After two great seasons in the United first team squad, Jonny Evans’ form dropped dramatically last season, with him repeatedly being shrugged off and outjumped by opponents.
In more recent times, whilst the likes of Darren Fletcher and John O’Shea have had long stints in the first team following poor form, the likes of Kieran Richardson and Phil Bardsley weren’t so lucky.
Evans has today spoken about how he had to have a change in attitude to make sure that he wasn’t another former youth team player who had to leave the club.
“If you look back over the years a lot of youngsters have come into the team and had a good season or two, then taken a little dip,” Evans said. “Sometimes you do think you are immune from it and maybe I took my eye off the ball a little bit. Maybe I relaxed a bit too much and thought it was going to come as easily as the previous two seasons. All of a sudden it hits you. You just have to regroup and have a word with yourself.”
He’s been playing well this season though, competing with Phil Jones and Chris Smalling for the central defensive positions when Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic have been out with injury.
“I feel more assured now,” he said. “When you go through a stage of not playing well, there is a bit of pressure. Sometimes you can feel the crowd are getting on your back. In the end it was a case of ‘stuff it, what have I got to lose’. The thing in my favour was that I have never been one to shirk a challenge. Whenever things are tough, I always feel as though I can respond and not hide away. Now I go out there and relax, play my football and go home.”
Man Utd News 24/7
Go in hard or go home….
Well said Johnny, best center back in Europe to be….
Go home? United is his home
Repeating my self here, I know we are all raving about Jones and Smalling, rightly so but to me Evans is our most gifted defender
The talk did you good. He has been playing well and he is solid. He has done his job but our current darlings Smalling and Jones take the spot light.
At the minute we have 3 young CB’s. Jonny has the most experience and i feel that is showing through. Some of his long range passing has been a joy to watch.Keep up the good work lad.
Morning fellow reds.
I’ve got a very special guest article for you today so check it out and please let our guest know what you think:
http://www.agentoffergie.com/2011/10/guest-article-time-by-mg.html
@Cedars
I am suprised with your comments above as I feel for Evans to be our most gifted defender he seriously needs to work on his distribution as on the ball he is a liability. Aside from that he is as yuo say a great defender in the repect of winning the ball but to many games like AC Milan away, West Ham in the carling cup where he was truly shocking.
Wehn Rio spent a large portion 2009 injured we went 15 games unbeaten with Evans and Vida and they looked great so hopefully he is back as he has identified himself.
It’s called finding your feet. The first or second season isn’t always the toughest. Wes had a horrible 3rd season in 01-02 and what a defender he turned out for us. Some were too quick to write Jonny off.
Very underrated quality professional. Believe me you, he’s gonna be the next Mr United, carring the torch from Red Nev.
@Cedars: Personally, I think Smalling is the best of the lot, but as I have said many times before, I love the Evans lad. Showed what he could do in the 09-10 season. He has the grit that is required, and just as he says, comes in, does his job and goes home. Looks like a top lad, and a very good defender. He’s what – 23? Give him another 5 yrs and he could be one of the best in Europe.
Have to agree about Evans long passing, he gives us a great out-ball from the back to the wings. One of the best in the business in that regard. He’s improved his general skill set too I think, he’s better at standing up to players and he uses his body better to protect the goal. I can think of times that really good attackers could shrug him off to get a shot away, but there’s a lot less of that now.
Part of me worries that our defence has allowed so many chances on goal, but then we have played only the good teams this season. I think it’s testament to the quality of the young defenders, particularly as the Old Guard have been injured, that those shots have often been taken under considerable duress. De Gea has been brilliant of course, but for the most part he’s also been well protected.
One thing I would say is that while the defence has been great I do feel they’ve been left exposed quite often. Against Chelsea in particular the opposition were coming through our midfield like it was smoke, until Carrick came on and took control. We need to keep the ball better in midfield and be in less of a hurry to make the killer move every time we take control of the ball.
Doghouse and Philco
Let me start by saying this is not a jonny rant as I really like Evans but his long range passing? This for me is teh worst part of his game are you joking or do you actually think he is great in distribution?
Nice post @Doghouse…especially on the influence Carrick could have on our midfield.
His finest hour was that travesty of a game at the Bridge where JT headed their winner.
He had an in-form Drogba in his pocket all game long. And poleaxed him with some studs to the chest, for which Drogba got booked.
Happy days.
@Doghouse
CVompletely agree on Carrick we finally had some composure in the middle of the park. It was also Andersons worst performance in a United shirt I have not seen a lazier player for a long time. He has all the tools but doesnt like using them.
@giggs12 calm down mate and take the context of this current season, the ball out that snowballed into Youngs goal against Westbrom; the crossfield ball from the back to Nani against the Renties that brought about the wonder strike…ring a bell?
I heard from King Eric earlier he said to say thanks to everyone for their kind words and to let you all know he appreciates it. He’s having a break from the blog whilst concentrating on more important things. I don’t blame him to be fair it’s been shite since the summer…
The one who gets overlooked…
@ giggs12cunt0
agree with your summary of Ando’s performance. But there were a number of below par performances on the night – we really did put those giants of european football in their place didnt we!
Too many minds on Sunday methinks – please God let’s hump those bastards!!!
Really appalling, the attack he, King Eric, got from @Redscot that day…really ugly and unwarranted stuff…all the best and do hope to hear when the kid arrives.
@RedSimmo ^^
12:35
@giggs12cunt0 priceless n a wonderful name modification.
@Doghouse, Brilliant post. It is a pity that most other people do not recognize Carrick’s importance in those kind of games, and simply slag him off. (Note: This is not aimed at people who respectfully criticize him, only dicks whose sole purpose is to talk nonsense about our players.)
@giggs12, Really, Evans long range passing is easily the best out of our young defenders. Time and again this season, he has sprayed out balls to our wide me. He is absolutely splendid at switching play quickly like that. This is a very effective tool to have at your disposal especially consdering the quality of wide men we have, and the attacks we could start with such passes. Not only his passing, but also the accuracy with which he is able to land the ball at our wingers’ feet is staggering. I absolutely love Evans when he provides passes like that.
