Sir Alex Ferguson has today suggested that Owen Hargreaves could be back in time to face AC Milan.
“I would like to see him make the squad for the Champions League fixtures against AC Milan,” said Ferguson. “But we won’t rush him. We are being patient. Owen is alternating his training with the reserve and first-team squads, working for two days and then resting a day. It’s a matter of him regaining his confidence and when he is able to train every day that will be the moment for him to return to match play.”
But then, Hargreaves was included in the Champions League group stage squad which was selected at the very beginning of September, so I’ll believe it when I see it!
Man Utd News 24/7
Bollocks
Got my hopes up too many times now. As Scott said, I’ll believe it when I see it. He was “supposed” to be back late November, then early January, now mid-February.
*sigh*
and he hasnt played football since 2008..
My sentiments exactly, Scott.
Dont get me wrong. I think Hargreaves was a top player when we bought him. But still remains to be seen if he will be able to attain the high standards he set after a 2 year hiatus.
Well if at most I rather we play him sparingly like how Tottenham plays Ledley King rather than not playing him at all! =)
a very good news…..hargreaves back…..the defenders would be relieved to hear that….but we should not rush him in…..we have waited for so long and should not take a risk in calling him early without match practice….
if he can stay fit for the next season, we have a great team coming up. 4-5-1 with Fletch and Hargo, and Ando. Yummy.
could be …
not inspiring news to be honest.
I’d rather believe my eyes than ears on this one!
good to have him back – but still alittle too soon, esp not with milan
besides, we need to keep core midfield same – carrick, fletcher, scholes safest
Fergis didn’t mention the obvious fact that Hargo will have to play in at least 4-5 Reserve games before he can make the bench for the first team. So, call me pessimistic, but I doubt we will see him in the last 16 or the Quarter finals of the Ch.League for that matter. Providing we qualify.
The Milan game is in 2 weeks time and he hasnt even played a reserve game yet, so how on earth can he play that one or even the 2nd leg. He will need to play atleast 2-3 reserve games before even thinking of playing in a league game.
“so I’ll believe it when I see it”
me too…
I’m not holding my breath, Milan game seems to close for Hargo to return.
Would like to see him play for reserves before being in united squad!. That way he could get some practice. If not this season he’s a great great prospect for United. He could be feeling bad, he hasn’t contributed this season. But somehow feel we all need to back him up. As SAF feels he’s got to improve his confidence.
Surely a Guy who has not played for goin on 2 years will find it hard to regain the same level that he once had? Especially if he can only train 2 out of over 3 days. I wonder what happens to these guys wages when they are on the long term injury list. Any idea when his contract is up for renewal ?
He’s played behind closed doors, I believe it was still a good performance from Owen. Fergie knows best, even if we get him fit for the last 10 games of the season he will be like a new signing…I think some of you forget he was one of the first names on the teamsheet when fit… WE BELIEVE
@ aig
i was thinking the same thing he was expected to return in september, and the only football he has kicked since then was some sort of indoor game that only GOD knows who were the oppositions were.
he needs to be playing atleast regular reserve matches from now on to be ready for the likes of gattuso and seedorf.
having him back is one point, but how he will be able to reach the level he was at before the injury is an entirely different story, and it will be quite a while till he can be back to his best, that is saying if he doesn’t get anymore injuries. But its a wait that will be definitely worthwhile. In my opinion, he could have been the difference against Barca, if he had play.
Hargreaves ,and i said this last week, I can see in the carling cup substitute bench, and I really will stand by that till the team sheet is out. its a high profile tough game but not the end of the world game on the same hand
Lads I understand this comment part is ll about opinion, but all in all if Sir Alex says he’s up to milan/champions league game. then you gotta believe him
COME ON THE RED KNIGHTS
ghtt
sorry. i dont believe SAF on this. Sir Alex has been saying he will be back for the last 3 -4 months now and them says he has suffered a setback. Expect the same this time. On Friday SAF will say he over did himself in training and will take a couple of weeks more to come back
sorry off topic but i was just thinking like….we have a EPL decider at OT with chelsea, and on the 90 minute its still a tie…terry fouls rooney in the box, and bang ! a penalty.rooney takes the kick and cech parries it and on the rebound JOHN TERRY does this…. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuojabmE39c&NR=1
i feel like doubting thomas
in pre-season we were told he would play at the start of this season , then by nov then by xmas then by end of jan , i wonder if he will ever make it back , would love it if he could as the thought of hargo next to fletcher and or carrick in the middle would be immense , hes a top player but can he ever get back to his best ?
AIG
Change your user name mate because everytime scott does a post on Sir Alex says
then you write Bollox after it all the time.
I dont even think you read the whole thing you just want to have the top comment
yesterday scott wrote about how united are clicking together and you wrote first that scott was wrong about things that he answered in the post and scott replyied to you to explain that to you.
@ Gotta hate tiny tears
do you read aig comments
?
if hargo doesnt get back in the side in this month then we are a year after march2009 were owen hargreaves was first taught to be back when he went out of action. i rememberreading it on rom and someone wrote “thats cool he’ll be back for the end of season run in”
ghtt
i certainly dont hog for the top comment,so to say that is a bit ridiculous. This certainly seems over the top given the Milan game is 2 weeks and not 2 months away.
All i disagreed on with Scott yesterday is on saying we will win the league. All i said was it is too early to say that. I never had any issue with what he said in the article.
SAF is a great manager but all that he says isnt always right.
Would be great if he can make it back, not an easy task after 18 months from the game, hopefully the operations have been successful. Fergie’s right not to rush him back, we’ll be glad of the wait if he can play the remainder of his career with minor injuries only.
Hargreaves was always a risky purchase considering his history of injuries, fingers crossed it’s all behind him.
Hopefully all is coming together @ the right time. Would love to see Hargreaves back but we shouldn’t rush him, In SAF I trust.
@ AIG – if your gonna write Bollocks about the statement Sir Alex made don’t you think you should change your name. Its a bit contradictory.
@fred I did and do but maybe not as much from here on out
what my first comment said was Milan is a big game 4 the big cup so if the manager thinks he’d be up for it then i believe him.
