Phil Jones was subbed off after 20 minutes in Manchester United’s 2-1 victory over Arsenal, needing a stretcher to take him off the field. Reports from the touchline suggested he had just twisted his ankle but the following day there were claims he had ligament damage.
However, Mike Phelan has given us hope that Jones could be available for our FA Cup clash at Anfield.
“Phil’s character is very good,” said Phelan. “He is disappointed that, over the last few weeks, he seems to have limped around the football field quite a bit. But he usually manages to recover, so we’re optimistic he can do the same again.”
Sir Alex Ferguson revealed after the game that Michael Carrick played with a hamstring injury during the second half at the Emirates, whilst Darren Fletcher is ruled out for the season and Tom Cleverley is still weeks away from making his return. Anderson played for 15 minutes against City in the FA Cup but in the two games since hasn’t even been on the bench, with wantaway Paul Pogba filling a midfielder’s spot on the bench for our game against Bolton.
The last time we were stretched for central midfielders, Ferguson opted to started Rafael and Park Ji-Sung, although we lost that game 3-2 at home to Blackburn. However, it is unlikely that even Rafael would be available to play in midfield at Anfield, given that Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand are injured, so Chris Smalling won’t be able to play at right-back.
If Jones doesn’t make a surprise recovery in time, we could see Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes starting in the centre of the field. Preferable to that would be Giggs starting on the left and Park partnering Scholes, considering our veterans don’t have the legs required to boss the midfield anymore. Let’s not forget it was Giggs’ brilliant ball in from the left that set up our opening goal at Arsenal and Park has plenty of energy to run around in the middle to give Scholesy a breather. Still, not ideal, is it?
Fingers crossed Micky isn’t getting our hopes up for nothing.
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we need him really badly in the centre. With his enegery and tackles he can take pressure from the defence and his runs forward he creates spaces for the frontmen.
Agree Zehl having that engine in the middle perhaps with Carrick alongside, or even Giggsy would suffice. I know that the dippers will try and rough us up from all areas of the park though. Hope no one is rushed into the side though and potentially cause more damage aggravating injuries. Cant wait for the match and I pray we get some respite from injuries.
We have to go with who ever we have . Its been our stock in trade for years , dig deep grind it out .
If we are going to use him in midfield, we need him badly. But since that’s not going to happen (too many injuries at the back), I say save him for Stoke and Chelsea.
I have a bad feeling about this. The last time we played there in the FA cup, they were also out for blood. 4 of their players got yellow cards for thugish tackles on Gary Neville and Alan Smith was stretchered off.
Lets play DDG – Rafael, Smalling, Evans, Fabio – Park, Anderson, Scholes, Giggs – Berba, Hernandez and get it out of the way.
Could be worse, could be a league game.
For the first 20min at the Emirates the other day he was all over the place though, failing to control the ball, being skint by Oxlade-Chamberlain and slipping several times prior to the slip which caused his injury.
I know he wasn’t on for long, but to me he looked short on confidence and not ‘up for it’ in the way he usually is. I hope that game at Newcastle hasn’t put doubts in his head as to his ability because he really was all over the place that night.
Carrick will be available and I hope Pogba is given a chance to stake his claim for a regular shirt in the team
dnt get why he needs to b rushed into things, at the emirates he was all over the place when he played, start pogba in there give the lad an opportunity.
Costas, Yup, I agree with the team you’ve put out for the most part. I have no idea what is up with Anderson since haven’t been able to follow the team for the past few days. (Then again, even people who’ve been following like you wouldn’t have been able to keep up with the injuries.
) But if he isn’t injured, then he should start. The last thing we want is more injuries because we rush people back too soon. Park and Ando can do all the leg work while Scholes and Giggsy can do what they’ve been doing for the past two decades. I would be afraid to even play Rafael in this kind of match as my choice of RB would be Valencia.
Still, I do agree about the bad feeling. Liverpool will be out for a lot more blood than last time because of happenings over this season. I wouldn’t be surprised to see more red cards from their side and more injuries for us.
Once again, Liverpool = SCUM!
I’ll rather SAF repeats what he played against Arsenal in the FA cup last season. Play Fabio and Rafael in the midfield to ensure they stifle any impact Gerrard might try to have in the game. Then he can play Giggs/Scholes along side them so they use their skills and passing abilities to create and set up attacks. Play Valencia as a right back so he can support the attack as well while we go with a 3 prong attack of Rooney, Welbeck and Park.
