Sir Alex Ferguson has today confirmed what we all feared, that Phil Jones, who turned 21 today, is unlikely to face Real Madrid in the second leg game.
“Phil Jones is the one we’re concerned about in terms of the Real Madrid game,” he said. “We’re working hard on it and I’d say he has an outside chance – no more than that. Phil tackled awkwardly the other night and tangled his foot there, that’s why he has the injury he has. He has the courage and willingness to tackle. Bryan Robson was the same. Bryan couldn’t see danger and neither can Phil. It’s a measure of his courage and I don’t want to take that away from him. Phil did an incredible job in Madrid. He doesn’t care who he’s playing against, he has no fear of playing against anyone. We’ll have to wait and see if he’s fit for the second leg. It’s two weeks away. A lot can happen. When you look at his tackles, he tackles like a young man. Maybe he’s too brave. He was unbalanced in the tackle and ended up injured. He’s an outside chance, that’s all.”
Man Utd News 24/7
fine, it’s someone else’s turn to step up.
Carrick, Anderson/Rooney/Clevz/Kagawa as the midfield trio
Sure he is.
i have the feeling that Fergie is using mind game. Jones will start in Madrid match..
There was no need to play Jones against Reading, especially as he was recovering from illness a short while ago. Given his injury record there was always a risk he would get injured.
I appreciate we don’t have many spare RB’s but SAF has played Valencia there before, Smalling and Evans can also play there.
@ ak47 – Carrick will obviously start, the rest of them are not capable of doing what Jones does in term of defensive man marking, so its not about stepping up, these are different players, we had a formula that kind of worked and Jones grew into the role second half v RM, so this is not idea. Cleverly and Anderson have offered very little in defence . Jones in my view is a big miss.
@ ak47 – Carrick will obviously start, the rest of them are not capable of doing what Jones does in term of defensive man marking, so its not about stepping up, these are different players, we had a formula that kind of worked and Jones grew into the role second half v RM, so this is not idea. Cleverly and Anderson have offered very little in defence . Jones in my view is a big miss.
Sounds like fergie is playing mind games to me. £100 says he makes a miraculous recovery the day before the 2nd leg with Real Madrid.
SAF clearly not happy with how Jones went into that tackle, a tad rash, but that should improve over time. Said the same about Scholsey.
I hope this is just mind games, coz we need what Jones offers in the middle of the park. Without him, the only way I can see us still being defensively secure is by playing Cleverley AND Anderson with Carrick.
@ United till I die – yeah! – I wouldn’t bet on that… but still not ideal preparation. Its going to be one tough tough game v RM, Bcaarca were undone a little I think due to an inexperienced manager, how shit has Fabregas become. The fact they are bloated with easy games is showing, NO WAY Messi would score 37 goals in 20 odd games in England, Germany or Italy – he scores every 50 minutes, Ronnie every 80 minutes, how the hell can you score every 50 minutes in a competitive league?
I am sure Maureen is putting all eggs in CL basket, Barca also have to step up for CL, so I a sure the games between them will be tame ones with players rested and adjusted to give them max advantage in CL. RM will come here rested and well drilled, tense tense game.
Yea. Let’s stick with ando, carrick and clever boy. I believe they can do a job aginst real. I will go for:
De gea
Ferdinand. Evans
Fafael. Evra
Carrick
Anderson. Cleverley
Nani.
Rooney
Van persie
Thank God we have no FA Cup replays. Just need a nice smooth injury free run.
TBH If Jones was out, the only player I could see doing a decent job there would be Evans or Rio stepping into MF. Evans has better distribution and attacking skills but less pace than Jones.
I am sorry but there is no way I would put Ando in the starting X1, he has had no run of form and he just does not have what it takes to do a job against RM IMO, he will get killed and our defence will be overloaded.
DG
RD, R, V, E
NANI, MC, EVANS, ROONEY
RVP, WELBECK
Gutted Gill is no longer CE, glad he will still be on board, as commentators noticed, his resignation statement said that new ideas for the “business” not Club were needed and that was why he was stepping down, he is only 55, hopefully this does not mean we stop investment in players and do an Arsenal, what do Glazers have up their sleeves now.
As Parry said… SURE HE IS!!
Mate, there’s more chance of me playing in midfield than Jonny Evans!
February 21, 2013 at 12:54
Sparkz says:
Mate, there’s more chance of me playing in midfield than Jonny Evans!
Heard that! Red Onion, I really don’t think Jonny would be the wisest choice alongside Carrick in the RM game.. Lets try someone who has played in midfield before. If only Fletcherino was fit.. Sigh.
Me.The team v Madrid would be along these lines.
De Gea.
Rafael Evans Vidic Evra.
Valencia Wellbeck Carrick Young.
Rooney Van Persie
at least to start.
mind games… He will play.
parryheid – welbeck in midfield? no, way to open, it has to be cleverly in that midfield
de gea
rafael ferdinand vidic evra
nani carrick rooney cleverly kagawa
van persie
parryheid – CM of Welbeck and Carrick??
he will play
its mind games trust me
gill is a cunt,glad hes leaving
the way he was against glazers and licked their arses made me sick
hope he rots in hell
just like he took over from kenyon,this new edward lad will do us proud.
ggmu,fuck glazer,fuck gill
Onlydale.
Yep unusual isn’t it but capable. Wellbeck imo would link well with Rafael at the back of him and would work well with Valencia and when Valencia plays the passes inside he would be on hand 25metres out in space in front of goal and both could inter change up a strong right side while when called for defend and tackle back very comfortably would make it very difficult for Madrid to get any change out of our right side and that justifies why I choose that option.
