Aug 04
Will Barca Win Be A Springboard For Success This Season?
Saturday’s 2-1 win over Barcelona doesn’t come remotely close to erasing the disappointment of losing a second Champions League final in three seasons to them, and it doesn’t provide any definitive evidence that the Barcelona-Manchester United gap has been bridged even slightly, but even though it was a friendly, it could serve as a table-setter for individual and collective success this season.
Sure, this victory doesn’t have the same shine on it that it would if it’d been achieved been in a competitive match, if the likes of Lionel Messi and Xavi had played, because we all know firsthand (unfortunately times two) what world-class quality they possess.
However, Barca did trot out David Villa, Pedro, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Eric Abidal, and keeper Victor Valdes, all of whom started at Wembley, along with Ibrahim Afellay and Seydou Keita, who were substitutes that night. Even with scrubs comprising the remainder of the lineup – and they aren’t, nor are the six substitutes who came on in Saturday’s match – United had their hands full for 90 minutes.
The statistics were, as one would expect, well in Barca’s favor in shots on goals, possession (yawn, what’s new there, right?), and corners, and they had their share of openings.
But along with appearing more assured in their half this time around, United were more confident in Barca’s half as well, and it could have – and should have – resulted in more than the two goals. More importantly, United made the most of a promising start, and after the inevitable (and inevitably brilliant) Barca equalizer, not only didn’t wilt but struck the final blow. Not that anyone needs reminding, but that’s certainly a different script than the two defeats, especially the one in Rome. It was without a doubt ‘the’ game of United’s U.S. tour, and they produced a performance that earned more than a mere pat on the back.
In the end, there’s only so much that can be said about the win and the overall performance, because it was a friendly and both teams freely substituted throughout (and there was the requisite Da Silva injury substitution), but it’s a win that could serve as a real confidence boost heading into the games that matter.
More than anything, it served as a chance for some to prove their worth against an opponent that was better than all four of the previous tour opponents combined, and the two unproven young talents Fergie handed starts to did just that.
Danny Welbeck only made his preseason debut in the third of the five tour matches, but he certainly hit the ground running and has put himself in position to earn more regular and significant opportunities than he ever has at United. After not having something to show for a solid showing against Chicago, Welbeck got on the scoresheet against the MLS All-Stars, and against Barca, he provided an excellent assist for Nani’s opener, drawing in the attention of Barca’s discombobulated back two before threading a perfectly timed, weighted, and directed pass to set up Nani for the finish through Valdes’ legs. There’s a great deal of competition for places in attack, so breaking through won’t be easy, and he’s a ways from the best that he could be, but Welbeck has the pace, playmaking skill, and potential to force his way into regular chances in the near future.
Tom Cleverley has been tipped for big things at United for some time now, and this is a pivotal season for the soon-to-be 21-year-old, after successful loan spells at Leicester, Watford, and Wigan in the last three seasons. And from the looks of it, he’s ready to take the bull by the horns and make his first senior appearance for United and many more with it.
Cleverley more than held his own in midfield against Barcelona and earned the highest praise he could hope for, as Fergie rated him United’s best player on the night. His best moment of the night, of course, came late on, when he perfectly read and raced to an errant pass (how often can that be said about Barca?) and seamlessly started a break, then released the ball at just the right time to Michael Owen, who chipped the ball over Valdes for what proved to be the winner. Defensive and offensive awareness, timing, vision, unselfishness, and quickness were all showcased in that single sequence, and all of those are attributes that can pave the way for success for Cleverley.
Cleverley’s path to a regular place has fewer obstacles than Welbeck’s does, though that could see a little change between now and August 31st, if United aren’t done wheeling and dealing this summer. But they both look appear ready and willing to do what it takes to make it at United, and if their performances against Barca are a sign of things to come, there’s reason to feel confident about their prospects for this season and beyond.
Related items from Red Rants:
- Can Barca be beaten in Europe?
- Porto it is then…
- Why Becks and van “the man†were sold so cheaply to Real
- Pep’s the best? Not quite.
- Derby County v Man Utd: Preview
Tags: Match Reports
Opti (541)
Stephen (487)
RedDevilEddy (459)
Craig Mc (348)
Moscow is my heaven (272)
I think you make an interesting comment, “it’s a win that could serve as a real confidence boost heading into the games that matter.” I agree. Yes they have lost twice to Barca in the past few years but this simple friendly shows that Manchester United can beat Barcelona, albeit without Messi and Xavi. A win is a win and Man U deserved it.
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Don’t say Man U… just saying.
Voted a great comment - Well Done poster.
