Owen Hargreaves has given a frank interview today in The Daily Mail where he discusses his injury hell as well as his hopes for the future. He doesn’t have an agent and offered to play for United for free this season, showing the measure of the man, and sadly, making his story all the more heart breaking.
The injury started when he was with Bayern Munich and broke his leg. Hargreaves claims that the recovery from that injury was the start of his problems.
“When you suffer an injury like that you go into plaster and you lose a lot of muscle,” he said. “And even when I was finally ready to come back, I probably didn’t have the same bulk. That was probably when I started to damage the patella tendon on the outside of my knee joint. I played 10 straight games for Munich and then one day we did some sprint training and it went pop. It was probably a month before the end of the season. It settled down and I got through the medical at United but now I realise the problem was probably developing quite rapidly. The quadriceps is the shock absorber for the tendon and when the tendon starts to break down it doesn’t have the ability to heal itself. When I joined United I told myself I’m not going to let it bother me. I’m the new guy, there are high expectations, I want to play. The niggle is there so I sit out an England game. We started doing double sessions and my knee flared up. So I dropped out of a few sessions; did a bit of maintenance. But I just lived with the discomfort.”
We’ve seen Ole Gunnar Solksjaer come back from an injury when nobody seemed to believe he could do it, meaning United fans were maybe more patient than most when Hargreaves was attempting to make his return.
Last season, he started against Wolves, much to our surprise, but only lasted five minutes before doing his hamstring when crossing the ball.
“When I walked off the pitch after five minutes in that game against Wolves last season, people must have thought, ‘What is it with this guy? Is he made of fucking glass? Is he kidding?’” he said. “It was my first game in two years. I lasted five minutes before I tore my fucking hamstring. And when I had the scan afterwards there were two tears in my calf, too. Walking off the pitch that day was the longest walk of my life. It took all my energy just to make it back to the dressing-room. It’s my first game in two years, I’ve had a standing ovation and I’ve now got 70,000 people looking at me – millions more on TV – and all I can think is, ‘Try not to limp’. I look like a joker. I wanted to try to keep playing. I think it shows how desperate I was, trying to battle on with two muscle injuries. I wanted to at least get to half-time. But I last five minutes! I’m not an emotional guy but when I finally made it into the dressing-room, I just cried. I was sitting there with one of the physios and I was so overwhelmed. I had put so much into it. For two years I had been visualising the moment in my mind.”
It wasn’t just Hargreaves who was devastated, but his team mates too, with Edwin Van der Sar taking it upon himself to look after our broken midfielder. He went round to his house that evening just to sit and talk with him.
After recovering from that injury, Hargreaves played in a Reserves game and ended up dislocating his shoulder, and that was his season over. His contract expired in the summer.
“I said my goodbyes to the boys before the Champions League final. That was it. I was gone,” he said. “I don’t blame them for letting me go. I can understand it. There comes a point when you have to say this hasn’t worked out. The game has moved on. See you later, all the best. I told the boss I will play 40 games this season. He said he could see me playing again, but he wanted to start bringing the younger players through. When I played for him he was fantastic. He’s a great manager. He knows the players who can win a game for him. He’s the best at that. The guys were great, too. It’s a wonderful club.”
Best of luck, Owen.
Man Utd News 24/7
Has sneijder signed yet
Talk about honesty.
Maybe things would have been different if we and and he took it easy in that first season. Hargo played a hige part in our success that season, but long term, the consequences were disastrous for him.
I hope he resurrects his career somehow. It would be a shame if that game against Wolves was his last one.
Sad, its a pity, he was great when fit.
Feel absolutely gutted for the lad . What a waste of talent , obviously not his fault :. Good luck for the future Owen.
fucking hell.
feel so gutted. one of my alltime favourite players.
keep fighting hargo!
Bit concerned about the events leading up to the Wolves game. He knew he had a bad calf and torn hamstring but played anyway?
there seems to have been a lack of objective decision making, desperation to play shouldn’t have come into it. After being out so long why try and come back when you have pinged two leg muscles in the previous days?
Massive shame as we still desperately miss his style of play.
he was a wonderful player but it just wasn’t meant to be
at least he has a PL and CL medal to show for what he achieved at United
What a player! Wish him all the best for the future.
Hope he somehow resurrects his career! I wish he could have played more for United. Had huge expectations when he came and he could have easily fulfilled them too. But, I guess, somethings aren’t meant to be.
Will never forget his freekick against Arse. And I bet if he was part of the team against Barca for both the finals, the outcome might have been different.
Bad luck but talented player…
All the best…
Hope to see you play again….
Dont give up for your lovely soccer game!
Yeah, every time he came back from injury, or there was news about him possibly coming back, I was hoping for the best – his career’s a huge series of if-onlys and what-ifs. That magnificent freekick against Le Arse will always stick in my memory. Who could’ve known that that injury he sustained at Bayern was going to destroy his career?
And when it comes to the last few months of your contract and you get a shoulder dislocation, of all things, you just have to hold your hands up and say that it’s just not meant to be.
Could’ve been a legend, now just a hypothetical. Sad.
Heartbrake… all the best, too bad you couldn’t be with us. Great player when fit.
No bitterness from him, but you can only imagine the anguish of having that no.4 shirt for so long and never being able to wear it.
I hope he can resurrect a meaningful career at a serious club.
All the best Hargo.. Thanks for all the memories Hargo.. Hope he resurrects his career elsewhere..
Genuinely gutted at reading this. He’s such a good guy too, could of been a United legend.
captain – What sort of first comment on this thread is that? Fuck sake this blog has gone to shit, it really has.
Fair play Owen and thanks for the 07/08 season. Best of luck.
Shows the measure of Edwin as a man too.
I’m keeping out of this but I was right.
This actually brought tears to my eyes. You can see that he really wants to play but his knee will not allow him to do so. Best of luck brother. Hope you get some first team football somewhere. And forget about sneijder. FFS we are not signing him. How hard is that for you to understand?
Captaink9 = nob
Good luck Owen.
Sneijder spotted in Manchester….. its on
It makes me sad reading this very emotional interview. His attitude and desire were always first class. You can see the hunger every time he got on the pitch. He really was a top class player. I am happy that he at least got a CL and PL medal for his trouble.
Like others here I wonder what an impact and a difference he would have made if he had stayed injury free and took a CM berth in past seasons. What a tragedy.
I do wish him all the best. I think he was a different breed of player in terms of his character, mature intelligence and hunger for the game.
I also like the vignette of Van der Sar going around to his house and just being there for the guy. How classy is that? That says it all.
The Left Bank
Good point from King Eric about VDS. That was a classy gesture on his behalf. What this club is all about.
we can see that you want to play bt ur knee could not allow u.hope u come back to manutd for our back room staff or coach united.
@jasonpark_where did u see sneijder
Bloody hell, almost brought a tear to my eye…. Such a great talent and one we badly missed.
All the best Hargo, a true United man
Will always remember your freekick against arsenal.
@Walter Mitty
Not only that free kick against Arse but I remember the celebrations after it . It was like we knew we were gonna win the title that year . They use that celebration for Skysports promo and they have it in slomo and it still gives me goose pimples .