NBI Red Onion – PPL can disagree, barca would still be great, they woul be good, but they rely way to much on messi to get them a goal. Lets look at that team that lost to milan
Valdes
alves pique puyol alba
busquetes
xavi iniesta
cesc pedro
messi
3 problems with that barca side?
1 they have no width
2 they have no natural striker, messi is an allround player, which is best suited to the right
3 very unbalanced, they are playing a diamond with pedro played on a wide position, but they have put all their eggs in one basket with messi, players who could step up to the plate in sanchez and villa have been shafted out
Barca in 2009 and 2011 were brilliant because there was no over-reliance on messi, others would step in and make it easier, mark messi out of the game, that shuts down the source of barca’s firepower
@zigoo
…hummmm…..
I’m sure Gill has done this club more good than harm. It takes a brave man to ignore clubs success on- and off field in his time in charge.
Not too long ago there are people saying Jones is not capable for midfield, now everyone is praying for Jones to be fit against mighty Real Madrid. How fickle can some ‘fans’ be?
parryheid – I disagree, I think that team is borderline suicidal, Central Midfield is crucial, and if you think a midfield of carrick welbeck and rooney 2 of them are strikers can compete with alonzo kadeira and ozil, you will be in for a rude awaken. With jones out, its important we have 2 linchpins in carrick and cleverly who can do the deepline job, welbeck has to start outwide, and take your pick who stats on the right. But there is no chance that the boss will risk our CL campaign by playing a striker in CM, when he has cleverly who can do that job with far better conviction
@parryheid
Young in the strating line-up against Madrid? Are you on crack?
Marq – I still do not think jones is capable of playing in CM, not to where united need to be in the next few years, because jones cannot control the pattern of the play. Carrick can do it to a certain extent, but carrick needs someone alongside him, who can get about the pitch and make those telling passes, for me we should really look to bring someone like modric in, many say he failed, but he would suit united perfectly, and he would take the pressure off carrick. and bring more composer to the united team.That is what united need, someone who controls the ball, and that is what carrick and cleverly bring to the team
In David We Trust.
I have Rooney with Van Persie leading the attack? Not midfield.Anti Scouser dont do bob hope and yeah Young on the left side of mid no problem. Modric doesn’t play for us and I am sure Wellbeck is as good a substitute for Fletcher as we are likeley to get,another reason I would like to see him placed alongside Carrick.If it does not work out it is simple to make a change dont you think or would you rather long for a player we do not have.
In this game we need to be tight defensively (not quite as tight as we were in Spain) and capable of finishing of the chances we make in open play.My choice of starting line up has Three who can attack strongly.
@parryheid
Rhetorical question. You are on crack.
Yea, Jones won’t cut it in midfield, like how Carrick, Xavi & Zidane was already controlling games at age 20, oh wait…
Not saying anyone is wrong, but Fletcher is a prime example, people used to think he was useless, and he didn’t even have the built Jones has now, but Sir Alex stuck with him and he came good. All I am saying is to those fickle fans to have a little faith, don’t just write off anyone.
Happy birthday to Phil Jones. 21yo today. Think he has some time yet! Ha!
If he looks in his back pocket he’ll find his present.
Why there it is! Ronaldo still safe and sound! Ha.
Hope he bounces back soon. Quality player. Never going to be anything but a back up CB at United. You could tell midfield was where he was headed. But look at Carrick, does a stint at CB when needed and fair enough Phil will get some games in the back as well. Versatility, is what we look for innit?!
@parryheid
What qualities do you believe Danny Welbeck possesses that mean Fergie should trust him with his very first professional appearance in centre-mid, in a 2-man central midfield, in a game against a Real Madrid featuring the likes of Alonso and Khedira? Sounds like utter lunacy to me.
Well it doesn’t hurt to have a backup plan. Besides, don’t think Mourinho won’t figure out a way to deal with Jones this time.
Happy Birthday to the Phil by the way.
Anti Scouser.
Sure thing.Tell you what i have given my view and reasons why.Now surprise me and the rest of the forum by giving yours with exlanation why.
kanchelskis.
same applies to you as Anti Scouser.Pretty simple give your choice like I did with your reason,I await it while licking the window.
@parryhead
Welbeck in CM is a odd one, but Young on the left is an option. If people suggest to you that putting Young on the left is because you are on crack, I’ll be on crack with you. Don’t worry about them
Why should I be the one giving reasons why a striker shouldn’t be played in central midfield?
That’s like me suggesting Hernandez should go in goal then insisting that you give me reasons why not.
You’ve come up with the unorthodox idea. You give reasons why it should happen. Not other people why it shouldn’t.
kanchelskis.
Ah the educator the last time you were correcting a spelling mistake.Look you dopey sod this is a view of Mine with a loose five in the center capable of rapid change.dont like it?well whoopy do .Could it be you are incapable of giving an alternative which is your view.Take a day off man you don’t have to be an idiot all the time.
And it’s only a view because I don’t get the privelage of selecting the team or it would be the team Not a view.
@parryheid
My ‘alternative view’ is playing a central midfielder in central midfield. Simplistic, but rather more logical than anything you’ve suggested so far.
“a loose five in the center capable of rapid change” is going to have to be translated into something comprehensible if you have any desire to back up your opinion.
I know the game is moving into “total football” and i’m a big advocate for danny welbeck and evans but there’s no way any sensible manager would stick them in midfield? So much attributes and awareness is needed that any inexperience will be pounced on by any team. As ever, republik of mancunia never fails to deliver on tactical and general madness.
