Passing
- Paul Scholes has our best passing accuracy, completing 92.5% of all his attempted passes. Only Per Mertesacker and Mikel Arteta have been more accurate this season, both with 92.6%. After Scholes is Rio Ferdinand with 91.3% (7th), then Tom Cleverley with 90.4% (13th).
- Michael Carrick has attempted more passes than anyone else in our team with 1646 (3rd), behind Yaya Toure with 1732 and Mikel Arteta with 1702. Both Toure and Arteta have had more minutes on the pitch than Carrick though, so when comparing pass per minute, Carrick (0.949/min) has a better passing rate than Arteta (0.946/min) and Toure (0.919/min).
- Carrick passes the ball forwards with 35.24% of his passes. When looking at the players in the top 10 for passes completed, Carrick is 3rd, behind David Silva (36.23%) and Ashley Williams (35.85%), but ahead of the likes of Steven Gerrard (35.23%), Joe Allen (31.87%), Toure (30.02%), Santiago Cazorla (28.2%) and Arteta (27.03%).
- Scholes has been accurate with 711 of his 769 passes (92%) with 21% of them going forward. He has been accurate with 81% of his passes in the final third. He has created a total of 8 chances with 1 of those an assist. Anderson has been accurate with 255 of his 279 passes (91%) with 22% of them going forward. He has been accurate with 87% of his final third passes. He has created a total of 5 chances with 1 of those an assist. Cleverley has been accurate with 665 of his 736 passes (90%) with 23% of them going forward. He has been accurate with 83% of his passes in the final third. He has created 9 chances but has 0 assists. Carrick has been accurate with 1455 of his 1646 passes (88%) with 35% of them going forward. He has been accurate with 76% of his passes in the final third. He has created a total of 25 chances with 4 of those assists.
- Most passes completed per game: 1. Scholes completed 135/148 (91%) vs Spurs. 2. Carrick completed 119/134 (89%) vs Aston Villa. 3. Carrick completed 115/126 (91%) vs Southampton. 4. Carrick completed 110/116 (95%) vs West Ham. 5. Carrick completed 98/111 (88%) vs Norwich (88%). 6. Scholes completed 97/106 (92%) vs Aston Villa. 7. Carrick completed 93/108 (86%) vs Spurs. 8. Scholes completed 92/95 (97%) vs Everton.
- Carrick has completed more final third passes than any of our other players (338), followed by Van Persie (231). Anderson and Kagawa have been the most accurate with their final third passes though, completing an impressive 87% of all attempted in this area, followed by Danny Welbeck (86%).
- For comparison: Yaya Toure has completed 495 final third passes, David Silva 460, Eden Hazard 407, Juan Mata 346, Gareth Barry 299, Oscar 222, Kyle Walker 217, Aaron Lennon 213, Mousa Dembélé 176, Sandro 161, John Obi Mikel and Gareth Bale 147,
- Carrick has been accurate with more long ball passes than any of our other players with 133/176 (76%). Anderson has a long ball accuracy rate of 97% (31/32), followed by Fletcher with 94% (17/18) then Kagawa with 92% (12/13).
- Van Persie has passed in to the penalty area more than any of our other players (60), followed by Carrick and Rooney (52).
- Our players have completed 10,033 of an attempted 11,541 passes this season (87%). Manchester City 9910/11497 (86%), Arsenal 9836/11368 (87%), Chelsea 8056/9547 (84%), Tottenham Hotspur 7369/8821 (84%).
Crossing
- Valencia and Van Persie have attempted more crosses than any of our other players this season (99) and have been accurate with 19% and 21% respectively. Van Persie’s 21 completed crosses is the most of any of our players.
- Wingers’ accurate crosses: 1. Young with 23% (16/70), 2. Ryan Giggs with 20% (6/30), 3. Valencia with 19% (19/99), 4. Nani with 15% (6/39).
- Our players have completed 123 of their attempted 572 crosses this season (22%).
- Van Persie has taken 61 corners this season, attempted to deliver 53 directly in to the box, and has been accurate with 14 (26%). Rooney has taken 22, attempted to deliver 18 directly in to the box, and has been accurate with 7 (39%). Young has taken 21, attempted to deliver 17 directly in to the box, and has been accurate with 7 (41%). Nani has taken 12, attempted to deliver 9 directly in to the box, and has been accurate with 2 (22%). Giggs has taken 10, attempted to deliver 8 directly in to the box, and has been accurate with 0.
For comparison: Gareth Bale has accurately delivered 23/54 (43%), corners in to the box, David Silva 18/57 (32%), Juan Mata 9/35 (26%), Kyle Walker 7/25 (28%), Carlos Tevez 6/17 (35%), Eden Hazard 4/37 (11%).
- Our players have been accurate with 31 of the 107 corners they attempted to deliver directly in to the box (29%). City 53/141 (38%).
Goals
- Robin van Persie is the top scorer in the league with 16 goals in 21 games (18 starts), which is 30% of our goals this season. Javier Hernandez is the 8th highest scorer in the league with 8 goals in 13 games (5 starts). Wayne Rooney is the 14th highest scorer in the league with 7 goals in 14 games (12 starts).
- Van Persie averages 3.9 shots per game (3rd) and Rooney averages 3.6 (4th). Luis Suarez averages 6 shots per game (1st).
- Javier Hernandez has the best minutes/goal record in the league this season with a goal, on average, every 74.8 minutes. Robin van Persie has scored, on average, every 112.57 minutes (8th). Of the top ten scorers in the league, only Edin Dzeko (every 88.75 minutes) has a better goal per minutes rate.
- Van Persie has had more shots on target than any of our other players (32) with a shooting accuracy of 51%. Kagawa has had a shooting accuracy of 67%, Scholes with 60%, Hernandez with 59% and Rooney with 56%.
- Alexander Büttner has the best shooting accuracy of every player in the league, with one shot, one goal, and a 100% chance conversion 
- Rooney is (joint, with Juan Mata) top of the assist charts in the league with 7, Van Persie is 3rd with 6, Antonio Valencia and Carrick are 15th with 4.
- Van Persie has created more chances than any of our other player (39), followed by Rooney (27) and Carrick (25).
