Confirmed Line Up: Utd v Ajax

February 23, 2012 352 Comments

De Gea, Rafael, Smalling, Jones, Fabio, Nani, Cleverley, Park, Young, Berbatov, Hernandez

Author: Scott the Red Filed Under Manchester United News

352 Comments

February 23, 2012 at 19:16
Gazzo says:
No pogba??!!
February 23, 2012 at 19:17
vzla says:
Surprised?
February 23, 2012 at 19:19
Fatz says:
Subs: Amos, Evans, Evra, Carrick, Giggs, Scholes, Welbeck

and if anyone cares =)

Ajax: Vermeer; Van Rhijn, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Koppers; De Jong, Anita, Eriksen; Ozbiliz, Lodeiro, Sulejmani
Subs: Cillessen, Ooijer, Blind, Serero, Aissati, Ebecilio, Klaassen
February 23, 2012 at 19:19
Gazzo says:
Ye man, thought he’d of made the bench at least
February 23, 2012 at 19:19
redyank@work says:
can’t believe pogba isn’t on the bench even. hearing jones is the caption? over nani or park? i wish i knew what SAF was thinking
February 23, 2012 at 19:21
Gazzo says:
Might b goin the same way as ravel!! In SAF we trust
February 23, 2012 at 19:24
plassen says:
somebody tell me – what’s the bench?
February 23, 2012 at 19:25
Saad says:
Lured boy Diouf scored for Hannover.
February 23, 2012 at 19:26
Clint-iamyourpapii says:
Nobody on the pitch is captain material.

Jones is miles ahead the other kids.

Smalling is quiet. The seniors in Park and Berba are shy on the pitch. Well not Berba, he’s just too cool for the captaincy.
February 23, 2012 at 19:26
edcunited1878 says:
Subs: Amos, Evans, Evra, Carrick, Giggs, Scholes, Welbeck
February 23, 2012 at 19:26
Saad says:
Our boy Diouf scored for Hannover.
February 23, 2012 at 19:26
adeoye says:
No pogba???? Well 9c selection though
February 23, 2012 at 19:26
heffo says:
another 1 bites the dust , wish us fans really knew whos pulling the string at united.
February 23, 2012 at 19:26
King Eric says:
Why not have Jones captain? It was his leadership qualities in the 7-1 hammering of Blackburn that made Fergie sit up and take notice. His head didnt drop he started bollocking those around him at 19 years old. Well pleased for the lad. He is a fucking beast. Oh and happy belated birthday Phil. 20 yesterday.
February 23, 2012 at 19:26
Adi says:
Jonny Boy captain for the night!
Now that is something he wouldn’t have imagined while signing for the club. Not so soon.
February 23, 2012 at 19:26
kungfoocantona1 says:
FUCK SAKE no pogba…wat is goin on here…somtimes i just dont no wat the fuck goes through fergies nut..this kid could be on the verge of leaving and he doesnt even make the bench in a match which he could of excelled in…………………..i just dont understand sir alex at times i really dont and if this kid goes then fergie will b the only 1 to blame..its different to ravel, he made his own silly decisions and fergie stood by him, with pogba we have the chance to have a future world class player and hes gona slip away all because he cant get a game in an average midfield……..but i suppose theres a reason for this. maybe fergie wants him for the norwich game u never no
February 23, 2012 at 19:27
redevil_83 says:
that’s the end of pogba
February 23, 2012 at 19:29
redevil_83 says:
no unlike morrison, i don’t think pogba’s head was turned by greed. he wanted more playing time…starter playing time from what i’ve read and heard. but as 18 yr old was expecting to much. must’ve had an argument with fergie on not starting today

whatevs. the great man united goes on. if pogba feels no pride in becoming famous in the glorious united red, then off you go lad
February 23, 2012 at 19:29
The WitchKing of Angmar says:
Jones is captain. Midway through his first season at Manchester United. What an awesome achievement for the lad.
February 23, 2012 at 19:29
Lebomanc says:
Great line up and a young one too!
But it’s weird that evra is being rested AGAIN…. I think he’s tired
February 23, 2012 at 19:29
Mahesh says:
Either Pogba’s unfit/injured, or there’s been a serious turn on the contract issue. If he doesn’t fit in the squad in the weekend, and there’s no news on his fitness, I would expect he’s a goner!
February 23, 2012 at 19:30
Bishopville Red says:
How does this rate as far as young United captains?

SB
February 23, 2012 at 19:31
Jamos says:
Pogba’s United career looks over already. It’s a shame to lose such a talent after the hard work of poaching and then nurturing him. So much for the crap MEN have been speculating bout him starting. I did find it a little dubious him starting but thought he’d be a used sub after being withdrawn from the reserves.
February 23, 2012 at 19:31
Lebomanc says:
Jones is the captain,!
Yaay, really glad for him
Whats the bench though?
February 23, 2012 at 19:31
parryheid says:
Fuck Pogba main thing is Fabio is in,happy enough with that team tonight.
February 23, 2012 at 19:31
leftback says:
Pogba….that damn agent of his….
February 23, 2012 at 19:32
King Eric says:
kungfoocantona – Why dont you just trust in Fergie for fuck sake? I get fucking sick and tired of folk saying “what is Fergie doing ” ” he is to blame” IF he does go there is obviously good reason. Fuck him and his greedy agent . Let lads like Cleverley, Welbeck, Tunni etc do the business. Not to mention lads like Cole and Lingard. Think after all these years folk should trust Fergie’s judgement. Do you honestly think he is sat there thinking “oh well Paul Pogba is good but I will just let him leave”? As I say there will be reasons. Look at Ravel. Already been fined for fucking about on twatter.
February 23, 2012 at 19:32
vaibhavred says:
silva brothers togetherr
February 23, 2012 at 19:32
Samir says:
Come on fergie,why don’t you start pogba alongside cleverley?that was ridiculous.. What a letdown.
February 23, 2012 at 19:33
Sandeep1878 says:
Our back 5 tonight: De Gea (21); Rafeal (21), Jones (20), Smalling (22), Fabio (21). Youthful

Go young reds go..

Tom Cleverley will make his 9th appearance for United & Ryan Giggs can make his 900th.

The Young and the Vintage..
February 23, 2012 at 19:33
slouchie1472 says:
Posted this on the previous thread but wanted to share it on here to show what scumbags we’re facing tonight………

Just seen this photo of cif…..sorry ajax fans outside Old Trafford

https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=248770658541474&set=a.116482831770258.28138.115948345157040&type=1&theater

Also hearin rumours of some of em riotin around manchester with petrol bombs

Wankers….as graceless as the club they appear to pledge support for over here
February 23, 2012 at 19:33
Red Neville says:
Pogba is being awkward and dragging his feet about a new contract, why reward him with first team opportunities in this situation.

Le Havre must be laughing.

It’s a good job we didn’t buy a midfielder last summer that might have harmed the development of Pogba and Morrison (sarcasm).
February 23, 2012 at 19:33
King Eric says:
well said parry.
February 23, 2012 at 19:34
redevil_83 says:
the twins as fullbacks
c’maaaaaaaaaaounnnn!
February 23, 2012 at 19:34
Sandeep1878 says:
Bench: Amos, Evra, Evans, Carrick, Giggs, Scholes, Welbeck

Rafael and Fabio start on either side of defence for just the second time this season. The other occasion? Crystal Palace in Carling Cup
February 23, 2012 at 19:34
REDibro says:
i am surprised not to see Pogba as well, but there must be a reason. maybe he will play on sunday. in SAF we trust. plus i don’t trust Park and Cleverley in the middle of the park today, no defensive cover so be expecting to see Carrick and/or Scholes come on at some point.
February 23, 2012 at 19:34
plassen says:
I agree that pogba should at least be on the bench. I think he’s finished at the club. Fergie keeps blaming agents, but I don’t know. Agents might be more ruthless, player egos might be bigger, but all in all it’s about giving these youngsters time on the pitch in the starting line-up.

COME ONE REDS!
February 23, 2012 at 19:35
plassen says:
but who am i to question fergie………………..
February 23, 2012 at 19:35
DiegoForlanDK says:
We know nothing yet, but if Pogba isn’t here because of contract problems I feel sorry for him. This club has more than proven willing to play youngsters, as long as you show the right attitude and commitment in training. You don’t get to play on our team through your agent – never. You can pull that shit off in CIty – Tevez – or somewhere else where the players are bigger than the club. This will never be the case with us.
February 23, 2012 at 19:36
King Eric says:
Pogba will NOT start at Carrow Road in a must win league game.
February 23, 2012 at 19:37
WillieRedNut says:
Plassen asks, what the bench? It’s where the subs sit.
February 23, 2012 at 19:38
FletchTHEMAN says:
Captain Phil Jones! Great call! What a statement. Love this. Get in United!!!!
February 23, 2012 at 19:38
Sandeep1878 says:
I m very thrilled with our squad..

With Carrick in, our average would have been around 24.5…1 more than Ajax..

so this is a game young lads, no need to panic

the boys will play like men and come out on top of it..

Expecting Berba to drop back and Chicha to make his trademark runs and moves to settle the nerves..
February 23, 2012 at 19:40
redevil_83 says:
yeah no way pogba starts against norwich. may be lucky to even see the bench. whatevs. we’ve got a match on tonight and the young warriors in red will do united proud today i can feel it. vamos.
February 23, 2012 at 19:40
heffo says:
this is why united always have to pay top dollar for young players . cos they wont give there own youth a chance unless they hang around till there 22 0r 23 look at shawcross,peque . if a player is good enough throw him in . sick this lad pogba is going and he is def going .
February 23, 2012 at 19:42
utd_fc says:
So we can expect Pogba to be on his way out pretty soon too I guess? Troubling news.
February 23, 2012 at 19:42
Dan-young says:
All of you moaning about pogba not starting. Maybe fergie is nurturing him and making sure he isnt given huge expectations before he even has a chance. United fans are going wayyy over the top on expectations of pogba, calm the fuck down and care about the game. If he had a crap game then everyone will be saying he’s shit! I highly doubt it means he’s being sold, we all criticise the journalists in this country and how they say a player is being sold if he misses a game, but you are all doing the same.
February 23, 2012 at 19:43
Sandeep1878 says:
Plassen..

stop please..will you?

tell you time and again,

its been discussed many times…just because thugs like Ravel think that we put them in starting line up because they have stalled their contract then they can straight away fuck off..

thats not how the great Sir Alex and the club operate..

Lets not get overboard with this Pogba thing..

He might have got a knock / he may really wants to leave us / may be he will come from the bench in the next league game…

U never know..
February 23, 2012 at 19:43
Elliott says:
I completely sympathise with Pogba. It’s ridiculous when Fergie decides to go for Rafael centre mid against Blackburn. What does he expect? Pogba needs to feel somewhat valued as a player if he is going to stay, which it is obvious he doesn’t. Blackburn were dead set bottom of the table, there was an injury crisis, GIVE THE YOUNG LAD A GO!

Possibly something else going on behind the scenes I suppose, just does seem a bit annoying. Everyone seems to have good things to say about the lad, and from the admittedly small amount I have seen of him, looks pretty capable.
February 23, 2012 at 19:43
Lebomanc says:
My prediction is a 3-0 or 3-1 win for united!
This was the line up I predicted:
DDE
Fabio- jones-smalling-rafael
Nani-cleverley- scholes-young
Berba- chicha

I got most correct!
February 23, 2012 at 19:44
Devil310 says:
Urgh…..dont like Park as a CM. But we’ll see….whats the confirmed bench?
February 23, 2012 at 19:44
kungfoocantona1 says:
@KING ERIC

where did i mention that i dont trust in fergie??????think u need to ead that again. how can i not trust fergie. all i was stating is that if the player leaves then who else can be blamed???who????but that doesnt mean i dont trust him. i know exactly the players we have comin through the club and some quality ones at that but is pogba not top of the tree??? ravel was a twat he wasnt united material maybe quality wise yes but u need more than that to b a player at this club. so fuck ravel and @ parryheid…FUCK POGBA……wat the fuck is that about, what has he done. if u really are a united support then u wouldnt be sayin that about any united player..
February 23, 2012 at 19:45
Balaji Sivaraman says:
Willie, I was waiting for someone to get that joke in. No surprises it’s you.