Welbeck should play where he did in the second half of the first leg, just behind RVP. He can hustle Alonso better than anybody in our side….and he can run with the ball on the counter.
Yeah I’m confused why playing Young on the left would mean someone was on crack,that’s his position and just because some ‘fans’ don’t like him Sir Alex does.I think there’s a very good chance Tony V and Young will start in the 2nd leg
Happy birthday to Jones and good luck to Gill done an amazing job,don’t see much change 2nd in command taking over I’m sure he’s very qualified
My guess is that it’ll be either Young or Kagawa on the left. Young would be a conservative option, Kagawa the more adventurous. Both moderately good options. Neither perfect.
Well guys, Alan Smith turned up in CM and put in some great shifts. So although its somewhat crazy to do that against Real, its not as far fetched as some of you make it to be. Besides, he has the attributes of Vieira or even Yaya, so who is to say its impossible. Just maybe not now
So you reckon Wellbeck is incapable of playing the role in this game that was the Fletcher norm?I happen to think he can and Rooney gets played in midfield occasionally as I recall but dont’t beat your brains out if you find it hard to visualise and should that be a z rather than an s
@parryheid
Fletcher had the numerous qualities required of a central midfielder that Welbeck has not shown evidence of once.
Tackling ability, positional awareness, covering, passing range, reading of the game. What makes you think Welbeck can do any of the above well enough to just slot seamlessly into a two-man central midfield?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21534261
Tunnicliffe agrees Barnsley loan
And Rooney has played in a 2-man midfield only a handful of times, and only when we’ve had very stretched resources and been up against weaker opposition. Plus he’s a far more complete and experienced player than Welbeck.
kanchelskis
agree with your opinion
any news of rooney
i hear that he hasn t resumed training yet
Marq – just because it worked against roma it doesn’t mean it will against madrid’s collection of classy midfielders. Welbeck will better in the 3 attackers behind the centre forward. His ability to carry the ball at full pace and link up play in a technical sense is there and his bonus of immense workrate will mean no deep lying midfielder will have an easy time of it but if danny plays deeper, he would be exposed for inexperience and as talented as he is, his composure needs more work, central mid is an unforgiving place.
For those who are happy to see the back of David gill you do realize this Ed woodword guy was brought into utd from JP Morgan AFTER he helped them secure the 500 million pound loan to purchase the club.
Getting the top job at UTD is his reward and now he’s just another person the Glaizers can easily manipulate. Say what you want about Gill but his working relationship with SAF helped navigate tus hrough some potentially rough years. Glad he’s staying on as a director and hopefully he will have some input as to who succeeds the boss when he steps down.
@Samuel
Of course, please read what I posted. I said never say never, but not now
http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2013/Feb/wayne-rooney-discusses-united-12-point-lead-google-plus-hang-out-with-dhl.aspx?newsid=76F1BBFC-6217-4AE6-9BBE-8D7318A3CA58
Still baffled on rooney, fergie says every player is fit yet the media say wayne is out? Anyone have an accurate news?
@whoever has said mindgames . I agree – he’ll be up and at ‘em well before the match comes round.
Rooney had a virus that’s the reason he was out against Reading
I’m not sure its mind games Jones could barely walk he hobbled off the pitch and ankle injuries are tricky
Rather worryingly, if Jones is out for this game and Fergie wants to replicate the job that he did at the Bernabeu, the go-to man would probably be Anderson. He’s the only orthodox central midfield we have who – on his day at least – has the pace and strength to track a player like Ronaldo.
We’d obviously be counting on two very long-shots – a) him having one of his good days and b) him lasting 90 minutes (possibly more if we go to ET).
You’d want to see him get a couple of games under his belt before then, if that did end up happening.
Jones didn’t really do a tracking job on Ronaldo though. He was doing more of a general role, shutting down space, tracking runs, winning the ball.
@Sparkz
I didn’t mean so much that it was just a tracking role he was doing. Just that if Ronaldo gave Rafael or Welbeck the slip, Jones was the one expected to be alert to the danger.
Please quit football! Anderson starting?track Ronnie? Most of the time he just track the air and the shadow.
“Most of the time he just track the air and the shadow.”
Good point well made.
:-/
Wasn’t an impact injury with jones? Surely he can shake that off quicker. I hope it is, he will be needed and i agree sparkz, man marking ronaldo isn’t as effective but closing down space, tracking players is. Ronaldo will drift anywhere he can cause more problems but united have to stop the suppliers aka Alonso, Ozil, di maria, khedira. Easier said than done, it will be a nerve wracking game.
@samuel
Nah, went in awkwardly with his ankle. Must’ve twisted it. Could be fairly mild. Could be pretty bad to be honest.
Rooney has had a sinus infection.
As for Jones I reckon he’ll be back in time but if he’s not fully fit and ready then don’t play him.
I’m against rushing players back before they are fully recovered as it usually backfires.
Don’t think anderson is the most defensively aware enough to track players but if united pack up the midfield, anderson can be added to the mix to give that power, drive and directness, good blend for a michael carrick and cleverley but it’s a dilemma nonetheless.
Kanchelskis – we’ll have to wait and see, optimist in me says fergie is playing his cards close to his chest but then again, it could be worse but hopefully he shakes it off just in time for madrid.
@samuel
The upside is that Jones strikes me as the kind of player who would be able to come straight back into the starting lineup for a game like this. He’s fearless, so wouldn’t need easing into the occasion – psychologically – with a run of games.
And, although he’s a big lad, he’s not naturally chubby like Rooney. Think he’s enough of a specimen that he’d be able to come back straight in and do 90 minutes.
