One of the worries I’ve had this summer is about the number of experienced players, who have been brought up in the United way, have left the club this year. Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, John O’Shea and Wes Brown have all moved on, whether to retirement or another club, and I can’t help but wonder whether this will have any effect on the players coming up through the ranks at the moment. Our younger lads have been kept in line by the more experienced ones, who know all about how to get in to the first team from the academy, and we’ll miss the presence of the players mentioned above.
Gary Neville has today talked about his role as one of the elders at the club, whilst also reflecting on who he looked up to when making his way through the ranks in the club.
“Some players will get their representatives to go to David Gill, the chief executive,” he said. “But most would go to the manager because, quite honestly, if he said you weren’t getting a new contract there’s no point taking it any further. I know the manager still looks over all the young players’ contracts because I’ve done quite a few with him over the last few years for those players. It’s an experienced player role and something I did for a few years. When I was younger it would be Bryan Robson doing it, or Brian McClair. A young player might be nervous going to see the manager, so they come to you for help. I did the same. I went to see Bryan Robson about my very first contract and Brian McClair helped me, Butty and Scholesy with our second contracts. I’m not sure it’s normal at all clubs but it’s normal here.”
Man Utd News 24/7
united we stand for ever..we will neva die…
I just hope none of the players go to Rooney for help regarding negotiating contracts….
Or Rio…else the contracts will be negotiated live on twatter
if this was the situation at city it would be more like ” sheik mansoor has his cock out ready to suck whilst he signs off on your new pay deal”
Not that a red like Nev needed a lot of persuasion to sign for us.
Costas mate…hi…how are you?
How wonderful it would be if we could have people like GNev on our teams at work too!
Contract:
Name: Red Nev,
Team: Red Devils till I die, What ya think?
Pay demand: Whatever.
Extra Clauses: DONT EVA TRADE ME TO SH*TTY OR THE DIPPERS!
Enough experienced heads are still there to assist:
- Giggsy
- Rio
- Vidic
- Scholesy is now a coach
…and in time the likes of Fletcher and a couple opf others will start to fall into that category.
Remember also, as SAF has said himself, football is constantly changing, constantly evolving – particularly off the pitch at the moment with the growing power of players and agents.
Things will be done slightly differently going forward I’m sure, but United always retain elements of what has gone before, the core principles, and I’m not worried as these are drilled into any young player coming through the ranks and should make those lads that make it extremely strong of character in the United mould.
Pique saying the same about the gaffer, hair dryer treatment or not it’d be great having SAF as your boss. me thinks its time for a career change
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/938116/gerard-pique-praises-sir-alex-ferguson?cc=5739
Red nev is a hero.He has lived/is living our dreams
In the last line Neville wonders if this sort of thing is normal at other clubs……….. NO is the answer and that is what sets United apart from all other clubs both on and off the field
Hi All!
Long time reader, first time poster. Just wanted to share that I met Captain Marvel last night. He’s here in Kuwait to publicize a new sponsorship deal between United and a regional telecoms company. Told him what an honor it was to meet him. It was amazing, still can’t believe it!
@Red Devil
I am fine, thanks buddy. Hope you are well too.
No doubt about it. We need more RedNevs at work and definitely in the stands.
A plane has crashed in to a house in the next street from me . I hope every one is ok.
@Fletch LOL. Thanks great way to start the day.
Fletcher interview:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/scotland/14339036.stm
Thats WHY we’re One BIG HAPPY UNITED FAMILY!Thats WHY we’re One BIG HAPPY UNITED FAMILY!
Thats WHY we’re One BIG HAPPY UNITED FAMILY! Players always take care of each other…
Gary Neville is a red, he hates scousers…………
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_7066743,00.html
Yeah, I am sure 200K a week for your worthless talent felt “just right”, you piece of stinking shit.
It pains me that a player like Ruud van Nistelrooy is no longer playing for man united.
Gary Neville is a red. He assfucks Mickey Mousers.
Balaji – The fact he couldn’t engineer a move to his first choice Real Madrid and the fact nobody else came in for him must have made it feel right also. Kunt!
