1. Another game in Europe out of the way, another three points. We can see the stark difference in approach that the manager is taking with the Champions League this season. He’s not pratting about with the team selection this season and it’s great to see. We underestimated our opposition last season so it’s really encouraging that we’re going in to every game with such a strong team. This is how it should be done. Get qualification wrapped up and then we can start giving other players a go.
2. The highlight of the game was probably getting to see Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie start alongside each other for the first time this season. They were the two highest scorers in the league last season and if tonight was anything to go by, we should expect loads more goals from them this season. Rooney assisted both of Van Persie’s goals tonight with two great balls in to the Dutchman. I still don’t think it’s really sunk in that Van Persie is a United player but it’s thoroughly enjoyable watching him play. He is world class and it’s great to see him in our shirt. In all competitions this season he’s scored a goal every 81.7 minutes. That’s why we paid over the odds for a 29-year-old.
3. It was also encouraging to see Darren Fletcher get another 90 minutes under his belt. He looked tired towards the end of the game but he fulfilled his role well during the game. He’s obviously not going to be up to scratch just yet, given the amount of time he was out and how little playing time he’s had since returning, but we have been missing a more deep-lying midfielder and I would love to see him make a full recovery to do that for us. It was hard to imagine him every coming back and whilst he’s not out of the woods yet, it’s brilliant to see him on the pitch again.
4. Anderson and Tom Cleverley partnered Fletch in midfield today and they were impressive too. We have so much more energy when these two play in midfield, in comparison to Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick. It’s hard to judge how effective this combination would be in the league, when you consider the competition that Cluj, who are currently 8th in the Romanian league, provided us with in this department. Still, at the very least, we should be seeing Cleverley start more often.
5. Ferguson said ahead of the game that is was important we started better than we had done in so many of our games this season. Against Fulham we conceded after 3 minutes, against Southampton after 16 and against Spurs after 2. It doesn’t seem to matter how much the manager stresses a good start to our players, we are so slow off the mark in our games. Despite dominating the early part of the game, United found themselves 1-0 down after sloppy defending. Patrice Evra and Jonny Evans gave their men all the room in the world. I know it’s popular to have a pop at Evra these days but it’s becoming almost unavoidable. Make mistakes is one thing, but the lack of effort he showed to get tight to his man after being caught of position is unforgivable. Having a great game against Wigan doesn’t make Alexander Büttner our best left-back but I can’t see what harm it would do giving him more of a go.
6. Despite totally dominating the game, United took their foot off the pedal with 20 minutes to go, passing the ball around well, but with no urgency. We seemed content to see the game out at 2-1 and were in a comfortable position to do so. But when Cluj got a second wind in the last five minutes we could have been left to regret not making the most of our domination. Thankfully, David de Gea is a fantastic goalkeeper and made some top saves. I can’t understand Ferguson’s decision to keep chopping and changing between him and Anders Lindegaard. If it was up to me, De Gea would be our #1 with Lindegaard stepping in for the cup games. He is the superior goalie and making the odd mistake is something he needs to learn from and given the opportunity to improve upon. This policy was a disaster with Roy Carroll and Tim Howard (albeit inferior keepers) and I can’t get my head around the decision to revisit it.
7. I can’t say I particularly enjoy seeing United play without wingers but with Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young injured, I suppose we don’t have any awful lot of choice. There was some nice passing, particularly in the second half, but I would have liked to see more chances created with the amount of possession we had. All in all though, that was a comfortable victory for United and it’s another three points on the board.
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Good chat tonight lads, nice to get a guage of what other reds think and i think everyone agreed that midifield is 100% the way forward.
Peace i’m out.
Great to win the game! Really think Anderson needs to step up his game. Very average performance at best. Player ratings?
Very pleased. Rooney MOTM for me. Excellent.
Very good to see Fletcher put in a shift. Looked shattered at the end. What a player.
DeGea save our arses again. What a save at the end. Great distribution. Should be our EPL keeper in my view.
Onwards to Newcastle. Bring it on!
Bit worrying that the amount of possession we have doesn’t translate to many goals or even goalscoring opportunities for that matter. We don’t want to turn into Arsenal do we?
Patrice can piss me off at times, if he could improve his fucking positioning but he showed his commitment with that brilliant defensive header, still think his place is up for grabs if he doesn’t improve.
Anderson was superb today. pinging passes about accurately, very inventive and gives united that mobility, power and drive added with his brazilian flair. People bang on about his fitness but he’ll only improve that with regular games and he has staked a claim with two great performances now. Fletcher sat in front of the back, looks to be reinventing his game, he did a solid job tonight but I hope to see him looking sharper soon.
Cleverley was also good. Moved the ball quicker, creative with his passes as i’ve always asked him to show that side of his game. He covered every blade of grass like anderson and his defensive work was great.
Rafael was outstanding at fullback. Little terrier, battles for everything. Looks strong these days, his defensive game has got better too, bomb up and down all game. Hope he keeps improving.
RVP was a threat all night, dropping off or looking to get behind. 7 goaks in 7 games shows why he was bought but his overall play impressed me. Two goals tonight, second one was classy technique at its best. He also put a shift in defensively, showing he has brawn with his artistry. Hope to see him get better.
Rooney was top class. Inventive, imaginative visionary. Two assists tonight, second assist was sublime. He looks hungry, sharper, meaner. Hope to see more from him.
De gea was solid, caught one high ball which he would similarly be tested by In the PL,that number 1 is his to lose but hope he stays there.
Generally please with the interchanging in our play. We looked creative everytime, passes were more Accurate and with purpose in the 2nd half but we need to stop fucking starting slowly and need to defend better right all around the team. The midfield tonight was the right blend hence why we moved the ball well, had more mobility and work rate. Improvement is needed as newcastle will be extremely tough, can’t afford a slow start. Gotta keep the midfield we employed tonight.
Absolutely scott, fuck evra he’s a liability now, he didn’t bother trying to block the ball after he was caught wanting by that great through ball, that was fucking unforgivable (like you said) surely playing buttner can’t do any harm and he wouldn’t play as carelessly as evra looked
He was walking after he failed to spot his man leading to that goal. That play goes along way back as to reminding me the barca goal in the champions league scored by pedro, he has been putting in some horrendous performances which are costing us games. Evra is a joke now that was crazy, sorry but he doesn’t put in any effort anymore to warrant a place, if De gea was dropped after making one mistake surely can’t do any harm resting the ever so awful evra ffs.
Still think would like to see Rooney and Van Persie partnered up front ala a strike combo, to see if that can work as well and then kags in the hole or out wide where he looked comfortable in the league. Could give Clevs the oppportunity to step in more as well. also maybe playing nani in place of chicharito could give us a bit more down atleast one flank. Still three points and SIr Alex knows best. Cant complain, except for Evra, he is defensively a liability now. Hope Buttners given a few more opportunities in the coming weeks.
Good performances all around despite a few niggling worries about Evra. Glad to see Rooney get his mojo back. There are good signs for United to build on especially in midfield with Ando and Cleverley.
What we need now: consistency and concentration.
Costas – as they say, in football, possesion isn’t everything. You can keep the ball but as long as you bury chances then that’s one of the things you need. We monopolised the ball well and showed real invention with the right blend of midfield. Have to improve the fact we seem start slowly. Gotta improve defensively as wel.
Woah Scott it should be very quick reactions to united’s victory..haha
De gea is our numero uno I’m really amazed about the shift he has put in his aerial game, that stop at the end wins him all the plaudits his agility is unreal fucking awesome keeper innit!!!
I’m really happy with the 3 point but we need to do more than just pass for the sake of it, utilize it to better effect, create more chances and see out games by passing out the opposition than the opposite.
2 wins out of the I could not ask for a better start!!!
I thought rafael was our best player. Dont think he made a mistake today. Did anyone see the look of confusion on evras face when he misheaded the ball. Think he kmows he is past it. It was hilarious i tell you.
Thought Cleverley was excellent. Great work rate, used the ball well and linked a lot of good things up. Definitely in my XI for Newcastle ando can be rested for this one
Or come on has a sub in the second half, kads must start alongside a midfield of carrick and tom cleverley, nani, rooney and tom cleverley. Van persie as a lone strike this like up can get all 3 points at newcastle.
Good night guys I’m pissing off now, stay united!!!!
Did anybody notice during the half-time analysis that Gareth Southgate referred to our opposition as Braga ?
In complete agreement with nunber 5 and 6. We need to STOP taking our foot off the pedal all the damn time. it is very annoying. they almost got a very undeserved point today. only four points for qualification now. we deserved to win this game and we won it. Hopefully we SOMEHOW pull out the win at neecastle but with the way our defense is playing its not looking too good for sunday
Dear Lord may you pliz help evra. He is starting to look like asn idiot. I feel sorry for him now, he is trying but he is simply past it.
DVR is ON!!!
Sounds like a good watch.
STR!!! Rocks!!!!
Van Persie
“I think it’s the first time we both started together and we’re both very pleased with that, but we’re all in it together. Chicharito played very well today, we have Danny, we have lots of strikers so we’re all doing it together.”
Such a sportman, he thanks Rooney, is humble about not playing yet at his best, and then compliments Chicharito and also Welbeck.
Wow, and then he has scored 7 out of 7. All respect to berbatov, but this is how you start your career at a club.
@Samuel
I just wish we didn’t live on the edge. Had it not been for DDG’s brilliant save, we would have dropped 2 points out of nowhere. Just like Kapetanos’ goal came against the run of play. Lets try all the fancy possession after we are 2 goals ahead.
Fully agree about us being slow starters. I know it’s something we’ve done frequently in the past. but we’ve overdone it this season.
@Costas,
you are absolutely right, that DeGea’s save, was a stunner, in a matter of a second we could have dropped 2 points.
And about us starting slow, yeah we are exaggerating this year hahah, last year we started very good, but got shitty, now maybe is the opposite?
Two great late saves from David ‘I shagged Parryheid’s missus’ De Gea mean we can have a bit of quality time free from that gormless mug.
Agree with most of what’s been said. Good performance on the whole from the boys and great to see Fletch playing the full 90 minutes and providing stablility for the defence and for Clevs and Ando to get another game together. Thought at times we really could have done with Nani coming on and providing a bit of width to the play as there was a lot of nice touches and one-two’s in the middle but it was all a bit congested, I would have liked to see RVP go central (maybe take off Chicharito) and for Nani to exploit the room out wide. Also would like to see DDG given the number one spot, don’t like all the chopping and changing in goal, it doesn’t seem to work. Anyway, well played lads, great to be sat on top of the league with 6 points from 2 games.
rafael with 98% pass accuracy from 94 passes, hes been improving with every game.