As I said, the main flaw in Evans game is that he cannot attack a ball physically like Vidic does. Most of the goals he concedes are because of mistakes where he has allowed the ball to drop instead of simply driving at it and heading it away. He shares more similarities to Rio than Vidic – in terms of being able to read the game and make interceptions instead of driving at the player for a tackle, putting a foot in at the right time, and generally being one step ahead of the game.
This has been highly evident this season where – I have to agree with Cedars on this one – he has looked like the best defender of the lot. I personally feel there is a composure when he is playing (minus Rio/Vidic) as compared to when he is not. That is the biggest compliment I can pay him, and long may that good form continue.
@ 19 going on 20 and beyond
I was considering:
trophy kissing triumphant 12 camera kissing cunt 0
but thought that was taking liberty with someone elses name.
@ doghouse
I feel the reason Carrick gets so much grief is because he does exactly what you said. He gets his foot on the ball and calms it down. I’m pretty sure that if SAF wasn’t happy with what he does there would either be a change in his play or a change in personnel.
Attack attack attack is great to watch but obviously not what the boss wants to see every game.
@19 and 20
Probably sounded out of context mate as Im really chilled and not ranting, i rate Evans so not having a go at all. I ws just suprised about Evans passing as in pocession he may have hit a couple of decent balls as all pro’s should. He is our biggest liability when the ball is at his feet as his thougt process is to slow.
@Rai
Not been on for a couple of weeks what has happend with King Eric?
Evans just needs to bulk up more and win more headers
There’s no doubt Evans is a fine defender. He had a shite season last time round and i have to admit there were games when i thought fuck me get him off he’s costing us but i knew he was a better player than the one on the pitch at the time. You don’t just go from solid performer to liability over night. I think the arrival of Smalling and Jones has made Johnny wake up a bit and it’s showing in his performances this season so far.
PS does anyone know what’s going on with Raphael? Has he fucked off to join the foreign legion or run away with the circus?
Like I’ve always said, people’s have unrealistic expectations about how young players develop. They seem to visualize the development path as a straight line. In fact, it’s a bumpy road. That’s why it requires patience. Sir Alex understands this. Moreover, he has the gift (a natural gift, but one honed through years of experience) of being able to judge when it is worth perservering with a youngster whose development has taken a downturn or a setback. Evans was worth it. He is a fine young defender, and Sir Alex is a genius.
It would be nice if some of the naysayers from last season would put their hands up and admit they were wrong.
Morning Reds,no question Utd have a great bunch of young defenders,my worries lie with the twins and the constant injuries,the fact they are twins and both have injury problems beginning to think its not bad luck @miles as far as i know mate Raphael is back in full training.These lads have bags of talent but need to stay fit.
Evans is becoming solid again i’d still rate him behind Smalling this lad is a quick learner and just keeps getting better.Jones is alot more attacking minded than Evans but not as good defensively at the moment,obviously he’s still young and that will come.
Overall our defensive squad is as good as anyones,just hope these constant injuries go away.
Who the fuck is raphael? unless you mean the teenage mutant ninja turtle who is probably getting fucked by Donatello and Michealangelo.
Meanwhile Fabael Da Da Silva needs a run of games me thinks, we can’t stick with Smalling everygame. I just reckon SAF is trying to give maximum playing time to the young centre backs until Rio & Vida start playing every game.
Its a shame when lads like Fabio.Giggs,Park, Berba, Valencia, Carrick have played so little this season, just demonstrates the strength in depth of our team.
I think Chico & Welbeck have become my favourite players now followed by Vida, De Gea & Cleverley.
Just to think 2 years back it was Rooney,Fletch, Evra in order with Vida as a close 4th.
I hope it wasn’t one of those “words” that St. Steven has with himself on a regular basis.
Whats up guys..
good to hear Evans kick himself up the arse.. he needs to put more consistency in his efforts now but im sure that will come..
==
Some news from Berba-king
http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/berbatov-looking-to-win-place
“I want to get more chances because I know I can help the team,” said Berbatov. “I’ll continue to give my best to earn my place in the team.”
It hurts to see him not get a run in the first team
Clint – Well he can’t play Fabio all the time cause there’s always the risk that he won’t end the game like against Oletul Galati. Just play him if we have enough defenders on the bench and fit.
Wayne … “Jones is alot more attacking minded than Evans but not as good defensively at the moment,obviously he’s still young and that will come.”
I wonder about that, though. You’re right when you say Jones is attack-minded, but to me, it’s a choice that has to be made: as a defender, you can place some emphasis on attack (in which case, you must sacrfifice something at the back), or you can choose to put defense first (in which case you won’t attack, or not as much).
The point I’m driving at is that I’m not sure this is just youthful exuberance or inexperience on the part of Jones. Yes, he attacks, and yes, that does cost us a little in defense — but he must have Sir Alex’s approval to do this, otherwise Sir Alex would have stopped it. My conclusion is that Sir Alex is (at a minimum) allowing him to “have his head”, on the basis that the benefits outweigh the downside; and that Sir Alex may even be encouraging it.
However, it is a little odd (in my experience) to see such attack from a central defender. We have come to expect it from fullbacks, but not so much from central defenders (apart from set-pieces, of course). So if I had to bet on this right now, I reckon Sir Alex may be testing Jones out for a different role, perhaps at the back of the midfield as we saw against the dippers. I’m not suggesting Sir Alex necessarily has a plan in mind. More likely he has seen what the lad is capable of, realizes that he has some exceptional talents in attack as well as defense, and is experimenting with ways to get the most out of that.
I must say, it is tremendous fun watching young talent like Jones develop under the wise and creative tutelage of Sir Alex. It’s a proper adventure, it is, with plenty of surprises and thrills and maybe even some spills along the way, and I feel extremely privileged to be able to watch it (even if from a distance).