@aig
im not bothered with your comments today make
what a great result yesterday was and now with news one of europes best box to box midfielders could be back soon from quotes the greatest manager of all time and you just write bolloxs
what a load
Jandsdad
I honestly cant believe what SAF is saying. The fact that i respect the man and look to him for inspiration DOES NOT mean i agree with everything he says.
Afterall he is human, so everything he does and says isnt always right
Oh Owen Hargreaves you are the love of my life, oh Owen Hargreaves, dont let Terry near your wife, oh Owen Hargreaves….I want curly hair tooooooooooooooooo!!!!
I read that quote from SAF several weeks ago, so it wasn’t made with the understanding that there were only 2 weeks to go before the Milan game, so you never know. However, I agree with most of the posts on here, very unlikely oweing to the amount of comeback dates that have come and gone and the lack of “real” matches he has played.
aig
its not just this artical
its anything sir alex says money /injuries/ players etc you have this new little catchfraze of bolloxs that always appers at the top.
ghtt
i am NOT DENYING he is one of the best midfielders of all time, but SAF has said from 4-5 months now and his return is being delayed every time. hasnt even played a reserve game so how can he make the squad for the Champions League game.Wont it take him time to regain the fitness levels on the field and get back to his best?. Hard for me to believe it.
ghtt
i barely say anything like that. When SAF says he has the money to spend i never said anything like this because i believed in his reasoning.
anyone read this
http://manchesteruniteddugout.blogspot.com/2010/02/manchester-united-has-100million-to.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Manchester-United-Blog+%28Manchester+United+Dugout%29
@ AIG
fair enough if you don’t believe Sir Alex, imo it seems your name is a contradiction. How can you claim that Alex is God and then in the same comment say he is talking bollocks?
No one is 100% right all the time, but don’t you think you should support the Manager and the team because he is usually 99.9% right.
I F I T
aig
ive sad this to you before and wrote if you keep thinking alex is only human and talks bollox the change your user name. just get a bit of faith.
ive a meeting now so im gone but im right about this.
i dont know what your problem is with united since about november and maybe its not because they are handing you 6-0 wins .
not that i believe in him(?) but ive read enough about him(?) to know
God aint no Human
I’m desperate to see him return to action but these constant postponements are worrying. I understand we have to be patient but it’s almost 18 months since he last played and sometimes players don’t return the player they were. Which would be shame because Hargreaves is such a good player. He was quickly turning into one of my favourites at United at the end of the 07/08 season.
Jandsdad
I am talking with reference to this article.Who can deny that he is right most of the times?. I have been proved time and again by him.I didnt want Nani to start on Sunday, didnt want Allan Smith to start against Roma. SAF took those risks, he was spot on about them. More often than not he proves everyone right and i have always and will continue to back him and the team but this one seems a bit over the top.Just for that one thing which is disagree on, i must change my user name?
Guys, no need to argue. AIG’s username says Alex is God, which he is. It doesn’t say Alex doesn’t make mistakes. He does make mistakes. When it comes to Hargreaves, I believe that Fergie should stop making pedictions about his return. Because, as AIG says, he has been making them since the start of the season. Lets give the lad a chance to return on his own terms and not force the issue like that.
Remember that it took Ole a similar amount of time to come back and that was just for one knee.
he’s not saying he will be in the squad – he would like to see him in the squad… he says he won’t rush him, so it suggests he does not really expect it to happen… so why the animosity people?
I really do not understand the amount of love given towards Hargreaves yet carrick seems to get constant critcism off most on here! Carrick is far an away a better player than Hargreaves yet people talk of Hargreaves as our saviour just baffles me!(I do think Hargreaves is a good player by the way just not as great as everyone else does)
And as Tony Starks said, it’s more like wishful thinking from Fergie. We all want the same. But it’s not to likely.
ghtt
i have faith in the manager and the team.Just because i am a bit of a pessimist does not mean i dont have faith in the team. I dont expect United to win every game 6-0 because i am not a gloryhunter.
@ welbz
carrick is a better player than hargo ??
maybe i wont argue with that IF you are compairing the fit carrick with the injured hargo…but then even titus bramble is better than owen hargreaves right now….
aig
if you tell jandsdad that this talk that we are having now
didnt happen the other day when you start saying an Alex Artical was bolloxs then your lying to them and your lying to your self
Thanks Costas
I really cant figure out why on earth people are having a go at my username. Just becasue i disagree once with what the manager says?
Here is the man whose wiki page i read once every week(along with Cantona) to inspire myself. I have the same username on every social networking site i go. Just because i feel once what he is saying isnt right and wont happen does it mean i disrespect SAF or anything like that?
@ AIG
I didn’t write that you must change your username I just believe, like I have previously stated that you are contradicting yourself, like GHTT mentioned you have a pop @ the boss when it is not needed.
Anyways i think we should agree to disagree on this one.
ONE LOVE
ghtt
which day,which article. was it the van nistelrooy one?. all i said that day was SAF MAY have been wrong with regards to RVN or certain players he let go in not having tried to reconcile with them . I said he MAY have been wrong.I did not say he WAS wrong.
And one more thing. i have never ever said this to what SAF has said before.this maybe one of the very few times i am disagreeing with him.
@Jansdad
I am not having a pop at the manager. All i am saying is this dosent make sense to me how Hargo can be back for Milan adn after saying the same thing for the last 3 months it really wont happen.
I you think, i disrespected him , i am sorry, never wanted to do that.
@AIG
No prob. You and GHTT are two of my favorite people in here and I don’t like arguing over stuff like this.
Keep the username as it is. Fergie is most people’s role model, but he can get it wrong every now and then.
i don’t even understand why on earth you guys are on aig that much..does having a person username mean you are not entitled to disagree with him ?? GHTT is not so very happy with AIG so you all pop on him ??….you are the kind of people a certain maggot refers to as “bootlickers”
aig
bollox
and you know its bollox
my point is your in such a rush to write the first thing you dont read the whole thing or think the whole thing through
bollox
….. come on fella’s no need to bicker. From what I read SAF has “Challenged” Hargreaves to be fit for the squad…..not predicted anything. A few people have mentioned that it could be a confidence thing so it could be that it’s just a little carrot that SAF is using to get him to push on. Like I said, the quote is from weeks back!
red sam
people make there own mind up if they didnt then they wouldnt write what they think in the comment line.