Spot on on De Gea. No disrespect to Lindegaard, but De Gea is superior, and adds much more to our game with his distribution too…just stick to him SAF, nothing wrong with how we played it last season with regard to GKs.
Still only half time!!! RvP and Wazza make music so far!
24 warms my heart!
Kebab looking forward to the save, ??? what a good keeper does
we have 2?
Rafa rocks out, with his cock out!! A Man Utd man!!!! Play going through him!!!!
I was happy with that. Completely random line up in Europe and we won. What more do people want in October?
@jb – good call about Rafa, he has been quietly holding down the RB. The goal at Anfield was priceless.
@Leb Pride – Ando will get better, but over the 90 minutes he was solid just like he was in his other 2 starts.
Samuel @ 22:37: “Anderson was superb today. pinging passes about accurately, very inventive and gives united that mobility, power and drive added with his brazilian flair.”
I don’t know about “brazilian flair” but he provided drive and energy and, as usual, was bullish with and without the ball.
The guy just has to play – as much as possible – along with YoungTom. Getting a lot of game-action will improve both of them.
Also, I was just thrilled with DarrenFletcherinho – his proactivity as the deep-lying midfielder is something that neither MIchael Carrick nor the Latter-DayGingerNinja provide. He turns defence into attack and constantly looks to move the team forward. His passing might not be first-rate but his passing drives the team forwards. Good on ya, Darren.
AND a word about TheWayneBoy – I don’t know what position he was playing but he really acted as the lynch-pin. The pass to RVP which led to the second goal was just “sick” – and, so, too was the finish. More, please.
Dave nice read!! Fletch!!!
Nice win!! wow
No Reaction over Spurs defeat eh Scott?
Great to see the win, but unconvincing and unnerving display still. I’m very worried about facing some bigger names in the near future and in the league. Hope I’m wrong, and we don’t get embarrassed.
Well, I’m being subjective here. While we sing the praises of Anderson & Cleverley here, it should be noted that they only had the freedom they had because a certain Fletcher was behind them moping up things, whilst Scholes & Carrick had nobody behind them against Spurs. So you could argue we only had more control today & that league cup game againt Newcastle because we had 3 in the middle. So tactically it played a part as well rather than Cleverley & Ando being superior.
The down side of this 3 man midfield is that we will not be able to play with 2 wingers anymore, so only one out of Valencia/Nani/Kagawa/Young/Hernandez/Welbeck will be able to play each game. Thats what you call competition for place!
Lastly, about Ando, yea, I’m the one who started the questioning on his fitness, but don’t get me wrong, he played brilliantly, its just that I see so much more he can achieve if he can just drop that bit of weight & up his fitness levels. Match fitness & stamina are 2 very different things, and I speak from experience as I’m involved in competitive sports. Match fitness gives you that sharpnes, better control & respond time, but it does not help you run longer & further. Your stamina does. With better stamina, you have better balance & decision making. Against Cluj late in the game, twice Anderson broke from our defence but failed to find Welbeck with tired passes, that is where I am coming from, there is so much more Ando can achieve, and to do so, he needs more match time, as well as more time on the treadmill, he needs to take onus on his on stamina rather than sit there say he cant get fit because of a lack of match time. If he looked that tired playing in a 3 man midfield, how would he cope if somehow he needs to play in a 2 man midfield against the likes of City, Chelsea or Barca?
Bottomline, Ando is great, just that I can really see that there is so much more he can offer with that little bit more commitment on his weight & fitness alone
Robin VanGora
No you don’t feel bad for Evra don’t feed people bullshit. One minute you say you wanted to laugh at him next it was that you felt bad for him?
He might not be playing up to his best levels but he’s still the best leftback we have so i suggest you fuck off with your claims.
also any update on Evans? is he okay for the weekend? Why did Wooton come on for him?
Loving the attacking options. I think Roo and RVP will be a magic R&R show, the two of them Kagwa, Scholes and Cleverly on his day can pick intelligent passes and make runs others can’t see and do things with the ball others can’t do. Nani has the ability but not always the passing intelligence. We have a very fluid core now with lots of movement. Good to see Pea all round game improving. Would like to see more of Cleverly passing range and him looking up more.
Ferdy is a good old boy and injured so you can forgive him for being off the pace when he plays games without rest. Evra is also getting to that age where when he plays without rest his form drops and he tires. However, I know Evan is coming back from injury and he has a leg problem but he was pretty poor even before he was injured. The injury to Rio’s back and Evans leg no doubt slowed them both. Rafael is beginning to look the real deal.
When the hell are Smalling and Vidic back, so many CB’s of quality and they are always bloody injured.
I, for one, am convinced that the manager’s hesitation to pair Roon and RVP up front has to do with letting RVP settle. Wayne has been in this team for years and knows his teammates well enough, while RVP is still figuring out each player’s tendencies and abilities. Letting Rooney compliment him rather than compete with him up front, and letting RVP play and stay where he is comfortable, will prove another masterstroke by the wily ol Scot.
Not to mention, Wayne’s abilities and unselfishness are seeing him play this role to perfection. It’s a little sad, since he’s competing directly with Kagawa for the spot, who I have so much wood for I can hardly strike a match, but he’s clearly our talisman. Seeing him rally the lads before the second half kick-off was encouraging as well.
I told all my friends before the season started: TREBLE. Yes, I’m fully aware that I’m getting way ahead of myself–but if we can get Buttner up to speed, our defense back in order, and Fletcher can return to even a shadow of his former self, I say why not dream the big dream?
Viva el ogro! Viva MUFC!
No disrespect to Lindergaard but De Gea is a much better keeper.
@utd_fc Word is he got a knock and had to be taken off. My fingers are crossed for the game against Newcastle
I’m pretty sure the reason that Rvp havent really been paired upfront with Rooney was because Rooney was out injured, lol
Marq @ 02:35: “The down side of this 3 man midfield is that we will not be able to play with 2 wingers anymore, so only one out of Valencia/Nani/Kagawa/Young/Hernandez/Welbeck will be able to play each game.”
The first name from that list has to be KagawaBunga – he was THE key summer signing and his style of play dovetails nicely with RVP and TheWayneBoy.
There was a “report” (rumour) in The Telegraph Online that SAF is considering selling BOTH Nani and Chicharito to fund the purchase of Robert Lewandowski, who is a very-similar player to RVP in terms of his nose-for-goal and in-the-box ball control. These rumours are two-a-penny but I think that if this has any “legs” then it signals an intent to jettison width at the expense of moving TheWayneBoy into a more attacking-midfield role. Nani – who I personally admire despite his legendary inconsistency – and Chicharito would both be surplus-to-requirements (Amazing, eh ? The best Mexican player and the second-best Portuguese both “surplus” at UTD !) I’d also think that in this kind of new-model-world that AV7 would become YoungTom’s competition for a place in a midfield-3 (that’s where he plays for Ecuador).
Samuel @ 22:37: “Patrice can piss me off at times, if he could improve his fucking positioning but he showed his commitment with that brilliant defensive header, still think his place is up for grabs if he doesn’t improve.”
Yeah – he made the same mistake (over-playing towards the middle of the pitch) that has repeatedly cost goals-against.
On the other hand, he’s a fucking NinjaWarrior – that five-foot-high leap was just amazing. He’s surely running out the string but he possesses awesome physicality – strong, fast, courageous, and very tough. Another player who can’t be “replaced” – the next guy will be different.
Some of you rightly pointed out that Fletcher was key to allowing Cleverley and Anderson to push forward.
Very interesting formation, with the 3 strikers and no wingers. I do like how this allows the full backs to bombard forward (I love rafael!) once we have control of midfield. I’m just hoping that fabio comes back from the loan spell and we’d have the twins patroling the flanks.
Looking forward to how we would lineup against newcastle. Decisions decisions.
I agree with every point Scott. What I can´t get my head around is why we often dont get your views with quick reactions when we loose, lex Spuds. there are so much shite in the first half that it would need a full novel to adress it so I understand if those reactions isn´t ready to be published just yet, but I for one would read it.
@denton
Agree Kagawa is top of the pile right now if we are going with this formation, in the Spurs game, the period he was on with Rvp & Rooney was the most dangerous we have looked for a long time. The moment he went off our attack fizzled out
Valencia has the alternative of playing RB since this formation requires our full backs to bomb forward, and I also believe he can do a job rotating with Cleverley or Ando in central midfield
As for the rest, the only way they are going to play is when Rvp or Rooney is rested/injured, and for Young, only when we are going to play back 4-4-2
Its not suprise that when cleverley and anderson play we dominate possession, these guys o so much more work in covering ground than say scholes, giggs and carrick, if we didnt play against a team defending with 11 men we surely would have won by more goals. Its nice to see anderson making runs through the middle, he is atually fuck fast!
Yup, Rio definitely main culprit for the goal conceded!! Forget England Rio, focus on United and up your concentration for us; stop letting in those sloppy goals again!!
2 CL outings and 2 wins, but they were not to the standards expected so far, 1-0 vs Galatasaray (expect the return match to be an eventful one as they are ferocious on home turf), and now this 1-2 win but again conceding early on, which shows there is still a crisis lingering somewhere among the players and SAF’s message did not pass clearly. But the duo Rooney-RvP can prove to be very deadly provided the midfield gives the support required as well. Last night both men were alternatively going back to help defend when required, leaving Chicharito the lone striker, and RvP and Rooney even took the wings to help the game flow. I firmly believe SAF must start changing the formation to adapt to the needs of modern football, with more passes being done, playing in “triangles” to move the opposition block and penetrate swiftly whenever possible instead of trying to play one-two’s (like Bale did when he scored), and at all costs avoid lofting the ball forward with the expectation of a teammate being there to receive, instead it should be more well-planned passes, and play long balls only when a player has made the run and is asking for it on a quick counter for example.