On another note I hope he gets a good Premier league club , Albion would be good for him .Its a decent place with good traditions and history (also West Brom is my birthplace) and I always look out for their results .
hope u resurrect ur career elsewhere all the best hargo, a true united man.
True United man!
Here is a walk in memory lane. Bet every one remembers this -
http://youtu.be/3vxBONdczBQ
RMW
Hello my friend, thanks for the link…. I was at OT that day and assomeone here mentioned you could tell from the celebrations that the lads knew we won the title
Goosepimples every fucking time!!!!!!!!!
I would’ve kept him in hope that he will get better. he will provide the experience to lead the young lads especially considering the fact that VDS, scholes and Neville has retired
Stepped up to take our third penalty in Moscow, just after Ronaldo had missed his. Massive pressure on his shoulders: miss and we are all but out or score and we have a chance. He calmly slots it in the top corner. His best moment in a United shirt imo.
@Cedars
Hello mate! How are you? You were at OT that day, eh? Lucky ass!
It was one of the best seasons ever!
Am happy that Hargo was part of that team and he played a major role that season. Not like he came to United and couldn’t do anything for the club. He made a major impact in his very first season. Absolute gem of a player. And reading this post by STR really shook my insides! We never got to know him much. He would have been a legend, IMO.
OK, I am with Cedars on this one, I teared up too. When anyone speaks from the heart, it will be obviously be heard by fans like us. Also agree with Costas and King Eric, Edwin has always been a great guy as a number of innumerable moments including this one have highlighted.
I was absolutely thrilled about his signing, and would definitely not call it a failure of any sorts. The one season he did play for us was the most successful since the 1999 season, and that highlights it all. His free-kick against Arsenal was probably the most important moment in the title race, and he took the best penalty of the night against the rent boys – an unstoppable fucking bullet. Not to mention his performance in the CL final in general. I will be eternally grateful to him for that.
But, I think it is finally time to him to call it quits. He seems like a fairly level-headed bloke, so management may seem like a decent alternative. I am absolutely gutted to say this, and although I hope I am not right, I will be very surprised if he plays football at all again.
How very sad.
Hargo, we will always love you, never forget you and consider you one of our own. Put the dreadful saga behind you now. Train well, and take the chances that come your way. A new chapter of your life must begin. Good luck, good health and happiness be yours.
well said King Eric keep the faith mate
all the best 4 the future and thxs for the part you played in the success 08
top player and a top lad
hats off to VDS 4 helping him thru a true gent at a time when the game is riddled with money grabbing tossbags
What could have been, what could have been.
This will always play back in my head had he been available for those 2 CL finals. Messi just never had a chance to play against Hargreaves did he.
Very sad that owens united career ended on such a low point.He would have given so much strengh to a midfield that has being under strain for the last few seasons.The lad deserved much better than this and i hope we will see him get a break somewhere and show us what we have being missing.A lad that really wanted to play for united not just some money grabbing whore who would have kissed city”s badge for a bigger wage packet.Good luck owen.
morning Costas
I see u were beaten to the first comment
dont worry mate, it happens
better luck next time
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVVuBVw4edY&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fipEh7iF6RY&feature=related
Hargreaves is pure class. No need for tears, the guy has won 2 CL titles, so he already had a decent and top level career up until his injury. What`s quite sad is the potential contribution he could have for Utd during these 4 years. Who knows what could`ve happened if he was fit to play in the two finals against Barca. Best of luck for the rest of it, Owen.
The freekick that won us the title. Seems like only yesterday. One of the great OT moments.
Off-Topic: John Henry talks the truth – At least somebody from Liverpool football club seems to have their head in the right place.
Morning fellas, what’ve I missed?! Been in Turkey for the past 2 weeks hence my ROM absence.
Really sad, also quite shocking that the medical staff at Bayern allowed him to play without getting the muscle mass back in his quads first – fairly basic stuff you would think for a club at that level.
What a big loss ….when he play, he’s everywhere! the most industrious english defensive midfielder i ever seen in my lifetime…
Oh Scott you made me cried like a baby after reading that..Owen is such a lovely lad,he’s my 3rd favorite English player after Scholes and Becks…was really delighted when we signed him in 07.his contribution that season was immense,i’ll never forget those freekicks against Arsenal and Fulham, classy,plus his performance in both the CL semis an Final.it broke my heart to see him released,thought he’ll get one more chance to prove his fitness.but that wasn’t to be.i’ll give anything for us to have a player with a similar playing abilities. wish him all the best,hope he stays fit and enjoy his football.Oh Scott you made me cried like a baby after reading that..Owen is such a lovely lad,he’s my 3rd favorite English player after Scholes and Becks…was really delighted when we signed him in 07.his contribution that season was immense,i’ll never forget those freekicks against Arsenal and Fulham, classy,plus his performance in both the CL semis an Final.it broke my heart to see him released,thought he’ll get one more chance to prove his fitness.but that wasn’t to be.i’ll give anything for us to have a player with a similar playing abilities. wish him all the best,hope he stays fit and enjoy his football.
He seems to have a Psychological Problem more than a Physical one; maybe he works so hard to prove himself fit that he ends up injuring himself
Remember how Fletcher is taking his time to get back into the Game; how Rooney fumbled last year with his ankle injuries
Same with Valencia
Anyways Best of Luck to Him
Hofmeister….Follow the bear.
Such a shame his career ended in the way it did. Great player and when fit, he was unrivalled. Best of luck Hargreaves and thanks for a glorious 07/08 campaign. You will always be loved at United.
Mikekelly12 – Welcome back! Are you talking turkey again?
You’ve seen the games, right? Other than that, all you’ve missed is CedarsDevil being agreeable towards willierednut’s intelligence. Same old, same old!
Good day Kings! 28 hours until we get a chance to stick it to the Arsenal. Can hardly wait!
Lloyd™ – good contribution feller!
with us some day, he’s gonna be back.with us some day, he’s gonna be back.
what the hell??
smartalex – Good day my friend! Yeah I cannot wait. It goes without saying how much we all look forward to the next United game, but with the involvement of our young lads this season, the impatience for me is that much greater. I had that same feeling in the 95/96 season.
Welcome back Mike, apart from the odd troll here and there I would not say you missed that much!
Morning, Hargreaves- awesome. I hope he can reach a deal with west brom, he deserves to play in the PL again, he’s a warrior. He’s got the heart of a red lion that bloke
His performances during the double season were excellent. Such a pity his career has been marred by injuries. May be if Bayern had allowed him to recover, he would have fared better. sigh…
Anyways, best of luck Hargo – we will always remember your free-kick against arsenal and penalty against chelsea. Thanks for the memories.
“Oh owen hargreaves u are the love of my life, oh owen hargreaves ill let u shag my wife, oh owen hargreaves I want curly hair too”. Thanks for the memories mate.
Kings – Their enthusiasm and exuberance rubs off on us, giving us a new lease on life!
I think that factor, more than any other, is what drives Sir Alex onward with such passion.
Good afternoon CedarsDevil! How are you today, my good friend?
