Paul Scholes’ first shirt number was ’24′, which was registered to him in the 93-94 season and 94-95. In 95-96 he wore the ’22′ shirt, which had been worn by Craig Lawton who had joined Port Vale after breaking his leg. In the 96-97 season, he swapped squad numbers with Simon Davies, who left the club for Luton Town the following season. Scholes played in United’s number ’18′ shirt for fifteen seasons before retiring last summer. Ashley Young now wears this shirt meaning Scholes has returned to ’22′, which had belonged to John O’Shea for the past nine seasons.
Picture from Inna Ivanova
Man Utd News 24/7
I forgot he used to wear 22.
now I’ve got my replica with ’22 Scholes”
absolutely love it.
Just got mine too…..
Now is not the time to ponder on what Paul Scholes’s return signals about the state of United’s midfield, nor think about the implications for Ravel Morrison and Paul Pogba or any other young hopefuls rumoured to be targeted by rivals looking to ‘swoop’. Let’s just pack up our troubles in Scholsey’s old kit bag and rejoice. He’s such a wonderful player, he’s achieved so much for United and provided so many wonderful memories, let’s just be happy to see him back. I was so sad when he retired, he’s always been such a favourite of mine, I’ll just enjoy the ride wherever it takes us. Welcome back, Scholsey, I hope you pick up two or three medals, and not too many yellow or red cards.
Giles Oakley – I can’t understand all the fuzz about Scholes and Pogba/Morrison. He is not a player we signed for long term, so there’s no pressure to play him and he’ll never get in the way of talents. If he has the feeling that he’s blocking them he’d stop playing.
Even more convincing is that they can learn so much from him and the boost in the locker room will be imminent.
Here’s Darren and Ashley in the away end yesterday. Great to see Fletch receiving the crowd’s support. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2csWI1QbfI&feature=share
Still taking it in. The Prince is back.
The magic mans back.
Goals
galore
xol – Cheers for that mate. Fletch is a top bloke. Good to see some of the squad in with the fans. Especially this day and age, of multi millionaire footballers.
Number 22 rules.
I wonder if anyone on the planet bet on Scholes being our next 22 when O’Shea left last summer. He’s probably a billionaire now…
Here, here Zelh and Giles.
All this nonesense of “Scholes’ signing reveals the sad state of affairs at the club” is utter bullox. Those clamoring for “mid-field reinforcements” to be bought in the January transfer window have bantied about names like Rodwell and Sneijder, christ, Beckham’s name has even been thrown in the mix. Not only did we get a better player to fill the void for the time being, we picked up a man who’ll seemlessly ease his way back into the dressing room without a Media storm, without headline making wages, without an added pressure of being heir apperent to anybody, and on and on.
I couldn’t be more chuffed about his addition. Sir Alex clearly said he wasn’t going to bring in a player who’d be playing old maid with the reserves once everyone was back healthy (reads: 2nd Rate) and he wasn’t going to get bent over in the January window to employ a stop gap measure. When was the last time SAF went into the January window looking to build for the future? Evra and Vidic are the last names to come to mind but even to this day they’re regarded as master strokes in a transfer window that has seen huge changes since those days (we can thank a Sheik, be it Arab or Russian for this.)
The last time SAF bought a veteran in the January transfer window was Henrik Larrson (if memory serves me correctly) and that didn’t work out for us too badly. As some have mentioned in previous threads, if Sir Alex wants to spend (Smalling, Jones and Young) he’ll spend, if he doesn’t, he doesn’t.
Sad state of affairs my arse. Another master stroke in an ever expanding career of brilliance? My money’s on the latter.
Ode to Scholesy… (to the tune of ‘my bonnie lies over the ocean)
Oh Scholesy has gone and retired,
Scholesy’s retired Fergie,
Oh Scholesy has gone and retired,
Oh bring back my Scholesy to me.
Bring back, oh bring back,
Oh bring back my Scholesy to me, to me,
Bring back, oh bring back,
Oh bring back my Scholesy to me.
xol- Cracker.
Willierednut – no probs mate. Having Scholes back’s got me thinking of various midfield 2′s and 3′s. Loads of options, but Carrick with Tom and Scholes would be interesting.
I for one wouldn’t be surprised if Scholes is asked to stay on for another season at the end of this one.
@xol
Gibson-Pogba-Ando.
He’s the best player we could possibly have when games are tight and we need to cling onto a lead. His possession play on the ball will do us wonders in the final half of the season. Nice to have you back Scholesy, whatever number you wear! 22 goals and assists before the end of May would do nicely as well
Costas – for me I was not over excited scholes returned, because I could see the past few seasons he looks past his best. My next worry is, the age scholes is at, the legs are not there and he is going to cause more red cards. If we are also to get the best out of scholes, the boss must start playing 3 in midfield. But I look at the way tonyV has been playing, and at times nani and welbeck have been playing I would not leave any of them out. You add rooney how do you fit them all in, what could be a solution is change from 4 at the back and play 3
DDG
jones ferdinand evra
valencia giggs carrick scholes nani
rooney welbeck
We could easily put valencia sometimes has a RB, but plays on the right hand side.
Good evening Red Devils,
What does ETIHAD stands for?
Eleven Tired Idiots Having A Dream
Sandeep – They near spoiled our dream!
