1. Congratulations lads. The title is not won yet but congratulations for putting us in a position where we need just one point to make it 19. Well done you bloody lovely things, you. You bloody brilliant boys. Well done.
2. As far as starts to football games go, it couldn’t get an awful lot better than that. You’re desperate for a good start to these games but even in your wildest dreams you don’t imagine being 1-0 up with less than a minute played. David Luiz, who was a thorn in our side in the away leg, got caught after good work from Ryan Giggs and Ji-Sung Park set up Chicharito for the winner. The lad is just a born goalscorer. The composure he showed to slot that past Cech so early on in the game was brilliant.
3. Whilst not underestimating what a difference that early goal had on the result, forgive me whilst I overindulge on the praise for Park Ji-Sung, who, despite what Sky Sports said, was the Man of the Match. Time and again he won in the ball in positions you wouldn’t expect any player to. He moved the ball around quickly and didn’t stop running. If Chelsea had a player on the pitch working half as hard as him there might have been a bit of competition in that first half. As it was, he was head and shoulders above everyone and shook up the opposition almost as much as that opening goal.
4. After showing we were capable of controlling the game, it was so important to get that second goal. For some reason, the crowd still seem to get excited when we’re awarded corner, despite being consistently useless. More often than not they go to the first defender. If they make it past the first defender, the goalie will collect or another defender will get it away. We took the corner short though, Ryan Giggs continued to wind back the years to make his man look a dick, and whipped in a lovely cross for Captain Vidic to head home.
5. Being honest, it should have been more than two. Just off the top of my head, there were those powerful shots from distance from Park and Rooney in the first half, both of which forced good saves from Cech. In the second half, Antonio Valencia didn’t well down the right, before Chicharito beat his man and pulled it back for Rooney. He couldn’t get it out from under his feet though and Alex blocked on the line. Not long after, Michael Carrick found Rooney with a good ball and at one point he was one on one with Cech. He was looking for the perfect opening though but delayed, meaning too many players got back. When he got his shot away it was deflected and for a second looped like it was going to loop up over Cech and in to the net, but it went just over for a corner instead. Another chance went begging when Valencia delivered a good ball to Chicharito, but it had too much on it and came at the Mexican too quickly, and his header went over. Obviously it would have been lovely to thrash them 6-1 but I’ll take our three points however we got them.
6. It has to be said, we can’t seem to play a game against Chelsea in the league without potentially match-deciding decisions going against us. John Terry brought Valencia down in the box and didn’t win the ball, but nothing was given. Frank Lampard blocked a Valencia shot with a raised arm in the box but nothing was given. After already being on a yellow card, Ivanovic was guilty of a clear second yellow offence on Rooney. Not only did Webb not send the defender off, he didn’t even speak to him. After previously indicating to Ivanovic he wouldn’t stand for any more bad tackles, he thought it was probably better to pretend that nothing had happened. We got the points, it doesn’t matter, but had Chelsea got the equaliser, would the press still be banging on about Webb being a United fan? Probably.
7. I’m made up our lads had the balls for it. Our home form has been so good and I’m just so happy we took the game to them. Credit to Sir Alex for not trying to mirror Chelsea’s formation and counter-balance their strengths. He picked the team he wanted to play and Chelsea had to dance to our tune. If there were any doubts outside of Manchester that United will be worthy winners, that performance against our closest rivals ensured there could be no doubts come the final whistle. There could still be a twist yet. It wouldn’t be unimaginable to think that United will go to Blackburn and play like shite. But I do fancy us to get at least a point at the weekend so we can get the title wrapped up and shift our focus to Barcelona. Remember, our lads have a place in the starting line-up of a Champions League final to compete for, so if winning the title wasn’t a big enough motivation, the thought of running out at Wembley should be. Again, well done lads, you’ve done us proud.