@Wayne: I’m getting a tad worried about the twins though. it’s not that they are pussies, they are bloody little tigers who dont walk away from a physical challenge. But their constant injuries at a stage of their career when they need all the game time they need, is worrying. Also, if you have noticed Fabio seems to have regressed a bit this season. he put in some storming performances last season (Arsenal in the FA cup, one of our best players in CL final), but he seems to be making passing errors, not looking so comfortable bombing fwd, and generally seems to be lacking in confidence. I do hope they stay fit, and that all blips are temporary. In the long run, they should be our first choice fullbacks, not Smalling or Jones.
@Jeet
Totally agree re the twins. If they hadn’t been blighted by injuries, I think they would be pretty much 1st-choice fullbacks, with Evra taking the LB slot for really important games.
The constant shunting of Smalling and/or Jones to fullback has also disrupted the familiarity of the back line.
@Stateside hi mate,no doubt Jones has been given a green light to roam,Evans is the more traditional defender his postional play has improved this year,guess it all depends on the teams tatics but if i had to pick one purley on defensive abilities at the moment it would be Evans.
@Jeet no question mate,it’s killing me watching these lads get injury after injury,love watching them play i’m hoping the injuries just a run of bad luck think both can deveolp into top players.Does make me wonder how long Sir Alex will go without looking for cover.Don’t know if Sir Alex thinks he might be able to convert Tony V into a fullback Smalling and Jones have looked good but overall having 3 defenders that are not reliable to stay fit stretches us.
wayne – Well said re our overall defensive unit and like you I also worry about the twins and their injuries…Like Jeet said they are little tigers and I am sure sooner rather than later they will both be playing regularly
I will reiterate what I said at the top of this thread that Evans is our most naturally gifted defender. I love Jones and Smalling to bits and they are extremely talented and ma be in years to come either can and will be one of the best in Europe
‘just needs to bulk up more’ – what sport do you think this is? WWE wrestling?
Samuel
Cracked me up, well said my friend! Evans is actually a big lad, how much bigger should he get?
Rai
Cheers for the update on King Eric…. Hope to see him posting here again very soon
As I have said earlier, instead of “bulking up” he should probably keep a shaggy beard, or wear dreadlocks or a perpetual scowl. He looks a bit too nice for a defender…needs to take a leaf outta the Serbian monster’s book…
Jeet
Our Serbian monster is actually a sweet guy, in fact too nice! If you want fearsome then look up Kevin Moran who was a defender for us in the 80′s, proper nut job and scary as fuck he was
Kenny Daglish has just affirmed that liverpool are fully behind Luiz Suarez. He denies that Suarez is a racist and claims that he is not a diver.
I can’t help but think Kenny has somewhat shot himself in the foot with that logic. Although it would appear that there is some doubt as to the ability to prove that Suarez is racist (although I am pretty convinced he is)- I am in no doubt that there is evidence that he is a diver.
If he is mistaken about Suarez’s diving then his claims that Suarez is not racist aren’t enhanced. He doesn’t seem capable of judging any aspect of Suarez’s behavior.
cedars : i think Evans should learn from Rio . . comedian in changing room but looks like a gangster
and plays like a bulldozer (sweeps across everything in his way 
)
Good to see Evans starting to recapture the form we all know he is capable of. Just as importantly as possessing great talent Evans has also shown he has the right attitude and determination to succeed at united. Let’s hope he can kick on from here and put the tough times behind him.
Hello RoM, nice story on a academy product doing well.
I like Evans as a player, looks sturdy and has been the vocal leader of the back 4 as well.
Cedars as far as right now I agree Evans has looked awesome at CB.
@Stateside good to see you and I agree with what your saying about Jones, to good to be on the bench and SAF looking to maximize the lads talents. He must as well as Smalling have SAF blessing to go forward.
The twins injuries have bummed me out.
KILL THE BITTERS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cheers, Zibbie.
Anyone know the latest on Cleverley? I haven’t been keeping in touch so much recently, been busy with some other shit. We seem to have really gone off the boil since he was injured, and I am curious if that’s a coincidence or whether there’s a connection.
Stateside I was told hear he is back in training but not ready yet, maybe the CC game he can get some time.
Off the boil, I like that to express Man Utd play since then.
3 big CL points,
Rathcoole’s finest, Jonny Evans!
Danny Lad
http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/What-The-Papers-Say/2011/Oct/Papers-Welbeck-new-deal.aspx
Found something interesting. There was a poll on a Greek site that follows the Premiership about who should replace Rooney in England’s starting line up next summer. Welbeck got the most amount of votes with Defoe coming 2nd. Yet all you hear from the English press is whether Crouch or Bent will replace him. Ugh.
This article from RedArmy.co.uk is one of the most well written match previews i’ve had the pleasure to read, allow me to share some choice paragraphs;
“..Blue moon rising? in reality, the moon doesn’t move. It is static, just like Manchester City who are stuck between no history to look back on and spending billions of pounds on a future mission that is impossible to fulfil.”
“…When Roy Keane banged in the winner more than half the stadium erupted showing that Manchester City were not even the best supported team in their own stadium, let alone the city.”
“…they decided to honour their once seat-filling tenants in red by naming it the Etihad Stadium, which translates in Arabic as ‘United Stadium’.”
“..However as history will once again prove money does not guarantee the world domination that City are striving for. In the 1904/05 season they made an audacious attempt to use money to try to win the league and become the number one team in Manchester. Members of the City playing staff used bribes to influence the opposition to lose and as a result, several City players were banned.”
“…If you go anywhere in the world, be it the South African Jungle, The Australian outback, the far reaches of Asia, The shanty towns of Africa, the tallest mountain, the remotest of Islands. No matter what their race, religion or ethnicity is, no matter what language or dialect they speak, if you say ‘Manchester’, they say ‘United’, it’s the one universal phrase. We are planet Earth’s team, and just like the Earth we keep on moving, we keep on going.”
