May 12
Wigan 0-2 Man Utd: Reds Seal Title
I am still too happy to write a match report. I was also a nervous wreck while watching the match yesterday. So expect very little sense from this report.
Fergie came up with the biggest surprise of all while naming his XI — Wayne Rooney started. So did Vidic. It was a 4-4-2 formation and the plan was clear: attack from the outset. So with EVDS, a back four of Evra-Vidic-Rio-Brown, midfield of Park-Carrick-Scholes-Ronaldo and front two of Tevez and Rooney we had the best XI in our side in a long time. And what a time for it all to come together!
True to expectations (of mine, that is, not of the media), Wigan had a go and were inspired. Overall they would really be kicking themselves for not putting away a few chances that came their way. Surprisingly, we seemed ill at ease with the aerial bombardment from Valencia, Koumas and co; Bent and Heskey created enough problems for our defence. Ballack and Drogba might be rubbing their hands if they saw that yesterday.
Scholes was perhaps lucky to stay on the pitch as he could have easily have been sent off for a second yellow card offence — it really was touch and go, to be honest. Of course, Steve Bennett didn’t have a particularly memorable match as he clearly missed a stonewall penalty when Scholes was hacked to the ground by Shitus Bramble in the box.
Earlier, Ronaldo converted from the spot, when Rooney was brought to ground, to net his 41st of an extraordinary season. However with Wigan threatening a 1-0 was always going to be nerve-wracking. It’s really hard to enjoy games like these when they are being played out. 1-0 was too little a margin for me to breathe easy. Which was why my joy knew no bounds when Rooney sent Giggs through and the Welshman made no mistake when he was one on one with the ‘keeper.
Giggsy has faced a lot of stick from fans — and more often than not, they were deserved — but on his record equalling appearance for United when he scored only his third of the season it adds another touch of poignancy to the win. We won our Champions’ League in ‘99 on Sir Matt Busby’s 90th birth anniversary. Paul Scholes, who was otherwise quiet this season from a goalscoring point of view and missed that night in ‘99, scored a screamer against Barcelona to take us into Moscow. (Where we have the chance to win it on the 50th anniversary year of the Munich disaster.) And now, another stalwart, and a member of the ‘old guard’, scores the goal that seals the deal and makes us all breathe a sigh of relief. Giggs, you beauty, you are forever a United legend.
If you are one for sentiment and poignancy, well, here you are — feast yourself for there couldn’t have been a better script.
More important, at the end of the day, was the man behind it all. The man who brought us just one shy of Liverpool’s record of 18 titles. The boss, whose name today has been all over the papers today, awash with encomiums and in his ability to adapt to the changing times. It was very moving to see the desire, the hunger and the pride in Sir Alex Ferguson’s face. And for this sight alone, I think the players owe him another Champions’ League crown.
So Moscow, here we come. Full speed ahead.
Come on you reds!
Here’s a link to the MOTD video. Download it while it lasts.
Related items from Red Rants:
- Wigan Athletic v Man Utd: Preview
- Rooney Out For A Month
- The need for a right-back and a forward | Title race blown open
- United Betting: Rooney to score, United to win?
- Manutd.com: Reds Announce Tevez Capture
Tags: Match Reports
May 12th, 2008 at 10:20
a deserved title for united, now I hope fergie goes all out for the champions league. if we play ou attacking game, chelsea can no way keep us from an historic double
May 12th, 2008 at 10:40
What a fitting way to end the Premier League season. We started off with a 0-0 draw vs relegated Reading. We didnt win the next two games. And we had a terrible April, only one win. But now we can celebrate, now we are Champions! And the season isnt over yet. I know United will win the Champions League final if no-one gets injured and Fergie goes for his strongest team.
We won the Premiership for the second year in a row, we rightly deserve it. Its been a memorable season. But I will write a whole review when we have completed the double 08. Ahh, its so great. For the first time in a year I am totally relaxed. We won the League and I will enjoy it the whole summer. Manchester United are Champions of England! It feels so good to say that. And I hope it will be Champions of Europe next Wednesday!
May 12th, 2008 at 10:45
Because TK, Pique and Silvestre didnt get 10 games, which is required to get medal unless United ask the FA to give one to players with 6plus apperances, these are the 18 Premiership winners: Edwin van der Sar, Wes Brown, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra, Cristiano Ronaldo, Michael Carrick, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez, Louis Saha, Anderson, Ji-sung Park, Nani, Owen Hargreaves, John O’Shea, Darren Fletcher.