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Great game. Guys gave their all. Special mention should go to Park for bossing rent boyz. I thought he was the man of the match.
fantastic day
still buzzing from it
well done lads so proud
lets get it done and dusted
19
bring on barcelona
Like all of our best matches this season, the story is always about how good the team played as a unit. Standout players help us along the way, but ever player did their bit and more yesterday. Wonderful to watch
DAmn Rooney. If he stuck to fingers up in a “V-sign” to the crowd, I am absolutly sure Fa will deduct 6-12 points now, depending on how many Chelsea need to win the title. Why Rooney, why!!!!!!
Fuck FA, hope he fingers was directed to them cunts.
We do what we want, we take what we want, and we win what we want, period!
Agree. Park was brilliant.
Just like Scott said, i believe we do not need to change our formation or tactics against Barca. Teams try too hard to counter their positives, and in the end, fail to take advantage of their own strengths.
SAF said that people give them too much respect. True. If we play to our strengths, we can nick it.
I really hope we keep this formation against barca and not Rooney alone in attack. Also I would mention Evans and Smalling looked pretty good as right and left backs. SAF seems to have found his strongest foation and is sticking to it. I think only Nani somewhere and Evra back could strengthen the team, though Carrick, giggs, vid and rio will be crucial with their interventions, as will park and Valencia on wings.
Breaking xavi inniesta messi triangles as Saf said is key, carrick has to be on his game for us to do that well enough
Quick reactions? STR you need to speed up mate!
Bloody brilliant result lads – so much better than those dirty diving rent-boys!
We need to hear the fans like they were in the last 5 minutes much more often. The passion and the sheer joy was uplifting – even SAF was well impressed – Come on, show the lads you care!
Well done lads. YOu even beat the referee this time. Damn proud of you.
Top response from the lads. Even better response from the bench. Berbatov and Anderson were particularly notable in their rooting for the team and continued on the pitch after the final whistle.
MOTM for me was Park. Without doubt. Unbelievable endeavor and quality from the Korean. Hope Fergie finds no excuse to leave him out of the final. Giggs and Park both got a 9 out of 10 for me but for different reasons. Top games from both but I feel it was Park that had us in full control. Rooney put in a shift as well. That first half pile driver would have been goal of the week if it had beaten the keeper.
Ole’ Ole’ bring on the Blacks, burn and pool. Feel that #19 is well and truly justified. After that, bring on the diving team from Spain. Hope to footie gods we get a strong ref for that one.
I am conserned though that we don´t have one single ref on the pay list this season.
NBI Red Onion – without park the 4231 formatio we played against chelsea yesterday, with the same players will not work against barca
Unless park plays, we cannot play both rooney and hernandez, we need much energy and workrate has we possibly can get
@fergie is the boss
We played 4-3-3-2-2 yesterday. I counted at least 3 koreans on the field. Funny that Webb didn´t noticed.
A day late reactions? lol. You summed it up perfectly. A 2 1 drubbing. The rentboys got off lightly, in terms of the scoreline. One more point will be enough, we’ll get that at Blackburn. Just think back to last years game at Blackburn. We lost it there and a year later, we can reclaim our trophy. I hope Berbatov gets a run out. He got terrible abuse last season, in the same game. If could score and we win the league, A great day all round, that would be. Come ye Reds!!!!
8. Rooney missed those chances as if he’s worth 50m pounds. Lol
Just watched the game again and noticed how dirty some of the Chelsea players are. Note Ivanovic bundle Park over just as he released his pass for the opening goal and how Drogba almost took off Hernandez’s head with an elbow as Giggs floated the ball in for the second goal.
Ian Brown is 100% right. The United fans are the 12th man.
I can smell #19 … its here.. What Fucking What
The tactics won it nearly as much as the team. Sir Alex said to Valencia, ‘Get down that wing and fuck them up’, and he did. He said to Park, ‘Their man on your wing is complete shit, so don’t be shy about wandering’ and he did. It was as though we completely neutered their strengths, but at the same time didn’t compromise any of our own advantages. It was like some sort of judo take down move, as expressed through football tactics. We defeated their ability to threaten us, yet we were able to attack them almost freely.