Defending
- Nemanja Vidic has won 6 of his 7 tackles this season (86%) and 24 of his 34 aerial duals (71%), making a successful challenge every 13.7 minutes. He has successfully cleared 32 of his 52 attempted clearances (62%). Patrice Evra has won 44 of his 52 tackles this season (85%) and 48 of of his 66 aerial duals (73%), making a successful challenge every and 10.2 minutes. He has successfully cleared 68 of his 104 attempted clearances (65%). Phil Jones has won 5 of his 6 tackles this season (83%) and 7 of his 8 aerial duals (88%), making a successful challenge every 11.2 minutes. He has successfully cleared 7 of his 12 attempted clearances (58%). Chris Smalling has won 9 of his 11 tackles this season (82%) and 15 of his 24 aerial duals (63%), making a successful challenge every 15.7 minutes. He has successfully cleared 28 of his 54 attempted clearances (52%). Rio Ferdinand has won 19 of his 25 tackles (76%) and 27 of his 49 aerial duals (55%), making a successful challenge every 16.9 minutes. He has successfully cleared 77 of his 130 attempted clearances (59%). Rafael da Silva has won 40 his 53 tackles this season (75%) and 22 of his 39 aerial duals (56%), making a successful challenge every 9.7 minutes. He has successfully cleared 36 of his 71 attempted clearances (51%). Jonny Evans has won 20 of his 27 tackles this season (74%) and 35 of his 64 aerial duals (55%), making a successful challenge every 12.4 minutes. He has successfully cleared 62 of his 132 attempted clearances (47%).
- Minutes per successful tackle: 1. Rafael (9.7 minutes), 2. Evra (10.2 minutes), 3. Phil Jones (11.2 minutes), 4. Jonny Evans (12.4 minutes), 5. Nemanja Vidic (13.7 minutes), 6. Chris Smalling (15.7 minutes), 7. Ferdinand (16.9 minutes).
- For comparison: Pablo Zabaleta (8.75 minutes), Benoit Assou-Ekotto (12.27 minutes), Branislav Ivanovic (14.12 minutes), Ashley Cole (14.3 minutes), Kyle Walker (14.43 minutes), Vincent Kompany (14.63 minutes), David Luiz (16.16 minutes), Joleon Lescott (17.23 minutes), William Gallas (25.22 minutes),
- Rooney has a successful tackle completion rate of 100%, winning all 12 of his attempted 12 tackles, as does Nick Powell (2/2), Büttner (1/1), and Darren Fletcher (1/1).
- Carrick has won the ball more times in the defensive third than any of our other players (63), followed by Evra (55), Evans (50) and Ferdinand (48).
- For comparison: Vincent Kompany (67), Ashley Cole (59), David Luiz (52), Kieran Gibbs (49), Per Mertesacker (46), Branislav Ivanovic (40), Yaya Toure (38), Ramires (33), Gareth Barry (25).
- Carrick has won the ball more times in the midfield third than any of our other players (81), followed by Evra (42), Valencia (35), Rooney and Cleverley (31).
- For comparison: Mikel Arteta (90), Yaya Toure (69), Santiago Cazorla (67), John Obi Mikel (59), Gareth Barry (52), Juan Mata (41).
- Van Persie has won the ball more times in the attacking third than any of our other players (10), followed by Hernandez, Rooney and Valencia (8).
- For comparison: Santiago Cazorla (15), Carlos Tevez, Juan Mata, Fernando Torres (10), Jermaine Defoe, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Mikel Arteta (7).
- Powell has the best minutes per tackle rate, with a successful tackle every 4.83 minutes he’s been on the pitch.
———–
Stats taken from WhoScored.com and EPL Index Opta Stats Centre
Man Utd News 24/7
No other United player has scored 16 goals in the first 21 games of a Premiership season. RVP could become our highest scorer in a single Premiership campaign.
Improving. No good stats on defense, it will come. Two consecutive games without conceding and we are looking better.
LOL at “1 shot one kill…sorry…1 goal”
I am very happy for Carrick, he has been a beast so far this season.he has got a combination of defensive and offensive duty, not so aggressive nor soft either.clever off the ball, genuine positional player, he has also improved his long passes.he is dictating games and continuously evolving into best midfielder.last but not the least his ethical aspect is second to none.
Costas – what’s starting irk me is this rubbish about RVP carrying united and i’ve been reading a couple of articles with author trying to be clever with use of words. I know van persie is a complete world class forward but how can anyone disregard those unselfish players creating the chances (an example in welbeck squaring that pass when he could shoot). It’s ridiculous and lazy journalism at its best.
Costas – what’s starting to irk me is this rubbish about RVP carrying united and i’ve been reading a couple of articles with the author trying to be clever with use of words. I know van persie is a complete world class forward but how can anyone disregard those unselfish players creating the chances (an example in welbeck squaring that pass when he could shoot). It’s ridiculous and lazy journalism at its best.
@Samuel
Yeah, so I guess he’s also carried that other guy who has the most assists out of anyone else in the EPL? Or his strike partner who has an even better goals/minutes ratio than him? I was expecting nonsense like that to be honest. People look at his knack for scoring goals (and crucial ones at that) and figure that United would have struggled if he wasn’t around. And I figure that’s what Mancini was hinting at with his comments this week. That’s an incredibly simplistic and stupid logic. I agree with Sir Alex when he says that Van Persie’s presence has helped elevate everyone’s game, but that doesn’t mean they were useless before, lol. Statistics aren’t everything. Look at Jonny Evans. He’s part of a United defence that’s leaked in a huge amount of goals, but that shouldn’t overshadow his huge progress.
Anyway, I do believe United are somewhat reliant on one player but it’s not RVP. Like I’ve said before, it’s Carrick. He’s the only player in the squad for whom we don’t have a replacement.
Our squad is really looking good and they really passed the Christmass test with flying colours. And as for RvP, he is in a class of his own. I wonder why I didnt see it when he wasnt ours, speak of Red Tainted glasses.
There is a jounalist on Sky who asked RvP if he was carrying the team and he answered quite well, recognising the team effort of his colleagues. There is a section of ABU press that wants to shoot down how good our squad is by trying to say Van Persie carries the team. As I said before our squad is looking good and Van Persie knew that he would get the best out of himself by coming to United’s current squad.
Statistic aside, RVP and Carrick are our top performers so far. Ashley Young, Cleverly, Evra, Rafael and Evans also had a fine season.
RVP is good yes,but who couldn’t in all the chances that comes his way.He owes credit to the unselfish players around him like Rooney and Valencia.Not to mention Carrick and Young.He won’t get the goals with Reading or Wigan.Rooney has been playing behind to accomondate him but he’s dangerous when he’s moved forward(ask Man City).Chicarito is also scoring and so the others.Remember he’s scored 17 goals out of 54 this season.So give credit to everybody.
Morning, I like our squad this season. I love how RVP has fitted in, pure class. The movement up front is getting better all the time, Wellbeck’s pass shows how the team are playing as a team.
Once Jones, Vidic and Smalling are back to full fitness we’ll be as good a squad as we’ve ever had. There is no one as solid as Carrick to replace him when he’s out but Cleverley is becoming just as important with his energy and movement…..
I’d grab Lampard on a free then bring through the youth… just saying.
