RoM: Do you like Fergie?
DT: Well, I’d probably like him more if he re-admitted me to his Friday press conferences! I certainly find him fascinating, I admire his achievements, his longevity, the way he has beaten the system for so long. He’s always got an opinion, he’s never dull. He’s the last of his kind really, and I’ve said before that if I could arrange some kind of football dinner-party XI his name would be one of the first on the list. Even though, deep down, you know he wouldn’t come. Or even reply.
It’s a strange one because there are times when he can be exasperating beyond belief. That little episode with the AP reporter, for example, and “we’ll get him…” Someone, I think, in Fergie’s position should really be better than that. But I’ve been following the guy around the world for long enough now to know there’s more to him that. Out of press conferences, he can be totally different – relaxed, full of anecdotes and insight, good company. You see strangers meeting him for the first time, he can be utterly charming, and you can see on their faces they’re thinking ‘wow, that was a pleasant surprise.’ And then again, I’ve also seen him turn on fans for getting a little too close with a camera-phone and it’s ugly, brutal stuff. There’s plenty to like, plenty to dislike.
The difficulty is getting past that wall he has built around himself and into his trust – and, let’s be honest, if you’ve got an NUJ card it isn’t going to happen. He keeps you a very long arm’s length away.
RoM: Do you think the FA unfairly targets United?
DT: At times, yes. Sometimes it gets overplayed and I hear supporters with their conspiracy theories about David Bernstein with his Man City background etc, but overall I do think there is a trend of the FA taking action against United that we don’t always see elsewhere.
They seem to be selective in what they act upon and too easily swayed by what is highlighted on Sky or Match of the Day. That’s the most legitimate grievance, I think, for United, because television will inevitably focus on something one of their players does more than someone from, say, a mid-table club.
For example, Wayne Rooney’s elbow at Wigan attracted a serious amount of debate on Match of the Day, which is fair enough, but the same programme (and the FA) didn’t seem to care less a few weeks later when Emile Heskey lost the plot and barged into a ref (then waited for him in the tunnel). Or when Rob Green and Mark Noble scrapping with one another for West Ham at Bolton. So there is a clear disparity, and it’s not a new thing. Fergie has been banging on about this but for over a decade now, going back to when David Dein was involved with the FA. I don’t always agree with it, but it’s happened too many times now to be paranoia on United’s part.
RoM: Which midfielder do you think would be the best fit for United? Who, if any, is the most likely?
DT: I think United need some more craft, someone elusive who can dink the passes through for Rooney and Hernandez. Modric would be a good choice, though I’m not sure he is quite as amazing as Harry Redknapp says. I’d say Nasri would be the better choice – scores more goals, cheaper. Or, at least, the Nasri we saw for the first half of last season.
However, I’m not entirely convinced it will happen. I don’t detect any great optimism behind the scenes. They know, put it this way, how hard they would fight to keep one of their top players moving to Arsenal. Wenger’s desperate not to sell him to an English club.
Otherwise, Wesley Sneijder’s name keeps being mentioned but – and I know I’m in the minority here – I’m not as sold on him as everyone else. He’s obviously a very good player, sometimes a great player, but I don’t think he’s the world-beater that is sometimes portrayed. He’s also 27 whereas United have a policy in place not to buy players for big money if they are 26 or above, their reasoning being there is no resale value (Berbatov being both the exception to the rule). If it could be anyone, I’d say Cesc Fabregas would be the perfect United-fit midfielder. It’s obviously not going to happen, but what a player he is.
RoM: During your years following United what has surprised you the most?
DT: The first time you witness the Hairdryer is always an experience. Not sure you’d call it a “surprise” as such, because you’ve been warned about it, you’ve been told to watch out for it and that you will never forget what it’s like, but nothing can quite prepare you it. You’re just grateful, to be honest, if it’s someone else in the firing line. And if it is, I’ve got to be honest . . you’ll never butt in to say ‘Come on, that’s a bit unfair.’ We’re bastards like that.
