De Gea, Smalling, Jones, Vidic, Buttner, Valencia, Cleverley, Anderson, Young, Welbeck and Chicharito.
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looks strong to me!
I hope Nani is on the bench to feature…
strong!
Bench: Lindegaard, Ferdinand, Giggs, Carrick, Nani, RVP, Kagawa
I take it the line up is designed to make us sweat,hell of a lot of changes
Wish nani was starting, otherwise its a good team.
I would have loved to see Powell, but eitherway it’s a strong line-up which should be more than enough against Reading.
Why Valencia starts ahead of Nani is beyond me. Rest of the team looks good though.
Good lineup.strong bench.
Ando needs to put up,today complaining about Utd’s rotation policy,Nani just not getting a chance at the moment,not looking good for him
Pls sir play Nani not Valencia
Yeah I dont know how Valencia gets in the team ahead of Nani is his current form. SAF seems to be persisting with him, even though Nani has shown signs on regaining form with his first game back from “injury”.
WeAreUnited this link is about Utd legends found the article today,sums up my feelings in regards to Ronnie
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1533745-ranking-ryan-giggs-against-other-manchester-united-greats
Two keys to win this game1.No underestimation of the opponent2.don’t give them times to take so much possession.
That’s it then for Nani.
Good line up. But I really wanna see nani in starting line up. I know he’s not better than valencia or young, but he needs games to play.
I agree with SAF 100% with this line up.
Even if Valencia doesn’t put in very good crosses or take on and beat the man in front of him, you can be rest assured that he will still put in a good shift and help out the defense. But for Nani, we all know how brilliant he is and also how frustrating he can be where he neither helps the attack or defense and even end up as a liability and burden to his team mates.
Since you can never be sure of the Nani that will show up, I’d rather go with a hard working Valencia who might just rediscover his form in a best case scenario or worst case scenario, he will put in a good shift helping out his team mates. Nani can come in if and when we have the game wrapped up with a comfortable lead else, the bench is good enough. After all, we can’t even be sure the kind of performance Ando will put up tonight so let’s not take too many chances.
why aren’t Powell or Lingard in contention for this game? I’d rather see one of those guys than Young
Nice to see the little getting a game at last, I would much rather him on the pitch rather than well eck who looks like a boy with two nine irons for legs, needs to start eating pie n chips to get some meat on his bones…. No offence Danny.
Not starting with Nani, even in FA cup!!
Thats the”twilight of the idol”for the boy, its strange because Valencia’s performance in the last couple of games was absolutely shambolic.on the other hand it seems that Nani was improving, this paradox can tell you that Nani will be off next season.although I hate to speculate or merely predict on this issue but we can speak retrospectively.personally I can see it that way.hope I am wrong as I am a great fan of the Portuguese boy.)
Little PEA
Come on. Nani isn’t even starting THIS game? Something is clearly wrong with the relationship btwn Fergie and Nani. He hasn’t played for a while and he STILL can’t get a run of games together despite being fit.
The line-up is alright. Hopefully we win this game early. Would have been nice to see someone like Powell on the bench at least.
Given the rest ando and tom have had this could turn out to be a cricket score. Come on you reds!!!!
Should have been Nani instead of Valencia. Other than that, good team.
I like seeing Danny tonight. Get him some continuity and build on his confidence from the madrid game. Wasn’t long ago many people were complaining about danny not playing at high enough standards.
Anybody knows how Will Keane is progressing with his injury?
The fact that Nani was in a car crash probably doesn’t help things
RIP Nani’s Career with Man United
Tony V’s last game was against Everton and had one of his best games of the season,so were shambolic comes from is beyond me do some of you not even watch the games and just write shit, please no one mention the 8 mins against Madrid as one of his last 2 starts.
What does Nani have to do to get a game?? Could it have something to do with his car accident recently?? Perhaps his attitude and performances in training have been lacking?? Whatever it is.. I hope it’s not too late for him.
A Valencia not firing is still superior to the diving arm waving Nani.
Nice one like dat line up and bench
And what’s wrong with Young,good hardworking player for us.
@five: i take my words back forgot about nani’s car crash, it wasnt even his fault
hopefully he is benched because of the car crash n not because of footballing reasons
Nani is the best winger at this club on form. The only way to find form is to get games. Valencia has been bad this season despite playing a lot of games. Nani’s exclusion is almost inexplicable. Maybe he’s broken a club rule or something or Fergie simply does not like him. That’s the only thing I can think of.
@dannysova
I agree, it seems that Fergie doesn’t trust Nani anymore, or something related to his attitude.who knows!in united ethics and collective personality is above individul talent and ego.Nani has obviously had had some injury problems but again Fergie was not very happy with his performance against Chelsea when he publically criticized him for giving a crucial ball away.it seems unfair though in my opinion because since then Nani technically didn’t involve in any competitive match.the bond between him and boss is obviously broken.still hopefull that things get fixed up, may be through this match:O
@wayne the list is PErfect expect Ronaldo should be there.
The only one to win best player award the ballon do’r.
Van Nistelrooy: was here for 5 years, won the league once, Fa cup once, league cup once and scored 150 goals in 219 games. and he left the club and since then played for 3 more teams.
Ronaldo: played here for 6 seasons gave us 3 great ones, he played 292 games and scored 118 times, he put us in the CL finals 2 times, he one with us the Premier League 3 times, the CL one, and he was the best player in the world with us, fa-cup once, league cup twice and the fifa world cup.
So who’s more of a legend in your eyes? Ronaldo, like it or not.
Van Nistelrooy left the stadium after not being in the team sheet for the final of the cup and then left the club with no respect towards SAF, now it’s all cool.