In other news, caughtoffside and talksport reckon Fergie is making a move for the “next Ronaldo” http://www.caughtoffside.com/2011/10/20/manchester-united-set-to-sign-new-cristiano-ronaldo-for-just-3m/
check out his debut for Betis here>>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qoa5evn5RS4
Good evening ROM,
DogHouse is back
back with a nice post,
Hello pals, hope you all doing great..
Evans,
i will have to agree with cedarsDevils, he is the most gifted one in the lot and more natural than others..
expecting a lot from him..
Go on lad and make a name for yourself..
Costas,
good to hear your greece poll,
Well the Greeks are right,
the 2nd closer one would be Bent,
make no mistake, in last 2 or 3 seasons, bent has been scoring good against the big 4..
Hey Zibbie, thanks for that Danny link..
Evening all
I have to thank Cyril for letting me write a piece on his blog – very very very humbled
Also I got a chance to defend my piece too from super duper Peter_G whoever the fuck that is
Anyways he’s only snack time for me
Hope all is well can’t wait for Sunday! And of course off on holiday the day after
Hope King Eric is well…
Personally think SAF is a genius (well, not surprised at all really). Everyone screaming for
purchase of some senior players to fill in for a few years. But instead Sir Alex just buys hungry young players and sees competition for spots go up a notch or even 3 notches.
Evans having a talk with imself because he shows up to training,
Here you go lad, meet Smalling and Jones! They’ll be wanting your spot then.
Competition for spots and young players who won’t be so jaded as to think they can complain about it. That’s the ticket for ya.
PS. Can someone figure out how to toughen up the daSilva lads. Hardly get a game out of em. ;(
Reserves v Blackburn tonight:
Ben Amos in goal
Vermijl, Keane, Fornasier, McGinty, Cole, Brown, Pogba, Petrucci, Diouf, Macheda.
In other news, noticed that long ball Pearce is staying on with U21
At least Pearce likes Danny Wellbeck and Phil Jones, but what droos for a game plan.
Sadly, the U16 have no United lads?!
We still need a midfielder !
Sneijder Goatse Bannan Ramsey – Who ever will we sign ?
Some stats on Tom Cleverly,
ARSENAL
Total Passes 61/67
Passing Accuracy 91%
Attacking Third Passes 9/13
Attacking Third Accuracy 69%
TOTTENHAM
Total Passes 30/34
Passing Accuracy 88%
Attacking Third Passes 10/14
Attacking Third Accuracy 72%
WEST BROM
Total Passes 56/61
Passing Accuracy 92%
Attacking Third Passes 23/26
Attacking Third Accuracy 88%
tHE STATS for the attacking third accuracy is simply superb considering the circumstances..
Hell, yeah we missed him!!
Stats Courtesy: Internet
@Sandeep
I think the most realistic choice would be Ashley playing behind the main striker (don’t know who Capello plans to use there). Rooney’s replacement has to be a player that brings more than one dimension to his game. Welbeck can do that. Young as well. Bent is more of a centre forward. Don’t know if he’s useful outside the box.
FlethTHEMAN..
I understand your concern mate, its really annoying to see such beautyful and flair players getting injured too often, well any player for that matter.
it begs me QUESTION THAT has been going on in my mind,
most of the times why our defenders are injured?
right from 2008-09 season, we havenmt had a fully fit lot of defenders..
i know injuries are uncontrollable but the amount of injuries our defenders had are ridiculous..
Come home agent smartalex…..you’re work in Libya is done.
*your*
Costas,
yeah i will have to agree with you on Bent, he is more of a box player,
need multidimensional player to replace roo and the best available would be Danny and Young as you rightly said..
any news on Tom Cleverly pal?
Looking forward to watching the Stiffs tonight, Morrison on the bench, Pogba plays
Yeah Ravel on the bench again …
Come on LADS!!!!
MG nice read, time. Enjoy the day for the next day is promised to no one.
19
It’ll be really interesting who Fergie plays at the back vs City, now that everyone’s fit.
Rio being rested in midweek makes me think he’s a shoo in. Who partners him? You’d think Vidic, go with the tried and trusted formula………..but it depends what his fitness is like. Coz tbh, the City of this weekend will be a bit different to the City of the Community Shield….now they’ve added Nasri & Aguero to their frontline, they’ll be a bit more mobile and quick…..so it depends whether you’d trust a not-yet-fully-fit pairing of Rio & Vidic to be able to cope with that.
I wasn’t able to see the game on Tuesday unfortunately….but by all accounts, Smalling had a quality game, again showing what a top class centre back he’s gonna be. He had an excellent game when we beat City in this fixture last season….I remember all week there was talk about whether he’d be able to handle it, and he controlled Tevez. I wouldn’t mind seeing him and Rio at the back, I think that’d do nicely. Somehow though, I see him being at RB, with Jones/Evans/Vidic partnering Rio.
The other question is….will Fergie do what he did when we played them in February? Play 4-5-1 with Rooney up top on his own? Or do what he’s been doing most of this season, and go with 2 up?
Heard the legend paul Scholes is watching the reserve game
Some big lads in this Blackburn side
Metro have reported that there will be a skip outside old trafford where city and united fans can get rid of their Carlos Tevez Shirts courtesy of Betfair.
I don’t think many united fans will have Tevez shirts or be prepared to share in the moment with city fans who are getting exactly what they deserve.
Scholesie warmed up the Reserves tonight. Good to see.
Here is a link from Tricia showing Paul Scholes and Jack Crompton at the reserves match.
http://easycaptures.com/fs/uploaded/593/4593158154.jpg
@sandeep .. yeah Scholes and Phil Jones is there aswell..
Zibbie
Well said
Why look at tomorrow when their is so much to do today
Brilliant
19
I like the looks of that young Phil Jones in the Blackburn team. Definitely one to watch imo.
MG ….could you write me a couple of cheques?…..
