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10 Years Ago Today…

Rio Ferdinand signed for Manchester United for £29.1m from Leeds. In those ten years he has won five league titles, one European Cup, two League Cups and one FIFA World Club Cup.






 

134 Comments

  1. Andooo says:

    One of, if not the best defender of his generation.

  2. Kings says:

    Great career. Well done Rio.

  3. Balls of Steel says:

    Would be nice to be CAPABLE of spending the equivalent of £29m on todays players, whats that, £40m+ ?

  4. Redhot Concepts says:

    Stone Roses in Singapore. Fuckin awesome 2hrs.

  5. Costas says:

    Nice onen Rio! Try selling the white suit on Ebay. ;)

    When is the testimonial?

  6. FletchTHEMAN says:

    Rio has been immense for us. Rio Vidic will go down as the most dominate defensive pairings of the ’00 decade. Hope we get to see them together again. Rio should stay away from england as well. Won’t do anything for his career and glory with United is far more likely.

  7. The truth says:

    Bargain.Top, top player, some people really do underestimate how huge his contribution has been to united’s success. His distribution, interceptions and ability to read the game is second to none. As a person he may come across as a bit of a cock, especially on Twitter with all those unnecessary hash-tags- but he means well. And I have to applaud him for those tour videos that are so hilarious. Had to add this #CLASS.

  8. Tizzy says:

    He could have won more if he hadnt “forgot to turn up for his drugs test” instead of arrogantly thinking he would get the standard £2000 fine. He cost us a league championship and should have been sacked on the spot the arrogant prick.

  9. samuel - united WE stand says:

    More of a brazilian style defender than an english one. Blessed with skill and poise, rio is the epitome of the modern defender. He reads the game well, intercepts and distributes the ball well. At the start of his career at united, he suffered from a lapse in concentrations several times but playing amongst and against world class players, he has really stepped up into being one of the best defenders of all time.

    He and vidic formed a partnership that made them the best in the world for a couple of years, rio certainly helped vidic’s game.

    These days, injuries have not helped but he clearly now knows how to deal with the back injury. He now seems an avid fan of manchester united, that’s what this club does to players.

    Rio, may not acquire legendary status but if that was based on ability alone, he would be. Congratulations, it’s an achievement to get to the highest level and then stay there.

  10. samuel - united WE stand says:

    This is when i start to question people’s intelligence. How can one player cost united a league championship?. is he meant to win every game by himself?.

    People set standards to be perfect that they themselves can’t leave up to. Rio made a blunder like any human, he got harshly punished with a 8month ban, he has recovered from that and gone on to be one of the best defenders ever to grace the game. Get over it.

  11. samuel - united WE stand says:

    Live up to* – damn typo.

  12. Costas says:

    @Fletch

    Don’t know about pairings, but as far as I am concerned, when Rio hit his peak in 06-08 he was the best defender we’ve seen in the new millenium. Better than Nesta or Canavaro.

  13. Gopher Brown says:

    The real shame is that when he eventually became truly ‘world-class’ (whatever that means) in 07/08, eliminating all errors from his game and becoming a real leader at the back, he was only able to enjoy it for a season before his body started to play up.

    He was excellent and largely injury-free last season and I hope he is over the back problems that have plagued him in recent years, although the back is a very difficult area to treat and it’s probably only a matter of time before he succumbs to it again.

  14. keano99 says:

    @ Tizzy fuck off we wouldn’t have won the trophys we have in the last ten years without rio he’s our rolls royce he was hung out the dry by the cunts at the fa my only problem with rio is he should have retired from international football after they butt fucked him but he stayed loyal to ingerland, we miss him when he’s injured and were gona miss him when he’s gone it would take a special player and about 40 million to replace him. Thanks for the last ten years rio.