With Suarez out, the key to nullifying Liverpool’s game is obvious. Keep Gerrard and quiet and we’ll win. Nobody else in their team, maybe Bellamy (if he starts) and Glen Johnson aside, has enough creativity to seriously worry us. Carroll and Downing are shocking (Downing still without a league goal or assist), and Kuyt’s high-energy game means nothing without the right kind of player to complement it.
It’s be nice to have Jones to stick to Gerrard all game. He’s a more obvious choice for this than Carrick, who’s more of a screening player. Plus I still don’t entirely trust Jones at CB. Smalling and Evans worked well against Arsenal – I’d stick with that.
@kanchelskis
Agree on that keep Stevie Cunt quite and No Neck and we should have enough for Klan Kenny despite there thuggish tactics id actually like to see the game tonight go all the way to ET and Pens that would work our for us before we take on the Merseyside Red Racists
Hello Costas
I for one for the life of me cannot understand what poor Da Silva twins need to do to get a game.
I mean a couple of seasons ago Rafael was starting all our games, in league in the champions league, all the big games, and bossing them. If he was first choice at 19, he has suddenly become 3rd choice at 21….? Sir Alex would rather play Jones or Smalling at RB rather than Rafa.
Again at left back, poor fabio doesn’t even get a look in even though Evra has been over-played beyond belief this season. Fabio was good enough to start our Champions League final and all other major games last season at RB, and this season he cant buy a place in the team…??
What the hell is going on….? Have they suddenly regressed so badly..?
I know Fergie has enough medals to not be answerable to fans like me, but seriously this is getting beyond ridiculous. Brazillians/South Americans dont take too kindly to being benched. If this keeps up, they are going to be off soon…
FFS, even against Arsenal, poor Rafa didn’t start…Even the height argument doesn’t come into play there because Arsenal arent the tallest of teams and their wingers Oxlade Chamberlain and Walcott are probably shorter than Rafael…besides they dont even lump the ball forward…I am seriously getting concerned at the twins lack of action, even when fit. I love to see them play, they bring something extra to the full back positions that Jones and Smalling dont and if this keeps up, they just might decide enough is enough…
Fergie always plays crazy teams in the FA Cup, and with Stoke on Tuesday followed bu Chelsea, I predict he’ll play
DDG
Rafeal Smalling Evans Evra
Valencia Anderson Scholes Park
Rooney Chicharito
http://www.physioroom.com/news/english_premier_league/epl_injury_table.php
Look at the top of the table.
Look at the bottom of the table.
It’s a fucking joke.
Scott
How about an article on the issue that I’ve just highlighted…? I’d love to hear your well-informed views on this…maybe there’s something behind the scenes about this which you probably know or can find out from your sources….?
@ Red Devil
They are made of glass though, that’s why they are on the bench all the time.
Bolton the other week was the only time I can remember one of them lasting 90min, usually they start a game and limp off in the 67th minute and are out for two weeks. When they are used as subs they are usually okay, because they only play for 20-30min.
How are they made of glass? it’s not their fault that they’ve accumulated injuries, that wasn’t the case when they first joined united.
If united don’t start utilising rafael’s talent then Barca or madrid will come in and snap them up, they’re that talented. Rafael needs to be the nailed on starter at right back, hopefully he’ll stay fit for a sustained amount of time now.
Pair Berba and Rafael in the middle
Good evening lovely Red Devils around the world,
we do need his energy, surging runs to take the game to scouse..
I hope he will play but i m not optimistic for this one..having said that you never how serious these ankle twists can be..
he might be out for months or he might straight into the next game..
################
It’s kick racism out of football day. 17 years since Eric Cantona ♥ took that literally.
King Cantona rules foreva
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HC7LTZcNCI0
Said it a long time ago it’s because they don’t pull out of tackles the injuries happen and Rafael in particular is far and away the leagues best right back.
On this Day: In 2006, Nemanja Vidic made his debut for Man United against Blackburn Rovers.
Captain Courageous
Nemanja ohhh, Nemanja ohhh,
He comes from Serbia…
He’ll f**kin’ Murder Ya!
Carrick will be fit. Failing that Giggs and Park in middle if Jones aint fit. The dippers only have three days to recover, if that.
Anyway as wiuru says, injuries or not United usually get by, Fulham aside three year back.
some stat:
United have lost just one of the 11 FA Cup ties against Liverpool since World War II, winning eight and drawing two.