Watson
Have this one:
To Watson
One billion pounds Sterling
From
MG
If it’s one of Cedars cheques…..
Some one called?
MG
Great article buddy on AOF, that Peter bloke is an idiot
Anyone know if we will have Clev back for Sunday? Not a violent person by nature but I honestly want to inflict lasting damage on Kevin Davies….. Bloody over grown twat
Machada had a poor game he looks like he’s going backwards
Machada? Who on earth is he?
Morrison on for Machada for final 10min.
Interesting question Brett. Would a lad actually get rid of his United Tevez shirt.
Or name your currently most despised former red (Savage, Heinze maybe). Think mine would stay in a drawer.
I had to have a word with myself – don’t we all mate!
Love this kid, he’s shown his true colours getting back into the team, and thats despite all the bollocks written about him. You wouldn’t be at United without the skill, but facing up to the criticism took guts. Top Lad.
Dazbomber – If he’s playing backwards, no wonder he’s not playing well.
Cedars & Willierednut – cheers lads!
Sorry Macheda
United 0-0 vRovers reserves.
Needed some spark. But press on as usual.
@MG
You old suave Red, you.
Left a comment on Cyril’s blog, for your article mate. It’s short and sweet!
Love em short and sweet
Paul Parker – Good to see you got the old user name back lol.
Willie
Get a grip, you’ve said that already
FletchTHEMAN – imo, the simplest solution is just to legally change your name to Tevez.
Seriously though, a United shirt with Tevez’s name and number on the back must be three or four years old. Just get a new one.
Fred.
Imagine that is some dig, but went over my head. Whatever.
United have history in abundance, positive and not so positive. After years and years supporting this club, I find I have patience. Don’t have any shirt from tevez or anyother boarderline idiot if that is your question. Never rated him as a player or human being.
But he did contribute to a certain PL and CL so I will save my final analysis for several more years.
Maybe you lot agree with GHHT who tweeted
Saddam Hussein ☑ – Osama Bin Laden ☑ – Col. Gaddafi ☑ – Carlos Tevez ☐
I think that was inspired!
For me, there is always time.
Use them instead of bog roll.
Eh? It wasn’t a dig at all.
Fred Fair enough mate… Hard sometimes you’ll agree.
Anyway, still a bit unsighted with a tear from watching a great tribute to Dan Wheldon. Well off topic but worth a look.
http://video.thescore.com/watch/dan-wheldon-tribute
I think it was. No need for that Fred.
No problem. All you need to know is that I don’t make sly digs at people, so that should eliminate any confusion in future!
Evening Cedars
Thanks Cedars I caught your replies – very welcome
Willie
Me suave? I feel like 007
I left you a reply
All is lovely and serene at the ROM
About time too
MG – Very tranquil mate.
Willie
If only we had a beach crystal clear waters some lovely breeze and well everything else that the imagination ponders too!
Alas these computers will do – for now
@clint i will prefer we buy banann
the guy is great.
The “trash your Tevez shirt” idea is one of the most moronic ideas I’ve heard of recently. First of, I’d never unite with City fans for anything regarding this twat. We saw his true colors around the same time they “welcomed him to Manchester”. They got what they deserved. Secondly, City fans might not care one bit about their team’s badge, but imo United fans shouldn’t trash any kind of shirt that features our club’s symbol. No matter what the shirt says at the back.
Costas
Well said Costas – It is what it is – he did his job for United then walked out – we showed him support he showed us himself walking through the door
So right city can burn their shirts we should never even think about it let alone do it
19
Sorry I said burn their shirts – I meant ditch their shirts
However Costas – apparently they will be sent to charity or to Argentina
And everyone gets a new shirt
Second thoughts because we are allowed second thoughts…
@clint i will like us to sign banann and mateo kovacic
Costas
I am 100% with you. I’ve been on other websites tonight and there have been pages and pages of rival fans saying its a great iniative. Liverpool fans wishing they could ahve done it for Torres. The usual shite about how united fans are from london and all the other trite crap.
And I was the only person to point out that I wont be throwing my teams jersey in the bin. I’m not saying all united fans are as astute as us but I’d like to think that not a single united shirt will go in that skip. I’d like to think that city fans will be photographed throwing their shirts into it like the pillocks they are.
Well said costas.
Forget about shitty and lets focus on united.
@MG, Brett
I hope I am wrong, but I am afraid that we will see some United fans throw their Tevez shirts in the trash because it might seem cool on paper.
Of course the bar is always lower for City fans. They didn’t seem to mind when their club added 3 phony decorative stars above the badge simply because “other European clubs do it”. So obviously they don’t value their club’s shirt a great deal.
Costas
Well said
Again
Frankly Betfair need to be told that no united shirts are going near than skip and failing that I’d like to think some fans could intervene to stop any fans falling into the trap.
Wouldn’t often say this but maybe Scott should take up the issue.
Evans is doing well, but I have to agree with above poster that Smalling is the best of the youth. Look back at least seasons games, the guys is pure class. That said I don’t think any are near as good as Rio or Vida yet. However, we are spoilt in the CD area which is great to see.
The extent the twins get injured is amazing. Being twins I guess that have the same body types. Rafa tends to last games and has had good runs but Fabio has almost always been injured if I recollect correctly. When fit, Rafa is a shoe in for RB. Valencia would be wasted there.
@ Rai – tell King Eric that while this is Scots blog, he put it up, we made it and in the process made him, so this blog is a partnership between Scot and Fans and without us it could not win awards or get Scot access or anything. So as one of the people who made this blog what it is. He should come back and reclaim his position.
Forget burning shirts. Burn Tevez. At least a bad sun burn. Or Chinese wrist burn.
Not sadistic enough. How about a bit vat of boiling water.
Let me also add – and I do this with a dour feel – and I know people will hammer me for it – but I think we need to reinforce our CM big time.
Ando is just not a Da Silva, or Inesta or even a Mata or Wilshire. I had really high hopes for the guy but I do not know what is going on with him. He may come good, but it is not like he hasn’t had runs in the team and the flucctuations in his form are increasingly severe – really bad to really good.