  15. Ash says:

    Matt

    I think you are wrong when you said we will be only paying small amount of debt. Here is the thing 423 million is our debt. The minimum amount that is expected out of IPO is 63 millions. This is manchester united that we are talking about. And I checked some top companies are interested in buying shares. IPO does a good benefit for us. I am predicting we will raise somewhere upto 150 miilions atleast. We don’t need to p ay the annual 40 millions which we used to pay on debt so we have money to spend. So whatever we raise is a bonus for us. I have looked at many news and the estimated amount that is expected to raise is 191 million ( $300 millions) Earlier we were expected to raise 270 miilions ($500 millions) but now we are expected to raise 190 millions. If we raise that amount of money then it will be a huge plus for us. 230 million debt will be remaining and honestly that will be somewhat managable. I would be happy if we raise atleast 150 million. If the debt figure comes under 300 million mark I would we have been successful in IPO thing.

  16. ididnotzeeit says:

    A beautiful 10 years it’s been Rio. Here’s to a healthy season for yourself and Vidic. Should they start 30 games together in the league, regardless of midfield “reinforcements” we will win the title back. Mark my words.

  17. Ash says:

    Sorry posted in the wrong thread.

    Anyways Rio is class

  18. Singh7 says:

    30 mill over a period of 10 yrs equates to 3 mill per season…Now that’s a bargain.

  19. NotoriousRedDevil says:

    Amazing. Rio is quality, hopefully plays out his career here and even if he doesn’t we certainly got the best of him. May not be a legend to some but will for me due to all the work he does off the pitch. Unfortunately some will always judge him on the the missed drugs test.

  20. james21 says:

    No FA Cup. Its amazing a club who holds the record for the most wins haven’t won it since the 03-04 season.

    Well done Rio great career.

  21. james21 says:

    Correction. The maths don’t add up. Ignore the bit about the FA Cup. :/ Dur.

  22. Costas says:

    @James

    Hi mate. One FA cup win in 13 years is an awful record, yet we are still the side that’s won it more than anyone else. :lol:

    It was also a tough break for Rio because the year we last won it he was suspended.

  23. Cyril Sneer says:

    If I had a favourite player, it would be Rio.

    It’s a shame he’s had so many injury troubles because I think he would make a great Captain.

    Congratulations Ferdy man, 5 more years?

  24. james21 says:

    Costas.
    Oh yes I forgot about the Drugs test ban. :)

  25. Giggs12Gerrard0 says:

    Samuel 16.06

    Mate that is as good a post as I have read on here, that is a great analysis on Rio.

    Legend is a word used to often but Rio is certainly one for me.

  26. CedarsDevil says:

    I love Rio but I loved Bruce more, in fact I loved Moran more than both………Ok Wait, I loved Buchan even more

    Have you felt the effect of the Cedars? If you catch my drift do say so and you will win a Cedars special

  27. gazzer says:

    Yes or course he’s good, we need him, he;s mature now, and he’s done more than his fair share of helping to win lots of trophies.
    But that drugs test was a big deal, it was costly for the club, and it was a sign of not caring perhaps as much as he might.
    People like RedNev, Scholes, Giggs, VDS, Vidic, Keane, Ole, Beckham, …… you would not have seen that from any of them.

  28. james21 says:

    Rio an Arrogant prick?

    Well what a statement from a Utd fan to a player who’s put 100% into his Utd career. We all know the FA fucked him and Utd over.

  29. CedarsDevil says:

    Tizzy

    I hope you know what your user name means in Lebanese…..Oh You dont? It actually means my ass!! I am not kidding……..Seems appropriate as well to be honest

  30. Zibbie says:

    Rio thanks.
    When I became a PL and MUFC fan he was suspended for missing a drug test. I test drugs, there good. From beer to nicotine and every thing in between.

  31. NotoriousRedDevil says:

    @Cedars – Just spat my tea out reading that comment. My keyboard is all wet!!!

  32. CedarsDevil says:

    NRD

    Ha ha…..Sorry mate, you can get repaid from the Stoke supporters club with in days for the damage!

  33. Zibbie says:

    Tree hello!!!!!!!!
    TI tried to tweet to Rooney and tweeted STR instead!! THECHNO ignorance.
    I was taking a piss as you would say, glad it had my intentions done, making you laugh!!
    I did not get banned from Rooney twitter account as of yet. When I figure out how to tweet him. over under on how many tweets till I get banned ? 76 bet early bet often.