RuudBoy – Why? Bloody hell we have moved on form there mate!
Whenever anyone mentions Ruud always think of Arsenal away in the blue kit, or that solo goal against Fulham, or the goal in Europe against Basel from a ridculous angle. What a player he was, but when he lost his pace he did struggle slightly.
nice one Red devil.
I’d be just as nervous going to G. Nev as I would the gaffer!
Youngin: Errrr, whatcha think Gary? I’m on 40k/week and I think I deserve 60.
Gary: Let me think it over
Youngin: Shows up to Carrington next day to find bags packed and a one way plane ticket to Bursaspoor
It IS worrying that all those home products left simultaneously. It’s strange that after Giggs, the next longest-serving player is Darren Fletcher, and he’s still considered young-ish. Rio’s been here longest next, followed by… Rooney!
Sir Alex seems to be taking risk this summer by letting so many ‘pillars’ leave. I guess it just symbolizes the changing environment at OT these days. We probably have as many Portuguese speakers as any other one accent. In the match against MLS, not a single starter was a home product. Only in the second half did we see the likes of Amos, Welbeck, Cleverley, and (if you can classify them as home products) Macheda and Fabio.
Of course we still have Giggs, Fletcher, and maybe even Gibson, but the signs are that the times are changing.
Come on Ravel!
Good read there Balaji, cheers.
Love you Fletcherinho, get back soon lad.
A return to 2009 form = as good as any signing we could make right now, imo. Box-to-Box, steely midfielder, get stuck in Darren!!!
Nice interview with Fletch. he seems to be recommending a bit of ‘anti-football’ there, mind. Just don’t let Wenger get a copy!
I think Fletcher will have a really good season ahead. Half his performance is related to his motivation, and after missing out on a Champions League appearance for the third time, he will definitely be motivated.
Come on Fletch!
Hello RoM, Sat. Man Utd vs Barca how fun.
You guys remember Sam Hewson ’88 he never played for United but was an unused subsitute at least once (against Roma 2007).
He has now signed for Fram, the team at the bottom of the icelandic league, after being released from conference site Altrincham.
Makes you wonder how hard it is going from a prospect to a class player.
Another united great: http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/gmf-tracks-down-a-blast-from-the-past-arthur-albis
Kings
Cheers for the link my friend, I will always remember his goal against the dippers
CedarsDevil – My pleasure buddy. Great days.
Kings
A thought just struck me, I cannot remember the last Englishman we had playing at left back! Just trying to scratch my head here and I cannot remember any
CedarsDevil – Lee Martin. The one who got the winner in the 1990 FA Cup Final after a delicious pass from Neil Webb.
FA Cup Final Replay of course.
Of Course! My old head is getting the better of me!!! Was after a 3 – 3 replay if I remember correctly
CedarsDevil – The 3-3 was a belter mate. Never forget Hughes getting the 3rd which trickled into the bottom corner.
Kings
Speaking of Neil Webb I still remember his goal at OT against Arsenal, first game of the season, excellent volley… Think we won 4 – 1
A pair of old fools feeling nostalgic here hey? hahaha
Hope it is a win this weekend, would be good to put the thought in Barcas heads that we can win.
Even further off topic, Fun link on talk sport. Who do you think is #1 in late goals?
http://www.talksport.co.uk/magazine/big-picture/2011-07-29/see-which-premier-league-team-scores-most-goals-late-games-hint-its-definitely-not-man-city?p=18
never-ending conveyor belt of silverware has been relentless.
what a line. What a Club.
Having a small party for the Barca game. Leg of lamb with Elk back strap. 3 Man Utd fans, one Gunner and a Pool Fool with 3 neutrals. Should be fun.
Thanks for another great link as well.
FletchTHEMAN
Cheers for the link buddy, actually saw it on the other thread…..Would love to see a stat of teams that scored most injury time winners….Would be interesting
Hot Links!