Playing Welbeck in CM would be bonkers.
I’ve read through ALL the comments and there have been some really strange suggestions but so far as I could tell no one (nooooo-body) has come up with the most obvious one-for-one replacement for MrJones – ANTONIO VALENCIA.
AV7 plays centrally for Ecuador AND he has the defensive nous, strength, speed and athleticism to “shadow” CR7.
kanchelskis – united went to places like shitty liverpool and chelsea this year, without jones and won. So I wont be to worried, if carrick and cleverly are on their game, with rooney and RVP having their shooting boots on, united will be fine, esp if our wingers play well
@denton davey : slight problem , when he doesnt have passing options , he attempts to outrun opposition players by flicking the ball past them
even against reading , he did that as a RIght Back
Reading didnt punish hiim , but looking at his form , Real will
RM attackers would limbo dance under Ando without him noticing. Early in his United career I would have said ok, but last few years he has been a defensive nightmare and lax in possession at key times. He has not shown the consistency and match fitness or nous to merit a starting place – would prefer Kagwa, SAF seems likely to play him somewhere.
@ In David we Trust – agree Barca have adopted a rigid no striker all MF strategy that is now getting a spanking …ha ha let’s hope – they would need to step up from this to look like CL contenders, so far I think us, RM and Bayern have done best in the first round. AC Milan played well too. It’s going to be one hell of a competition, very tough now with teams from Germany also stepping back in to contention.
Bobby Charltons Combover.
Why? Do You think he wont be capable of playing the Fletcher role in this game,is it because he is not athletic enough?Is it because you think he wont be able to link with Rafael and Say Valencia?Is it because you think he is not very good?If its none of there things is it because you have not seen him playing in the middle or What,I really am curious.
@ Denton – I don’t think this is the game to risk playing players like Valencia in a new position, I agree with you re defensively he is quite sharp at LB where his right foot can be used, but without several games in holding mid role to test it out can’t see it, he would struggle for position and awareness, in Equador he plays attacking MF nor defensive.
For me still Evans in place of Jones. Both have played CM and as WB’s, I think Evans could do it but Jones has obviously had much more practice. Rio is probably the most intelligent and versatile defender but the pace may get to him at his age in the Jones role. There is no ideal like for like swap as no one else has been given games in that position.
I think SAF will just go 4-1-4-1
Agree with @ Bobby – Welbeck being chucked in at MF against RM is pointless, he has not played in this role and you can’t just chuck him in there it is a totally different position that he does not have any experience of and there are better players in that role.
Have to say, feel sorry for Wenger, getting some serious shit, not sure how much more of it he can take, it’s going a bit too far, he is still one of the best coaches in the world on a wage cap budget who has been loyal to Arsenal and won them things they had never won before. Pathetic. I remember when we went a few years without a trophy a while back there were asswholes screaming for SAF’s head. Don’t we respect age and achievement any more, can we not recognise when things go too far and it’s just savage. I hate the paedo singing at Wenger at OT, but he has had more dignity than his critics. Kick the man when he is down, he is human to, managers need love and confidence and support as well. Very sad to see. I could not care less about Arse losing but the abuse is vicious.
NBI Red Onion.
I am not saying you are wrong but I question how most see no problem with a central defender being played at right back and in midfield ie Jones and Snap with Smalling and I might add both are not very good at playing right back.Yet see a problem with Danny having a run out at the right of Carrick in mid doesn’t seem logical who knows he may excell.
NBI – its just going to be easier if united played carrick and cleverly, they have been sensational together, just stick to that
Evening all
Jones missing could be a problem, but just to play devils advocate it could be a positive. Here is why I think this.
I believe RM will score at OT and based on the 1st Leg they were better than us at keeping the ball. Jones did a great job protecting the back four and helping stop in the main CR7. However this ment that Di Maria and Ozil had a bit more space to exploit.
I think with Jones fit SAF had a stick or twist type problem.
Without Jones I think it enables us to set up to control more of the play, but still have one eye on the lethal counter attacking ability of RM.
This is how I would line up.
DDG
Rafa Ferd Evans Evra
Carrick
Valenica Clev Rooney Giggs
RVP
I think the def plays itself from the first leg.
Valencia to offer help with CR7. having clev carrick and giggs in midfield will help us keep the ball better than the first leg. giggs is my gamble, he has shown in recent games he is still a threat with a good engine and offer a calming influence on the game (see final 10 mins of first leg)
Carrick offering the def protection with rooney drooping to a 5 midfeld without the ball.
We are at home people and we may have to score 2.
@ parryheid – sure, Welbeck may work as a CM, he has not played there but maybe he could do it, however, as he came up through United they must have checked him out in several positions, Jones and Smalling are new players who the Club is still learning about and testing out and unfortunately we have no RB cover for Rafa though Valencia has played that as well. Personally I think Welbeck is an out and out forward, of all out forwards RM could not handle him, his pace, passing, heading and positioning would be wasted in C MF where pace is not really needed. As a no. 10 he can do a bit of dropping back to defend and also pick up the ball and bomb forward, I think that is his strength. He can cause havock in the middle of an attack with his pace and height, he is ok on the wings, but I loved the way he tore through the RM defence.
Agree with @ Lee Martins, I think the bastard virus could well score one possibly two, the swine, everyone must bow to the defence if we keep a clean sheet. But I also back a few of our own to get on the sheet, can’t see a 0-0. My prediction – 2-1 to United. I do not think I can stand the pressure of penalties especially after how we are missing so many. It would be too much, fans would die.