  34. Rd54 says:

    United landed at china ,my friend just at the airport!

  35. Zibbie says:

    Fuck me sideways with Zibbie up Tizzy!!!!!!!!!

  36. WillieRedNut says:

    Always been a huge fan of Rio. World class CH, without a doubt. Anyone who thinks differently is a Glazer lover and a glory hunter.

  37. CedarsDevil says:

    Zibbie

    Zibbie up tizzy would translate to my dick up my ass, bit difficult and weird if you ask me mate! ha ha

  38. iDon says:

    Anderson is shit

  39. CedarsDevil says:

    Willie

    Piss off mate, we do not like glory hunters on here……You have shown your true green colours…..

    Had me Linda the other night and she always asks me to give you a mention……Frigging Irish

  40. Zibbie says:

    A gay narcissist would like it. Until he can clone himself for a date this would do. :mrgreen:

  41. CedarsDevil says:

    Cyril

    Fuck me that is bad mate, give me an Ivanka any day of the week!

  42. Zibbie says:

    My last post should come with a warning, some might not like that knowledge or metal imagery.
    Careful hear DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVE EATEN IN THE LAST HOUR, they feltch each other. There in 2 post put together is the sickest image I can imagine . If you do not know what feltching is Google at your own risk.

    OK here is the Google link.

    AT YOUR OWN RISK!!
    http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=feltching

  43. Zibbie says:

    I will take one for the team, marry her and run the club.

  44. Cyril Sneer says:

    Cedars – Don’t you like her? She’s like Uncle Malcolm but with girly parts and better hair.

  45. CedarsDevil says:

    Cyril

    Of course not, perhaps our Willie may fancy her, all to their own……….Now be a doll and send me a Nigella special, here’s a good chap

  46. Zibbie says:

    Tree we just got another cooking Chanel and Nigella is on it, wow I get your crush on her.

  47. Zibbie says:

    Sneer, I would butter that muffin….. wow she is hot.

  48. CedarsDevil says:

    Cyril

    Cheers mate……..Just liking away my drools !! ha ha

  49. Zibbie says:

    Tree I almost short circuited my key board. I have rig a drool shield.

  50. CedarsDevil says:

    My Dick

    Told you she was hot, I could eat food off her all day!! ha ha

    Sorry are we on or off topic? I am sure it said Nigella at the top

  51. red_bicycle says:

    What was he doing at Leeds? :) )

    Thanks for the great 10 years, Rio.

    With the absent of Smalling and Vidic is still recovering, it means Jones will have to provide back up to center half. Does anyone know any match where Rio and Jones played together last season?

  52. Zibbie says:

    Tree we are still talking of balling.
    wow the first show I saw her in last week!!! SWING!!!!

  53. CedarsDevil says:

    red_bicycle

    Out of respect its leeds and never Leeds…………Munich chanting hateful sheep shagging bastards

  54. Zibbie says:

    SAF said Rio with his fitness could play till 37 at a top level. I like how he changed his game last year to fit his skills. He was so fast he can afford to lose a step.
    Like Giggs was so fast and qick he can afford to lose 2 steeps.

  55. United Till I Die says:

    RIIIIIIOOOOOOO

    Pure class for a million and one reasons on and off the pitch. The only other defender in the league any where near him has been Vidic and even he’s got another 4 years of service to catch up with the local lad from Pecknarm.

    People go on about Terry, King, Campbell, Gallas and Carragher but none of them surpass Rio as he’s been in a league of his own for years now. Its no exaggeration to call him the best EPL defender of the last decade, I’d say he’s a contender for the best CB in Europe during his Career.

    The only defender in recent times I can confidently say surpasses him is Seedorf, but old Clarance is one of the greatest players EVER full stop so its not bad company for Rio to keep tbf.

    Is he a United Legend?