Seriously, Ferguson is God. There can be no other explanation. A manager gets maybe one or two good shots at Manchester United until The Maestro figures them out, then they end up like Arsene Wenger, just fodder for us. And sure, Arsenal got a result this season once, that’ll happen, they are a good side, it’ll happen once in a while. But by and large once Ferguson has a manager figured out, with the squad we’ve got, he’ll find a way to take them apart like clockwork.
The other Maestro at Old Trafford is of course Ryan Giggs. When we finally do claim the title he surely has to be considered among the greatest ever to play the sport. Nobody has been that good for this long, not nobody, not ever. In the hardest, best league that there has ever been. It’s incredible.
Still buzzing 24hrs after!Its hard for me to believe that we haven’t won it yet.I hope the lads are not as carried away as me
off topic
but i heard Tony V hasn’t played enough EPL matches to get a medal?,has Da Silva twins and Smalling played up to 10 matches each..
park ji sung you are a fucking legend!! valencia made a dick of cashley and i hate that horrible cunt terry!!!
Not surprised by Giggs and Park showing, class big game players. If anyone was surprised, go wash your fucking heed! Banish the silliness.
Scott – for once, I am in total agreement with you !
I love ROM. I press reload once every minute and I hardly keep up reading all new posts. Love u all reds, excluding Swede, the rentboy wannabe.
The team that will win us the 2011 Champions League at Wembley on May 28th:
1. Edwin van der Sar
21. Rafael da Silva
5. Rio Ferdinand
15. Nemanja Vidic
3. Patrice Evra
25. Antonio Valencia
16. Michael Carrick
11. Ryan Giggs
13. Park Ji-Sung
10. Wayne Rooney
14. Javier Hernandez
Subs:
29. Tomasz Kuszczak
22. John O’Shea
20. Fabio Da Silva
24. Darren Fletcher
18. Paul Scholes
17. Nani
9. Dimitar Berbatov
Malcum
I was wondering same this morning and did some checking. From what I found, I feel very confident that Micheal Owen and Tony V will get winners medals.
Here is what Wiki pages has to say about picking up a winners medal.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_football_players_with_a_Premier_League_winner%27s_medal
Currently, a player needs to appear in 10 matches in a title-winning season to qualify for a medal (inclusive of matches as a playing substitute):
The League Champions shall further receive 21 commemorative medals to be presented by the Club to its Manager and to such of its Players and Officials as it thinks fit provided, in the case of a Player, that he has that Season played in a minimum of 10 of its League Matches. Additional medals may be presented with the consent of the Board. —2009–10 FA Premier League Handbook, Section B, paragraph 27. p.82.[1]
This “special dispensation”, at the discretion of the Premier League Board, is usually reserved for reserve goalkeepers, and outfield players who have played less than 10 games due to injury.
There is a very impressive compilation of information of numbers of winners medals put forward by treble1999 on manutdtalk.
Raises the interesting questions of whether Gary Neville and Owen Hargreaves might even be in line for consideration. Hmmmmm.
http://www.manutdtalk.com/forums/man-utd-chat/37489-winners-medals-club-competitions.html
Well I would have been happy with the draw so to see Cheslea outplayed was a great bonus along with the win, though I noted JT thought Chelsea controlled, nay dominated the second half, oh well you can lead a horse to water.
Ancellotti will be sacked and probably more to do with the fact that he said we where the better team, in other words he contradicted what the boss said (JT), which leads me to another point, why Mourhino for our next boss, the preening self serving prick, I know for lots of reason it won’t happen but I’d have Ancellotti in charge of the Reds any day over the translator.