Not a bad season despite not playing well at times. Should not have lost against Spurs at home and should have won at Swansea.
@Hans
Well, ball is round. Even if played well sometimes, things might not turn out to be what we hoped. That is what makes football interesting. Although United did not managed to get the points, but they have perform a number of good games. Now, they just need to be more productive and improve themselves.
I wonder if we had a chance to get back CR7 from Madrid. Although chances is very unlikely, but I can’t help thinking what kind of attacking force CR7, RVP and Wazza could form if they come together.
I don’t think any fan can be dissapointed with anything the way the season is unfolding. we have really started to click and have played some fantastic football. We are now on count down to the end of the season and hopefully another title. It will be interesting to see which team is picked for the FA Cup on Saturday. It may be a chance to give Carrick a rest ready for the scousers the week after, saying that though he was taken off once the game was won yesterday, which was a good move.
We made changes to our team during the last few games. Only Evra and Carrick seem to have played more mins.
Shitty played nearly the same team and injuries are catching up on them. Couple that with African players leaving for a month, can’t wait to see how Mr Scarf deal with this. Balo the clown to play more?
The FA Cup medal is the only one missing from some of our players collection so we might go hard for that.
Lindegaard
Buttner Jones Wooton Smalling
Nani Powell Scholes Valencia
Kagawa
Welbeck
I’d like to see this team out against West Ham, a surprise return for Nani would be lovely!
@ismail…
You really think Young has had an excellent season?
An improving one maybe…
Lifeguard
Rafael smalling vidic buttner
Jones scholes
Valencia kagawa welbeck
Hernandez
4 the West ham. Vidic and Rafael have then a whole week to recover same goes Valencia and kagawa will be starters 4 Liverpool.
Don’t understand these Lampard rumors he’s approaching 35 wtf would Utd want him.No one is a one man team some players make the difference in drawing or winning,I’d put RVP in that category don’t think there can be any argument we wouldn’t have the same amount of points without him he’s made the team that much bette.Bobby Manc points out RVP is the difference,makes me laugh though how much did his 4 strikers cost,he made a huge mistake with Mad Mario and that his all his fault.
Bobby Manc just isn’t a very good manager,his solution to eveything is spend so the difference also lies in the manager of both clubs
Some more stats for you lads.
but I think it’s safe to say, and I for myself never ever doubted it like alot of people.
Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez can start a game and be lethal, The super sub thing should be vanished after this game. By this I mean, nobody can argue that the lad isn’t starting material.
After looking some interesting stats, you can see, that he is better when he has started a game.
Chicharito has managed 12 goals in all competitions.
He has started 12 games in all competitions and managed to score 8 goals and make 3 assists.
3 goals have been game winning goals when he has started.
He has come on from the bench in 8 games and managed to score 4 goals.
2 goals have been game winning goals.
He has been as an unused substitute in 7 games.
For me this is a strong indicator and a MYTH breaking fact that Chicharito is a game starter.
AMAZING STUFF. the little pea. the next movie GOAL should be based on his life, whate are the odds.
@wayne
I am with you man.
Why people talk about Lampard he’s in june 35 and then we complain about scholes who is 38.
Let’s better get Sneijder if it was a case of buying players than Lampard a chelski icon.
Not saying we should buy Sneijder cause we have Kagawa, but better than buying Lampard.
Every player is a plus of course, and if he ends up here, then what can I say, but for the sake of his age, he’s not a buy we should concentrate.
I guess SAF is special about these things, like in the Owen case.
WeAreUnited hi mate Owen was on a pay for play basis so that was different,don’t see any benefit in bringing Lampard in at all,think it’s all bollocks same as the Cole rumor personally don’t want either of those fuckers at OT
Read this morning Powell on his way to Portsmouth on loan and Utd have sold King to Blackburn for a 1mill seems awfully low to me,must have a buyback clause thought this lad had a lot of promise.
Wayne
okey I forgot that, mayeb if we get him with same basis? naaaah, I also can’t see the point on that. I really can’t. A 28 ducth international Sneijder on the bench is a better option than a english international soone 34 Lampard on the bench.
That’s good news for Powell to get his loan, because I think he wouldn’t got any games anymore. I think loan deals are good for youngster, even though it is a surprise. But selling Joshua King for 1mill is a bargain for Blackburn and not good bussiness from us, let’s hope mate there’s a buyback clause. He never got his chance.
BTW. did you hear that Henriquez also is going on loan to wigan, which is absolutely great news, he’s our new prospect.
I meant A 28 ducth international Sneijder with 11mill* on the bench is a better option than a english international soon 35 Lampard on the bench.
Two in a pod, nice pic from goal.com
http://u.goal.com/243500/243500hp2.jpg
guess whooo.
here’s the article
http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/85/england/2013/01/02/3642730/cartoon-of-the-day-chicharito-van-persie-two-peas-in-a-pod?source=breakingnews
Yes mate that was confirmed yesterday haven’t seen the lad play but must be full of promise for Wigan to want him .Martinez is a quality bloke,i respect his loyalty to Wigan heard yesterday 5 clubs were in for him during the summer and decided to stay put says a lot about his character plus his teams play a decent style of football will be a good learning curve for Henriquez on and off the field.
Does anyone know where Nick Powell has disappeared to? Not seen him on the bench recently. If injured, what injury is it?
@Ismail N
What are you on about? Cleverley has been average in pretty much every game. Evra’s been okay but quite poor in a few games. Young has been shocking in many games. Anderson deserves some praise for his performances when he’s been fit, and he’s getting a little bit of recognition in the stats here.
King for £1m and hopefully a 1st option.
Class player held back w the typical run of young injuries. A credit to the Club and wish him well.
nice bit of play from yesterday
http://www.redmancunian.com/2013/01/02/gif-shinji-kagawa-nutmeg-against-wigan-athletic/?
Angelo Henriquez to Wigan is reported as done by MEN and Mail.
Nick Powell to Peterborough is still unconfirmed.
Main talking points from yesterday is Hernandez being recognized as one of the best poachers in the world and were does this leave Rooney when he’s fit,no doubt Chicharito and RVP make a potent strike force and Sir Alex must have known Kagawa plays in Rooneys position when he signed him.Is Rooney going to end up playing even further back?
away from football…watch fergie dancing gangam style.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8Rnz17zoeY
Another issue that won’t go away is Ronnie,the rumors are he want’s 25mill a year i’m sure if Real pay that Ronnie would be quite happy to stay,anyone would have to be naive to think the bottom line will be anything else than what’s best for Ronnie.There’s also a lot out there about Spanish Football being in a crisis, dwindling attendances,high ticket prices, financial crisis and higher taxes for players will all add to a players decision.The big 2 in Spain are no longer as attractive as they were a few years ago,i read if Ronnie forces the issue the transfer fee could drop as low as 60mill with maybe a player included but if the 25mill a year is true that’s 500k per week,there’s only 2 teams who would pay that City and PSG because he isn’t moving to Russia
Be interesting to see how it plays out personally with the state of Spain and Spanish Football don’t think Real are in a position anymore to pay the big transfer fees or wages, ironically now being a fan owned club could be their downfall to maintain the level of extravagant spending the club is used to it’s needs oil money.