    To me its a daft question, just ask VDS what he thinks. Rio has been our rock in central defence ever since he arrived and he’s proven to be a worthy successor to the likes of Pallister and Bruce. Do wish he’d quit the Ingurlund camp but when you look at the fuckry he and his brother have been through you can understand his insistence of not being written out of English footballing history so easily, so I don’t begrudge him that.

    As for his prospects this season and beyond, Alec is no sentimentalist he’d have shown Rio the door if he doubted him. 10 years at the top is amazing for any player anywhere. Long may it continue.

  56. red_bicycle says:

    @cedars

    Damn we couldn’t mend our post, no? Bloody sheep shaggers, leeds!

    @United Till I Die

    Seedorf was a defender? He played midfield, no?

  57. Zibbie says:

    Watching the game again, GO KAGAWA! GO!!!!!!!!

    OOOHHHH ASONG ABOUT kAGAWA BASED ON THE sPEED rACER THEM SONG!!!!!!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9eCqwzAjTY

  58. Ash says:

    Lol if anyone wants to see a Jack ass visit the Prepare yourself thread. Mattbw7 saying We paying of the debt is not a good thing. :lol:

  59. TheCANTONA says:

    Can we call Rio a LEGEND now?

  60. Zibbie says:

    Cedars, maybe that is were the American expression came from, work yourself into a tizzy, if I have anything up my ass I would be cranky as well.

  61. TheCANTONA says:

    @Ash:
    He’s clown. Cant give proper arguments without throw insults.
    Destroying the club in order to save it? Give me a fuckin’ break!

  62. CedarsDevil says:

    TheCANTONA

    Rio will always be a great at United, but a legend? NO

  63. Zibbie says:

    Big Sporting day for South Africa!!

  64. Zibbie says:

    Tunni, looks like a better looking Rooney, a 3rd cousin once removed.

  65. samuel - united WE stand says:

    Giggs12 – thanks mate. Rio has been a great contributor to united’s successes over the years. He’s not only written his name down in united’s history, he has done so in world football.

    He still has more to offer for united, still has more in the tank as at centre-back, his key attributes of reading the game, positioning and timing of tackles will come to the fore. He’ll continue to pass his experience to up and coming defenders (smalling, hoping he recovers from his injury, evans, jones. Maybe add scott wooton to that if FERGIE believes he’ll challenge for a place).

    In rio and vida, united still have the best partnership in the premier league and europe. Gotta keep both fit and firing.

  66. Zibbie says:

    6;30 on a Sunday night in the UK great day on RoM, thanks STR. Slowing down now.
    LB
    Lucas
    Dembelle
    RvP
    uummmm…… Come Monday it will be alright, come Monday SAF signs a guy, come Monday we will say!!!!!

  67. Zibbie says:

    Sammy good stuff mate.

  68. United Till I Die says:

    @red bicycle – my mistake, I meant his team mate (Desailly). For club and country he’s the only defender I’d say surpasses Rio in recent times based on what he’s won and the role he played in winning it.

    Seedorf is player Rio reckons is most under-rated as one of the greatest to ever play and I agree. But Rio is up there with the best of them in any position imo.

    @Cedars – out of interest mate what defender (if any) in the EPL era would you say IS a United legend?

  69. TonyBee says:

    Rio aint been bad over the years but the last few seasons his injuries has certainly cost us….

  70. MG says:

    Personally I love English muffins especially of the McQueen kind.

    :)

    Seems like the place has quietened down, did we rid the debt already?

    ;)

  71. Zibbie says:

    MG, a heath or death scare can change how a man views things. So good having my type been seen by your kind.

  72. Sandeep1878 says:

    RIO the legend!!

    good thing is that last season he showed he can still maintain the high level if he is fit!!

    ##

    MG, glad you are well mate..

    ##

    Evening reds around the world..

  73. Sandeep1878 says:

    Zibster,

    now we can say that You and MG share same interests!! eh? ;)

  74. Sandeep1878 says:

    78 Million Pounds is the price tag on Cavani,

    now that’s what you call INFLATED market..

    what on earth are Napoli thinking? i m sure their entire squad is not 78 Mil and Cavani is not a Ronaldo..