Well I think we will be slightly less tightly defensive this game and doubt that Jones if fit would be in anyway.
@Denton
True that Valencia plays in the middle for his country, don’t know why we never tried him there. Maybe not against Real, but if we try against lesser teams, with Nani beside him on the right, it would be interesting to watch. If the defender goes with Nani when he cuts infield, Valencia can finally get to the byline. If the defender follows Valencia, they would leave Nani to shoot or cross. Would definitely give any opposition RB a nightmare. Then of course, if a CB tries to help the RB, that would leave space for Rvp & Rooney. Adding Rafael to the mix you could really mess up the RB
Just my 5 cents of fantasy theory
I don’t know why we should be so worried if Jones happen to be not ready for Real Madrid clash.its true of course, he did a great job against the Spanish giant, outstandingly man marking Ronni, and played some brilliant positional defending roles but that doesn’t mean we don’t have alternatives for his absence.after all things will change at Oldtrafford and Mourinho will obviously have different reading for our game now and totally different tactical schemes that can suit their attacking style, so Fergie should be ready for all thee expectations and I am sure he will.again our defending should stay awake for the whole 90minutes but we must be somewhat more valiant and perhaps take some adventures upfront”as usual the united way” than we did the last time.
Jami Carragher, you beauty!!!!
Problem solved just glue a cheeseberger to Ronaldo’s ass and Anderson would be all over him…
NBI Red Onion @ 18:51: ” I don’t think this is the game to risk playing players like Valencia in a new position”
BUT it’s not a new position for him – he plays inside for his national team.
To my way of thinking, it’s going to be next-to-impossible to try and completely shut down RM so it’s important to NOT overload the defensive side of the team because – in that weird way of “away goals” – RM do have a kind of advantage in that if they can get a score-draw then UTD lose the advantage. AND, of course, a score-draw with two, three or four goals apiece favours them.
So, some version of a 4-3-3 with Valencia given a “shadowing role” then there’s still the possibility of having three forwards to level the playing field. AND, for what it’s worth, I’d go with Nani ahead of DannyTheLad – assuming that Nani’s performance the other night wasn’t just a tease.
haha brilliant jc
That was about as funny as it not being a cheap insult lacking in creativity. As if we’ve not read or heard enough of the same rubbish. Very amusing.
Honest assessment by opposition fan
http://www.fansnetwork.co.uk/football/queensparkrangers/fb_news.php?storyid=31483
sam the boss
For 5million, we should have bought Dembele, he could be the MF for this game.
Evans: “No, I think probably one of the laziest in training has got to be Anderson. I think we may all agree on that.”
http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2013/Feb/sir-alex-ferguson-wants-nani-to-stay-at-manchester-united.aspx
THERE YOU HAVE IT. Sir Alex wants Nani to sign. “We want to keep him, there’s no doubt about that,” Sir Alex stated.
Some interesting points.
“The boy has an incredible talent for winning matches. He’s one of the best match-winners in the game, and I include the whole of Europe in that.”
YES SAF said it, we said it, now everyone can lay of and stop the gibberish of “he’s not world-class.” yes he is. if anyone should know it’s SAF.
“David Gill’s been speaking to his agent for quite a few weeks. It’s entirely up to the boy – he has a year and a half left. I think he wants guaranteed first-team football. He can guarantee himself that. Performances like the other night can guarantee that.”We’re trying our best to keep him because he’s such a match-winner.”
NOW it’s official. It’s up to the boy. he loves us, and you can see that we also love him, because we’re trying to sign him, but if the money is not there, then Nani can slowly walk away. But if he really wants to stay, he’ll take what he’s worth in SAF’s opinion.
peace.
he said the same about berbatov and every other player hes sold, cant talk down their value. only time will tell.
Yeah Nani really loves Utd all his actions have pointed to that,pay me more money or I’m gone,true love indeed lol
The good thing about that is Nani wants 6mill + a year so at least he’s got to apply himself to get teams interested
Does every current player that dons manchester united shirt actually “love” united? Seriously? And fergie always reiterated that he couldn’t guarantee a berbatov who wasn’t an effective part of the united machine, fergie has not mentioned the same about nani and the fact they are still negotiating shows the willingness on fergie’s part to keep a very talented player, those pushing to hound him.out will say otherwiswle. Let the cynicism commence.
Does every current player that dons manchester united shirt actually “love” united? Seriously? And fergie always reiterated that he couldn’t guarantee a berbatov who wasn’t an effective part of the united machine, fergie has not mentioned the same about nani and the fact they are still negotiating shows the willingness on fergie’s part to keep a very talented player, those pushing to hound him out will say otherwise Let the cynicism commence
Nani is 26, has all the craft and talent to slot into any top team, why won’t they be interested? Last time i heard juventus and AC milan are sniffing and if he became avalaible, more big teams will queue. It’s one thing not to like him (none of us know him personally and i don’t think he gives a fuck really) but it’s delusional to disregard his ability, top teams will come in. The portrayal that nani is a greedy cunt makes me laugh, how many modern players would actually play for peanuts? The rooney saga can only remind some if they’ve forgotten that LOYALTY does not exist. It would be nice to assume a javier hernandez had fred the red teddy as a kid running around sunny guadalajara but that’s total bollocks. Players are employees, they have no affiliation to the club, if they stay long enough, they may well ingrain the club into their veins but fact of the matter is, no modern player gives a fuck, let’s hop out of the fairytale world in which players would play in sandals for nothing.