Costa goodmorning
read your comments and took it on board
but i have to go there are people in my office looking at me while i send this important email
vome on the red knights
ghtt
i repeat i am not in a rush to write the first thing.there is nothing to think in this one.
SAF says we wont rush him.he hasnt played for 18 months and then you say you hope he makes the squad for a european game that is 2 weeks away. please explain how that can happen?.
Red sam
Nice way to get in on conversation, start off by calling people bootlickers.
You seem to have the same class as tevez does.
Did your mummy not tell you if you can’t say anything nice don’t say anything at all ?
Fuck it all, AIG – if you think the manager MAY have been wrong, I’ll come out and say openly, that I often feel and stay convinced that he IS wrong…and if that robs me of the right to be a Man Utd. supporter, or to be on this blog, let’s fuck off our respective ways!! Honestly cant understand the “I’m a bigger fan than you are” syndrome…
Bizarre…..one of the least contraversial topics Scott has ever posted and we have one of the quickest arguments ever to have erupted? Don’t get it? I think a few people got out the wrong side of the bed this morning.
What’s all the fuss about John Terry. Everyone knows that if a full back leaves a hole, it is the centre backs job to fill it.
Fergie selling Porkies to the Media.. ha ha ha..
“JOHN TERRY SLEEPS WITH ENGLAND ACE’S EX”
WOW. First Wayne Bridge and now some England ace.
Off topic – thank god!
http://www.clubcall.com/manchester-city/city-used-gago-agent-1017019.html
Just another example of City’s lack of class, their incompetance and why nobody will ever take them seriously!!!!
I dont really believe it at the moment. I think it might take until next season or forever. It’s been dragging and dragging. How i wish i can see him on the pitch.
Red sam
yeah I would have carrick in the team over a fit hargreaves everytime!
@ The Edge…..very funny! By the way, was it you who said yesterday there were gonna be revalations regarding Lampard and Essian?
John Terry is considering turning to drugs after all the pressure from the media.
Maybe he should talk to Frank.
@ Jeet
this isn’t about “I’m a bigger fan than you are” syndrome, there is no underlying element to this.
Its pretty straightforward, imo AIG was contradicting himself and he has explained what he mean’t. Fair enough.
@ the edge
nice one ha ha
Nickname is the thing of no importance. When i first came to a forum and started to think about the username i didn’t manage to invent one for a large period of time.
There is a musician whose name is Chick Corea, i respect the man but i don’t listen to his music every minute of my life and he is not my favorite musician by far.
I could have nicknamed myself Britney Spears but it doesn’t mean i am a fan of her. Chill out.
mikekelly12- No. Don’t know anything about Lampard or Essien.
Seriously. Hargreaves has been training for ages now. Think it is all about confidence.
aig – Very pessimistic mate. You doubted us against City and Arsenal. Then you said to me yesterday that Hull would have no chance last night. Show some faith lad!! Only messing.
I have come to the conclusion that the people on here who are positive wioll generally be positive people and have a decent outlook the others ditto.
aig – You are having a bad morning with people ganging up on you! I put my comment after only reading the first comment by you. Sorry if it looks like I am jumping on the “lets bash aig” bandwagen. Have to say though gotta hate is right. Since about Novemeber you have been very negative mate.
@ The Edge
Sorry mate, someone said yesterday his mate worked in the press and it was going to come out that Lampard and Essian have banged Bridges Mrs too. Thought it was you.
@ King Eric
I think some of the people who post on here seem pesamistic because they don’t want to tempt fate. Not saying everyone but I’m sure a lot do it from that point of view. Some very superstitious people around. Read a thread where someone doesn’t even watch the games so they don’t jinx them! Whats all that about?
Ghtt and aig, cool your jets. Very funny edge
mikekelly12 – don’t worry, aig will watch the games
mikekelly12 – Alright mate. Was thinking exactly the same. SAome strange arguments on here of late.
If he’s back great, but I am not keeping my hopes up. Our midfield set up against Arsenal worked a treat and I am confident they will repeat that against Milan. And when you have Rooney on the pitch, then I am always confident that we can beat anyone put in front of us, he is that good. Pleased to see Nani showing signs of improvement as well. Let’s smash Portsmouth on Saturday and hope Arsenal turn Chelsea over.
MikeKelly12 – Re your last post. I actually think there is a difference between tempting fate and being positive. For example I always have faith in things like we would beat Arsenal and Citeh. However I will never openly say “right we will hammer City tonight”. That is tempting fate.
@King Eric
Do you remember that cunt tony evans was on talksport before christmas claiming the rentboys wud win the league by 10 points, wonder if he is still of the same opinion.
King Eric – I completely agree, but there are people out there who think otherwise because they want to be proved wrong but if we do lose they come out and say “I told you so”. Not sure of the psychologhy of it all but it does happen.
@ the edge
It was goldenballs who made the comment yesterday. “mate who works at the press association, told me it will be in tomorrow’s newspapers, but Lampard & Essien have had Bridge’s ex as well. That’s what you call a team player!”
I wil try to do my bit aswell:
Terry has apparently lost the England captains armband, so the FA decided to call Wayne Bridge and ask him if he can look for it under his bed.
@King Eric
Hi mate. You dont have to be sorry.i am sorry because thats the way i am-Very pessimistic and you are right i have been negative since November.As i said before, i wish i was an optimist like you like. Sorry, i have tried but i cant be.However i have never had go at our players and love United as much as anyone else
@mikekelly12
That person who dosent watch games is me. However its mostly the big games. It sounds silly, dosent it, but it works for me. Also you are right, i dont want to tempt fate and hence will never say confidently United will win, especially in big games.When we do, i am as happy as any United fan
Mikekelly12
That makes sense. Terry’s best mate Lampard ain’t said a word of support for him. Probably because he knows if the press found out about him shaggyng Bridges missus, he’d be in even more shit than Tiny Tears.