  75. TheCANTONA says:

    @Cedar:
    I know u’ll come up with that. He..he..he..
    But me personally think Rio is a United legend. I mean look how many titles he won for us, he could keep his position in starting IX for 10 years. I know some proper reds didn’t ‘fancy’ him bcoz his contract talks in 2005 & his ‘silly’ behaviour (missed the drugs test, twatterhollic, etc) but every legend did one or two stupid things during their career. who wasnt? i mean the Great Captain Marvel used to give United youngsters a “bad advice about alcohol” before SAF arrived, Roy Keane (contract dispute in 2001, his outburst on MUTV in 2005).

  76. Zibbie says:

    1878 see STR was posting!!!

  77. United Till I Die says:

    Thing is, if I stay fit, I can be that player…

    http://TheBusbyWay.com/2012/07/22/the-thing-is-if-i-stay-fit-i-can-be-that-player/?

    Courtesy of The Bubsy Way :wink:

  78. Zibbie says:

    1878 what time is it were your at in India?

  79. Dave Malaysia says:

    @Scott the Red: I am dissapointed in you. Your usual well researched articles reduced to

    one stupid rash one ,slagging off Fergie for something he did not do.

    Whats wrong with u?

    That article in the media,nowhere did he slag off the fans as u accused him off.

    Apologise or take the damm articledown. Your website is well known. ABUS are enjoying yr write up.

  80. CedarsDevil says:

    Paul Parker

    Denis Irwin, Garry Neville, Steve Bruce…………United legends as defenders in the PL era

  81. CedarsDevil says:

    TheCANTONA

    Never use Robbo as an example in a debate with me pal, otherwise you will lose me as a friend forever!!

  82. Sandeep1878 says:

    Zibster,

    Its 1 AM here..

  83. CedarsDevil says:

    Sorry but I am not buying into this Rio is a United legend crap……..A United great with out doubt……

    When I think of United legends I think of Edwards, Sir Bobby, Best, Cantona, Robbo, Keane, Scholes etc…..

    Lets not over use the word please

  84. United Till I Die says:

    @Cedars – I thought as much and I’d agree on all three players. Irwin is the best Left Back i’ve ever seen. Rio has already put in one year more Brucey and he’s only two short of Irwin’s 12 years. He’ll never match Neville’s 19 years but they both have the same number of European Titles. In my mind Rio becomes a legend the day he retires, but if he wins another European Title he’ll be a candidate for our greatest ever defender. Each to their own opinion aye?

    And mate UNDER using the word Legend is also a bunch of old crap to be blunt. All that back in my day malarky does nobody any favours really.

  85. united.george says:

    Congratulations Rio!

    Stay injury free, please….

    Cedars, greetings…

  86. Zibbie says:

    Tree has high standards.
    Thanks 1878!

  87. United Till I Die says:

    @Dave Malaysia – I think STR was either looking for a debate on our ownership or he’s had a battery put in his back by whoever told him about this “earth shattering” Daily HEIL interview. Im assuming its the former, I don’t think STR is daft enough to lend himself as an ABU toy solider tbh.

  88. CedarsDevil says:

    united.george

    Greetings my fellow son of the cedars from across the Atlantic !

  89. CedarsDevil says:

    Paul Parker

    Irwin was not only the best left back we ever had, used to play right back too…….Was our penalty taker and scored some great free kicks as well…….Great servant to the club and never in the lime light for the wrong reasons…….hence to me he IS a United legend

  90. Zibbie says:

    Some Gunners know their place, for 7 year no competition. The start of a biblical proportions of a 40 year drought! No TROPHIES!!!!!!! FULL OF SAND AND BLINDING SUN, THIRST NEVER QUENCHED EVEN AFTER DRINK!!!

    http://www.arsenalinsider.com/7045/united-bid-for-van-persie-signals-end-to-rivalry/#axzz21NftlXQU

  91. CedarsDevil says:

    Before people get on my back, I love Rio…class act and an excellent defender, my only argument is on the legendary status

  92. CedarsDevil says:

    I still laugh when people tell me that Ronaldo was a United legend!! ha ha ha

  93. Sandeep1878 says:

    Che Cedars,

    Hello my good friend,

    yeah these days LEGEND is become just a another word and that’s terrible..