This is the Carrick we paid 16mil for. A tough error to swallow for the first Geordie goal, but he’s making everyone a believer. Too bad he’ll be turning 32 this year and we’ll have only another 1 or 2 good years left…
Michael Carrick is very much a confidence player, when the confidence is there he’s more assertive with his passing, when the confidence isn’t there, he’s timid and scared with his passing (during this his pass completion will be high – but the number of passes forward will be low). His confidence has been gradually growing this season and he’s really flourishing right now which has shown particularly recently where we’re not constantly getting overrun in the middle. He’s forged a good understanding with the steady but unspectacular Cleverley – who seems to lack that vibrancy in his passing he had last year.
It’s hard to believe how unbelievable that midfield pairing of Clevs and Ando was at the start of last season – possibly our future? (once Ando knocks off those extra kilos)
FA Cup line up should be interesting. SAF will be resting a few, including Carrick. Good time to give Vida, Smalling, Jones (hopefully), Welbz a game. I even think Powell should get a start. He’s done well whenever he’s played for us. Maybe not doing that extra bit in training?
@ Wayne 16.05: “Main talking points from yesterday is Hernandez being recognized as one of the best poachers in the world and were does this leave Rooney when he’s fit,no doubt Chicharito and RVP make a potent strike force and Sir Alex must have known Kagawa plays in Rooneys position when he signed him.Is Rooney going to end up playing even further back?”
Tbh, I’m not sure Chicharito will really affect Rooney too much. He IS one of the best poachers in the world, but that’s all, his all round game is not up to the standards of Rooney or RVP. They’re our Number 1 partnership (form and fitness permitting). Take aside the Swansea game and Rooney has actually had a brilliant season so far, and his partnership with RVP is a dream. Chicharito will be rotated in and out + be used as a supersub.
But as for your second question – yepp, I think eventually Rooney will move further back into midfield. For the short term though, I think he’ll keep his position in the number 10 role. Kagawa will most probably be shifted wide….but they’ll rotate. Fluid, interchanging positions, could work really well.
@AK47 – I dunno, as exciting as the Cleverly + Anderson combo was last year, it left us MASSIVELY exposed defensively. We were wide open. I can’t see that being a viable partnership tbh, I could be wrong though..
@Sparkz, – With age, comes wisdom – one would hope. It’s all about dove-tailing when to attack and when to defend as a pair in midfield. It does fuck me off when people in the media say Clevs hasn’t lived up to the early hype etc. He keeps the passing ticking along at by not holding onto the ball for too long – the exact same thing Joe Allen and Leon Britton do, except them two do it in more easier parts of the pitch (just in front of the defence) – yet the media will pull down their trousers and bash one out over them 2 all day long.
@wayne
exactly about Martinez and the loan. Very good stuff for the lad.
And also about Hernandez, I guess Rooney will have always his placw on the sheet, but damn Chicha is proving us more and more everytime. like my stats proved, he’s not a supersub.
As a started in 12games he has 8 goals and 3 assists. as a sub 8 games and 4 goals.
AMAZING stuff.
btw.
About that GIF. Maybe I will be slaughtered again, but for me Welbeck played very good as a right winger and in that GIF you can see his talent, maybe at the moment he should establish himself as a better winger when our 3 strikers are on form.
And if one of them three gets injured, then Welbeck the kido can jump in. Let’s hope he could use his chances even better, liek Chicha.
Also Kagawas nutmeg was brilliant, I was so happy at home when I saw it.
We have an amazing future from him.
Start shooting in the bladdy corners…! Well done lads
Just realised that the stat for most passes in a game are a tad flawed….didn’t Cleverley get 98% against Arsenal? Should put him top of our list?
Having said that, he only played an hour in that match so maybe it didn’t qualify.
I think Clevs strength is the ability to move the game at a high tempo. He brings an energy to the game that really is essential when we’re caught out of position and/or once we regain possession. That alone, given our options, should be enough to merit him a place, and hopefully his goalscoring should improve. When people talk about his vibrancy from last season, much of that was down to the fact that he was playing in a more advanced position, almost functioning in the hole and preying around the box. A postion now being contested between Wayne boy, Kagawa and Rvp. Also he had a full preseason and the team as a whole was playing at a higher tempo. Without carrick though and with ando and clev both bombing forward, it was kamikaze football. I feel the job he is doing is quietly unspectacular, and given a proper run in the team he should be right up there as one of our better performers come squeaky bum time. Just no more injuries please.
wayne – I really think its an interesting situation developing in spain, and I do not think its money with ronaldo anymore. players like ronaldo also like to be praised what they offer the team, and when his own club and fans do not like you very much, it cannot shock anyone he wants to leave. If ronaldo is available for 60 million in the summer, if I was the boss snap him up, we saw the advantage of a player like RVP has done to the club, ronaldo will just put united to another level. We are not exactly blessed with inform players out wide, ronaldo could walk straight into that right wing spot, and with rooney RVP and hernandez, ronaldo could be that piece that completes that attack, and see us become one of the scariest sides in europe, it seems set for a ronaldo return when he sees the way united are playing. A move back to united, could really reignite ronaldo’s love for the game. I think 60 million is a bargain for ronaldo, and he can become the player he always wanted to back at united
Costas – it does make me laugh anyone can even say united rely on RVP, a fully fit Rooney is a scary prospect, and for the idiots out there, who scored the first goal against wigan? javier hernandez, not RVP. And if RVP truly is that influential, why couldn’t he win a title at arsenal? or a CL? So its more than one player. Another stat, during RVP’s time at arsenal, only once did he finish above united, and that was when RVP was a rookie. So since 2005, from 2006 to 2012, RVP finished below united.So it shows, put a player like RVP in a title experiences team that has won 4 league titles in 6 years, there is a huge chance of winning a league title. Mancini also should realize, you have tevez, aguero, Dxeko, and he is moaning RVP has made the difference. When you move good players on like de jong, and bring on mediocre players to replace them with, its going to be a problem, and he will continue with bolleteli
I’d give my left nut to have CR7 back but I’m not holding my breath (or my nuts!). If pushed, I would agree that Messi is a better player, but I would rather watch CR7, and I would rather have CR7 at Old Trafford. But here’s the thing: you just know that if CR7 came back, he be a regular starter. That would then give us a regular three up-front: CR7, RVP and Rooney. I am not sure SAF would want that set-up, where he has three senior forwards who all expect to be first-choice. His rotation policy would demand that can’t happen, but there’s no way those three would want to be rotated.
how much did we get for joshua king ?