Hi smartalex, I am very well thanks buddy…. Just relaxing on a nice Saturday afternoon… Currently watching Villa v Wolves
Smartalex & Cedars. Good to be back fellas. Not talking Turkey but will no doubt be talking more “gobble gobble” de gook over the season!! Yep, watched the games in a bar over there, the second match with a group of Spurs fans much to my amusement! Looking forward to the game tomorrow, first trip to OT of the season!
Trolls….. Fuck em!
in the DM article he holds no ill feeling towards United, Fergie etc, yet if I remember correctly an interview with Daniel Taylor on RoM he said the opposite – that Hargreaves had some grievances towards United etc, making me wonder where the truth really is….but he’s a massive loss and I hope he really does make a comeback at another club – he deserves it.
Balaji
Thanks for that Henry link… Whilst he is stating the obvious something tells me he is playing mind games on his own team to give them added incentive…. What was laughable though is some of the comments… One Liverpool fan claiming that they have a similar squad to United and should be able to compete… REALLY? Similar squad?
Liverpool’s squad is:
- called a ‘squad’
- consists of paid athletes
- lives in England
… so yeah, Henry has a point there, they are comparable to United’s squad.
smartalex – In fairness it was not Henry who made the statement, in fact he said that United were years ahead of Liverpool……….. The comment about the squad was made by a poster (it appears below the article)
“Cristiano had two years left, I think, when we let him go,” said Ferguson. “We had him for six years and the issue is how long do you think you’re going to keep European players?
“You have to plan ahead. We looked ahead and got Nani. You can only do your best in terms of preparing for the inevitable and make sure you’re stocked up with enough players to compensate for it.”
http://wap.manutd.com/en/editorialnews/NewsStory.aspx?mx=&page=0&newsCatid=531&NewsID=8012640
Hargreaves was the CL equation – it also is proven because the year he came in he was outstanding
It’s a shame that yet again we had a player that succumbed to injury – but we all move on and all I can say is thank-you for all the memories and it’s heartbreaking to think what else he could have achieved had he had been fit.
I hope he still manages to play – even if that means that he can bring some sort of acceptable closure to his footballing career.
19
Everytime I think of the hargreaves injury episode.it saddens me.I hope the likes of Rooney and other prima donnas realise how lucky the are to still live their dream.Hargo’s dream was cut short(or rather had a few yrs stolen from him).No amount of money will compensate him.I really hope hargreaves can use Johnathan woodgate’s recovery as inspiration.Go On Hargo lad,your almost there…
Liverpool are decades behind us! The fan who said they have the same squad as us is just a deluded hopeful! Yes, we all wear glasses tinted in our clubs colours but some go a little OTT! A spurs fan who was in the bar with me for the match said spurs should have been at least 2-0 up at half time and 3-0 flattered us!! There were several matches on in the bar and I did suggest that he could very well have been watching the wrong one!!
CedarsDevil – Fair enough! Thanks for that. Henry seems quite level-headed. Zibbie has blown his trumpet, saying that his US teams are successfully and intelligently run. Whether that can make up for the inbred scouse mentality as shown by the poster, remains to be seen and seems unlikely!
Welcome back Mikekelly.. Good holiday? You aint missed much, I aint been on as much as went to Dubai.
Call me a heartless bastard but there is really no need for tears and such like. He has won trophies and is setup for life. Yes I appreciate he would rather be playing but no need for tears.
King Eric
In no way are you heartless, I mean your man crush on Hernandez is enough proof of that!
@Smartalex -Appreciated
T4M – As unfortunate as the whole Hargreaves debacle has been I dont see why you had to throw Rooney’s name in there. He made his mistake and is now repaying us in spades. He looks happier than ever. Rooney will score tomorrow as I believe he is on 149 goals for United. Say what you want about him but thats some fucking record. To think what else he brings to his game as well.
“Even though he wanted to go to Real Madrid the previous year, it didn’t stop him from being a top player. Everything was perfect with the boy, he was a professional right down to his bootlaces. ”
SAF on Ronnie
This is what many of us fans Don’t get, a player can’t be that good with out being a top professional, even though he bitched around during that summer he did really good for a player who already knows that he is going to leave the next summer
I mayn’t idolize him, but the memories he provided with the help of an excellent team built around him will never fade and I sincerely love & thank him for that
i hope some fans who still like to call him a classless c*nt forgive him
King Eric – cheers pal. Yeah, top holiday just ashame it coincided with the start of the season. How was Dubai?
I see the arsenal runt finally got his dream meal ticket at the elephants graveyard and that Tevez has decided to stay cos no fucker can afford him!! Thought the Prick hated manchester?!
I see another Newcastle forward has followed his predecessor’s lead. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-14691913
Cedars – Ha. Cheers mate. How you doing? Right off to chippy now then back soon.
Mike – Very good thanks but RED hot. 44 during day and 36 at night.
Hello there King Eric! How are you buddy? Heartless, perhaps? Ha Ha!
It’s true that Hargo has had a wonderful career, with a great life ahead of him. Tears should be reserved for real tragedies, although it does sadden me to consider his heartache.
ancha – I dont think many call him a classless cunt. I loved watching Ronnie live. An absolute pleasure to watch. I will always like the lad but since his move to the fascists I just feel indifference. Read somewhere yesterday that he isnt happy with the tactics at Madrid.
MG – good day sir! I too really hope that Hargo reaches another summit, having worked so hard these past years. He deserves more than an honourable mention for his comeback attempt.
Samartalex – Bloody hell lad, everytime I am about to leave for the chippy another comment appears!!! I am well fine sir, yourself. Bloody hungry though. Laters.
King Eric’s chippy must be right next door!
Bon Appetit good King!
Hargo, what can I say that hasn’t been said? The lad was quality and ran the show on a number of occasions! Would walk into the team this season if fully fit! Someone mentioned it earlier but very strange that any pro club, let alone one the size of bayern, should fail to prepare something as basic as fully strengthening the knees supporting muscles before playing! Real shame as if could obviously have been easily avoided.
A quick poll, how many players down the road would offer to play for less wages, let alone for free?? Hmmmm, tricky!!
King Eric
Barca are extremely happy at the tactics in Madrid
smartalex
Good day to you smartalex! Here’s hoping Hargreaves can finish his career off one way or the other.
I just think that SAF let him go because Ryan T will be the equivalent player – again wish Hargreaves the best of luck
Chippy, got me hungry now!! Might get one myself!!
Brings a tear to a glass eye that interview. When you consider we’ve had players at the club who fake injuries (Kanchelskis) and then you have this guy who plays through the pain just to prove himself even though he was one of the best defensive midfielders in the world when he joined its sad to see the way its ended. We have Nasri who goes to cit-eh for more money and we have Hargreaves who was willing to play for free. Good luck Owen wherever you go even if its a rival.
“Steve Bruce phoned Joey a few days before the derby. Joey said thanks for the offer, but no chance. It was nothing against Brucey. He just did not want to sign for a rival club – Joey will never forget this club or the fans.” Barton is also believed to have turned down a bigger wage offer from the Wearsiders in favour of QPR.