May 12th, 2008 at 11:26
A special day for all United fans, champions once again! So delighted but what a match! I was so hungover watching it and I thought I was going to die from nerves at 1 nil but the lads come through it….. Big performances from Vidic, Scholes, Rooney, Tevez & of course ronaldo. Full steam ahead for Moscow, booked my flight today, cant wait for it! We are going party like its 1999!!!!
May 12th, 2008 at 11:30
Well done!!!
Truly deserving for a team that has played with passion, pride, stylish and elegant.
This is how I would like the word Champions to be defined.
Now lets get the big one Moscow shall we.
As a passionate Carlos Tevez fan, I’m a happy man. He deserves this finest moment, perhaps the best possible to look back in his career.
I’ve made a special tribute to him on my blog. Would certainly appreciate all Man Utd supporter to drop some comment about him on my blog.
Your thoughts/opinion will be highly appreciated…
http://mundoalbiceleste.blogspot.com/2008/05/glory-glory-carlitos.html
May 12th, 2008 at 11:45
Red Devil, Saha played 10 games lol?, well now you do surprise me!. There was me thinking the only time he was fit this season, was to go pick up his winner’s medal.
May 12th, 2008 at 11:49
Chelsea to sign Bosingwa… according to the BBC.. should we have moved sooner?
May 12th, 2008 at 12:07
No, dont think Bosingwa is better than Lahm or other cheaper possibilities.
Craig MC- Sahas PL games: Sunderland(h), Everton(a), Chelsea(h), Birmingham(a), Arsenal(a), Blackburn(h), Fulham,(h) Derby(h), Everton(h), Sunderland(a), West Ham(a), Birmingham(h), Newcastle(a), Fulham(a), Derby(a). Inly four of these games were starts.
Red Ranter- Giggs third goal of the season? I think it was his 4th. Chelsea(Charity Shield), Villa, Derby and Wigan(Prem).
May 12th, 2008 at 12:11
The feeling after the game was great, the joy I felt at the second the ref blew his whislte was cheer joy and its still waving as we speak, last time I felt this happy was last year when we won the title.
Im so happy for the guys specially Tevez Nani and Anderson, it was their first real title and they can proudly say they helped the team get it one way or the other, too bad the season ended without an Anderson goal hope he scores in moscow.
About Bosingwa, he is a great player and all from watching him but as long as we have Brown and Hargreaves he simply has no place in our team.
May 12th, 2008 at 12:32
And since Fergie has said that Neville will be first choice right back next season, United might not need to look after one. Next season we can use Neville, Brown, Pique, Owen and Oshea as right backs, so I dont think we need one.
May 12th, 2008 at 12:43
a striker signing is needed the most.
just saw huntelaar’s entry in wikipedia…this season his record is 33 goals in 34 apperances and it also states he wants to join man utd. lets see if fergie does try to land him. I wonder if he is the right type of striker for us.
also, mario gomez has been rumoured to have signed with arsenal.
May 12th, 2008 at 12:59
Phew…what a nerve-wrangler. I was totally jet-lagged after travelling for 24+ hours and could just about muster enough energy to watch the match. Was totally busted afterwards, but couldn’t stop smiling. WE are worthy champions and I so badly wanted us to win with points-difference, not just goals. Congrats to everyone for the win!! March on towards Moscow!!!
May 12th, 2008 at 13:43
When Giggs scored that goal, I started jumping around like a maniac for about 5 minutes. Then I decided I should jump on the sofa and of course I ended up hitting my head on the ceilling… I was too happy for it to hurt though.
I am really hapy Bosingwa didn’t join United. I have a feeling that our team will start to look more and more like the Portugal which is not something that we want. PLus this lad on Beeb says that he is not worth the 16 or so mil. I hope we get Micah though.
May 12th, 2008 at 13:56
Whats the story with Anderson he’s not
played the last 3 games and wasnt even
on the bench yesterday is he injured?
May 12th, 2008 at 14:03
Me to Andrei! Some people outside my house thoght heard my screams of joy and thought there was a murder going on.
May 12th, 2008 at 14:54
Faizan,i agree. i mention deffinatly a striker even if saha isn’t broken and Manucho starts the season another striker is needed, one that can keep up with Ronaldos scoring record.
i mention Bosingwa ‘cos he was constantly being linked to us, but with all the right-backs we have, i don’t think we’ve missed out.
May 12th, 2008 at 15:02
oh..i can live with bosingwa going to chelshits, but mario to arsenal is the real deal !! we better get huntelaar to play the 3rd striker SAF is looking for. dont want to be another case of hutton, bale,etc.
and i personally dont think richards is that good(at his price),his technical ability can come under questioning sometimes, although he has the strength and the pace.