If Cleverly is injured, as he is, there is NO creative mid. Giggs can paper some cracks but at 37 he cannot really plug the gap and will be retiring at some pt. Fletcher may come to his form of 2/3 yrs ago when he had a great season or two, but he looks no where near that. Carrick is Carrick, he does what he does well enough, he is more defensive than attacking and he is not a game changer or world class player.
We need a second creative pressing midfielder. United must have a world class CM. Or two. We are really lacking in that area with only Cleverly looking potentially top class. I know we have youth coming through and that is exciting, but they need to go on loan etc and are 2 / 3 seasons away from a first team starting place at least.
@ brett – they tried the boiling water years ago – he survived and the water turned to sewage. A sign someone should have seen, written in the poo.
Will Ando ever get over the British classic Mash and Pie?
Hope so he’s be so brilliant because he is so good
Failing that we could always buy Sneijder.
Goodnight Manchester United
@Cedars
I’ve noticed that Jonny appears a bit uncertain or indecisive when he’s got the ball and intending to move up the field or make a pass up field. You don’t see that at all with Smalling or Jones. Personally, I don’t know what one can do to overcome that lack of ball decisiveness but if he can overcome it, he most certainly would become one of the best defenders in the whole world. That means great news for United coz now we’ve got three awesome young defenders.
The future is red.
Considering that a free replica shirt is being offered for trashing a Tevez shirt isn’t to be laughed at. Also the shirts are supposedly going to charities which isn’t a bad thing. The last shirt I bought was in 2007 and it had Ferdinand on the back. I don’t wear shirts to games in case I want to go somewhere after, but I have said on a previous thread my mate is trading his old one in so he doesn’t have to fork out £40 for a new one. Thats a lot of money in this economic climate. I see this initiative similar to the one where we scrapped the grey kit and people who purchased that could get £10 off if they traded it in. Only difference is cit-eh are involved which understandably irks a quite a few.
Yes you could have got yourself a new shirt after 2009 and most people have, but unlike some old shirts which have players names like Van Nistelrooy, Keane, Veron, Stam etc etc. You are hardly going to wear a United shirt with Tevez on the back with pride 10 years from now? May as well trade it and save yourself £40.
Breaking news: Tevez didn’t refuse to play. City to put all other forms of comedy out of business.
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Manchester-City-back-down-over-Carlos-Tevez-allegedly-refusing-to-play-article816816.html
That preview on Redarmy is an absolute belter. Best stuff I have read in a long time, bar none. Of particular relevance and truth is the piece which says:
“If you go anywhere in the world, be it the South African Jungle, The Australian outback, the far reaches of Asia, The shanty towns of Africa, the tallest mountain, the remotest of Islands. No matter what their race, religion or ethnicity is, no matter what language or dialect they speak, if you say ‘Manchester’, they say ‘United’, it’s the one universal phrase.”
Let me tell you a small story which shows how true that is. It might be a bit lengthy, and will not resonate with the vast majority here who are not Indians. Nevertheless, I think it’s worth telling.
My hometown is Calcutta, which used to be a city of real importance in the past (3 of India’s 5 Nobel laureates have worked/been educated there), but has now fallen shockingly behind due to bad policies, lack of investment, etc. I grew up there on the outskirts, which is actually quite insular and smalltown. My mum had been staying there, and last week I was in town to get her back to New Delhi.
You don’t have DTH there but local cable operators who cater to 500 odd families each and run their businesses out of hole-in-the-wall establishments. They buy bandwidth for like 20 channels and keep switching programs. So on channel 14, you will see NeoSports’s cricket coverage throughout the day, but in the evening they will switch to ESPN’s football. Totally based on what the operator thinks is important to his customers. I was worried if they would be showing the United-Liverpool match, so I went to check. Here’s how the conversation went.
Me: Greetings uncle, are you showing EPSN tomorrow evening?
Operator: What’s on?
Me: Uhh, the EPL…
Operator: What’s that?
Me: You know, football…the English league…
Operator (incredulously): You mean Manchester? (Note – not Manchester United, just Manchester). Of course, I’m gonna show it! I won’t here the end of it if I dont…Manchester matches are always on, don’t worry, son!
I am probably not able to share the full flavour, but it struck me that this guy, who probably doesn’t know how to spell Manchester United, gets it. That is the power of Manchester United. It’s something that you can relate to, something that can give you joy, no matter where you are, or who you are. And no force on earth can change that.
@Jeet
Spot on mate, so true..i stay in India and almost everyone must have heard of Manchester United, even if they do not follow football.
As my late father used to say, “There are only three football teams in the world worth supporting – Brazil, Manchester United and East Bengal.” (the last in an attempt to wind up our local derby rival’s fans; East Bengal is just about as shit in terms of quality, as the rest of Indian football
)
Man united is great, i feel bored whenever we are not playing.
Hailings to my fellow united fans.
GGMU
HAAMBOOONING!
@jeet
spot on mate.
Is he doing a Randy Orton: I hear voices in my head!!!
“To get that banner down is quality – we have got the last laugh.”
“We are not going out and saying we will win this game or that game, but they call us the noisy neighbours. I think they’re a bit frightened.”
Micah “delusional” Richards. I wouldn’t call spending 1 billion pounds for one FA cup as having the last laugh. Idiot.
Morning all
Jeet – Great post at 4:10…
Costas – Just like the rest of them my friend, the team, the manager and their fans
What we need to do to City on Sunday is simple really and that is to keep them and their fans in their place…. That place is and will always be inferior to us
To do that we just have to play the United way, entertain and win in style…
Liverpool are hated rivals but ones that I respect, City on the other hand are mere insects worthy of no respect at all.
Good morning ROM,
dont mess with Sir Alex,
As RedNev put, he is the creator and destroyer of your career,
ask a certain cunt tevez who was at the wrong end of recieving..