@ MUFCUM
I’m steaing that one on you.
Funny
The Edge
Could scupper his relationship with that bird from the one show too!!! Now that Max Clifford has got hold of the slag not sure what we’re gonna hear.
@ ghtt
Stop acting the fuckin bully (again). Leave aig have his opinion. You’re sayin aig wants the top comment, thats rich comin from you.
@GHTT
Yeah, focus on your job mate. 5 years into the future, this will have been one of the most pointless arguements in ROM history!
On to more important things, I heard that Bridge’s ex was seeing another player at the time she was seeing Terry! So Tiny Tears is basically a cheater and someone cheated on at the same time. How does he do it, lol? Always an embarassment!
aig – Everyone on here knows you love United mate, I wouldn’t worry about that.
willierednut – I certainly do remember that cunt Tony Evans on Talkshite. It wasn’t the rentboys he tipped he said that Citeh could buy whoever they want in the January window and they would walk it by 10-15 points!! What a fucking prick. He said we would be 4th or lower. I hate the fat cunt. THE most annoying Scouse accent I have heard. He was on the other night spewing his bile. You could practically taste the lemons over the airwaves the bitter bastard.
aig – Not being funny but whether you watch the game or not it will not effect the outcome!!
Lads,
See the thread has went on a tangent, and for once it isnt my fault! hahaha
With regards to Hargreaves i think fergie is playing mind games! From what i have herd from fergie he is on about confidence and the medical people are confident that the knees are fine!
I think Fergies opinion is! Right lad, you have had the green light! We have been patient, your 29, You are training partly and suffering no side effects so bite the bullet and its time to go 100% We have games to play, its now time for you to do your part, and i bloody well need you!
It either is going to go one way or the other, he comes back and his knees are ok or he comes back and they arnt!…………. We might end up with a Leadley King Problem, one came he plays another he doesnt!………
I have fingers crossed for him as i think on his day he is immence!……He is the best in the game at what he does and he makes Gareth Barry look like a Conference League Midfielder!
King eric
i know.its like your ass is on a stove when united are playing and you are awake but not watching.most of the games i missed because i really couldnt watch them due to unavoidable reasons.the fact that united do well that time is just a co incidence
wot is going on here today? people need to chill, why so much hate for fellow reds? why can’t someone criticise the manager if they want to? we are not a totalitarian club right?
trevor
Well said. I hope you are right.
Why would anyone want to critisize our manager?
We currently have a manager who when all is said in done will go down as the best manager in english history!
What he says is not alawys exactly gospal! He tells you what you need to hear not what he wants to tell you! He is a master of it!
Fergie has said Hargreaves has a chance for the Millan game? Is he not just sending a message to hargreaves? Telling him what he needs to hear rather than Telling the world you are fed up and he needs to get a finger out!
Every Manager is custom to Critisism but i find it difficult bringing myself to critisise Fergie when he has given our club so much! Yes he gets some things wrong and will openly admit it, but one this is obvious he gets a high percentage of his decisions correct and very few wrong!
Fergie is a Legend, always question what you read in his quotes. Always try to think, is he really meaning what he actualy is saying or is he sending a message!
A true Master!
@ Colbert!
me too..
@trevor
i never get tired of folks singing fergie’s praises. well done! fergie also got of criticism for not spending the ronaldo money in the summer and for not strengthening after leeds in early january. “no good market value” he kept telling us. few believed it, while city spent like chavs.
this january there was only around 30mil spent- the lowest in recent years, and mostly all loans. but it is fergie who opens his cheque book to go for diamond in the rough smalling, who most pundits are calling a brilliant bit of business and at a bargain price in the long run.
now we’re about to overtake chelsea (batter them you arse bastards) and we have a centre half for the future.
fergie, a legend and true master indeed!
who is this Owen Hargreaves chap?
seriously, those pesky Germans must be laughing at us.
PLEASE let it be true. I miss watching him play
Wen the boss signed hargo he had in mind, a partnership of carrick and hargreaves simalar to that of gattuso and pirlo, but because hargo’s injury problems that hasn’t been possible.
There’s a reserve game against city this thursday it would be great to see Hargreaves play some part! Even if it’s only 5 minutes
mikekelly12 @ 12:28: “I think some of the people who post on here seem pesamistic because they don’t want to tempt fate.”
Not me, mate. I write about what I see – for me, the opportunity to communicate with other FanaticalReds is a god-send and I often thank Scott for the opportunity he had afforded me.
What I like most about REPUBLIK is its relatively well-mannered and civilized tone. We are all logging onto this blog because we are slightly nuts – that’s a given; but we are doing so because we all want to see the glorious # 19, etc. If some of us are “critical” it’s not because we are afraid to “tempt fate” but because we are hoping for the best and think we know better. Mostly, that “knowing better” is a weekly lesson in humiliation as we learn – again and again – that SAF really does know best. Nevertheless, the foolish among us – and I’m looking in the mirror – seem to think that our opinions matter and so we are not shy about sharing them: it sure beats talking to oneself !
well last night was a cool friendly debate with an arsenal fan in arsene wenger which shows there some great asrenal fans who speak sence.
but I find it very strenge how fergie would hint at hargreaves return he must not forget the complete mess up of the match against milan in 2005 when he rushed back van nistlerooy.
I think united can win the league, if united pick up maximum points in the next 3 games and if we we play with the crisp zip play of the past phew games. I will go from united can win the league to united will win the league. because at OT now with the pation of united fans at the moment liverpool and chelsea wont live with united.
Guys, Alex Is God is a clever play on the initials A.I.G, don’t take it too literally and tell someone they have to change their username because they don’t agree with EVERYTHING our great manager says. Let’s be honest, who actually expects him to be in the squad for AC Milan games? As ppl have said, he needs a a fair amount of games playing in the reserves before i’d be confident seeing his name on the team sheet. If i’m honest i’d say leave him for next season to be sure he is fully fit and so he can get a pre-season under his belt before playing. It’ll be just a like a new summer signing!