@FITB
I think Scholes can still play in a 4-4-2 in OT games. And as part of a 3 man midfield in away games. The thing is that we are not playing 4-5-1 anymore. Rooney prefers to play behind the main guy and Welbeck can’t be left out at the moment. But common logic says that once everyone’s fit, Carrick, Tom and Ando will be Fergie’s 3 main choices with Scholes offering back up.
Like some posters have already mentioned, Scholesy coming back gives us quality depth in the midfield. As Costas pointed out, once Tom is back, SAF will revert to Carrick, Tom and Ando as his main midfield options with Scholes and Giggs used sparingly or appropriately. Welcome back Scholesy, we missed ya.
Good to have the ginger prince back. I may be wrong but some of the people on here who are sceptical (and that is perfectly acceptable, I’m not having a pop) seem to write as though he’ll play every week now he’s back. Surely if the options were 1. Don’t have Scholesy or 2. Do have Scholesy, option 2 has to be a no brainer. A case in point, we could have had him in the middle against Blackburn instead of Rafael?
Costas – Let’s wait what he’s capable of when he’s training for a few more weeks with the squad. I’d only bring him as a sub for the last 20-30 minutes. Could be so vital to have him on, when opponents get tired and he slices the balls through the defence.
Costas, one things for sure, it doesn’t help you with guessing the starting eleven on match day and hopefully gives opposition managers something else to think about. Didn’t someone get all 11 recently? Wille maybe. Things will be different now.
Of course it doesn’t mean there’ll be no signings and anyone hoping for something this window will be less certain of money being spent. In a way, bringing Scholes back is the perfect smokescreen for signing Iniesta, Sneidjer and Lampard (loan) on the last day of the January transfer window.
Willie,
My friend therez a lot of difference between spoiled and near spoiled
24 to 22 to 18 to 22 … to 24?
Is this Paul Scholes last comeback?
My stats prove otherwise!
Just kidding. Scholesy, do us a favour mate, stick around. There’s football to be played.
Scholes will play when needed. IMO, it’s a short term thing. If everyone was fit, i don’t think he’d play much at all. Or, Giggsy for that matter. No new signings. This is the next best thing.
Valencia Smalling Evans Evra
Jones, Scholes
Tom
Danny Owen
“Scholes scores goals” is a short term.
oops, Jones Scholes Young
xol – I got 11 right the once. Wasn’t too difficult though. We had a bucket load of injuries lol. Costas is the master most weeks!
With both men having been nominated for FIFA’s Coach of the Year award, the pair met at a press conference in Zurich on Monday during which Ferguson was asked if Guardiola would be the right man to succeed him as United boss.
“Why do you have to replace me?” Sir Alex replied with a wry smile as he turned to address his Barcelona counterpart.
“If I were you I would stay at your club. At this moment, they (Barcelona) are by far away the best team in the world. We’ve been hurt by them on more than one occasion and it’s impossible not to recognise that they are the best. It’s that simple.”
“We’re planning for the future with the club but if I can stay there for a few more years, I will. It depends on my health but right now I feel perfect.”
http://www.soccerway.com/news/2012/January/09/fergie-tells-guardiola-to-stay-at-barca/
xol . . since when we are a man down by default ?
@willie, xol
Actually I’ve stopped predicting line ups lads. It was after we started without Nani and Rooney at Anfield in October. I just realized that I was making a grave mistake. I was using common sense in my predictions.
@Zelh
That’s how I’d use him too, but at the moment he could start a few games. Ando isn’t ready for 90 minutes and Giggs canb’t play each game. It would be awesome if we had Tom back for the tough run we have in the next 3 weeks, but…
Smartalex
And people say Sir Alex isn’t a humble man!!
Xol
Great clip of Fletch and Young. Great knowing that they’re not too rich to remember thier roots. I’m having withdrawal symptoms, can’t wait for Bolton. Have we had any updates on injuries?
Sir Alex, Mancini, Kenny and Harry sitting in a pub. Kenny goes up and buys the first round of drinks. Mancini the second and Harry the third. Sir Alex’s buys the next but Mancini complains “Where’s mine?!” Sir Alex replies “Sorry pal, this is the fourth round and you’re not in it
Willie, hopefully the Injuries problem is on the mend, but I’ve not heard much talk about the fact that so far, the winter’s been mild. I’m no expert on grounds-keeping(?) but it’s yet to freeze here. Shit loads of rain and drizzle, wizard of oz winds, but as far as I know, the squad haven’t had to train indoors due to weather. Yet.
SIR ALEX FERGUSON PRESIDENTIAL AWARD. YOU BLOODY LEGEND. ALL HAIL THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME!!!!
Mikekelly12 – Our gaffer has every reason to be proud, yet his focus seems always to be the future, and does not ride the coat-tails of his own success. He is so aware of all the other managers; as an old shepherd that watches his own flock while also guiding young herders to run their own pastures well.
In the world of Football Managers, Sir Alex is omnipresent.
ps He doesn’t take kindly to sheep-shaggers!
Sandeep1878 – Brilliant joke mate!
Robbie Brady believes Joshua King would be a great signing for Hull City after Nick Barmby expressed an interest in taking King on loan.
“I joined United at the same time as him and he would be a great asset for us,” Brady said. “He’s got bags and bags of pace and is as strong as an ox. He’s probably one of, if not the quickest, player I’ve played with at United. He’s got to be one of the quickest at United full stop; he’s certainly in the top two or three.”