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/newcastle-united/nufc-news/2011/08/27/joey-barton-why-i-turned-down-sunderland-move-72703-29312579/
Not every quality is admirable, but i’d rather have Barton than Nasri.
we got the sheep in the cup we got the sheep!!!!
we all hate leads scum we all hate leads scum we all hate leads scum
Carling cup draw is out – and we are playing…wait for it….LEEDS UNITED!!!
King eric,I didn’t want to use rooney’s name but I couldn’t find another example.hargo really has a strong heart.his determination and hard work must be vindicated.Its only fair.if I was him I would have slit my wrist in depression lol
I’d play Welbeck over hernandez tomorrow.Its important to keep the momentum going with him.I’d play him left wing with rooney and nani also in the front 3.Carrick,Ando and cleverley in the midfield.Carrick to sit deep because ando and cleverley leave lots of space between the lines which a good AM could hurt us in.Same back 4 as Monday I’d go with.De Gea;Smalling,Jones,Evans,Evra;Carrick,Cleverley,Anderson;Welbeck/Park,Rooney,Nani.
De Gea
Smalling. Jones. Evans. Evra
Carrick
Cleverley. Anderson
Nani. Welbeck.
RooneyI’d play Welbeck over hernandez tomorrow.Its important to keep the momentum going with him.I’d play him left wing with rooney and nani also in the front 3.Carrick,Ando and cleverley in the midfield.Carrick to sit deep because ando and cleverley leave lots of space between the lines which a good AM could hurt us in.Same back 4 as Monday I’d go with.De Gea;Smalling,Jones,Evans,Evra;Carrick,Cleverley,Anderson;Welbeck/Park,Rooney,Nani.
De Gea
Smalling. Jones. Evans. Evra
Carrick
Cleverley. Anderson
Nani. Welbeck.
Rooney
@ smartalex. You’d rather have a racist at our club than Nasri. Don’t like either player but rather have a player who isn’t racist than one who is. Nothing whatsoever admirable about that cunt Barton. Everything tiny good thing he does know is penance and he has a long way to go to break even. I didn’t want Nasri at the club either but rather get one over l’arse than have a cvit-eh reject. That comment really struck a nerve. Fucking Barton. Pathetic.
Away to leeds in the Carling Cup. I guess King Eric will have to be careful of standing on needles next time he’s off to the chippy.
Can’t wait to see our young lads take the piss out of Leeds. Could well see Pogba doing his stuff in September. We all hate Leeds SCUM!!
Poor guy, he was compensated during his spell with us so he will get over it I’m sure
@ Mahesh. Looks like nobody cares mate. Same thing happened in FA Cup which had the worst home support ever from fans. Good thing the game is away you know the supporters who go to that game will get behind the team unlike the huge majority at OT 2 years ago. Best draw we could have got IMO. Looking forward to it.
NotoriousRedDevil
You had better re-word your last comment to me. You make false claims about my thoughts on racism. Re-submit and apologise right now.
Monday 9pm.National Geographic channel, worth the watching.
NotoriousRedDevil
How dare you suggest that I am happy with racism.
I will cut your fucking throat and watch you die before I support racism.
You are a fucking CUNT!
Re word what smartalex. Barton is a racist. You’d rather have him than Nasri. I’d rather have neither do what you want I’m not the one trying to justify wanting a racist over a mercenary? Apology don’t think so.
CUNT!
Will you know smartalex. Bring It. Put your money where your mouth is with threats like that see you outside the Bishops Blaize at the chelski game. Not getting into a war over the net.
I don’t know Barton to be a racist. You presume that I do, and am happy with it.
You are a CUNT!
I despise all aspects of racism. I have been actively fighting racism my entire life.
Not about war, it’s about presumptuous and false accusations.
You owe me a retraction and an apology.
I didn’t call you a racist.Joey is though, Bartons brother in jail in a racist attack, he’s called my mate a Paki in Manchester on a night out, Ousmane Dabo incident., I’m asian the guy is a cunt and shouldn’t be allowed anywhere near OT end of. Nor should the idea be entertained. He’s scum.
Owen’s is a sad tale. It’s a shame because he was a fucking great player. I’d rate him as the third greatest central midfielder for us of the 2000s, behind Keane and Scholes.
No retraction, no apology. You made a statement I didn’t like it and responded you don’t like mine even though its the truth deal with it.
@Notorious
Hi mate. I know this is probably not the best time, lol, but what’s with the story about Kanchelskis faking injuries? Not that I am doubting you of course. It’s just that I didn’t follow United closely those years and I had never heard of this. When did it happen?
NotoriousRedDevil – what do you even know about racism? You live in a bubble if you make false accusations like that. To falsely identify someone as being OK with racism shows that you have no empathy for those who have suffered from the evil curse.
There are many on this site, including King Eric who have openly stated their acceptance that Barton would add to United. Are they also okay with racism in your eyes?
You owe everyone an apology. You do not understand what it is to suffer from racism.
94/95 Costas. He refused to play during the end of the season to force a move for more money. We needed him as well as Cantona was out and he was our top scorer. He was a quality player but have very little affection towards him.
MG said one a harsh truth there. Hargo was the solution to the Ch.League equation. And despite all the praise Barselona got on 09 and 11, my opinion has always been that with a Hargreaves or a Fletcher in our line up, it might have been a different story.
@Costas
Maybe in ’09, but Fletcher in 10/11 wasn’t much.
NotoriousRedDevil
You presumed that I knew about some incident. You should talk about Barton, not about things you don’t know.
Apologise for saying that I am okay with having a racist at United. Your lie is unacceptable.
Retract that accusation and apologise.
If you don’t like racism, then don’t make false accusations.
NotoriousRedDevil
You presumed that I knew about some incident.
Apologise for saying that I am okay with having a racist at United. Your lie is unacceptable.
Retract that accusation and apologise.
smartalex. Oh fuck off your high horse. If IHAD read King Eric’s comment I would have said something. Keep the other guys out of it, be a man and handle it yourself. If you didn’t know Bartons off field troubles you must have been living under a rock which I doubt.
Replace the word Nasri with Mercenary
Replace the word Barton with Racist.
You SAID
“Not every quality is admirable, but i’d rather have Barton than Nasri.”
Thats like saying I’d rather have Hitler as leader than Thatcher as Hitler makes great roads!!!
“
NotoriousRedDevil
Apologise for your presumptuous and false attack.
Come on! Leeds again.. can’t wait. =D
@Notorious
Ah, cheers. I just remembered that his departure a bitter one that summer. I have a habit of keeping track of our lineups for every season and I always wondered why he fell off the radar at the end of that season. The whole thing is baffling given that at the start of the season he was enjoying his best spell for us.
Hargreaves would definitely have made a difference. Not taking anything away from Fletcher. He is a quality player – a fantastic player, a real asset! He could have done the job in ’09.
But ’11, I think Hargreaves was the missing link. Hargreaves was a wonderful defensive midfielder and his experience in the Champions League would have been key – wasn’t he bought for that sole reason? I can’t believe the ill fortune he suffered. Feel for him.
Leeds? Berba and Owen will tear them apart.