May 12th, 2008 at 15:06
Wonderful win yesterday, I love how the media needs something to whine about, hence the refereeing…please Scholes was a bit lucky, but given the first was pretty weak it would have been rathy hasty to send him off. Bennett is just kinda crap really. We showed bottle, and my most critisied player of hte year comes through with the winning goal. What are the odds of him picking one up in the CL final, wouldn’t he then have scored in every CL campaign too?
Jumping the next game and onto next year, I was thinking yesterday: If we get a striker in the off season I think we’re going to be unstoppable. And it’s not cause of the striker, it’s because it will allow Fergie to admit he’s wrong, and pull Rooney back into the ‘hole’ or in a free role. As per his pass to Giggs yesterday, and his whole contribution, Rooney needs to be our new playmaker. He may lack Ronaldo’s pace and finishing, but his footballing brain is years ahead of the Portoguese’s, and in fact I think that’s why he’s not as good a finisher – he thinks about it too much. His instincts and passing are so good, and so quick, that if he sat back in Kaka’s kind of area, i think we’d find people recognizing him as world class.
Next year I’d like to see a 4-2-3-1:
———Foster———-
-?—-Rio—-Vidic–Evra-
—Carrick–Hargo——–
-Ronaldo-Rooney-Nani—-
——-Striker———-
With Anderson, O’Shea, Tevez et al on the bench..very, very nice
The danger would be Rooney mouthing off and getting sent off every 5 games.
May 12th, 2008 at 15:43
hi.is anyone haveing downloading problem when downloading match of the day.redranter is there any other download links.
May 12th, 2008 at 15:53
Hey RR,Could Anybody explain why Anderson is not playing???He looks fit And To me he would make
a big difference in Moscow So If Somebody Has the answers PLEASE PLEASE reply to this post…
May 12th, 2008 at 16:44
Yes please we want the answer to why Anderson didnt play lately?
May 12th, 2008 at 16:57
[ebrahim]
here’s another It’s a stream, though.
May 12th, 2008 at 17:01
re: the England squad, someone explain why there is no Carrick when the likes of Jagielka get picked?
May 12th, 2008 at 17:12
Re Bosingwa: he might have been a good player, but 16.2m is a massive fee for a right back. Fergie maintains that Neville will be fit next season, so expect lots of “just like having a new signing” quotes. Hopefully Gary will have an Indian summer, just like Scholesy did when he came back from that eye problem. That will give us time to conduct a proper search for a replacement and groom him. Danny Simpson, anyone?
@ Mas_ter and Saudi – it’s pretty clear that Fergie is protecting Anderson from burn-out. He’s contributed way more than anyone expected this season, but his performances have been a bit below par when starting in April, and I don’t think Fergie wants to undermine the confidence he will have gained from such a strong first season. Was very effective as an impact sub against Arsenal, though – expect him amongst our CL final options.
@ RR – there’s two possible explanations. First, and less likely, is that Capello can see what he could get from Carrick and doesn’t need him in his squad as a reserve.
Second, and more likely, is that a Carrick-style player doesn’t fit in with his mould for the team. He seems to want two attacking midfielders (Lampard, Gerrard, etc) and one defensive mid (Hargreaves, Barry, etc), and doesn’t classify Carrick as either.
Or he’s just taken against him – some managers are like that.
May 12th, 2008 at 18:16
you know what, carrick not being iin the squad is a benifit for us and a problem for england and FC, carrick would fit perfect in a 4-2-4-1, he would be playing in the 2 but just a bit further ahead then the other. imagine carrick playing in a team with the attack of
gerrard rooney walcott
and crouch/ashton, those players all like to run and run for the ball, carrick will be playing passes that would make even the dutch defense seem like a blue square premier league side, but of course, FC does not see that we have the players for success, and that carrick is the key to this success.
May 12th, 2008 at 18:25
oh and if anyone was hoping for a last minute breakdown in the bos move, oh well because he has signed and the deal is done and dusted. the losers here are chelsea because there are only 3 defenders in the world that are worth that type of money, and boswinga is/was not 1 of them…
May 12th, 2008 at 18:37
Not getting Bosingwa is a big relief for me. I think he is woefully overrated and not signing him allows United to go after better players and more important needs. I’ve come to believe that we really don’t need another RB immediately. Brown did a stellar id unspectacular job this season and our defensive record was the best in Europe. Therefore, if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. We also have more than enough cover at that position with Hargo, Neville and O’Shea. Lahm, Richards and Alves are all still out there but I honestly think United will spend on a striker, maybe even two and a replacement for Giggs. I think he has realized that we are thin at LMF because Nani may not be the answer, and if he is, he is not ready to replace Giggs next year. Giggs is no longer capable of starting a lot of games and therefore, it is vital that United find a short term replacement with the ability to make things happen.