Brady retuned to Hull to work under new boss Barmby. “I would have been silly to go anywhere else. I love all the lads and everyone’s made me feel at home. Nick’s brilliant too. He’s always giving me help and a bit of stick as well. I get along with him, he’s a top bloke.”
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11688/7420474/Brady-tips-King-to-star-for-Hull
Mikey – Smartalex is humble mofo with a big as….
Congrats to Fergie. Does that mean he will replace Blatter as Fifa president?
ex BBC
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson on being awarded the Fifa Presidential Award: “All the players have shared my passion and that’s what makes Manchester United such a special club. They’ve retained the courage to try and play but we try to win and that is more important than anything. Thank you for this great honour.”
@Costas HELL NO. Fergie is too big for that kind of position LOL.
… well, I ain’t that humble!
“Sometimes, accomplishments inside stadium gates are simply too resounding to ignore.”
“That’s why, four years ago, to mark the 50th anniversary of his professional debut, Pele received the honour for the extraordinary contribution he made to a sport in which he will infinitely reside as one of its greatest-ever players. And that’s why tonight, ten years after the FIFA Presidential Award was incepted, it has finally recognised the extraordinary contribution of a man who will forever remain one of football’s finest all-time managers.”
http://www.fifa.com/ballondor/news/newsid=1564530/
ex BBC
Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola on being awarded the Fifa World Men’s Football Coach of the Year 2011 : “I would like to share this award with Mr Mourinho and Sir Alex Ferguson, it’s a honour for me to be nominated with you.”
Well done boss!
Guardiola is just TOOO HUMBLE. what a good guy.
Smartalex
P.s he doesn’t take kindly to sheep shaggers! Hahaha funny, dont know why but really made me piss myself!!
Willie
Smartalex has a big ass? Really??
Sir Alex, you legend!! I remember playing kirby outside my house when my dad came to the door to let me know you’d been appointed!! My mate was an Aberdeen fan (bucking the Celtic, Rangers trend) and told me all about you. I was sceptical…. I was stupid!
48 hours before the derby, Sir Alex wonders how cunning Mancini is,
“I am not sure Touré won’t be available for Sunday,” he said. “He probably will. I don’t know the whole background but apparently, he doesn’t need to meet up until Monday, I read somewhere, which suggests he should be playing on Sunday.”
Then he drops a SCHOLES-bomb hours before the game..
Managers, watch and learn from the emperor of mind games
neymar wins the best goal award…hoping wayne would have won, but then again
Neymar wins best goal award. In the end let’s be honest he prolly deserved it too. Rooney’s goal was stunning but Neymar’s was just ….. WOW.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmTyPd5oqqg
“Paul is going to be a real positive addition to our squad,” said Smalling. “I was disappointed when he called it a day last year. I saw first hand the things he could do on the pitch and I know he can still do them. All of us were hoping he would come back and I am sure a few of the older lads have been saying things to him about it. It does pep up the dressing room when you see a player of the calibre of Paul Scholes in there. It gave the young lads a lift just to see him preparing for (the) match.”
However, Smalling conceded that: “We can count ourselves lucky because we were close to throwing it away. It was our own fault that we found ourselves with the prospect of facing a replay. We thought it was going to be easier in the second half but we made things difficult, as we have done a couple of times this season. In the past we have come back against teams. Now it has happened to us. We must make sure we learn from this and ensure it doesn’t happen again.”
Smalling had a bad bout of tonsillitis, which kept him out of 3 games: “It was a frustrating Christmas and New Year being laid up in bed. Hopefully I am well over that and can play in all these massive games.”
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5iDgKhcJTO8gxx7tPV02HEZPqkzxQ?docId=N0881421326124025392A
It’s hard to believe that the players didn’t know that Scholes was playing until they saw him getting changed.
Mikey – Ha. Private joke related to a TV series we love! The Wire!
Can’t believe Neymar beat Rooney to the best goal in 2011. I just don’t understand this.
@sandeep – I’d just replace tired with tosspots
Excellent headline scott – ah, our own hobbit Mr. Scholes, there and back again!!!
I was just thinking about this FA cup draw. Looking back at 2006, Neville kisses his badge in front of the scousers and a week later we are drawn at Anfield in the next round of the FA cup. Suarez gets an 8 match ban due to Evra’s allegations and a week later we are drawn at Anfield in the next round of the FA cup. Keep in mind that we had already been to Anfield on both occasions for the league. No way is this a coincidence.
@danny
Or too clean for it, lol.
I’m very sad for Wayne that he didn’t win ‘Best Goal’, but I’m not sad for us.
It should motivate him.
I just debunked the myth on West Baltimore? Natural police, that man.
Rooney’s against the bitters didn’t win? The lesbians goal wasn’t better.
FIFA’s Ballon d’Or World XI features only three teams:
Goalkeeper: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid)
Defenders: Dani Alves (Barcelona), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United)
Midfielders: Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Xavi (Barcelona)
Forwards: Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
That is a holy trinity if I ever saw one…
You see those bowlegged mofos? I made them walk like that!
The small argentine Magician wins it again and will prolly keep winning it FOR A WHILE. destined to be the GOAT in a few years. Just wished he played for UTD ( pipe dreams LOL).
Anyone got the clip of neymars goal they can post?