This is inception – it didn’t happen – it’s all a dream – city are on top of the premier league and Liverpool have beaten them to draw level and one goal up on goal difference
Wenger has left Arsenal and gone back to Japan whilst chelsea are back mid table after it was discovered that Roman had decided to single handedly save the Israeli Palestinian peace process – by declaring that God had told him to do it
– Roman appointed Ray Wilkins as peace broker 
Arry has left Spurs to try his magic at Wolves and they are fourth after a brilliant season – all of Wolverhampton are dreaming of CL football
As for Manchester United – well who the fuck are Manchester United
Would like to see the same team against Barca, certainly in terms of the front six. Don’t want to sound negative but Rooney, Giggs, Carrick and Park certainly need to be better than they were in the ’09 final. They look good, though. And, as weird as it might sound, I wouldn’t swap Valencia for Ronaldo right now. He could be key. I just hope United exploit Barca’s weaknesses (which are at the back). Last time he put Park against Sylvinho. Unbelievable! Somone said that this United team have been set up to beat Barca. I’m more optimistic about this final than I was in ’09.
Off topic, but does anyone have any info on the Scholes testimonial this summer?
what a game for my first EPL match! My mate and I travelled 18,000 km roundtrip for this one, and that 36 second goal sent out hearts soaring. Fantastic game, fantastic atmosphere.
Agreed that Park was MOTM; he’s quite a handful for anyone, and most definitely not just there to sell shirts to the Asian market. Outstanding effort all ’round; hats off to the entire team for putting the rentboys in their place.
We will be back for more to watch the reds go marching on, on, on!
I was concerned when Evans had to come on at left-back. Any explanation? If it was an injury, I missed it. But did you all see that magnificent piece of skill he put on up by the Chelski penalty box? I couldn’t keep my mouth closed after that =D
Park played an imporant role in both goals and worked
his socks off to say the LEAST. MOTM for me
Valencia tortured Ashley Cole, just like he did in the Community Shield match.
Cole has absolutely no solution for AV. It’s so fun to watch.
How Berba played his way out of poverty and how much he does for his homeland…………..
http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Exclusive-How-Manchester-United-star-Dimitar-Berbatov-played-his-way-out-of-poverty-article39413.html
@FletchTHEMAN
thanks man
i just found our apps list
here are the 1st team players that hasn’t made 10.
Brown = 7
Tony V = 8
G.Neville = 3
Obertan = 7
Fabio = 9
Hargreaves = 1
Bebe = 2
http://www.premierleague.com/page/Players/0,,12306,00.html
on chelsea, now we know what chelsea and the xbox360 have in common?
their both ageing
@Malcum
According to Wikipedia ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonio_Valencia#Club ) Valencia has 9 appearances in the league this season. Premier League’s website can sometimes be a little slow on updating statistics, but I’m not sure which one is correct.
If we take a point at blackburn will the presentation ceremony be held there or will it be at the “Theatre of Dreams” the following week?????
Malcum and Hesselbom
My guess is that after we finish the job at the weekend, they will start thinking about these issues. We have 19 lads with 10 prem appearances or more
The other 2 might go SAF and Gary Neville. Special requests will be put in for
Kuz and Tony V, maybe Hargreaves as well.
More on topic. MEN Has some really nice reporting on United Tweets from yesterday. Worth a look
http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1420198_gary-neville-celebrates-manchester-united-win—by-tweeting-a-line-borrowed-from-city-fan-noel-gallagher
Pleasant dreams ye Reds!
How about Michael Owen? I’d love for him to get a winners medal with United, even if he’s not done that much.
Michael Owen is on 10games. If we get there, Michael will get his medal. Unless he has really pissed someone off!
Well lads, I am off. Great day of posts. Not a negative word said. All is well in RoM Land!
Does anyone know how hurt Rafael and his bro are?
UTD did more than beat Chelsea on Sunday.
They saw off a very capable and experienced manager – the pool from which RA is able to select their next manager is getting smaller and smaller. And probably putting doubts in the mind of any manager approached that the managers job at SB is only short-term – difficult to see it enhancing a CV.