Ronaldo left when he wwas sold, yes he made some noise, but he never left like Van Nistelrooy and RVN is considered a legend?
Double standards in my mind
CMON UNITED!
Oh should have scored there ,, bright start
Any links?
Count how many times Ashley Young gets the ball and doesn’t run at and commit the full back.
,,, backwards
… sidewards
Well MontanaRed, you’ve got your Ando/Clev midfield,
Which TBH I’ve always been a fan of!
Hopefully they can do the biz tonight, and its nice to know there’s s strong bench to turn to if we need to change things up!
ForzaUtd!
@Wayne
you are right mate, I was a bit harsh on Tony.I Forgot Everton game, he did good but apart from that he is not the real Valencia we all know.I know he is strong and will recover soon but please don’t say shit to other’s comment because I was trying to make an amend for Nani.because collectively Valencia’s form has been dramatically on a low level.that was my point.I think many people here will agree on that.cheers.
Link anyone?
Get physical! Love it!
http://www.coolsport.tv/stream3.html
@wayne
I correct the only won tp wint the ballon dor besides Georgie BEst
@andromeda mate I agree with you on Valencia, he was ok in his last game agains tEverton but so was Nani against Fulham, so who knows
Very disappointed to not see nani playing.
you can see why we need Cleverley agains REal MAdrid
Why Valencia… He’s horrible. Nani would’ve been a better choice.
Seriously is it that hard?
Why isn’t Valencia even trying to take people on anymore?
Reading looks tenacious.
@we are united
that is right mate, Nani was unfortunate not to be on the starting lineup after his performance against Fulham.
Nani`s got the talent but lacks the brains – his decision making too often frustrates. If he can cut back on the brain fart/ selfish dimension of his play there’s a top top player in there….its as if he’s trying too hard to catch the eye in the limited run outs he gets.
This being said I’d start him more often than not and certainly ahead of Valencia given the latter’s current form.
That 7 might be too heavy for him.
Ah just bitter we might lose our last ronaldo-esque winger. At least our center looks stronger and stronger.
@WeAreUnited. Agree with you there. Although I understood why we didn’t play him in Madrid, I’d like us try and have RM adjust to us in the home tie, not the other way around as in madrid
@andromeda and others
I am not trying to say that Nani deserves his starting place cause obviously he doesn’t, but he should ge tthe nod from Valencia and just look at what he offers.
@deigoforlan
same here, I also understand why we used Jones, but I thinkCleverley is the bette option to keep the posession and put the ball forward
But in reality, if RVP had been at his usual standards, we could have won the game so I reckon Fergie might be reluctant changing much from the first tie
Valencia just doesn’t want to take on shorey does he? He gets the ball and spends ten mins trapping and deciding who to pass to killing the urgency of our play. Really frustrating.
Also De Gea has to take charge of those corners. They are coming in dangerously close to the goal.
Commentators make a good point though. For a weakened side, I don’t think we could have been this happy for years.
@we are united
oh!then we must agree to disagree because I think Nani deserves another chance to prove his worth and moreover proves his intention as a united player.
If Jones can’t continue, why not put Valencia at right back? I’d rather see that than Rio on.
Fuck me hope Jones is alright!
WeAreUnited yes mate but the authors point is doesn’t matter how good the player was doesn’t belong on the legend’s list when he tried to force a move 3 of his 6 seasons with the club.Like I said before Ronnie’s love deveopled after the move,before he gave fans misery.That doesn’t consitute a legend he was a great player who didn’t want to be at Utd
@WeAreUnited. My thoughts exactly. I think we need to see more of the ball at OT. If we don’t, I fear we won’t get much advantage from playing at home – the supporters will have a different vibe to them if we see more of the ball and create chances. Lift the team forward
SAF….put ur self in dat boy nani position it bad. He is lik a son 2 u.u are a bad father.
Jones didn’t look too happy there. Hope to fuck it’s not something serious.
What a save.
What a shot that was ! fuck , hit the post .. looks like united player has to be break his bones if he has to get a foul
Thats Nani ladies and gentlemen.let up give him another chance.please Fergie don’t leave him in the shade.
Nani has already done more in three minutes going forward than Valencia did the whole game.
Referee’s have been really biased against us in the past few months.
Much better after that substitution. Keep it up.
Shaky first but that’s what you get with the chopping and changing. Nani had a few good efforts and looks like he’s out to prove a point. Hope Jones is alright, those kind of injuries can be tricky and we’ll need him fit for the big games!
Come on lads, get a few in at the start of the game and kill this off!
It really is weird leaving Nani on the bench for this one. SAF doesn’t want to play him in any important games but he’s not injured either (clearly). Comes on and Shows Valencia and Young how a winger is supposed to operate. Unless Nani has just a little bit better luck we’ll need RVP to finish these off. Can’t see anyone else scoring.
Nani’s technique on the ball is really amazing
He can strike it much much better than let’s say: ronaldo
Sign him up fergie
@andromeda agree to disagree on what? If I was the manager Nani would be my starting player all the time and I would not treat him like a cast off. But I meant the way his form has been, he doesn’t deserve it, it’s like Valencia. but to be honest the only one good winger this season has been Young. But Nani before everyone, he’s so freaking talented and an International, can’t leave that! give hi mthe love!
I think we agree to agree
@diegoforlan EXACTLY!
@wayne
Look mate,
Ronaldo came here when he was 18 and his three first season were to develope him, in his first 3 seasons he was 21 like Welbeck, so he was young, you can’t give them stick when they are 21.
Then he started banging his Ronaldo-mode for 3 seasons and you know the rest.