King Eric, No use getting worked up over such fat-headed numb nuts. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Sir Alex’s judgment “always” wins at the end. No matter how good you think a player is or how badly suited you think a player might be for United, Sir Alex is right more often than he is wrong. As you said, if people don’t trust his line of thinking after 26 years, then they are not doing it right. If Pogba is ready and has shown the right attitude, he will start. If he doesn’t start, that means he is not ready or he’s doing something that doesn’t impress Sir Alex. The great man may get his match decisions wrong from time to time, but in terms of judging a player’s character, we’re all in his shadow and then some.
February 23, 2012 at 19:46
five says:
When i first joined up here, there would be chats on match day with great banter using the forums chat room anyone up to use it tonight? just log into the forum(link on the bar at the top of the page).
February 23, 2012 at 19:46
RedAllTheWay says:
whatevers the problem with Pogba.. forget about it ! I’d much rather start with Clev & Park, both who need match time, & have a strong bench, just in case.

If you don’t want to play for MUFC, then fuck off.. seemples !!

Jones ii captain,, should show Pgba just how highly SAF rates youth seeing as Young, Nani, Park & the Berb are all senior players also starting.

Anyways, on to the match ! A comfortable 3-1 win, me thinks. Will deffo concede a goal as Jones is playing CB tho..
February 23, 2012 at 19:47
REDibro says:
i agree with Dan-young. he’s 18 and he doesn’t make the bench means he’s been sold?? c’mon lads. we haven’t played in a week, there was no way he was going to make the bench ahead of the others.
February 23, 2012 at 19:47
Phillo says:
Rumour is Pogba not in first team picture until he signs a contract, makes sense to me.
February 23, 2012 at 19:51
zelh says:
REDibro – Well cause SAF said Pogba would feature in that game. That’s why everyones thinking he’s gone or at least it doesn’t look good.

His agents wants to play hardball, he gets hardball. No 1st team football unless he commits himself to the club.
February 23, 2012 at 19:52
kungfoocantona1 says:
@balaji sivaraman

I hope that fat head comment wasnt directed at me………………

u just put on comments that people like to here so u can get nice replys and feel good about urself.

well let me tell u somthing pal i love united and more than most, ive shead tears over this football club as have many others and i have NEVER doubted the man who arguably is the greatest of all time but even he can get it wrong at times. that doesnt mean we are doomed to fail if 1 player goes ie pogba as well we are manchester united and we always survive and com knockin time and time again so before u go critising certain folk try to join the real world
February 23, 2012 at 19:52
RedAllTheWay says:
Personally, i think that’s a brilliant move by SAF. he’s shown Pogba is going to get chances, but now he has to commit himself to the club. The next few days are going to be interesting..
February 23, 2012 at 19:53
RedAllTheWay says:
& oh, erm, can anyone tell me whats happening to Fryers ? Is he injured or something ? Would love to have seen him playing alongside Smalling & Jones in place of Park in the middle.. (a)
February 23, 2012 at 19:55
Clint-iamyourpapii says:
I love the enthusiasm we real United fans have for any competition, especially Europa after our CL elimination.

Against Basle, we lost a lot of foreign glory hunters but found out who our real die hard fans are too.

Cmon United, Lets show Ajax the fun of our very own red light district & rape their great club.

For Edwin
x
February 23, 2012 at 19:56
zelh says:
Jones is fucking skipper tonight.
best thing for the doubters of youth developement at united.
February 23, 2012 at 19:57
Costas says:
Pogba will play once he screws his head on straight. If all he’s thinking is the money, then no point in playing him. He will fuck off to Juventus before we know it.

Come on United!
February 23, 2012 at 19:58
Sandeep1878 says:
UNITED 3 0 Ajax

Chciha
Berba
Rafael/Fabio

enjoy the game folks, laters..cheers
February 23, 2012 at 19:59
kungfoocantona1 says:
@ ZELH

well jones didnt come through the youth development at united but never the less ur point is very much valid and i agree its crackin to see the boy skipper as i firmly believe that he is the next world star for united and england..no doubt he will have an outstanding game as always tonight. would like to of seen a few more young players with will keane thrown in but fergie is certainly making a statement with the strong line up that we are in it to win it
February 23, 2012 at 19:59
Sandeep1878 says:
and we will face ATHLETIC BILBAO in the next round..

thank god we skipped the trip to Moscow..
February 23, 2012 at 20:00
five says:
Not all foreigners are glory hunters Clint, every loss hurts since we are a club that wants to win it all but United for better or for worse!
February 23, 2012 at 20:00
Balaji Sivaraman says:
kungfu, Yes, it was directed at you. And no I don’t have to take it back. You may love United, and I never commented on your stature as a United fan. That is not my place to do so. And no I don’t make comments to get nice replies. What the fuck is the point of doing that on a blog? What am I going to achieve with nice replies coming my way? Now, if I could monetize it…. well, then maybe that would be worth it.

Anyways, to quote you, “somtimes i just dont no wat the fuck goes through fergies nut” and “i just dont understand sir alex at times i really dont and if this kid goes then fergie will b the only 1 to blame”

You can’t make hyperbolic statements like that and expect to get a free leeway on ROM of all places. People will criticize you because you’ve shown disrespect to the great man. Most people here are very passionate when it comes to Sir Alex Ferguson as are most United fans. If Pogba goes, then the only one to blame would be him. Sir Alex’s decision is final. You cannot make such disrespectful statements and expect us to show a lot of respect for you. Criticizing him is one thing but you have to do it by showing respect to him not saying “I have no idea what is going through his nut.”
February 23, 2012 at 20:00
zelh says:
so all the fuzz for nothing.
Park is captain.

shit uefa.com
February 23, 2012 at 20:01
markynorbs says:
Come on UNITED!!
Lets wipe the floor with Ajax.
February 23, 2012 at 20:02
Costas says:
@Sandeep

Definitely good news on that front. If the 2nd game is away from home, we would have played in Moscow 3 days before travelling to Wolves.
February 23, 2012 at 20:02
kungfoocantona1 says:
@ COSTAS

the thing is mate do u believe it to be financial with pogba? i dont think this is the case and infact if he wants more playing time then u have to hand it to him as this is a game now over shadowed by greed. so maybe its not a bad thing… but we dont see what happens behind closed doors so i guess we will have to wait and see.. thought this would of been a good oppurtunity for the boy though dont u think?
February 23, 2012 at 20:03
Andooo says:
Was excited too see the Pog unleashed, gutted he isn’t involved. Love the twins are both playing although I would like to see them both on the same side of the pitch one day!

On Pogba, if he leaves then the blame will have to land on Fergies doorstep. He should have been more involved this season, it’s nearly March and he hasn’t played a full game yet even though we have been very short in the midfield this season.

Surely it makes more sense to give him the playing time he is asking for than spending £30m on a new midfielder in the summer. Especially with the Glazers very frugal approach to transfers.

So confused and slightly annoyed by the whole situation.

Before you all bash me for saying the blame is with Fergie, I don’t give a fuck what you brown nosing cunts say .
February 23, 2012 at 20:03
five says:
Park Ji Sung is captaining the side not Phil Jones
February 23, 2012 at 20:03
RedAllTheWay says:
JONES IS NOT CAPTAIN.. Its Park.. BLAME UEFA !
February 23, 2012 at 20:04
FletchTHEMAN says:
OFF TOPIC:
United Captain Patrice Evra has been named for Frances 23-man France squad v Germany. Well done Patrice!
February 23, 2012 at 20:04
utd_fc says:
Wait, i thought Jones was supposed to captain the side?? Change of heart last minute?
February 23, 2012 at 20:05
edwin says:
COME ON UNITED!!!
February 23, 2012 at 20:05
Adi says:
Any working links for the match?
(1:30 at night here in India, too lazy to wade through google results on this)
February 23, 2012 at 20:05
JC says:
Fuck I have to watch this on Gol TV… yeesh fuck Ray Hudson.
February 23, 2012 at 20:05
plassen says:
@willierednut lol

@Sandeep1878
as I said, who am I to question what fergie does. Going to enjoy the match now, tata
February 23, 2012 at 20:06
Marq says:
Alot of people question why Pogba is not starting or even on the bench.

1) His mind is not right

2) This is against Ajax, not some 3rd division team
February 23, 2012 at 20:06
five says:
Berbatov almost setting up Nani for a goal immediately!, let’s keep it up United!
February 23, 2012 at 20:07
kungfoocantona1 says:
@ balaji sivaraman

were did i mention about taking it back???????

i will take the rap if i wrong but what are u mystic fuckin meg how do u no im wrong…do u no what goes through fergies nut…cause the fuckin media have been tryin that for years so if u do u should start a new career…….i am only stating my beliefs…who else could u blame if he left…..thats if it wasnt financial of course then i agree 100 million % with the manager…but anyway im off to watch the match. im lookin forward to ur reply
February 23, 2012 at 20:08
marshawash says:
Good Evening my fellow Mancunians!!

just want to say; the 2 places i wana visit before i die is: 1) Mecca (being muslim n all) and 2) Old Trafford.(@ the stretty END ofcourse)

Good game lads… i recon 4-1
February 23, 2012 at 20:10
Clint-iamyourpapii says:
BerbaClass
February 23, 2012 at 20:10
five says:
Beautiful!
February 23, 2012 at 20:11
markynorbs says:
GOOOOOOOOOOOOAL!
February 23, 2012 at 20:11
marshawash says:
class from berrrrrbbbbaaaaattttooovvvvv! composure from ccchhhhiiiccchhhhaaaa!
February 23, 2012 at 20:11
JC says:
Who says the Pea doesn’t have 1st touch control, fucking beautiful goal…!
February 23, 2012 at 20:13
five says:
VDS sitting with Rio and Vidic, great to see
February 23, 2012 at 20:16
Balaji Sivaraman says:
KungFo, But your belief is that Sir Alex is wrong for not playing him in a Europa League game against a pretty fucking good European side, then I can pretty much state that it is definitively wrong. When a player is good enough, he will get his chance in the side. We’ve seen enough examples of it. And even in the current side we’re seeing enough examples. I take it from King Eric’s word that Pogba isn’t ready. The few times I’ve seen him, I personally felt that this kid has got a shitload of talent but he’s not ready enough.

Let’s say Pogba isn’t going for financial reasons but for not getting enough playing time, even then I will feel Sir Alex’s decision is right. Because if Pogba isn’t patient enough to wait for his chance like Welbeck, Cleverley and countless others have done before him, then he has clearly let the fame go into his head. If he is patient and willing to wait for the boss to give him his chance, then he will find the rewards to be greatly worth it. If he isn’t patient or is waiting out for a big payday and he leaves, then he’ll regret the decision for the rest of his life while nothing will change as far as the club are concerned.

And no I am not mystic and I don’t know what is going on through the great man’s mind. Believe me I’ve been trying for the past decade but I haven’t been able to get an answer to that. I do know enough to trust that whatever is going through his mind is always the right option. He may get it wrong some times but his track record includes “a lot” more hits than misses. If he decides that Pogba has to leave – something which I doubt because not playing him in this match is a trivial decision – then I would trust his decision to be correct and forget that a player like Pogba ever wore the red shirt.

Anyways, Berbagasm at work again and a brilliant finish by Chicha. Perfect start to the night.
February 23, 2012 at 20:19
zelh says:
game already over. No way we’ll lose 3-1 at home.
February 23, 2012 at 20:22
Vilhelm28 says:
Atl Bilbao next.