The way in which UTD totally out-classed and humiliated Chelsea must have given RA the idea that most of his team are well and truly past it. These players need to be shipped out and new faces brought in. But are Chelsea able to do this? With their high wages bill and recent transfer activity, then the UEFA Financial Fair Play rules may limit their ability to strengthen the squad. Their youth policy set up is not bringing in the results they would have expected hence the need to find replacements from other clubs at high transfer fees.
From here on, Chelsea will find it increasingly difficult to put out a team that’s able to mix it with the clubs that have a more prudent financial set-up.
Carlo Ancelotti is probably better away from Chelsea with this going on.
ManUtd, its a life!
the lads were totally transformed. I loved every minute of that game except the 68th minute for obvious reasons. Now let’s beat blackburn and bring The title back to it’s rightful home. COME ON UNITED. BRING HOME 19!!!!
Scott, would have thought you would have mentioned more about Carrick – other than that sublime pass he made to Rooney. One of the best things that I saw throughout the match, via the television, was Berbatov smiling. It was great to see him not slumping in his seat in the dugout.
Sir Alex’s Brilliant United Squad Triumphed Over Chelsea
http://www.theunitedreligion.com/2011/05/sir-alexs-brilliant-united-squad.html
will we get to keep the trophy if we win it 20 times … like the old world cup was given to brazil??
hi everybody!!08-05-2011 the date that history changed!!!is it normal for a fan from Greece to be so proud and happy for this team??Am i sick?cheers mates!!!
Predictions for the starting 11 at wembley:
VDS
O´Shea Rio Vida Evra
Fletcher Carrick Park
Valencia Nani
Rooney
Valencia, Nani and Rooney would be a deadly combo for the counter attack and Fletcher, Carrick and Park are there to win the ball
Excellent match the score line really didn’t do justice to the game itself, park once again proved is undoubted quality has a player the manager can trust for the big occasion, cant wait to rap it up sat to give the under 18′s a run out for the final game.
not a really MU fan but MU is the worthy winner for this season’s EPL… and hope MU beat barca this CL!
Fuck off you beetroot cunt: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1385343/A-final-insult-United-win-league-minutes-City-Stoke-contest-FA-Cup.html
@ Kings
To be fair mate, it is a bit weird that the cup final is being played next weekend. I don’t have any problem with the quotes, it’s just the Daily Mail trying, as usual, to criticise United in any way possible. Reality is, as they mention in the article, it’s down to UEFA. The fact that we have the chance to piss all over City’s parade is just a HILARIOUS consequence.
Just a thought, but City vs. Stoke could be the world’s largest gathering of small-time fans*
* Excluding the 375,000 City fans that went to Ewood Park that one time.
@Redbeard: Yeah – that would be some shower of piss woudnt it?
Some interesting scenarios:
1. we win the PL, and the lose the FA final
2. they win the final, but because we win the PL on the same day, nobody notices
3. if by chance, somebody did notice, they promptly forget in 2 weeks time when United win the Cl as well
4. last but not the least, if they win the fa cup, it makes for a cracking start to the 2012 season with a local derby for the community shield, dont you think?
@Kings Not on you with this one pal. I believe the cup final is the cup final. Can you imagine matches being played during ti UCL finals? Its the oldest tournament ever, and you can’t steal its thunder like that.
Biggest moment of their lives of the fans and clubs.
Though its not United’s fault that it has turned out in this way. And neither does the article blame United for it.
The allegation is levied on the FA. And yes, they are the ones insulting the heritage of the event.
@shubhangmanred. I agree with you. Not our fault the Fa cup final is scheduled on the same day as other lge games. I even thought it would be separate form all other games but i guess i was wrong. I thought the game was so highly respected in ingerland but it turns out i’m wrong.
Redbeard. Quailty. Biggest gathering of smalltime fans. 375,000 that went to Ewood! Ha.