Van Nistelrooy left like an asshole, and he’s considered a legend? Ronaldo is a legend outside and inside the pitch. I recall him talking about his move after he won the CL and in his last season he talked a little more, but only God knows what happened there.
His love developed more after he left yes, but that’s only good mate
he respects us and realises he made a mistake. that is how legend acts, and he was a foreigner mate, remember that! so to do what he did with us, that’s LEGEND material.
Come on lads wake up. Sure we can do better than this!
Felt sorry for Jones, but only has himself to blame if he will have to be out injured again! Also Tom and Ando have pretty poor so far.
Costas I can’t imagine fergie wants 2 of the younger defenders against Ronaldo, HIguain and co. Better to just use them one at a time so we have some experience at the back against Madrid.
nani always gets undeserved stick from some fans and even from the media at times and i always think its so unfair. even on a bad day he is better than most people out there. people have said to me they prefer valencia instead because he does not track back which is not the case, if anything nani tracks back just as much as valencia but just doesnt win the ball often. i hate when people pull up the old tracking back argument , why must our right winger who is an attacking player be judged on his tracking back. seems like people want to play backwards.
@dasilvatwins
I agree “if anything nani tracks back just as much as valencia but just doesnt win the ball often. i hate when people pull up the old tracking back argument , why must our right winger who is an attacking player be judged on his tracking back. seems like people want to play backwards.”
But I want to get Valencia on form also and get our 2 best wingers back to back player of the season back to form. actually Valencia back to form and Nani back to the team sheet and trust-bracket
@we are united
mate, I think I misunderstood your comment, Sure we are now in perfect agreement:)
As for Young being the best winger, perhaps statistically that is correct, he did great in the big games and was surely our most consistent winger before picking up that injury.
Regarding Nani, I think Fergie is not doing united a favor by leaving him on the bench like an anonymous.we all saw what he is capable of.give the lad another chance.
i reckon sadly if either anderson or nani leaves in the summer the other is soon to follow. anybody know when nanis contract runs out?
It’s not fair to said Tom and ando was same performance st first half crazy
@andromeda
Exaclty on the SAF comment, and also you understood the Young comment also, cause he really did well before his injury.
@wayne mate I hope you don’t understand that I try to implement my thoughts mate, cause I appreciate your link that you gave me and that you try to explain me.
All but respect and let’s agree to disagree like alwas, that’s the beauty of beign a United supporter, no matter what we wthink of players, UNITED IS WE STAND and that is what we support firstly and the most!
The problem with nani is never his talent .. everybody knows how talented he is .
the issue is what he does with it .. his decision making and his maturity is still not to the level of someone that talented at the age of 27, esp if you want to be in the first team of united
Put off the fat robot please
They press our central midfield.
We dont press theirs.
Fuck’s sake Smalling. put the ball on the ground and PASS IT. that’s two straight times he’s put the ball out for a throw-in. FUCK.
I hope we can finish off this game without an emergency RVP call.
Get the goalscorer in already
I know Nani’s maturity is the issue but also remember he’s another of our winger’s who prefers his right foot and compare him to young. Young had a great run when he first came but he’s not looked his price tag since. Sometimes, especially when the diving comments get bandied about, I think Nani gets the stick because he’s portuguese. I still remember all the shit Ronaldo got and the unquestioned love for Rooney in preference.
reckon we’ll throw giggsy on for young before too long
Ashley Young is GASH.
nope, he went dutch!
Hopefully we aren’t doing an Arsenal here…
IN NANI WE TRUST
you can feel he will score
so many shots, one will go in
the call to rvp inevitably. was hoping he wudnt play today…
nani’s looking sharp today. ando for all his hard work has been erratic today. don’t see him starting against real
goal!
It was always going to be him…
Vindication
Only him.
Fuck yeah ! looked sharp , one or two shots off the post , third one banged in .. finally
@ WeAreUnited – bingo mate. nani it is!!
Nani has been a class above.
He has gone past players and teased in some beautiful crosses.
Nani!!!!
February 18, 2013 at 22:27
WeAreUnited says:
IN NANI WE TRUST
you can feel he will score
so many shots, one will go in
I always knew Nani was world class. Unfortunately he doesn’t show it much. Very average game from United tonight with lot of bad passing missing the mark.
Brilliant double save there
3 minutes later he scoreeeeeeeeeeeeeees
NANIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
IN NANI WE TRUST!!!
I swear Nani shits on all our other wingers. Were mad not to give the guy a run in the team
To be fair Nani has had some great shots on goal today.
Go on Nani. Bang in a hat trick and show SAF what he’ll be missing…!
The floodgates are going to open up like a hooker’s legs.
GREAT assist from Valencia
the friendship duo playying really wel ltogether
And that should settle it , good cross , , typical hernandez
HERNANDEZ!!!!! Absolutely fantastic cross from NANI. NANI NANI NANI! !!!!!! Best winger at the club.
Great cross…
CHICHARITOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
NANIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
I think that was Nani’s assist actually!
Argh now I wish we could wrap Robin back up in the cloth.
Nani to Hernandez. 2-0…!
On his day Nani absolutely rains on Young and Valencia…!
Our Nani iz back.nw kip up d pressure guys.lolz!chica makes it 2.C’M0N U REDZ!
I LOVE THIS TEAM
I think we’ll see more of Nani in the coming months.
@Toms
I meant the assisto to Nani’s goal
I know it was Nani to Chicha
Tiki taka the united way.forza Nani.
RVP
and they said berba had class
RVP eats him alive
RVP doing a “Rooney”, he’s certainly not just a poacher
What a performance!
Now we can take off Van Persie.
>>
Cheerleading a little…. or a lot. << Though I have to admit he's also had a few of his iffy moments in this game that go with his play. Maybe ascribe a little to how little he's played this season.