I’m not trying to hound him out Nani wants guaranteed first team football and 130 k a week so its time he proves he’s worth it.I think he’s a greedy selfish twat who doesn’t give a fuck about Utd but I can live with that as long as he produces the goods.One thing I do know most wearing the shirt love Utd more than him.Isn’t many who use agents and press to demand more money,most Utd players are solid and love being at the club
Maybe he does love the club, just needs loving from the club? I mean the amount of loud sighs or disappointments is evident even from the tele when he makes a mistake, yes mistake he’s human too, is evident. I’d imagine it’d be hard to be motivated to play at a place where you felt unwanted by most fans. Thing is wazza and Valencia makes waaaay way way more mistakes, but none gave them shit. Unfair really. Guess i see why though, coz they syill put in an effort. Either way I’d lkke to see Nani stay. Great player if he can ignore haters and play his game.
Seriously wayne, where do you hear that? Its all media rumors.
He just want guarentee foorball. I dont think he really wants that much of money. Even if so, everyone wants big money. Can you say RVP came here with little money? Rooney did the same doesnt he? He wants more money. Stop dissing Nani. We all love him.
I think if young can get as much as nani requires fair enough
People are getting all personal about this whole misunderstanding, shit happens and he’s just like an other footballer/employee
You feel dissatisfied about your current salary, you ask for more, imo he’s done enough to warrant a pay rise and game time
and the gaffer should consider that
@ Samuel
Couldnt have said it better myself, people here act like all players are born in Manchester and live and breathe Utd, its just a job at the end of the day. I know I love my job and am a dedicated employee who’s been there for years, but I would move for better pay in a flash. Thing fans forget when the slag Nani off for his supposed disloyalty is that United’s golden boy Rooney held the club for ransom and could be playing at City had his wages not been increased.
@wayne
I dont hear you attacking Rooney, bottom line is he stayed for the money and it had nothing to do with loyalty so your argument is baseless. You just dont line Nani, I think the last few days have established. And lets me real, RvP came to United not just for the trophies but because of the wages as well. So whilst there’s some loyal players like the Rio’s and whatnot, its a business and players should not be expected to be blindly loyal to the club. So long as they put 100% when they put on that jersey, I couldnt care less what they think outside of OT.
Sorry for the typos, using my phone on the bus.
I don’t think guaranteed playing time should be handed out to any player, nani will have to prove his worth but how many actually get behind the lad and give him the confidence he needs for his qualities to shine? It’s the constant groans and moans, this translates onto the player which results in them trying too hard and not playing their natural game. Nani has flaws like any top creative risk taking attacker but he more than makes up for it if he’s in the right frame of confidence. Let’s be honest, he’ll never be the cup of tea for most and many have definitely made their minds up on him but fergie sees the talent and he knows you just do not get rid of talented and experienced players, there aren’t many capable or avalaible to replace him, it would be a backward step. You add quality and improve not reduce it with a deficit.
Comeback kingz – spot on.
As far as I can fergie will pack the field with players leaving little space for them to explore I know valancia is not on form yet but I think fergie will give the job to him until nani produces another blinder against QPR so my team against madrid
David da gea
Rafa rio evans evra
Valancia carrick clevs
Rooney RVP welbeck
Some say we went there to defend but one thing I will like to say is that even barca plays madrid with only one sticker messi and we played them with rooney ,, RVP ,,welback ,, on top of that kagawa how in the hell is that defence can someone explain that to me,
we went to pack the field and doing that to take our chances as well that is a master class form sir alex so people should keep thier childish opinions coz we know you dont know a shit about football GGMU !!!!!!
@parryheid
To satisfy your curiosity as to why I think that playing Welbeck in midfield is nuts I’ll give you my reasons:
He’s never played there. The boy is a striker although often played out on the left.
He is just beginning to find his feet as a striker and you think it would be a good idea to
play him for the first time in his life as a CM against Real Madrid in a knife edge CL tie up
against Xavi Alonso – 1st choice Spanish international and twice winner of the European Championship and world cup winner and Sami Khedira first choice german international.
Danny is good player but gets a little bit flustered on the ball sometimes so hardly an ideal
choice for a midfield cauldron where there is little time or space where players need a cool head
and good vision. I’d say Clev’s and Carrick are probably better qualified.
So all in all it’s the perfect game to give him his debut in midfield. Why don’t we put RvP between the sticks while we’re at it, Lindegaard up front and put Scholes as a manmarker on Ronaldo.
We should focus on QPR first, get a 15 point lead and pile the pressure on city before they play Chelsea. The bigger the lead, the easier it will be to manage our cup aspirations. Have to say, its been a managerial masterclass by sir Alex this season. The squad is in top shape and he is fighting tooth and nail along with them. The reading game was a great example; he was livid with the officials for the lack of injury time in the first half and was right on the touchline in the second half barking orders and stopping his watch every time the ball went out. Great commitment, he does everything he can for the players and expects that same commitment from them. The passion he has for the game is remarkable, its akin to having an extra world class player on the pitch.
For the real Madrid game, I think either Rooney or kagawa will be benched, and we’ll set up like we did against city.
Sir Alex: ‘Scholes has a piece floating around in his knee’
So Scholes is off to be assessed by a specialist. Doesn’t sound a short term problem.
Man Utd Injuries:
Phil Jones (ankle),
Paul Scholes (knee)
Wayne Rooney (sinus).