Rumors of Chelsea about to sign Gomez disturbs me greatly. He is a quality player and a major improvement for Arsenal whether Adebayour stays or goes. Now it seems we want to replace Balsa Boy with Balsa Boy Version 2.0. Why are we (if we are) going after Michael Owen?
I have always been an admirer of Owen as a talented player but lets face it, he is an injury waiting to happen. We need a striker who has a record of staying healthy for the most part. Once again the name of Huntelaar comes to mind. The reports that he is open to a move to United should get the bloody ball rolling. What are they waiting for? United are dragging their heels in the open transfer market. Sign him before you lose him like they lost Bosingwa. If we don’t we will be stuck with Dean Ashton. Everybody that matters looks certain to improve their squads by leaps and bounds. Fergie is not one to stand pat and he better than anybody knows you need to push the envelope and continue to improve on near perfection. If he doesn’t, the Chelsea’s, Arsenal’s and Scouser’s will get that much closer to us. And lets not forget that we went to the last day of the season before we won the League. As well, we beat a club like Barca by one goal when they were in major turmoil and in bad form. They will improve as will the big Italian sides, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. We need to spend that 40 million and get some impact players.
May 12th, 2008 at 18:52
ok transfer time then:
in
richards(is simpson goes)
OR
lahm(again is simpson goes)
a striker, huntelaar, gomez, villa and ashton most likely 1 of these 4 will come in, I’d be suprised if we sign anyone other than theses guys
abidal(if silly leaves)
OUT
saha
slivestre(possible)
simpson(possible)
evans(possible)
brandy
gibson
cathcart(possible)
martin
eagles
i think this is probably the most accurate transfer in n outs out there. feel free to add any names.
May 12th, 2008 at 19:04
I don’t see Tweety going unless someone like Abidal comes in. Why is Saha the first name on your ‘out’ list? jokes, jokes…
May 12th, 2008 at 19:06
I like the look of that list except I doubt silvestre will go because we could do with him as backup at LB or CB. Out of all the strikers I would prefer either Huntelaar or Gomez. Doubt we will ever get Richards so Lahm is my first choice buy for RB having said that SAF has said that he will put Neville back as first choice RB next year so I’m not sure if we will even buy a RB.
May 12th, 2008 at 19:16
Groggy:Rumors of Chelsea about to sign Gomez disturbs me greatly. He is a quality player and a major improvement for Arsenal whether Adebayour stays or goes, I want to know who’s signing him Chelski or Le Arse???
May 12th, 2008 at 19:24
mas ter, its arsenal not chelsea.
May 12th, 2008 at 19:49
Gomez isn’t finalised, no-one has signed him!!
As for Utd I partly agree with Dan, Utd will lose more players than they will aquire!! I think the summer Utd will focus on a striker and a experianced defender.
in>
Manucho (WP)
Fabio lb -reserves/first
Rafael rb -reserves
Lahm lb/rb =bayern munich
Huntelaar forward =Ajax
TEVEZ permenant deal!! how much will MSI ask for ??
out>
Dong
Eagles
Brandy
Campbell
Evans/Pique- unfortunate but 1 will leave i feel!!
Eckersey LOAN
Welbeck LOAN??
S.Evans LOAN
Rodrigo LOAN??
Heaton LOAN
These are just what i think the management will do, It wont be dead on but i believe players like BENZEMA, RENATO AUGUSTO, THIAGO, MORENO, GOMEZ will be over priced and although they are all super-talented cant see them joining!!
Ashton, Owen, Palacios, Valencia, Moutino, Veloso, Alves, Fabiano>> Can’t see any of these joining they all have talent but they wont in my opinion IMPROVE a formidable team..
Any other summer dealings?? not sure I didn’t expect OLE to retire last year perhaps a senior star may follow suit this year?
Gill has suggested UTD will both have the funds available and will strengthen.
*Shit i am excited about next season already> Utd will only improve!! C’mon UTD roll on the double!!
May 12th, 2008 at 19:50
We should get Daniel Alves from Sevilla and Huntalaar and we are more than good for next season. Alves will ADD to our scoring threat … CAN YOU IMAGINE? I would take Alves instead of Richards … for sure!! Nani will be great!!!!
May 12th, 2008 at 19:51
€50million (£39.4million) is what Gomez will cost according to sky sports, so that rules arsenal out of buying him….
May 12th, 2008 at 20:05
Richards current club CITY, arsenal supporter, no CL experiance, valued at 20m+..
Hang on is anyone seriously gonna suggest we sign a kid for 20odd million.
He is talented but he hasn’t a position CB/RB HE hasn’t developed yet..