@Colbert
I won’t disagree with that, but imo the chance to finally appear ina final might have galvanised him. I normally don’t think that one player can change the flow of a one sided affair, but Fletcher (the in form Fletcher anyway) was what we were despeately lacking in May.
Rubbish! I support and follow United, not Barton. RoM posted a thread considering Barton as a United player. In all of the hundreds of comments only willierednut mentioned racism, to say that Barton was not racist.
The first I’ve heard of Barton being racist is today by you.
You owe me a total retraction and full apology.
@Costas
It’s a possibility, but Fletcher was so far away from his best form that it’s a bit far-fetched to imagine him making a difference. But you’re right, Fletcher in 08/09 form would have at least made it easier for us. They bypassed us time after time in the middle of the park, where we are the weakest. An in-form Fletcher would have at least stopped some of their play.
Best possible draw in the Carling Cup, scum is really the best word to describe Leeds
When is our Carling Cup match against Leeds?
yes fucking leeds scum at elland road!
I smell revenge big time!
I want our best possible team to smash these fuckersl.
NotoriousRedDevil – You said”
“@ smartalex. You’d rather have a racist at our club than Nasri.”
Apologise and retract that false claim.
There was no attack smartalex until you threatened to cut my throat which you have absolutely no chance of EVER doing. You made a asinine statement I responded where is the apology needed. You are reading things that aren’t there. I do NOT for a single second believe that you did not know about Barton’s past. You’re a knowledgeable football fan if some other poster had said would have ignored the fool. I know what to do now don’t I? Let me guess another apology request from you before you send a magic virus through my internet to cut my throat. Best be quick, heading out in 15.
The Leeds game is either on the 20th or the 21st of September. Right after the Chelsea game.
Zelh – Not so much about revenge for me, we have too many over them scum bastards. The great thing is that the game is at their place, our away fans will silence them while our boys will hammer them!
NotoriousRedDevil
Are you not a man? you make false and presumptious claims based on the foolish belief that I should know about your mate being called a “P..i” (Your words).
Apologise and retract that false claim.
Barton is a racist. You’d rather have him than Nasri. You said that, not retractting nothing. This is a blog not a fucking article in the tabloids. Get a grip and you say I live in a Bubble. Less than 10 to send me that magic virus.
Cedars – That 1-0 loss makes my blood boil. I just fucking hate them.
NotoriousRedDevil
I do not know of any link to barton and racism. Other respected posters on RoM also do not know of that. Just because you follow Barton doesn’t mean we do. His name was put forward on RoM, and far more fans here considered him a useful addition than didn’t. Many said they would be happy to have him. You falsely accused me of a very serious allegation, and I am right to be angered by that. You need to apologise and retract your lie.
It is not acceptable to presume and accuse someone of accepting racists.
Is Barton a racist? Only NotoriousRedDevil has claimed this. No one else has.
In fact, it is not apparent at all.
You take one point how about everything else he’s done. Fuck what he said to my mate, his bro’s in jail for a racially aggravated murder. He comes from a family of scumbags and even those from merseyside agree to that as well. Funny how you choose to ignore that. I’m not apologising so keep typing retract and apologise till you go blue in the face cos it isn’t going to happen. Do what the fuck you want I’m outta here. Got better things to do than argue with you.
smartalex – How can you expect him to apologise to you when you threatened to cut his throat very early in your exchange?
Just give it a rest, guys. Keyboard warriors are so boring.
EASY Guys, play nice… Ok??
NotoriousRedDevil – It appears that you are a liar and are unable to recognise and apologise for your false accusations.
Colbert – He falsely accused me of accepting racism.
Jeez guys, its one thing having a go at trolls and WUM’s but when 2 respected members go at each other its bad, very bad…
For what its worth I found nothing wrong with what NRD asked, I saw no ill claims towards smartalex…
smartalex – In no way was NRD calling you a racist, that is how i read it, he asked a question, if you were not aware that Barton is allegedly a racist then perhaps you could have asked for an explanation and things would have ended there……..
Anyway each to their own and perhaps we all read into things differently, but in my opinion this argument was uncalled for
fletch/hargo with Scholes and ando… we’d have had a good opportunity against those diving cunts.
instead giggsy and carrick…
I did not “threaten to cut his throat”
I said: “I will cut your fucking throat and watch you die before I support racism.”
I have fought racism my entire life and will never support it.
@smartalex & NRD:
EASY GUYS, PLAY NICE…
Ok???@smartalex & NRD:
EASY GUYS, PLAY NICE…
Ok???
@smartalex & NRD:
EASY GUYS, PLAY NICE…
Ok???
Smartalex, have you never been on the internet before? Shut the fuck up already with your nonsensical whining.
CedarsDevil
He said: “@ smartalex. You’d rather have a racist at our club than Nasri.”
I would NOT rather have “a racist at our club”
This presumptuous lie is unacceptable to a person who has fought racism their entire life.
leeds away ffs another journey to that cesspit they call home
worste away of the lot
Thank you for the Double.
I love disputes,without them this blog at times is as interesting as reading the Bunty and you don’t get any colourful language in the Bunty.
sorry to go off topic haven’t gone through the posts yet. IF City got Barcelona in say knock out stages, who’d you fellas love to get get knocked out.
Me i’d go for city. i can’t say how much i detest those fuckers. I’m indifferent to Barcelona. A lot of guys on here can’t stand them either with the diving and all.
What a fella. If It’s true that he’d have played for free why the not???? Love that guy. Real pity of him. I want curly hair too!!!
smartalex – I did read his post my friend, if I was asked the exact same question i would not have had any thoughts that I was being called a racist………. I would have just asked for conformation that Barton is or is not one……
The question could easily have made ‘Would you rather a gay player’ or ‘Would you rather have an injury prone player’ etc etc…. None of which would be direct claims towards the person being asked the question…
slim
that’s like asking someone would you like to get your left leg broken or your right.
Wolves are top of the league!
Why does every thread at some point descend into this ridiculous war of words?…at some point you need to filter through five abuse laden posts to get to one which is making any kind of substantive argument. At some point yesterday I had to just give up watching people fight and gang up like imbeciles spouting off filth which I really do not expect from mature individuals. ‘Cunt’ appears to the weapon of choice at most times, but its never really related to that.
Smartalex – NRD made his comment under the assumption that if you can come out and say that Barton for all his lackings/problems is someone you would rather have at OT, then you would actually KNOW what precisely those troublemaking aspects of Barton’s personality are. And he asked you a question based on that assumption.
Granted you feel the assumption was wrong, all it needed you to do was to convey that you were not aware of Barton’s rascist background and revise your case for Barton accordingly. That would have been the end of the story, and the reasonable/mature way to do it. If you go around descending to abuse and demanding retractions and apologies all the while abusing the fellow, there is very little chance of you actually getting anything you want from NRD.
Just clarify your case and jog along.
slim
Man City any day
fuck me smartalex, you always seem to be at it. Chill out bro. Seems like like you and notorious misunderstood each other. Some along the way the gist of what you both were saying got muddled up.