May be time for a 4-1-3-1-1 formation to be used, with Carrick playing infront of the defense, while Kagawa can be the link in midfield between CDM and attack, with RvP and Rooney playing further forward, knowing that Rooney can drop back as well to help the midfield and defense when required, but avoid him “walking on the feet” of Kagawa, while Nani/Valencia/Young/Giggs share the wings. In doing so it would allow for a better turnover as well, with Scholes, TC, Ando providing replacement in the midfield
offtopic: http://www.caughtoffside.com/2012/10/02/man-united-line-up-25m-january-bid-for-unhappy-real-madrid-playmaker-mesut-ozil/
Gotta love SAF.Did y’all just see the wide-eyed look of pure childish amazement on his face as Vanpire went for THAT gorgeous audacious flick for the winner…Pure heaven.It was like ‘come on…you couldn’t possibly pull that off lad’ and then the sheer burst of ecstacy on the realisation that his huge investment was worth every penny with THAT most sublime of one-time touches off his trusty left boot to seal the 3 pts.Unreal.For my money,SAF’s still got enuf in the tank for 3 more laps.That’s why I am STILL screaming out for Roberto Martinez to be brought in ASAP frm wigan to ‘acclimatise’ to our system under SAF.He has to be given time to breathe in the essence and aura that envelopes SAF and Utd in order to really ‘get’ what the greatest club on Earth is all about.Thank Heavens Mourinho has come out to say he still feels like crossing swords with the boss.That should see him heading for one of the petrodollar clubs in England.Good riddance I say!As for Guardiola,suffice to say that our own brand of ‘tiki taka’ is streets ahead of his.Just ask Cluj.Martinez guarantees us everything the above twain can offer at a much more economical and long-term return on investment.Martinez is a good guy.Martinez is a winner.Martinez is OUR man.SAF is the greatest ever.We can never replace him with another ‘SAF’ in the form of other big name managers.We are best served by getting the most talented of all the apprentices out there and making him a disciple to the sensei.I would rather we leave off all ex reds because of the enormous press pressure.They definitely would not want any to succeed.Besides,there would always be that puppet-master conspiracy coming to the fore.Martinez would be a breath of fresh air.A clean break frm the SAF era (and baggage) and a brave new world for our most dearly beloved club.God bless you all my dear brethren world over.Stay safe.
A decent win especially as we had to come from behind after more comedy defending as usual. Agree with the Evra and DDG comments – I think that Buttner has to start against Newcastle, he might be young and unproven but Evra’s reliably fucked up at least once every game he’s played so can’t be much worse than him. DDG has to start on Sunday too imo, he showed real presence collecting aerial balls and he’s clearly doing his best to impress the boss. Let’s reward him with a start in the Prem.
Aside from that our defensive issues are down to, quite simply, injuries. It’s not fair to expect Ferdinand to play every game and Evans has been struggling with a dead leg for a couple of games now and in an ideal situation we’d give both of them a rest and play Vidic and Jones/Smalling on the weekend.
Here’s hoping we see Scholesy start against the barcodes as well – last season we lacked composure in midfield and were embarrassed. With a midfield 3 of Scholes, Fletch and Carrick I think we’d be OK
why the fuck would we fucking want lewandowski?SAF wants to fuck up next summer already!!
Also love how the BBC has started accepting comments – it may as well say on Utd stories ‘scroll down to bottom of the page for ABU circlejerk’.
Already on the RVP story there are a dozen comments talking about how the ref gifted us the game (how??!?), how it’s now Cleverly who is the worst diver in the league, how van Persie is old and crocked but also carrying us and how we’re in terminal decline as a club (with Liverpool, presumably, set to become the best club in Europe).
Robin: “Everything starts with a good pass, so I have to thank Wayne for that (second goal).” Van Persie said. “Not many players can make a pass like that. When it came to him, I knew he could see that pass and give it the way I wanted it.”
Also, Sir Alex looks to have pulled Evans late because he is still suffering from the “deadleg” injury picked up on Saturday. Evans a concern for the away trip to Newcastle:
SAF: “Jonny got injured on Saturday& he had a recurrence of that. It is a dead leg,”
“He has five days to recover for Sunday. Hopefully he will be okay.”
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/manchester-united/9583154/Manchester-United-manager-Sir-Alex-Ferguson-concerned-about-Jonny-Evans-leg-injury-ahead-of-Newcastle-trip.html
kanchelskis.
Bit personal with this mug eh.Explain the loss of the goal like I say my granny would have got that.And he will have to do a lot more than that and more consistantly to come any where near convincing me.Liking thatare we ?
Just a little thought…we’ve been experimenting with 4-3-3 (with 3 forwards) and 4-2-3-1 with Kagawa in the middle of an advanced midfield 3, but why not play with a system like Barca’s?
We don’t necessarily have to play exactly like them, but think about it, Busquets isn’t exactly a hard-man, midfield enforcer type. He sits deep, picks out passes to turn defence into attack, breaks up play systematically by reading the game and being in the right place (granted, when all these fail, he dives). I can see Carrick playing such a role, actually, or Fletcher, as he’s been doing for the past two games he’s started.
In front of this holding midfield player, we can then play any combination of Scholes, Cleverley, Ando, even Rooney, giving them license to roam and maraud through the middle of the park, like what Iniesta does; in an Iniesta-Xavi pairing, Xavi is the passer, and Iniesta offers the movement in the middle so it isn’t easy to break up the play in the middle. I can see Scholes and Cleverley/Ando doing something like this.
Up top, the front three would include a mobile CF in the mould of Messi, of course not the same player, but same position – playing in a false 9 position (perhaps Rooney or Kagawa could do this), an out-and-out striker, and a traditional winger.
This may not happen now, but doesn’t anyone think this is feasible in the near future? I do think it might be actually doable!
And I got put of my comment good three points,still wide open, performance will have to improve dramatically to even hope to go far in this competition.
As well as the saves ,I thought DDG did well at his handling the ball when he came out for corners and crosses..
@calebkzh – I like the idea mate. Rooney would be perfect for the Messi role as his all-round game is excellent. Obviously he’ll never be as good as Messi but he’d do more than a job there.
altyred says:
@calebkzh – I like the idea mate. Rooney would be perfect for the Messi role as his all-round game is excellent. Obviously he’ll never be as good as Messi but he’d do more than a job there.
You can not even mention Rooney in the same breath as Messi.
Do you want to explain yourself ? Based on what exactly that we have seen over the last 5 years he is a million miles awat from Messi – I wouldnt even put Rooney in the best 6 players at the club.
RVP
Scholes
Vidic
Kagawa
Rafael
Valencia
Cleverley
These players are far more key to us winning a game than Rooney.
RVPs goal last night was ALL about RVP and nothing to do with a couple of very standard balls played into him by Rooney – RVP made it happen
I am not sure where we get the idea this was “a comfortable victory for United “.
I think the last 10 minutes were a bit nervy and Cluj always had access down Evra’s side.
They put in several shots toward the end, at least 2 could have been problematic if not for our keeper.
I was actually very concerned for Wooton should Cluj equalize and he be deemed at fault as he was criticized at his last outing. Victory papers over many cracks and the line between praise, as Wooton is currently receiving, and scorn is fine indeed. So far so good for the lad.
But the issue of Cluj could have been so different if they had managed to keep their winger on. The substitution of Sougou was a godsend in my view and likely saved Evras career. The first half combination for Rafael Bastos to Sougou was very effective down our flank and we may well have been talking about points dropped if it had continued.
That said, Cluj got at least 5 set pieces created from their diving. Why do the Journos never complain about dives unless it is a united player.
T4M – if anyone is fucking up your summer then it’s you. Overreacting over a baseless rumour. Even if there was truth in that, lewandowski is a top class centre forward.
De gea
Rafael ferdy Evans evra
Carrick
Anderson cleverly
Kagawa
Rooney van persie
Vs Newcastle
samuel,why waste a fortune on ANOTHER STRIKER when we have pressing issues like shipping the deadwood in midfield
SHINJI THE NINJA – yet again, you’re finely exhibiting signs of a complete muppet. Analyse that comment well and explain the part in which the poster claimed rooney was as good as messi?. He simply meant rooney can fulfill that creative role as he’s technically good and generally a top class player. You jumped at the opportunity to degrade wayne, bet you got all excited like a bitch getting her cup cake tickled. “standard balls”? “it was all about RVP” You fool. Fuckers that never give credit where credit is due. You don’t like the guy, fair enough but his talents are for all to see.
T4M -. It’s a rumour, united always get linked with everyone. If fergie deems the pole a player he can’t miss out on then he’ll go for it but it’s just a rumour.
Way off topic: Keano to Blackburn? Actually might be interesting?!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2212103/Roy-Keane-ready-snub-Turkish-club-Kasimpas-charge-Blackburn.html
Good point by whoever mentioned that one of the reasons Tom and Ando looked better than Carrick and Scholes did on Saturday is the fact that Fletcher was sitting in front of the back 4 yesterday. I mentioned this last week, but Scholes is better off playing with 2 midfielders behind him these days. Not sure how often that’s going to happen though.
Fletch – good job to take on for him. Blackburn have strenghtened well to get out of that tough division. Keane will get the fight back into the them. a keane for another kean, blackburn sure are keen.
@T4M – agree with the other posters we always seem to be linked with huge bids for average players around this time of the year – remember Nicolas Gaitan? Fergie is a football genius and wouldn’t be buying players if he didn’t think they had the potential to make it at the best club in the world, so I really wouldn’t worry about it.
Costas – scholes needs runners around him. Paul should be more deeper, almost like a quarter-back and,with his sublime passing range, he would be more effective. I still think he’s best off the bench, he would be fresh and would stretch defences. Early stages of games means you have to battle and put in a shift, for all paul’s world class qualities, he can’t do it anymore, hence why he should be used wisely. Like i’ve always said, the right blend of midfielders is key and we had that last,night.
You lads shouldn’t get your knickers in a twist about the Lewandowski rumors. First, the key line of that Telegraph article is ‘United put in an offer of 20odd million which was turned down, BEFORE bidding on Robin van Persie.’
So the fact Sir Alex is going to watch the City game tonight couldn’t possibly because he would do, any
time a top european squad were in town. Could it? Journos these days ?!
If any rumour is likely to be true, it’s got to be the thomas ince one (son of the “guvnor”). Left footed winger, slim built like giggsy & really technically gifted. Has been the creative force for blackpool with goals and assists. At 5million and at 20years old with potential, it’s a fergie type signing and truth could be in it. imagine if he flourished at united, liverpool would be kicking themselves for letting him go.
I just have to say from the match last night how happy the players looked together, each of them working for each other tracking back, making runs, stringing together some lovely passes. Think this is almost our first 11. Dont wanna gettin on Pats back much more, but I really would have liked to see Buttner getting a run, I cant see an argument against it really? Also was great to see Andreson play, he brought alot to the table, also looks much fitter.
6 POINTS IN THE BAG, 4 TO GET, GET IN UNITED!!!
unrelated topic: anyone see Puyol’s horrific injury! OUCH!