RoM: What is your take on the Owen Hargreaves saga? Do you think Ferguson was right to cut ties when he did, or do you think he should have gone for the much banded around ‘pay as you play’ contract model and see what happened?
DT: What gets overlooked a lot of the time is that Hargreaves had his knee issues when United signed him. They knew he had tendinitis but they still ticked off the medical and, in hindsight, it was one expensive mistake. There’s no way of dressing it up: they bought a crock and they got a crock.
As for whether it was right to release him, I don’t think the club had much of an option. People talk about these pay-as-you-play deals, but how many clubs actually implement them? We’ve seen the same thing at Spurs with Jonathan Woodgate. There comes a time when you just have to be business-minded and say enough’s enough. Hargreaves is 30 now. I don’t think his situation was handled particularly well – and I’m told he has his own grievances – and it was clearly a mistake to put him straight into that Wolves match. Even so, he had become a tragicomedy. He was earning £4m a year and there has hardly been a stampede of other clubs wanting to sign him.
RoM: Who do you think should replace Ferguson when he retires? Who do you think will?
DT: It’s all about timing, isn’t it? Fergie could be with us another four or five years and there might be another outstanding candidate by then. For now, though, Pep Guardiola would be my choice. He’s the manager of the best club side many of us have probably ever seen, he speaks perfect English, he’s not Mourinho-esque but he’s still got a definite aura and the respect of his players, his team play beautiful football, he’s used to managing big-name stars (he might even bring some with him), he’s used to winning trophies . . . and yet, for whatever reason, he barely gets a mention. I find that strange, especially as he has said himself he will not always be at Barcelona. Beyond him, Mourinho would tick a lot, if not all, the boxes. Journalist hat on, I’d certainly like Mourinho here.
RoM: Why do you think the press jumped on the “United in decline” bandwagon when they went one year without a trophy in 2005, but have waited six years and for the best players to start leaving until talking about Arsenal in a similar way?
DT: I covered that season in my first Fergie book and, to be fair, it was probably the most troubled season of the last ten years or so, with Keane being bombed out, Van Nistelrooy following at the end of the season, the Champions League flop, the arrival of the Glazers and all that stuff about the young players not being up to it. I take your point, though, because it’s a valid one. The press don’t subject Arsenal to the same scrutiny. They will criticise them, ask questions, look into the reasons behind their failures etc but, overall, it’s nothing like as demanding as United. A single defeat for United tends to mean a full-on inquiry. Two in a row is crisis time.
RoM: Last year, lots of Guardian journos predicted City would win the league. Are they eating humble pie now?
DT: I’m not sure they did, did they? I can remember only one tipping City as champions. Otherwise I thought the majority went for Chelsea. It was strange, though, that so few people tipped United, especially considering the number of players Chelsea had moved on. I think it will be different this year, if that makes you feel any better.
RoM: What is your opinion on the current bunch of youngsters coming through our Academy? Which ones do you think have what it takes to push through to United’s first team?
DT: The three who stand out are Tunnicliffe, Pogba and Morrison, but I still think it’s premature for people to be talking about them as future United stars. They all have a good chance, but it’s a big leap from academy to the first team and, to put it into context, Pogba or Morrison won’t even be on the USA trip.
Tunnicliffe’s the one I really like. He’s a proper old-school meaty bastard, isn’t he? I hope he comes through because I thought that kind of box-to-box player had gone out of fashion. Pogba looks like he needs to bulk up a little before he is ready, but he’s tall, lithe, good on the ball, sees the pass, plays with his head up.
Then there’s Ravel and, Christ, who knows what will happen there? But there are at least the first signs that he might slowly beginning to ‘get it.’ I’ve got to be honest, he really didn’t look like he could give a shit when he was in court for the witness intimidation case. But at his court case this week he was in a suit, he hadn’t brought any of his hangers-on with him and, overall, he just seemed a little bit older and wiser. The reports from the youth offending team were all positive and – if it was genuine – there was no longer that sense that he thought he was untouchable.
