:42
Steve, rant 99, laughed my arse off about Dunphy getting it right! lol
For the record i think Roque Santa Cruz will be a big hit for United.
June 6th, 2008 at 23:44
Woo Tomas, I’m with you on Nani, and your right of course, we all show our loyalty and emotions in differing ways. Very astute comment you made there mate!.
June 7th, 2008 at 0:07
Craig; Cut out the sniping alright as well as the self righteous crap you are shoveling at me! All I said is I have yet to see any sign of devotion or great loyalty in Nani either on the field or in the press. He is pretty tight lipped and thus he is a question mark for me. I never said he was a turncoat like Ronaldo. Anderson on the other hand has come out and said how happy he is with United and that he likes the way the club is run and how Fergie is handling him. Nani on the hand just puts his head down just like he does when he is playing the game. Tevez has also claimed his loyalty and pleasure at being a United player. The fact that he says he wants to either play for Boca Juiors or in Spain in 4 years is not an issue with me unless he breaks his contract once he signs one. As for Nani, he is not quoted at all in the press and he seems very private so all I am saying is I don’t know about him and I don’t know what to expect from him. I do not wear blinkers and I am very well awre of his positives thanks. I do know that unlike Anderson he has shown a tremendous amount of childishness and immaturity much like Ronaldo has in the past. Time will tell whether grows up and matures or whether he bolts. Until he shows his intent, I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt, so stop trying to dig up shit from everything I say. Besides, you are in no position to judge me and my views on anything. Just choose to agree or disagree and leave it at that. Your personal slap of my wrist is not necessary nor is it appreciated. I don’t recall ever berating you or questioning your judgment in that rude a manner. And trust me I don’t always agree with your comments, but I hope that I show you a little more courtesy and respect than you have shown me on this and numerous occasions in the past. Feel free to reply but I will leave it at that as I’m not going to take up the space on this blog debating with you over this kind of BS. These kind of personal attacks are just a waste of bloody time and space. In the future keep your smart ass comments to yourself.
TOMAS; Now if only Craig could debate with me like you just did. I see what you are saying about Nani and I don’t necessarily disagree. I just have yet to see a sign as to where his mind is at thats all. Yes people do express themselves in different ways but that doesn’t make them any less of an enigma. I just don’t know about him…..YET.
As for Tevez, he is being honest until the day comes that he signs a contract with us and then breaks it to go to Spain. Ronaldo has no integrity because he couldn’t wait 8 months after signing a contract to bolt. Even though he said that one day he would go to Spain. I never thought it would be the following bloody day. I’m sure Tevez will give us a bit more of a warning because he comes across as a person with class and integrity. I really respect the way he feels and acted towards West Ham and their fans. He is a gentleman and a scholar don’t you think?
June 7th, 2008 at 0:15
Look Grog, you have never had a positive word to say about Nani as far as I can see. But I did say in my post that it was your opinion and each to his own, so if you want to see everything as a personal attack every time somebody has something to say and a different opinion to you, that’s up to you. But I will continue to speak truth wherever I see it, because I am as much entitled to my opinions and insight on things as you are.
June 7th, 2008 at 0:30
What is wrong with you Grognard, your just flaming Ronnie for the sake of it. He hasnt broke a contract, he hasnt handed in a transfer request. His stance hasn’t changed one bit from before he signed his last contract or his very first contract. He has been saying he would like to stay and indicated he is happy enough here to see out his contract by stating its upto Real to meet whatever valuation United put on him if they want him.
Stop buying into the rumours, most of which originates from Real associated media in spain and just go on the confirmed information because your attitude is quite frankly disgusting. Your supposed to be a united fan but are spewing the kind of shit about a United player that you would expect more from a Liverpool fan
June 7th, 2008 at 0:59
[Grognard]
That’s nonsense. Craig did not snipe. Stop being touchy over nothing.
June 7th, 2008 at 1:34
It’s ridiculous that people are treating that Times article about Ronaldo snubbing Fergie as fact.
Here’s some selected phrases which show it’s all contrived bullshit:
‘the Portugal winger EFFECTIVELY banned the Manchester United manager from visiting his country’s European Championship training camp.’ – Effectively i.e. Ronaldo didn’t really do this at all.
‘Ronaldo is UNDERSTOOD TO BE furious at this perceived slight’ – Says who?
‘“Scolari is a sensitive coach,†a Portuguese source said.’ – Who is this source? For all we know it could be some Portugese cleaner called Pedro in The Times London offices.