CedarsDevil – Yeah what a great day that was mate – started off with that twat Michael Knighton ball juggling before his failed attempted buyout of United – Could not get the required £20m to buy the club! Yeah 4-1 win – Brucie scoring after 2 mins and Webbs cracking volley.
I love reminiscing mate, especially when it comes to United.
Late goals come from constant pressure, a beater team imposing their will as they wear you down, then after physically beating you down they have gotten in your head and they expect to loose to Man Utd, and they do.
beater Freudian typo, My first Man Utd man crush was Roy Keane first with Ireland then Man Utd.
The dark arts, I was amazed at Makelely and Carvolio how they got so few yellow cards. Like they pushed right to the line all the time. Fuckers. hehehehehe
Gatuso now their is a man. My bad for spelling RoM.
Kings
Love reminiscing about United too my friend. I had actually left Manchester the summer before that season started after 12 great years having never missed a game at OT, not to mention loads of away trips as well! sigh
CedarsDevil – That long ago? Bloody hell where’s the time gone my friend? Any thoughts on coming back for a visit and getting in some games?
Kings
Time does fly buddy! Been back 6 or seven times since…. I try to make it once every 2 years. My last game at OT was the 2 – 1 win against Arsenal when Hargreaves scored that peach of a free kick… I am due a visit perhaps early 2012….
whats going on with the milk cup game?
ryan7, They play tonight.
http://www.manutd.com/en/Players-And-Staff/The-Academy/Academy-News/2011/Jul/milk-cup-final-preview.aspx
3-2
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7533717.stm
live stream for the milk cup, losing 3-0 tho..
Bit of a concern: http://www.thebusbybabe.com/2011/7/29/2303708/does-javier-chicharito-hernandez-have-a-neurological-condition
Fingers crossed its only a concussion and he will be up and running again…
Our prayers are with you Little Pea
CedarsDevil – Fully endorse your comments my friend.
http://fourfourtwo.com/news/restoftheworld/83236/default.aspx
Good for US Soccer.
It seems that Chivas and Chicharito’s parents are fully aware of his medical history, and therefore United is too. Possibly that played a role in his treatment thus far, although it is most likely that it is all precautionary.
Be well Javier!
http://fourfourtwo.com/news/england/83183/default.aspx
A Rooney read. How Lil Pea helps him play better.
http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/870856-mirko-vucinic-set-to-snub-spurs-and-man-united-to-join-juventus
Knew this was BS.
As if, we need another forward!
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Manchester-United-news-Antonio-Valencia-agrees-new-contract-set-keep-him-at-Old-Trafford-until-2015-article778643.html
Great news. Tony v agrees new 4 year deal. That’s him and Parky tied down.
willierednut – Great news about Tony.V. Fantastic player.
Kings
You’re missing the fun on the Aguero thread buddy
Kings – It is indeed mate. I think Costas said the other day, we’ve got some great options on the wing now. United have always been renowned for having great wingers.
Willie
Any update on his injury? I cannot get hold of any news on that front
@willie, That is amazing news. It makes all the people who called Valencia one-dimensional (some still do) look like daft cunts. He is probably the most traditional winger we’ve had since Beckham. Ronaldo and Nani are great players but are not really the old-fashioned wingers, are they? That is one of the main reasons I also loved the Young signing. Now, we can have two wingers on either side who will just bang on those crosses in all day and with the strike force that we have, it would take me back to the golden days of watching Giggs and Becks bang them in to Cole/Yorke/Sheringham/Ole/Ruud.
willierednut – There’s even scope for Tony V to play in the centre of midfield.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jul/29/manchester-united-summer-signings?
Not good news. Gill says, It’s unlikely we’ll sign a midfielder this summer.
@willie, I won’t choose to believe anything until the date is September 1st and there is no one added to our squad. I am not saying we are going to sign someone, just that nothing is as cut-and-right as everyone is making it out to be.
On the other hand, if this means Sir Alex is giving the vote-of-confidence to someone like Cleverley, then that is also fine by me. I’ve not seen anything of Cleverley to actually make a passable judgment on him. But he does seem to have a lot riding on his shoulders and IF (and that’s a big IF) he steps up, then I’ll be even more happier than if we had signed someone with a marquee name.