These quotes didn’t get in the paper but this is what the judge said: “I’ve been given a glowing report on you. It indicates you have attended all of your appointments, you are working with Manchester United and the youth team to improve your maturity and, in particular, you are dealing with anger-management issues. In group work, I’m told you have engaged positively with other young people. Someone in your position has achieved a deal of fame – you can use that to make the world a better place and, if this referral order makes you understand that, it can only be a good thing.”
So maybe there is hope. It would be a bloody great waste if he did screw it up – and there isn’t much worse in sport than seeing some not fulfilling their talent.
———-
Follow Daniel Taylor on Twitter
Squeaky Bum Time: The Wit & Wisdom of Sir Alex Ferguson by Daniel Taylor
This Is the One: Sir Alex Ferguson – The Uncut Story of a Football Genius by Daniel Taylor
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Daniel Taylor Says:
“it’s ugly, brutal stuff”
GROW A SET YOU TWAT
Great read, although I was told by a utd youth coach two week ago that Morrison would be on the USA tour, with potentially putting into the first team squad.
Excellent interview. Many thanks. I was very touched by the comments by the judge in the Ravel Morrison court case. So nice to see someone thinking about making the world a better place in the context of a young United footballer. Let’s hope Ravel really has ‘got it’!
Top comments on Tunnicliffe there and the youth players in general.
The part on Arsenal is especially poignant but that is simply because United are a huge team whereas Arsenal, despite trying to stake their claim as big boys, aren’t.
If United went six seasons without a trophy there would be parties in the streets from rival fans and the papers would mention it everyday with Arsenal its only mentioned in passing then when they go into meltdown at the tail end of the season.
You kind of get the impression no one is really surprised.
Hmmm… nothing but “Arsenal in crisis” or “Arsenal on the verge of crisis” stories for the last three years… ever since Henry left it’s been hard to find a positive narrative. So no need to feel too hard-done by really, Mancs.
@WHAT ???
Don’t be silly.
An interview of this depth and you expect him to do nothing but kiss the manager’s arse the whole time?
Or are you telling me that he’s mistaken and Fergie’s a complete saint?
Chudi, the number of years Arsenal have gone without a trophy is the first thing out of the commentator’s mouths at the first whistle of the first match of the season, and it’s a constant refrain from then on all the way in: every time something doesn’t go our way, and even when it does.
By the way, good interview.
Good read, love these intervjues with Journo’s
To be entirely honest, Daniel Taylor and Mark Ogden are two people from the Telegraph whose articles I read regularly. They’re not ABU, they offer great insight without really talking about United only in a positive light and are generally well-written also. I guess that is why those articles are full of dippers, bitters, rentboys and gooners asking them to stop with the United bias.
As for the interview, it is really nice but, apart from the tidbit on Morrison, nothing is new. As for the Morrison situation, at first look, I’ve seen certain people compare him to Gascoigne, who was never really brought under control or there is no indication that someone even tried to do so. Morrison, on the other hand, is at the best club in the world for these sorts of things. He’s got arguably the best academy in world-football, the best manager, the best setup etc. and people who want him to genuinely do well. So, I am sure he’ll turn over a new leaf pretty soon.
The Judge’s comments are also really great, it is amazing to see someone at that position “get” what is wrong with modern day footballers and what can be done to overcome that problem. Kudos to him/her for that.
Error above, haven’t had my morning coffee yet. Ogden from Telegraph and Taylor from Guardian.
yes Ignatz, there’s the difference. United get it after one barren year, not six.
Surprisingly ok for Taylor, given his past crap. Then again, he was put on the spot by a United supporter and will be dancing on the great man’s grave again should we lose successive games.
When I say “the great man”, I do of course, mean Sir Alex, not you Scotty. Nice work though mate.
Good read.
‘You see strangers meeting him for the first time, he can be utterly charming, and you can see on their faces they’re thinking ‘wow, that was a pleasant surprise.’
That line stood out for me having met the great man once albeit in a lift and having had all but a conversation that lasted about a minute! Charming he was indeed, however I was not surprised at all.
Good read overall, I enjoyed it.
Morning/Afternoon all true REDS
Glory glory man united, Sneijder is best for man united
My question wasn’t asked
But yeah, good interview, even though I don’t like his articles too much.