What a load of shit. Until Ronaldo sits in front of a camera, high definition, stereo sound, and categorically says ‘I want to go to Real Madrid, and I want to go this summer’, nobody should believe anything. Second quotes are dangerous things. Ronaldo has previously stated a desire to play for Real, and it’s easy to twist old quotes into an ‘exclusive’ story to get some hits on your shitty Brazilian website. It’s beyond pathetic that posters here are calling Ronaldo horrible names and abusing him. Some people have absolutely no respect. I can’t believe how far piss-poor journalism has sucked people in. Fucking Terra-ble if you ask me.
June 7th, 2008 at 1:45
I am a Blue fan and I would say any day that “Fergie is the best”. And to make matters worse, I don’t feel like hating Fergie even though I’m supposed to, and I try hard to.
June 7th, 2008 at 1:49
Aravind, good on you, hate is never a good thing!. When you say your a blue fan, do you mean Man City, or Chelsea or some other blue team?. Whatever blue team you mean, do you post on a red blog purely out of respect for Fergie, or do you enjoy United too?.
June 7th, 2008 at 2:02
Theres definitely another reason why SAF doesn’t want to sell him, if indeed the snub story is true or maybe he’s getting soft, cus i’m sure the Sir Alex that we all know when Beckham was here wouldn’t stand all the cr@p that Ronaldo is playing at, and for the fact that he said he’d have Ronaldo rot at the stands than sell him to MADRID(mind you i don’t think he said sell him, just not to Madrid) proves what i was thinking, which is letting a third player from Utd go to Madrid would appear like we’ve become a feeder club to them which is an insult on our status as the biggest club in the world.
Also i agree with Grog, i’m not insulting Nani, but really i don’t see him being loyal to the club either, i’d like to be proven wrong but deep inside him, he probably doesn’t dream of sticking with us for a while.
June 7th, 2008 at 2:14
RD, if you truly believe that Nani will be dis-loyal to the club, then please substantiate your claims with some solid facts. It is not enough to question a players loyalty by just saying I think that he won’t be loyal. From what I have seen and heard from Nani on MUTV, he loves the club, and is always saying how happy he is. Yet he is a shy person, and tries to hide his shyness under this giggling, and crazy enthusiastic celebrations whenever United win the trophies. He couldn’t finish an interview post CL win, at the players awards, because the other players were teasing him, and he ran away from the camera. Only time will tell whether he will be loyal to the club, but I see no signs to doubt him at the moment. If anybody else has seen any signs that he is not wholeheartedly enthusiastic for the club, PLEASE ENLIGHTEN ME. But I don’t think there is anything.
RR, the GF is worried about me, because I am becoming an insomniac. Nothing to do with Red Rants though LOL.
June 7th, 2008 at 2:57
You people just get worse and worse.
First, Ronaldo is disloyal based on some piss-poor unsubstantiated contrived tabloid-esque crap article written by some hack with too much time and not enough pay.
And now, Nani is disloyal based on absolutely nothing at all. Just because he doesn’t walk around in a United cap and verbally felate the club at every given opportunity, he’s now disloyal. Judge, juries and executioners here. Utterly pathetic.
What next? Nemanja Vidic hasn’t particularly professed his undying love for Man United. He doesn’t go round wearing United caps mouthing off about how commited he is to the club. Let’s lynch him too fellas.
We don’t need to hear anything from the player, hearing absolutely nothing is good enough to conclude they’re disloyal. In fact, whilst we’re lynching players for not saying much, why don’t we get Paul Scholes? He hasn’t exactly been too forthcoming in his love for United.
Ronaldo, Nani, Vidic, Scholes. They’re all disloyal bastards who don’t love the club. Get them out.
June 7th, 2008 at 3:27
To put the record straight once and for all, I never called Nani disloyal. I just commented that I wasn’t sure what he was thinking or how he felt. To me he is an enigma. He could end up being the second coming of Bobby Charlton when it comes to loyalty. I don’t know. I just think he’s really quiet and because of that he is hard to gauge. I just haven’t seen a verbal or emotional statement of commitment to the club which reminds me of Ronaldo. That is not me saying he will bolt like Ronaldo. When you don’t hear anything from a player you can think almost anything. And I have actually seen a couple of interviews with Vidic where he has professed his love for the team and how happy he has been. And why would I be stupid enough to question Scholes? Has he not shown up every year after year? When Nani has over 10 years with the club maybe he’ll get that kind of benefit of the doubt. That’s just overreacting to what I and RD are saying. JEEZ!