Juventus remains the only team in the Top 5 European leagues, yet to be beaten in the league
I would not entetain Jones in the cup game he needs a rest, Evans and smalling at the back with full back options of of Paddy, Raf, Valencia, Fryers etc etc
Costas,
Hello pal,
i truly believe that Evra and Danny will start this game..
especially i would start with Danny, He will give more than 100 percent in such games..
Evra was brave when we visited Anfield last time..cowd booing him wont be new to him, for him has gone through such scenarios many times and i believe thats what lifts his game..
I understand the circumstances but i cant us dropping our skipper for this game..
####
DDG
Rafael—-Smalling—-Evans—-Evra
Val—-Scholesy—-Giggsy—–Park
Danny—–Roo/Berb
Got a feeling we may see Rooney in MF on Saturday. Short on numbers there, and takes the scoring pressure off him against a team he’s only scored against once for us (I believe). Danny alongside Chico or Berba up front.
DDG
Rafael
Smalling
Evans
Evra
Nani (or Park if Nani not fit)
Carrick
Rooney
Valenia
Welbz
Berba/Chico
@ Red Devil,
The twins are too injury prone, it’s not like they’ve been sitting on the bench all season waiting for a chance is it?! And as others have mentioned, their commitment into challenges increases the chance of injuries and bookings being picked up, don’t get me wrong though it’s great to still see those kind of challenges!
Also, (and not intentionally trying to sound like a massive downer!) but does anyone else think that Park might have lost his legs a bit? He’s looked tired after about 60mins when he starts, maybe a lack of match fitness but its worrying when his energy is the main part of his game!
@l-swerve-l
I’m with you on Park, buddy. He’s 30 now and his famed engine is definitely slowing down a bit. He can still offer a degree of experience and reliability, but I don’t think he has that frightening energy that used to make him such an asset in the big games.
Call it blasphemous, but I’d be interested to know when his contract’s up…
I dont see jones playing at Anfield even though he’s fit imo. the last thing we want to see is another case like rooney returning against Munich and going on to see a dip in his form for the next 8 months. hope he’s given a good week’s rest and fit to play Stoke.
@Sandeep1878,
hell mate, which part of India you are from?
Weak at right back position really, and amount of injuries has made it harder to cover. Rafael is injured too often to be consistent and trusted and not really got someone who is adequate to cover. Jones looked exposed against oxlade-chamberlain till he were injured, and hasn’t been the bucaneering jones of early season lately, but don’t imagine fergie would of imagined having to use him so much this season. Smallings looked more assured there at times, and hate using valencia there for the fat he’s better goin forward.
We’ll beat the dippers though
I dont care how badly we need him, we must not rush him back before he has healed fully and regained full strength and confidence with his ligaments.
We ought not to mess with a man’s health.
@Red Devil
Hi mate. I don’t think they’ve regressed. They just haven’t improved. Not in maturity (Rafa’s whole stance before Arsenal equalized was naive at best) and certainly not in terms of fitness. The Palace game was a real eye opener for the manager I feel. He realized that everytime he starts one or both of them, he runs the risk of changing his lineups halfway through the game when they get injured. Can’t say I can blame him. They’ve been getting injured far too often. At their age Ronaldo was a beast. Don’t think they’ll leave because they are not playing. They seem very level headed. However, if they don’t stop getting injured as often as they do, I can’t see them lasting as long as the Nevilles did.
@Sandeep
Given our upcoming schedule mate, I wouldn’t start either of them. At this point I could care less about the FA cup. This game is land mine in terms of injuries. I wouldn’t waste any regular crucial player on it. That’s why imo Carrick, Evra, Valencia and Rooney have to be rested.
@Balaji
Hi mate. Don’t expect any red cards for Liverpool. With Atkinson in charge, a United player will see red long before a scouser does.
First name on Sir Alex’s team sheet (if fit!) will be Dimitar Berbatov.
The rest will be worked out depending on who’s available, which is too complicated to guess. Not knowing whether or not Carrick, Jones, Evra and Nani are fit and available; makes for too many variables. Personally, of those four I think only Carrick will start. Who knows?
Costas view of the dangers to our thin squad should and will affect the team selected.
Costas, Ooh, didn’t know Atkincunt was the ref.