@the edge – those Terry jokes are top quality!
but like I say the next 3 games will be a huge factor if united are going to win the league, everton and villa are 2 tough games and pompey cant be underestimated especially how unpredictable the league has been this season. my only worry is like I said on previous posts is united are a striker short.
RTNK
i agree, we cant expect rooney to sat on this amazing run of form, even though alot of players are chipping in with goals i still think berbatov needs to score more to help lift the weight off rooneys shoulder
p.s
whats with all the agruements here today???
About Owen Hargreaves – if fit, he’s a true terrier (hell, he’s a ManchesterTerrier) and he would be welcome in any CL team’s midfield.
The issue is that he has had both of his knees “reconstructed” – not just one knee but both of them. I figured that he would need a minimum of 18 months to get back to playing-shape and that time-period is now just about up. But that is “a minimum”; so, he’s pretty much on schedule.
We don’t really have any clear idea about the physical condition of his knees or the mental condition of his confidence in his knees. But, regardless, IF he were to be able to contribute then that would be a HUGE bonus.
Missing Hargreaves and Fletcherinho – and having a half-fit Carrick and Anderson – was the reason that Barcelona were able to run UTD ragged in Rome. Rather like playing without the first four central defenders and having to compete with two midfielders in central defence. Not a recipe for success on the biggest stage.
But that was then; now is another story. Getting Hargreaves into the mix would be a fantastic addition to the squad. When fit, he’s a tenacious midfield harrier/terrier. He’s also excellent at corners and free kicks. It’s a shame that he has not yet been able to regain his fitness/confidence but my fingers are crossed that he can do so. Not much more to say than that.
Well Well Well……..what happened here!
I see a benign topic….and suddenly there is an absolute fire raging on!
And people trying desperately to fire fight but to no avail!
I mean guys just take a step back, relax and re-read the whole thread again and you will realise how funny and childish this whole thread has been..
We all know AIG is United through and through…and I’ve also come to realise that he is also a bit of a pessimist over the last few days (I’ve even tried to reason with him and tried to cheer him up, but hey every human being is different, thats the beauty of it!)
We should be rejoicing our team’s resurgence over the last few weeks but instead here we are bickering among ourselves….the other clubs fans must be pissing themselves laughing just like we sometimes do at the ramblings in the ‘bluemoon’ and ‘thekop’
lets just move on, pray to God hargo comes back fit and fine and then we can all laugh at this thread together some months down the line!
Ulster Red – exactly thats my only worry is united are a striker short unless berbatov somehow improves by 50%. unless rooney does a ronaldo of 2008 but ronaldo was still getting hel from rooney tevez giggs.Then rooney will need help from the likes of berbatov, but hey the penny has finally dropped with nani who now seems to realise his potiental. I said lastnight united have 2 inform strikers united will cake walk the league.
can people believe it one of the red knights people is united fan and bookie owner fred done things are starting to pick up.
RTNK
our defence obviously will play a massive part, if we can keep teams from scoring i always feel we can get a goal or 2 ourselves, hopefully vidic is back soon and with the for of evra this season vds back in nets and rafael playing well of late we should be ok
form of evra*
He finally fought his way out of the jungle.
He’ll be in the squad. I’m not going to interpret that as a sign that he’ll play. If he’s only just got over his injury, he’ll need plenty of games to get up to speed. The AC encounter won’t be one of them.
Rooney the new king – Everton for me willbe the tricky one but it depends which Everton turn up as long as United are on their game. Villa really doesn’t worry me. We have a decent record there and they like to play. We should have beat them at home but for a makeshift team. We were much the better team. Wenger to an extent was right. At that game at OT they scored then just sat back and tried to hit on the break. As long as we turn up we are well capable. As for Pompey I agree the league has been odd but I am convinced we will beat them resoundingly. Sold most of their best players, James in goal, ain’t been paid and the club is in turmoil. We will have FAR too much for them. Anyway 1 game at a time.
good, but it would be wise for fergie to play him in the reserves before a first team comeback
King Eric – well after the defeat united had against villa it will be tough, and my paranoya of our strikeforce is still light is partly reason why I am taking every game like its a cup final. like I said if united pick up maximum pts in the next 3 games in my view we go from can to will win the league. Yes its a bit arrogant but fergusons united are the worse team to go toe to toe in a title race.
The media and chelsea themselves should really look in the mirror and look at the bigger picture. That our defence has been depleted, add the loss of 2 key forwards leaving in the summer and the defeat against chelsea was robbery, if all these things went our way the league table would look much different indeed.
can you believe that TWAT has the poster welcome to manchester on his wall is it me or is he making heinze seem like a united legend, because tevez is judas with a capital J.
Hargreaves is a key player, an excellent one who contributes whenever he plays. I just hope he can keep injury free.
King Eric,
Spot on mate – we always seem to do well at Villa Park, and I think we can get 3 points there in the form we are in, alas they should not be underestimated…
I am not so sure about Everton though, they are hitting their stride, with Piniear (spelling?) back into full flight, Timmy Cahill popping up with a few goals, and the main main Arteta is coming back into the first team now, so Everton at home, I would not complain with a point.
no less than 3 points and 3 goals against Pompey will be acceptable, the club is an absolute joke at the moment, and after Citeh scored against them last week, their heads were down, and looked easy beats. A nice early goal should ensure a cricket score.
In all honesty we have coped well without Hargreaves but its obvious we signed an injured player. It is annoying to hear that Hargreaves will be back bu such a date and not to see it happen but Trevor may be right in the fact that its public support/encouragement for Hargreaves. He may be saying “The media haven’t forgotten you, neither have the fans, nor have I” So go out and get yourself back in the team. You can’t blame fans that the longer he’s out the more agitated they get when you read another “comeback” story on Hargreaves. Personally and I hope I’m proven wrong, I think he’s finished.
when my son turned 8,i sat him down and explained there was no such thing as the tooth fairy.
when her turned 9,I sat him down and admitted we made the easter bunny up as well.
last week after his 10th birthday,I sat him down again but before i could open my mouth,he said ”daddy,it’s ok i figured out for myself that theres no such person as owen hargreaves,now whats santy bringing me this year” !!!!!!!!
