bigphil2003 – Completely agree about Fletcherino. There is an interview in United we stand which is superb. He says words to the effect of ” Well Gerrard, Lampard and Fabregas lets see how you like playing aginst me. Lets see how you like me in your face and eveytime you get the ball I will be there and when I have it I will run you into the corner. Are you willing enough to chase me” It is a bigger piece than that but you get the idea. Fucking top lad and a top top player.

I can live with that because I respect your opinion even when we differ. I also respect the fact that you don’t go in for slagging and name calling – one of the truly awful things about United Rant is the terrible behaviour the moderator permits. On this site, thankfully, Scott has created an environment in which differences can be treated in a respectful manner – this is greatly appreciated.

I don’t think that Nani’s comments in the Portugal papers will “haunt him” or seriously outrage SAF since most of what he had to say is common knowledge. I do think, though, that Nani has to up his level of consistency if he is to play more – and the only way he can do that is to play better.

It’s something of a vicious circle for a man who wants to break into the first-team squad because apart from Fletcherinho, Giggs, Edwin, Vidic, Evra, and Rooney, the rest of them are in the “what have you done for me lately” situation. I think that even former-stalwarts like Rio and Scholes are having to prove themselves since their play has been marked by inconsistency this year. Valencia is something of a special case since he has gotten something of a “free pass” so as to fit into the team.

So, I don’t see Nani getting special treatment, one way or the other. If he can produce consistently then he’ll play more; if he can’t then he won’t play more. Really, it’s up to him. For what it’s worth, he seems to have done reasonably well so far – but he needs to do more. I see his glass as being 70% full, not 30% empty. I would rate Carrick and Anderson about the same grade.

Yeah I know what you mean mate and was not having a go at anyone’s opinions. I just think that all young players progressing through the ranks will always improve when you play for a club at this level regualrly.
I truly have always rated Fletcher and always said when Keane left he would fill his boots and glad he is doing.

Cannot agree about Nani though denton. Just don’t think he will ever become a United player. Even 3 or 5 years ago I personally liked Fletcher. I ain’t lying either, me and my old man have always liked his work rate and engine. He has now however taken it to a whole new level. Tough, great passer, can run with the ball, good vision and a top leader. IF only he was given the Captains armband and watch him go then. Bebeto pointed to a great interview with him in United we Stand yesterday. Top player and a top lad.

How many times in a hundred chances could Fletcherinho have volleyed a ball at chest-height perfectly ?

How many times in a hundred chances could Zidane do that ?

If we set up a “degree-of-difficulty” measure for goals, that was about as difficult as it gets AND Fletcherinho not only hit the ball perfectly but he also directed it into a top-corner, off the post. It was an unstoppable shot. I doubt that he’ll ever score a more difficult goal.

I think that Brett1985 is right – Fletcherinho hasn’t “improved” but he has found his place. He’s also now completely over the injuries that blighted his late teenage-years and his confidence has grown by leaps and bounds. It’s as if he thinks of himself as a first-team player which I don’t think was the case when Keane-o glowered and rebuked him mercilessly.

And, for what it’s worth, the people who wanted him out the door were wrong because they were impatient – just as those who want Nani out the door are wrong because they are impatient. It’s my view that Nani’s trajectory seems to be very similar to Fletcherinho’s – inconsistency and low confidence, exacerbated by SAF’s tinkering and too much introspection.