June 7th, 2008 at 3:47
I just read the most ridiculous thing in the Sun. Apparently Real is asking Ronaldo to go on strike. It’s hilarious
Go ahead Ronny strike. Isn’t that the same as Fergie sitting you down in the stands to make a point to you and Madrid? Seriously though, this tactic has got to make all of us laugh a bit. All the more reason to just sell him and rid us of the cancer. Time to turn the page to a new chapter in the history of Manchester United. At least we are doing so after a historic double so it will be a new challenge for Fergie, the players and all of us.
June 7th, 2008 at 4:55
Grognard, fair enough, but I’m just getting a bit fed up with the unwarranted sniping against our own players. It’s particularly unfair on someone like Nani who barely even speaks English. Imagine you yourself being a young player playing in a foreign country, and having your new club’s fans sniping about you because you hadn’t declared an undying love for the club you’ve barely been a year at. He’s here to play football for us, not placate us with fluttering eye brows and sycophantic praise.
As for Ronaldo, and The Sun article, well it holds about as much water as The Times article which was being paraded as fact earlier. Don’t forget both papers are owned by Rupert Murdoch, they have the same agenda, and are both tainted by a higher power. Neither article has anything of any substance. I notice alot of people have decided to ignore the one article with confirmed quotes from Ronaldo’s mother, stating he will stay at Man United.
June 7th, 2008 at 6:07
RedAddict; What’s all this about being fair? Fair Smair! This is a rant blog and everyone has a right to rant to their hearts desire whether what they say has any creedence or validity or not. A rant does not have to be warranted and people don’t even have to have a valid reason to express their feelings. At least that is my definition of a blog that calls itself Red Rants. Perhaps RR thinks differently but I for one would not take part if thought police were constantly sniping at me for every controversial thing I said.
It’s not for you or me to censor people and tell them what they can and cannot say, don’t you agree? Disagree with them or debate them but lets get away from the “I’m fed up” stuff because all it does is just agitate people and stoke their fire. I am occasionally guilty of trying to put people right when they say something wrong about players too, so I’m not faultless here. But I notice that there are some that just feel that it’s their divine mission to control the thoughts of others and and quash their freedom to express those thoughts. So I respectfully disagree with your comment although I do understand where you are coming from, and in theory you are correct. But then again if people just have a funny feeling in their gut that Nani will betray us all, well that’s OK too. It doesn’t have to based on logic, or proof or any higher intellect. I hope you are seeing my point as I am seeing yours. Again, believe me, I do understand where you are coming from. I and others should be more fair to players like Nani until and if they betray us. But sometimes it can get hard because our emotions get the better of us.
June 7th, 2008 at 6:56
While we discuss about Ronnie there’s big news around. Barca have surely got Dani Alves (Goal.com). Why are we talking about Nani out of no apparent reason I can see at all? And guys, it’s THE SUN AND THE TIMES. Two of the most rubbish, trash-talking newspapers that get sued pratically for every single article they write! They can offend a frog about being green! Too me it’s absolute nonsense spouting on their part. We got to relax about Ronaldo for now, stop quoting THE SUN AND THE TIMES and hope that SAF can stop worrying about the Ronnie saga and dip into the market for some decent players to retain our CL and BPL titles next season!
@Grognard Yeah mate, I agree it’s called Red Rants for a reason. It’s your fingers and we all can post what we feel and think.
June 7th, 2008 at 7:12
Nice article RR… Can’t agree with you more about SAF. If anyone’s red till they’re dead, it’s SAF-almost literally.
Just realized how SAF must be feeling because of HIM. It’s really not fair to the gaffer or the supporters or the team or for that matter any person who is in any way affiliated with Manchester United.
Grognard- I agree that Tevez seems more sensible than other new “imports” to the team because he has a wife and daughter, so is basically “grounded” in Manchester (although I don’t know if his family is actually settled in Manchester, it seems that he is more of a real family man than the Casanova that is see-are-seven.) Also liked how he came out after the UCL final and said that he wanted to be signed permanently.
June 7th, 2008 at 8:33
Grognard – yes I think Tevez appears to be a gentleman. He’s written a song about the club, because he’s so happy here… that’s something you don’t see every day. Plus there’s his attitude on the pitch, which is obviously something he’s got from mother nature, but still the signal he sends by running around like a coked up poodle. Those are the types of players that are easiest accepted amongst the fans, because they give their everything everytime they play, even when they play poorly.
Whether or not he’ll move on, we’ll see. First of all, we have to own him
. Ronaldo is only a year into his contract, and that’s another reason why I find it so hard to believe that he should want to go. It is ungrateful if the desire is really there, but I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt, until he actually gives a TV interview or something equally solid.