Not so easy cutting the throat of a human, done a chicken a once – don’t ask long story and it was necessary before anyone starts to wonder why the fuck a lunatic on ROM is slashing throats. Chill fella
slim
That’s tough one mate. At first I thought Barca – then we could have the pleasure of knocking out Man Shitty ourselves. But then, I thought about how they might run around like chickens crying out the fact they beat “The Best Team in the World”. And I wouldn’t be able to stand that.
Plus, when we do thrash them, they might start spouting nonsense of how their players were tired after beating the “Mighty Barcelona”.
So, I would wish that Shitty are chucked out and Barcelona give them a hiding (10-0). And then we can chuck Barca out of the competition!
Have we really got Leeds?!!!!!!!! Fucking get in. Home or away lads? Payback time.
@King Eric
Hi mate. We play at the shithole.
@smartalex
Chill mate. I am assuming you might have suffered from racism to get you so aggravated about the whole thing. But from what I read, NRD was calling Barton a racist, mate! He hasn’t mentioned anything about you condoning racism.
Just a misunderstanding, mate!
Oooh a race war, me like.
Notorious. Racism is a dispicable thing and your right about the fact that it shouldnt be tolerated or welcomed at the club. However even though Bartons brother attacked a forreigner and Barton has likewise doesnt ean it was racially motivated. It could have been a situation where the forreigner (for want of a pc friendly word) could have made a comment to either at the time where they asked if he was racist, if a rebuttle came the whole escalation and fight could have started from that. But that doesnt make it a racial encounter. We werent there so we shouldnt really judge.
On the whole racist issue. If september the 11th cant be blamed on “all” muslims then surely a white attack on a coloured individual cannot be racist as its not an attack on “all” coloured. I am of the opinion live and let live but I do get somewhat iritated by the constant need to feel guilt for slavery, jew gassing and muslim bashing when I have done neither nor condoned it. The best way to beat racism is to make your self known and liked and in time people will forget. To be bombarded and peoples backs put up by what can by some be discribed as “whinging” will only prolong the struggle. If indeed there is one.
Notorious and smartalex, kiss and make up, its not bloody worth it.
I think there is a bit more to the Kanchelskis story. ie Russian mafia and death threats and so on.
I cannot believe we are away at Leeds. In all my excitement I havent read all the posts. What date is is please for that game?
Yep. Leeds it is, its away!
Feel for Hargo. Too little memories of the time he’s spent with us. Hope he still continues playing and that those injuries go away for good.
Hmm…is aggravated the right word there?
NRD – Hello mate. So If you had seen my comment on Joey coming to United you would have pulled me on it? I didnt know he was a racist pal.
I should stop using words I just learnt
Cedars – Hello mate. While our away fans are the best in the land silencing those racist cunts is no mean feat. Say what we like about dirty Leeds but they make some fucking noise and kudos to them for it. A very hostile ground. Going to that game if I can get a ticket which we usually do through the supporters club. Did you see how many Leeds took to East London last Sunday? Staggering amount.
thought barton looked really benevolent in helping gervinho out the other day. nice lad.
@redrider
Too true. But if you grew up in some parts of teh world during civil wars and internal conflicts, you truly did have to make that choice. I remember once in Sierra Le one it think it was. It was the arms, they called it short sleeved or long sleeved – cut at the wrist or elbow. Yikes. Truly nasty. So what say you then , shitty or Uefalona?
Moral of the story: Joey Barton doesn’t even have to be around to cause trouble, imagine what he’d do if he was actually at OT, both in the squad and amongst fans. For just that reason, there is no way United/SAF would even touch that scumbag with a barge pole! Not to mention he ain’t that great a footballer anyways. Stay at QPR please Joey – my, imagine Joey Barton and Adel Taraabt in the same side, with Neil Warnock as manager!
rmw
nice to see you here mate.
anyone listens to United podcast these days. not bad if i may say so
What the fuck has happened to this place? Fellow reds at each others throats all the time. Its horrible and not needed.
CedarsDevil – I accept your view that NotoriousRedDevil was not calling me a racist, and I thank you for caring enough about both him and I, and about RoM, to express your opinion fairly and logically.
Mahesh – You are correct to say that I approached NotoriousRedDevil’s presumptuous accusation in the wrong way. I did try to remain calm despite being cut to the core, although that I failed to do so. My anger and upset overtook my desire for a happy RoM, within a few minutes of requesting a retraction. Thank you for your calming expression.
Slim – I too have turned live chickens into dinner. No longer am I able to do so, since the need has been shelved by financial rewards. I accept your view that misunderstanding played a role in this debacle. Thank you for mediating, I do appreciate your care.
NotoriousRedDevil – I do not support racism. I do not know of any racist history in Barton’s family. I would not accept racists at our club. I regret being angered by your false accusation and accept CedarsDevil’s view that you did not intend to declare me as being happy to have racists at United.
Lets get this thread on topic:
I feel sorry for Hargo, the guy is an amazing footballer that won our hearts in his first appearance. It is really hard psychologically to comeback from so many injuries like that. Reading this article really makes me sad to think he’s lost nearly his whole career to injuries which is a loss to english football and to his own personal ambitions. Im glad he won the CL with us and we had him for at least a year because with him and Fletch,Carrick & Scholes plus Ronnie & Tebesh, we was at our most invincible.
I know what Hargo’s go through in a minor extent at Schoolboy level. When I was 16, I dislocated my shoulder and broke my arm. When I came back I had Osgood-Schlatters and couldn’t play for 6 months. After I had recovered from that 2 weeks later I had damaged ankle ligaments during the warm up for a football trial I had attended, After around 1 month I returned for a good 3 months then I torn my Knee Ligaments which had me in tears because I hadn’t played at the same intensity or enjoyment since I was 15 turning 16. Now I only play once a week like Ledley King. It was a boring, anger filled 16 months. Hargo has had these problems professionally his whole career so I really admire his strength to prove he can be fit.
I wish Hargo good luck in the future and I hope to see him give us a nightmare in one of his matches hopefully.
Mahesh said it best. Even by the mention of his name, Barton pollutes everything.
King Eric
No doubting the Leeds supporters are very vocal I agree. I even remember them back in the days when OT was one of the noisiest grounds in the land yet when Leeds came to town they would match us better than anyone else…
Anyway, would be great to put one over them scum bastards
@redrider
Haven’t seen you in some time! Learning for GRE. The reason you might find some sentences I say don’t make sense one bit (trying to memorize as many new words as possible). Watched the last match?
Maybe Bayern knew he had a problem, that’s why they caved in and ultimately sold him to us.
Can we have our money back?
slim – As much as it pains me to say it I would want Barca out. I had an argument last season with a mate. I said I wanted Barca to beat Arsenal. He wanted Arsenal. I was furious. I was saying “how can you be a United fan if you want Arsenal to win”? He said it gives us a better chance in the final if we get there, I now see his point!! Having said that imagine City do knock them out, we have an off day and the bitters are crowned Champions. Hhhm,. Doesnt bare thinking about.
smartalex – no worries mate. its all gravy – well it should be anyway. You have been getting a lot of WUM up yor ass lately so i understand. stay classy
RedManWalking – My thanks and apologies go to you also, for caring about my dilemma. Living in Africa, and particularly in South Africa, racism and it’s dreadful effects are a very real threat to peace and humanity. I took up arms against racism, and have felt it’s curse throughout my existence. Racism and false accusations of racism are the greatest threat to my life, my family’s life, and all that I love in this great continent.