Shame if we cant hang on to our own youth, Pogba will be great.
February 23, 2012 at 20:23
NBI Red Onion says:
Interesting team.

Re Pogba – I can’t see why one day before SAF says he may play and then he is not in the team. If he was injured we would probably have been told. Must be a reason. He could be out.
February 23, 2012 at 20:23
five says:
This was a possible game to blood youngsters yes but we have so many players who need the match fitness and these are players that will be needed in the title run in

Berbatov,Park,Nani,Young,Jones,The Twins and Cleverley all need games and they are getting it…this isnt a joke team this is Ajax so we needed insurance on the bench and we have that in Giggs,Scholes and Welbeck the other two spots had to be defensive cover and then Amos so no space for Pogba.
February 23, 2012 at 20:24
NBI Red Onion says:
@ Red Neville – bang on!
February 23, 2012 at 20:25
Besty07 says:
Pogba hamstring out for 4/6 weeks
February 23, 2012 at 20:26
Vilhelm28 says:
With Eriksen and Clev in the middle we would have our xavi/iniesta for the next 10-12 years…..
February 23, 2012 at 20:27
Arjunited says:
Eight of tonight’s United team weren’t born when SAF took over.
February 23, 2012 at 20:28
five says:
Source on the Pogba injury Besty?
February 23, 2012 at 20:31
KeyserSoze says:
Pfff, haven’t finished reading even half the comments so far, I cannot believe the sheer volume of idiocy that hits RoM during our games.

Bet all of you Fergie bashers are world-class FM managers and know better than anyone, but this is a forum for United SUPPORTERS, damn, show some belief and keep the rest of the shit for the toilet
February 23, 2012 at 20:32
KeyserSoze says:
@Balaji

Berbagasm indeed, mate
February 23, 2012 at 20:34
Besty07 says:
Just conjecture mate like everyone else.
February 23, 2012 at 20:37
five says:
Ah okay.

Lovely pass was that Park? good game so far..hope Cleverley opens his account and Berba and Young get in among the goals too…and De Gea saves a penalty. not too much to ask for I think!
February 23, 2012 at 20:38
redevil_83 says:
chanting for lady luis?

classless from fans of a classy club
February 23, 2012 at 20:43
NBI Red Onion says:
Jones is struggling in defence,we always look weak at the back when he plays CD, positioning all over the place, may be lack of experience but would have liked to see Evans in there.
February 23, 2012 at 20:47
KeyserSoze says:
Park was a spectator even though he looked closest to block the shot bar Jones.

Defending on the wing and in front of goal are two completely different things and I doubt he excels at the latter.
February 23, 2012 at 20:49
Arjunited says:
Park Cleverley combo not happening!
February 23, 2012 at 20:49
AntiScouser says:
Ashley Young, what’s the point of him?
February 23, 2012 at 20:53
redrider says:
Antiscouser

Who was Valencia at Wigan?
February 23, 2012 at 20:54
NBI Red Onion says:
twins playing really well, with swagger, look all bulked up, getting tight, helping attacks, some great interceptions and tackles.
February 23, 2012 at 20:55
Costas says:
Park having another stinker as a CM in a 2 man midfield.

Berba and Chicha are being too generous with each other. Smash it in the net as soon as you’re on sight lads!

Lets get some composure back in our game and we will see this through. No need to leave so many spaces for Ajax.
February 23, 2012 at 20:55
Touché says:
Why doesn’t Berbatov want to shoot?
February 23, 2012 at 20:56
Sandeep1878 says:
we need to improve the possession..

i m sure the lads will come with more fire in the belly..Hair Dryer medium mode will be operated in the next 5 mins
February 23, 2012 at 20:57
zelh says:
Costas – Park never worked there. Never will. Poor first half. started well but have gone missing after the goal.

wing-play nonexistent.
February 23, 2012 at 20:58
Marq says:
Nani and Young have been woeful, Nani especially, giving the ball alway countless times. With Valencia out for a while, we really need those 2 back in form
February 23, 2012 at 20:58
redrider says:
Yep… twins looking top.
February 23, 2012 at 20:58
Costas says:
@kungfoocantona1

The thing about Pogba is that you can’t just demand more game time. He has to prove he’s worth it. If it’s not about money and his refusal is down to the fact that he wants more chances, then I don’t know what to say. Like I said earlier, a player in Pogba’s age should only focus on one thing. Breaking into the first team. Carrick, Cleverley and Ando won’t just step aside for him.
February 23, 2012 at 21:00
Costas says:
@Zelh

Yeah, what was up with our wing play? Maybe it’s the way Tom plays, but all of our attacks are going through the center. Nani in particular almost didn’t touch the ball for the first half of the first half.
February 23, 2012 at 21:01
It's in my blood says:
Valencia back soon?
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/7540959/?

Chico’s first touch is showing huge improvement tonight……so far!
February 23, 2012 at 21:01
Sandeep1878 says:
I expect Park to be taken off around the 65th minute, trudging back to the bench and handing over the arm band en route to the ever green Sir Ryan Giggs..

come one reds
February 23, 2012 at 21:03
Mahesh says:
not fond of ashley young to be honest. he just doesnt look intelligent enough on the ball for a untited player. and forget park clevs been pretty anonymous.hes not the scholes type – barely on the ball.
February 23, 2012 at 21:05
Costas says:
Come on United. Finish the job.
February 23, 2012 at 21:14
rohan19 says:
@mahesh: agree with you. Need to bring on carrick. Clev will shine once he has the compose of carrick to rely on.
February 23, 2012 at 21:17
dannysoya says:
fuck’s sake berbatov. PUT SOME EFFORT. christ.
February 23, 2012 at 21:18
Ken says:
Park is in the wrong position. Berba isn’t bringing anything to this game. Get Welbeck on. There is no outlet. The midfield looks shite.
February 23, 2012 at 21:19
five says:
Double Sub…Scholes and Evans
February 23, 2012 at 21:19
Besty07 says:
In a perverted sort of a way i would like to see Utd go 2.1 down just to see what the kids are made of.
February 23, 2012 at 21:19
JC says:
Hate to tell you 2 Young haters but it isn’t Young that isn’t looking good out there, Park has been MIA the whole game. Need to get Carrick and/or Scholes out there asap to relieve pressure on our midfield possesion.
February 23, 2012 at 21:20
five says:
De Gea!
February 23, 2012 at 21:22
Ken says:
There are too many squad players playing tonight. There is distinct lack of quality on show.
February 23, 2012 at 21:22
rohan19 says:
We’re having a right stinker. Ashley young and nani are playing the worst football they can!
February 23, 2012 at 21:23
Mahesh says:
getting hammered here. sood changes.
February 23, 2012 at 21:25
Ken says:
the refs in europe ruin these games. They blow for every little thing.
February 23, 2012 at 21:26
shebangsthedrums says:
Marq – Have to agree with you, I’ve been really disappointed with Nani and Young tonight. Why Cleverley off?
February 23, 2012 at 21:26
rohan19 says:
@jc: clev was quite poor too. Understandable. Still getting in his groove.
February 23, 2012 at 21:28
rohan19 says:
Nani’s passing’s been beyond bad!
February 23, 2012 at 21:29
AntiScouser says:
this game is woeful. we are woeful.
February 23, 2012 at 21:31
Ken says:
What a difference Scholes has made, we can now keep the ball.
February 23, 2012 at 21:35
JC says:
rohan, yeah Clev is still not moving around and getting into the mix like he was but that’s like you said going to take game time to work out. Good substitutions used today though, clear difference in presence out on the pitch after Scholes came on and Evans came into the backline.
February 23, 2012 at 21:36
dannysoya says:
we should start playing Jones at right back. Do not play him at CB again. He love going forward a lot the wings suit him put the more stable Evans and Smalling in the middle.
February 23, 2012 at 21:36
rohan19 says:
And that’s why welbeck starts and berba sits on the bench
February 23, 2012 at 21:37
Vilhelm28 says:
Nani woeful, have u Even been looking at the game?
February 23, 2012 at 21:38
Sandeep1878 says:
Our traditional trademARK wing play is nothing today..

it will be difficult in the league if we fail in wing play..
February 23, 2012 at 21:40
Clint-iamyourpapii says:
Am I reading Piss here? Is that even possible?
1-1 & whinging?

Not pointing fingers but some of you need to watch the game and stop typing bullshit that means nothing 5 minutes later.

By the way Vertonghen looks the real deal,

MG MG
SIGN HIM UP !
February 23, 2012 at 21:40
rohan19 says:
@vilhem : do you really think nani’s been good? He’s been better than park. ‘Ll give you that
February 23, 2012 at 21:41
AntiScouser says:
boring. yawn.
February 23, 2012 at 21:41
NBI Red Onion says:
Anyone else missing Paddy – struggling to penerate at all up left
February 23, 2012 at 21:42
JT says:
Home support 2day has been a real shame! It shouldn’t be like that….
February 23, 2012 at 21:43
rohan19 says:
Where’s zeki fryers? Thought he’d get a look in as well
February 23, 2012 at 21:48
rohan19 says:
@clint : can I harp on about the performance now?
February 23, 2012 at 21:49
JC says:
Whats that again clint? …ugh
February 23, 2012 at 21:49
AntiScouser says:
ha ha, fucking typical for this season.
February 23, 2012 at 21:49
KeyserSoze says:
Complacency is a bitch
February 23, 2012 at 21:50
Devil310 says:
making things difficult again, i suppose.

this has been the story so far in europe
February 23, 2012 at 21:50
shebangsthedrums says:
Well, Well!
February 23, 2012 at 21:50
JC says:
nice offsides goal there btw…
February 23, 2012 at 21:51
dannysoya says:
shocking and embarassing is all i can say.
February 23, 2012 at 21:51
Besty07 says:
U gona go mad now lol
February 23, 2012 at 21:51
zelh says:
absolutely shite again.

Nani is fucking useless for months now.
February 23, 2012 at 21:52
parryheid says:
Particularly sloppy performance this second half from United tsk tsk.
February 23, 2012 at 21:52
Rd54 says:
if any team had a player like nani almost loss the ball every time ,its very very difficult ,sorry for my English .
February 23, 2012 at 21:53
Ken says:
Ajax have been the better side for more or less all of the game. We’re right to complain, this is at home and we look SHIT.
February 23, 2012 at 21:53
zelh says:
sry but he have been fucking poor tonight.
no fucking excuses.

can’t stand our europe-performances this year.
February 23, 2012 at 21:53
rohan19 says:
Horrible! Absolutely horrible. One offside and one hand ball. However we shouldn’t be complaining about that
February 23, 2012 at 21:54
sc says:
it’s games like that people realize how important carrick is to utd.
February 23, 2012 at 21:55
rohan19 says:
Hope fergie gives them a right bollocking. That will atleast improve performance for norwich
February 23, 2012 at 21:55
edcunited1878 says:
I think we should all see why Evra, Rio and Vida are all still very important to our squad. The backline looks devoid of tenacity and conviction and spirit when it’s needed.
February 23, 2012 at 21:55
dannysoya says:
i just had to cover my face for a minute when the whistle blew. What a poor performance. why oh why does Valencia have to be injured FFS. please rooney be back before sunday. WOW.
February 23, 2012 at 21:55
AntiScouser says:
abysmal. play the strongest team in europe? my ass.
February 23, 2012 at 21:56
NBI Red Onion says:
Please get better Valencia & Rooney.
February 23, 2012 at 21:57
rohan19 says:
@clint: some fans do criticize a performance!
Only good thing was our injured players getting match practice
February 23, 2012 at 21:57
Arjunited says:
Two words to describe United this season: Injuries, Sloppy.
February 23, 2012 at 21:57
Singh7 says:
Bilbao are a much better team than Ajax ,we’re gonna have to play alot better than this ..
February 23, 2012 at 21:57
Touché says:
well that was inspiring. How are we this shit in europe?
February 23, 2012 at 21:58
lawman10 says:
Piss poor, nanni & park abysmal
February 23, 2012 at 22:00
the team that wouldn't die says:
The old gard is still needed.
4-5-1 is the formation in Europe
Rooney is needed.
Horrible. Really just horrible!
February 23, 2012 at 22:01
orez says:
wow. I can’t believe we were so shit against shit ajax team. Horrible game, no excuses.
February 23, 2012 at 22:01
Marq says:
Got through by the smallest of margin. Exactly the same type of display that got us knocked out of CL
February 23, 2012 at 22:03
keano99 says:
Not good enough too many players not good enough tonight
February 23, 2012 at 22:03
Quhey says:
Disappointing performance today over all.I never liked Park in the center of the midfield and he proved why today. I really hope Cleverley gets back to the form he had before the injuries. Nani had the shot to the bar but was invisible other than that, Young as well.

