Cheer Up , Kevin Keegan
On course, for United to now go on to win the Double, having secured their place at Wembley, much depended on how Newcastle handled the pressures of the league run-in.And we got a very significant clue only a few days after the semi-finals, in one of the all-time great Premiership matches, on 3 April, 1996. This was a passionate end-to-end encounter in which the lead repeatedly changed hands before Liverpool finally beat Newcastle 4-3 with virtually the last kick of the match, from Stan Collymore. The Toons had been leading 3-2 with only 20 minutes to go, and it was no wonder that Kevin Keegan was seen slumped over Anfield’s advertising hoardings in despair at the end. ‘Kevin Keegan hangs his head, he’s devastated’, cried the commentator, knowing Newcastle had just thrown away one of their two games in hand, leaving United still at the top of the Premiership, three points clear. Mind you, with my capacity for pessimism over United I had a horrible fear at this point that Liverpool’s dramatic winner would be just the boost they’d need to overhaul United and win the league. Worse, as FA Cup Finalists the Double was now suddenly a possibility for them too. What a nightmarish thought.
The Title run-in
If Newcastle had been nervous, United had their moments too. Listening to them on the radio on Easter Saturday, things began well as United took the lead against Manchester City at Maine Road only for them to surrender the lead not once but twice. Meanwhile,with Liverpool and Newcastle both initially falling behind in their matches only to draw level things were getting tense, especially when Newcastle dramatically took the lead while United were marooned at 2-2. But then came United’s clincher, a stunning 20 yard pellet from Ryan Giggs, whose contributions in this marvellous season sometimes get forgotten. Where Newcastle had folded under the floodlights at Anfield, United had kept their nerve against their closest traditional rivals.
The Red Devils now had five more league games and the pressure was undoubtedly enormous with intensive media attention, especially focussed on Eric Cantona, who seemed to attract comment at every turn, although, in sharp contrast to the way he had been reported in past years he was now getting praise on all sides. Even non-football folk seemed aware of his new maturity which had certainly not detracted from his star quality and marketability. People talked about him, they had opinions on him, they could show how au fait with popular culture they were by going ‘Ooh Aah’, and they could even speculate on whether he would deliver a second Double, just like he had in 1994.
Olympic Diaries
In one way this new centrality of sport in celebrity culture was an advantage to my department. Over more than twenty years we had hardly ever got any commissions on BBC1, where the frontline ratings competition is greater. We’d had a run of a ‘people’s journalism’ series, Private Investigations under executive producer Debbie Christie, which I was proud of, but then in ’95 we got a potentially high-profile BBC1 commission, a series of ‘Olympic Diaries’, in which a number of British competitors in different fields would record their lives and preparations in the year leading up to the 1996 Olympic Games.
We’d got beefy rowing titans Steven Redgrave and Matthew Pinsent, yachtswoman Shirley Robertson and the runner Kelly Holmes among others and it was a very exciting project to be involved in, scheduled for transmission in the week before the Games would open in the Summer of ’96. The series producer was Sue Davidson, who went on to have one of the most successful and wide-ranging careers in television of anyone connected to my old department, including stints on The Apprentice. But Olympic Diaries was plagued from start to finish by it’s inadequate budget and low staffing levels, making for enormous stress on everyone. It was a huge relief to us all when Alan Yentob liked the early roughcuts we showed him, ensuring we kept our slots in the schedules.
That was always the thing I most enjoyed about my job, viewing programmes at various stages in editing suites, seeing them take shape, sometimes after frighteningly poor beginnings. I always saw it as my job to help programme-makers make the most of whatever material they had and do so in a way that didn’t undermine anyone, editor or director, if things weren’t working at some stage. Directors get very defensive and resistant at times to outsiders, so that takes careful handling . (Whether I was successful in that is not for me to say, but I tried). Sometimes a film looks brilliant all the way through different versions until the final rough-cut and then it mysteriously falls down for no very clear reason , which can be scary. Or for days nothing works and everything gets very fraught and directors get very stressed.It requires strong nerves to overcome a situation like that, with the clock to transmission perhaps running down.
I used to love that process as a producer myself and still did so as head of department. I was lucky that as chief of a small outfit I could see everything before transmission, sometimes several times, which is why I’m a great believer in ‘human scale’ structures for creative enterprises. I knew everyone and everyone knew me, enabling me to give full attention to problems, whether programme-related or more personal. Mark Thompson told me at that time that our department had the best ‘programme quality control’ in BBC TV, which was down to execs like Debbie, Sue, Bob Long and the Video Nation producers Mandy Rose and Chris Mohr, not forgetting Ian Macrae, editor of the Disability Programmes Unit, Gazza’a cousin and a Newcastle supporter.
Unfortunately our small scale was completely against the grain in the BBC which went for bigger and bigger aggregations in successive restructurings, as I found to my cost the following year, regardless of the generous applause my department had received in Performance Review in 1996. Of course I couldn’t know that then, and I was very proud of some of the things we were doing, such as a Video Diary with a man in India who campaigned against the exploitation of child labour, and went on child-slave rescue raids, all captured on video, helped by a courageous young producer, Kuldeep Dhadda working alongside him shooting material herself as the children were plucked from harm’s way.
Blood on the pitch and grey shirts
Success at work only made it more satisfying that United were doing so well. They beat Coventry 1-0, with another Cantona goal, but that match is most remembered for the tragic accident that saw the midlanders’ David Busst carried off with a sickeningly bad leg-break, which caused the shocked Peter Schemiechel to throw up at the sight of blood in his penalty area. Busst never played again, a chastening experience for everyone who saw the horrific TV images, not all of which were shown initially on Match of the Day. The only consolation was that it was a total accident with no malice, and no recriminations as United players went to see the injured man in Salford Hospital.