That moment by RvP was so pretty.
That goal was well deserved for reading. Defense was sitting back.
Oops!!
that was CLASS defending by United
What shitty defending was that?
Feckin Sunday League goal to concede…!
Always happens. De Gea rarely gets clean sheets.
Hahhaa
Shades of obertan there
The curious case of danny welbeck strikes again
Welbeck with a proper Heskey moment. But he is forgiven for banging in that goal against Real Madrid.
Shiit, even Vidic is starting to misjudge balls now..
Wtf was that
vidic is immense at the back
The full United treatment tonight then…
on to the treble!!! (lets take one game at a time)
Job done. Well done Nani and co. Hoping for some good news on Jones.
Fucking defense going to sleep. This shit always fucking happens. Why can’t we stay awake for 90 minutes? Is it that hard?
Phew!
I think we should all be pretty satisfied with the game.
Van Persie continues his slump ;p with some lovely play when he’s on the ball.
Nani had a great game. Legs not looking cold at all from his limited play this season. If Young and Valencia play ahead of him… well in Fergie we trust.
On that note, I sometimes feel like Welbeck benefits so much from Valencia and Young’s rather…. eh season- by valencia’s standards anyway. Not to say he had a bad game but watching Chicharito take that goal so well… Tough life being a young striker with that competition. On that note, it’s refreshing to not have the usual refrain of United looking listless without Rooney.
Jones will turn out to be the big consequence of the game. Ahhh do not want to face Madrid without him atleast as an option.
nani great, valencia looks like he is getting his confidence back, slightly dissapointed in cleverly and anderson , ah well everyone has their off day.
—-RVP–
welb-rooney-nani
–carrick-jones–
hope that is the midfield and attack against madrid
How good was Nani? nice to see you back son,
onwards and upwards
Chicharito….chicharito…chicharito
what can you say about the little pea, he’s becomign our Maradona and don’t take it too literally. He is doing everything and scoring also.
Nani…Nani…Nani…
IN NANI WE TRUST
get in there! he’s our best winger, and one of our best player, forget all the myth of him not defending or being inconsistent, that’s a MYTH and bollocks and today he proved you inside 46 minutes, give hi mthe trust and he’ll be oru main threat on the wings, we all know it, it’s not his first time playing that good.
I LOVE THIS TEAM, I really do.
@ Daniel88
Thanks for the link mate. Enjoyed it.
Nani….please keep him, different league to our other wingers, him and Valencia paired up nicely, not for the first time, and he bought our forwards in to the game more. Some nice shots by Nani and Pea, a few beautiful passes by RVP, loved Vidic organising defence, Smalling was a bit too edgy for me.
MF produced nothing of note, risky play at times, Carrick steadied the shop.
Get in. Beats me how we managed to make this exiciting in the end. But then again – its the F.A Cup! I don’t really see an obvious scapegoat for the goal we conceded. Jobi McAnuff was pretty lucky on that one if you ask me.
A really well played 2nd half, though, which is very much down to Nani. What a game from him. Speed, unpredictability and well taken shots. However, Welbeck seriously need to get rid of this clumsy part of his game. He should have closed the game near the end or at least left it for RvP to do so.
But all in all – what a great cup game and we’re through! So, who to keep an eye out for from the Boros these days, eh?
I am worried by Jones injury.)hope he is Ok.
de gea – little to do today but made 2 brilliant saves in the second half.top keeper
vidic- no nonsense defending from our captain.hopefully be involved in the madrid 2nd leg
smalling- kept things simple @ the back.like him @ cb always and not rb
buttner- solid performance and put in a couple of sweet crosses
jones- played well till getting the injury..unlucky with injuries
anderson- good midfield play..should add more shots to his game
cleverley- always moves the ball quickly and not afraid to go forward .thumbs up
wellbeck – drifted in and out.had a couple of decent chances to score.love the way he robs opponents off the ball
chicharito – what more to say about hernandez..assassin..poacher
van persie- played the rooney role and whao…sprayed balls left right and centre.his skill ,quality and touch on the ball is amazing.
carrick – late sub.came on to keep the midfield
young -back from injury.prolly need a couple of games to get going
valencia – slowly getting back to form i would think. not a bad shift today
@dee
how can you forget Nani in your list???
good review but leaving Nani out of that is a bad call
just joking.
dee, how did you forget nani? haha
oh and nani easily our best player.top top performance
I really wish we could get some clarity on Nani situation. Nani and Zaha with Valencia at RB or occasional RW.
I have to say Nani looked good to with his runs through the middle and his decision making when playing through the middle was spot on, plus no one could get the ball off him…maybe a position he could play and grow in.
Buttner was also good today I thought, nice left foot, a bit slow tracking back at end, but neat and tidy, not afraid to take the ball, decent passing some good crosses, pace, some good tackles.
Whether Jones injured or not its not clear that Fergie will rely on him against Madrid!
Now focus on the league lads, QPR is an obvious banana slip.still a long way to go.no retreat and no complacency.
Chicharito 15 goals and 5 assists
RVP 23 goals and 7 assists
Rooney 13 goals and 10 assists
AMAZING!
For the goal, Cleverly seemed to get in Vidic’s way, he missed the block and Vidic had to pull off and was not able to step in but it was a poor poor goal to concede, switched off there.
I think Jones getting injured was a blessing in disguise for Nani and us in this game and in the season though I hope Jones gets better
@nbi
great call mate, Buttner was exellent! I think the lad has improved from his second game, cause his first was amazing, too amazing maybe
great call.