Defensivly it wasn’t too bad. The header that DDG saved narrowly was their only good chance. Their two goals ought to have been disallowed for handball and offside but it doesn’t feel safe in the back four at all at the moment.
February 23, 2012 at 22:04
Touché says:
The biggest worry is how shit our wing play is. I haven’t seen Nani this shit since 2009, and what SAF saw in Young is beyond me. Both coming back from injury, but does that really warrant shit like that? I mean it’s not like they have been gone for decades and totally forgotten how to play the sport? Also, I think not playing Park in the center will be better for all our sanity.
February 23, 2012 at 22:04
manutdisadream says:
let the piss take and WUM-ing begin…..
just kidding, we looked realy good until we scored, and with that momentum we should have killed the game, could’ve easily scored atleast 1 more. that would have put the game to bed.
after that we played bad, bellow par and without that hunger to win. cant blame single players, even though i agree that young and nani had a poor game, and are in a bad run of form, it is stupid to try to make them out to be shite, as, dare i say scholes didnt have a top drawer game tonight? the whole team looked out of place, but we are trough. lets just focus on the upcomming norwich game and stop whinging and bitching about everything certain players do wrong? suport the lads, dont break them down. UNITED!!
February 23, 2012 at 22:04
Sandeep1878 says:
UNITED 1 2 AJAX

Superb play by Ajax..they were simply awesome..on the other hand we played poor but thanks to the 1st league lead that takes us to next round in Europa league..

We will face Bilbao in the next round..

The much awaited 900th appearance of Giggsy postponed to the next game..

it was a game of young players and though we came short, good game..

well done ajax again..

Having said that, how poor and shit we have been in Europe this season..

its not the performance, its complacency and sloppiness that is fucking us..

good night
February 23, 2012 at 22:05
Ken says:
Do you know what amazes me. We have players like Park and Berba who are not United quality, but seem to get amazing support. Well at Real Madrid, these wouldn’t get a sniff of the bench. They don’t recognise a player who only skill is running around. No pace, no power, no movement and no great passing. They are average players, like Quinton Fortune was. Too many average players and Young looks like another one we’ve signed. The fact Scholes comes on and makes us look better, is an embarrassment. We deserved to go out. We are not going to beat the best teams in europe with these players. There was a time when Park didn’t get a game in the big games, now he’s a starter.

These type of games are happening more and more. It’s very easy to slip and not notice it at first. Well, this is the first signs. Next season could be the season when we struggle, if nothing is done.
February 23, 2012 at 22:05
rohan19 says:
@keano99: concisely put! Had scholes not come on I shudder to think the outcome of this game
February 23, 2012 at 22:06
NBI Red Onion says:
Not a great second half in particular, but some positives – twins not injured, looked solid though Fabio is not as good as Evra yet in assisting our attacks. De Gea excellent, is it me or has the guy realy bulked up. Pea got a goal. Smally solid first half. Scholes steadied ship. Other players got lots of excercise.
February 23, 2012 at 22:07
zelh says:
Berba average?
Go back from where you came.
February 23, 2012 at 22:08
knightsmith says:
Let’s be honest, a second rate performance in a second rate competition !
February 23, 2012 at 22:10
Costas says:
Just a crap performance form most involved. I was going to mention the rotating, but I remember a 2nd string side blowing away Schalke 9 months ago. Today these players (apart from the twins and a 1-2 more) just didn’t care. Pathetic attitude that doesn’t belong at this club.

If this is the mentality with which we will approach the Europa league, we might as well start playing the Keanes, Brown and Petrucci. At least theey will show some interest.
February 23, 2012 at 22:10
NBI Red Onion says:
SAF said it was a mistake to have such a young and inexperienced back 4 to start.
February 23, 2012 at 22:11
Hans says:
It hurst to say this but they deserved to go through. We were very, very lucky

Our play in the final third of the pitch, I have said this too many times to remember, was absolutely rubbish. [Twins, Park, Young, Nani were all very poor today. Berba did OK but at 1:0 he was in a good position to take a shot himself rather than square it ti Chicharito]

I do think we have an attitude problem that may cost us the league this year. Rather than finishing teams off, we are throwing games away. We stopped at 2:0 against dippers, we did the same today. We hardly pressed them and gave them far too much space. Youth and inexperience cannot be an excuse.
February 23, 2012 at 22:12
five says:
Ken- Go support Real then, Park Ji Sung did what no Real player in recent seasons has done and that’s properly contain a Barcelona midfield when they came to play us at Old Trafford he’s scored a goal against Liverpool,Arsenal,Chelsea,AC Milan,

Such a disrespectful post, why compare United to Real? our team has been more succesful than them in recent years in every aspect including Europe and players like Park and Berbatov with his golden boot have played a pivotal role in making sure we do that.
February 23, 2012 at 22:12
Ruudboy says:
Berbatov is just too Lazy for my liking… FFS, he should be working hard to prove he can still grab the starting shirt… And may God’s healing hand touch Valencia right now… Nani & Young were terrible tonite… CHICHARITO’S goals, home & way were precious goals.
February 23, 2012 at 22:12
Besty07 says:
Next round baby bring on Liverpool Spurs Arsenal (WHAT) and the rest of that crap, Fair play been crying out for this team for ages Hindsight a wonderful thing.
February 23, 2012 at 22:12
Ken says:
@zehl he is average. That’s why he is 4th in the pecking order. He’s never been selected for the big games. He’s up forsale, nobody has bit. Great touch, but he disappears, is too slow.
February 23, 2012 at 22:13
samuel - united WE stand says:
This is the problem amongst some fans, calling other teams “Shit” and not respecting them. Ajax outplayed and out thought united tonight.

Disappointing performance but that’s the inconsistency and complacency united have had in cup competitions all season.
February 23, 2012 at 22:14
Saad says:
We should be ashamed of ourselves. The paying 75000 had to sit there and watch us lose AGAIN at home. Utterly despicable.
February 23, 2012 at 22:14
WillieRedNut says:
Got to up our game for Bilbao. Ajax looked a better team, than I give them credit for. United are a touch lucky to progress. At least we got through in the end. Very evident of our play lacking something, without the best 2 players in the side. Tony v and Carrick are huge for this United team.
February 23, 2012 at 22:15
Costas says:
@Zelh

Lol, I think the comment about Park and the big games was even more laughable. He’s scored 9-10 goals against Pool, Chelsea and Arsenal ffs.
February 23, 2012 at 22:18
Ken says:
@five i’m sorry that you think nobody can criticise Park. What i saw at Wembly was Park knackered, he got ran into the ground by Barca. He didnt contain anything. I compare us to Real because they are hammering Barca in the league and the only true challenge to us as the biggest club in the world. Looking at their team, Park wouldn’t get a sniff. That’s the fact of the situation.
February 23, 2012 at 22:18
Costas says:
@Samuel

That’s a good point about calling other teams shit. However, our manager was also guilty of that when he said that we would have reached the Ch.League final if we were still in it. We didn’t learn any lessons at Basel apparently. Shaqiri hit the nail on the head recently.
February 23, 2012 at 22:22
samuel - united WE stand says:
united simply couldn’t control the tempo of the game and if you can’t do that in european football, you’re fucked. We still haven’t learnt from the previous crap performances we’ve put in this season, there is still complacency creeping into the team.

Athletico bilbao next, that will be even more difficult than tonight.
February 23, 2012 at 22:22
Saad says:
The most unforgivable part of this game is how we just kept giving the ball away like a bunch of schoolboys.
February 23, 2012 at 22:22
Redbilly says:
Congratulations to Ajax , great performance .
February 23, 2012 at 22:23
five says:
@Ken I wasn’t talking about Barca at Wembley I was talking about Barca at Old Trafford when we did the double.

You have every right to criticise Park but how can you suggest he hasn’t played big games when he’s scored as mentioned above he’s scored against all our main rivals?
February 23, 2012 at 22:24
five says:
But yes sloppy sloppy second half and if we do this against Bilbao the likes of Munain and Lliorente will punish us. we have to get our shit together
February 23, 2012 at 22:25
dannysoya says:
The part i hate is not even the loss but at least show SOME effort so that we know that you put in your best. Too many people showing absolutely NO effort out there. Bloody annoying.
February 23, 2012 at 22:25
parryheid says:
Good run out for a lot of players tonight and we’ll benefit from it,shit second half though.
February 23, 2012 at 22:26
xol says:
People having a go at Park. Unbelievable. He intercepted the ball for the bloody goal!

A nervous experience watching that. Substitutions got us through. This competition is good for the young team, at this time. It’s winnable and could give them that winning mentality and belief that so many United teams have had. Then next season, a year older and wiser, they could have a crack at the Euro. A Transition Trophy.
February 23, 2012 at 22:26
Costas says:
Mentioned at the start of the game that this is our possible future back 5. Evans will have a say in that one has to believe. Looked more assured than Jones did at CB.

@willie

Yeah no doubt that some players’ absences were telling. Like Valencia (no urgency without him on the wings), Carrick, Evra, Rio, Scholes and Rooney. This team was lacking identity out there. It was like watching the game against Crystal Palace again.
February 23, 2012 at 22:27
Eric Cantona Told Me To Tweet says:
Ken:
f|_|ck off man. Seriously. Look at the stat and see how many time Park intercepted the ball? And if it wasn’t for his interception there wouldn’t be a goal on our end.

There was a time when Park wasn’t a started? Are you fookin mad? He was in the final against Barca for stupid sake. And how about those crucial goals he scored in the final minutes last season that won us the league?

We deserved to go out? Are you mental? We fookin won and you wanted out. Go support Barca you fool

And as much as I love our Scholesy, he did not make our game better.
February 23, 2012 at 22:27
Touché says:
It seems the gaffer has set his mind on rotating the shit out of the team for every home game this season in Europe.
February 23, 2012 at 22:29
FletchTHEMAN says:
Bit disappointed in the score line, but not the result. We are through and a relatively young team did the job. Credit to Ajax, they came to play. Credit to deGea who got some crucial saves.

Always felt that pride would make Ajax a worthy adversary, but I prefer to look at the positives which are progression and valuable experience. Onward.
February 23, 2012 at 22:29
samuel - united WE stand says:
Costas – exactly. i think some home truths need to be told to these players, they definitely aren’t capable of getting to the champions league final, false hopes to be honest.

Some major work needs to be done in terms of controlling a game, discipline and being compact at the back. We’ve given away so many goals this season, especially at old-trafford and worrying trend of goals conceded from set-pieces is frustrating.

David de gea saved us tonight or it would have been much worse.
February 23, 2012 at 22:30
Besty07 says:
Last post ever wind Ur necks in If Sir Alex would have played his best 11 and won that game 6 .0 u lot would have been going on about WTF play the kids( sorry not all ) and i thought i i drank to much. Bring back big Ron just to to get rid of these a holes
February 23, 2012 at 22:30
Clint-iamyourpapii says:
Last year we struggled in the league away, this year in europe at Home….thats the negative.