The thinly-veiled attacks on Sir Alex Ferguson smack of sour grapes as Daniel pussy-foots his way around the loins den. It is ridiculous to suggest that ” deep down, you know he wouldn’t come, or even reply” to a dinner invitation. In fact, we know Sir Alex to be genial and well-mannered enough to reply. Daniel’s invitation would not be accepted, for he has been recognised by Fergie, and evicted for bad behavior. As this lilly-livered news-hound trembles in mortal fear, throwing brickbats at Sir Alex from the safety of his desk, there are respectable journalists enjoying the repartee at the press conference.
Otherwise, a reasonable if uninformed interview, thanks.
I hope he is wrong about Morrison and Pogba being left out of US Tour squad a was really looking forward to seeing them step up. Anyone know when official squad will be announced?
@smartalex, Yeah, that irked me too. I’ve always heard from fellow managers that Sir Alex makes it a point to call back anyone and clear their doubts whoever it maybe. He is always talked about as someone who always is mannered enough to provide a reply granted that one is needed in the first place.
@Kanchelskis
Come right off it Pal. I ain’t being “silly”.
He was asked one question about Alex Ferguson, namely, “do you like him?”.
In my opinion his answer was banal. He basically responded by saying “there’s plenty to like, plenty to dislike”, and while he was clear on the aspects “not to like”, I found his thoughts to the contrary far less substantiated.
In fact, take out the name “Fergie” and references to “longevity” and how many other top flight Mangers could he be describing? I found it unsightful, considering Daniel said himself he’s been ” following the guy around the world for long enough now to know there’s more to him that”.
He is supposed to be in a privileged position regarding information on our Club, but the only thing I’ve learned regarding Daniel’s take on our manager, is that, as a journalist himself, he appears to have failed in overcoming his own feelings of awe and trepidation in relation to his subject matter.
Hence, I said “GROW A SET YOU TWAT”
@Smartalex….. Bingo!
Enjoyed that. Thanks Daniel for your time, ignore the wankers being aggro, they just tryin to look rebellious
Was nice read. Really happy to read something positive about Morrison. And hoping to see him in the USA Tour. If he is included, I am guessing that is because Sir Alex thinks he has grown a little more “wiser”. Not expecting him to lit the world on fire right now itself. But if he did, it would be amazing.
@smartalex – On Sir Alex not replying, I am guessing he was talking about his invitation…
Non United supporters can never feel what we feel towards the great man
@ Horace
Of the 20 responses to this thread only two didn’t like the interview – and im one of them, so I assume your suggesting that im trying to “look rebellious”.
Its called an opinion, and I’ve substantiated it. So don’t be a Twat. We all have different opinions and I’ve voiced mine. Clearly you read what I said about Daniel, and if that spurred you to say im trying to be “rebellious” it says a lot more about YOU then it does me Pal.
smartalex @ 11:03
Interesting eye opener that, to be honest I did not read too much into it at first,coupled with the fact that having been away from the UK for so long I am not well informed about the names of journos who head the ABU list. I do not even waste my time reading the British press as and by enlarge when it comes to football news its usually made up crap
@WHAT ???
Right. Well why didn’t you furnish your post with that explanation in the first instance? Simply insulting the interviewee alonsgide a comment which criticised Ferguson just made it look like you were taking exception at someone daring to question his greatness.
And I’m not sure I agree about the lack of substantiation about the ‘plenty to like’ side of the argument either. Taylor mentions “his achievements, his longevity, the way he has beaten the system for so long … anecdotes and insight, good company … he can be utterly charming.”
I mean, how much more do you want? As Taylor points out, Fergie keeps journalists at arm’s length, so there’s only so much insight they can offer into him as a person.
@ Kanchelskis – bollocks mate. Nothing personal, but bollocks.