@mikekelly http://www.fifa.com/ballondor/puskasaward/index.html all 3 are there
Sir Paul
2 Man Utd players cool, others see in Rooney what some of us see. World Class player.
Wow, Shakira was something….Pique, you bastard!!
So Ronaldo was not there live? He probably knew he would not win, so decided not to bother:-)
Cedars and MG hello!!!!
Public opinion is notoriously fickle, so for what it’s worth:
Nearly 7000 fans took part in a Givemefootball poll over the wisdom of coaxing Scholes out of retirement. A resounding 87 percent of those who voted thought the signing of the Old Trafford legend was a smart move by United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/united-fans-endorse-legends-return-
Breaking News:
Kenny Dalgleish refuses to appologise to Oldham player Tom Adeyami who was racially abused by fan. Liverpool and Dalgliesh claiming that where the fan comes from in Aintree it is perfectly acceptable to call a black person a Ni@@er or other derogatory racist terms, especially as the fan was being affectionate to the player. LFC: It is especially acceptable given his best friend is black and the fans wide calls him NI@@a and he doesnt get offended.
Zibbie, CedarsDevil and MG – Hello!!!!
Hello smartalex RC
Zibbie, just because he’s in the World XI doesn’t mean he’s ‘world-class’.
He’s a striker, why weren’t any of his goals on show?
FIFA PRO WORLD XI OF THE YEAR
Ronaldo Rooney Messi
Iniesta xavi alonso
Ramos Pique Vida Alves
Casillas..
######
4 from UNITED – 2 current and 2 ex
Good night ROM!!!
Firdt thing tmrw morning!!
So Barcelona had the Top Coach, the Top Player, and another 5 of the top 11 Players in World football last year. We had 2 of the top 11 Players in World football.
So we lost. What the fuck. There’s no shame in losing to the Top team.
Credit to Barcelona. We know you’re looking over your shoulder, and it’s United you see.
Zibbie – No one can argue with the fact that Rooney is a World Class Player.
Well, they can argue. Until they’re blue in the face, if they like!
It won’t change the fact that Rooney is a World Class Player.
Arsenal vs Leeds in the FA Cup, starts in 20 minutes, if I’m not mistaken.
Off Topic, ex BBC:
Mark Hughes has told reporters outside QPR’s Loftus Road ground that “there’s a lot more to discuss and we’ll wait until the morning” on whether he will take over following the exit of Neil Warnock on Sunday. “We’re still discussing the ideas that the club have and I’ve got to think very carefully about what’s been said today. I’m pleased with how it’s gone but nothing’s confirmed yet. We all have to discuss a number of things but it [talks] went well today. It’s about thinking things over and we’ll see what happens in the morning. I’m an ambitious manager and hopefully the next club I’m at can match those ambitions.”
Good luck Sparky!
Rio on Twitter: “Messi is Fifa Ballon d’Or 2011 and rightly so, Ronaldo + Xavi have been quality but this guy was on another planet.”
MansionofThereds
Cheers pal.
arsenal 0:0 sheep-shaggers
11 minutes
BREAKING NEWS:
Liverpool football club relegated following FA racism investigation……..
Carlsberg don’t do news flashes, but if they did ……..
Dear Gordon Taylor
I see we have drawn Manchester united in the cup. Just wondered what kind of ban I’d get for taking the piss out of that ginger cunt Scholes.
Yours sincerely
Louis Suarez
Keown smacked by a ball on his head
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fy8LdyXLrUg
Paul Scholes the legend.
The rumour turned out to be true,what a suprise. Thot the abu media were having fun.
Before he retired , he was no longer the influence he once was.And he cost us a few games.
In there is the irony, the Ginger Genius , like Giggs, the makers of our best moves,our best freekicks,our most influential men in the team but
also the mistakes,lack of energy which is a problem when we play against better teams closing us down quickly.
Giggs has been working very hard recently, chasing if he lost the ball , covering his duties well.
Now is Scholes turn. Fergie does calculated gambles and I hope this works.
@smartalex: who them shag sheep? thot them were bleating al-qaeda types up in them mountains.
u may have lufc come after u with a sheep on his dick. like corn on a cob.
Steward Gardner MUTV, part of what he said:
I think Paddy Crerand can take a bit of credit for Scholes’ comeback. When seeing him at United Reserves’ games, Paddy has often tried to persuade Paul to resume playing and now we will get the chance again to see one of the club’s greatest-ever midfielders in action. Thanks Paddy!
Dave Malaysia – Hello buddy!
It’s not me that LUFCsheepshagger wants, I think he wants to ram ewe!
time to sleep. will be dreaming 3 goals first have and 3 goals 2nd half,
Manutd 6-0 winners over shitty.
zelh – LOL. You couldn’t miss that head anyway!
@smartalex: hey,wordsmith, good one, but no one ram e. Its ewe he want, now no more sheep stuff
Hayley no like sheep i da bed. Nighty.
Meg Ryan calling lebanon, come in pls!
Hayley calling Mrs.G , where ma puddy tat MG?
goot night.
arsenal 0:0 sheep-shaggers
half-time
goot night Dave Malaysia!
Samantha Mumba calling Cedarsdevil, Come in please!
GOD I’M BORED……………………………………….