Hope fergie signs Alex Texiera a player i forgot to mention earlier. Work Permit problems will dash that idea though! damn
May 12th, 2008 at 20:32
Ferguson dreading Moscow selection
Check this article
Fergie is facing a dilemma for selecting the team to face Chelsea
http://sport.setanta.com/en/Sport/News/Football/2008/05/12/Prem-Ferguson-on-Champions-League-final/
May 12th, 2008 at 20:49
Transfer rumour:
Ben Arfa to sign for The Arses,
okay I don’t know if he’s good or not but if he can be developed into a Benzema mold, thats gonna hurt us though they play in different positions..
P.S: Valencia and Palacios did ok against us
P.S.S: WE’RE CHAMPIONS OF ENGLAND!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 12th, 2008 at 20:49
ok transfer time then:
in
richards(if simpson goes)
OR
lahm(again if simpson goes)
a striker, huntelaar, gomez, villa and ashton most likely 1 of these 4 will come in, I’d be suprised if we sign anyone other than theses guys
abidal(if silly leaves)
D.alves
OUT
saha
slivestre(possible)
simpson(possible)
evans(possible)
brandy
gibson
cathcart(possible)
martin
eagles
i think this is probably the most accurate transfer in n outs out there. feel free to add any names.
May 12th, 2008 at 21:10
Plus I agree with AGP, we don’t need Micah Richards.. We have Rio, Vida, Brown, Silvestre and Pique as abled CB..
Brown, Gazza, Hargo and Pique as abled RB..
Plus he, like my view on us buying Torres, plays for our city rivals and a supporter for the Arse..
No hell way for him to be a player for us and a favourite of the avid United camp..
May 12th, 2008 at 21:13
Bosingwa can go to Chelsea for all I care. I am loving Chelsea’s transfer strategy. What United must do is to silently seal a striker move and then publicly declare their interest in some rubbish player. Then hope Chelsea splash money on that player. I’m not saying Bosingwa is crap but Chelsea have Ferreira (who recently signed a new contract), Belletti who was signed in January and now Bosingwa — all at RB. That’s stupid really. Crazier if you see Essien played at RB ahead of these two.
But then what do we care!
May 12th, 2008 at 21:15
For us, we must have a young left back as cover. Evra can’t be running as hard for ever. He’s also got the Euro’s coming up. We have Silly but it would be a nice time for a good promising LB to come to our club and bed in.
May 12th, 2008 at 21:29
RR, we have a young cover at left back in one of the twins, but if we where to buy another young left back, my first choice would be urby emanuelson, i think he would be the perfect signing for us if we where to get a left-back.
May 12th, 2008 at 21:31
RR Fabio is highly rated! The only thing i worry is that united have held him and his twin bro back. I believe there deal involved them not playing in youth leagues or the brazil seria A. He was awesome in the U-17 world cup, if he can settle quick he can cover Pat. It’s risky not buying a fullback this year (as above) I think SAF will go for Lahm. He can certainly challenge both Brown and Evra, and Nev and Sil will be fit- i hope!?
Hope to see Simmo and Welbeck next year at least in a cup run.
May 12th, 2008 at 21:41
Boswinga – once again Chelski have snapped up one of our potential transfer targets. I don’t know about you guys but it seems to me that the Chelsea executives just wait for the next transfer speculations concerning Man. Utd and then pounce on the player, with him being probably an excellent player.
Let’s list them, shall we: Robben, Duff, Drogba, Essien, Obi Wan Mikel, Ballack, and now Boswinga!!!
Am I missing any other? Anyhow, you could build a team out of those first-approached-by-Utd.-then-decided-to-sign-at-Chelsi-for-sporting-reasons-not-because-the-salary-was-more-attractive.
But true, 16.2m is too hefty a fee fr a RB. The greatest Full back in the history of football (who was it by the way??? any idea??) would not be worthy of such a price tag.
I’m pretty sure we’ll sign no full back for next season as i simply cannot picture a fit Gary Neville looking on as another big name RB starting regularly.
[Dan][Andrei] Can you enlighten me please? Why is Evra’s nick Silly/Tweety?
May 12th, 2008 at 21:50
Nico i think they’re refering to Silvestre.
Peter ‘dr evil’ Kenyon steals all are transfer targets.
Chelski will only ruin Bosingwas career.
Anyone heard of boulahrouz, belleti, ferraira, bridge,ivanovic!! good defensive scouting aye??!(maybe we aint missing out on Bosingwa)
May 12th, 2008 at 21:53
Nico QB, isn’t Silly/Tweety Silvestres’ nickname….
i don’t think we need any more full backs, with Gary coming back fresh next season along with the twins.If we did sign any more defenders i think pique would be off,also Roy Keane may move to keep Evans at Sunderland which would give pique a good chance of a run in the team.. i just hope the twins are as good as they are being made out to be. in my view we should really concentrate on signing a top KLASS striker… and perhaps a replacement for Giggs.. Ben Arfa anyone?