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It does no harm, it’s good momentum as our glorious leader would say, but let us not get excited.It’s more important we beat the Bertie’s on Sunday to keep them on the back foot. They are the biggest threat this year, how bizarre when we have laughed at them for decades that they may finally pose a challenge. I’m actually starting to really dislike them again, for years they were just an irrelivance to be honest, its good for Manchester and football.
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hopefully it will give us a boost going into the new season. hope we dont have the same start as the last few season where draw alot of games and dropped loads of points in the first 10 games
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If we would have lost, then I am sure people one here would have been saying, “It’s just a friendly and doesn’t mean anything” and so on.
I do not think this game mattered at all, one bit, what-so-ever. Even if our players are saying that it was a confidence boost, I am sure that on the inside they know this game meant fuck-all. Earlier today Chivas de Guadalajara (Chicha’s old team) beat Barca 4-1…Are they now the best team in the world? No.
Friendlies are for building fitness, team chemistry, and trying out the odd youngsters.
Since when did we become obsessed with winning friendlies?!?
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Since we are starved for football, even the “ugly sluts” look attractive and give a confidence boost, if you know what I mean
[In case someone doesn't get it: "ugly sluts" = friendlies, and being starved for football could be like being single for a long time - then getting some cheap actions is a confidence boost].
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Of course better than losing. But no need to read too much into it. Utd apparently lost 2-8 to Marseille this week. So? The point remains the same. With the likes of Gibson, Park, Evans, Obertan, Fletcher, Carrick et el still around, don’t build your hope too high. Quality is in short supply and Young wasn’t the sloution. Needed quality like Schneider, Ever Banega or Goetze or Schweinsteiger to come in.
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I don’t really get how you can place Fletch, Carrick and Park in the same category as Obertan, Gibson and Evans…
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I’m going a bit wayward here, but am I the only one who seems to be losing touch with the players in the team, and with Manchester United in general?
This summer has really driven it home for me to be honest. Coming from Ireland, we always had strong ties with the club (same with Liverpool) whether it be through Irish players, Irish shareholders or even that Manchester United always traditionally had a strong fan base from Ireland, even from those who went to the UK originally for work as many of my distant relations did.
However, that seems to be fading. The loss of O’Shea this summer really was saddening to be honest.
I work in County Waterford where he is originally from, and you could see over the years how he used drop into pubs/clubs and donate fully signed United jerseys for charity etc. I’m not from Waterford, but Ireland was very proud of how he just got on with things, never complained and though he, as a player, was a bit limited he always was one of our favourite players. No doubt about it.
Now he’s gone.
I guess I should have seen it coming for years with the influx of foreign players, but its very hard to relate to the club as warmly before than without Keano, McGrath, Whiteside, Irwin, O’Shea or even Gibson.
For instance, McGrath lives close to me and once or twice I’ve had the opportuinity to have a few pints with him. It made you feel that the club was more human, more a working mans club. I know in my heart its not, but now it seems even 00000.1% isnt anymore.
I could sit and talk to “The Black Pearl” and he wouldnt look down on you or anything like that. Just chat. About Fergie, the Ireland National Team etc. You felt part of a team that was miles away.
Now we have American owners and drool over the incoming purchases of players from far and wide (not that I have a problem with foreign players!) but I cant relate to Wesley Sneijder the same way I can Keane. Sneijder aint gonna be in Waterford donating jerseys, he’s in Louis Vitton (according to Twitter) in Beijing! Okay, I’m goin over the top, he’s probably the Dutch version of what I’m getting at!
And sometimes its not even the Irish players. Its the hero’s you grew up with. Giggs, Scholes and Neville. They are gone with the exception of the evergreen Giggs, but soon he will be a memory too and with it, the last great ties I would have with the club apart from my support from far away (and the odd visit to Old Trafford).
Pity
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Well, yeah… That’s what a switch of generation is. You didn’t expect us to remain with O’shea, or connect with Ireland forever did you? We may have “lost” Ireland, but we have taken Mexico, South Korea, Serbia, Brasil, and pretty soon Spain as well. Remember that Ronaldo was our first portugeeze at this club, and since he came you see how much more influence Manchester United has down there. The popularity of Manchester United in Norway rocked the skies when Ole signed, and whenever I see Mexico or South Korea play I see way too many United shirts with Park or Chicharito on the back. You can’t expect the club to keep its ties with a country forever, besides England and Scotland. United is an English based club, who will groom English talent, and because of our history with Scottish Managers that bond will remain strong forever. Other countries? Baah, they’re just there for a couple of years. Just be happy you guys had O’shea, and probably some youngsters on the reserve team. I don’t see Wales getting a single sniff out of Manchester United anymore, and very few countries around the globe can say they are prouble represented at Manchester United. Lindegaard is currently the only Scandinavian there, I don’t see no Germans, no Chinese, no Americans, but I see one Spaniard and one young Italian.