We Won Cheer Up !
The players are disapointed and so is the manager ok, the look on their faces showed it.
Imagine the reaction if we had lost

Evans is solid alongside Rio and brought some peace to our defence.
Park did well in my opinion, don’t understand the criticism.
Young looks great down the right, reminds me of becks.

Nani had an off day, its understandable, he’s been out for a while and has to regain form quite quickly .
Jones at Centre back is poor positionally, he needs more experience there which is clear.

Anyways the players are the most disapointed so we don’t need to moan.
Days like this is lesson half learnt after Basle.
Maybe soon it will be a lesson full learnt to deal with complacency maturely.

Onwards,Upwards and thrusting backwards + fowards We Gooooo !
February 23, 2012 at 22:30
Ken says:
@five the team of 2008 had far more quality, against a barca that wasn’t the force it’s become. What i’m arguing is, he wasn’t a regular in 2008, but he is now. The standard has slipped to a position where he is now a starter, but he doesn’t have the quality to be so. He has always been a great squad player, who has done us proud. I have never classed him as a 1st team starter in our strongest team. Which he has become. The goals he’s scored have done him credit, but it doesn’t mean he’s a giggs or a ronaldo.
February 23, 2012 at 22:33
KeyserSoze says:
@Touché

That’s what you get after touching Jaffa Benitez’ hand couple times, it starts to creep into your system
February 23, 2012 at 22:33
NBI Red Onion says:
In perspective we played our youth and 3 players returning from injury here. However, Young has done nothing to convice me that Erikson should not replace him, only one of them looked any good today.
February 23, 2012 at 22:33
Rd54 says:
I don’t think real are that good,I’m sure they cant get into the Top four in PL without Ronaldo .
February 23, 2012 at 22:34
Griff says:
Team was bad….. BUT THE FANS WERE WORSE!!!!!
February 23, 2012 at 22:36
Costas says:
@Samuel

Good point about set pieces. And for me it’s not just a case of David De Gea being hesitant. Seems like we only had one strategy for them: Have Vidic deal with any high ball that came in the penalty box. Once he got injured, we didn’t have a plan B. Some of the basics haven’t even been worked on in training. I still can’t forget Berbatov marking Samba against Blackburn even though Jones would have been a better fit.
February 23, 2012 at 22:38
Clint-iamyourpapii says:
Ajax, they came, they screamed, they scored, they conquered. But we walked away with nothing
Our European journey ended for a 2nd time tonight.

We was resilliant, fought till the end and nearly did a comeback.
We was only 1 goal away from progress to the last 16.
I am proud of our team tonight, we have a good squad that against the odds kept their head on.
Playing against a young team with an average age of 24 and a extremely inexperienced team tonight opened up the game and in another Era (the one with Van Der Sar) we could have demolished their kids.

We are falling away and losing our best youth products.

I wouldn’t 1-2 be a United supporter.
February 23, 2012 at 22:39
WillieRedNut says:
Costas – Like the Palace game, but this was a much stronger team out there. Park is never a CM. If we play Clevs, at least play him with Scholes, or Carrick. Another thing that I’ve said time and time again. In European football, you need someone to sit in front of the back 4. Every team has the player doing that job. You can’t go gung ho and blow everyone out of the water. Far too open tonight.
February 23, 2012 at 22:39
james21 says:
UTD UTD UTD. Anyone got a spare voice. I got bollocked off the stewards for singing. He said cool it we’re having enough trouble with them. Well done Ajax fans. Brilliant. I was right next to them and applauded them at the end. UTD UTD UTD. Fuck em!.
February 23, 2012 at 22:40
CedarsDevil says:
Sent this text to a few RoM’ers….. This match was like watching the fast and the furious… No real football played but the tempo was electric. I thought Park was superb.

Gutted we lost, but job done at the end of the day
February 23, 2012 at 22:42
Clint-iamyourpapii says:
If you are confused at my last post Welcome to my Perverse mind

Onwards,Upwards and thrusting backwards + fowards We Gooooo !
Bring it On Norwitch Union.
February 23, 2012 at 22:45
Dave Mack says:
What bothers me is too many of our players (young and old) go into european games against anybody apart from Barca, RM, AC Milan etc and don’t treat them with enough respect. We talk it up before the game as if we do but on the field we play as if our pedigree is enough to get us through. Benfica, Basle, Ajax etc come to prove themselves and we think we’ve proved ourselves already.

Tonight we saw all the stupid little flick passes, trying too much on the ball, trying to pass through their players legs, low work rate, poor posecession, bad final ball etc. etc. just as we did in the CL games.

We deserved to go out tonight. Wish I was more confident that we’ve learnt our lesson.
February 23, 2012 at 22:47
CedarsDevil says:
Trust me folks, James has really lost his voice…. Rang me up after the game and sounded like a 95 year old who’s been smoking for 70 years!

Good on ya Jimmy for giving them Ajax fans hell, bastards singing there is only one Suarez

Have a safe trip back mate….. That is what I call fucking dedication, 5 hour trip back home after a Thursday night match….. Cannot buy that kind of support
February 23, 2012 at 22:48
It's in my blood says:
So ok, it wasn’t our best performance but when all said and done, we were beaten by a clear handball and a clear offside.
Theres been many a European night when things like that have sent us out.
Not overly concerned, don’t really know why so many of you guys are ranting like you are.
A lot of players who have not had much game time, got some.
Clevs didn’t get into the game at all, Nani missing for much of it and Young not far off Nani in that respect.
It seemed to be a classic case of not wanting to over exert ourselves with a game in 3 days, coupled with the huge changes in personnel and already being 2-0 up from the first leg that led to an overall lack of urgency.
Yes it wasn’t great, but FFS, to listen to some of you guys ranting in the way you are is pretty unbelievable.
Chill, we’re through, we can and will play better.
February 23, 2012 at 22:51
denton davey says:
TheLads “played within themselves” -just like the CL match @OT v. Basle and the result was the same. Not very scintillating stuff after dominating the first twenty minutes AND THEN hanging on.

I thought that MrJones showed – again – that he’s not the next CB. He’s a very naughty boy who gets exposed for his poor reading/positioning by mediocre opposition. That’s why he’s “MrJones” – as in bob Dylan’s “Positively 4th Street”: “you know something’s happening here but you don’t know what it is, do you MrJones ?”

From my viewing, I am flabbergasted that anyone can be critical of ThreeLungPark. I thought he was the best outfield player for TheLads. YoungTom wasn’t up-to-much while Nani (apart from one shot) and Ashley Young were pretty “ordinary” in a disappointing kinda way while Dimmy was – well – just what we’ve come to expect – flashes of silky skill in a rather under-committed performance. No surprise that he was the striker taken off – he’s number four and, overall, showed why he’s only going to play when TheWayneBoy has a sore throat.

Otherwise, a different referee might have disallowed BOTH of Ajax’s goals – the first for a “pass” off an out-stretched arm and the second because the whole forward line was off-sides on the free kick that led to the poorly-defended header. Anyhow, UTD won and next up is Javi Martinez and Athletic Bilbao – another guy with a huge reputation, along with Iker Munian, their “playmaker”.
February 23, 2012 at 22:53
TheCANTONA says:
Real hammering Barca in the league? When did that happend? Last time they met, i believe Real was torn apart (again,again,&again) by Barca or maybe i’ve been living on different planet all this time?
February 23, 2012 at 22:54
CedarsDevil says:
It’s in my blood

Well said mate………

Now is it me or does Hernandez seem like he’s put on some muscle?
February 23, 2012 at 22:56
WillieRedNut says:
Outplayed on the pitch. Outsung off the pitch! At least we’re through. Ajax were very good over the 2 games. They play lovely futbol!
February 23, 2012 at 22:59
CedarsDevil says:
Willie

Judging by James’ voice after the match I can assure we we were not outsung!
February 23, 2012 at 23:00
Ken says:
@ thecantona Check the la liga table out.
February 23, 2012 at 23:01
TheCANTONA says:
Oh i must say it was dissapointing performance from our boys & our fans tonight. Get your head on the game boys!!
February 23, 2012 at 23:05
It's in my blood says:
Cedars

Hey mate, yes it definitely looks like he’s bulked up a bit, i feel he’s come on quite a bit.
We were guilty of sitting back and inviting them on tonight, we made them look better than they actually are.
I thought Berba and Chico linked up well but were starved of back up from the wings.
At any level, if you have 1-2 players who are not quite at the races you are going to suffer.
We had 3-4 so it was inevitable.
Felt a bit sorry for Jones. It’s almost impossible to look assured in that centre back position without a good run of games and playing with regular partners. He looked like Evans did when he went through the same sort of thing and was slaughtered by many on here. Look at him now eh?
February 23, 2012 at 23:09
hulme 69 says:
@TheCantona Says

You not convinced about Real Madrid? Take a look at the current Spanish league table, my friend. Ten points clear of Barca with same games played.
February 23, 2012 at 23:11
ricky says:
bilbao should be easier than ajax then again thot basle were rubbish.

hernandez has improvd his overall game. gd chance he takes welbz spot ag norwich. scored more than suarez, carroll, drogba, torres and tevez this season

players seem 2 get complacent pretty easy, seems like old age is getn 2 fergie, 3 seasons ago he wudve grilld em, nw is more lenient
February 23, 2012 at 23:14
TheCANTONA says:
Aah i see. But it doesnt mean Real was hammering Barca? U can see their head to head records for that. It just like our case with Le Arse in 03/04, Le Arse (so called invicibles) was top of the league that season BUT they never win a single match against us & people hardly think they’re hammering us back then. Your logic is unlogical my friend. when a team won a lot, there’ll always a complacency (spell?), but at least Barca was/is always consistent HAMMERING Real every time they met.
February 23, 2012 at 23:14
CedarsDevil says:
It’s in my blood

Perhaps I watch football and especially United from a different perpective than most…. I am a lousy analyst to be honest. I simply enjoy the thrills and entertainment and I thought tonight’s game was fun to watch, not the result of course. I even thought that wee Thomas had a good game at times, should some of his first time touches. The twins impressed me as did Park….

May be I am a senile old fool but I always look at the positives, the glass is always half full for me
February 23, 2012 at 23:14
WillieRedNut says:
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Manchester-United-Alex-Ferguson-admits-made-mistake-picking-too-young-back-four-against-Ajax-article869670.html

The boss admits he got it wrong.
February 23, 2012 at 23:14
Ken says:
What i find worrying is we do not have a team that is capable of beating the two spanish giants imo.

Does anyone think over two legs we can beat them with what we have got? I’m interested in people who have watched them.
February 23, 2012 at 23:14
It's in my blood says:
ricky

What makes you think SAF isn’t going to grill them?
February 23, 2012 at 23:17
TheCANTONA says:
Real hammering Barca? Hahahaha! Just take a look at their face to face records my friend.
February 23, 2012 at 23:18
samuel - united WE stand says:
united are NOT in the champions league so what makes you think the club’s aim is to overhaul the two spanish giants this season?. There are other issues at the club that needs solving before it jumps onto another mission.
February 23, 2012 at 23:20
CedarsDevil says:
ricky

Your posts confuse the fuck out of me…. What’s with all this 2 and 3 crap? You can obviously write so please try and make some sense
February 23, 2012 at 23:20
WillieRedNut says:
I think Cedars was watching Espn classics.
February 23, 2012 at 23:21
james21 says:
we won over 2 legs didn’t we? UTD UTD UTD. Cedars its like floging a dead horse. Stewards were bordering Cunts tonight, its alright slagging the fans but this is what we have to deal with at games. Best to blame the stewards and not the fans. But guess what? We fuckin won over 2 legs. U.N.I.T.E.D United are the team for me.
February 23, 2012 at 23:21
King Eric says:
Its a cup game we are through. End of. As for Martinez at Bilbao he has been playing centre half this season. As its in my blood said too many players needing game time coupled with a young back four. Or five. Fergie said it will be a much more experienced side against Bilbao. Just shows how much we miss Carrick. He is our shield and as I have said time and again when he doesn’t play you could drive a bus through the middle of the park.