I don’t mind player wanting away wit 2 years left of a 5-year contract, because many things can happen in 3 years. It’s just a puzzle to me, why anyone would want away from United, because it’s so obvious that it’s the best run club with the best people in the staff in the world.
We have no Kenyon, no Hicks vs. the other guy, no Calderon, no one buying referees and so on. Our club is so well run these days, and it should be an example for the others to follow. And we can thank one man for all this, and you all know who. I’m not being disrespectful to all the others running the asses off every day at the club, but he’s the one who knew how to do it in the first place.
June 7th, 2008 at 11:27
Grognard, I’m not having a go at you, and in essence, I was debating. Some of you guys were accusing Nani of disloyalty, and I was merely fighting his corner by saying he’s new in the country, can’t speak the language, and it’s not his job to placate us with praise and commitment. I was also debating your evidence for his disloyalty, because it was based on nothing much at all. Just because I wholly disagree with what you say, please don’t say I was being thought-police. Not once did I say you weren’t entitled to this opinion and not once did I say you couldn’t express it. I just strongly disagreed.
June 7th, 2008 at 11:51
Wow! This must be an all time record for the number of comments an article has received on here hehe!
June 7th, 2008 at 15:45
[wakey]
He flamed players, you flamed him. Again, you have a problem you email me. You don’t do it on the comments. Clearly you haven’t read the comments policy.
June 7th, 2008 at 16:26
wakey; I must admit I have a propensity to get overwhelmed by the media articles and it was I who came out last week and said that all this stuff that we were reading was BS until Ronny came out himself and said something. But then reports came out from sources I actually trust like The Guardian, Sky, and the BBC and they just reported much of the same. I tell you it gets you very depressed and angry all at once. I know better than to believe the Sun article about Ronaldo should go on strike but it made me laugh nonetheless. So please do not think I am a gullible as I may seem. Also, remember that I am from Canada and over here we are brought up to trust our media more, when it comes to sports, not politics. In Britain, Spain etc the media is an absolute disgrace and if it weren’t for free speech and democracy, governments should step in and close many of them down. And although I do have a reputation for attacking back at people who I see as flaming or sniping at me, I did not feel that with you. You were challenging my views on a player and I could see that. I appreciate and like a good debate but in this case I have to say that you are wrong in thinking that I have it out for Ronny. Go back and read earlier threads I wrote this week where despite everything he has done, I supported his right to move on and was very grateful for his five year contribution. What has upset me is not that he wants to leave but how he is going about it and how he is disrespecting Fergie in the process. It’s wrong and it’s disgraceful and I for one have cooled on him. It’s a shame that he is so self centered and inconsiderate of those who greatly assisted in his meteoric rise to stardom. How quickly we forget the times when he was kicking a can on his mother’s patio in Medeira. Then again, humility has never been one of his strong points has it?
June 7th, 2008 at 16:46
[wakey]
How do I put this in plainer terms? Ok let me try again: You have a problem with a commenter you shoot me an email by clicking contact in the top menu.
Writing about your grievances here is a waste of your energy and you will drag others needlessly into this debate. Email is the better way of communication if you really want clarification.
June 7th, 2008 at 16:55
@Grognard – But he hasn’t disrespected Fergie, even if his Brazilian interview is true (which now seems very debatable) all he has basically said thats differs from what hes every said about playing for Real is the if he is to play for Real its upto Real to meet United valuation. People seem to be taking this as only meaning he is demanding a transfer but considering how annoyed he seems to get when given the question of “are you joining real” it seems to me that its just as likely that he is telling Real to stop playing silly buggers with the media circus they are conducting and either put in a bid or shut up.
Infact based on the fact that Ronnie has said over and over again that he would like to stay BUT the futures not really in his hands and the various timescales on decisions would suggest to me that his Agents been told Real will be putting in an offer thus his future would be decided one way or the other in that time period BUT real as always are choosing to mess everyone around by refusing to make formal complaints and just keep feeding the media circus to get a cut price (Which they have done with 99% of the players they have signed in the last decade)
June 7th, 2008 at 19:31
wakey; It’s not a problem really but it’s plain to see we both have different definitions of respect. I think his actions have been very disrespectful to Fergie and to his team, considering he has signed a 4 year contract just 8 months ago. And if the report is to believed that he snubbed Fergie at the Portuguese training facility, then what more can I say. I admit though that the snubbing article could be one of hundreds of false ones. If he respects Fergie he should come out and state his intentions instead of holding his team hostage until after the EUROS.