This should wake you up TonyBee, Eric cantona wants to run for President of France:
http://www.liberation.fr/politiques/01012382273-eric-cantona-cherche-500-signatures
For those without Google Translate competence:
Known for his exploits on the field and displays as his public speaking citizens, Eric Cantona has just sent a letter to the mayors of France, “in the political debate in which the country is committed” to collect the signatures of at least 500 of them.
He intends to “make a simple but clear message, a message of truth but of respect, solidarity and a powerful message. A message awaited by our country and the millions of families in which one forgets the daily suffering and which the public has moved away. ”
Footballer turned actor engaged, in film as in the city, says feel compelled “to speak today, more seriously than usual, but with a keen sense of [his] responsibility to a time when our country is in front of difficult choices and determining its future”
Smartalex
The devil will be returning tomorrow!!
SmartAlex. Hahaha, just got some tweets on the same.
DarrenCanalPlus
EricCantona announced he intends to run in this years French presidential race. Wrote Frances mayors asking for support.
DarrenCanalPlus
Some suggesting Cantona would have more chance of being elected Mayor of Manchester than President of France. #MUFC
3 minutes ago
As much as Scholes is a legend, it says something about the state of affairs at United that they can’t afford to buy a quality midfielder who hasn’t retired.
WATCHING THE GOONERS AND THE SCUM……Arshavin is fucking shit aint he…..
Allanze Eric!
http://www.lemonde.fr/politique/article/2012/01/09/eric-cantona-en-quete-des-500-signatures-pour-l-election-presidentielle_1627624_823448.html
Eric would make a better President that that Teacozy twat
Just read a view from a blue! Deluded fuckers. Said the red card was a disgrace at best and that Agguero gave us the run around all day. How many opportunities did he have/create?? Hmmm. Not seen the match stats anywhere? Does anyone have them?
Mikekelly12 – That’s tremendous! Thanks for the news! I’e not wanted to press the matter,
but it’s time!
FletchTHEMAN – He’s not likely to get the 500 signatures from all the Mayors, unless perhaps many of them harbour love for United!
I knew that would waken the TonyBeest!
Tony Bee
Now you’re talking my language. Arshavin is truly fuckin shite.
Can’t wait for Saturday belting out ‘He scores goals galore He scores goals’
morrison was seen tonight in a city kit.
can fuck right off.
Henry is back!
nevermind I don’t really care what he’s wearing.
could play naked.
King Eric says.
Durham tonight saying Scholes has always been over rated. Yeh course he has.
King Eric’s gems by proxy, thanks James21!
james21 …hows King Erics Ruth getting on ?
….and henry scores!
HENRY SCORES FOR THE ARSE
arsenal 1:0 sheep-shaggers
Henry scores!
HENRY SCORES, UP THE ARSE!
Nicky Butt: “For me it was a no-brainer as far as the club is concerned now that Paul is back in the fold as an extra player and it will give everyone a lift. He could be either be a revelation and be brilliant and play in every game or be a substitute and just play here and there and just help out but whatever happens it is a very good move for all parties concerned.”
HENRY BANGS ONE IN.
what’s all that about henry?
Owen scored twice against them. Twice.
HENRY STICKS IT IN FOR WENGER
WENGER ECSTATIC ABOUT HENRY BANGING ONE IN
Tony Bee
King Eric will pop on in a bit.
Cedars will love the fact Leeds are loosing. Where’s LUFC White tonight?
Leeds are all shagged out of the FA Cup!
Great news!
Henry comes late, as leeds take it up the arse!
That’s an amazing comeback by Henry. Good for him and the Gunners. He could have a similar effect on them as Larsson did for us back in 06-07.
“French Arses the Best” say sheepish Leeds fans.
“It was hard to come back on, but the hard-on from my comeback was worth it! Making leeds swallow my pride makes it all worth while” a teary Henry blurted.
I guess that means Arsenal in the 5th round at the Emirates awaits the winner of our 4th round clash with Liverpool; unless LFC win, in which case – whoever gets drawn.
yeah yeah, henry is a good player – but those super slow mo’s and following him – that cameraman, absolutely awful!!! oh, my eyes
So Arsenal get two games at home in a row and we get two ridiculously tough games away. Kinda blows, dont you think?
Still, it’ll be fun to stick it to them scousers!
Actually pleased that it is AFC to get passed LUFC. We would surely draw Leeds and SirAlex (bless im) would duly send in the reserves and we could be out. Actually think we have a better chance v Arsenal just because we will take them seriously. I know we did them 3zip in the CC this year, but I am still pissed about losing to Leeds at OT in the FA Cup 3rd round the year before. Anyone want to put a guess in as to the Ref that day?!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_-38ucqVHQ
SAF receiving the FIFA Presidential Award. Congrats to the boss.
Fletch
Yeh and don’t they go on about it even though we smashed them since.
It was Foy.
Links to The FA Cup show here:
http://www.wiziwig.tv/broadcast.php?matchid=140661&part=sports
Starts in ½ an hour.
Saad,
Sir Alex 2010 FIFA Presidential Award (For services to football)
Strange Award, usually goes to someone who contributes to good causes. Pele won it a couple years back, Nelson Mandela as well. You might not recognize most of the other names.
Still, well done to the boss. I think Sir Alex is the first Manager to win it. Does anyone have the text of the award statement?