@statesideAussi
haha I can give my right nut for that
I also believe Messi is the betetr player no matter what, btu Ronaldo is our golden boy. And I don’ think those guys would see rotations, that much. Let’s say at least nor Ronaldo and I can put in the same category also RVP. Rooney has been used in rotations, but usually he has not been one of the rotated players, only place wise.
And why rotate those 3 players? add Kagawa into it and Nani AMAZING.
+ Cleverley Carrick and Ando who is more experienced now. Champions stuff.
But then we are now also champions stuff. Ronaldo just would add that extra best of the world dimension, that barca has for example.
We’ll see. If he comes WOW, if not, well maybe it’s betetr getting a young prospect to turn into a superstar.
We’ll see.
Hello ROM faithful. Been feisty on here lately. LOVING IT.
On topic, the stats are impressive. But who wants to talk about boring old stats.
Give me an off topic “is young worth the time of day” any day
England international,so he’s one of the best eh? This is the same England set up who FAILED to build around the best. Scholes. Pretty simple really. Young needs to buck up. Not my cup of tea and dont rate him highly but he can do a job.
It’s a damn shame our wingers chose this season to crawl under a rock.
Oh and the Rvp Chico combo could be dynamite. Gives the team a good shape as well. Chico’s just got to keep improving. Personally I hope they make it as difficulty as possible for Rooney . I want him to up his game NOT his work ethic or commitment.
Finally the Danny bashers. RVP wasn’t as good as Welbeck is now at 22. He’s a manc – makes me damn proud that and he has a future here. The talent is there. Evident for all to see.
Carrick is slowly but surely nudging into legend status for me. He is by far our most important player. Love the way he’s playing at the moment. Someone pointed out earlier,100% focused.
Come on QPR. Fucking over rated Rentboy cunts.
King Eric … yeah, I’m watching it and loving it. rent boys are taking it up the arse. couldn’t happen to a nicer bunch of cunts!
hahahaha! The fat spanish waiter is a useless cunt. Not only that, but that prick what’s-his-name should have been sent off in the first few minutes for a disgraceful nasty flying tackle, foot not only off the ground but way over the ball, horribly late and all he gets is a yellow (because, we assume, it was “early” in the match). If that had been Scholes, he’d have been straight off. Cunts, the lot of them.
It’s nowt to do with Carrick only making forward passes when he is confident. He has been quality from day one and is MUCH better without Scholes.
Oliver. Clevs average? Yeah OK pal. He is quality and we play with much higher tempo when he is in side.
Said on prior thread I would feel sick seeing Lampard in a United shirt. Nice bloke but why would we take a Chelsea reject? Fuck that.
Ha fuck off Chelsea you horrible cunts. Shit house fans booing them off. Been hearing all Xmas how they could catch United. Fuck off. We are getting in a groove now and will take some beating. -
@KingEric
exactly why take Lampard? a chelski icon and a reject. We for example never reject our icons.
I said earlier that I rather take a 28old dutch international Sneijder with 11mill to the bench rather a chelski icon soon to be 35 english international.
btw pardew announced the buy of demba ba for 7mill, not a bad buy, will give them goals.
pardew announced the buy from chelski**** of demba ba
Stateside. Alright pal. You well? Yeah heard Marin should have walked. He is garbage. With you on Ronnie. Not a cat in hells chance we can get him for 60 million. As for Ba? Dog shit. A glorified Carlton Cole.
There’s only one FSW.
StatesideAussie – if ronaldo came back, they will do what the boss tells him, and of course they will start most games and they can, I think we need a goalscorer from midfield, you can easily play all 3 in most games, you put ronaldo on the left, with a work man like player like valencia on the right, it gives us a 3 prone attack.and that variety of direct pace of a valencia, with the brilliance of ronaldo rooney RVP, we would be hard to stop. Fergie would find it a dream of a goialscoring player like ronaldo, to go along with the likes of rooney RVP and hernandez. To say he would not want that set up, is a bit premature. Like I said, valencia or young working hard down the right, with ronaldo rooney RVP, I think that would be one hell of a set up.
King Eric … hey mate, yeah, I’m fine thanks. It’s hard to chat on here from Oz, as it’s the wrong end of the day for me. When I’m awake, you guys are asleep. Something like that, anyway. Sure, we’ll never get CR7 back and I don’t get the talk about Lampard, Ba, who needs them? Not us. Can’t believe some folk on here still aren;t sold on TC. Anyway, got to run. Cheers mate, and happy new year!
StatesideAussie – I think it is an interesting situation in spain, I would not dismiss the speculation, there are deep routed problems going on there, and the way its going, and the way its panning out its 50/50 for me. Because the club are spending on average 70 million a season anyway these days
Sry if this has been posted before, but for those who havent seen it yet, pls do….
pretty damn funny, worth watching..
http://www.talksport.co.uk/magazine/features/130102/video-robin-van-persie-clashes-arsene-wenger-his-fakebook-profile-188446?
Only thing missing in tom cleverley’s game at this moment is the ability to make more decisive difference with goals/assists or more incisive passes in the final 3rd but he’s an important cog in the team. His mobility and energy to patrol up and down in midfield, his quick passing does compliment carrick’s more composed style. I think he’s been good but time will tell if he can raise his level further.
FITB … stranger things have happened, so I won’t say it’s impossible. Although I think Messi is a better player, I can’t stand the smug little prick. Every time I see him, I have this incredible urge to punch his lights out (and believe me, I am not a violent man!). Seriously though, in the context of United, I don’t believe there is a player (not even Messi) who fits us more than CR7.
Samuel … I don’t for one minute think that TC has reached his peak yet. So I am sure he will continue to improve. And he’s already doing pretty damn well!
StatesideAussie – I think they are both smug, ronaldo is far to up himself than messi is. Messi is just better at presentation, he celebrates with his team mates, and he does not make it out, its all me me me. Ronaldo does that far too much, like its all about him. Back onto the transfer, fergie stated value for money, if, and that is a big IF, that he does turn down a new contract, and is very serious about leaving madrid, and with his contact going towads the 2 year threshold, I truly believe we may see the unthinkable, ronaldo returning to united. And 60 million fo CR7, and getting a good 5 or 6 years of his prime years, snap the guy up.. That is a bargain
King Eric the article i read it was 60mill + player,DDG and Nani was mentioned and that would be if Ronnie refused to sign a new contract and forced the issue
Thing is i really believe Real and Barca are struggling financially compared to a few years ago no more free rides from the bank.Utd gave Ronnie 5 pay raises Real haven’t given him one,the old Real would’ve given him what he wanted no worries,times they are a changing and if the FP rules do kick in going to make Utd even stronger
Reading an article found this paragraph and i think this is were the problem lies doing away with the Beckham rule is really playing havoc with wage bills
Nor, indeed, Ronaldo’s apparent obfuscation over a new contract – an issue that has brewed for six months. The forward admitted last September that he was “sad”, amid speculation that Madrid is seeking to cut back on the player’s huge net wages.