All likely to miss QPR.
http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2013/Feb/paul-scholes-sees-specialist-wayne-rooney-out-of-qpr-clash.aspx
NB! Red Onion: I like your idea of playing Evans in midfield – thought of the same thing when I watched Milan-Barcelona the other day. However, and yes, I realise this line-up will never happen, but I fancy a bastard line-up of:
DG
Rafa – Evans – Vida – Evra
Carrick-Rio
Valencia Rooney Kagawa
RvP
Why is it so difficult for guys to discern fergie speak after all these years. What fergie mean by’ we would like to keep the boy coz he’s world class and its up to the boy to decide’. What fergie would have said to Nani’s agent behind closed doors is, the boy isn’t really that big in europe and if you think otherwise try hawking him around. The only interest will come from some mediocre russian outfit called zenit, some qatari team or juventus fir a quarter of his curret wages. So tell the boy to do himself a favour and sign what am offering him or its out of the door.
Bobby Charltons conbover.
Read your post and you fucked it up with your last paragraph which was at best silly.Now to answer the parts that dont come into the silly catagory.More than aware Danny has not played that role before and you missed out on his games at right wing.Doesnt answer my question do you think he is incapable of playing the Fletcher role which when he went forward would put him in a strike position at times.as for Alonso he had free rein at Madrid game and I think Danny would sort that out as he is a player who will press on him and who is not to bad at tackling.And yes I do think it is a good idea to play him there if it does not work it is simple to move him.I am very much a believer in wrong footing the opposition in major games and this is a major game my choice is risk free so still confused why you and others think it a bad idea to try to replicate what Fletcher gave us in these games by trying Danny in there unless of course there is someone you Know in the pool can and will do it cause I have not seen him.
I do feel that we shouldnt give any defender a role in midfield beyond Jones who has shown that he has the fearlessness of a young robbo and the legs to match. The idea of Valencia however does seem appealing. That lad for all his recent inability to beat a defender has blistering pace. And his performances as a full back have been decent. What we really need is the ability to press and match madrids pace on the counter. So either put in a big physical presence there ala Jones or press using Valencias pace, which can also help us when we counter. Fletch would have been ideal but thats the only other acceptable out and out destructive player and he is unavailable. Playing Valencia might might be a bit unfair to rafael as he was, bar a couple of errors, competent against Madrid. We can compensate for the midfield absences by bringing in Cleverleys energy and ability to retain possession. As someone pointed out earlier, the ability to maintain shape and force possession up the pitch is exactly how Milan managed it against Barca. Cleverley brings both. Kagawa am afraid is out. Rooney too was a little absent on the flank. So welbeck on the flank or as a second striker is a possibility with Rooney alternating. No way we can bench him in such a big match. Bring in Hernandez as a substitute.
Of course my first reaction to Sir Alex’s statement was that its mind games as well. Wont be the first time. The way that he hobbled off though, and the fact that its the ankle, does make it uncertain.
Comeback Kingz you need to go back a few years obviously you’ve only started coming onto ROM
Kel Sir Alex said Nani wants guaranteed first team football,he’s already making around 400k per month so that’s just under 5mill per year,first his agent then Nani went to the press this summer with all the bollocks about how much he loved the club but never know what the future holds.Then it came out he was after a new contract only two years into the one he signed.He shows up at the start of the season all moody and disinterested because he didn’t get what he wanted.
You only have to watch Nani play to realize he’s all about Nani that’s half his problem in his decision making goes for the glory instead of setting up a teammate he drives Rooney batty,Against Reading that’s the first time he’s showed up for a full game all season
Fletcher has been a CM all of his career and even though he did get forward he was hardly prolific in front of goal but before his condition he was excelling in midfield.
Yes – I believe he is incapable of playing the Fletch role. There is no evidence to suggest he would be able to. I agree that Danny is good at pressing and has robbed a few balls in his time (I don’t mean in the scouser sense) but as it stands he’s not midfield material.
Would we be wrong-footing the opposition or wrong footing ourselves? Is it really the best match to put a 100% untried midfielder in this position? Do you really think so?
Do you think midfield players like Clevs, kagawa or Anderson who would be losing out to Welbeck would be too pleased?
” this is a major game my choice is risk free ” risk free – completely inexperienced midfield player in midfield in CL against Madrid. yes I can see how it’s risk free.
Bobby Charltons combover.
It wouldnt bother me in the slightest if any of the three players you mention were put out or not,and Sir Alex is unlikeley to be paying to much attention to my thoughts.And we would definately wrong foot them,it has you and as I said it is risk free simply because it is changeable as the game is in progress.The man has been played in numerous positions so far that were new to him and he coped why would my thought be any different do you think?
Hey guyz I could suggest cleverly could do it in the game against shitty clevs shadowed toure yaya so why cant he do it he the engine pace and he is a midfielder ,,carrick to be in front of the back four and clevs ,rooney ,valancia,welbeck to press them and rvp to take his chance when it comes
I also think Goalkeeper is the only position a player plays in all his career,every other player in our team (I would exempt Kagawa meantime ) has played in many other positions under Sir Alex.
@parryheid
I don’t think you can compare playing a striker on either wing to playing a striker in midfield.
He probably hasn’t even done it in training so how would it make sense to do so in this game?
Madrid move the ball and themselves very quickly and and our CM will need to be excellent
positionally to counter that as putting someone in there that doesn’t know the role would be just a
baptism of fire, it would be a fiery death.
Madrid mightn’t expect it but it certainly wouldn’t worry them. Would it worry us if they started with Callejón who although a midfield or wide player by trade has had a similar career to danny?
I don’t think so.
I just hope Jones is fully fit for the game as I think we all agree he did an excellent job in Madrid.
If not it’s hard to look beyond either Cleverly and perhaps Anderson accompanying Carrick.