As a few have said Park cannot play in a midfield two. A three yes but not two. As for you Ken since when has Park become a starter all the time? Tony and Nani out wide. Carrick and Scholes or Jones or Cleverley in middle. Park hasn’t started many games but to say he doesn’t do it in big games is ridiculous. Personally thought the whole team was off key tonight. Probably one eye on Norwich. As I say its a cup comp and we are through.

A game best forgotten.

Everyone is entitled to an opinion but some of the OTT comments when we lose a game borders on ludicrous. Not a good night but we progressed and that’s what matters. Personally Sundays game is MUCH more important.

Good to see De Gea improving by the game.

Draw a line and move on.
February 23, 2012 at 23:24
Ken says:
@samuel It matters because they are the bench marks. In 2008 we beat them, then a year later barca took us apart and they did again in 2011. I want us to over haul the 5 liverfool have, but we have to beat them to do it. You judge yourselves against the best and your rivals.
February 23, 2012 at 23:25
It's in my blood says:
TheCANTONA

If at the end of the season, even if Barca win every head to head against Madrid, Madrid win La Liga, do you think Barca will be happy?
When you speak of the so called invincibles, United ended that run but they, the Arse, still won the league.
Ask any United player if they would rather have lost those games but won the league?
You bet they would’ve.
February 23, 2012 at 23:27
WillieRedNut says:
Linda was blocking his view? She was giving him the match reports! Tell her to move time Cedars!
February 23, 2012 at 23:30
ricky says:
at its in my blood

remember a few seasons bk, fergie used 2 say he will never let complacency creep into the team or any player, end of that season we won the double. since last season the players have been gettin complacent more often, only time they get their A game is against big teams or matches with high stakes, other than that we just coast 2 victory. fergie has admittd bout complacency in matches bt hasnt addressd them like he used 2, hence exits frm champs lge and fa cup.

cnt txt in full with fb open aswel and its 2 late 2 get laptop on
February 23, 2012 at 23:31
CedarsDevil says:
Willie

Could I have been watching a different game? United were yellow at home do they not?
February 23, 2012 at 23:33
WillieRedNut says:
The captain fiasco? Apparently, Phelan told Jones it was him. Fergie said no, it’s Park? Communication break down.
February 23, 2012 at 23:37
CedarsDevil says:
Here is the truth…..

Watched the game at a local pub, surrounded by gorgeous babes wearing next to nothing hence my view on the said match may have been slightly tainted
February 23, 2012 at 23:47
tom c says:
Willie

fire Phelan bring in Roy Keane!
February 23, 2012 at 23:51
CedarsDevil says:
btwn the 2 of thm i think phelan and alex are losing it…we need 2 new ones at the club soon….

Wow, I can actually do this and write like a fucking cockroach
February 23, 2012 at 23:56
It's in my blood says:
ricky

I understand your point about team complacency, but object strongly to your statement that old age is getting to SAF.
It’s true that age affects all of us and SAF is no different to any one else in that respect, but, what do you suggest?
Are you suggesting he is no longer the man for the job?
Do you have someone else in mind if that is the case?
Every team suffers from complacency at times.
SAF usually ensures our players suffer from it less than anyone else.
Tonight, he had to weigh up the risks and benefits of ensuring players who’d been out for a long time got some game time, noting we have a probably far more important match in 3 days.
This was a game in which he could just about afford to do that and he got away with it, just.
He probably wouldn’t have got away with it in the league and quite rightly chose this game to do so.
Clevs will come on for the game time, some others need more to play themselves into form.
What’s the problem?
February 23, 2012 at 23:57
TheCANTONA says:
IMHO No team can match those two spanish giants now. They have all advantages on them (money,big stars, mediocre league, sun warm air) not even Citeh nor Chelski who spent a lot of money would compete them. So whats the point of spending a lot money if u still can’t with those two? I’d rather we develop slowly than spending sums of money on stars (who came & gone season after season), just like what we did all this time.
@it in my blood:
so you are agree that Real is hammering Barca then? Even tough the league is NOT over yet & their head to head records shows the different?
February 24, 2012 at 00:00
TheCANTONA says:
*cant compete*
February 24, 2012 at 00:02
ricky says:
at cedarsdevil
Wowie you have written in short words
Whats wrong writing in text format? Is it compulsory to have perfect spelling on this site?
February 24, 2012 at 00:04
ahjs says:
Bilbao will surely be harder – they have bigger, more experienced players and a good, experienced but wacky manager.

One of the biggest problems I wanted to see them tackle was complacency. I saw it in fans, that Europe had become routine. You see the players scoring against Basel at home and it was like they’d scored against Mansfield or a sixth goal against Wigan. I still hope a few young players learn about European football in this campaign but we’re going to have to pretty much be at our best to win this competition.
February 24, 2012 at 00:06
King Eric says:
Ken. Its a marathon not a sprint pal. This United side will take a year or two to progress but make no mistake, fergie won’t settle till he has another European Cup. When he said its his aim to catch Barca the media idiotically thought he meant this season. He didn’t. He is rebuilding again and some can’t see it. Slowly slowly catchy monkey.
February 24, 2012 at 00:06
CedarsDevil says:
With a wum wum here
Wum wum there
Wum wum everywhere

Glory glory Man United
February 24, 2012 at 00:10
It's in my blood says:
TheCANTONA.

As i said earlier, if Madrid go on to win the league, as looks highly likely, it becomes totally irrelevant that Barca beat them or “hammered” them in their head to heads.
At the moment, RM are 10 points clear, that sort of points gap does not lie.
February 24, 2012 at 00:15
WillieRedNut says:
Cedars – You lucky dog! Your eyes were firmly fixed on these women’s asses!
February 24, 2012 at 00:18
ahjs says:
re Barcelona and Madrid… Madrid are top because Barca have dropped a level in your run of the mill games. There’s a gulf still between the teams when they’re at their best and if Barca retain the Champions League they wont care too much about losing the league. They’re probably coming to terms with it already because Madrid won’t drop many more points.
February 24, 2012 at 00:19
CedarsDevil says:
Willie

It was painful mate, thank God Linda was not there, I would have been slapped to hell….. Not that I mind to be honest !!

Wum wum here

wum wum there

wum wum everywhere
February 24, 2012 at 00:20
It's in my blood says:
Cedars

Next time mate, pictures.
Lots.
Close ups, up skirts, the lot!
Haha, Cedars getting nicked for the up skirt shots!
February 24, 2012 at 00:22
WillieRedNut says:
Cedars – I was winding you up about Linda mate. I knew you were in female land, though? Funny that! Lol.
February 24, 2012 at 00:27
CedarsDevil says:
Fellas

Our prayers should be for our own Jimmy James…… Bugger making his 5 hour journey back down south and sat next to him is somewhat a ‘large’ man (Might be racist to say fat!!) Squeezing on his bladder and he badly needs a piss!
February 24, 2012 at 00:29
sc says:
didn’t think it was complacency. more to do with lack of experience, ability and lack of form for some of players as well.

you see how scholes’ appearance made the difference, and no doubt carrick’s importance in Utd’s game can be seen today as well. There’s more to playing in the midfield that just passing the ball. It’s also about controlling the game, when to push forward, when to slow the game down etc.

i also think that’s the problem with having too many new and young players playing together as well. Often they lack composure on the ball, and end up losing possession so much.
February 24, 2012 at 00:31
WillieRedNut says:
Safe journey Jamesy!
February 24, 2012 at 00:33
WillieRedNut says:
A lack of experience at the back. Young team out there. But to be fair, Ajax had a young team on the pitch. Lets give them some credit. They played some top stuff.
February 24, 2012 at 00:36
It's in my blood says:
Cedars

What? The fat ones squeezing his bladder? Haha!
James, sit tight son, now is not the time to find out if the guy next to you is into water sports!
February 24, 2012 at 00:37
CedarsDevil says:
Willie

You know you always crack me up pal….. I read you very well as I am sure you do me….

It’s in my blood

Was desperate for some photos mate, would have been evicted though! haha…. Them skimpy outfits are to die for to be honest
February 24, 2012 at 00:41
Dakduivel says:
It’s intresting to note that Ajax too, were missing a lot of important players. In fact, they missed thier #1 choice RB, van der Wiel, striker (Sigthursson), LM (Theo Janssen), LB (Boilesen) and LW (Boerigter). And I can tell you that their replacements put in one hell of a shift. Some of them really played the best I’ve seen them do.

United were absolutely woeful, especially during the 2nd half. After Chico’s goal it was all in all just far too complacent. Like the next 85+ minutes just wouldn’t matter (altough in the end, they didn’t ) … I really like Park but he’s not a CM, everytime he plays there he’s making the wrong decisions (attacking), defensively he’s great and he did interecept the ball for that Chico goal but he’s just not that type of player. I love that bloody Korean but I like him even more when he’s used properly and this just never was his game. Clevs was also never really in the game, I even thought he was better during the away leg.. I do think he’ll reach his level but it’ll take some time. Nani and Young were both poor, apart from a few nice moves here and there. Berbatov looked great in opening minutes but as the game wore on he became more and more frustrated. Also thought he could’ve bagged a goal in the 1st half but opted to go with a short cross for Chico that never found it’s target. A damn shame because I really like the lad. The starting back four was just too young. It would’ve been fine with van der Sar on goal but with De Gea who’s, understandably, busy enough thinking about his own game, it just couldn’t go well all game long, especially in Europe. All in all it was just an complete off day in United’s POV. But all credit to Ajax, they were great.
February 24, 2012 at 00:45
CedarsDevil says:
On Ajax

Proper club, produced some of the world’s best talent, Johan Cruyff springs to mind
February 24, 2012 at 00:50
JC says:
Cedars, Tainted? Were the women wearing thongs perhaps??
February 24, 2012 at 00:53
denton davey says:
Anyone still think that Christian Eriksen would improve UTD ?
February 24, 2012 at 00:56
CedarsDevil says:
JC

Not sure mate, I had to stop looking! ha ha Skimpy outfits in freezing weather makes you wonder though!
February 24, 2012 at 00:58
denton davey says:
SAF’s post-match comment was another jewel !

The problem tonight was in midfield/attack so he deflects that criticism by saying that the defense was too young and that he was to “blame” for selecting those kids.