Ronaldo earns around €12 million per season before tax – up to €10.5 million net under the current Spanish tax regime. Yet, with the ‘Beckham Law’ now defunct for new contracts Madrid may need to double its gross outlay to keep Roanldo’s take-home pay on an even keel.
wayne – a few months ago I would have said,. no chance of his return. But seeing the struggles, and ronaldo becoming diselouded with the club, I think its a 50/50 chance he may return, especially with the fact united are spending 70 to 80 million a season. This reminds me of 2008 all over again, small hints of a possible transfer. Its gonna be a case of which club calls their bluff first, it could be a poker game between united and madrid over this transfer, and how ironic, its now the other way round, until he signs with the papers with fresh ink
Can’t a player over 27 buy out the last 2 years of their contract under what is that rule? If so United could give Ronnie the money to buy his contract out – that’s what £22mn?
Here it is:- Webster Ruling in 2006 upheld below –
Article 17 of FIFA’s Regulations for the Status and Transfer of Players is entitled “Consequences of Terminating a Contract Without Just Cause”, and is the fifth article of Chapter IV, “Maintenance of Contractual Stability between Professionals and Clubs”. It outlines the provisions which apply if a contract is terminated without just cause, and the requirement for the party in breach to pay compensation.Specifically, it states that:
” Any player who signed a contract before the age of 28 can buy himself out of the contract three years after the deal was signed. If he is 28 or older the time limit is shortened to two years. Article 17 was introduced in December 2004, with effect from 1 July 2005.”
So Ronnie can buy him self out of the rest of his Real Madrid contract. Much cheaper for United to pay that and they give him a big ass wage. RM have pissed him off. Come home Ronnie.
Ronnie is paid EURO 12million a year – about £10mn.
His contract with RM ends in summer 2015. So in 2.5 years.
Cost of buying him out under Webster Rule – EUR 24 million – £20mn.
Ah – let’s hope it is so simple and that the boy is willing.
NBI … I’m not sure it is that simple. First of all, Article 16 states (in its entirety) “A contract cannot be unilaterally terminated during the course of a season.” This would seem to rule out any attempt to buy out CR7′s contract before the end of this season. Secondly, a buy out potentially involves more than just his remaining wages. According to clause 1 of Article 17, the compensation also includes “the fees and expenses paid or incurred by the former club (amortised over the term of the contract)”. I take this to mean that Real woule be due pro rata compensation for the original transfer fee. At the end of this season, there would be two years remaining on his deal, which is one-third of the original contract. The pro rata (or “amortized”) value of that would be one-third of 80 million, or about 27 million. Plus the 20 million you already referred to.
Compensation shall also “be calculated with due consideration for the law of the country concerned, the specifi city of sport, and any other objective criteria.” I don’t know what laws Spain has in this regard, but “any other objective criteria” could potentially include a claim for lost merchandising revenue over the remainder of his contract. If I was Real, I’d be arguing that’s an “objective” criteria for compensation.
As much As I love ronnie but I feel there will be some draw backs also if he comes here again.
1) He will be 28 this year so he is no longer younger. Yeah he may still have the same motivation and perform better here but I still feel to pay more than 50 millions for a 28 year old may turn out to a big risk.
2) We are forgetting other young players. What if henriques becomes a major hit at wigan this remaining season. What if he scores 7- 10 goals or even more for them. Then it would be clear he is ready for start at united. I have a huge feeling this boy is something special. Same with powell. Henriques’ loan spell could be key for our future attack. I know he is only 18 but I still feel he will be ready to play regularly when he is 20. I would rather develop a new star than spending crazy money on one player (Who I love very much)
3) IF ronnie returns we may not see the real impact of my current fav player kagawa. And we have to sell atleast two out of Nani,Young and valencia. Where will they fit in. If ronnie joins that would be 100% exit for nani. I don’t mind getting ronaldo for nani but that won’t end there. Tony v may also leave.
We have to be careful for what we wish for. The loan spell for henriques will be crucial. Let us see how the young lad performs. We have a superstar in him so better we don’t waste his talent for a 28 year old super star.
@ Ash – note what you say but I would take Ronnie any day, its a no brainer, he strengthens the team massively and very few players would do that, he also has EPL experience and was at United. Kagwa and others would still have a place in the team. Henriques is not going to give Ronnie any competition for years to come if ever. Also Ronnie is hardly ever injured. Good for 6 more years.
@ Ash – note what you say but I would take Ronnie any day, its a no brainer, he strengthens the team massively and very few players would do that, he also has EPL experience and was at United. Kagwa and others would still have a place in the team. Henriques is not going to give Ronnie any competition for years to come if ever.
I don’t see CR7′s physical powers waning any time soon. The guy’s a freak, and absolutely driven to succeed and keep on succeeding. He’s playing over 50 matches — and scoring over 50 goals — a year. And while Messi may be scoring more goals overall, Ronnie is still the only player to have topped 40 goals inLa Liga twice (though Messi will almost certainly match that this year). I can’t read the future any better than anyone else. But barring injury, it’s easy to see him terrorizing defenders for another 5-6 years.
NBI SAYS
“Henriques is not going to give Ronnie any competition for years to come if ever.”
How could you say that. Can you predict the future. Did we ever think ronaldo would be so great when he was 18. Did we think this boy could score more than 40 goals every season. See i would also take ronaldo back . But to write off any youngsters would be a foolish thing.Henriques is something special. He has pace and great skills like ronaldo had when he was 18 and thats why I rate henriques very high. He may not become like ronnie but there are chances he may also become a world class player. I would welcome ronaldo with open arms like every fan would. But there are certain drawbacks also which we have to take note off.
Anyways its a 50/50 only whether he joins us again so we should not go overboard. Cheers
Morning Reds.
Happy Birthday Jonny Evans. 25 today (Jan 3, 1988).
145 appearances, 5 goals, 100% Manchester United!
https://twitter.com/FletchTM/status/286738384905457664/photo/1
Jonny Evans … 25 today, just coming of age and starting to mature nicely. And yet how many times has he been written off over the last few years by some of the mugs on here, who rated him “not United quality” and worse? Some fools are filled with unrealistic expectations, untempered by any measure of patience or commonsense, that’s the problem.