Good performance all around last night for me. Scoreline doesn’t reflect our dominance.
Cluj were always going to sit back, which meant we had to be cautious in pushing men forward, for when they break. Hence their goal. Although! As soon as the through ball was put in, Evra should have NEVER, EVER committed to try and meet the ball, he should have spun off (having been out of position, yet again) and got on the wingers toes for his first touch. As Rafael did when ever ball was put over his head. He is becoming a liability for me! Going forward he’s good, but it’s suicide at times defending!
Cleverly and Ando looked good. Worked hard, sharp passing, and got us moving. Great to see Fletch get another 90 mins. Solid performance for me from Fletch.
Rooney was sublime. Started slow, as we always seem to be doing lately. But once he found his range he was unreal. Scholesy like with some of his passes, and got us in more dangerous areas. I think that’s the only thing we miss when playing with Ando & Cleverley. That killer ball, when it’s needed.
Everytime I watch Hernandez I beg for a goal! Seems to be caught offside too much for me, and when he does get his chance he seems to rush & snap at it. I just hope for 1 good game, where everything he hits, goes in. Get him going properly!
RVP was brilliant! His link up play, when he dropped in, Rooney pushed on. Good understanding! Maybe we will be seeing RVP with the balls and Rooney with finishes aswell in time to come.
Better to see SAF fielding a strong team away from home, get a win against Braga, near enough qualification, then we can fuck about with team.
Now look to Newcastle, which will be a much tougher test than last night!
CHAMP19NS
Samuel, Re Tom Ince. Think that as well. Main drawback would be having surly old Paul Sr mucking about the place again. But no movement as yet according to Holloway.
That’s Ian ‘I gets no respect’ Holloway !
To play for England you seem to have to play for one of the big four, as they don’t pick anyone unless Arsene Wenger or Sir Alex Ferguson think they are brilliant. No-one listens when I say someone’s good” [sniff]
http://nz.sports.yahoo.com/football/news/article/-/15025507/blackpool-boss-holloway-if-man-utd-want-ince-they-must-talk-to-me/
I was happy with the result. That second goal was class. I didnt think there was a chance.
For the last 2 games we have played with Clev I have observed that he lost the ball or the pass for him was intercepted but chose not to chase. That isn’t good for the rest of the team chemistry.
I dont like the fact that when we get attacked we have so many opposition players in our box compared to when we attack them. We sometimes just have 1 person in there hence my dislike to see Van P/Wayne/Danny not in the box when we are just outside their area. They should get in there and make the opposition defenders think twice.
I like what Fletch was trying to do. I am sure his passing stats are poor but here is the reason why, he was trying to thread the balls through the middle instead of going to the winger like the whole team does. We should have a variety. Kagawa’s goal on Sat from that through ball by Van P is what will result to many goals. A cross if it isnt from Beck’s boot has a 50/50 chance of hitting the target intended. Chicharito makes so many runs but no ball.
You will hear a lot of tkidhis boy…Modric cant clean his shoe s…this is that many levels in front of him
2/10/12: Alen Halilovic has dismissed speculation about his future. The talented Dinamo Zagreb youngster replied: “I don’t give much thought about those kind of stories,” when asked by Jutarnji List about talk of interest from United and Real Madrid.
For mine, it’s simple:
1. If either Anderson or Cleverley plays, then both should play. The difference in their performance when they play together is astonishing. Together, they are more than the sum of their parts.
2. Giggs and Scholes should never play together.
3. Without getting into specific formations: if we consider the 6 players in front of our defence, then at least five of those six should come from: RVP, Rooney, Kagawa, TC, Anderson, Nani, Young, Tony V, Chicharito, Welbeck, Jones (in a midfield role).
4. Given that at least one of the front 6 is likely to be dedicated striker (say, RVP), and one is likely to be a defensive or holding miefielder (say, Fletcher or Carrick), and one could be either Giggs or Scholes, that leaves at least three of the younger, more mobile midfielders to work together. And given the way those guys like to play, three is the minimum that will work. Two won’t cut it, because in a game built on energy/movement, fast one-touch passing and constant positonal interchanging, two guys don’t offer each other enough options. Four would be better, but three is the minimum. For example, TC, Anderson, Nani and Rooney (or Kagawa), playing between Fletcher and RVP, would offer a dynamic combination that would test most defences.
Daemondada-Totally agree mate he is the best young manager out there ,the Way they finished last season was remarkable betting us Arsenal liverpool and should have got some thing at Chelsea
@samuel, altyred: thanks for reading it the way I did. Apparently, I was looking for a discussion on tactics but I got a myopic comment instead.
@SHINJI THE NINJA: you obviously need to work on your reading skills. I clearly justified that Rooney isn’t the same mould of player, but I did say he would be great in the same tactical position – *as a false 9*.
You seem to have a very infantile outlook on tactics. Pray, tell, how Cleverley (who is a wonderful developing young central midfielder with great potential, by the way) is on your list of best six players (in which you included *seven*. Count much?) of players ahead of Rooney. Perhaps you might want to explain yourself.
Who assisted for both goals last night? You’re telling me that the free kick floated in yesterday was effortless? You’re telling me that sublime diagonal ball for the second goal could have been executed by any ten year old in a kick about? Perhaps you are the great Xavi; perhaps it’s effortless to you, but give credit where credit is due – football is a team sport, and RvP is very right (and in very right spirit too) in acknowledging that he can’t score on his own.
Chances don’t drop out of the sky. They are crafted by players for other players to put into the back of the net.
“OCTOBER 3, 2012 AT 09:51
SHINJI THE NINJA says:
You can not even mention Rooney in the same breath as Messi.
Do you want to explain yourself ? Based on what exactly that we have seen over the last 5 years he is a million miles awat from Messi – I wouldnt even put Rooney in the best 6 players at the club.
RVP
Scholes
Vidic
Kagawa
Rafael
Valencia
Cleverley
These players are far more key to us winning a game than Rooney.
RVPs goal last night was ALL about RVP and nothing to do with a couple of very standard balls played into him by Rooney – RVP made it happen
@samuel – no need for snidey little name calling from the safety of your keyboard so I will ignore your “muppet” comment.
To say that Rooney can play “the Messi role” whether you like it or not, kind of does compare Rooney to Messi in the same breath and to my mind Rooney has done nothing to show any great technical ability for a long long time. Im not one of the deluded ones when it comes to the Rooney myth – sorry. I just dont see it and havent since he was about 19 years old.
I said yesterday that a prority for january would be getting a centre defender. Mats hummels comes to mind! Sign him up Fergie!
Loving the thought of facing a Newcastle defense with out the likes of s taylor, r taylor, colloccini and simpson…
Attack, attack ATTACK!!!!!
@calebkzh
@samuel
Also, for all of those who choose to see the two balls in by Rooney as something special then I am not going to convince you otherwise. If you think he`s an amazing technical player then good luck to you.
All this talk of “floating” a ball in for the goal – Yeah right, really amazing and worth £250k a week just for that.
I take it all back, Rooney single handedly dismantled Clunge last night with a masterclass of deft and precise ball skills against world class opponents who he danced through and made look like some second rate Rumanian outfit.
Barcelona will be fucking quaking at his lock-picking ability.
The time for wishful thinking and self-delusion is over for some of us but I guess not you.
You carry on with the Rooney-delusion all you like – Im just not joining in any more as that attitude wom us fuck all last year.
Agree on Hernandez, at this point whenever he touches the ball I assume its going to be ano offside, i think he does too as he immediately looks to the sideline and never seems surprised. He needs to sit a stride deeper so hes not offside as much. With his pace he can still outrun the defender.
Oh and @shinji – Wayne Rooney is withoud a doubt Uniteds best player IMO. Said it for years. Its a joke how a lot of United fans have been so impressed with Rooneys performances these last 3 games!? He’s been doing it for years! And I aslways say that when WR is on the pitch playing for MUFC, we ALWAYS have a chance no matter the opposition…
@ ji sung
Rooney has always been great, but last year he was great at scoring, which is his mainduty, but still he hasn’t played like “old” Rooney,
He hasn’t had the drive like in the old days, and now he has started to play like he used to, and is muchmuchmuch sharplooking at the moment!
SO that’s why we are amazed in someway by his performance, but in a good and positive way. We’re happy to have him “back” in a manner.
Stateside: Cheers mate. Been saying for quite awhile that Ando and Cleverley had some special chemistry. All last year as Ando got bashed around on this site I kept on remind folks that Ando wouldn’t be sold until Fergie had had a second look at the Ando/Cleverley mix. The were magic v Arsenal in the famous 8-2, but then Cleverley got that horrific foul and was out for the season. Now we are seeing that it wasn’t a fluke of nature. Can’t quite put my finger on it, but it seems Ando has his second chance. I think the type of magical ball movement that we all want to see is in there someplace and it is just a question whether the team can click in with it. Didn’t look to bad in its first outing in the Champions league. Hope we can see it progress.
Anderson was sub standard to be true as he missed passes and was not at all creative with regards to what was expected of him. He is a long time player for united now and he needs to show it now. Or else let us play other creative midfielders from our reserve side who deserve a chance.
De Gea should be our number one as. He was excellent yesterday night. He is trying his best which is good to see.
Chicha needs to improve as well. He is good but needs to improve and he has that ability in him for that. I really want to see him provide goals and assists for us as he is hard working and loyal.
The end result is what it counts and that’s what matters most. I am really happy with the result and hopeful for our youngsters to get a match in the coming CL fixtures. What more experience do they want. GGMU…
@Sinji I won’t call you a muppet. You just a total freaking idiot, son. If you where at OT on Saturday you might have noticed who the SE hailed for our first goal (hint, not Nani who scored it) and who everyone in the ground knew was responsible for completely turning our performance around.
RVP in his post match comments last night (see earlier blog) was in nodoubt who MOM was last night.
In short Rooney’s fitness, form and availabilty will determine the success or failure this season more than any other single player.
And you don’t even have him in our top 6 . IDIOT!!
Ji Sung … Right on, mate.
@ ji sung
Rooney has always been great, but last year he was great at scoring, which is his mainduty, but still he hasn’t played like “old” Rooney,
He hasn’t had the drive like in the old days, and now he has started to play like he used to, and is muchmuchmuch sharplooking at the moment!
This is deluded. It is NOT what I see when I watch him. I see a heavy overweight player with a poor first touch, second rate passing that is often a bit too heavy or a bit behind the player, never see any solo runs through players resulting in individual goals and very very very rarerly do any of his shots from distance trouble anyone other than the fans sat behind the goal.