Should I apologise for expecting integrity with regards to what people write about the Club I support? A Twat is a Twat, is it not? Obviously I respect the work done on RoM but I ain’t gonna nod along “agreeingly” if I THINK what im reading is actually bullshit written by a bullshit artist. Since when was voicing your opinion “rebellious”? Like our friend Horace says? – And you call those soundbites Insight? A Liverpool supporter on a good day would admit that much, thats not insightful Pal its insincere Sycophancy – but we can agree to disagree, and thats no problem at all to me mate.
And thats the end of it.
http://soccerlens.com/guardians-daniel-taylor-doesnt-deserve-to-write-about-manchester-united/3317/
@WHAT ???
Hold on. I was not the one that accused you of trying to be rebellious. I was simply questioning one line of your argument.
I’m not here to talk about Taylor in the broader sense – I’m not familiar enough with his work to do that. I simply think your criticism of him in this particular interview is unfair… and also seems to be oscillating wildly. First you pick out a negative quote about the manager, and tell him to grow a pair. Then you suggest that his recognition of a ‘good side’ in Ferguson is not sufficiently substantiated (which I believe it is as best as is possible from Taylor’s position), and that this somehow represents sycophancy and insincerity.
How would you rather Taylor had answered that particular question?
Is this the guy that King Eric accused of looking like a 12 year old?
David Dein was replaced by David Gill at the FA,I have yet to hear a word about “conflicts of interest”,which were Mr Ferguson’s and a couple of his arse lickers complaints at the time.Make of that what you will.
Make of what exactly?
The Press and Sky and Mr A.Ferguson were all indignant of the fact that David Dein’s Arsenal interests clashed with his role at the FA,why doesn’t that apply to Mr David Gill?
@Bob Holness
Dein was vice-chairman, giving him executive powers.
Gill is a member of the executive committee, who was elected by other Premier League chief executives.
Hehe, my question was answered – the last one. I’m so cool! Yeeee
Just for the record and in case you have been hibernating for the last 20 years, its actually Sir Alex and not Mr Ferguson
those chief executives including the Bolton chairman who was so vocal about Mr David Dein’s influence? 2 questions then;who took over from Mr David Dein and secondly as Mr Dein had no influence on disciplinery matters as a seperate panel takes care of that or fixtures which are decided by a computer(aspparently),can you name me one example of his influence gaining Arsenal F.C an unfair advantage,such as being allowed to take a mid season break whilst trying to win back to back European Cups?
Most Sir’s usually are not vile bullies who use their power to ban all attempts to question them about matters that they don’t want to answer.try the BBC and how is Massimo Tahibi and young Mr Ferguson Jnr and his £2m payout.We sacked George Graham for a similar offence.
@Bob Holness
Mid-season break?
What in fuck’s name are you jabbering on about? United participated in that tournament under duress, with pressure from the FA as they wanted to strengthen their world cup hosting bid.
Since when did flying around the world consitute a mid-season break?
Cretin.
As a Gooner my first question is what on earth are you doing here? Had you shared a constructive comment then I am sure you would have received some positive replies in return. Yet it seems that you are more obsessed about addressing Sir Alex and things that are United more than your trophy hungered club….. Not jealous are you? No I bet you are not, I mean why would you be? Your account books are in perfect order, just what supporters what to hear every year……
Kanchelskis,how exactly did participating in a tournament 5000 miles way “enhance England’s World Cup bid”,under duress from the FA?so under that reasoning,if the other club sides were representing countries that would have liked to host the World Cup,you dropped out of the oldest Cup competition in the World to give England a 25% better chance of hosting the World Cup?,so well done to you,anyway I will be off now and not missed!the name calling(although cretin is mild)is enough to make me beat a hefty retreat.
Cedars Devil,the title of the blog is “signing Nasri”,wouldn’t you read a blog from Manchester City if it said “signing Tevez”…sorry though,I shouldn’t comment on other club’s blogs and apologise for any bad feeling.
Err, which title says signing Nasri?
@ Kancelskis – no offense Pal but can you read? I clearly said:
….since when was voicing your opinion “rebellious”? Like our friend Horace says?….
Are you Horace? Did you call me rebellious? So what are you talking about? You my friend, are either mistaken, illiterate, or derive satisfaction from going back and forth online. You think my criticism of Daniel’s answer is “oscillating wildly” – I think your trying too hard to make a point pal.