Red Nev – Bayern did know, and so did we. If my recollection is right, we had been chasing Hargo for a couple of seasons before the transfer, and for at least most of the season before we signed him he was out with knee troubles. I guess we were desperate to have him, and the medical staff felt they could handle Hargo.
slim
oh dear … horrible would be an understatement.
your question makes my innards churn. i don’t know whom i would choose. the thought of shitty doing uefalona is hilarious.
the perfect outcome would be a good old slugfest with both getting banned.
until that happens i’d pick uefalona over those nouveau riche cunts.
Joey Barton has a top hairdo. That is all.;
To those calling Barton a racist.
Im not defending the prick individually but rather belong to a country that agrees by the law and the punishment handed out. Barton has not been charged with racism despite being in the limelight and watched 24-7. You cant keep anything secret in that world and had there been anything of that kind then it would have come to light. Fighting of individuals from a different race does not mean racism took place, it means a fight took place. Only when the fight has been highlighted by the fact that racist words and agression was used can it be deemed racist. Ive seen many a time at Newcastle that Ameobi has scored along with Ranger and had Barton been racist Im sure he wouldnt have been the first to put his arms around the man and congratulated him. Those that use a few press stories and put two and two together to make 33 and a third are the ones that prolong the term racism and its effects on the minority comunity. To deem someone racist for having a disagreement with someone from another race somewhat trivialises what happened 200 years ago and the apartheid in south africa.
King Eric – exactly mate. if they do beat barcelona it’d be disgusting. Talksport would become the latest sperm bank in town with major donors from durham, Gough. Oh boy an orgy of wankers letting loose. It sends shivers down my spine
Well I’ve said it before, but Hargo’s contrubution in that first season was worth every penny we paid for him. And he gave the number 4 shirt purpose after the previous owner disgraced it.
smartlaex – Pleasure my friend, I am just glad things got cleared up….
smartalex- Out of curiosity are you a black south african or white mate? Your english is top drawer. What I have noticed , and I aint getting involved in the NRD dispute as I have always got on with him, is that when you raise an issue folk come out the woodwork to have a go at you . “I am a longtime reader and …………”. Fuck em pal.
Costas – Quality last post mate.
slim – To be honest mate I am not even sure City will progress past group. Some tough games in there.
@Costas
WHOOOO?!
rmw
i messaged you before the game… lol.
getting espn now? was a good game. wanted to see some Berba action but was not to be.
Fuck me every thread I read thers smartalex always getting in stupid arguments with fellow reds, you need to chill out bruv you’re too paranoid, can’t see NRD at fault here, take a break smartalex and come back tomorrow for the Arsenal game
Come on Colbert………… Think Argentina mate! lol
@Colbert
Someone whose name resembles ketchup. He prefered to play for the FSW than Sir Alex. A poster boy for straight jackets.
Damn, I should have got that one. My mind is shit today.
KE
I have seen mate, there are lot of them who are still bitter about Ronnie, i felt sad about the criticism he got after being so instrumental for us
all the best for the D-day, hope everything goes as you wish
Listening to the United podcast and a thought popped in my head. why not have Pogba on the bench against Arsenal. It ‘d be a good easing in opportunity. Not much to worry about with a 3 players or so suspended or out injured.Plus we’ll continue sending the right message out. Personally i think United haters can’t stand the fact we’re not flustered by city and showcasing even more talent would show the everyone that United is truly United and operating on a different level
@smartalex
I see. I won’t say I understand what you have gone through because I haven’t and I don’t think I will understand the real pain you might have gone through. But, I do understand how you feel mate. It’s a pleasure and glad that everything’s cleared up.
BTW, your english is top notch mate! And you are one of the people whose post I look out for to improve my language!
P.S. So, “aggravated” is right in the sentence I used?
JOS starts today for Sunderland…………. Here is something you will all enjoy to watch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79NLmSokD2I&NR=1
@King Eric
that’d be the best. Knocked out in the first round, easy
ancha – Thanks mate.
@redrider
No ESPN! Effin ASIANET! Bitches! They promised “by the end of the month”. I haven’t got it yet. Saw the game through a good stream. I will be watching tomorrows game from out.
rmw
what are you doing there mate??! a ploy to get smartalex as your tutor?! lol. i hope he charges you!
Breaking News
Gunners swoop in for Part
@Cedars
Berba looks better in RED
park chu-young that is
@redrider
I wouldn’t mind. The exam is in 4 days! Maths is a piece of cake! I am going to get creamed for English. And I don’t think he will charge me! After all, he will be helping out a fellow Red!
ahh fuck now typos gone and spoiled what was a guaranteed heart stopper – i meant Park
King Eric – I’m 50% Scottish, 25% Italian and 25% Ugandan.
Seeing as Italians are generally considered to be about 80% ‘white’, I’d guess that Those who judge these characteristics would consider me 70% cream and 30% coffee! In appearance I would expect the uninitiated to consider me ‘white’, but not to those that know what to look for.
My english is due to a voracious appetite for reading as a child growing up in an isolated environment.
I would like to say this
It’s bad enough when some United fans bash United players – no names said and please don’t come after me because I’ll rifle up accordingly and I don’t want to so get the hint right now.
Who gives a fuck about any other player apart from United – as for fucking Barton I don’t give a fucking shit about him and neither would I about that fucking sad excuse for a player called Nasri
Of course I hold something for Xavi – overlooked yet again for an award given to Messi – when Messi goes through a season without Xavi and is equally instrumental then so be it – until then Ronaldo was that kind of player to lead from the front – Messi is just blessed he has others to make him who he is
On Ronaldo – Loved him to pieces but he made his bed – I do not deny him his wish to have played for Madrid I just wish he had done it in a away we could have been all happy – but I am clutching onto short straws here – he’s gone – he is now someone else’s hero
We have moved on too
19
@slim Too late now! You already said the punch line – and always wait for reactions!
slim
Too late, you made a complete mockery of that………… The typo club is open for new members, Costas and I are members of the board! lol
No smartalex
You are 100% Manchester United
Some times we just get into these spats don’t we…
I should know…
19
morning reds fuck me just heard Joey Barton is a racist,anyone else know that?
Nice mix smartalex. hehe 70% that’s is fucking great!!! My dad was a dark dark Italian who’s dad had light hair and green eyes from Torino. and my mom a porcelain auburn hair gal of the 6 kids 2 dark 2 medium 2 light, we all tan. I’m a dark one. Mixed race people tend to be beautiful.
cedars & redmanwanking – alright mates you got me
Everyone – even those that don’t see it or don’t wish to believe it is equal in this United family
Even those that trademark themselves.
It’s unfortunate when things are said – but whilst other’s do not slow down to see this – it is left to the few to say what the see and believe
I am no saint and neither do I ever want to be
Our lives are as fucked as they are enriched and maybe blessed
To deny this is folly
But together the sum of our parts is stronger then the individual pieces will all hang onto.