May 12th, 2008 at 22:13
Dan:
Im sure you were dead against Richards the other day?! Also Abidal??? He is the most overated piece of shit i’ve seen at left back!
Fergie obviously thinks Boswinga isnt good enough so happy he has not tried to sign him. Alves is decent but I for one dont want him. Richards would be great but will be too expensive so i’ll settle on Lahm. Can get him at a decent fee and can also cover Evra at left back.
The more I think about the striker situation the more I believe we will get Berbatov. We wanted him last summer and with Ramos admiting he is gonna leave then there is no doubt Fergie will wanna go after him again. He maybe sulky but then again he is at spurs!! I’d be sulky if I was at spurs!! At united he will be amazing.
The only other position we could strengthen is a winger but dont think its totally necesary this summer maybe next. Who would be sign? Ben Arfa Valencia have been linked. How about Dos Santos? I’ve not seen much of him but he has always been touted as a player with great potential and is looking to leave Barca.
So for me my ins would be:
Lahm
Berbatov
Dos Santos(we all like a talent dont we?!)
Outs:
Evans
Saha
Eagles
Dong
May 12th, 2008 at 22:15
I’m not sure I see the logic in reinforcing the LB slot over RB. At LB we have two specialists, one of whom is arguably the best in the business and in Silvestre we have a capable and reliable deputy. At RB we have a converted CB in Brown, a converted CM in Hargreaves and one specialist in Neville who has played 10 minutes of first team football in more than a calendar year. On that basis I know which I would put down as the more pressing need. That is not to say a RB is essential but I would mark one down as our second priority this summer.
RR: Chelsea buying Boswinga is not a stupid move. Belletti was a last minute stop gap when the Alves deal fell through late last summer. As for Ferreira, he has a pretty bleak future at the club. It is still up in the air if Boswinga will be a success but one of Chelsea’s major needs was a RB capable of nailing a first choice spot down. I would be genuinely surprised if he was not a big step up from the displays of Belletti and Ferreira and as an added bonus it frees Essien for midfield duties. The biggest question is actually whose signing was it because I wouldn’t like to swear it was Grant’s.
AGP: The chances of the twins being available for serious consideration for first team action next season must surely be close to nil. I would be shocked if they are given anything less than a full year to adapt and even then I consider that a conservative estimate.
Dan: What odds do you think we have of getting Abidal, given that he is first choice French full back and would be coming to play second fiddle to his international deputy?
Nico: Silvestre’s nickname Silly is down to his occasional moments of insanity. As for Tweety, it is in reference to the cartoon character Tweety Bird (hint: look at the heads
)
May 12th, 2008 at 22:28
Mas_ter; First off to you and others I apologize for a mistake I made in my last post. I claimed Gomez was being aggressively pursued by Chelsea. It is actually Arsenal. Either way, it is bad news for us unless we can counter it with Huntelaar or Villa. I think Berbatov and Benzema are out of the picture. Settling for either Owen or Ashton would be a step down and would also send out the message that a goal scoring striker is not the priority of Fergie.
Red Ranter; I couldn’t agree with you more. I do agree that the strategy being used by United cons other teams in to actions that opens the door for us to splash out money on the players we really want. Why would we go for Berbatov (costs too much), Owen (see Balsa Boy 1.0), Ashton (not United class), Bosingwa (vastly overrated), Palcios and Valencia (not even close to being United class) etc when we can go after players we not only want, but who want to play for us. Huntelaar has stated his interest to play for us and so has Micah Richards. Although I really don’t think we need Richards, I certainly wouldn’t mind getting him. But Hargo, Neville, Brown, O’Shea and one of the twins is more than enough cover at that position. Huntelaar on the other hand is a no brainer. If we don’t get him it will be a shock to my system and major disappointment. Question is will we go for a replacement for Giggs or does Fergie feel Nani will grow up in time to take over and not cost us with his selfishness and immaturity, not to mention his occasional display of sheer utter stupidity? I can’t wait until the signings have been made to see who we get and how we shape up for next season. One thing is for sure, we must improve on what we already have, if one can believe that. I think all we need is a little touch of Klass and a few backups.
May 12th, 2008 at 22:31
You gotta wonder if Chelsea even have their own scouting system at all. Oh well, I’m not too disappointed about Bosingwa. I’ve just got this feeling he’ll be another Mikel, Ballack, Wright-Phillips or any number of players who go stale at the talent graveyard of Chelsea.