Blatter said: “Elite football is all about results and winning and there is no one better at it than him. His first major success came at Aberdeen in 1983 but what is absolutely extraordinary is that in a world in which coaches are expected to produce instant results or be changed, his longevity is a shining example of what can be achieved through stability, continuity, investment in development and especially in trust and confidence in the personality himself.”
Here is the Guardian story
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/jan/09/sir-alex-ferguson-presidential-award?
@James21 Spot on son! Cheers.
saad – thanks for the link man! great to see boss being appreciated by FIFA. It was hard to hear what he was saying though with someone talking over him. Vida looks pleased, get fit soon captain!
“You’ll never grow old Micheal and you’ll never die, but you must feed”
Way off topic! Guess the film?
Sheep shaggers out! Ha. Cedric will love it!
Saad – Cheers for the video. Mourinho old suck up lol. I call him, the boss! That’s respect.
Was it ‘Lost’? Or was it ‘The fabulous Baker Boys’?
Willie – The Lost Boys?
You need sunglasses to talk on the phone?
Are you freebasing, Michael? Inquiring minds want to know.
That FA Cup show is a joke, they’ree showing Leeds taking it up the Arse.
I thought it would be a summary of the round, sorry bout that.
ee by gum, they’ree eerie!
Fred smartalex
Both right!
Fred
Lost Boys…. Good shout!
“Manchester United never die,” said Evra. “A lot of people forget that, they don’t want to respect the story (of the club). But when you have the story behind this club, you know that when there’s a difficult moment you’ll answer back, because everyone in this team has a big character, a big personality. If we hadn’t shown that we would have lost the game. But we know we’re strong.”
“The manager told us it was a big game and that we had to go out and show what Manchester United is all about – and that’s what we showed. He told us that we’re not going to win every game just because we’re Manchester United. We had to walk out and play with the Manchester United spirit, and that’s what we did in the first half. Even though we lost two games in a row, I didn’t think everything was over.”
“The manager wasn’t happy with the second half and he’s right because we didn’t kill the game by scoring more goals and they scored two. But, in the end, there’s a lot of satisfaction because many people before the game were saying that Manchester United wouldn’t win.”
“When I came to this club six years ago, they had already gone out of the Champions League at the first stage and people said it was over for United. But since then we’ve been in the Champions League four times and won the league four times. The most important thing is believing in yourself.”
On Scholes return Evra said: “It was great news, a big surprise. I never understood why he stopped. He’s the type of player who embodies the story of the club. It’s a big boost for everyone.”
reference only:
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Manchester-United-proved-they-are-still-team-to-beat-with-FA-Cup-win-over-Manchester-City-says-Patrice-Evra-article851741.html
Watched the Lost Boys on Blueray. Them vamps are scary. I feel like Micheal, so I’ll put some
on
Nice one Willie! Cool movie. The Frog brothers crack me up!
A Wales insider said: “He [Giggs] was always seen as the natural successor to Gary, but Sir Alex immediately told us there is no chance.
“It’s disappointing as many saw Ryan as the man to continue the foundations laid by Gary. But even a part-time role, which was also mentioned, was also immediately rejected.”
Quality King Eric Rant on the Rooney Thread. Just pissed myself.
Fred – The Frog bros! Lol. Wicked sound track too. Ah, the 80s!
M19ke
Hi Mate
Not long now until the Devil returns.
Thank God he texts or I’d have missed the ol Git. East>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Stretty.
James
Haha. Just read the rant!! Funny fucker! Spot on tho!!
Yup, cedars has been wining and dining! Tell you what, he’s been making up for lost time with the hops n barley!! 4 days til Bolton!!
M19ke
He certainly has, he’ll be pickled.
Mate yeh looking forward to it. I’ll be on the coach so hopefully get there about 12:30- 1pm. Heard from Giggs12 ? Maybe try and meet him at the front where they collect the pound at a certain time if he’s still up for it.
Costas
Enlighten us about Torosidus (spelling?) mate.
Apparently we’re in for him.
Cedars, come on mate, put her and that bottle down now!
James
Yeah, Giggs12 said he was up for it. The devil, aye, Pickled is right, got out drunk by one of the fairer sex!!
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/9003925/Eric-Cantona-announces-bid-for-French-presidency.html
VIVE LE ROI!
His Lady Friend>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
.
Cedars The Lightweight.
@It’s in my blood
Pretty close mate. Torosidis, lol. There are rumors about him? Interesting. He’ll be 27 this summer. He’s a right back that likes to make forward runs a lot. Can cross the ball pretty well. A bit like Rafael, but he’s bigger in size and less swashbuckling.
I’ll say what I said about the Ninis rumors a while back. He’s very talented for Greek league standards and can definitely play in a superior league. But United quality? Not so sure about it. It’s a huge step for any Greek player.
Forgot to say that he also plays left back at times.
Just read the Daily Mail article myself. Hmm, at 6mil I guess he wouldn’t be a bad consideration. Hard to see it happening though.
Robson >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Cedars at drinking!!
Costas
Cheers, must be true, it’s in the Mail!!
The truly humble Sir Alex Ferguson on Messi and Barca – 1 minute
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/16478811.stm
@It’s in my blood
Lol, that’s what I thought as well!
Mikekelly12
Robson>just about everyone at drinking!
Cedars ‘Shandy Drinker’ Devil.
Cliff Richard could out drink the Devil.
CidarsDevil on the piss! He’s on the town with Celebanonymous!