Our foreign ties will only remain for a couple of years, or decades, but the club will always go on. We went on from the Irish, to the French, to the Portugeeze, and now we have the Mexican! For all we know the next guy may come from Mars, so let’s enjoy the players we have now!
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Mate the beautiful thing about our club is that it stretches across many countries. I love the fact that Americans, Indian, Norwegians ect support our magnificent club. It shows that the club does have something special about it and it touches people all over the World. Long may it continue I say!
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Irisheyes, i can see what your saying, and i do agree somewhat, but it affects fans here too who have been OT regulars who can no longer afford to get to games to watch the team theyve supported for decades. Thats just a sign of the times i guess, football is now a business, and is a million miles from the working mans club it once was.
So the same applies here with what you say about the clubs irish connection. As someone who has irish blood in him, i too am understandably proud of the connection our club has had with the great irish lands.
From keano, to whiteside, to mcgrath, harry gregg, georgie best, sammy mcillroy etc its always been there.
However problem is in days gone by, the irish would produce decent to quality players. Certainly players like keano, best, and gregg, were all world class at one point in their respective careers, and the likes of mcillroy, mcgrath and whiteside were all excellent servants who are forever going to be remembered.
Who do the irish produce now though? Mcshane, kilbane, st ledger, gibson, doyle, long and the likes of healy, baird, hughes, davis, clingan, and kyle lafferty for northern ireland.
None of them are in the class that you’d associate with united im afraid, so for that reason, we are rather low on irish players currently plying their trade with us.
Its a shame really, but at the end of the day we have a duty to look for the players who will be good enough to play for this team, not what country they originate from.
So its a shame, but its now up to the irish to start producing a better quality of player.
Scotland i guess we could say the same. From the likes of law, paddy crerand, buchan, lou macari, joe jordan, gordon mcqueen etc to now having to put their country’s hopes on kenny miller, james mcfadden etc. Saying that though, they do still have fletcher, who is quality if reverted back to his best position, and in barry bannan, i think theyve got a real star on their hands if handled correctly.
Unfortunately though the quality of players we now produce throughout the british isles on the whole, is shite now, so well probably see the number of scottish, welsh, english and irish players, start to drop considerably for the forseeable future im afraid.
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Yeah I agree tonymontanna4united.
I dont know why all of a sudden that the players have become so useless. Maybe we are reverting back to GAA. Who knows.
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A combination of shite coaches, from grass roots level upwards, and laziness of the youth today who prefer to play fifa than go out for a kick about are causes.
Its a shame, but a sign of the times i guess. Certainly here in england, the calibre of player we bring through is shockingly bad on the whole, apart from probably defenders (smalling, jones, ferdinand, terry, carragher we seem to always keep producing) and the occassional class striker (fowler, shearer, owen etc), but weve now gone from producing scholes’, robsons, gascgoinges, ince’s and gerrards, to settling for henderson, barry and milner.
The scots, irish and welsh are the same. Its amazing when you look back to the 60s, 70s and 80s and even 90s, the calibre of player the british isles were capable of producing.
Sadly no more it seems. Not until we wise up and go back to the drawing board and do things differently from grass roots up, and get some properly qualified, football enthusiasts as coaches, who make it their duty to play the game the way it was meant to be; beautifully, with that british passion and grit to add to the technical ability, we used to see with british players from years gone by, will we see our fortunes improve.
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With a name like yours Tony I presumed you were from San Francisco and an admirer of Joe! Seems I was way off!
So where are you from and how old are you?
I don’t agree that the coaches are shite as in they couldn’t be great. It’s the education programs of coaches that are failing.
In Spain for example, there’s somewhere in the region of 35,000 licensed coaches (15,000 with the highest level a coach can achieve out of 4 – The UEFA Pro License), in England the figure is somewhere in the region of 5,000. So Spain has three times as many Pro coaches as we even have coaches in total!
I don’t have individual figures for Levels 1 (Basic) ,2 (Advanced) and 3 (UEFA B-License) but if they’re anything like the same percentage deficit then it helps explain what the problem is. I don’t necessarily think that we’ve got any worse, more like we’ve just stood still for decades and also it’s more to do with your FIFA point. I remember playing 3 times a weekend as a kid, injuries or no injuries, but that’s a different point. Nowadays you rarely see kids kicking about on the street or see any organised games on parks at weekends. I could talk about this all day.
This reply was just meant to be a short one to direct you to this article concerning Spains rise to International success, but with each word I’m tempted to keep writing and writing because there’s so many reasons and differences between our society now and over the each decade since WWII that’s led to the decline in production.