I think if he came back he would be a spent force by now….2 years out. Let’s hope for the best though.
Hargreaves was a brilliant player and one of my favourites even before he arrived from Bayern Munich. And if you’ve forgotten how good he was and how calm he was at vital points in the 07/08 season then watch this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dj3P4Ai36_M and remember his champions league penalty.
SAf keeps on saying Hargo needs to “regain his confidence” WTF hes either fit or hes not. If hes only training 2 days then having to rest a day theres is no way he will make the champions league squad for the Milan game. By the sounds of things he not progressing very well and the whole “confidence” thing is just a way to keep the fans happy. I hope to god im wrong and the lad does come back and play this season.
i am having enough of this…
u call urself this club fan and not having faith with Sir Alex who turn Fletcher from some sloppy midfielder to the world class player he is right now…
maybe thing he predict concerning hargareaves is bollocks…but as a master of motivator…he might use this kind of prediction to motivate midfield and defender…look our top dog are going to return soon…that will relaxed the team a bit…
and hey HARGO is back so work your sock off Carrick,Ando,Fletcher…he coming to take your first team spot if u dont work hard enough…thats enough motivation for them coz they know that guy at his peak is the top midfielder in the world…
so sir said he might be play at champ league against milan…are Fletcher Carrick Ando and Scholes going to let Hargo take up their place in that big game…they r going to work their sock off…and its not bad at all for team competition…
Thing is with Hargreaves in my opinion him and Fletch are too similar. There is not a cat in hells chance Fletherino will be dropped. All the same it is a good dilemma to have. They can play different games with Carrick, Ando and Scholes.
lol look at this picture here
http://www.nzurisana.com/forum/showthread.php?433-hehehe-funny&p=443#post443
@ King Eric
I think Fletcher and Hargreaves can play together, the Ince and Keane combination was a formidable unit and it would put the fear of Cantona into any opposing midfield.
I would love to see 4 3 3 with Carrick/Scholes sitting behind , acting the playmaker, Fletcher and Hargreaves.
King Eric
fletch and hargo can play together mate. Fletch is more than just a defensive midfielder.Hargreaves is more a defensive midfielder of the two while fletch is a box to box midfielder and given the license can get forward a bit more and maybe get a few more goals.However both CANNOT play together in a 4-4-2 formation but can in a 4-5-1 formation especially in Europe as none of them is creative or can play good through balls
Jandsdad @ 20:32: “I would love to see 4 3 3 with Carrick/Scholes sitting behind , acting the playmaker, Fletcher and Hargreaves.”
Me, too. But it ain’t going to happen. Carrick is a fine player but not a great player – and I disagree that he is like Andrea Pirlo, just a pale imitation of the real deal. I know he made that lovely little dinked-pass to ThreeLungPark on Sunday but his “defence-splitting” passes have been few and far between.
I do agree with your suggestion that Michael Carrick would probably play his best behind two of Fletcherinho/Anderson/Hargreaves – he seems to be a bit too deferential when he plays with Paul Scholes.
What Michael Carrick seems to lack is drive and confidence in his obvious ability. He’s just too passive. IF he could add that drive and confidence to his repertoire then he might just meet the expectations that greeted his arrival. So far, he’s been good but inconsistent – great in some games (against Inter Milan last year in the first leg of the CL he was awesome) but he disappears in others. Let’s hope “the penny drops” for him, too.
I would think that AIG @ 20: 46 has hit on the way forward: a combination of ???? with Fletcherinho and Anderson/Hargreaves would be very strong, aggressive, and energetic. The question is: who would be “?????”
@ Denton Davey
He also played the ball out to Nani for his goal/almunia own goal, with a first time pass.
I have to disagree with you that he isn’t as good as pirlo in what he does Carrick imo is very assured with the ball and can drop into the path of his team when he needs to.
Carrick may not be as adept at Killer balls as Scholes, then again who is?
When he is ticking over he controls the game fantastically.
We’ll see
@denton davey
considering the fact that Nani is doing very well and if we want to start both fletcher and hargo i would say we can get a suitable formation with the current team. There are 2 options, either Anderson plays where he actually did before he joined United and that is as a CAM.The second is valencia plays as an attacking midfielder behind Rooney and fletcher can play as a box to box midfielder and hargo purely as defensive midfielder
VDS
rafael Rio Vidic Evra
Hargreaves
Nani Fletcher Giggs/Park
Valencia
Rooney
OR
VDS
rafael Rio Vidic Evra
Hargreaves
Nani/valencia Fletcher Giggs/Park
Anderson
Rooney
I guess the big question is what kind of level is Hargo going to be at when he does return, can he play at the same level he was at before the surgerys?
Can he play more than one game a week or is going to be like Ledley King and only play games then rest all week.
I think a fit Hargreaves at the same level he was at before starts most games for us. He would also make a great cover for the right back postion as im still not sold on Raphael when it comes to defending.
Not much of a creative spark in midfield i.e.Carrick/Scholes?
According to the Times he’s been withdrawn from the champions league squad, let’s get realistic here, he’s not going to play again is he?
We might as well cut our losses and get shot of him, we were well and trult stiched up by B. Munich!
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article7014289.ece
Cant really blame Bayern Munich for this, the lad passed a medical before signing. I honestly done see him playing again this season. Hypothetically speaking if his career was over because of this injury would there be an insurance pay out?.
Im guessing any insurance company would fight it and say it was a pre existing injury/condition.
JandSdad – Well Fletch, Hargreaves AND Scholes or Carrick is a different prospect altogether. Would love to see this. I have to say I am a big fan of the 3 man midfield . It has worked to great effect this season. We have been able to control the midfield and allow the wingers and Rooney to bomb forward with confidence.
denton – Scholes and Carrick were fantastic in the 06/07 season together. I reiterate . Carrick was superb on Sunday.
Red till i die:
Passing medicals can’t mean much, after all, Saha did!
But saying that, I obviously hope i’m proved wrong
Knightsmith – Well if the times article is correct that answers the question of this thread. Disappointing really.
King Eric:
I hope the article is wrong, but one can’t help feeling pessemistic over the whole thing.
Still, at least Leeds lost!