I also completely agree with you in terms of the twins. I’ve already made my opinion about them quite clear. I don’t think the manager – or the team in general including fans – can rely on two players with such a bad fitness history. Like you said, it forces Sir Alex to often waste a substitution or two which isn’t exactly good from a tactical standpoint. From a footballing standpoint, they can probably become the two best fullbacks in the world. However, with their tendency to fly into tackles and the generally demanding nature of the premier league, it is becoming seemingly difficult to see a future for them in England.
I am, however, an idiot. So, they may still prove their long-term fitness and become United legends and I’ll be the happiest if they do. But as the years keep rolling along, my skepticism isn’t being reduced.
I reckon that the Da Silva twins should be looking at a long term career on the wings. They have great attacking abilities but I am not convinced of their defensive qualities.
Costas,
hmmm….with injuries mounting, i have to agree with you but ik think Sir Alex will want to put the best possible 11..letc mate
ArjuUnited..
Hello mate,
I stay in Bangalore…how about you?
@red devil says ur comments abt the twins is sport on mate. I too beleive rafael offers something neither jones or smalling offer at fullback, like a more natural fulback balance. Again we should keep the twins as i beleive there is more to come from them. Look at dani alves, maicon, a cole all seem to it at around their 23rd 24th bday. Rafael as at now would walk to majority of the 1st teams anywhere.
Not a good situation but we can make good from it.
If the 4 players who reported injuries after the Arsenal game don’t make it then the starting line-up could be:
Andres
Rafael, Smalling, Evans Evra
Giggs, Scholes, Park
Valencia, Wellbeck
Hernandez
While a draw isn’t the best result, this team is good enough to get that and lining up 2 home games v the bindippers in Feb.
personally I’d prefer to see Jones fit and available for Chelsea away than rushed back for the Scousers.
doesnt this now warrant a dip in the market and go get us a midfielder? maybe even a defender?
The gaffer will surely come up with a surprise this weekend. will be seeing de gea between the sticks imo. lad needs a game. its anders’ chance to pick his nose on the bench now.
sandeep,
haha same here. bangalore hell yeah.
I’m sorry, but Scholesy ,Giggsy and Berba should be nowhere near the starting line up. A game like this, you need legs. Tbf, all our energetic midfielders (Jones, Anderson, Cleverley, Fletcher) are injured, so I suppose at least one of the veterans have to play. In that case I’d prefer Giggs (although he had a shocker in October). At least he’s got a burst of energy to get away from Liverpool’s hard pressing.
Let’s not forget that for 3 seasons in a row, we got absolutely bullied at Anfield (2008-2011). And that was in no small part down to the gaffer’s selection. He went with pretty much the same line up in all 3 games……….Carrick and Scholes in the middle of the park…..Giggs on the wing….Berba partnering Rooney up front. A real lack of energy and mobility, and we got battered.
Under Benitez and Dalglish, Liverpool have the same game plan against us at Anfield……hassle us, get in our faces etc….and tbh, we couldn’t cope. Got absolutely overwhelmed.
This season, we had far more energy in our line up (Fletcher, Jones, Park, Welbeck etc). And for the first time in years, we were actually able to compete at Anfield. I know we only got a draw….but that’s coz Rooney, Nani etc were on the bench. I’m sure if even one of them had started we would’ve nicked 3 points.
As for this weekend….I think Carrick will be fine. If he played the second half with a hamstring strain, it can’t be that bad. I also think we’ll need Park in the middle, coz as I said, we need some legs in there. If Nani and Rooney aren’t fit……..why not play Fabio on the left wing? Did a really good job there last season….and of course we’ll have Danny up top on his own.
Also, I don’t get why people are saying stuff like “save Player X for the Stoke game” etc. Not agreeing with that one bit.
This is a Cup knock out game against Liverpool! Everything has to go into this match. We’ll worry about Stoke and Chelsea when they come along….but no way in the world should we be holding players back. That’s madness! As I said, this is a knock out tie against one of our fiercest rivals.
Just think for a second….if we were to beat Liverpool on their own patch. The sheer momentum from that would carry us into the next 2 matches, regardless of any injuries.
Likewise, if we get beaten at Anfield, that could have a serious effect on us the other way, and we may end up dropping points against Stoke and Chelsea.
I will be seriously disappointed if we don’t play as strong a side as possible on Saturday, that game is huge, and anybody who says otherwise is deluding themselves.
