Ahead of Birmingham’s League Cup final against Arsenal, Ben Foster has stoked the fires by claiming Arsenal don’t have the same winning mentality as Manchester United.
“The manager doesn’t tend to sign players if he doesn’t see it in them,” said Foster. “You don’t get that anywhere else, not even at Chelsea. You wouldn’t see United throwing away a four-goal lead like Arsenal did at Newcastle. It just wouldn’t happen. United would have won by six or seven goals, but with Arsenal a few cracks appeared when Newcastle scored. Then it was all panic, whereas United have old boys who can steady the ship. It’s no accident that United always seem to come back, just as it’s no accident that Gary Neville won so much in his career. Winning is everything to him, and that’s why he’s been so successful.”
Foster helped United beat Spurs to win the League Cup final in 2009 after the game went to a penalty shoot out. He will be hoping to deny Arsenal, who haven’t won anything since beating United on penalties in the FA Cup final in 2005, in the same way.
Man Utd News 24/7
Cock
1st
I hate to say this but, beat Arsenal Ben.
Cue the Arsenal fans even though this is a topic about an ex United player.
Good luck today Ben.
@Costas
They are a bit slow on the uptake, no comments yet!
Not a fan of Fosters but hopefully he can help Brum to the CC.
@bchilds
It didn’t appear on their newsnow page, so maybe we will have a peaceful time on this thread.
Birmingham!!
Birmingham!!
Win the cup
Win the cup
I hope Brum win today, not that it might validate Foster’s claim that he’s a ‘winner’ but that it would sow some seeds of doubt in Arsenal.
I would not care less if Arsenal win today. Smash that idiot with a few and I would not be upset…
Furthermore, its the only trophy that the Arse may win this year
Check this video out — As Of Tomorrow Morning we’ll sing its 35 years http://t.co/tZwR6Q0 via @youtube
In 76, they say it’s true……….a trophy was won by a team in blue,
it’s been a long time, since that date,
so we’ll sing em a song that they fuckin hate…..
“35 years”
a few drinks to celebrate tomorrow
35 years fuck all
Ben, please fuck Arsenal, and you can get my respect a bit.
Foster has given an interesting and insightful interview, which, if nothing else, is refreshingly honest. He wasn’t in the end good enough, or mentally strong enough for United, but good luck to the lad, especially today. No need to vilify the guy.
Of coure MU could lose depite a five goal lead. Here’ how. The ref must side the losing team.
Arsene Wenger would welcome Rafael Benitez return – 30 sec interview.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/football_focus/9408011.stm
Surely it’s in everyone’s interest that fsw returns to his stocks. I have fields of tomatoes rotting on the vine.
2-0 up against everton in added on time drew 2 2 so whats your point Foster, think you have selective memory mate.
Well said Giles..
What a finish by Parker..
jasper, did you know that a 2 goal lead is not the same as a 4 goal lead?
Arsenal players haven’t got the guts or the brains to get the better of us. Our manager is always a couple of steps ahead of wenger. Its why we consistently come out on top.
“The manager doesn’t tend to sign players if he doesn’t see it in them,”
he saw fuck all of bebe!
@Giles. I agree. One of the interesting things is that he hints at something I have seen other players talk about, including Hargreaves after he first joined. This is the bit about what SAF looks for when buying player. Foster says, ““The manager doesn’t tend to sign players if he doesn’t see it in them. You don’t get that anywhere else, not even at Chelsea.”
And previously, Hargreaves said similar things (I don’t have the quote to hand but have previously posted it. Basically, he said that SAF decides what type of player he wants, in terms of position and style, and then goes looking for someone who fits that profile, but who also satisfies SAF’s other requirements about attitude etc).
It gives us a glimpse into the unique inner workings of how SAF approaches transfers and players in general, and it’s something people would do well to keep in mind when they talk about buying this player or selling that player. It’s quite clear from these comments and others that for SAF, technique and skill are only a part of the story. By themselves, they are not enough for him. It helps to explain his “no value” comments. It also helps explain his current policy of growing players, rather than buying them (though I believe there are other reasons for that, too). Simply: he believes that by snapping up talented players at a young age, he can mold them into the players he wants, not just physically, but mentally too.
And, of course, it also helps to explain why we have this tough streak that allows us to grind out wins, even when we are not playing well, even when the team is unsettled by a period of massive evolutionary upheaval.
Good post StatesideAussie. Another interesting aspect of Fergie’s transfer policy is the ‘aftercare’ he gives to players who he’s nurtured through the ranks, but don’t quite make it at United. In some cases for years after they’ve left Old Trafford he gives advice and facilitates moves or simply gives references /recommendations. This even applies to players who go off the rails, such as Gillespie. When people rant about what a ruthless bastard Fergie is, they forget the things he does behind the scenes, helping young players develope as people, as well as players. Let’s hope he can work his magic on Ravel Morrison. If he doesn’t, the lad may realise what a mistake he made, in about 10 years time.
Giles, that’s very true — Ferguson’s loyalty to his players, and his care for them (even after they cease to be his players), is something that definitely gets lost in the “noise”. He may be ruthless, but only because he puts the club “first, foremost and only”. In other words, he may be ruthless, but for all the right reasons. Not like some people who that way just because it gives their ego a hard-on.
I haven’t seen much of Morrison, apart from the odd clip posted here, but I’ve heard enough — about his on-field ability and his off-field screw-ups. Which way will it go? If anyone can get the lad on the straight and narrow, and keep him there, it’s SAF, but it takes two to tango. I’ve always said you can’t help someone who isn’t prepared to help themselves. It would be a tragedy if it Morrison screwed it up, for him, the club and for all those who are close to him too. Here’s hoping he sees the light. Cheers!
Jasper. Three three actually pal. Get your facts right if you are gonna try and mock.
Stateside. Evening mate. Oh morrison is quality. So naturally gifted and has the potential to be a superstar. Think he will get his head together. Another superb performance by tunni again yesterday and pogba.
King Eric … cheers! I am getting impatient to see some of these guys in the first team, even though I know that when they do make it, they will still take some time to settle in. It’s a frustrating experience, but hugely rewarding when it works out.