Sometimes I wonder if these reporters are lobotomised. “Ready for the World Cup”? A player’s career is on the line and that’s all they can think about? Even if Hargo managed to get fit and start playing in March, there is no way in hell he should be allowed to go to the World Cup.
Anyway, if the Times are correct, then it makes sense in my view. Our defensive injury crisis could flare up again at any point. So lets get another defender in just in case. I can’t imagine what this means for Owen. I will just reiterate something i said in the morning. Solskjaer was out for 18 months too and that was after reconstructive surgery on one knee. Not two. The mistake we made, was that we started raising the fans’ hopes by talking about September, November and then January returns for Owen.
At the moment, the best thing we can do, is resign to the fact that he will play this season. Don’t want to sound pessimistic, but it seems like he still has some way to go. If, he can’t return to action, then all I can say is it’s a shame him and us found each other so late. Great player and a great character. As was Ole, but fate has dealt him a worse card.
Owen Hargreaves struggling to make World Cup finals
Fabio Capello’s hopes of having Owen Hargreaves fit for the World Cup finals have suffered another huge blow after Sir Alex Ferguson removed the Manchester United midfield player from his Champions League squad.
http://www.nzurisana.com/forum/showthread.php?434-Owen-Hargreaves-struggling-to-make-World-Cup-finals&p=444#post444
Evra Alex is just like a little boy
ALEX FERGUSON still dances up and down like a child if Manchester United notch up another victory.
Read more: http://www.nzurisana.com/forum/showthread.php?435-Evra-Alex-is-just-like-a-little-boy&p=445#post445
Jandsdad @ 21: 25: “He also played the ball out to Nani for his goal/almunia own goal, with a first time pass.”
You’re clutching at straws; yes he hit the ball on the volley, first-time; but look more closely – it wasn’t “to Nani”, the ball went out wide-right and Nani collected it and then he alone produced the magic. The ball Carrick sent over to Nani left it all to do; Nani did it all.
“I have to disagree with you that he isn’t as good as pirlo in what he does Carrick imo is very assured with the ball and can drop into the path of his team when he needs to.”
I totally disagree with this suggestion – the Pirlo of 2006 was, like Scholes, a fantastic player; the 2010 version is slower and not so good. Still, he’s better than Carrick2010. And, I’d bet that if Don Fabio was given the choice of Carrick or Pirlo then you’d see what a professional talent-assessor thinks about Michael Carrick. Hell, Don Fabio doesn’t even rate Michael Carrick ahead of Gareth Barry ! To be blunt, he’s not fit to wear Andrea Pirlo’s boots – or Paul Scholes’.
King Eric: @ 23:57: “denton – Scholes and Carrick were fantastic in the 06/07 season together”
You could make the same argument that Scholes and O’Shea carried the team in 05/06 – except that then you’d have to acknowledge that the constant in these two equations was a younger Paul Scholes.
I’m not saying that Michael Carrick can’t do – and doesn’t do – some great things. What I am saying is that he’s a passive player – and inconsistent, too – so that while you can pick out your examples of him doing great things, I can pick out my examples of passivity and sideways passing. He was sensational against Roma in the 7-1 thrashing and again againt Inter in Milan last February and, to be honest, he’s a fine player, BUT NOT a great player.
I believe Hargo will play professional football again. If i didn’t believe i wouldn’t have been here. I don’t know what would be the exact day but it think even if he isn’t ready for march we should use him in some of the games in the final weeks of the season. of course if we have opportunity to do so.
Now it appears that hargreaves has been removed from the champions league 25 man squad. I said yesterday that it wasnt gonna happen and got trashed for saying SAF was wrong about it. I will be as happy as anyone to see him back but this was way too optimistic.Its being dragging on and on for months and i cant see him being back atleast this season. WIth a proper pre-season in 2010-11, we can see him in action possibly next season
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/manutd/7149715/World-Cup-blow-as-Owen-Hargreaves-out-of-Manchester-United-Champions-League-plans.html
this sucks, one day Sir Alex tells us he will be there for Milan, the next day we see his name crossed from the squad list… Sadd…
@AIG
Hi mate. I said it yesterday. It was more like wishful thinking by Fergie. There was never a relaistic chance of Hago being in the squad in 10 days.
*Hargo*
AIG: yesterday you stated your opinion Hargreves wouldnt make it and unfortunately it looks like you were right… I hope you didnt pay any attention to some of the mindless bullies that were having a go at you yesterday..
Costas
hi mate.
exactly. All it did was gave some fans false hope. it was never going to happen.Cant believe some fans thought it was going to happen.
It doesn’t necessarily mean he won’t take part in some of the EPL games this season. We have only one Darren Fletcher and can’t afford to lose him for the crucial CL games. Not any more.
Long John O’Shea
hi mate. how are you? long time.
Logically thinking it wasnt going to happen and hence i said SAF’s saying he could make it for Milan didnt make any sense.The idealistic target for him should be to stay fit, play 2-3 reserve games and then get a few league games under his belt or come back next season.That does not mean i am disrespecting SAF or anything like that by disagreeing with him on this one.
AIG: I good and yourself???
i was with you on this one… He needs match practice…. and in saying that it is not disrespecting SAF..
@Long John O’Shea
i am good. Thank you.
exactly what i was saying. cant understand how it turned out into an arguement that was completely off topic.
AIG: I can tell you how that happened… Its because some people are just bullies and internet hard men… best thing to do with them is just ignore then and they will go away….
Long John O Shea – “Mindless Bullies”? Get a grip son. It was banter between regular posters on here. Aig Wasn’t offended I believe.
King Eric.. I do have a grip son.. and I did read the comments directed at AIG and no a lot of them were not in banter and im sure as you can see from an earlier post today AIG made he said he was thashed by some.. i believe but not all… some of the comments directed at him were bang out of order and amounted to nothing short of bullying.
I hope everyone who has taken Fergies actual Words as gospel will learn something and stop getting so up tight and getting the hump!
Our Champions League Squad is big enough to cope with Hargreaves in it even if he didnt play!..> If giving him a place spured him on to put in extra effort to get fit and play some part in our season it would have been worth it!