Jones going off on caste and crutches, probably a scan, hope this is not going to keep him out of RM game.
lol @ WeAreUnited .thanks.was sooo excited about nani’s performance that i totally skipped him.finally all the haters can leave nani alone and let his football do the talking
Macmanaman not a bad commentator.
Job done not much else to say against a Reading team that’s borderline Prem quality.Don’t see QPR as a banana skin,’arry can’t keep playing 10 men behind the ball and hoping to get results QPR need to start getting wins otherwise their fucked.Watched them play against Swansea looked shit that is a bad team their defense is crap Utd should take them apart no problem
Smalling also did a funny jump for their goal. Hopefully he will hit his form of earlier years. I think the younger CM’s next to Rio / Vid is working well.
@dee
you summed it up nicely mate, my man of the match should go to Nani.BTW if it was not for their goalkeeper we might have scored more than 4 goals, credit for him.generally I am satisfied with the performance, superb degree of commitment and concentration.De Gea keeps proving his doubters wrong.CHicarito was fantastic tonight, always buzzing inside the box.RVP is simply awesome guy, a true professional.
In tonight’s game we saw “reincarnation of true Nani and resurrection of Valencia”my title for this game:/
Nani played well against a bottom club he needs to do it week in week out against all opposition,that’s not being a hater that’s pointing out the obvious no one have ever argued his ability it’s always been his consistency.
Sloppy uninspiring game that,lot of the old failings back.
I think SAF was going to play Nani in the league and was looking to bring him on last half hour-ish, but yeah, as noted above, he came on and changed the game, he basically won it for us. At least I hope he is a starter against QPR, he deserves it and I am keen to see more of him.
Young was poor today I thought, Danny offered more on the LW. Hats of to Danny versatility, where hasn’t the lad played, LW RW, Lead Striker, Support Striker. His finishing was off but I think part of that was his legs going after a few lung busting runs, he was also good defensively, and he ran his socks off at RM last week, if Danny could sometimes slow the pace a bit or change pace and make a bit of space ala Henry he would possibly be able to get his shots off more, he often tries to hit it at full speed sprint which is a hard thing to do and his sprint is bloodly fast and leggy. He has the ability to be an Henri in my view, the poise and mindset to will hopefully come.
Loved that defensive back heel and diagonal pass by RVP, class. Vidic bloody at game end, headed practically everything in magnet like fashion. Valencia not a bad RB, in fact I think this was his best game in a while.
@Wayne
you are not seeing QPR as banana skin.well that is fine, but we should be cautious nonethless.these lower bottom fighting for their survival teams are always getting extramotivated facing us.technically and theoretically it might look easy but pragmatically things might look diffedrent.let us hope we can get the 3points.
@ wayne, agree with you re consistency for Nani, but given how other wingers bar Giggsy have been playing, I think that was the best performance from any of our wingers this season and the only one where a winger changed the game (other than Giggsy). Based on that, I have to say compared to Valencia and Young’s indifferent form, I would take a gamble on a bit of inconsistency with Nani.
@ parrheid – how can you not be inspired by some of that, there were moments of pure class, we never looked like conceding till their goal, their keeper basically kept them in it. In terms of old failings – defensively the error aside we were really good. By old failings do you mean the C MF?
QPR – Park and Rafael back at OT.
Fabio
@parry
I think Reading made things difficult for us, pressing all over the pitch.overall we did very well in my opinion.Cleverly, Anderson, welbz linked up nicely.besides their was the dual partnership of nani valencia.terrific team performance.
Andromeda all teams playing Utd get extra motivated mate,everyone’s cup final. RVP pointed out every game is a big game at Utd that’s what City are finding out this year as Champions have a target on their back’s which are having a problem dealing with,Utd always have a target on their backs.QPR just aren’t very good mate their defense is not prem quality Swansea took them apart ‘arry being getting results by playing 10 men behind the ball but even he must realize 1pt a game isn’t going to cut it.Once he opens the games up QPR are going to start losing bad signed a lot of shit players for to much money,one thing for certain QPR will be playing championship football next season,Utd 99 out of a 100 will always beat bad teams.
3 goals for Nani, despite the fact he has hardly started this term. Great assist today. But also a fantastic shadow run by Pea to get his head on it and he was never going to miss.
Agree- it’s never good to be over confident but yeah, to lose to QPR we have to make errors or play poorly and they have to play above themselves.
However, it is an away match and they have nicked points off some top teams. I would be more concerned about drawing than losing though, we need to keep this nice 12 point cushion as we have a lot of football to play. However,SAF will likely play a strong team there and rest players for Norwich at home. Lots of players with something to prove in the squad so they will be desperate to win, I would like to see Cleverly-Kagwa MF v QPR.
It’s also fingers crossed for injuries right now, we need our top players fit for RM game.
NBI i have no issues with giving Nani a extended run just seen this movie before,i have different views on Tony V brings a lot to the team imo and thought he had a good game against Everton and again tonight.Just get the impression a lot of Nani fans want to pick Tony V apart and then get far to carried away when Nani has a good game.
If we can get 6 points from next 2 EPL games, I can’t see City clawing back a 12 pt lead with 10 games to go. We could then lose 3, draw one and win 6 and get the league. Can’t see us losing 3 though given the run in, I can see us dropping 3/4 points though, 6 max. But I think they will drop points to.
@wayne
why can’t we see things the same.
It’s always the same song with us too.
I think if we get a great form fro mboth our star wingers I would be delighted.
But when Nani plays an exellent and one of this seasons best games by a winger, then it’s only a bottom half team? and then Valencia played for you a good game in this game. I am confused.
Nani scored and assisted and was a star quality for 47 minutes. Nani brings alot more than Valencia., And I don’t want to compare, but off forValencia brings defense. That’s it.