It’s in my blood
Robson = Whiteside = McGrath
James
It’s hard to drink with the devil on his back!!
CidarsDevil – you are the apple of my wine!
Text from the ‘humble’ video linked at 23:20
“Great players could play in any generation; Lionel Messi could play in the 1950s, Alfredo Di Stefano could have played now as could Diego Maradona, (Johann) Cruyff and Pele,” he said. “Messi comes into that category.”
“Sometimes in football, you have to hold your hand up and say: ‘They’re better than us’,” Manchester United manager Ferguson told a news conference before the FIFA Balon D’Or player of the year award.
“It’s not a crime or weakness, it’s just plain facts. They are just an extraordinary team. I can’t see anyone taking the trophy from them this year. Real Madrid are probably the nearest to them”
James Mike
Out drunk by a woman? Did he at least cop a feel?
M19ke. That would be some piss up. The Reunion of the Utd drinking culture.
smartalex
I like Ciders Devil, brilliant.
Lebenon-alcoholic cedars
James21 – he’s so intoxicating!
Mikekelly12
Ha, that was the other Holy Trinity!
Wonder who was the hardest drinker of that trio?
James21
Meant to say hi earlier, didn’t, so will now.
Hi.
Mikekelly12 – so you spotted ‘lebanon’ in my post at 23:26, very sharp!
Lebanon Cider drinker!
Its in my blood
Hi mate, I was about to address you but got carried away at Cedars expense.
Read your post the other day. Cheers and say no more.
It’s in my blood
Probably Robbo mate! My mate used to work in the amblehurst in sale where they’d go drinking on a Sunday. They used to hang upside down from the bar and race pints of guiness!!
Smartalex
Ciders… Haha top one. Lebenon-alcoholic ciders!
Smartalex
Haha I’m learning.
@FTM
Sir Alex and his achievements have gone beyond football. He’s not just shown us how to create football teams and win tournaments, he’s also shown us how to develop a product, a brand, a community, an identity, a character – all using limited means (in the beginning) followed by prudent spending with the occasional high-priced investment. But those weren’t the only resources he used to build those things. He also used strong principles, common sense and humility, none of which cost a dime. This point about SAF has been echoed by many politicians in England.
I wouldn’t even be surprised if there are business school students who study SAF’s career as a case study on longevity and continued success.
May I present Cedars and Cruella D’vil – drinkers drinking d’vilishly:
Cedars? No no, you can’t lie in the entrance, we’ve a bar to break!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8y8jZlXPyf4
Gotta respect the Henry goal. Berbatovian touch to steady the ball from a zippy pass with an inside-out footing followed by a perfect dink through the only side he could realistically have scored.
Keep the jokes about the commentary at a respectable minimum, folks!
Got to do one.
Keep Utd and await the Return of the Ciders. love it.
So long as its low alcohol He’ll be fine.
Now that makes two of my sporting heroes in politics:
Imran Khan and Eric Cantona.
The Khan and the King.
Mikekelly12
Stands to reason it would be Robbo.
He had to win at whatever he was doing.
Makes you wonder what he’d have done on that pitch not half pissed from the night before!
Saad
Expertly said pal. And like you alluded to, it’s not just people from within football who respect him or seek his advice from time to time.
Smartalex, James, Willie
Well I’ve enjoyed our Cedars welcome home party even though the guest of honour won’t be returning til the morning. However, I must now call it a day and hit the hay. Take it easy fellas.
Swing that haymaker Mikekelly12, enjoy your knockout!
Night Mikey!
I’ll catch Cedars sometime tomorrow lol.
I don’t have the exact quote, but Pep Guardiola is being quoted as saying something like
“I would like to share this award [FIFA Coach of the year] with Jose Mourinho and Sir Alex Ferguson. I am proud to be a colleague of yours.”
Stunningly decent. This followed him saying something to the effect of “We are forgetting what it’s like to loose”, so take this with a grain of salt
Still, Cheers to Pep. Award is well deserved IMO.
the above quote re SAF is from Rahul Singh. Sorry but I don’t have a link.
was ruud van nistelrooy at the arse/scum game 2nite?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ACcNOlN4rw
Nemanja Vidic: “I have to say I was surprised. I didn’t know anything about it. I think the coaches kept quiet about that and Paul has been working with the fitness coaches the past few weeks to build up his fitness. He had some training with the reserves, but we thought he was training because he’s a fan, not because he wanted to come back.”
“He’s great to have in the dressing room because he’s a character. He’s a player that’s nice to have around us and secondly, he will bring us so much technically in our game, especially when we have a few problems with midfield players like Fletch (Darren Fletcher) who is out until possibly the end of the season. And until he is back, I think Scholesy will be a great replacement and I’m glad to see him again.”
http://www.soccerway.com/news/2012/January/10/vidic-stunned-at-scholes-signing/
Wayne Rooney said: “Sir Alex is the greatest manager of all time. Of course I would like to play under him for the rest of my career. He’s a great manager and is a big reason why I joined Manchester United. If I could finish my career playing under Sir Alex then I won’t have gone far wrong.”
“As I said before he is, in my eyes, the best ever. His success and his trophies speak for themselves. He’s an incredible manager and has done so much for football and so much for my game as well. His every-day commitment to his job is what makes him stand out. He’s in before the players every morning and leaves after you. His commitment, his desire to win and his dedication is incredible.”