The crafty OldFootieKnight really doesn’t miss a chance to talk out of both sides of his mouth.
February 24, 2012 at 00:58
WillieRedNut says:
denton – I’m sure people said the same, when United signed Carrick? Will he improve United’s midfield? 4 premier league titles later and a CL…not saying he would be my choice, but just a making a point.
February 24, 2012 at 01:28
emyoueffsee says:
No need top panic but it has to be said that a lot of our younger players were over hyped at the start of this season.Jones and cleverley might well turn out to be good players but at the moment they look distinctly average to me.I know cleverley is only back from injury but I’m of the opinion that he is not a central midfielder but more a player to play behind a striker(s).It was a big ask for cleverley tonight playing with park,a wide player, in midfield.I don’t know why fergie is saying he made a mistake with the defence because if we had a decent midfield we wouldn’t have been on the back foot all night.The game is controlled from midfield and if you don’t pass the ball around you’re at nothing.Shambolic passing tonight and I still can’t believe a club of our size and stature has to resort to bringing on a 38 year old(amazing and all as he is) to string a few passes together.Nani was dissapointing again and rafael is still diving into tackles commiting himself and getting caught out time and time again.Our performances in europe this season have been woeful and if we play like that against Bilbao they’ll tear us a new one.Anyway lets hope valencia is back soon and with fresh players back at the weekend we should play better.I’m still positive of our league prospects but we have to get 6 points out our next 2 away games especially considering city’s easy home games.Anyway heres hoping guys,ONE LOVE.
February 24, 2012 at 01:31
TheCANTONA says:
Sorry for the late reply, been out for a while to streching my legs. I still dont get answer (did Madrid hammering Barca?), bcoz from what i’ve seen every team which won a lot would feel complacency in some point (we did this, Inter did this &so did Barca) but i dont feel Barca & their fans should be ashame if their lose their title this season bcoz in fact Madrid still couldnt beat them. If u still it doesnt matter, let me tell u what we, UTD fans always mocking Le Arse about? “YOUR INVICIBLES COULDNT BEAT OUR TRANSITION TEAM!”) Oh their league is not over yet so yet we can stop talking Real hammering Barca!
February 24, 2012 at 03:57
Quiet Dog says:
On AJAX

Chivas Guadalajara… Chico’s origin… welcomes Johan Cruyff as a TD.
February 24, 2012 at 04:26
JC says:
OK so calmed down a little after watching it again and I have to say that had we scored on any 1 or more of the 3 times we had easy cross passes knocked away on 2 on 1s I believe we’d all be talking about how naive Ajax was defending us. Chico and Berba were having a terrible time finding that final ball to each other (other than the one Chico scored on which was a beauty) and maybe 1 or 2 of those times either one of them should have just been a tad more selfish and taken it on themselves to score. This wasn’t necessarily as bad of a performance as it seemed in the flesh but after watching it again it seemed another game we missed multiple opportunities to put a game away early and instead found ourselves surprised that Ajax decided that they still had a chance to win out in the 2nd half.
February 24, 2012 at 04:38
Phil Jones' Birdshit Streaks says:
Denton – I rate the kid, but where would he fit in, and who’s expense? I expect there will be a bit of a shake up of the squad this summer. Possibly some senior and more recognised players leaving. I think it has to happen personally.
February 24, 2012 at 04:57
Marq says:
I actually thought Berbatov & Hernandez did ok, they didn’t get any help and service from Park, Young & Nani at all. There wasn’t any calming influence coming from the middle of the park that Scholes or Carrick provides. Shows that no matter how promising our youngsters are, they still need a old head to in there to control things.

Btw denton, Eriksen did well I felt. Everything went through him before he was taken off. But that said, we already have Cleverly doing what he is doing
February 24, 2012 at 05:08
RedHound says:
emyoueffsee

seriously?
February 24, 2012 at 05:11
RedHound says:
All to predictably, the so and so is overrated talk has started.
February 24, 2012 at 05:49
lordrt says:
United nearly made a mess of this tie, thankfully DDG saved a goal-bound one earlier and kept us at 1-1 till that 2nd one… Cleverley needs some more time to settle in again after his injury
February 24, 2012 at 05:53
RedHound says:
All that went wrong yesterday was park in the middle of the park, he’s no defensive midfielder, and neither is Clev. It was inevitable that our mid would get shown up. Clev is at his best when he’s doing what he should be doing, attacking and linking up play, he’s no scholes contrary to what many people and media have been saying. He’s a Goetze, Ericksen type. He’s not as good as Scholes in terms of tracking back to defend. And yesterday should not form the basis of your analysis of his budding career.
One positive i noted yesterday is that Chicharito’s ball control and hold-up skills are improving with every match. Good thing we went through otherwise getting knocked out of europe twice would not have had the best effect on the players. Basel knocking out United , beating Bayern, Marseille beating Inter, CSKA drawing with Real, Roma destroying Chelsea, Ajax beating United,………….#EUROPE is crazy right now
February 24, 2012 at 05:57
Jeet says:
Ditch 4-4-2! NOW!
February 24, 2012 at 06:05
Jeet says:
Poll:
Do you think United needs a so-called “creative mid” or a “defensive mid”? Probbaly both, but which one’s the bigger priority in your opinion?
February 24, 2012 at 06:19
Jeet says:
Linda met a good man called marro. Its written in the stars!
February 24, 2012 at 06:23
Jeet says:
@Redhound: being a nit, but Napoli demolished the renties not Roma
February 24, 2012 at 06:26
Utd4life says:
Well I didn’t see the match since I had to go to a job fair but I’m glad we went through.

Regarding the Pogba situation, if the lad is indeed craving for 1st team football then he needs to trust SAF and more importantly earn it just like Cleverley and Welbeck. SAF will never let go of talented players unless they don’t have the mental makeup to be a Utd player (read Morrison). Cleverley and Welbeck were sent on loan for 2-3 years before bring brought back and those loan spells have made them what they are today. Its easy to get angry at SAF but the great man has been at the helm for almost 3 decades so have some faith in him. My message to Pogba would be: if you want to play for Utd then you need to work your socks off.
February 24, 2012 at 07:01
Costas says:
@Marq

Berba did ok? I thought he lacked commitment? He only assisted Javier in his goal and then run up and down the rest of the game, trying to steal the ball because the service was poor.

Anyway, the problems last night were entirely down to a non existant midfield. We were cut in 2. Like Denton said, maybe Fergie wanted to deflect the real issue by blaming the defenders’ age. Not a chance. There’ve been a handful of matches (funnily enough after Ronaldo left) where United have actually caused me to go to sleep during a game. Just like last night. And that wasn’t because of the defence. The twins were one of the few things keeping me awake…
February 24, 2012 at 07:10
RedHound says:
Oh yeah Napoli.
February 24, 2012 at 07:20
Frankie says:
Our problems yesterday had nothing to do with the defence that on the whole did quite well. We have unlearned how to play in Europe. You cannot play a two men miedfield in these games in a 4 4 2 formation. Yesterday was even worst because neither of them was a holding midfielder. W
February 24, 2012 at 07:24
Jeet says:
Frankie – spot on.
February 24, 2012 at 07:32
Balaji Sivaraman says:
United’s problems in Europe come down to one thing only: Not playing Michael Carrick.

Seriously, you put him in the side in the MF in a European game and half our problems vanish. No seriously… The dude is a brilliant footballer who is sorely missed in Europe. Don’t believe me. Trivia Question: Which mid-fielder was suspended in the final match of the 2011 Champions League Group Stages when Manchester United were knocked out by Basel?

IMO, it is as simple as that.
February 24, 2012 at 07:36
Costas says:
It’s easy to blame the defence given our pathetic stats in that area this season. 43 conceded goals in 39 games. 24 of them at OT for fuck’s sake. But they are not all soft goals. Teams have been getting too many goalscoring opportunities against us. Especially at Old Trafford.

No matter how well Carrick has done, we are still missing a player in the Fletcher mould.
February 24, 2012 at 07:36
RedHound says:
…………When United lost consecutive matches against Blackburn and Newcastle, Jonny was out injured and in his place was Phil Jones, who I personally think would be a better RB or CDM because it allows him the ability to go forward and express himself, compared to Evans or Smalling who are more natural center backs than Jones.

http://www.sportskeeda.com/2012/02/24/jonny-evans-is-manchester-uniteds-best-defender-this-season/?ref=mm
February 24, 2012 at 07:39
Costas says:
On the other hand, congrats to Hernandez for reaching double figures. Given his injury problems and the fact that Welbeck starts more often than him, it’s a credit to him that he beat Danny to 10 goals. His all around play still needs to improve, but at least he’s good at one thing.
February 24, 2012 at 07:42
Jeet says:
@Costas: I think we have that player in Jones. IMO its down to tactics and not personnel. Think of this team:
DDG
Twin Smalling Evans Twin
Jones Cleverly
Nani Park Young
Welbeck/Berba

Do you think our mf would have been overrun like it was yesterday? I dont. Same personnel, different tactics. 4-4-2 against technically gifted European sides that like to press and retain possession doesnt work. Really.
February 24, 2012 at 07:48
Jeet says:
@Costas: Dont know if you can dig up some stats around hernandez’s season. everybody says he’s been having a mediocre season compared to last yr, but I think he is concistently good, i.e. banging them in for fun as usual. Just that he’s been injured and hasnt played a lot. But in terms of goals/appearance I have a feeling he’s up there, like last yr.
February 24, 2012 at 07:51
Balaji Sivaraman says:
Jeet, That is how I would’ve liked them to line up as well.

I agree with all the people saying Jones isn’t a CB. First of all, tactics and position wise, he is still incredibly naive. Though you could say this is one aspect that does get better with age and more playing time in a particular position. Secondly, he will always be moved around a lot. He is so good that you cannot pigeonhole him into one position. But IF we are going to utilize him like we are doing, then he cannot play CB because that position requires constancy. Playing him in there yesterday ahead of Evans for a crucial cup game was a mistake.

And, yes Jeet, I’ve been bleating on about how he is the perfect box-to-box MF that we’ve all been wanting. This right from the summer as well. Beyond positioning, there isn’t a weak link in his game defensively. He is one of the best tacklers in the team and his body strength allows him to push off players at ease. He can run with the ball and his passing is pretty decent as well. What is stopping us from using him like Roy Keane? It has surprised me that he hasn’t been used there more often. A MF-3 of Carrick, Jones, and Cleverley would be terrifying in Europe. Just imagine how good Carrick/Jones pairing was in the few games they played together. That was the best period of our season so far. So, that question is automatically answered.
February 24, 2012 at 08:00
Costas says:
@Jeet

Hernandez has 10 in 27 games. Welbeck has 9 in 27, but he’s started more games than Chicharito. So he’s done very well again this season. Of course the best out of the lot is Berba, who’s scored 9 goals in 19 games. But he’s 4th choice because he’s not showing commitment.

As for the system, it appears as if Fergire has decided to go back to 4-4-2 for good this season. No matter where we play. I think it’s tied his hands in a way. I still believe it’s our best formation, but sometimes it just won ‘t work. Not when we don’t have the proper personnel. Could Jones have made a difference in CM yesterday? Probably. He’s more comfortable there than Park is. But Fergie opted to rest Rio, Evans and Evra. Lets hope lessons were finally learned yesterday..
February 24, 2012 at 08:03
Costas says:
Just to elaborate a bit more on Hernandez’s season and how it compares to his first:

2011-2012: 10 goals in 27 matches (with 15 starts)

2010-2011: 20 goals in 45 matches (with 27 starts)

Not as good, but he’s up there.
February 24, 2012 at 08:05
Balaji Sivaraman says:
Costas, I can see a point in resting Rio and Evra obviously. But Evans needn’t have been rested. He is still young and can obviously take the toll of extra games. If we had a suitable backup, then OK. But I don’t think we had one yesterday. Smalling is great but I still think Evans HAS to play in the absence of Rio and Vida.
February 24, 2012 at 08:34
Jeet says:
@Costas: Show me the midfielders who can dominate in a 4-4-2 against a good (good, mind you, not world class like Barca) 4-2-3-1. Do they exist anymore? Schweni. Who else?
February 24, 2012 at 08:37
Jeet says:
And, that, I believe, is what lies behind the “no value in the market” paradigm. Not the Glazers. Fergie is on the lookout for a world class, complete midfielder who can play in a 4-4-2 against the best. I’m not too optimistic about our chances of finding one.
February 24, 2012 at 08:52
moscow JT says:
i believe our strongest team can match real. they’ve been a bit lucky in the la liga this season, as a fair bit of their opponents end the game with either 10 or 9 men…..don’t also forget ajax had 2 goals wrongly disallowed when real played them at the Arena-albeit with a much changed team just like united’s last night.
February 24, 2012 at 09:02
sc says:
nah, we need players who don’t lose possession half the time. just that. and young players usually just don’t have that kind of composure, and also they lack the experience to do the right thing at the right time.

in this game, u can see how utd players are taking turns to lose the ball. and of course, having midfielders who doesn’t know how to control the pace of game doesn’t help either.