When in form then both brings the same attaciking and defensive wise. Didn’t Nani track back today or was I missing the game? When on form the difference is Nani can prodce moments of magic more consistently than Valencia.
BTW did you see my comments on the legend issue? great to argue mate
off form Valencia. **
Well for starters your right the midfield and particularly Cleverly,really looking for him to control that game.Really poor then the switch off reappearing in a game we should have totally controlled despitre some very good performers out there not good enough.
Well you’re never happy anyway, nothing new there.
Cracking performance from luis nani, yet again showing that with confidence, he’s by some distance the best winger and most creative midfielder. Why valencia has this freedom to play on the right regularly is beyond me, his lack of flexibility has hindered the likes of nani who is very much more effective on the right. Top class player, can be ranked mongst the likes of ribery di maria e.t.c but he hardly gets support.
Lets give Nani some proper support and see him picked as first choice for a few weeks – Youngand Tony V not scored between them this season – Nani deserves his chance of a proper run – when he gets a prop[er run he delivers – Tony V good option for late in games. Nani’s prompts, 1-2s and shooting made us look a different side. Rest of team looked very pleased for him too.
@parryheid – don’t how old you are mate but given your preference for young and valencia I suspect you would have been delighted in 1978 when Dave Sexton sold Gordon Hill and replaced him 6 months later with Mickey Thomas
na na nani nana nani hey hey hey chicharito
WeAreUnited too many superlatives get used so quickly mate anytime Nani puts in a good shift,’a class above’ ‘world class’ he’s only these things when he does it week in week out which up to this point in his career hasn’t done.For close to 2 seasons you can count Nani’s great games games on one hand.Nani on his day is unplayable but he has to be more consistent,even today although he played well made lazy passes and bad shooting decisions.Once Nani becomes more focused and consistent by all means fans can use whatever superlative they want but to start calling him world class because he has a good game against Reading is silly
Nani is one of the most frustrating players i can ever remember at Utd he has so much natural ability but untill he starts doing it weekly i can’t get carried away with one good game every ten because at Utd’s level that just isn’t good enough
Di you see the dummies and the shooting by Chicharito??? I think the lad has everything and he now even slows the game, takes on players, assists, shoots from distance and SCORES
@samuel can’t you see liek a do a little resemblence on him and Maradona, he’s becoming our own ;D don’t take it literally. hehe.
I LOVE THIS TEAM
TOP OF CREAM BABY
@wayne
fair enough, but you cant be hypocritical, because Valencia has been all those you said about Nani this season also and he gets the free pass.
That is what bothers me and the most.
Nani is world class, and that’s why he should play more often liek that. People seem to forget that until that Caragher tackle he was our main man, then he got injured and has struggled a bit more.
But when Valencia or someone else does the same, it’s double standards and it’s all abotu form and injuries, but people never consider that with Nani.
you even said when people critisised valencia gainst Madrid that he played only 8 minutes.
Nani came on and in 4 minutes had 2-3 shots and almost scored and then played on FORM and his last game against FUlham was as good or even better than Valencia’s against Everton.
You will say: it was against Madrid and not reading
I say: who knows what Nani would have done against Madrid? Ifs and buts, but that’s football, 4 minutes or 8 minutes, all counts. Chicharito knows it, hell we as supporters know it
I am not saying Valencia has no part, I want them both back and Valencia played well as a RB, but Nani is class above, but isn’t as appreciated by SAF and his confidence has taken a shot, until his last games and after today we will see the real Nani.
You saw how happy SAF was.
Consistency” yet the portuguese has created more chances and scored more goals than any midfielder throughout his career at united, if you want to argue about consistency then that will give you the answer. The point of creative wingers is they have to take risks either by trying different/new moves to beat a defender or intricate complex moves that can break down, this does not mean they are “inconsistent”, in fact no winger is actually consistent. They are placed out wide, vulnerable to being crowded out but they have to constantly produce trickery to beat players, it may or may not come off, it’s up to fans to continue to back players up for showing courage to pick up the ball yet people will moan and groan, it seems yo be the workman like donkeys that get the applause, those players that clog around the pitch with no purpose, the creative players aren’t revered. People also don’t see that players being played in unfavoured position can affect performances, nani has always been at home on the right but due to being technically strong, he gets sacrificed onto the left due to valencia inability to use his left foot and we can also add that confidence is a massive thing.in football, even the best players need it to kick on and to see nani at his best, support is needed.
WeAreUnited no mate a player is world class when he shows up every week any player can have great games.I’m not hypocritical at all i just don’t like Tony V getting put down,yes Tony V isn’t playing as well as last year but he still brings a lot to the team,difference is if Tony V is having a off day his work rate and defensive qualities give the team something with Nani he becomes a passenger.
In the end it’s up to Sir Alex in which player he trusts so i don’t like the way Tony V has been made a whipping boy by some fans just because they don’t agree with Sir Alex’s decisions
I’ve never slagged Nani off he’s gone down a lot in my estimation by asking for a 40k a week pay raise 2yrs into a 5 yr year contract and going public with veiled threats of leaving if he didn’t get his way,so i think his attitude and desire to stay at Utd have to be questioned.On the field all i’m asking for is for him to deliver on a consistent basis instead of being the nearly man
@samuel on point yet again.
people have caught on that MYTH for ages, now it’s that he doesn’t track back or is not defensively good.
Are we trying to win games or what? I think wingers should score and provide and not only defend. There is where I think SAF is makign a mistake with Nani and many supporters also.
SAF should trust in Nani and give him more freedom liek to ROnaldo, but Ronnies was his golden boy deservely and Nani is not.