I wonder whether capello will call on scholes for euro12?
It just goes to show how good the club is at keeping secrets. So all the transfer muppets should just really shut up and wait for things to happen. When was the last time SAF went out to buy someone just because the name was thrown into the mix by the media and called for by the supporters?
For every Prumier that didn’t work out, there’s an Evra and Vidic.
For every Bellion that didn’t work out, there’s a Ronaldo and Nani.
Scholes for the Olympics !!!
Pyscho Pearce are u watching???
Chica chicka,
Amos,
Jones, Smalling, Gibson, Friars
Becks Scholes Carrick and Fletcher
Danny, Morrison
+ Assorted riff raf
Good morning lovely Red Devils around the world,
Scholesy teturning and Heanry making a scoring comeback!!!
whats happening? sopmethings are meant to be…
Good day pals
Sandeep Cheers mate.
From Paul McCarthy (News of the World)
“Henry and Scholes? It’s like football’s equivalent of Cocoon”
FletchTHEMAN…
Hello pal,
looks like we are the only 2 here, rest all hibernated
redrants.com/the-scope-january-2012/
brilliant read!
#EricCantonaForPresident ! Let’s all upturn our collars and move to France! #OohAah
Downing-”I would never intentionally hurt a woman. I have many friends who are women and even my mum is a woman.”
Liverpool in the meantime are reportedly going to take to the field wearing lingerie for their next game, to show their support for their under-fire winger xD
http://www.redrants.com/the-scope-january-2012/
24 – 22 – 18 – 22 : This is Paul Scholes ! great numbers !
I miss fletcherinho
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEx6JwttiBMM&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Irrespective of the number given to him, he’s a legend and still has the class in him to get the team linking up again. Why not make him our captain, as I said earlier, I dont think Evra has the character to lead a team…
I miss fletcherinho
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEx6JwHiBMM&feature=youtube_gdata_player
@Ancha: Normally, I dislike redrants because of the total negative shite spewed on there, but that article is an absolute gem. I’ve been banging on about how we need to move on from 4-4-2 for a long time, and that article in my opinion, absolutely nails it, in terms of where our tactics are going wrong.
jeet
I share your opinion RE redrants, I found this through Twitter. but the posts of that author are brilliant
try to read his previous ones, he wrote one in September which had some revelations. this is the link
http://www.redrants.com/the-scope-september-2011/
looks like what you guessed few days ago RE Clevz comeback is true
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2084475/Alex-Ferguson-bestr-says-Marcello-Lippi.html
so true!
The SatNav is a fuckin living and playing legend even though of course he didn´t had a great game against City. His passing was poor despite the statistics. His pass set up their second goal and often his passing was too soft and got our other guys under heavy pressure, even though they got through. I realize that we can´t expect him to look like he hasn´t been away from active duty for 7 months, but the praise has been a a little to strong considering his more or less mediocre performance.
T. Ha. Give the man time. Make no mistake Scholes will have a big say in the title race. Well pleased with his return. Plenty of football left in him mate.
King Eric,
how are you buddy..how is the family?
Yup SatNav will be influential in the title race for sure…
2day patrice evra cumpletes six year in Manchester united Fc♥
Hope the Scholes resigning has they same effect Henrik had a few years back
@ King Eric
I´ll give him all the time in the world. He is simply the best. I said that the game against City he wasn´t as good as people and the stats say. He still contributed and made a decent performance but not as good as people on this blog implies and definitely not as good as I know Scholes play when he get some more playtime.
The man who nurtured Paul Scholes in his fledgling years, believes the wise old bird was right to return to the Old Trafford nest. Eric Harrison, the mastermind behind United’s famous class of 92 says:
“I thought he retired too soon. It’s a fantastic move and I’m so pleased the manager accepted that he wanted to come back because he is still world-class. You can see when he, Michael Carrick and Tom Cleverley all play together that United will have an unbelievable midfield. That’s the engine room of the team and it’s where they’ve been struggling – but with three players of that calibre, they can do anything.”
But what of the players behind them?
“It’s not a negative move,” said Harrison. “Those players have got to be patient. They are very talented young players and they will get runs out as substitutes. Scholes coming back is a big confidence boost for the team and the club. When he retired you thought they had to sign a world-class player because that’s what he is.”
Money:
“This saves a lot of money. I think he will play this season and another and it will solve a lot of problems for the club. In my opinion, if you’ve got Scholes, Carrick and Cleverley together in the engine room you wouldn’t have to go out and pay a lot of money for someone else. That would be a world-class midfield. At times it’s been too slow this season. It’s not been as intense as it should be. But with the passing and movement of those three, it would be exceptional.”
On Cleverley:
“From the moment he came to the club I said to myself that he was going to do it – going to be a first team player. You have to be careful not to put too much pressure on people but I thought he’d be a first team player and England international because he is that good. He was excellent at the start of the season. Everything went through him. It was one-touch, two-touch football. He was always looking over his shoulder because to play at this level you’ve got to have eyes in the back of your head.”
“That’s what Scholes is like. How many times do you see him getting caught in possession? That’s because he always knows what’s going on around him.”
http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/football/manchester_united/s/1470296_eric-harrison-paul-scholes-return-to-action-will-boost-manchester-united—and-help-the-clubs-young-guns-progress
He once wore number 27 aswell