Whatever the team may be, I want a result this weekend. Don’t need a replay. I’m confident of getting the win. Our best weapon is our refusal to go away. We’ll come to anfield and give them a game. Nothing to lose anyway. They’ll probably be favourites. Lets have ago! 19
Cedars – If you read this thread I am not being a cunt by not texting back. Just got my work mobile bill and it was £118!! Thats Ruth belling her old dears in New Zealand over Christmas when she wasnt well as my phone was only one we could get through on. Hope you are well my friend!
Willie ` – Hello mate. No we are the bookies favourites. I also notice our title odds have shortened somewhat since our win at the Emirates on Sunday.
we may need jones in midfield. not def
Here’s an ide;, how about we buy a midfielder?
Ding ding!
King Eric – I was thinking home advantage, and our recent record at the dump. Doesn’t worry me, if they were favourites.
@Gopher Brown, Costas
I accept that they are injured frequently and thats another thing I dont understand. Why do we seem to get so many more injuries than other teams..? And its not a one-off for us, its happening season after season.
About Rafael, He played almost 30-35 games for us in his first season I believe, so its not that he is made of glass. If he could survive 30-35 games at 19, I am sure he can survive that many at 21 given the chances….And not playing them is not going to bring them on physically in any case.
Just look at Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverly. They were skinny scrawny little kids at United reserves, went to Sunderland and watford/wigan respectively and manned up playing in the first team. You will only develop physically if you play games in the league, not by sitting on the bench…
Danny himself has said, that physically he became a man with SUnderland, as did Jonny Evans…so sitting on the bench even when fit, especially against teams like Arsenal who are not much of an aerial threat is not gonna help the situation at all.
Fergie’s already said that Rafa threw a tantrum when replaced against Arsenal and that is only going to increase as time wears on and they dont play. I just love to see them play, they are two tenacious little cunts scurrying up and down the wing offering real attacking threat going forward. I’d hate to see them go like this
we don’t need any of the young players DESPERATELY…rooney,valencia,carrick,nani etc we need desperately
@Colbert
Buy a midfielder you say? Ah I see, you’re a revolutionary are you? :O
Red Devil.
Difficult to fault your points so I’ll just say correct.
cheers!
Well the defensive crisis at your place must be pretty bad if you’re looking to Phil Jones for hope!
Obsessed sheep shagger!
the last thing we need is another injury. we should rest him for anfield and make sure he is fit for the rest of the season. Scholes and giggs FTW
let him rest. lets give fabio a game. he needs games. other than that same team from against arsenal.
buskets has to be the most despicable footballer i have ever seen, i would love to be on a pitch with him id cut him in two halves with a tackle and give him a proper reason to roll on the ground. no matter what he does to opponents he never gets booked himself. watching him makes my blood boil
@den
I agree totally. How such a rich club with Unicef can have Bousquets, Pedro and Dani Alves in the team is beyond me. Those are the cunts of world football. Bet they have a separate changingroom with a a girl with a skirt on the door.
regarding Jones. Let mhim rest, he seem to need it. He has been awful at late. Bad judgement, bad passing game, bad positioning. He need a week or two on the sidelines to get his head sorted.
Had a look on physio room. We actually have 7 supposed starters on bicycles now and still we are 2nd in the leauge. Lets just get this season over with and snatch the 20:th title. Then a proper pre-season camp in the U.S with lots stretching and rehab training. Then next season with a full squad we get the 21 easy, Shitty will be relegated due to not commiting to the financial fair play. chelasea has splashed another 200 billion quid on players in decline. Arsenal fans thinking they are masters of universe in January as usual, only to hit rock bottom form in spring and have a relegation battle at hands in may. Liverpool buys a guy with dark skin or spraypaint Bellamy in a dark colour and tries to fool the world that they aren´t a racist club, gets 25 points reduction from Bernstein and has -25 points in may.
The future looks bright my fellow reds!
We don’t particularly need Jones fit at all since Rafael is available. We need Carrick and Nani available much more than Jones.
@T. . such a rich club with UNICEF you say ? well did you know that barcelona was responsible for the deaths of the entire real madrid’s young team by not allowing them to enter catalonia in the spanish civil war ? both teams are cunts…real are a fascist club and barca are ra racist and separatistic club
@ CROoney
No didn´t knew that. Agree with botth teams being cunts. Don´t like Pepe, Ramos Ronaldo (anymore) and Benzema very much neither. butr if I had to choose from Real or Barca it would be real every day.
My team in Spain is and will always be Deportivo la Coruna unfortunatly. But the love for them is uncomparable to that of our beloved Manchester United.