What is so hard to understand about my opinion? I think greater emphasis was placed on negativity in first answer. Example – did he quote Alex say anything positive? No, but he quoted our manager allegedly threatening a Journo. Also, I said “insincere-sycophancy”, not “sycophancy and insincerity”, theres a fundamental difference. Are you with me so far?
Secondly, I said his negativity derived from his own feelings about Ferguson’s temperament, and like another poster accurately observed, I feel Daniel comes across as “throwing brickbats at Sir Alex from the safety of his desk”. You ask how I’d “rather” Taylor answered the first question? EXACTLY HOW HE DID MATE, as I personally found it very revealing of his opinions as a Journo, and that was the whole purpose of the interview, right?
So thats all there is to it mate, and personally this is beyond boring now. You think im being “silly” and “unfair”, okay I get it, we disagree, end of story, FIN…. now live a little and move on Pal. Godspeed. No hard feelings aye? Chin Up.
“Daniel Taylor on Ravel Morrison,the hairdryer and signing Nasri”is what came up on newsnowArsenal.
@Costas – thats him.
Not a big fan of Taylor but a bloody good interview, Interesting stuff. I have to agree with him on Tunni. He is also my favourite. Like he says a proper “meaty bastard”.
Costas – Hello mate. It certainly is.
sorry one last one CedarsDevil,given your ability to win trophies and our ability to “run an efficient business model”,maybe we can resolve this situation by you loaning us your outstanding manager,whose ability is not in question and we will lend you our accountant,..Arsene.
Bob Holness – Give me an E please Bob. Seriously you know fuck all about that “mid season break”. The FA wanted United to go out there to enhance the world cup bid yet we were stiched up as usual and hung out to dry by the FA and fucking media for “disrespecting the FA cup”. Why are you even on here pal? Its a United blog.
Bob Holness
Nicely said mate, good on you for having a good sense of humor buddy
King Eric
I must say the person in question seemed genuine and had a decent sense of humor, just read his post at 12:54
However with all the shit going on these days its hard to tell!
CedarsDevil — Daniel is taking the piss. He is not entitled to paint Sir Alex in a negative light.
The whole interview is anti Sir Alex.
kanchelskis Clearly you are “not familiar enough with his [Daniel's] work”
Have you even read this interview? If so, you are speaking through your hat.
I suggest you re-read it, slowly and considerately.
Some people on this blog are frightengly adept at underlining why people get a bad impression of United fans.
Imagine enjoying the good fortune of the team you support being at the top of the domestic game for 20-odd years and still working yourself up into a pique of self-righteous, paranoid indignation when an interviewed journalist fails to polish the manager’s balls to the requisite shinyness.
Get a sense of perspective and a fucking grip.
Good stuff ROM. Not always agreeable; but that’s football. More of the same needed on this site. Keep it up!
@Bob the a**hole one thing for sure you won’t be signing nasri or fabregas,oh i’ve heard walcott and van persi not to happy either lol all the rats deserting a sinking ship.instead of coming on here maybe you should worry about how you going to finish in the top six,going the way of the dippers mid-table mediocrity.why don’t you fuck off and find a leeds blog,you’ll be playing them soon.
kanchelskis
Put the mirror down while composing your comments, mate. Your reflections are reflective.
Yeah Bob, your unHolness is putrifying. Take wayne’s brilliant advice and trawl your
soon-to-be opponents sites – Leeds.
WTF did kanchelskis just say?
smartalex
Your comment is essentially analogous to ‘I know you are but what am I?’
What are you, 7?
And how can my comments refer to me? I’m not the one having a hissy fit because a journalist has refused to suck up to the manager of the team I support.
Good interview, though one line did stand out for me:
“You’re just grateful, to be honest, if it’s someone else in the firing line. And if it is, I’ve got to be honest . . you’ll never butt in to say ‘Come on, that’s a bit unfair.’ We’re bastards like that.”