Now onto our own situation. I think we’re basically sorted at the back, because I have faith in Brown. His ability to double up as a centreback works well, because when Evra bombs forward, Brown can fall back and form a rock solid 3 with Rio and Vidic. Brown’s aerial height is also a great bonus for defending set-pieces. The short-arse full backs out there can’t offer that, and we’d effectively be a man down at set plays. That said, I wouldn’t mind Lahm for the pure fact that he could cover both left and right back. We need cover for Evra, and it would be a bonus if the player could cover right back as well.
Not too keen on the Richards idea. He just seems like a bit of a playboy, with his diamond stud ear-rings and his roasting antics. He’s also a City player with links to Arsenal. Just doesn’t seem United material at all in my opinion. Maybe I could come round to the idea should it happen, but I’d prefer us to look at other targets.
Now onto the more interesting debate, concerning what striker we should get. Fergie gave a big hint in his comments this week. Here are his comments: “We will buy. Along with Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney, we may need experience in one forward position, somebody to take over from Ryan Giggs eventually.”
Now the interesting thing here is the word experience. That almost certainly rules out Gomez, and Huntelaar as well probably (though at 24, he’s got some experience). I think we’re more in Berbatov territory, or maybe the rumours about Owen are more than just rumours. I’m ambivalent towards Michael Owen. He’s a top finisher for sure, and would put away chances for us, but there’s question marks over his fitness, and I’m not totally convinced he’s still got the same love for the game. Seems more caught up with his horses these days. He doesn’t exactly offer us the aerial presence that we seem to lack either.
So Berbatov would seem another obvious choice, perhaps Fabiano or Eto’o either, but they would represent a high-risk and possibly don’t have the correct temperament or personality for United. My personal choice would be Berbatov. If he could settle and find his groove at our club, we really could play football on another level to what we currently see. The guy has the BEST first touch in the Premier League, and one of the best first touches I’ve ever seen. His ability to link-up with those around him is second to none. The clever flicks and the incisive one-touch passing that this guy would offer would be a perfect foil for the likes of Ronaldo, Rooney and Tevez. He also has the necessary experience to fit the bill of keeping our nice blend of youth and experience.
May 12th, 2008 at 22:47
RedAddict: Diamond earrings and roasting sessions? Sounds awful like a younger and less mature Rio Ferdinand.
May 12th, 2008 at 22:50
if Richards were to come to the club i think Rio, and to a much greater extent SAF would make sure that his potential would be reached whilst knocking out of him the party boy life style that he seems to have at city.
May 12th, 2008 at 22:57
>>RedAddict: Diamond earrings and roasting sessions? Sounds awful like a younger and less mature Rio Ferdinand.
================
True, I suppose. It’s the Arsenal supporting and City thing that probably sits less easy with me. I dunno, maybe I’m just not convinced about him. Is he really such a great defender? Sure, City started real well, but they’ve been pish for months, and Richards has not been receiving any of the early season accolades he was getting. His star burned brightly, but not for all that long. He played a blinder against us, but was shockingly bad against Arsenal and Chelsea for example. I think there’s better options out there.
May 12th, 2008 at 22:59
Another long term replacement for giggs could be aiden mcgeedy? what do u guys think of him? Has been fantastic for Celtic this season(albeit in a shit league!)
May 12th, 2008 at 23:12
The reserves won the senior cup today does anyone have a highlight link??
Apparently Rodrigo excelled and got his first Utd goal.
I posted the transfer dealings i believe the coaching staff will go for earlier, I only hope they aren’t rushed into it with all this eagarness to sign players early(benitez, wenger)
giggs future replacement? will he walk away if we secure the double? He sure has the ability and hunger to continue, If I was to sign a LW replacement today I would root for Ashley Young..
A Forward is the priority>> Huntelaar or Benzema please> Klass more likely though!
May 12th, 2008 at 23:33
Ashley Young has done very well for Villa, if he has another good season next year then im sure the big clubs will be in for him. Would command a big fee though.
From what i hear Fergie will have about 40m to spend this summer so we could do either -
Berbatov(20-25m)
+
Lahm(5-8m)
or
Huntelaar(12-15m)
+
Richards(20m)
Then with the sales we will have enough left for another squad player…..
May 12th, 2008 at 23:47
About:
Abidal – have you guys seen any of Barcelona’s La Liga games? He is one of the only players on that team who knows what the fuck he is doing. In my opinion he is the best left-back in the world (inches ahead of Evra).
dos Santos – I don’t really like that kid. I follow La Liga and he just does not inspire me much, maybe it is because he is young but I don’t think he will become a world class player like many believe.