@Red4ever
exaclty mate! Clevelrey is one of our main midfielders if not main, and suddenly he’s the forgottne man in one of our biggest game of the season, even though he killed ManCity with carrick. We als ohave Ando who can do the job.
What’s the problem? Cleverley didn’t suddenly come a bad midfielder whern he clearly owned Reading in his last game also. Valencia or Welbeck there? It’s not a new position for Valencia, but Welbeck? I’d rather play Ando or ROoney there than Welbeck. Welbeck is suited for the wings or striekr role. NOt center midfield against Madrid.
This being said it’s either Clevs or Ando. OR SAF really reads ROM and puts Welbeck there, because it’s a good idea. peace.
Pattyhed= arogant little prick
Fuck me the village idiot is loose.
Bobby Charltons combover.
Even if fit I would be prepared to bet Jones will not be playing in this game.United will not be playing a destroyer type as they go about beating Madrid.They will still be relatively tight and probably have five in the middle and will be hassling Alonso to prevent the supply.But we will see.
Fuck me are some insane? Some frankly ludicrous suggestions. Carrick and Clevs with Rooney dropping back have worked in all the big games, simple as.
As for Nani I see the Mail did a “5 best and worst moments” of his career yesterday. Among the worst were his juggling against Arsenal! I thought that was fucking quality and took the right piss.
How the FUCK are Barca higher favourites than us? They are 2 fucking goals down. Mark my words they will NOT score 3 without reply. Milan will progress, they were top drawer the other night.
Wellbeck playing the Flecher role? Now whose the fucking idiot?
And defends the idea against allcomers? Smackhead or arrogant prick?
Put you counter arguement up you dopey fucker and explain it clearly.Fucking window licker.
Guyz just leave him alone ither he is on crack or he is 8 year who likes to play stupid games ,,,, why on earth should welback play in center midfied is just the stupidest thing I have earth will someone give him the hairdryer he for sure needs it ,,,,,and I think clevs will start that is for sure ,but what shape we will seting for the game is tricky could be carrick, clevs, valancia or carrick , clevs , rooney I cant say but whichever we can put should do enough to gey us through
Red4ever.
My view was posted yesterday at 1 24 you and the arsehole prior to you were not one of the people who participated in doubting that Wellbeck should play that role and could not give a reason other than he is a striker mainly I know that mind you he is not very prolific at it I think we would get more out of him attempting the Fletcher role.So smart cunt give me your reason why he wouldn’t be able to play there and dont give me the Cleverly answer he cannot play the Fletcher role and f he had a go in Madrid and was found wanting.I await your response.
You just don’t get how ridiculous your idea is, I hope a journalist suggests it to SAF, and listen to his response.
Smackhead.
And you want a discussion about your innovative idea.
Smackhead.
Arse hole As I suspected your nut would be tt taxed to put a counter up.A couple of Fannies.
Another thing do you pair of Fannies seriously think I might be offended with the term Smackhead.Jeez
Another thing I meant to point out your post at 19 26 suggests the alternative as Rooney who is Ahem a Striker.you couldnt make it up,Fucking Fanny.
I reckon if SAF had that suggestion put to him, his response would be……”smackhead”.
Keep thrashing you useless incompetent Fanny.
I must admit I was being a little unfair asking you two Fannies to give a response with explanation would mean you’s thinking as well as typing silly me.
feedemscraps and Red4ever
What’s with all the dumb-cracks? Have you nothing intelligent to add?
As startling as parryheid’s suggestion is, it wouldn’t be the first time that us close observers were stunned by a starting line-up engineered by Sir Alex. Obviously, were Welbeck to start in parryheid’s ‘Fletcher role’, it would not be as a result of SAF reading this blog. It wouldn’t be something ‘out of the blue’ to SAF, and he and Rene would have been schooling and assessing Danny for quite a while.
Personally, I don’t think Danny has the experience to play the role competitively, and I’m not sure that he will ever be good enough there. My opinion stems from presumption and fear. I presume that our players best position is known and occupied, and I fear mistakes. It takes some balls to be a top manager, I guess I’d be too pragmatic.
DreadedRed,
Yesterday I put forward as quite a few of the posters do my idea of a team vs Madrid.Some thought I was foolish enough to think I could even get as much as seven of the team I put forward correct but at least some had genuine issues with what I proposed and good on them The last couple of Fannies well they seem to have headed for the hills rather than try to be cohesive.And Yes I realize how difficult for them it would have been to string sentences together.
parryheid – those fannies couldn’t string two cunt hairs together, never mind a sentence.
I quickly realised that predicting 7 out of 11 in any United starting line-up is no mean feat. Fergie plays his cards close to his chest, so we usually don’t even know who is actually available. Add to that his penchant for surprising the opposition, and our predictions become almost impossible. Here on RoM, with all the predicted line-ups put forward, not 1 in 20 gets all 11 right. More like 1 in a 100 actually.
Your guesswork certainly stirred up some lively debate, thanks for that. A few mongs always throw their garbled slurs, without adding anything sensible or even applicable to the debate. Twats.
DreadedRed
Ha nice one need to remember that for the next buffoons that appear.And tour so right.Cheers mate
Wellbeck at cm? That is intelligent and worth discussing…..smackhead!
Yours, the twat.
P.S.
You’ll be calling our gk shit next….arrogant/prick/smackhead.
Ahah one of the fannies returns after heading for the hills hoping to beat some life into the dead horse he’s been flogging,You pathetic fuckwit.
And just like United Not Arrogant Just Better.Ha Priceless. you fannies just bunder inti don’t yah.away and have couple of Patsy Klines.