Don’t flatter yourself mate or try to come across as tough, that’s not the behaviour of a bastard that’s the behaviour of a fucking coward!
@Wayne
Well he didn’t say it to anybody in particular mate, so I can only guess he’s said what he wanted to say the whole time. But im really not sure what his problem is, there are 59 posts so far, and only Smartalex and myself have taken issue with the interview. My only issue is his first answer on Alex. Big Deal? Maybe he would be happier if every single post from the 59 were all agreed in unison? Fuck knows mate, on a blog designed for differing opinions Its an odd one isn’t it?
kanchelskis says:
I’m not the one having a hissy fit because a journalist has refused to suck up to the manager of the team I support.
________
Mate – are you mature enough to realise the only person really having a “hissy ft” is you?
Im sure even Daniel Taylor expected a fews United supporters would disagree with him, and so far a few have. So what are you getting so worked up about? I don’t even recall your screen name pal, but you’ve certainly come out in defence of this Journo. By the end of the day im sure a few more will disagree with things he’s said. Its called having a difference of opinion mate. Just let it go, nobody needs to “get a fucking grip”, what exactly is your problem? Chill the F out.
I thought they wouldn’t let Ravel into the country because of his record??
LUHG
kanchelskis
I consider Daniel’s article to be anti Sir Alex.
I am not 7.
You are “still working yourself up into a pique of self-righteous, paranoid indignation when an interviewed journalist fails”
Enough already, I think you’re a good guy, and have always enjoyed your presence.
You are painting yourself into a corner with this, and i really can’t be bothered to discuss it.
Please agree to disagree, or simply agree, or re-read the interview, and research the topic.
I’m hoping we can leave it there, is that good for you?
WHAT ??? / smartalex
Bedtime for this one I think.
Apologies if my criticisms of your criticisms came across as heavy-handed. Of course, we all interpret things differently, and I simply did not (and still do not) detect the ABU-ness in this interview that you both obviously did.
As such, it came across more like a refusal to accept any sort of criticism levelled at the club or the manager, a trait of footballing partisanship that I cannot abide, in supporters of any team. From a United perpsective especially, it is this sort of blinkered attitude that gives Utd fans a bad name as it makes us appear arrogant.
Anyway, like I say, we’ve clearly interpreted this differently. So let’s agree to disagree on this one.
I hope you agree, though, on my broader point re perceived immunity to criticism, if I will agree that you are not guilty of it, as I has initially assumed.
Few days ago…we were talking that Nasri is not good for us, is not fit into our sistem…and now SAF is very positive that he is going to bring Nasri to Manchester United.
King Eric and Costas…
But except Nasri we need Sneijder too. I know that we dont have money, but 25+35+50 is 110 mils…we sold Ronaldo and were in final CL…if we dont have 110 mils for players then we can shit ourself in mouth!
But if you ask me is he enough for our midfield…my answer is NO!
King Eric – if we buy Nasri, you can thank to God, because he fullfiled your prayers, and we can win Barca now.
@ kanchelskis
Spoken like a true Gent.
Like I’ve said the whole time, no problems whatsoever. Just an online misunderstanding over a throughly substantiated disagreement. To answer your question, I personally don’t think the Club are beyond criticism, but then again, so many people throw shit at United I don’t particularly object to over-zealous United supporters either – like you clearly do. But we can disagree on that as well. Ironically, you came across as a touch over-zealous yourself, but more importantly mate, you’ve addressed it, and that says a lot. Enjoy your Weekend Pal.
“For a team like City and United, both of whom need more creativity higher up the pitch, Nasri and Sneijder look to be the ideal recruits. On the other hand, United may look at their squad and think that Modric’s arrival would still leave them needing a more attacking midfielder”
Good point from http://soccerlens.com/modric-v-nasri-v-sneijder-who-should-man-utd-man-city-and-chelsea-buy/75388/
every fan has a blinkered attitude thats what makes him a fan in the first place.as the sign says not arrogant just better,not been funny kanchelskis but your posts are coming across as jibberish today mate.anyway who gives a fuck what anyone else thinks about us.