I really dont see what makes him great.
I see Ronnie scored another Hatrick at the weekend……………….. We can all at least see that HE is great every single week and every single International competition. Thats what “great” looks like just so you know what to compare with.
As fans, we have to be more critical or we will allow the complacency to set in permanently. Last year showed us how that ends up !
@we are United. Do me a favor mate. Appreciate a player like WR! Ebnugh said
SHINJI THE NINJA
At the end of last season, all the Premiership Managers were asked which player in the League they would most like to add to their squad. More than half of them said “Wayne Rooney”
I suppose their opinions are also deluded?
SHINJI THE NINJA
At the end of last season, all the Premiership Managers were asked which player in the League they would most like to add to their squad. More than half of them said “Wayne Rooney”
I suppose their opinions are also deluded?
Yes – I would have said RVP was the player I most wanted or Djemba Ba or Yaya Toure oR David Silva or Sergio Aguero.
The fact they said what they said (if they said that) then the delusion cult was wider spread than I thought.
So they can have him, I will take Toure if I have to narrow it down to one.
U have to admit last nights performance was outstanding, thats exactly what we needed…i just hope fergie doesnt fuck it all up at the weekend by bringing in scholes, giggs and carrick and limdi just to mess up all the good work however ive every fear that he will….can understand him dropping fletcher as he needs more game time…i would like to see him play a front six of nana, valencia, ando, clev, rooney and rvp but u just no it wont be that and i will get frustrated to fuck if it isnt then we go a drop more points with another bad performance…but i guess we will have to wait and see……
ando was outstanding last night, his power and pace is frightening..ok his passing is a little of at times but what a player…..fergie must see this and he cant keep plain scholes infront of him because most likely scholes wont be there next year…get him in the team fergie son and start playin the kid
rijah @ 13:07: “Anderson was sub standard to be true as he missed passes and was not at all creative with regards to what was expected of him.”
Been to the optometrist lately ?
@Dave Mack says:
I WAS in the Stretford end and watched Rooney come on and turn the game completely around to a 3-2 defeat………………………..so what exactly did I miss ? Dont remember Wayne coming on and grabbing a couple of match winners mate. I DO remember seeing Kagawas super quick feet scoring a well worked, tight goal only to be taken off for Wayne to come on and score no goals at all and to transform absolutely nothing.
So I like to judge a player on results and from my position in the Stretford End there was no particular Rooney songs as much as ATTACK ATTACK ATTACK being sung so lets not re-write history mate.
Rooney didnt actually come on and win the game mate.
kungfoocantona @ 13:49: “ando was outstanding last night, his power and pace is frightening..ok his passing is a little of at times but what a player…..fergie must see this and he cant keep plain scholes infront of him because most likely scholes wont be there next year…get him in the team fergie son and start playin the kid”
I guess that you saw a different match from the one rajah (@ 13:07) told us about, eh ?
rijah
“Anderson was sub standard to be true as he missed passes and wasnt creative”….what shite are u talking did u even watch the game or r u 1 of these fans who doesnt like ando…..he was immense last night full of pace and power…how many times did he burst through the midfield…..when does carrick ever do that, ando had about 5 shots, ok he didnt score but he was there to have them, when the fuck does carrick ever shoot…ok some of his passes were a bit misplaced but that will get better with more games…hes in 1 week and out the next fuck sake so how can he get consistancy and be full of confidence…..hes an outstanding player and hes better than the rest of our central midfielders which includes to 38 year olds…..what exactly do u want mate
@Kungfoocantona
Yes mate – totally agree about Anderson – he is looking a very good player at the moment.
For me, Rafael was last night`s man of the match and is putting such determination and effort into EVERY game he plays that you cant help but love his attitude. Let`s hope it`s infectious.
@ rijah “Substandard…not at all creative”?
a bit harsh mate
I thought Anderson had a good game, showed an improvement in fitness, showed alot of hunger when trying to win the ball back and in my opinion threaded some lovely balls thru balls. Not sure which game you were watching
This is the prob with United fans. We have a world class player like Rooney! Appreciate the lad! Appreciate players like Wayne and that he plays for United. Its ridiculous how so many United fans don’t rate him as a player, don’t think he’s world class and were calling for his head a few weeks ago, 1 game into the season??!! That’s pathetic in my opinion! A lot of United fans also wnat him sold in the summer?! Are you people for real??!! Honestly!!?? Oh and now all of a sudden United fans Are backing WR again haha just makes me laugh
denton
Not sure what game he was watching…maybe he was on the playstation
@ji sung, well said! sometimes i think people will never know how good roon is for us untill hes gone…
Every players is essential to our campaign and even if they might play a smaller role than another players is, this is an 11 man game. It doesn’t make some more important than the others but everyone know that certain players has a larger impact compare to the others. That kind of players is what every great team needs.
Rooney has always been essential to us as he is not the type who would give up. At least having him, we can see the team trying to stage a fight back even when everything is looking bad. Even when he is overweight he still runs around much of the time trying his best. I can’t imagine a United without him at current moment as he is like a motivation to the others. This is just like Messi’s importance to Barca or Ronaldo to Real Madrid. I am not putting him at a godly status or what so ever, but understand that what he injects to the team is not something most players can do.
I know at one time, he did cause that commotion about questioning United’s will to win. Many want him out of United for that. Indeed if you look at what United is now, perhaps it is true to a certain degree. If you look at how weak our fight was against Everton, Liverpool and Totenham and what United play was 2-3 years back, as a player I would also question the same thing. Rooney is a player whose hunger for victory is very very unsatisfiable. He is one to drop back deep and trying to bring the team forward and without his goals and his assists, will we packed the same challenge to Manchester City last year? His questioning has left United searching of players with calibers and we spend 100 million for those players.
Therefore, I do not hate him for what he said but in a way i am grateful as we found some great players on the way. Though some have still much to prove and justify the price paid for their services. However, currently, the defense problem and missing a good CM are the main problems to solve. Although I read that SAF is looking at Dosmund’s striker, I am hoping he will and shall focus his effort in finding players to cover our aging defenders and a CM. United cannot keep going without the defense backbones. Younger players are there but it will take some time before they are ready. Besides, does the Glazers have the same patience for SAF if he does not produce something this year?
is he still talking about Rooney?
@Marq — okay then, out of all the times they HAVE been on the pitch together, how many times have they been paired? injury or no injury.
SHINJI THE NINJA – how does saying rooney can play the “messi role” which is primarily a number 10 role directly compares wayne with messi. Anyone that’s knowledge will know messi is the better player, in fact he’s better than everyone but his role, the creative fucking hub of the team, rooney can carry that role, he’s thrived in it when he continiously provided for ronaldo. Rooney is an imaginative footballer, he sees passes that only rare breed of players can, he can smash goals in. He can be a crucial part of the team’s Attacking move because he simply is a world class talisman.
You say it’s only cluj or “clunge”, it’s fools like you that never respect opponents, that was actually a tricky away champions league game. Rooney showed his class and hunger in a game like that and he’s also done it against top class teams. What has his salary got to do with anything? We all fucking know the game is filled with mercenaries, rooney is another but he’s been brilliant since he joined the club, something which you clearly haven’t seen because you’ve been living in teletubby land or a cave.
Denton – there are some complete idiots filling this blog mate
Evra: “A lot of ppl were talking when RvP was playing on his own & scoring goals but people can’t forget what Rooney has done for this club”
“I see a heavy overweight player with a poor first touch, second rate passing that is often a bit too heavy or a bit behind the player, never see any solo runs through players resulting in individual goals and very very very rarerly do any of his shots from distance trouble anyone other than the fans sat behind the goal” – and that says it all, your knowledge of the game has to be questioned, surely you must look at yourself and admire the bullshit you spout, none of your comments is worthy of a decent reply.
I hope fergie starts either cleves or ando with carrick against newcastle and f needed spring scholes from the bench. I would also like to see cleves play in the kagawa role in a game or 2. I think he is a quality player but needs more games, newcastle have a strong midfield and if scholes and carrick both start I think we could get overrun again. great to see fletcher back imo a better defensive midfielder den carrick and when fully fit has bags more energy then carrick. a team i would love to watch in the near future would be: -de gea-
rafa-rio-evans-buttner
fletcher-cleves/ando
valencia-kags-nani/young
rooney-RvP
You wonder if some actually think before posting. “anderson was sub standard and not creative”
1. united played a forward line of mainly creative players (RVP, rooney), anderson’s job was to control the midfield along with fletch and cleverley but he did ping some great forward passes, united move the ball faster when he plays. His passes were precise and accurate last night, his overall play impressed me. He offers a different dimension, the ability to carry the ball and go past central midfielders. He has mobility, power, energy and drive, something united have lacked this season. Ok, he’s yet to fulfill that potential but there are reasons for that, some self inflicted due to a lack of professionalism and some unfortunate with injuries but his aim will be to stay fit and rack up game time because he has qualities. His performances deserves a role as a starter.
samual-united we stand
BANG ON my friend..i questioned sum here earlier just look at my posts…sum retards really, dont no what game they watched…ando is a top player who is getting better, the manager continues to drop him for carrick and scholes which in my eyes is ridiculous to be honest…lst night he was brilliant and i love watching him because he can make things happen with his powerful bursts from midfield…thats the player we have been lacking for years and to think hes been there all along is amazing…i will be very pissed if the manager decided to drop him again against newcastle bcause i fear he may want to exit the club if he cant get regular games….so just ignore the tossers on here who spout shite..these are ppl who are never happy regardless
I think Anderson is a good player, I just wonder if it’s his attitude which means fergie holds him back. I would much prefer to play Anderson more and Scholes as a backup on the bench.
And the assumption that rooney has to play like he did when he was 19 is the crap A.b.u media use to degrade wayne, he’s 26 now, his style of constant hustle and bustle was bound to change because he’s experienced now, he doesn’t chase around aimlessly anymore. Every player evolves their game, rooney had to move from being the creator in chief to goal-scorer when ronaldo left and now with RVP, he’s dropped deeper. That only pays testament to the all round ability of wayne, he can play anywhere in the final 3rd, you can’t do that if you’re not technically gifted.
@
samuel – united WE stand
So where do you see the solo runs – goals from distance (you think he started the season slender and NOT overweight?) even he admitted that FFS
Less of the insults and back up your slavish devotion to Rooney – Tell me the last BIG game against a team that was good and when it mattered that Rooney showed up ?
If you want to perpetuate the Rooney is a match winner myth then go ahead. I dont see it. Resulting to cheap insults shows your true intellect.