Thanks, Cedars…and how are you feeling this morning?
@Vishal, Jim: Are you guys based out of New Delhi or thereabouts? I have been toying with the idea of having a bit of a matchday bash with true Reds from RoM, of course if everybody is interested…
he is gettn there
Jeet – Feeling great this morning my friend, expecting a delivery of ‘fresh green’ from the mountains shortly so that should set me up nicely for the weekend…..
Always loved the idea of meeting up with people that you communicate with regularly yet know so little about! Next time I visit the UK I hope to meet up with some regulars here… Would be excellent
Costas, Morning pal,
hell, we are scared of city.
i doubt if we come out to play the game coz we are greightened to the core and Richards is 100 percent right.
i m shit scared..
Happy weekend for you, then! I will be be playing tomorrow – eager to see if my new fitness regime has made a difference
And yes, how I would love to meet up with all RoM friends one day – that would be quite something…if ever I find myself in the UK, will give some of you a shout. If in Canada – Wayne, US is for the crazy bugger Zibbie, Greece for Costas, and Lebabnon for you…and so on and so forth. Doesnt matter where, there’s always a RED!
Sandeep – How are you buddy?
City are a pathetic excuse of a football club, always will be. Hardly recognized out side of Stockport, think they have a fan base in Manchester but that is a myth, in fact a mere hardly existent minority. When I lived in Manchester in the 70′s & 80′s I visited Main Road a few times, always half empty, OT on the other hand was always full and if you ever arrived late you never got in….
Manchester is RED….. City are pathetic
Morning CedarsDevil,
hope you are good buddy
Jeet,
let me know if you come to Bangalore
Hello CedarsDevil,
i m fine buddy.
Yeah Manchester is always RED and come Sunday, we are ready to teach them again..
Jeet
Not to brag but we all know that Lebanon is actually heaven on earth, God said so himself! (I am sure he did) The land of babes, great food and weather to die for, not forgetting the best ‘green’ you can ever get! hahahaha
Seriously though, anyone on RoM thinking of making a trip here just let me know, would love to host you…. True RED hospitality is assured
@Sandeep: Bloody hell, was there for a NASSCOM meet just a few weeks back. Have friends there, and was at Pekoe’s too!! It’s one of my favourite cities in the world, not just India. Will make sure to connect next time!
@Cedars: But seriously, me and the wife are toying with the idea of a nice vacation next year. We were thinking Mauritius, but you got me thinking! How expensive is Lebanon and is it a good place from a tourism perspective (beach/mountains?)? Do you get good rooms for say 100-120$ a night? What’s the best time of year to visit? And as much as we would like to disappear in the middle of nowhere, we have a 3 year old who demands to be entertained, and drives us crazy in the evenings if we have to stay cooped up in the hotel – and we can’t exactly go camping in the forest, he’s too small for that. What do you say?
PS: Apologies to all others on the thread for being wayy off-topic, but me feeling all chummy and matey today – it’s Friday, after all
Cedars,
thanks for the invitation buddy,
Jeet,
sure mate, we will catch up next time.
Jeet
Its a fantastic attraction for tourists, great beaches, mountains and lots to see…. Many historic sites as well. Excellent night life, great food. Bit on the expensive side especially in the summer say between June and August and very difficult to actually find a room any where. As I said previously I would love to host anyone from RoM here. Any time of the year is good, depends what you like to do… Beaches and sunshine in the summer, snow skiing in winter, so its all there…. Decent baby sitting also available so no need to worry about your little angel.
@Jeet
Live in Mumbai, craze for football is rapidly increasing here, when i started watching football 7 years ago hardly 3-4 people in school knew about football, but know most people support one or the other teams..got few friends who support liverpool always great banter, though i absolutely loathe chelsea, just can’t stand them.
By the way we are NOT off topic, how can we be off topic? Reds having a chat is never off topic….
A United blog, United fans chat about anything they want….
King Eric, Kings & smartalex – Come back soon fellas, this place needs you
Actually, that sounds fucking great! and I just checked the prices for flights and hotels – seems reasonable. Will pop the idea to the missus. Who knows, maybe we watch United In Munich 2012 together? Mysterious are the ways of destiny…watch this space!!!!
Sorry i thought this was a football blog not tourism promotion lol.
@jim: the Indian chelsea fans are the worst of the lot…I have friends who are l’pool and Le’arse fans and I enjoy good banter with them. The chelsea fans are the stupid kids who discovered football one fine day on the telly during Mourinho days, and started supporting chelsea out of parental resentment (their dads supported united, and out of the natural urge to carve out a separate identity during teenage, they ended up as chelsea supporters). I find their knowledge of the game extremely shallow – and they are some of the most vapid, lukewarm football fans I have ever met.
Back to football
Not so much about beating City on Sunday but more about breaking their hearts…. The 4-3 comes to mind, that late winner by Scholes, the come back from 2 nil down when Keane got the winner
More of the same would do nicely
Samuel –
So Giggsy’s out for Sunday. Could Cleverly be rushed back?…
@Jeet
Could not agree more, i have a friend who supports chelsea, and once i asked him who was the manager before mourinho, and he had no idea. I mean if you really love your club you want to know more about it. Just a few days back i watched the entire season review of the historic 92-93 season, and really you feel proud of your club. Felt good watching the like of hughes, The King, the great dane, bruce and pallister, ince, sharpe..was great fun. And a very young and fast Ryan Giggs. Once exams get over will watch all season uptil 2004.
We really seemed to have bad luck with penalties that season. Went out in europe against torpedo moscow on penalties, and bruce missed a penalty in the fa cup which would have got us back on level terms. Also very interesting was the way we actually bought Cantona, Sir Alex said it was just a casual phone call which led to the purchase. Leeds would have been gutted!!
Kanchelskis,
Hello mate,
i doubt if Tom will be rushed for this game, having said that, u never know with Sir Alex.