@dannysoya Money talks mate!
@the scottish wonder: The more I think of it, the more I like the idea of a stacked 3-5-2 against Barca.
Think of this formation:
VDS
O’Shea Rio Vidic
Fletch Carrick
Valencia Giggs Park
Rooney Hernandez
Why I like it?
1. It’s the only way to swamp the midfield and still have both Rooney and Hernandez. To my mind that’s essential, because we seek to win, not draw.
2. Carrick sweeps, Fletch is the cruncher. We will probably need both. When we initiate our attacks, there is this neat triangle of Fletch, Carrick and Giggs/Park/Rooney to negate their pressing.
3. Since Henry has left, they don’t really have classic wingplay in their armory. They dont cross a lot, their attack is centered on through balls utilizing any space between defence and GK. And to counter that you may not need a 4-man defence. And with Valencia and Park tracking back so well, we might just get away with it.
Now go ahead and crucify me – I know I’m crazy
Regarding City’s chance of ending their draught – we always do one better to say the least. This season they’re overwhelmingly favourite to win FA cup but we can steal the spotlight by winning the title before they even kick the ball. Last time it was in 1968, they did clinch league title which was their last till now, we did even better by winning our first European Cup in Wembley. If we can clinch a Double this season which i believe we can, that would be a massive mockery to their huge achivement for decades. But i guess Stoke peobably have another idea.
@ jeet
good idea jeet
sir alex did say about breaking the messi xavi iniesta triangle
so he could try something different
Fuck off you thug has been cunt:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1385363/Gerrard-Were-reclaim-record-Liverpool-captain-defiant-United-stand-cusp-19th-title.html?ito=feeds-newsxml
Anyone know why o shea came off at ht, I thought he was doing ok??
@irwinisalegend – I was thinking the same, I guess SAF wanted Evans to collect the EPL Champions medal? (but he’s already got 11 appearances so far incl. the Chelsea game) & Smallings’ had 15. Only SAF knows…………
Very Good Morning Lads!
One thing that always surprises me is how much Park is underestimated. People always talk about his work rate and his team spirit and how he should be called Three Lung (or after the Chelsea match, Four-Lung) Park. While that is fine, I am always amazed at how little people talk about his footballing skills.
Very few people have the mental understanding with Rooney that Park has. The one-twos between them are always a joy to watch even if they don’t always lead to goals. His reading of the game and the runs he makes are second to none in the United team. His first touch ball to Hernandez which the latter almost converted is another fine example of his ability as is his shot which produced a good save from Cech.
Just thought it is worth mentioning among all the talk of his amazing work rate.
Although the criticism of Webb is fully warranted after those decisions Scott mentioned, I think he was balancing to all the media hype. As it is United were dominating the game and could’ve been running away with it even without those decisions. The one thing going on in his mind would’ve been that. United are already dominating this game and if I give a decision that puts the match more in favor of them, then the press will murder me.
Not a fair thought for sure. He has the call it as he sees it and those two were nailed-on penalties and Ivanovic should’ve definitely had a second yellow. But his performance was more due to the all the spotlight from the press. That is how I feel anyways. Doesn’t change the fact that he is the best referee in the League by a mile.
Do we have a song for Chicarito?
Jeet – evra wont be dropped, and playing fletcher after losing so much weight would be suicidel
@ynnek85: I have beens saying this for ages – 75000 Reds should just shout “Ole!” in unision, everytime Chicha gets the ball. He’s Latino, so Ole goes well, but it also has a very, very special meaning for all Reds, and there’s no one more deserving than Chicharito to appreciate that!
Stoke will win the FA Cup. Oh Yeah………………..
That will be the ultimate “Treble” after we claim the EPL and CL.
@fergie is the boss: Not sure I agree about Evra, in the sense that if the course requires a horse to be dropped, and another played, then so be it. Don’t know about Fletcher though – his fitness over the next 2 weeks is critical. Would be a shame for him if he misses the final again, because of lack of fitness. Not being selected is one thing, but not being available must be heartbreaking. I agree though that the team against Chelsea might be IT, with Evra instead of OShea.