These games really bring home what Valenica offers defensively. We need a left winger with his awesome defensive skills, he is a massive plus for the defence and you can see they are missing him.
@Denton
Sorry to be optimistic, but couldn’t help it.
@Kungfoo & Rory
Sorry mate but ando did nothing great in that match to say he gave an excellent performance. I am not against ando, as I mentioned in my comment that there is more expected of him as he is no newcomer.
Samuel @ 16:17: “His passes were precise and accurate last night, his overall play impressed me. He offers a different dimension, the ability to carry the ball and go past central midfielders. He has mobility, power, energy and drive, something united have lacked this season.”
Let’s not forget his big rump – that lower-body strength is crucial for shielding the ball and bulling his opponent.
“Some people” love to get their jollies by calling TheWayneBoy or Anderson “fat” or say that “he loves pies” but the reality is that they have very different body-shapes from, say, SirRyanGiggs whose body-fat level must be close to zero (even at 40). BUT the lower-body strength of Anderson is what is crucial to his power and drive. It’s very hard – if not impossible – to bounce him off the ball like a tiny guy (such as Iniesta or YoungTom or Cesc, who he shat upon !). Sure, he’s not the finished product but he’s had terrible luck with injuries – kinda like Darren Fletcher did before he morphed into DarrenFletcherinho in 2009.
“some people” eh ?
Off topic:
Nick Powell and Ben Amos (currently on loan to Hull) have been called up to Stu Pearce’s
squad for the upcoming Euro 2013 play-off double header v Serbia.
This is Nicks first ever call up to the U21′s! Exciting times for the lad!
http://www.thefa.com/England/mens-under-21s/News/2012/under-21s-squad-v-serbia.aspx
OCTOBER 3, 2012 AT 16:02
nanisgranny
Your team has 12 players mate! troll
Anyway, I like your team barring the extra players.
With Cleverley and Anderson, I think the defensive mid is a bit of an overdo. The two of them display enough energy to be complete box to box midfielders, and don’t really need a defensive cover like an attacking midfielder ala Scholes or Silva would, in my humble opinion.
So my current dream starting XI would be
de Gea
Rafael – Rio/Vidic – Evans/Smalling/Jones – Buttner
—–Cleverley——Anderson
Valencia—-Kagawa/Rooney—-Nani/Welbeck
————-van Persie/Chicharito
I am amazed at how Fergie has assembled so many forwards capable of playing multiple positions. Rooney shuttled across all the frontline positions against Cluj, with the second assist coming from right wing almost. This could be a new template for United, sort of a total-football as far as the front 4 are concerned.
Interesting discussion on twitter about Fergie getting refs banned.
Jeff Winter claims he didn’t oversee a United match for 2 years after sending Roy Keane off early in his career.
Rory Smith then chimes in that:
There’s 40 games where United gave away a pen/red card. On 7 occasions, the official involved didn’t ref them again for at least 17 games.
7 out of 40? Not alot in that for me. Maybe those 7 were really bad calls and the referees association took action?
Be interesting to see if similar numbers with other top clubs (Liverpool, Chavs etc). Can’t image Mourinho didn’t nix a few refs after shockers.
“So where do you see the solo runs – goals from distance (you think he started the season slender and NOT overweight?) even he admitted that FFS
Less of the insults and back up your slavish devotion to Rooney – Tell me the last BIG game against a team that was good and when it mattered that Rooney showed up ?
If you want to perpetuate the Rooney is a match winner myth then go ahead. I dont see it. Resulting to cheap insults shows your true intellect.”
The fact that you value a player for his solo runs – that just about sums up your tactical understanding of the game. That, and a poor understanding of the English language, obviously means you still don’t understand what I originally wrote. Now in case you miss this, I’m giving it a paragraph of its own:
Wayne Rooney is not Lionel Messi.
There, happy now? Are you totally clear about what I’m saying? Now we can talk tactics without your petty pickings on how Rooney is not close to the player Messi is. Phew.
I’m not saying we should bow down and worship Rooney or anything, but I think it’s a bit unfair for you to call him out for scapegoat duty. On Saturday, if Rooney has not come on, we probably would have languished and rolled over the final whistle to a 2-0 defeat, maybe worse. The fact that moments from him coming on, we pulled one back, it shows you the nature of the role he plays in our squad.
Remember once again, that it’s a team game. It’s not about solo runs.
Stop looking for scapegoats; get behind our boys.
@mansuy
Against Everton & Fulham, a clearly unfit Rooney was playing, and Rvp havent even had so much of a pre season, I don’t think there is any hidden intention that Rvp wasn’t playing.
First game Rooney back is vs Newcastle in the league cup, where Rvp is rested
So where are you coming from that Sir Alex purposely has Rvp not playing with Rooney? You read too much into stuff dude, they haven’t played together because there havent been a chance to do so, no hidden agenda of any sorts I feel
The thing about Rooney is, he was a runner in a younger age, at that time we used to say, why he doesn’t score goals?
Now he has matured and changes his style, he scores 34 goals a season, and we are not happy.
Well the ones who have followed this forum daily, knows that a time we talked about The Rooney -saga which led for many fans to not like him.
I was one amongst them. Hated what he wanted to do, and leave. But I have forgive him. That’s why sometimes, when people critisize him these days, they remember the SAGA.
@ji sung says: Do me a favor mate. Appreciate a player like WR! Ebnugh said.
Well mate, I appreciated him more, when the lad didn’t wanted to play for City. But he has done enough for me to appreciate him again as a player. So yes I appreciate his playing. Take it easy. And based on these last games, I am slowly starting to see him as the “old” Rooney who had the passion to play for us.
And for the @ Shinji the Ninja. Dude you have no clue. Look firstly, don’t ever compare anyone at this moment to Messi, only Iniesta and Ronaldo (attack wise). So when we say Rooney plays the same role, doesn’t mean, he is like Messi. So you are being delusional my friend. The runs he made, was at young age, now he plays differently with different results.
SHINJI THE NINJA, sometiems, your comments are commented with a bit of rush. Slow it down.
CMON!
Off topic but SAF is seriously yawning at the match!! The match is pretty boring though. I like the look of goetze
Haha watching the Dortmund game against SHitty, ferguson didn’t see enjoying the game hahaha.
Maybe I’m crazy, no matte how good orbad we are playing at the moment, but somehow I wish we would have been at this group, playing agains Madrid, Ajax and Dortmund. Last time we hade this “death” group, we won the trophy.
being at a more intense group, would have had us playig much better and harder?
Maybe I am tired at this moment of that game, but that’s how I feel at the moment
Maybe next year? Let’s hope Shitty loses.
#20
TYPOS
+ edhardy, I noticed that also hahah.
Götze is playing well, but I also like Marco Reus, he is a magical player. Really like his playign style, not talking just about this game, last year also. For the other Borussia Mönglesjdkjd.
Fergie at the etihad…to watch lewandowski.The Man’s brain is leaking.Serious Mental issues.Put him on Meds!
The media are only linking Fergie’s presence at Etihad tonight to Lewandowski because the Polish coach said before Euro 2012 that Lewandowski was going to United. That never happened. There are other players that Fergie might be viewing, like Gotze, or even Neven Subotic in defense.
I hope SAF is also having a look at Hummels. He looks class!! Citeh needs some sort of training from Scholes and Rooney when it comes to the long range passing. They are shit!!!
Rooney not a good enough player for United?
Daft. Wum. Piss take.
Noticing that City cannot handle the pressure. Maybe Sir Alex can deploy a running midfield to keep Toure and Silva off the ball?
I think the blueprint is there. Beating City is as simple as having a back four that can contain Dzeko/Aguero/Tevez by themselves.
Committing all six to attack and high pressure defense – at half field – will take ANY good team out of their comfort zone. Especially City.
Come on Dortmund
Marco Reuuuus hahaha, black and yellow, black and yellow.
They play so gooood, wow, I hope Fergie takes some notes, and looks closely Götze, Reus and Hummels. They are playing brilliantly at the moment.
SHINJI THE NINJA – devotion to rooney? Don’t be stupid, I only care about the club which rooney is a part of and I also recognise a top player when I see one regardless of their club. rooney has been fantastic for this club, he’s 4th on top united goal machines, he shows more hunger/injury free and he hopefully smashes records and be the ultimate goal scorer for united. Your logic of questioning rooney’s talents holds no grounds.
If only “solo runs” made great footballers then david bellion would be ahead of pele, that’s a completely baffling way to judge the overall qualities of any player plus You’re barely going to get a chance to embark on solo runs these days as teams are strong tactically and will nulify that, you’re talking about top class level of football, not an egg race.
And rooney has turned up in loads of big games throughout his time at united, he’s dragged united out of a mess loads of time (anyone remember being 3 down against chelsea last season?, one of many examples). If rooney is not a match winner as you say, then why has he got bucket loads of goals and assists for the club, who has been banging in the crucial goals for the past few seasons? The fucking chuckle sisters?.
And as for your judgement on intellect, who said me or any one on here comes on to exhibit that side? We’re here to share views about united and express passion for the club, it’s a football blog and not macbeth.
Thank you Rodwell, “woooo! almost the second! Come on BVB!”
Wow what a team and this is after we robbed
kagawa lol.
Who wants to see city scum lose? This shows
How dumb Mancini is in CL truly inept.
On a side note I miss Ronaldo
@dela
god I hope he is looking at goetze he is a class player,in fact this dortmund team really look a good outfit.
I could see us struggle with the midfield they have. Why oh why did we not get a midfields
As much as this is gonna hurt, I have to say Joe hart is an OUTSTANDING keeper city will do well to hole onto him when Barcelona come calling
Look, after watching Dortmund and the fluidity in their game, how they move and chase the ball wow.
I came to a conclusion that we should put Kagawa to the left, but not as a winger. In the same role as Götze and Reus plays.
they play veery good football at the moment, I’m amazed.
Always been for Dortmund when watching Bundesliga
Only Hart keeping SHitty 0-1
this is why dortmund is a team i admire so much. I have been raving about Iikay gundogan for donkey years. How on earth nobody has put in a bid for him is a miracle. we should give it a try.
Hope we duck this Dortmund side,dangerous as fuck they are.
we are not as fit as Dortmund. we don’t have their energy.
I could see that ending in a draw very quickly, dortmund just cudnt get more clinical, but city will have everything thrown at them in germany now.
Hmmm their coach is proper. How about a German to replace fergie once he retires lol
Shitty got lucky and Hart saved their ass like DeGea is saving ours.