Richards – no wonder nobody sang his praises since the new year… he had surgery sometime in February. Oh, and does anybody remember the monster of a job he did against us? I think that kid is class and if Real Madrid paid 30 million Euros for Ramos, then we should pay the same amount for an identical player (because they are exact replicas of each other).
Kewell? – that guy is out of contract and he is a massive talent. The only downside is that he played for Liverpool, but worse comes to wrose, he could pair up with Saha on the injury table, and while we’re at it, let’s also buy Cisse!
May 12th, 2008 at 23:51
—————-Van Der Sar—————–
Lahm——Ferdinand—Vidic——-Evra
———–Carrick———Scholes———–
Ronaldo———Rooney————–Nani
——————–Berbatov——————-
Good thing about next season is the new 7 subs rule so a bench of -
Tevez, Giggs, Anderson, Hargreaves, Brown, Silvestre, Foster
Tell me that doesnt excite you?
May 12th, 2008 at 23:57
Abidal best left back in the world? he is so average its untrue! He is good on football manager but thats about it!!!
There is more chance of seeing Lee Sharpe making a comeback for us next season then Kewell playing for us! haha.
May 13th, 2008 at 0:24
This doesnt inpire me very much –
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/article1155152.ece
May 13th, 2008 at 0:35
More about it on here -
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/article3919725.ece
May 13th, 2008 at 0:53
A nice collection of Wallpapers from manutd.com.
If the page doesn’t load with images click on the Page 1 link top right of page.
Well worth the look!
May 13th, 2008 at 1:26
Fabiano could be a good buy. I’m sure we’d get him a lot cheaper than Berbatov (maybe around 10-15 million) and he’d make a decent third striker as he’d give us something a bit different.
Villa would be another interesting option but I don’t think he’d move to us. Seems more of a Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool signing. Also has an inflated opinion of himself so wouldn’t settle for being third striker.
Huntelaar seems to have it all but is unproven. Maybe if he has a good Euro championships we’ll show more interest.
May 13th, 2008 at 2:36
for those who want to relive how it all happened this year…this website has all the goals from the first friendly match at the start of the season (against Urawa Reds) to the Wigan match…
http://www.mbovo.fw.hu/
May 13th, 2008 at 3:03
Clover, if he scores 10 goals at the Euro Championships, then his value will be 2039485703 million, rather that the current, reasonable 16 mil evaluation.
May 13th, 2008 at 6:39
Are there any chances that Sergio Aguero from Atletico is in the market? Or is he too overpriced?
May 13th, 2008 at 8:46
latest news…the mirror claims we are set to complete the signing of cardiff youngster aaron ramsey.
May 13th, 2008 at 9:02
personal opinion:
in order of preference
Most imptly At CF : Klaas, eto, benzema, villa (never heard of gomez)
next at RB : Richards, Alves, Lahm
third at LB: Lahm
i ABSOLUTELY think we need another striker… one of proven class. all other positions we seem to be able to cope in some way or another…
May 13th, 2008 at 22:46
Thanks for the insight about silvestre’s nickname! I actually prefer the Easter-Island Head one, but hey they’re all good!
I’d like to make a case for Nani’s defence as some of you (a certain Mr. G ) are quick get on his back. Let’s be honest, the guy has real talent: he’s quick, trickery, delivers excellent crosses/corners, has a good shot from distance, and it seems to me , can also develop an aerial threat a la Ronaldo.
Now, we all know his flaws. What he did against West Ham was indefensible. And he looks a bit like Ronaldo 1.0 in his selfish days.
But the important partis that SAF is a master at refining personality flaws of players and converting any kind of frustration into a craving for success.
And we all know that when a certain player sees himself as above the team he’s quickly shownm the door out of the club.
Where I’m going is that if SAF can effectively sieve out those negative aspects of his game he will be a more than valuable asset to have, considering the fact that until the recent advent of the 4-3-3, Utd.’s play revolved around therats coming from the wings. Let’s be frank, true (talented) wingers are a rare commodity these days. (ask the dippers)
May 13th, 2008 at 22:57
Hmm and about Abidal—
At Lyon, together with Malouda, this guy formed one of, if not the best left sided partnership in any league. His defence was very solid, he could attack on the wing (overlap), and had a terrific jump. He was like a more physically blessed and a definitely better defender than Evra. Evra’s recent progress at defense, with Abidal’s alleged slump in form at Barca makes it that Evra seems to have the edge on him at the moment.
But if Abidal was to play in team having some defensive cohesion (in oppositon to let’s attack and we’ll score one more than the opposition at Barca) he would defenitely be world class.
Oh and Chelski also spoiled Malouda.