    ##

    Good night REDS, Keep it United

  94. WillieRedNut says:

    Zibbie – Arsenal haven’t won any trophies in 7 years, but their pitch is stunning apparently. Love United, Love Fergie!

  95. Zibbie says:

    Over used words,
    Legend
    Great
    Sorry

  96. CedarsDevil says:

    Willie

    Always took you for a glory hunter pal

  97. Zibbie says:

    Willie Gunner fans 7 years back on Fox were so deluded I started that curse thing then their 1st trophy less year. With SAF rebuilding and Cheski on the rise I saw the hand writing on the wall. That were I got thr GO ROONEY!!! to dig into them. And remind those who were 3 lions fans, for their success MUFC and Rooney were key!

  98. WillieRedNut says:

    Cedars – Yeah mate, I’ve been outed. Love the Glazers too! Fergie is an old fart. Well passed his sell by date.

  99. Zibbie says:

    Willie, I understand they have lovely villas on the old park site as well. May the sun never set on my sophisticated Range Rover driving Prawn sammy eating tools Imperial ass.

  100. CedarsDevil says:

    Me Willie

    Did you get the greeting from me Linda? She’s doing my head in!!

  101. Zibbie says:

    SAF has lost it, the game has passed him by, fuck Has a better year then the PL winning team from the year before, sackem.

  102. united.george says:

    I had a Glazed Donut this morning….I cannot afford to eat anything else now.

  103. WillieRedNut says:

    Cedars – Missed it mate, what thread?

  104. United Till I Die says:

    I remember Irwin banging in free kicks very well mate although Duncan Edwards was a tad before my time haha.

    What I meant was, for any lad born mid 90′s all they’ve seen is RIO FERDINAND dominating the game for United, regardless of injury problems outside of his control.

    In the years to come it will be a hard sell convincing them Bruce is a legend, Irwin is a legend, RedNev is a legend…. but Rio? Nah, he was great but not a legend Lol.

    Its never gonna happen pal. Rio’s place among the greats will be secured when he retires and rightly so. Just my opinion mind, we agree to disagree.

  105. CedarsDevil says:

    Willie

    I think it was on this thread, not sure………..Anyway I have to piss off

    RED dreams you fuckers!!

  106. james21 says:

    Willie
    I’ve found this alot with the MUST and Anti Glazer crew. You don’t agree with them you’re not a true Red.

  107. WillieRedNut says:

    Cedars – Just seen it pal lol. Night!

    James – We’re both not true Reds? I’m gutted! :)

  108. Zibbie says:

    Willie were could not find linda?

  109. Cyril Sneer says:

    Had some good discussions on here today. Especially nice to see Scott posting.

    Well done RoM and thanks StR.

  110. Zibbie says:

    17:15 Cedars passed it on cool, found it. The Irish Northern all Irish stick together!

  111. WillieRedNut says:

    Zibbie – Cedars post @ 17.15?

    Cyril – It’s Elvira for me! ;)

  112. Cyril Sneer says:

    Willie – I dunno, she’s getting on a bit these days…

  113. Scott the Red says:

    Dave Malaysia – Apologise or take the damn article down? Who do you think you are? Haha. He said real fans think the Glazers haven’t caused harm to the club. Who are real fans? The ones who have never been to a match, don’t criticise the Glazers and buy a replica shirt every summer?