defense wise, they are shaky. they are young, not that experienced. their first instinct is to clear the ball and it ends up with the other team that will try to attack again. they lack the experience and the composure to take the ball out of defence by playing it out to their teammates. obviously, we know that’s what ferdinard is good at, or decent holding midfielders who can hold the ball while their teammates move to a better position.

and that’s why experience is vital, and not just plain youthful energy
February 24, 2012 at 09:16
It's in my blood says:
All this talk of 4-4-2, who the middle pairing should be and so on.
Let me say again, if 3-4 players don’t turn up it doesn’t matter what the formation is.
That’s what happened, period.
Analyse that, plan as many different pairings at the back, in midfield, wherever.
Then watch all your plans washed away when a few don’t turn up.
February 24, 2012 at 09:41
kanchelskis says:
Tweet from Mirror journo:

FA set to announce Tom Cleverley is out of the England squad to play Holland next week. Damaged ankle during Ajax game last night

FUCKING HELL
February 24, 2012 at 09:44
Arjunited says:
what the fuck is wrong these days? everyone seems to get injured that too OFTEN.
February 24, 2012 at 09:46
kanchelskis says:
If that Kevin Davies challenge has caused a serious, chronic problem with Cleverley’s ankle, I swear I will hunt that fucking blockhead down and kneecap him.
February 24, 2012 at 09:47
It's in my blood says:
Costas

The stage is yours.
Why all the injuries?
February 24, 2012 at 09:53
samuel - united WE stand says:
I’m going to be blunt here and say it. tom cleverly is under United’s many injury prone players. out for 4months and is out again? we can’t sustain that to be honest. He jogged off the pitch last night and looked okay so i really hope this united obsessed journo is wrong.
February 24, 2012 at 09:55
kanchelskis says:
@samuel

It’s Ollie Holt – not United-obsessed and not a WUM. Doesn’t make a habit of making early calls, but when he does they’re often right I’m afraid.
February 24, 2012 at 10:03
Jeet says:
fuck
February 24, 2012 at 10:05
samuel - united WE stand says:
Eriksen is a gifted playmaker with intelligence and class. He rarely loses the ball and is technically gifted, he’ll be off to Barca so they can add to their already brilliant squad.
February 24, 2012 at 10:13
dazbomber says:
News on Tom http://sportwitness.ning.com/forum/topics/manchester-united-s-tom-cleverley-pulls-out-of-england-squad
February 24, 2012 at 10:14
pat rice says:
BLOODY DISGRACE OF A PERFORMANCE!!!!!
February 24, 2012 at 10:23
samuel - united WE stand says:
Kanchelskis – fair enough. I don’t think the club has been fully prepared this season hence all the disjointed Shit going on. Cleverly didn’t exactly have a good record of staying fit while on loan so why we expect him to be that at united is beyond me.

The over reliance and clinging onto straws for his come back is cringeworthy, merely shows the lack of quality of squad depth in central midfield.

michael carrick or to a lesser extent scholes are the only ones that possess the composure, positioning and passing range to control the tempo of a game. These guys won’t be here for long. Pogba is fucking about, cleverly is evidently a glass-man or shall we say, unfortunate with injuries and he currently can’t dominate that midfield because he needs time and experience, anderson seems to be getting fatter than a terrified turkey. We all sit deluding ourselves that he’ll come good. None seem capable of standing in for carrick but they’ll have step up their game because using the squad is important at a club. Carrick may be quality but he isn’t a machine that will play every game.
February 24, 2012 at 10:26
parryheid says:
Hah getting fatter than a terrified turkey,like that one.
February 24, 2012 at 10:32
CedarsDevil says:
It’s in my blood

Hi mate, I think you pretty much summed it up! Formations are of course important but like you said if 3 or 4 players do not turn up then it would not matter what formation we play.

Jeet

Liked that one my friend, written in the stars indeed.
February 24, 2012 at 10:40
Jeet says:
@Samuel: “The over reliance and clinging onto straws for his come back is cringeworthy, merely shows the lack of quality of squad depth in central midfield.”

Spot fucking on. Cleverly is quality, but to expect a young kid in his debut season to be the second coming of Zizou and resurrect the midfield in a club of United’s stature is exactly what you call it – cringeworthy.

Ok, sobered down now. Apologies for going overboard last night. It was quiet funny (probably not for others). Fucking unpredictable stash I got this time.

Summary of yesterday now:

Positives:

DeGea. Kept us in it with that point blank save.
Defence. Did little wrong. Can’t recall a single tackle, interception or block that the twins missed. Not as good as Paddy E. going forward. But for reliability, I’ll probably go with Fabio these days.
Berbandez. Top combo in my opinion. That pass and finish was awesome. SHould have had more too, both of them.

Negatives:

Tactics. I’ve moaned enough about this.
Entire midfield. Cleverly is a not a deep-lying playmaker, not a box-to-box midfielder.
Nani was fucking gash, despite the shot that hit the bar.
Young?
Park – see “tactics”

Remedy:

Sell everybody. Sack fergie, and get someone “passionate”. Buy i-bra, torres, cahill, pastore. And ohh, maldini and keano while you’re at it.
February 24, 2012 at 10:43
samuel - united WE stand says:
I agree that jones simply isn’t a centre half. I know we bought him as that but he seems to lack the aerial ability, positional awareness and reading of the game and that was clear yet again last night as united got carved open by ajax regularly. Moving him about on the pitch like a bishop on a chess board doesn’t help. He needs to stick to one position and then improve or he’ll turn into a jack of all trade and never fulfill his true potential. If he’s a box to box midfielder then let him stick to that.
February 24, 2012 at 10:48
Jeet says:
Indeed, it’s in the stars! marro, my friend, I feel it in my bones!
February 24, 2012 at 11:32
Mr C says:
Our midfield/wingmen didn’t show up yesterday which is pretty the long and the short of it. Our play perked up a bit when the Ginger Prince came on but well should have had the game dead and buried before then. On a positive note the twins had good games. Rafael in particular is top quality.
February 24, 2012 at 12:06
ahjs says:
denton davey says:
“Anyone still think that Christian Eriksen would improve UTD ?”

Of course he would – midfielder with an eye for a pass whose going to have been well schooled by Ajax. Maybe it would be too soon for him but there’s little doubt he’ll have a good career at one of the European giants.
February 24, 2012 at 12:10
WillieRedNut says:
Sammy – We had this conversation in the summer, about Jones? He doesn’t convince at CH. Looks more at ease in midfield. That’s where he’ll end up imo. When he, and Carrick were partnered in CM, they looked good together. Complimented each other. Bad news on Clevs. You have to wonder if we’ve got another Hargreaves on our hands. Hope not. Injuring the ankle again, doesn’t bode well for the lad.
February 24, 2012 at 13:13
Costas says:
@It’s in my blood

At least Tom is consistent. He returns, plays a couple of games and then gets injured again. Just like last October. Personally I am out of comments, moans or even explanations. Nothing will ever change. Same old shit each season. Until someone (and it won’t be Fergie) changes personnel at the medical and fitness teams.
February 24, 2012 at 15:31
denton davey says:
Ahjs @ 12:06: the issue isn’t whether (or not) Eriksen is “UTD quality” but, rather, whether he’d get to play when TheWayneBoy’s health is OK. Maybe Eriksen could be the left-footed winger (but better than Nani ?) but that’s probably NOT how he wants to play. FWIW, the best option among these little, quick “playmakers” is Mario Goetze and he’s not available AND he would cost fifty million Euros, which I don’t see happening on SAF’s watch, under GlazernomicRules.

YoungTom = DarrenAndertonRedux ?
February 24, 2012 at 15:43
WillieRedNut says:
denton – Given that Fergie likes his players to be versatile, maybe he would have a different position in mind for Eriksen. Just a thought….and Ando’s up and down form, we’re looking at alternatives? Who knows what the boss is thinking. The lad looks a tad lightweight to me, but so did Ronaldo.
February 24, 2012 at 17:41
denton davey says:
I don’t share your overall pessimism – injuries have been a problem BUT this is a very young squad of players and it’s hard not to expect “growing pains”. Since this season has been, as the Brits like to say, “pear-shaped”, it’s hard to see the stars aligned as opposed to the surface fog which is cutting visibility

To change metaphors, I see the glass as being half-full. For me the big issues – in terms of personnel – are the continued attempt to play MrJones in central defence, the “sick-note” nature of YoungTom’s season (not to mention Anderson, who never seems to be able to string three months together without a new injury), and the novelty of playing De Gea, Fabio, and Rafael in important roles (again, injuries haven’t helped).

Looking at the half-full glass: a back five of De Gea, Rafael, Fabio, BigManSmalling, and Jonny Evans looks like it has the right stuff while having quality veterans like Patrice Evra, Rio, and (hopefully) CaptainVidic is re-assuring; in central midfield, there’s just a lot of confusion apart from Michael Carrick – while the prospect losing DarrenFletcherinho is a HUGE blow and I don’t see YoungTom as the messiah (this is the one area of the team that could probably use an injection of quality – but, just maybe, a shift in MrJones’ role would address that, too); in attack, Nani, Valencia, TheWayneBoy, DannyTheLad and Chicharito are a unit that is fine with me.

HOWEVER, to repeat the key point, these guys have never really been able to play together. Overall, if the stars are aligned then this collection is certainly good enough to be competitive in BOTH the EPL and the CL.

Are they good enough to beat “the ultimate challenge” of Barcelona – or a resurgent Real Madrid ? I don’t see why not. SAF’s “new UTD” is still a work-in-progress but for a glass-half-full guy like me, the signs of renewal are encouraging. I’m not particularly bothered that he has had to give a lot of playing time to SIrRyanGiggs and TheGingerNinja – in fact, it’s a huge positive to have those veterans available since their presence has stabilized a rocking-and-rolling ship. But, of course, they are NOT the way forward but they might just be the way to salvage some silverware this season.
February 24, 2012 at 18:01
WillieRedNut says:
Yeah, you’re starting to abuse the nick names? Way too many….
February 24, 2012 at 18:54
Balaji Sivaraman says:
LOL Willie. I’ve been feeling that a long time.

denton, Funny, I always thought of you as a half-empty guy. The impressions you get off the written form are almost always wrong. But I do agree with you and it is something that I’ve tried to say a few times over the past year as well. On a small-scale basis with some of the results we’ve had this season, some of our fans have a right to be pessimistic. However, on a large-scale, long-term basis, I think we’re set up nicely. You’ve basically highlighted all the right points but I’d just like to add that Sir Alex has been singing Tom’s praises, so I am sure he has enough to offer to be as good a player as any young newcomer we’re likely to buy like Eriksen. Not to mention we also have Tunni waiting in the wings who King Eric has been singing praises about. Anyways, I think the glass is more than half-full, it is about three-quarters full from where I stand.
February 24, 2012 at 18:57
WillieRedNut says:
Balaji – He’s addicted! Only messing Denton.
February 24, 2012 at 20:46
denton davey says:
WillieRedNut @ 18:01 – more nicknames to come !
February 24, 2012 at 23:43
Costas says:
NicknameDenton?
February 25, 2012 at 16:03
denton davey says:
Willie/Costas – the nickname thing is what got me started watching sports when I was just a kid in Vancouver in the 1950s. My favourite teams all had guys with great nicknames:

Brooklyn Dodgers – PeeWee Reese, Preacher Roe, Duke Snider, Junior Gilliam

LA Rams – CrazyLegs Hirsch, Deacon Dan Towler, Night Train Lane, Big Daddy Lipscombe, Jaguar Jon Arnett, and The Dutchman (Norm Van Brocklin)

Montreal Canadiens – Boom Boom Geoffrion, Rocket Richard, Pocket-Rocket Richard, Le Gros Bil (Jean Beliveau)

i”ll admit that not-a-one of the nicknames I’ve used to describe UTD’s current players rise to that level but – what can I say ? – I’m addicted.

Confirmed Line Up: Utd v Ajax

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