Reports Say Hargreaves is not part of our champions league squad!!
My take on that is, Hargreaves didnt up his game, what fergie said ment he was giving him a chance!… He didnt take or was unable to take his chance so fergie has shut the door!
Time will tell, what happens with Hargreaves, hope he gets back i really do. But we will see!
@King Eric and John O Shea
Forget it lads. We are one big family and let it remain that way. That was yesterday, i have forgotten it now. today is a new day.
I think we can put yesterday down to too much tetestorone!
Some people need to think about what they post, Some Would be better off Going to Support SChity, Some people need to ignore posts obviously from wankers & arseholes!, some need anger management, some need to get a life & We all need to get laid!
Life is too short for bullshit!
aig – Cheers pal.
Long John O Shea – Fair enough.
Question for everyone , thIS One Knight consortium.
Is it open to every fan, Like i would commit to a few hundred of a grant if at a push. Might not be much in the scheme of things but if every fan chipped in then we could all own our own club!!!
so diouf into replace welbeck aswell, ive just been informed of my shift patter and im on the late shift for the next two weeks starting monday, bloody raging that ill miss the game on the 16th, ah well 5live will have to do fuck sake, alanYSB green the cunt
I heard he wont even be available for the world cup.. more miss informed information on hargreaves as usual, face it hes finished…
trevor, The whole point of the red knights is for fans to own the club, If it all goes to plan everyone will get a chance to own there share of United…
Well..I think this story is the final nail in the coffin as far as OH’s Man United carrer is concerned.The lad is truly a world class player and I would love to see him back if at all it happens this season but we’ll have to be very optimistic in believing he wouldn’t be sold off in the summer.Some of the names poppin up as a replacement are Yaya Toure, Diarra and that young lad Sissoko from Toulolese. Whom do you guys think will be his replacement if he indeed is sold in the summer window?
@ United4life
i diasgree, at the moment it just really means he isnt ready to be used in the champions league.
Time will tell.
@ Everyone!
What ever happens unless he makes a full recovery i dont think we would find a buyer even if we wanted to sell!
Someone also commented that the Germans must be laughing at us, for christ sake grow up!.. How the hell were we to know what was going to happen. These things happen in football. Its life! Its not fergies fault!
Some people have been very critical of Fergie and the club for signing hargreaves due to how it has turned out. If Fergie was physicic then i am sure he wouldnt have signed him.
When we herd Hargreaves signed for our club, Who was unhappy? Who objected? Who said he was a sick note! Please stand up!
People need to be a little more realistic and just accept that these things happen and we have to get on with it and do the best we can! Some poeple are saying what Ferie is thinking but as a manager he still has to stick by his player even though he is thinking the opposite!
he doesnt have the luxury of just going to the press and saying, “Hargreaves is a disaster, He is a bloody sick note, The bigest waste of money i have spent and were still paying him a wage. he either plays of fucks off?”…… Is that what people want or expect?
trevor – he helped us win double 07-08. that is enough for me to not call him a flop. i will believe till the end he will be back and as strong as the pessimism of some people out here.
@ Corea,
I agree i remember the performance in Europe at right midfield and he was sensational.
If this lad had of stayed fit everyone would have been singing his praises. Because the lad has been very unfortunite alot of fans have turned on him and sort of blaim him in a way!
Its quite sickening!
Look at Dean Ashton at West Ham, He had some horrendous injuries. Their fans loved him, and difnt give him the stick or slagging some give Hargreaves!
I hope hargreaves makes a full recovery and after his first man of the match performance im going to take 1 day off work and spend it finding posts where people have slagged him off and paste it on here with ” funny you like em now, specialy is your previouly slated him …. blah blah blah!
trevor – most of the posters are just sad and rightly so. but i will never understand the ones who now know this is the end of the player’s career. i wouldn’t have wanted to have parents who thought i will live a boring life without success.
just heard the news about hargo…………i’m fucking devastated for United and for the lad. a proper world class midfielder who drives the team on and embodies the passion and commitment to wear the shirt. i really hope this isn’t the end of his career.
@Trevor & Corea
I maybe exaggerated it a bit by using “the final in the coffin” thing in my post. But the thing is his return is getting delayed again and again. First, we were told that he’s gonna be back in September, then it got extended to end of November i believe and then Sir Alex came out with a comment earlier this week that he would probably feature in the UCL squad against AC Milan. I was so happy that we would finally get to see him back but to drop him from the UCL squad means that his chances of playing this season seem to be very slim but if he does makes a comeback that would be an added incentive for United. What a difference he makes to our Midfield!
@united4life
my comments wernt directed at you really, I dont know what the actual situation is with hargreaves i wish the club would make a statement. Give an open honest clarification on what his situation is.
Fergie is playing mind games with these deadlines and things he has said, said the lad needs to gain confidence in his fitness. Didnt say he was fit!!!
Said there no reason he cant make the Milan Game as his comeback – SHowing him the door is open and its up to him!
All during this i have herd that hargreaves is being eased back and they are being carefull. Anyone herd that he has had a set back?
Anyone hear anything about him or just that he has been left out of the Champions League Squad?
It was always optimisitic to believe that Owen Hargreaves would recover and regain full match fitness within 16 months; he had a massive set of operations in terms of the physical requirements of playing professional football at the very highest level. So, it looks like UTD are now between a rock and a hard place with Hargreaves – the rock being that he will never regain full fitness and the hard place being that he will take long to do so. The real “doomsday scenario” would be for Hargreaves to never regain full match fitness – the jury is still out on that score but, to me, the reports that his physical recovery has gone well is somewhat reassuring.
The other unspoken issue in HargreavesGate is the up-side potential of Darron Gibson, Paul Pogba, Matty James, Tom Cleverley – as well as some of the other youngsters – even Anderson, for that matter. Will any of them seize this opportunity ? And, specifically in regards to Anderson and Gibson, have they been bigged-up or are they likely to follow the “growth curb” of Fletcherinho – slowly but surely developing into the players that SAF has envisaged ?
In professional sports, one man’s tragedy is another man’s chance to shine.
@denton davey
Good post fella!