Dortmund. bravo, they play like Barcelona, but they don’t cheat and they are much much much more enterainers than Barcelona. It’s not boring.
We used to play this kinda fluid game. Counter attacks and strong posession with alot chances,
Let’s hope SAF taked notes and will make a DVD of this game, and to change oru style like this.
City twats empty seats cant even sell out a game of this magnitude
Lol watch Mancini rip his goalie again haha
City were veryx10 lucky to get away with a point against Dortmund. All the City players should give their week’s wages to Hart for keeping them in the game. I lost count of how many saves Hart made.
BVB are a beautiful team to watch. They tore apart City to shreds with their one touch pass, off the ball movement. They deserved the 3 points. City are a top class team and to batter them relentlessly for 90 minutes at their home turf is incredible. This might be a stretch but BVB are a more entertaining side to watch than Barca. They have none of that tiki taka BS as they pass and move with a purpose. Lewandoski should have killed off the game by scoring the 2nd goal from that sublime-out of the world pass. They only have themselves to blame.
I am very impressed by Dortmund, After seeing the way they play I realize Kagawa could be even better for us if our midfield is sorted and I can see what he was talking about United playing sideways vs forwards. His quote was:
“Yes. We seem to pass the ball sideways a lot, but I want team-mates to start giving me the ball from all areas and angles. I need to speak to them about this, because I want them to have the trust in me to play the ball forward.”
United need a more fit and able midfield to press like Dortmund did today.
I have not seen that much committment from United in a couple of seasons now.
Plain truth, Dortmund ran hard for 75 minutes. United have not shown a willingness to do that. Not sure they have the lungs to do it. Maybe TC and Ando. But definitely not Giggs, Scholes, and Carrick.
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11679/8135768/Borussia-Dortmund-chief-executive-wants-UEFA-to-crack-financial-fair-play-whip
Comments by Borussia Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke, in suggesting that City and other clubs should be expelled from Europe.
“UEFA must find the thin line between sponsorship and excessive back-door funding – they must show strength to expel big clubs,” he said.
“No tycoon should be allowed to pump crazy money into a club with sponsorship from five companies he controls. If that happens, financial fair play will fail.
“I would not even welcome him (City owner Sheikh Mansour). What if the sheikh, as shown by Malaga, lost interest?”
Dela. If this match is anything to go by then City are gonna get their ass raped in Germany. MOM should go to Hart for singlehandedly keeping them in the game and also for keeping their CL campaign alive.
say what you like about citeh, they have a point. we would not have got that, judging by the quality witnessed tonight. Dortmund are superb.
Dortmund have a great understand of space and their team works well as a whole in defense and in attack by containing their shape which allows everybody to be in position to counter. Also, their tempo is top notch, very direct in going forward.
?? U serious they of lucky with that pen they didn’t create the poin it was given to them.
God I hope Mancini never leaves city!!
Ice cube. City should not have got that point. That was a ludicrous penalty. City were battered, bruised, raped, screwed, annihilated for 90 minutes. Period.
I don’t know what he’s on about if anyone would be likely to snatch a late draw after staring down defeat its united. Last years have shown that, city were lucky on the pen
I get what ice cube said, that after all, they got a point, but I don’t agree that we couldn’t have got that point against them.
If Shitty is raped and abused like Utd4life said, then why we couldn”t get a point, with a gift penalty also?
I said earlier in this section, that I hoped our United had been in this group. I so wish that.
In our United spirit, we are the ones that are considered coming from 2-0 down and win the game.
So from that point of view I don’t agree with you, Ice cube
Ronaldo what a beast hat trick for him! Haha looks like City v2 lost to Porto that ought to shut ibrahimovich right up
i think citeh midfield is better than ours, so is their defense and they got cut open. culji cut us open, so have spuds and galataray. Dortmund are clearly better than them. it wasn’t a pen, but idon’t think we would be in touching distance, judging by our early season form
Dortmund’s midfield is incredible. Pace and skill in abundance. Absolutely raped City tonight. Real pressed City’s midfield and Dortmund did it again. It really isn’t that hard to see. When teams did it to us last year we had no answer. Sadly we don’t have the midfield to play like that. There is a blueprint of how to play in Europe, it should be clear for everyone, yet we are nowhere near the that. Oh, and Hart is already one of the best keepers in the world.
ps that is on current on form
Of course united can play a pressing game but you need mobility/pace all around the team, especially in defence, something united aren’t blessed with at the moment. I guess united could improve in terms of fitness and stamina but this club cannot copy everyone and dortmund being a great team isn’t new.
Well gotta say it’s refreshing to see some good teams playing excellent football. Tired
Of evey “analyst” or pundit stroking themselves to orgasm to every single pass barca make
can anyone clear up something, is our dedicated fitness coach the fella from real Madrid? i can’t remember his name.
Honestly wouldn’t mind Klopp taking over from SAF (that is if he would want to leave Dortmund) when he retires. Has transformed Dortmund since he took over and they are playing the kind of football we should be playing.
“If Shitty is raped and abused like Utd4life said, then why we couldn”t get a point, with a gift penalty also?” Which match are you talking about mate??
” Dortmund are clearly better than them. it wasn’t a pen, but idon’t think we would be in touching distance, judging by our early season form” City would not have been in touching distance if it wasn’t for BVB’s generosity in front of the goal and Joe Hart. Are BVB and City better than UTD currently? Absolutely. But we are still just a month and a half into the season and we already have an injury crisis along with our midfield issues which the Gaffer is trying to sort out. As we all know UTD are slow starters and we usually hit the ground running by November end so I am hoping it’s the same this season as well. Lets get our defenders back and then we will get a much better idea on where we stand among Europe’s elite.
“United are slow starters”
That’s a terrible excuse for not getting the players fit and properly preparing for the season. Winds me up when people say it.
I’m really hoping barca get knocked out of
CL next stage just so those separatist fucks can get knocked down a peg or two! But probably won’t since busquettes will be on call to dive
Diego. It is not an excuse mate. It is a fact as stated by the Gaffer himself. I have no idea why we start slow but we do. We gradually pick up the momentum as the season goes by.
I don’t see a point in keeping our current defense. They’ve cost us as is might as well change it up and see wht happens (bench evra, Evans and Ferdinand and get
Some Youth in)
Anyone know an Updste on smallish or jones ?
Utd4life:
Well, there has to be a reason to why we do it, right? What are our players doing during the summer? Can we do something about it? Just saying that we are slow starters is fucking lazy.
Diego. I don’t have a clue on why we start slow but we just do. Maybe it’s a case of us preparing for the long haul. Remember the season is a marathon and not a sprint and early season counts for nothing (like last season where we surprisingly had 5 wins out of 5 games before it all went down the gutter). So, I believe that at the moment SAF is just happy to be in sniffing distance of Chelsea, Arsenal, City, etc till December by which I am hoping that the team shapes up. n addition, injuries to our defenders and the Gaffer’s insistence on playing Scholes and Giggs together has cost us points and has made us look incredibly mediocre and have given our fans this idea that we are absolutely shite and that we cannot compete with anyone in Europe.
It was with great glee I watched City get an absolute hammering at home,topping stuff.
Great showing by Dortmund I thought. Still can’t believe City got away with a point.
October 3, 2012 at 21:55
Utd4life says:
Ice cube. City should not have got that point. That was a ludicrous penalty. City were battered, bruised, raped, screwed, annihilated for 90 minutes. Period
I quoted you from this game.
Man U fans complaining about someone else getting a dodgy penalty, you couldn’t make it up.
Very worried about our defence, the fullbacks play as wingers (Fergies tactics…), so it becomes a back two with no cover from midfield most of the time and with Ferdinand its slow as fuck and then we are playing a highline as well! Ferdinands a top defender but with all these factors combined hes gonna struggle. The high line tactically I can understand, as it helps keep possession and peg the opposition back, however the “back two” we essentially play and Ferdinands lack of pace means once that defence is beaten, goodnight irene, its very prone to counter attack. The chopping and changing goalkeeper cant help bring stability, David De Gea is outright better keeper with more technical ability. Worried about the lackadaisical performances, theres no player leading everyone demanding them to raise their game, united lack inspiration, Phil Jones dynamism helped with that last season. Are the players tired? Is there a fitness issue caused by preseason or training? Seriously though, I earn my money, your a proffessional footballer getting paid more in a week that I earn in a year, how fucking hard is it to pass the ball quicker and be more mobile. I can see all this and yet Fergie and his staff cant, more questions raised over the coaching staff, is Mike Phelan a “yes man”. Scholes cant influence a game when put under pressure, and is relied on far too much and is now blocking younger players chances of playing and developing as a result which I feared the moment he came out of retirement. Fuck me…its not all bad but these issues add up to bite united in the arse.
Rooney is awesome, number 3 to 8 th best player IN DA WORLD!!!!
Rooney will feed the fires of making this squad it’s best!
Some never have smelled the roses, thinks Mozart a piano player.
Twats swat at nougat.
2 be 3rd to 5th best behind Messi, CR, Iniesta and Xavi not fucking bad.
@State Side sum greater then the parts!
Slow starts by United usually turn into a free flowing Christmas followed by a sprint to April. The season is 38 games. The position on the table does not count until May.
When have United bottled it post Christmas? Last year. Once in 26 years under Sir Alex.
Please take a second and think what dropped points in September mean to the title. They are points dropped that can be replaced.
I would be more worried about the dippers.
And for all of you so enamored with Cities midfield, watch the Dortmund replay. Press just one of their important players – Toure – and they crumble. Not just go one off, they crumble. Now, does that sound familiar?
Our CM is not the beat in the world. However, it is not nearly as one dimensional as the City midfield.
Keep a little perspective when typing.
6 out of 6 in CL.
12 out of 18 domestically. In October.
Jeesh.
@T4M:
Are u one of those clowns who easily fell in media traps? No need for over reacting u cunt…
*into*
Rooney to start his Totti years!
So by the look of things if Ajax gets some points of city in next 2 games then city are in big trouble. They will be knocked out. Dortmund deserves to go through the next round and I hope we don’t draw them. If BVB had won yesterday then it would have been almost impossible for city to progress to the next round. Even now I feel they will be knocked out. Spending so much yet cannot progress to the knock out stage.
@ anon payn
cheers for the comment mate. but i meant cleves or ando with fletcher. i agree with ur point about how both can do box to box but with the way are defence is conceding goals i wudnt play both tom and ando imo. would love to see buttner play more and against some better opposition. i dont like bashing any of our players but evra is simply miles away from were he was and we need to try something different i thought that cluj game would have been made for buttner we had no width so em and rafa would have been perfect at fullback going up and down the flanks imho.