@wayne
You say, David De GEa is is not what we need,
You say Nani is hyped and inconsistent and
then you claim Ronaldo is not a legend
I am confused cause I see all those three as one of best players to come around. we see football so differently . Luckily United is where we stand.
@wayne
I agree that many put TOnyV down to bring Nani up, and that’s wrong, I have also done it but tried to explain that it is not because I hate Valencia but that I appreciate Nani more.
but it was the same with Nani when he played badly it was comparing him to TonyV.
Was that fair? isn’t Nani showing now finally that he’s worth it.
He was injured and etc but people forget that with Nani. anyway. I am going to watch a movie.
peace.
TOP OF THE LEAGUE BABY!
When confident, has nani not shown up in big games? It’s Not true to say he only plays well against so called “small teams”, nani has played better than most wingers at this club througout his career, even on his off days, he will win games. Bang on “inconsistency” when it’s not as black and white when applied to wingers as most make out. Wingers are not consistent, they are the highlight grabbers, they are the creative crackers that can either spark or be shunted out. They get.most off their feet as much as making people tear their hair out. They are risk takers, not “consistency” robots.
WeAreUnited what i said is DDG isn’t ready and Utd would have been better signing a quality vet to bring DDG on slowly so that’s a big difference than saying DDG isn’t what we need.He has a major weakness showed it again today didn’t come out for one cross,it’s obvious for everyone to see,he has to get that sorted.With him being Spanish don’t trust him to stay when he becomes the finished article so i’ve my doubts whether Utd will ever see the dividends in time and money spent
You’re absolutely right Ronnie does not deserve to be on the Utd legend list,great footballer but his attitude stunk and all we heard about as fans was his love for Real Madrid that’s not what makes a Utd legend not even fucking close.Utd gave him 5 pay raises in his time with the club and he still wanted more,your definition of legend revolves around stats that is not how a legend is determined
Mate Nani is inconsistent,he’s had one great season in 2010,how long has he been at the club?
Saf was saying that Jones was great, but didnt mention Nani, wich is not correct. He don t like him. I think that Nani did something that made him mad…he offer something different on the wing and he is tehnically very strong. We need more players like him…
I am with @ Wayne here, Nani could be, but is not world class, there is a significant level of inconsistency in his play, questions about his decision making and a tendency to sometimes take risks and try the spectacular where the team would benefit from a wiser decision with regard to the flow of the game. That said, on form he is almost unplayable and a match winner, he is also a delight to watch though he can also make you fall off the sofa in despair. All in all I love Nani, I feel he is getting closer to the level he needs to be at and is good more often that not, but he will have to continue to work hard on what is missing, that level of intuitive reading of the game, decision making and timing that comes naturally to players like Rooney.
Valencia till this season has been consistent and I think he did a great job as RB. He has had a few serious injuries, he was not the same when he came back from the last one, he also seems afraid to shoot when well placed. I am not enjoying watching him this season as he is a shadow of the player Pep called the best winger in Europe, when he was crossing onto Roonys head for fun. I would like to see Nani and Valencia start, Young I am afraid I just don’t rate him, Evra is much better going forward than he is. You look at Giggs, Ribery, Robben, Di Maria then at Young, he just is not in that world class league and never will be, he is more there to cover for Evra who is the creative attacker on the left.
Re Ronnie being a United legend, he is definitely a United great, but legend status is greatness plus loyalty and love, for me he is not a legend in the sense of players like Cantona, Giggs, Keano, Scholes, Rudd due to his lust for Madrid. I respect him, he may love United more on hindsight but I will always remember he wanted out and pushed for it and took the shine off the season a bit.
@ mara – you are wrong – SAF said that Nani was terrific and that he knew he would change the game and that he won the match for us.
@ mara – http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2013/Feb/sir-alex-ferguson-reacts-to-manchester-united-v-reading-fa-cup-tie.aspx
NBI Red Onion @ 23:38: ” I have to say compared to Valencia and Young’s indifferent form, I would take a gamble on a bit of inconsistency with Nani.”
Young’s form isn’t “indifferent”, it’s just crap; Valencia’s form is getting worse, too. In comparison, Nani gives you highs AND lows but tonight the highs won the match for UTD.
With Nani – as with any “box-of-tricks” player, you get some really stupid/shitty/dumb stuff but that’s the price you pay for some brilliance and game-changing moments of stunning skill and audacity. He’s greedy BUT he’s not afraid to shoot – and you can’t score if you don’t shoot (and you can’t score if you can’t shoot accurately like AshleyYoung showed early on tonight).
For me, the biggest “educational moment” in this match was to see the gulf in quality between LittleRedRafa/NinjaEvra and the three guys who were fullbacks in their places.
so why when Nani is injured like on that year when Carragher tackled him and Nani couldn’t come back to his best (as you claim), which I don’t believe into, despite producing many goals and assists to our team, then his injury isn’t considered.
Same thing is happening right now, did you know that Nani was 3 months injured and now is slowly coming back? and game by game being consistently good and now exellent?
No!!! you forget that, because he’s your inconsistent player who is surrounded with this great MYTH.
Anyway, this threads of arguments of who should be respected and who is not is wearing me off, cause obviously opinions will differ.
Last thing to add, before I will try to concnetrate onyl in our teams game.
I have noticed that there’s two kind of supporters of ManUtd. Those who loves technical football and all the tricks and highlight grabbers as Samuel put it, those who frustrate in one moment, but in the other wins you games. Isn’t this a team game after all?
and then there’s those who loves the hard working players . For this I am not surprised cause English football is more based on hard-work, but the world of fooosball is changing, Technique is here to stay.
I wonder what will people think of Zaha who is also a trickster and a player who seeks glory to become the best in the world. That will be another story then!
peace and good night!