Maybe one day we could all see that
19
Hargo had a bad hand to play with his injuries. He was a big part of the CL winning team. Thanks Hargo sad to see you go.
slim
Redmanwanking??? Hahahaha typo or intended?
Afternoon MG
Welcome to the type-OOOOOOOOO club slim. I proof read 3 x’s now and still fuck up!!!!!! hehe
Afternoon Cedars you Devil you
How many companies have you and Costas started where you are board members?
i was hoping you wouldn’t miss that. i’m not saying which. hahaha
zibbie – hows it going my man. 3 times. i can barely wait to click the post button
MG – lol Just 2 so far, you know there was ‘that’ clique and now the typo for idiots club…
Rent boys 1 nil up……… Norwich look very poor
Cedars
Say a prayer Planet Kidology is about to be born – have so many high hopes – let’s hope that it works…
Having read the article earlier I can only say I hope he makes it back to playing at some level. Fully fit he’s one of the best in the business when it comes to the midfield enforcer role.
MG – Best wishes from me buddy, I am sure it will be a huge success….. Prayers from the heart
@ t4m u need to recount your selection for the starting ELEVEN for tomorrows game.!!!!!!
Norwich Goalkeeper is called Ruddy and the sub GK is called Rudd…. Wtf???
Hargreaves will never be forgotten by Utd fans for his contribution in the 07/08 season, always knew when to pass and tackle, great player, good luck buddy you deserve to play after that long out.
At least he won a PL medal, more than the scouse c*** Stevie Me!
Utd did right by him supporting him till the contract ran out.The lad comes from calgary know his brother a little bit,decent family,all i can do is hope Hargo proves the club wrong by letting him go and finishs his career on a positive note.I’d've kept him on a pay as you play at least till January see if he could’ve come good,club really had nothing to lose.
Thought Barton would have slotted into the midfield nice to bad QPR signed him.oh well
Captaink9,what’s wrong with it?
joking aside i had no idea Barton was a racist,never followed his career or personal life,just heard of the outrageuos things that’s all.didn’t even know he had a brother,don’t think there’s any connection in being a football fan and knowing Barton is a racist
Not a thing, my bad.
Slim, yes I have to. Dyslexic and a bad speller. Sometimes I miss spell a word so bad, spell check can not help me. I’m 49 learned to cut and paste 2 years ago. My fingers just last December new where all the letters on the keyboard were. I now I just joined the 80′s when it comes to this cyber world. It was a new love that made me do it. Just like the first time I ate Sushi ate raw fish for a girl. This new love was Man Utd and the PL!!!!!!!!!
MG, the collective mind, moving together in a forward positive manor.
In sport and the business world, in a band, or an Elks lodge, in anything an understanding of place, process and ultimate ends. A collective mind set is the beginning of big things. Like a accent on Everest.
19
It’s such a long thread already it’s hardly worth adding to what everyone has said already, but this is one of the most moving, heartbreaking interviews I can remember. He was such a great player in the brief time he was with us, and he’ll never be forgotten, his name living on in the phrase ‘ the Hargreaves role’ . It is great that at least he won Premier League and Champions League medals, so he will always have something to show for his time at United.
One more thing, doesn’t Van der Sar come out of this well? Great guy, great goalkeeper, another one never to be forgotten.
wouldn’t it be great to see Hargraves proving his fittness with say West brom and us signing him back.Always loved him in starting eleven
Sad to read this stuff. Owen was a really top class player who gave his all. A much better player than he was given credit for by the ABU media, and like Scholes, he never got his due at international level for England. We United fans know different. Anyway, glad Owen picked up some decent medals while he was here. I can’t help feeling that a fit Hargreaves in MF would have made a big difference in the CL final. Good luck to the bloke.
a fucking brilliant player for us just wish him all the best for his future.sad sad loss.showed brilliant character after being derided by dickhead england fans to become a top top footballer
slim
Oh great! Back on the redManWanking thing again? Its W – RMW
@wayne
What is it about Calgary. I only know classy guys that hail from there.
Even that game against Wolves, might have only been 5 minutes, but what a five minutes. The only time i’ve ever seen anyone start a game with that level of intensity is Alan Smith vs Roma.
I really hope Owen goes on to prove all those doubters, all those idiots who laughed at his training videos, wrong.
unless you sign for Pity or YSB (red!), you´ll be up there among my most favourite utd players, like Louis for example, good luck, hargo!
@Costas,i think it must be the mountain view and the sunshine,keeps us centred,as you can tell.lol
Nothing more to say, Classy guy, awesome player on the helthy day.
Best of luck Owen.
It’s a fucking tragedy, is what it is. I will never forget the sight of him tearing Roma apart — I think it ended only 1-0 or something, but it could easily have been another 7-goal thrashing. He was unbelievable that day. And on other days. But in the end, it just wasn’t meant to be.
I think people feeling overwelmingly sorry for him and calling it a “tragedy” need to maybe put it in perspective for a second. Come on people, he has had a great career in football, won the german league, the premier league and has TWO Champions League winners medals to his name as well as being voted one of the best players at a world cup and he is also rich beyond most of our wildest dreams.
I feel gutted for him, and I hope and believe that leaving UTD wont be the end of the Owen Hargreaves story. There’s not too many players who I wish great success for after leaving UTD but he’s one of them. It’s a shame, but it’s no fucking tragedy!
Supatrice … what are you, some sort of god who keeps score of how many awards (and money) an athlete earns and then gets to pass judgement on whether they had enough or not? Yeah, Hargreaves won quite a bit, and earned every piece of it. It wasn’t like it got handed to him on a plate. When you’re born with a gift (or whatever it is that allows one to excel at the highest levels of professional sport), and then your career gets cut short by injury and you miss the 3 or 4 years when you should have been at your absolute peak, that’s tragic, pal. It was not only tragic for him, but for us too, because he was a very special player and there’s no doubt our midfield was greatly weakened without him.
Some players never quite deliver on their potential. I don’t call that tragic. Some players just go off the rails. I don’t call that tragic, either. But when a brilliant player suffers a career-ending injury, especially when he is only just entering his prime years, then that is a tragedy.
Supatrice – not everything is measured in terms of money mate. Yes, he’s had a good career and has won a few during his short stint as you list. But the boy had potential to be a great. He was at the right club (obviously), playing in a position with few takers (he’d probably walk into the United squad if fit even today) and was at the peak of his abilities with United too building up to great things. For him to fall short of that due to injury and his persistent fight to get back from it and failing; is nothing short of heartbreaking which ever way you put it.
He was my favorite player of that Double winning season, despite Ronaldo’s contributions. He brought so much to the team. And kudos to VDS for his mention here, shows there is a big heart underneath that United crest.
Did he actually start more than a dozen games for United in any season?.
parryheid … trying to be provactive? Or just too lazy or dumb to look it up on wikipedia?
Asking a question that bother you or what.
owen hargreaves.. ma man
I wished that we gave you another last gasp chance to show your fitness but unfortunatly it was’nt to be. We lost one of the best anchor men there is around !
Good luck Owen & thanks for the memories !!