Morning reds. Dortmund were robbed yesterday FULL STOP. City were fluid in first half but Dortmund made some changes in second half and completely dominated. Someone with more analytics can tell me what Dortmund did, but the simplest explanation is that they were in City’s face with big guys all the time. City didn’t have time on the ball, which is a very hard thing for a big team like Dortmund to pull off. How did they do it without giving fouls? Think many managers will be taking a good long look at that game.
CR7, former prince of OT, had a game v Ajax as well. 3 goals, 2 and 3 pure class. Miss Ronney, I know, I am a bit pathetic
CR7 v Ajax Muito Bom !
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S60s7uZWRJU&feature=youtu.be&a
FletcTHEMAN. He had a tremendous game mate. He has turned into a goal scoring phenom. If anyone was robbed it was UTD mate. We should have got 150 mil instead of the 80 for the way he has performed since he joined the virus.
Fletch
How bout nabbing Gotze from Dortmund too. That kid is IMMENSE, his touches, his link up play. It’s beyond fantastic. What a player.
utd_fc. Gotze was brilliant yesterday. His pace and movement caused City all sorts of problems. Would love to have him at UTD. That guy Klopp has assembled one helluva side. They were beautiful to watch.
Fucking cheats in City, get away at home due to a very soft pen. I fucking hate it, the hand does not seek the ball period!
On a sidenote. Must be very fun to be keeper in City, always get to do 10+ saves to keep them in the game. When i come to think about it, it is the same for us. The defence isn´t good enough at the moment.
Yep, Dortmund looked like a very well worked side. It’s something our team doesn’t have with all the rotating going on. Pity Lewandowski fucked it up when it mattered most. Don’t see the big deal about him personally.
As for Hart he did well, but he did his job ffs. Shouldn’t the media concentrate more on City looking average for another game this season? Sorry I forgot. Only United are guilty of not playing well…
Costas. Hi mate. If it was UTD instead of City then people would be talking of how UTD are in decline and how UTD are shite but since it’s city, the media are going to be talking about their determination to get a point inspite of getting ruthlessly battered for 90 minutes.
We probably need the likes of Hummels or Blaszczykowski more than Gotze.
But agree, Mario Gotze is class. Not sure if his game would translate to EPL immediately, but at 20 I would think we could do very nice things with a lad like that.
I have said it before, I just don’t see German first teamers interested in playing for United.
Bit of an ABU thing…….. summat to do with Munich and 1999
Never say never though.
Some are saying that Robert Lewandowski actually had an offer in but Dortmund turned it down. But we then went for Robin vP and the rest, as they say, is History!
Costas, Do you watch the Bundesliga? What is behind the Dortmund team. Can’t be only Klopp.
I heard they have a tremendous youth system.
OFF TOPIC. There is an important breaking story that Hodgson has said Rio will no longer be in line for England. Great news for United if true.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/roy-hodgson-tells-fans-rio-1358906
Reus was also impressive in the Euros. Błaszczykowski was the one that stuck out for me yesterday.
Sometimes Neville annoys me on commentary, lol. He was saying how it might have been a soft penalty by Subotic. The handball by the Spurs player on Saturday was more deliberate than that!
@Utd4life
Hi mate. Yeah the good old fighting spirit. Actually they never looked like scoring, but who cares hey? It’s ok. As long as City don’t address their issues, the longer they will be around. Kompany for one, doesn’t look like last season’s player.
I am sure if United would have put in a performance like Shitty yesterday most of our fans will be like we are screwed, Sir Alex have lost it, we would be lucky to finish 4th and blah blah but when Shitty does that the fans are like see they were shit but they still grind out a point.. Well fuck yeah with the help of a penalty that never was and with the goal living a charmed life.. Shitty will do well to qualify from this group and to even finish 3rd this season in the Premier league. We will be leading the league by at-least 5 point come January 2013 and you can fucking print that
Heard about the Rio story last night. Might be good news for us but ultimately, I was afraid of this. After all the bullshit he’s gone through, Rio didn’t have the pride to retire and someone else ended his England career for him.
@Fletch
Hey pal. No I don’t watch it unfortunately. Last night was the first time I’ve seen this Dortmund side in action. They reminded me a bit of the German national side. I agree that it’s not just Klopp. You can tell that a lot of time and effort has been put into building that foundation. Something the Germans are known for anyway.
Costas. I haven’t been following City’s matches (why would I??) but I guess their substandard performances this season have been due to Mancini’s tinkering with the formation. He is hell bent on playing 3-5-2 but he just does not have the players. They might have won the league last season but retaining the title will be a lot harder like they will find out this season and the pressure could actually get to the players.
I get that Rio is a very patriotic guy and that he really really wants to play for England but he has to read the writing on the wall. I think Uncle Roy would much rather have Ledley King back from retirement than have Rioon his team. It’s that obvious.
Fletch
Yeah Hummels would be a fantastic addition to our squad. Especially with the crazy injuries our defense keeps getting. He’s solid off the ball while holding off attackers and pretty comfortable on it too. Very sensible defender. But was just mentioning Gotze because he’s just one of the players i’ve had my eye on for a while. Personally it’s been a side fantasy of mine to see him in a United shirt, but I agree with you about German first teamers not really coming here.But I think it has more to do with their nationalistic pride, and most players loving the shit out of Bayern than what we did to em in 99. If u ask most German players their dream club turns out to be Bayern more often than not.
Also, they do have a pretty damn good youth system. Their youth teams have won countless competitions at under 19-under 17 level and their graduates boast the likes of Gotze, Sahin, Schemlzer and Reus (yes he was at Monchengladbach but he started out in the BVB youth team.)
Regards to Rio he should give it up. He’s been disrespected by the international setup more than once and at his age he really can’t hack a club career and an international one. As it is he’s barely keeping up with United’s hectic schedule so he should remember who pays his bills at the end of the day. Let’s not forget Fergie showed him 50 times the loyalty any england manager ever showed him.
Utd_fc spot on about Rio and BVB. Any team that makes Bayern look like mugs two years in a row are certainly a team to look out for and the fact that they have done it purely through their scouting and youth system without splashing exorbitant amount of cash to get players makes me respect and admire them even more.
i dare anyone to read this without laughing their arses off!
http://www.football365.com/news/21554/8136188/Gerrard-Titles-Would-ve-Meant-Less-At-Chelsea
utd_FC Cheers mate. Agree there is something about the German/Bayern connection. But it is also the money that national team players get to stay in Germany…. Sort of like the silly money that british teams pay for potential England lads. Like what we paid for Nick Powell. Ask most England players if they want to play elsewhere and very few choose to until later on. The Beckham’s are the exception really.
German players have a very confortable life and are treated like royalty. They cherish their privacy to a fault and don’t ‘get’ the english press. A lad like Goetz has it made in Germany. Doesn’t really need to go anywhere else.
As youth players they all think english methods are crap and who can argue.
I would also like to bring up for debate the topic of why the Gaffer insists on playing Scholes and Giggs together even though we all know that that is a recipe for disaster? Does he do it out of sentiment or squad rotation or lack of faith in Ando and Cleverley or is it because he still thinks that the two legends can still make a difference at this level??? It befuddles the shit out of me when he starts both of them together so I would love to hear what my fellow reds thought about it.
Ak47. Bit absurd on Gerrard’s part to say that he would have ended up with 2-3 league titled had Roman and Sheikhs not taken over Chelsea and City respectively since L’pool still had to compete with Utd and Arsenal for the title.
Mirror with the story;
Mail with the evidence.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2212467/Roy-Hodgson-tells-tube-passengers-Rio-Ferdinand-wont-play–PICTURES.html
Hope Rio sleeps in today
Good read from Scott:
Hogson was found out as being disingenuous when blaming Rio’s exclusion on “footballing reasons” and now to claim that Rio is too old for England, when Hodgson’s chosen vice captain is older than him, is ridiculous.
http://www.byfarthegreatestteam.com/posts/is-rio-ferdinand-really-too-old-for-england-erm-what-about-lampard/
Erm, why is Scott posting on bftgt and not here? Inquiring minds justly ask?
“Erm, why is Scott posting on bftgt and not here? Inquiring minds justly ask?”
+1
The Hodge has managed to shame Rio Ferdinand yet again.
1. Stripping him of his England Captaincy without talking to him first about.
2. Dropping him from the World Cup Squad for “Football reasons.”
3. Telling people on a London Tube that his career for England is pretty much over.
Get some self respect Rio and concentrate on United. Atleast we appreciate you…!
There might be a reason for why the Dortmund players are so incredibly comfortable on the ball:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=08Qf15Fz8Ek
I wonder if we got one of those at Carrington? Somehow i feel not. Wouldn’t mind having one of those in the backyard myself.
Well Smalling should be back after the Int. break.
Rooney plays well with others, Kags will find space, the 3 should get going. RvP, Rooney and Kagawa. Kags played so well last year with Dort. when Goetz came back from injury, he was second fiddle.
No matter the formation, the 3 will rotate.
Rooney is just a baller, not a striker a 10 a CAM a wing a CDM. He is all of these and a dash of lb. A BALLER, A WINNER A LEADER!!!!
———-DDG———
Rafa–Rio–Evans–Evra/Buttner
Tony—–Carrick——-Kagawa
————Rooney———-
Nani——————–RvP–
AlphaRS let us be honest here. If I was Roy I wouldn’t pick Rio either. He hasn’t lit up the world with his recent performances. National team call ups are supposed to be performance based. He was run over by Bale and Dempsey, Against Cluj he and Jonny were shaky at times. He has lost his speed and is finding it hard to adapt his game to something that doesn’t involve too much speed. Let me put it this way. If you have Rio as your last man in a counter attack at his age, it’s not looking too good.
PLUS a complete shut out from England is a blessing for Rio. The last thing Rio needs is more pointless games. He is getting older everyday and the more games he plays the earlier he gets burnt out.
Had all our defenders been fit and on form, I would personally have Vidic and Smalling ( who I regard as our second best natural central defender after Vidic) in the middle. but this is just my opinion.
@DannySoya
Therefore he should retire from international football.
Hmm…if we’re talking about Rio’s “recent performances”…..shouldn’t we also mention his outstanding performance vs Liverpool just over a week ago? Just saying!
Can we please play the kid Buttner a bit more…..can’t take Evra …he’s out of position and gives the ball up too much