Sure, there are the occasional freaks who play first-team footy at 17 or 18 or 20 and look immediately right home (or even 16, in Rooney’s extraordinary case).
But Evans is living proof that those are the exceptions; even among those who eventually become world-class superstars, the majority start with great natural athletic ability, bucket-loads of skill, good football brains and all the right coaching in their junior years — and still they need a good few years of gradual immersion into the man’s game. Especially when you’re talking about a club like United, the biggest club in the world, constantly competing and winning in the toughest league of the lot and against the best Europe has to offer.
Rafael is another example, as is TC. All of these players have been slagged off and written off so many times. All have taken a good few years to find their feet and estabish themselves. And yes it’s been frustrating, but once again, Sir Alex has proved he knows best. Certainly better than any of us mugs, anyhow. He knows it takes oodles of patience. And more fool those who won’t hang around for it, like Pogba.
Stateside, Cheers mate. Happy new year as well.
Another example is David De Gea. Idiot savant Stan Collymore figures we need to go out an sign a “world class” keeper.
A nice stat from Nick Coppack
United’s back 5 v Wigan – De Gea, Rafael, Evans, Ferdinand, Evra – was the Reds’ most-used back-five in 2012 (15 times)
Seriously though, the ronaldo thing is never going to happen. Brilliant player and all but this is just another tactic of his to soften united before the club faces his team, i sense jose mourinho behind this ploy, trying to destabilise our concentration with some fairytale comeback for ronaldo, it’s not like they don’t already have an extravagantly assembled,squad. we cannot afford to be naive, we must put in every effort against his team in both legs and not hold back. I think united have moved on from him, the club has worked hard to keep rebuilding itself beyond the confines of ronaldo, the portuguese works well if the team’s dynamic focuses solely on him and although i wouldn’t turn down his return, i think it’s massively unrealistic.
I also wouldn’t be judging angelo henriquez. He’s a top drawer talented striker. He fantastic pace and acceleration, movement, strenght for someone his age, links play well and is a very good finisher. Going to wigan is a good one as the team is managed by a spaniard and has enough south americans in the team to make him settle. They play creative football and will get chances. He needs to work hard, which he will and hopefully his loan spell will toughen him fir a first team challenge.
Stateside – i agree. I think he needs to add maybe an extra ingredient or two in order to improve on an already good showing. I think he gets in good positions but needs to hit the net more and find more match winning passes. I hope in time he starts showing he can pull them off.
We’ve all seen fergie bring in buttner as a back up for pat evra but looking at fabio’s performance against chelsea, a top class team, i think he’s the main successor to evra. The brazilian is as good as rafael but lacked the game time to kick on due to evra’s consistent stay in the team. He has had his injury problems but he put in a very composed performance last night. Hopefully redknapp keeps him playing regularly, fabio can then returm to united to stake a claim.
Samuel, Fabio had a great gave v Chelsea and several commentators mentioned his game. He was out for most of the Nov/Dec with an injury, but the performance should help cement his place in Redknapps team. Hopefully he kicks on.
Genius from Fergie that many questioned when Fabio was off. But like you said, games are exactly what he needs.
Best of Stealth United as well! HA!
Don’t think this is a ploy to soften Utd up,how does that work?,this has been going on long before the CL draw was made, maybe Ronnie is using Utd for leverage but has nothing to do with Maureen.Ronnie saying nice things about Utd is going to affect Sir Alex and the players in anyway.I just see it as shoe on other foot the amount of bollocks Utd fans had to endure about his boyhood dream.
It’s all about money and Real’s reluctance to give him a new contract because the tax rate will change and their going to have to pay Ronnie a hell of a lot more money because of it.
isn’t going to affect
Interesting 71st Birthday Interview with Sir Alex:
http://makeusdream.com/video/sir-alex-fergusons-wide-ranging-71st-birthday-interview-abu-dhabi-sports
“In football management I’ve achieved everything I’ve ever wished for”
“Drive is always to do better”
Continuing debate on who can pick youngsters tallent
Managers 1 Pundits 0 by this clip
This is an old Harry Redknapp interview while he was at West Ham. Discussion centers on Frank Lampard at 17 but there is a comment about young Rio Ferdinand as well. Both West Ham youngsters. You should all laugh at this in retrospect.
Harry was spot on. Scott Canhan who?! Ha
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ctWS52IA_JY
Manchester United Top 2012 EPL STATS:
Most goals in EPL (90)
Most wins (30)
Best Goal Difference (+46)
Best Goals/match (2.38)
Most league points (93)
via SkySports
Doesn’t suggest trophy success, but oi, does look nice!
Fletch gd is 26 mate
wayne I think that’s for the whole year mate.
oh i was thinking this season duh
check this out mad Mario and Bobby Manc lol
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/index.html
Think Wenger is just talking nonsense to stay relevant as his club descends into mediocrity
http://www.sportsvibe.co.uk/news/football/wenger-the-premier-league-is-wide-open-22100/?
StatesideAussie – PPL said including me, 24 million for almost a 30 year old with wages is a waste of money, for me when you add that type of quality into the team, the teams levels go up. I do think this current side fits ronaldo in perfect, especially when we have hard working wide players like valencia and young in the squad
wow stunning shit! i cant believe liverpool still have money to spend and to think that FSW kept going on about how we spend more than them……
Unreal shit, they keep throwing money at garbage players and sinking lower down the table you gotta love how that daft rodgers doesn’t get one single criticism where as united are constantly hounded for their faults perceived or otherwise.
fergie is the boss
People, I was one of them and put my hand up. I never doubted RvPs ability rather the spending of money on such an old player with very little resale value after a 5 year contract. I still think it was a waste of money despite all his ability and game winning abilities. Why ? Because there is no proof that a Llorente couldnt have acchieved the same success as RvP. Its in the realms of we’ll never know. Ill still support and cheer RvP as its not his fault what his age is or what his transfer fee was but I still have a philosophy in players ages, contracts and transfer fees and his signing was against that principle.
Goat with the big TV money RVP leads Utd to the title pays off his transfer fee in one season simple as that.Look at the Southampton game after missing the penalty just by sheer will made sure Utd won.That kind of determination and drive just can’t be bought,Mad Mario cost 25mill and is 21 i know who i’d rather have in my team every day of the week
There is a belief running through the team that no matter what Utd will still win the game,that comes from having players like RVP in the side,everyone is working hard for each other.24mill a waste of money,you must be joking mate RVP is a delight to watch and brings a missing ingredient that no amount of money can buy
Llorente is not in the same league as Van Persie, nowhere near.
wayne
As I said I dont dispute RvP’s ability or what hes brought to the table. All Im saying is Im honest enough to admit – I wouldnt have done that deal. I would have brought in someone else Llorente (who knows) but someone else anyway and whoever that might have been may have done as well. who knows – just being honest.