What I’m trying to say, in a nutshell, is that the only way to improve the standard of players we produce in this country (or any country for that matter) is to at least keep up with the Spains of this world. It’s not just that the coaches are shite, it’s that they’re not trained anywhere near as proficiently as they should be, there’s not as many of them and there’s not enough football being played on the weekend on parks and school fields throughout the country to even warrant so many.
In my opinion it’s down to people who give a shit, like me and seemingly you, who believe they have the ability and more importantly right now, the passion, to take the role of coach on in the knowledge that they’re not actually just going to coach kids to play football, they’re required to do some community work to encourage the kids of their sofas and back outside or they won’t HAVE any kids to coach. Unfortunately there’s not many of those people about and the government are certainly not going to provide the ideas, the funds or the people to achieve this.
Man it really winds me up when I talk about this, and yes I know….it’s off topic !! lol but unless people exhume their head from the sand and stop letting the fact that we have the richest league in the world mask the fact that we have one of the very worst rates of producing proper young talent, the problem will continue to get worse.
I think I might write an article, thanks Tony…..that’s another 4 hours I’ve got to find for writing now!
I watch the Academy at United as you all know and thankfully it still produces ‘excellent’ talent, but hardly any go on to be world class and yet it’s the best Academy in the country. What does that say about the rest of the Academies?
I’m ranting now. Sorry.
Anyway, check this out, it’s the article about how Spain have taken 15 years to go from perennial underachievers to Euro and World champions.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8688093.stm – BBC Sport.
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Still have family around the trafford area but unfortunately for the forseeable future im stuck daan saaf (down south for the english translation) it seems.
But still very much consider myself a manc born and bred mate.
Im guessing your a local lad yourself?
As for your little rant, agree 100% with all of that mate,brilliant points.
The lazy youth of today (the generation of which i am of),poor coaches who are afraid to try out different things and who arent really properly qualified or give a damn, lack of funding needed to open after school/weekend matches, and
not enough help from schools who should encourage talented young lads,tells you that practically everything is a total bloody mess.
Its time we took a lead from spain,germany and holland, who are light years ahead of us,pull our heads out of the sand as you mentioned, and get with the bloody times.
Better coaching from grass roots would be a start.
Enough of putting young kids on full size pitches. Keep it 7 a side, on a half size pitch with a smaller ball,meaning more time on the ball, more time to develop passing and technical abilities, and watch the improvements.
Scrap the stupid 90 minute rule that prevents young players being signed up by teams more than 90 mins travel from their homes, and try to get the help of the schools to allow more time for training during school hours for exceptional talents (probably going to cause a lot of controversy with our school standards already being appalling low).
Also would be a good idea to try to get more young people into coaching, rather than playing. Afterall weve got acadamies for players released by their clubs who are searching for playing time, why cant we do something with young prospective managers whereby they can coach junior teams, home and abroard on trial periods,so we can produce some decent young coaches an all.
Of course these are all very simple ideas, and would probably need to be thought through some more before they were implemented (if indeed they were) but the point is, change is needed, and bloody fast.
There are plenty of people out there, qualified or not, who have ideas, and are passionate about the game, and these are the people we should be talking to, and getting on board to help with the changes.
Not even paying positions either,just voluntary coaching etc, i know id be well up for.
As i say these are all just ideas and some are probably not practical, but atleast there different from the same regurgitated crap we keep getting from the FA.
So i too have turned this into a mini rant, but it just goes to show, there are people out there, normal fans like yourself and me, who care and want to see changes,all with good ideas to add.
If only the governing bodies gave a damn to bloody listen to us,and points made in the article you posted, we could start to go forward, so a decade or 2 in the future, we would see the changes we have all called for the last 10 years.
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How about this from fergie.. does someone know what its all about?
http://www.anorak.co.uk/288976/sports/manchester-uniteds-alex-ferguson-tells-the-daily-mail-to-fck-off-over-wesley-sneijder-video.html/?
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Bob Cass printed quotes from Fergie that were said in private. They are good mates supposedly.
They were the quotes regarding the contract offer to Sneijder.
Heres the transcript:
Sir Alex – What was that ****ing quote in newspaper the other day?
Bob Cass – I can show you my copy I sent..you better? believe that I can.. I can show…
Sir Alex – You and your paper can **** off.
Not a happy bunny eh?
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The teenage rebel from Govan is still in there.
What a fiery beast, Cass was shitting himself.
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Thanks for info mate.
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To me, this confirms that it’s definitely true. Why else would Fergie be so pissed? Hopefully he gets through the Italian Super Cup on Saturday unscathed, and then sings for us by Monday!
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Chelsea sign Barca CM u21 player (Oriol?)… is that the nail in Arsenal’s coffin as Barca will now bid for Fabregas?
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Snoozefest… I guess we are all just gearing up for the real games in 10 days time.
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I thought it was broke Opti!
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