  114. james21 says:

    Willie
    Was that Linda @17:15 that said Anderson is shit? Is this some Northern Irish Code for You’re a Glory hunter? :D

  115. WillieRedNut says:

    James – You broke the code! :P

  116. TheCANTONA says:

    Cedars:
    I grew up watching United in ’90s when Cantona ruled English football, he’s my first hero & then i learn more about club.
    I find out that united didnt have so much glory in 80′s but there was one superb player carrying our club with so much pride. His name is Bryan Robson. Great player with so much loyalty even when he could’ve move to bigger club back then (heard Platini asked him to go to Juve, no?)
    so Sir, No disrespect whatsoever to Robbo (i dont understand why u think i insult Robbo) or You (as i admit u’re proper reds)
    Well this debate over Rio’s status is to each his own i think. But for me & i believe many younger Reds too, Rio is a legend. Just remember when he refused to shakehands with rat suarez fill me with so much pride as red.

  117. Passe says:

    Willie:
    “Arsenal haven’t won any trophies in 7 years, but their pitch is stunning apparently. ”

    You should get a better stream for the next game against Arse, their pitch is the best in the league but obviously there is no direct relation between how good the pitch is and the trophies won. Sad that you didn’t understand that yourself.

  118. WillieRedNut says:

    Passe – Sad, you missed the joke. But hey….

  119. Passe says:

    Eh, your comment was clearly referring to my earlier post, but whatever.

  120. james21 says:

    Spoon 1
    never mind this. new thread up. STR on the ball today.,

  121. WillieRedNut says:

    I know it was. It’s a joke!

  122. slim says:

    Word legend gets tossed around easily these days. Is toss Rio one as well. He’s been fantastic for United and perhaps personality is reason a lot of fans would point out,the man’s alright and stood firm with SAF. This was the first guy in line to lead the new look United and with major changes at the club taking place with the likes of Keane,Becks,Cole leaving the club he stepped up.
    Learnt a lot from Laurent blanc

  123. TheCANTONA says:

    @slim:
    So true. i understand why some proper reds didn’t fancy him as legend but who knows in the future, the younger fans may fondly remembered him as one of united legends…

  124. FletchTHEMAN says:

    Costas. Sorry mate missed your response @16:17. Full agree. Rio was absolutely majestic for 4-5 years minimum and still can single handedly make any of the youngsters look like old hands when he is next to them. A wonderful mentor to the youngsters. If it wasn’t for the drugs test miss debacle, there wouldn’t be any doubt about his quality. That single lapse has undone way out of proportion to what it was.

  125. Shebangsthedrums says:

    I love Rio, truly top class defender and seems to be a good bloke to have in the dressing room.

  126. JC says:

    Ahh i remember just last summer people were demanding Rio retire or be sold to MLS, amazing what a healthy season will do for people’s short term memories :)

  127. Sandeep1878 says:

    Who are real fans? The ones who have never been to a match, don’t criticise the Glazers and buy a replica shirt every summer?

    I Never been to a match,

    I dont buy replica,

    I dont like Glazers..

    am i entitled to call myself a real fan?

    fucking funny world this we are living in…

    all this bullocks of fans not being real because they never been to watch..horse shit…

  128. schmadmir says:

    For me he is one of the most complete defenders ever.

    Pace, height, good header of the ball, great anticipation, great leader, good tackler when he has to and nerves of steel.

    Fantastic player!

  129. Jay says:

    Can’t believe he hasn’t won an FA cup with us yet.

  130. Sparkz says:

    As a player, one of the greats of his generation. One of the most complete defenders you’ll see. 06-08 he was the best defender on the planet bar none (and I maintain that we would have beaten Milan in the 2007 semi finals had he been fit, would never have conceded 5 goals over the 2 legs with him in the side).

    What I love about him though is the fact that he “gets” United. He gets the history, the tradition. He’s become a fan basically. You can tell how deeply he loves the club. This is the sort of stuff you expect from guys who have come through our system (Scholes, Giggs, Fletcher etc). But very rarely do you get it from “outsiders”, players who sign for us. Of all the players we’ve signed in the last decade, only him and Evra seem to be like that.

    Also, he goes to watch Youth team games, he leads, he provides a shoulder for the younger players. These are all reasons why he’s such an important character as well as a player. And tbh, I’ve never thought he gets the credit he deserved from our own fans (same goes for Beckham….maybe coz they’re both flash Cockneys?)

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