King Eric
Llorente not in RvPs league. How do we know that my friend. We are more aware of Llorente now then we were of Chico before we signed him and he hasnt done too badly. Im not saying Llorente would have been my man of choice, Ive had too much to drink and cant remember what Ive been drinking let alone what footballer I wanted at OT last summer. But untill proven otherwise Ill keep my mind open.
Anyway your judgement has been seriously corrupted by the sight and sound of macca pacca and your sanity should atleast be questioned, lol. As should mine, now bend down and Ill wash your face.
@Goat Peticoat
Do you know whats the difference between Taghuer watch and a Casio watch??Both shows time..but the differnce is the elagance,class..u need to get that personality who can even dominate the likes of rooney and even SAF..can Lorente do that??not in million years..thats is wht we have for 24m ..RVP
One thing I understand
I als oadmitt by sayign why are we buying RVP? I knew he was good, but didn’t feel that love.
HOW WRONG WERE I. WOW. gooners I feel sorry for them.
As for Getting Llorente, well we will never know what he would have done for us, BUT I have to say he would have NEVER been the same player as RVP. That doesn’t need psychic powers or whatever, you just know it.
So to say you would have still bought Llorente after RVP has scored 16 PL goals, it’s just tryign to go out of the box for the sake of it, annd say what others don’t say. Llorente is a good player a 27 old, but can you really swear and say if you had seen into the future and seen that RVP would bang goals and assists, you wouldn’t bought him?
I really really doubt it. No matter how out of the box is it. I didn’t wanted RVP cause I though we have 3 great strikers and Kagawa coming and I also though we need Iker Muniain, that’s why I wasn’t that into it.
When I heard about the transfer, I couldn’t believe it, and was so happy about it. Because the thing was, RVP was a GOONER. that put smog into my eyes, but now I can see through it. And you say you still can’t? Amazing stuff.
And I doubt it that we would sell RVP, I think he will retire here, and if not he’ll go to holland to retire.
So I don’t care do we get money out of him from sales, when we get trophies and money from winnign and shirt sales and everything.
so Goat told us to sell Rooney and not really happy with RvP’s signing? sigh, some people just trying too hard to seems smart. RvP was bought for 24 M and have no re sale value? who gives a fuck? we’re United NOT Arsenal ffs! since when we’re being worry about re sale value??
TheCantona … RVP has worked out amazingly well for us. But at the time, it struck me as an odd deal, for several reasons.
You ask, since when did United need to worry about resale value? But the answer is simple: it’s not about whether people like Goat or me care about resale value; the point is that the club itself — and SAF in particular — have been making a very big deal about resale value for several years now. Time and again, SAF and Gill have publicly ruled out going for this player or that player because there would be no “resale value” due to the player’s age. For the same reason, we were told, many times, that the club had a strict policy against buying anyone over the age of 27 (or was it 26?). The RVP clearly broke that policy, disregarding the whole “resale value” argument that we’ve had rammed down out throats.
Secondly, RVP himself has a very shaky history in regards to injury. Yes, he did brilliantly last season. And obviously, he has done even better for us so far this season. But in 8 previous seasons at The Arse, I think last season was the only one that was not significantly shortened due to injury. Consequently, until last season, he had never reached 20 PL goals before. Say what you like, but at the time of the purchase, an objective and honest assessment of his 8-season career at The Arse had “injury risk” written all over it.
For those reasons, I was frankly gob-smacked when we bought Van Persie. It made me feel that we have been deceived in regards to the “policy” concerning age limits and resale value; that maybe that whole argument had always been bullshit. I also felt we were taking a huge risk in terms of injury. I never denied RVP had sheer class as a player, and I am delighted at the way it’s turning out; but at the time, based on what we knew then (before we had the benefit of hindsight), those concerns seemed perfectly legitimate. And on that basis, I would not have done the deal either.
Horror! Shock! Ashley Young actually has decent figures! He is suppose to be shit?
@Stateside:
nah, what i’m trying to say is we’re not selling club like Arsenal, and SAF isnt Arsene Wenger (THANK GOD) who stubbornly refused to abandon his “principles” when something is going for the wrong direction.
Take this as example We bought 27 y.o Berbatov for 30 M in 2008 do u really think SAF really care about his re-sale value back then? Regarding injury prone player, SAF was famous for gambling over injury prone players. Ruud van Nistelrooy and Hargreaves were prime example with this. lets say if RvP have 2 good seasons with us, dont u really think that 24 M we paid for him was well spending (especially when u compare to how much Liverpool paid for 23 y.o. Andy Carroll)
TheCantona … I guess this thread is dead but I’ll respond anyway. You can’t deny that SAF has raised the issue about the age of players (and the impact it has on their resale value) many, many times, because it is on the record. SAF has a long-held policy of not buying players older than 27 (it goes back way before the Glazers). In fact, in the 15 years between the summer of 1997 and the purchase of RVP, SAF broke this policy only three times: for Henning Berg and Teddy Sheringham (who were 27 and 31 respectively when purchased in the summer of 97), and for Berbatov. That is a remarkable fact. And based on that alone, the purchase of RVP was extraordinary.
As for injuries, I don’t believe SAF has ever bought a player knowing that he had a long-term or underlying innury problem. And that includes Hargo. I don’t think it is correct for you to say Hargo was a known injury risk prior to joining us. In seven full seasons with Bayern, I am only aware of him having significant injuries twice: he had some muscle problems in the 02/03 seasons, and he lost most of the 06/07 season (his last at Bayern before joining us) due to a broken leg. Clearly, a broken leg does not result from any long-term, underlying problem that the player himself has. It results from contact with another player. And his muscular problems in 02/03 had nothing to do with his knee. I don’t believe his knee issues were known before he joined us. I don’t believe it is correct to say SAF is “famous for gambling over injury-prone players”.
The point with RVP is not whether he has a particular problem, but that his record shows a player who has been, over the years, very injury prone.
All I am saying is that at the time, based solely on what was known at that time, the purchase was highly unusual.
“All I am saying is that at the time, based solely on what was known at that time, the purchase was highly unusual.”
This is what i mean with SAF being SAF not Arsene Wenger. he is not a man who see it as black or white when it comes to buying or selling players. Whenever he see a chance to buy world class player he’ll go for it. he proved it with Berba, which i asked u before do u really think SAF really care about 27 y.o re-sale value back then? also dont forget he once made 27 y.o. Dwight Yorke our biggest transfer record in 1998. which i will ask u again, do u really think he care about his re-sale value back then? also please mention any star player he willingly sold for money??
well, the fact is Hargo was/is injury prone and he wasnt the only player which be signed for United with bad injury records. RvN, Owen, Heinze comes to mind.