@wayne
sorry I misunderstood you, I thought you said we don’t need him ( about DDG)
Didn’t come out? well maybe one time, but did federici come out that much? It’s a thing that is also somehow surrounding DDG, he doesn’t come that much out, but honestly, rarely keepers come out all the time, even though I get what you mean. They come when it’s necessary.
peace.
WeAreUnited don’t get the point about Nani having injuries so has Tony V,Nani was poor this season before his injury.Nani has had one great season prior to 2010 most fans thought he’d be gone and maybe the Carragher tackle caused a mental issue but his contribution since then hasn’t been the same.I hope he turns it around and becomes the player that is ability justifies but the simple fact is over the last season and half his contribution hasn’t been much
Tell you what want to prove me wrong tell me how many goals and assits Nani has had since that tackle,I’m thinking its not that many but I don’t keep stats was looking for them today but couldn’t find a site.
Mara – what on earth are you talking about? Have you even bothered to read interviews?
This so called valencia, how much has he really contributed? Judging.by the media’s anaysis, you’d think he’s been constantly brilliant but his goals or assists ratio are no where near nani’s, bang on about nani hasn’t done anything since 2010 but what has valencia or any other winger done? I’m confused here, the consistency thing doesn’t hold up, this is used by those that do not know the role of wing player, no winger is an hallmark of “CONSISTENCY”.
The whole point is, valencia is one dimensional and old fashioned. He knocks the ball past defenders and crosses, there’s no technical brilliance or complexity, it’s basic but this basic thing he does well to his credit, he nrver takes any risks hence any flaw in his game are hidden well. He’s tagged with “consistency” but he never does anything to put that on the line, basically he’s a very good player at what he does whilst adding a good defensive graft, i’m a fan of his style of directness and i hope this doesn’t seem like i’m criticising him but he escapes the full brunt of criticsm from most, nani seems to get ridiculed when clearly he’s got bags of talent and should be cherished for what he’s good at and not what people want him to be. “He loses the ball” “he’s greedy” blah blah, if it was up to these people, we would have square passing uninventive players around the team, those unwilling or incapable of being match winners. Nani has his flaws (no one is perfect) but at least he should be commended for his courage and willing to step on the ball and create, not mocked for being less of a basic player.
I also want to add that nani’s best position is on the right but he’s shunted out onto the left, his superb performances during 2010 season was on the right, position definitely plays a part in how effective a player can be, confidence can be added too. Nani is tge ultimate confidence player and when he gets the backing of fergie and fans, he flies like a kite and his performance will hopefully kick him on. I hope he signs the new contract, a wing collection of nani, zaha and valencia can be fantastic.
Cant imagine so many fans supporting Nani. I for one support forever. He’s a class above all winger and all he need is trust and more play time. People forget how good he is for us for 2 seasons. Until that injury came and he lost his form.
I notice that Nani playing well, fans also complain his decision making and such but he contribute more than any winger even when hes off form. There is a double standard on fans about Nani.
I have to say if you like Nani, you like him. If you dont like, you hate him.
I have nothing to say cause obviously, you dont appreciate what Nani brings to the team until you lose him.
Ferige is the greatest maneger of all time but he sometimes wastes talent he is just simply not giving NANI some game time valencia playing shit still getting time ,,nani is thrown on the bench even when he has a decent game ,,,,,
This guy needs support fergie plzzz don’t waste him he is way way way way better than valencia and young both combined
Nani needs to be cut some slack by supporters – I watched young give the ball away on 4 consecutive occasions last might in middle of first half including one dreadful ball across field in our own half, miss a great chance and generally offer very little … to mehe is another park someone who for me who was hugely overrated by a section of our support. I want to be entertained and excited as well and nani does that. Nani has delivered against the big sides – he has goals against Arsenal, Liverpool, City, Chelsea, Tottenham etc all on multiple occasions bar rhe scousers. Get behind the lad and see what he can do but some idiots in our crowd at home cantwait to get on his back
Wow Nanis performance last night seriously caused a lively debate between us in here. He performed so well that people seem to have forgotten what kind of performances brought him in his current situation in the first place. And that says quite a lot! You wouldn’t think that a performance lasting little over one half of play against Reading should be able to fundamentally change a whole debate over Nani – but seemingly it has.
I don’t think the fundamental premise around Nani has changed one bit after last night, so many of the posts in here quite surprise me. Nanis talent is undisputed, but his continuity is not. Some of us seem to forget that the lack of consistency in these kind of performances are what brought him on the bench in the first place. You don’t get to play at this team by being occaisonally good. And if Nani wouldn’t glow last night, I can hardly find a match in which he would.
To me, his performance last night doesn’t merit him a starting spot from now on. To me, he simply proved that he should be in contention for a spot. Like everyone else in the team. But guys, let’s not fool ourselves: although he might not need to play as good as last night to earn a starting spot, he needs to be a lot closer to this kind of performances than some of his dreadful alternatives to earn a spot.
Does he have to be more or less excluded from the starting XI for several months with talk about him being on his way out before he puts on a performance like this? If he could play like this even if the starting spot was his anyway- then he would be world class.
Nani has always been rated by most fans, but also frustrated, when Valencia was on form that debate faded, but with his decline and Young’s failing to step up, everyone is looking again at Nani because of the competition being poor and people want to see great wingers at United.
For me Nani does more good than harm, I think the contract dispute messed with his head early season and he was clearly on edge, lacked confidence and all over the place, totally admit that. However, he seems to have bulked up and put that behind him and got mentally more focused. Yes it was just Reading but they had 11 men behind the ball, it took his talent to unlock the door.