If City lose the FA Cup what would that do for thier confidence, it would make the run in very interesting, well as long as Spurs sort themselves out!
The Daily Mail is really scratching the bottom of the barrel to come up with wrong things to say about us. The date was set a year ago, was it on stone that City will make it to the finals? Oh, I get it, they had known all along City will make the finals while they had us to finish 4th, they can suck on that.
I hope to have read a point on Carrick but there is none. After the Schalke game some said he played well as a result of the space he was afforded, well what is the verdict of his performance against Chelsea? Lets be good supporters coz we are quick to mention bad performances but not good ones.
@ Jeet – Theres no way I can see Sir Alex not playing 4 at the back, I think as much as Barca do play in the middle of the park and try to play that slip through ball between the full-back and centre-back with Pedro and Villa running in from from the right and left wing respectively, they do cross the ball quite alot, especially Dani Alves, just one reason imo why I can’t see Sir Alex going with 3 at the back and using Toni V and Park as wing-backs .
The only question in my mind is how to set up the midfield and attack and I will leave that question to Sir Alex, don’t think theres much point second guessing our Messiah. He normally gets it right doesn’t he…
Over to you Kevin, on a serious point Carrick seems to be enjoying his deeper role and long may it continue.
http://hasarsenalwonanythingsince2005.com/ lol
@BerbaGod says: I agree – it’s unrealistic for SAF to try that one. But I like the theory
As a second preference, we should simply go with the team against Chelsea. For me Hernandez has to, has to play. And to allow for that, Rooney, Park, Valencia, Carrick have to work their fucking socks off, just the way they did, if not more.
What team would be stronger than the one we used against Chelsea, we can never hope to match thier midfield in terms of passing but that team has bundles of energy and Gigg’s presence will ensure Carrick isnt left exposed.
That was our strongest team and we have to go with that, I know some will argue for Nani but he’s slipped back a little in the last few weeks, not releasing the ball as he was doing earlier in the season and the only reason you’ll see berbs on the pitch is if we need to get an equaliser late on, which will mean the game is lost.
I’m more confident this time around than in 2009.
@mattbw7 , I think at first he was playing safe and not being comfortable and now he seem to have made up his mind to make it his own.
As SAF says we could have had them the first 10 minutes last time in 2009, this time we have matured and wouldnt get drawn to be emotional like Madrid. Barca are afraid, Messi wrote us off earlier, well Messi here comes the pain.
@matt, You stole my post mate. As I already said, Sunday’s match was a precursor to the Champions League final IMO. I would be very surprised if Sir Alex does not use a similar setup, if not the same players.
The only changes I can see are O’Shea for Fabio on the right and Evra on the left. I would deem it highly risky to play Fabio/Rafael in a match of this magnitude. While they are great players and would be able to match the legs of the Barca team, they are too hot-headed and Barca will certainly use that to their advantage to get them sent off. O’Shea would be safest bet ahead of either of them simply because we cannot risk getting anyone sent off.
I would also be surprised if Fletch makes the first team. He must put in some really amazing effort to make it and even then he won’t have enough match fitness to play in the game. Nani will also not make it to the first team either. He is too similar to Ronnie in that sense. He would try to prove himself instead of playing for the team. Again in a CL final, we want XI players playing for the team.
Ronnie’s selfishness was one of the main reasons why we couldn’t hold onto the ball properly which eventually led to our demise in 2009. Nani would be all too similar to that I am afraid. Park and Valencia would be picked ahead of Nani 10 out of 10 times for such games.
And it is with the deepest regret that I say that Rooney and Hernandez will be picked ahead of Berba. Berba deserves to be in the final for what he’s given us this season. But with Barca’s defense being as weak as it is to strong off-the-ball runners, I cannot see past Rooney/Hernandez being selected in the game.