Willie
Actually that is great news for some
Balaji – I posted a link from the Telegraph, that gives a different slant on that story. I’m still hopeful as well, but it doesn’t seem likely atm.
@Cedars
Lol. I knew you would be happy! Could be a chance, for young Tom to step up. We’ll see, eh?
Willie
I have high hopes on Tom, the boss did say he wont loan him out this season which has to be a great sign….
CedarsDevil – it is bad news for one main reason, carrick and fletcher are both not in great form.
Add the fact cleverly is not a natural CM, so this makes it a real frustrating attitude from the club, when united decided to strengthen a midfield back in 2001 and 2003 with players such has veron djemba kleberson, when we already had keane scholes butt p neville and fletcher, all very capable playing in midfield yet we decided to strengthen the midfield, but when we have desperately needed to strengthen this area, we decide not to, seems mind boggling
Balaji Sivaraman – I always said this, last season was the perfect season to give cleverly a chance. I hope he succeeds, but if there is no platform in the engine room with good midfielders in good form, then it puts cleverly under huge pressure to solve a midfield in dire need of new blood. If the boss really wants to win another european cup, then he needs to get in new blood
@FITB, “we decide not to” – That is a really unfair comment mate and I don’t think any of us understand just how much work is involved in trying to even track down players and make them offers. We cannot say for sure just how many mid-fielders Sir Alex and Gill shortlisted, how many made the final cut, how many we decided to pursue, how many were marked off for a variety of reasons, how many did not want to come to Manchester, how many chose to remain in London and… well, you get the drift.
Fact is, the transfer marker in today’s world is not the same as it was when we got all those players you mentioned. It is pretty obvious we tried (are still trying???) to get Sneijder in and that deal got shelved (maybe???) for a number of unknown reasons. Good mid-fielders of the quality needed to survive in the Premier League playing for Manchester United are not as easy to come by as some of us would like to think.
Oh, and I don’t think anyone would call Cleverley “not a natural CM”. As I understood it, his primary position is in the centre of mid-field.
FITB
Carrick and Fletch not in great form? Carrick finished the season in excellent form, Fletch was recovering from illness
@Zibbie thanks for the link @cedars good woords I pray for him too.
David Gill is fucking useless. He has one job and is shite at it.
Millions of midfielders in the world and he can’t secure the services of any of them? What a tossmunch
woords ha ha words sorry
Manchuchu
What on earth are on about? Its not like he’s buying bloody vegetables. Besides its Sir Alex who decides who he wants, Gill only concludes the deal.
Manchuchu – Calm down mate. We are not Chelsea or City looking to spend shit loads on players for a quick fix. We are the Champions of England for goodness sake. Fergie has bought wisely and if there is an opening for another signing he feels will enhance the team, then he will address it.
CedarsDevil – this is where you are wrong, carrick has done ok, but for the standards united have set he has got to do more, and like many have said fletcher is in a disastrous state of physical shape. You go through carrick’s form away from home, and it is very very patchy.
Balaji Sivaraman – WS is the exact problem that cleverly is, its not his natural position, especially in a 2 man midfield, united don’t need a goalscorering midfielder etc, united need a playmaker in the mould of an alonzo or a fabrigas, who can play in a 2 man midfield but can control everything that’s going. But if united cannot get that type of player, get more of a destroyer that has talent but makes our midfield allot more compact and nasty, so if we cannot find that crafty player change tactics to a more snappy midfield
CedarsDevil – sorry mun, this is where you are wrong was totally out of line, I ment this is where I disagree
The team as it stands is one of the 3 top teams in the world, I would love a CM. 33 days left before the window closes. Maybe Fletch looks strong, Tom tearing it up in practice? Could be he has his man in Jan or next summer? Andro looking strong. Pogba, Pogba, Pogba…. He may not Un-Ravl ….
@soren thanks nice read.
how anyone thinks tom cleverley will run our midfield at places like anfield or stamford bridge is beyond belief….hes fucking miles away from a first team place