Cedars,
i would love a win of that kind, 4-3 or Scholesy header at the death end, expect the same,
i would bet Rooney to rob them again..
and i m also excited to see Aguero first hand, letc what our defenders have in store for us..
but as someone said earlier, we would entertain and at the same time win the game because that is what we do at Old Trafford..
Manchester United
Cedars – i’m only joking buddy, the ‘lol’ at the end should have probably given you the idea.
Samuel – Of course I knew you were joking my friend, hence the smiley face!
Sandeep
That someone was me! hahaha
Just as the derby is around the corner, some stats
Top Goal Scorers in the Manchester Derby
Joe Hayes – Manchester City – 10
Francis Lee- Manchester City 10
Bobby Charlton – Manchester United 9
Colin Bell – Manchester City 8
Eric Cantona Manchester United 8
Joe Spence Manchester United 8
Paul Scholes Manchester United 7
Dennis Viollet Manchester United 7
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR CAPTAIN FANTASTIC NEMANJA VIDIC !!!!!
HE IS FROM SERBIA AND HE WILL FUCKIN MURDER YA ALL…
CITIZENS WATCH OUT
UNITED
Ah Dennis Violet, a true United flower……. RIP you legend
159 goals in 259 games in some record
is not in ffs!
The key to winning on Sunday will not be about team selection or tactics, it will be about United beating City…. Silly and stupid comment some may say but trust me its not. Sir Alex will set his team out with only one intention and that is a win… Lose and I ‘ll fucking murder ya will be the message
The roar at OT should be great, time again to keep them scum blue bitters in their place
Pathetic to see City backing down in the Tevez affair. Apparently he will now be charged only with ‘refusing to warm up’ rather than refusing to play.
What the fuck is the difference? Who’s ever taken to the field without warming up? By refusing to warm up he’s still excluded the possibility of him being subbed on.
Says it all about that club though. Even the most crass acts of unprofessionalism and lack of regard for the team can be forgiven as long as it means getting good players on the pitch. If anyone – ANYONE – had treated Fergie like that, they’d be a gonner.
@CedarsDevil
You’re bang on. Tactics, formations, selection, pretty much get sidelined in games of this magnitude. Whoever wants to win more, will win.
This is why the absence of Scholes, Neville, and now Giggsy make me slightly nervous for this one. And it’s also what makes me think Welbeck will get a start. If anyone on our side bleeds red, it’s him, even if he’s only young. He will get fired-up-as-fuck for this one if he plays – his first Manchester derby. I’m already dreaming of him shrugging off Kompany and netting the winner (easier said than done!).
kanchelskis
Exactly! Agreed about your concern on Giggs, its true reds that we need for this type of game. Welbeck will be up for it no doubt, hope he starts I also hope Clev is back… This game will suit him very well and more than most he will know how sweet it is to beat the bitters
Would not mind Danny kissing his badge in front of the 11 City fans making the trip… In fact I would not mind if he is sent off for tearing his shirt off……
Make that better, Clev netting the third and also getting his second yellow for his celebrations…. His first was for smashing Barry to pieces
@CedarsDevil
Playing Tom would have its advantages and disadvantages.
The advantage would be the element of surprise. Mancini won’t be expecting it, and he would bring a different dimension to our play which perhaps City wouldn’t be ready for. I mean look what happened when he came off the bench in the Community Shield!
The obvious disadvantage is that it’s a big gamble on his fitness. If he does start, we can’t expect him to last beyond 60 minutes. I guess we’d have to hope that he can a) keep up with the pace and b) have a positive impact during that time. After which, he’d be subbed – I imagine for Carrick or Fletcher.
Easy my friend cedars
We need the players for next games as well
Just putting it out there, but has anyone considered the possibility that Mancini blew a misunderstanding with Tevez out of proportion? No one seems to confirm his side of the story. Not even Platt and Kidd.
Anyway, Fergie didn’t say anything about Giggs or Tom today, but I assume that both are long shots for Sunday.
@Jeet
from down south mate.
@Costas
Thing is, when Tevez was asked directly afterwards, he said ‘it didn’t feel right’, which seemed to confirm his refusal to play. Thing is, he still doesn’t speak a word of English, so a communication breakdown could be possible. But that statement seems to suggest he knew exactly what he was doing,
The Time are saying Giggs has done his hammy and is out for 2 weeks. Seems like a strange thing to make up.
@kanchelskis
Ah ok then. It’s just that Sir Alex made no mention of it. But then again, he only gave injury updates for those that travelled to Romania. A hamstring injury is to be expected of Giggs at this point. Lets hope Tom is ready for Aldershot.
As for Tevez, I have a feeling there’s more this than meets the eye. I find it very strange that no one else is confirming Mancini’s version of the story. I hate giving the troll the benefit of the doubt, but maybe he didn’t understand or he didn’t make Mancini understand? Who knows?
My Team would be;
DDG, Smalling,Rio,Vida,Evra,Nani,Fletch,Ando,Young,Welbeck, Rooney
Subs; Clevs,Chico & Carrick to come on. 3C’s
Shitty will most likely play;
Hart,Richards,Kompany, Lescott,Clichy,De Jong,Toure,Silva,Nasri,Balotelli,Aguero
Subs; Milner might get the nod ahead of Naseri, if they play for the draw they’ll start one striker and put Mario on the wings for Nasri & Silva to go central to jam pack the middle to stay top of table.
The Silva & Aguero partnership worry me because they;ll go toe to toe with a out of position Evra and rash last ditch Vida tackle. Carrick or Fletcher have to be on stunning form and Ando has to light up our middle because in this match if the middle doesn’t show up we will crumble.
The Return of Rio + Vida are a huge boost
Welbeck to score
I’m a crazy bugger who would welcome you Jeet with open arms. I’m the good kind of crazy!!!
My point about Evans bulking up. Go look at the Liverpool game again and see how many times Suarez manage to hold him off and take the long ball under control.
i guess today hes not having word with himself…
Shame it wasn’t “must not get myself sent off”.