WHAT???, kanchelskis and smartalex.
We three Reds of Manchester,
coming from close and coming from far,
agreeing to meet, raising the bar
that others may see we’re all on a par.
kanchelskis, I agree that we are not immune to criticism, and in fact should welcome it.
WHAT ???, I am the United zealot you don’t object to.
smartalex, put the mirror down, people are watching.
@wayne
There’s a difference between partisan – only ever seeing one side of a situation, which is what football fans do – and believing that your club is immune to criticism (as we’ve established, nobody here thinks that, but that is the topic now under discussion).
And as for your last sentence. If you want to share a philosophy with Millwall fans, then that’s your lookout. I would prefer to believe that, as a collective, we should be able to enjoy the considerable success of our team with some class, dignity and regard for our reputation.
wayne is right, for we are zealots by definition:
Zealot – a person who is ‘fanatical’ and uncompromising in pursuit of their ideals.
@ Mara
I still dont want Snoodsri.
I truly feel that we should look fot a defensive minded CM. Anyway, if we do go for Nasri, i hope we have a plan b because Arsenal won’t fancy selling him to us.
@Mara
I still dont want Snoodsri.
I truly feel that we should look fot a defensive minded CM. Anyway, if we do go for Nasri, i hope we have a plan b because Arsenal won’t fancy selling him to us.
To all the idiotic clique-mongerers watching ROM, go through this fucking thread.
THIS is how you settle a disagreement amicable as mature individuals who post their opinions on a blog.
This is what makes RoM the best blog on the net.
I know you don’t need me to say this, but kudos to kanchelskis, smartalex, Paul Parker and Wayne.
If everybody who came here understand what a “debate” meant and how mature individuals react, then ROM will be a haven of thoughtfulness and no blog on the net would come anywhere close to it (not that there is much competition but still…).
@ Smartalex – You my friend are a goalkeeper short of a line-up
but its a United blog ,is it not? Diversity is to be expected, there would be no RoM without it. Enjoy your weekend Bruv.
*amicably* Bloody Grammar-Nazi
@kanchelskis millwall fans have a reputation because their animals mate,i know visited there when utd were in the second division.you are a fan on a intellectual level,i’m not,any intellect i might have goes out the window and is taken over by my passion for utd and hatred towards other teams,utd brings out both the good and bad in me so i cannot have your detachment and i don’t give a fuck what anyone else thinks about utd as a whole.
@wayne
Fair enough. I’m sure the ‘intellectual’ plain which I apparently enjoy at the moment will be descended from when it all gets underway again…
*flashback to south stand, after Berba’s winner against Bolton, shouting and swearing at the Bolton fans like a man possessed*
… you then have the right to refer me back to these posts as proof that I’m a football schizophrenic!
@ WHAT ??? – Enjoy your weekend too mate! The pre-season tour is only days away.
Soon I will be able to predict the wrong lineups to my hearts content!
ps If there’s one biscuit short I’ll get it, so having a shortcake in goal suits me to a tea.
Cheers Balaji.
On a completely separate note, that fly-over at Wigan was nothing short of working class
As far as banter between clubs goes, how do you top that? IT WAS FUCKING HISTORIC !
Hate to say it^^
@ Smartalex – Cannot wait for kick off.
I think Everyone would be a little less uptight once we knew more about what Fergie has in mind for the midfield issue. Till then we’re all menopausal women.
The old man has to have already something in place… He’s off watching golf on holiday while I’m chewing my nails furiously scanning the sports pages everyday hoping to see some developments on the transfer front.
Knowing SAF he’ll just bring in some unknown 20 year old from Botswana or something..
Botswana? I wonder who that could be? Wow!
I’m going to scan the leagues there for exciting names!
Just hope that the Daily Fail don’t beat me to it. I’ll bring blank team-sheets back with me, you guys work out which number he’s getting.
…
The Curious Case Of Michael Owen
http://unitedbanter.blogspot.com/2011/07/curious-case-of-michael-owen.html
@Balaji Sivaraman
“He’s got arguably the best academy in world-football,”
Who the hell would argue that?