Anyways, we can speculate all we want. The important thing to note is that, it is SAF who ultimately decides who gets to play and that keeps me warm at night knowing that the fire still burns in him for the loss in 2009.
Fergie is a master of tacties blues expect us to play counter but attacking play has been one of the best from utd glory up man utd
Balaji – Morning mate. Spot on. I have been saying exactly the same to people I know. Park is MUCH more than just energy. He can score, is clever, good movement, great link up, tactically astute and keeps to his role. A quality player.
Kevin – Spot on mate. Carrick has been superb THREE times against the rentboys. No space and time in those games was there? Actually five if you count the away game and Chariddy Shield.
@ Jeet – Yeah its an interesting theory, more of a FIFA 11 theory for me though! The only places up for grabs in the team I think are right back – choice between O’Shea, Fabio and Rafael – who knows who Sir Alex will choose, my head says O’Shea, heart says either Fabio or Rafael. Apart from that, think the team pretty much picks itself. I think if Fletch had of been fit (all ifs and buts here) I think Sir Alex would’ve gone with just Rooney up top, but as he isn’t match-fit and I don’t think even with playing the next two games he’ll be match-fit enough to start against Farcelona. But like I said before we can try and second guess Sir Alex as much as we want, but he’ll probably all suprise us all once again!
One thrilling performance from All the lads,United take a lot of living with when they play like that in the crackling atmosphere the support provided. Man that game was something else will we replicate it in the Final vs Barcelona think Pep chose the wrong game to scout United.
@ ynnek85:
To the tune of Let It Be by the Beatles:
When I find myself in times of trouble,
Chicharito scores for me
Scoring goals of wisdom
Little Pea
Little Pea, Little Pee-ea, Little Pea, Little Pea
Javier Hernandez
Little Pea
also, was thinking the other day, I’m sure someone could come up with something around Psycho Killer by Talking Heads but the chorus is replaced with “Baby Killer”
Out of topic:
I went to youtube and put in Glory Glory Man United, it was so nice, cant imagine how it would sound when I get the words right and make it to Old Trafford in my life time.
Wembley Wembley we’re the famous Man United and we are going to Wembely Wembely….
I think our songs are the best. In Kenya there are no club songs in our league except for one club who have just one.
Great read Scott. I agree Park was MOTM and has to start with Valencia for the final. The Manager was right after the match we could have scored an extra 5 goals and thats not including the 2 clear cut penalties we were denied. Top performance from the lads and what a way to head for our 19th.
Our starting 11 on Sunday is good enough to beat Barcelona, although a more cautious set up with Nani in for Hernandez in a 4-5-1 would also be good enough. I can’t wait to see if Alex is gonna go with 2 strikers or 1, but based on our victory over the Rent Boys it doesn’t matter. We’ve hit top form and we’re looking irresistible. COME ON UNITED!!!
i did think too that Park was fantastic and MOTM for me.
You know I’m just too delighted, I can’t express it, and anyway i’d just be repeating whatever you guys have said so far.
Pea song – “Its Chico Time!” – remember him x-factor reject extrodinnaire?
@Jeet
interesting lineup mate
i think Nani has to start, hes been our best player this season and has been on the bench for the big games since Valencia came back
If he will be on the subs in the final he wont be happy and probably ask for a transfer
The Scottish Wonder – Well mate if he is gonna ask for a transfer for being on the bench , let him go.
Nani won’t start in my opinion. You cannot leave Hernandez out. Fuck those dago bastards. Let them worry about United’s attack.
Just back to work after one of the best weekends ive ever had! We got at them from the very first second and they never had time to settle. Great to see us play our closest rivals off the PARK so convincingly. The Stretford End was absolutely vibrating! Loved Fergie’s 2 bows! Think he was looking at me! lol
CHAMPIONS FOR THE 19TH TIME – GET IN!!