After Coventry, United had their first major set-back since the astonishing 4-1 hammering at Spurs on New Year’s Day, when Southampton surprisingly beat them on 13 April, helped by the wondrous ball-juggler Matthew LeTissier strutting his stuff. This match will long be remembered because United famously came out in new colours after going in 3-0 down at half-time. Fergie blamed the grey strip United were wearing, colours they never used again, saying the players couldn’t pick out team-mates against the crowd background. Despite the shirt-shift United still lost 3-1, sending shudders down Red spines everywhere. Oh no, it’s not going to be a late season implosion like 1992 is it?
Fortunately not.
Things that really matter
At the same time things were going from bad to worse in the Middle East where we were hoping to get our Israel / Palestine Video Nation project under way. In retaliation for Katyusha rockets pounding Northern Israel from Hizbollah enclaves in Lebanon, the Israelis launched a massive retaliatory attack on Southern Lebanon, causing a mass displacement of around 400,000 people, accompanied by countless deaths, including women and children. Soon after there was an unconnected Islamist terror attack in Cairo, killing 18 tourists.
Fortunately there was eventually an Israel/ Lebanon ceasefire, but after such carnage it raised the eternal questions for both sides, do they really think all this killing is part of the ‘peace process’?
While the international scene darkened, I had further problems at work, with the Broadcasting Standards Council upholding complaints against one of our series, My Secret Life, a matter they regarded as so serious they were taking it up with the BBC Board of Governers, just when a new Chairman was taking up his post, which is why I was pretty nervous about the whole thing, despite the fact that the films had been approved through the referral-up system in advance. That may well have been what troubled the BSC, that no-one had stopped our outrageous films, all of which I stood by, of course. In fact I remained vocally unrepentant over all the programmes, on drug taking and other controversial matters, although it did add to the anxiety over Secrets of the Paranormal, which I was still having to defend on a weekly basis.
I was very grateful for Mark Thompson’s support at that time. He calmly told me as if describing a force of nature at the BBC, ‘Sometimes a door opens and you are showered with a huge heap of shit and there’s nothing you can do about it’
It was also encouraging when the heads of publicity and PR came to see me to discuss ways of capitalizing more on the success of Video Nation, which were perfect examples of openness and accountability to our public in the way we gave voice to such a wide diversity of individuals within British society. Luckily the Governors loved the project and often invited Nation contributors to their conferences to enable ‘ordinary people’, as they’d condescendingly put it, to have a say in policy debates. (At one such Governors’ meetings one Nation regular, a black guy called Conrad told me that at first he thought I was ‘quiet and aloof’ but now he’d got to know me he could see I was actually ‘loose and easy-going, a hippie but also a bit square’. Not far off, I’d say.Well, maybe not ‘square’…)
It was good to know there were crucial levels of support for what we were doing in the BBC, but nevertheless at times staff in the department itself would get quite twitchy, unsettled by, say, attacks on the Paranormal or Secret Life, worried about their own jobs and futures, understandably enough. I was thus grateful to those colleagues who did shape up and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with us.
On the buses
The exec producer of Paranormal, Bob Long went out of his way to thank me for so frequently and publicly defending his series, to the point where opinion within the BBC was beginning to shift. We invited him over for a meal and had a very entertaining evening with Bob regaling us with some of his many tales, such as the one about a certain perma-tanned daytime presenter who was having an affair with a woman Bob knew. Apparently he’d rush round to her flat, burst in and shag her against the wall in a frenzy, calling out ‘What a cunt! What a cunt!’ I hope he shaved you-know-where.
Bob’s coming to dinner necessitated him going on the bus, as I did every day, something he hadn’t done for nearly a decade, so it was quite an experience for him. As it happens a few days later the IRA exploded a bomb under Hammersmith Bridge, bang on my daily route. Only a mis-fire prevented a massacre and massive damage to the bridge, although a tiresome detour was imposed for months while they repaired it.
Love it, love it…
Meanwhile, against all these tragedies in the world, and all the aggravations of work – and the pleasures too, of course – it might seem odd to return to Eric Cantona and United but there was good news for both, celebrated with almost excessive glee by me. First United beat the old enemies Leeds United 1-0 in a tough encounter, prompting Fergie’s comments about hoping Leeds would try just as hard when they played Newcastle, which poor old under-pressure Kevin Keegan took so much exception to, apparently cracking-up live on Sky Sport (‘I’d really love it…etc, etc’)
Soon after it was announced that Eric Cantona had been voted Football Writer’s Player of the Year, the first United player to get the award since George Best in 1968. What a turn around.
All this seemed seemed to have some sort of liberating effect on the team who were in superb, championship-winning form in their last two matches.
28 April 1996: Man United 5 Notingham Forest 0
Before watching this match on TV round at some friends I scanned all the papers to see if there were any more attacks on Paranormal, but the previews were all good so I could relax, or rather I couldn’t, not with so much at stake in the Premiership. United now led Newcastle by three points but had played one game more, although United had the better goal-difference.
What added to the tension was the fact that when United collapsed in ’92 it was Forest who did much of the damage with a shock 2-1 away win. In the early, nervous minutes it felt like it could all happen again.
But then things suddenly took off, with Ryan Giggs flying down his wing like a gazelle in the outback. He slung a cross into the Forest box and there was Paul Scholes, who scores goals, as he now did, flicking the ball into the net nervelessly, instantly vindicating the manager’s decision to select him in favour of Any Cole. Just before half-time it was the kid David Beckham playing a man’s role, firmly heading United’s second (Heading? Becks?)
Now we could start to relax, and sure enough Beckham finished off a scintillating movement with his second goal, followed not long after by one from Giggs. To round things off in style it had to be Eric the King who scored an imperious fifth, chesting the ball down before lashing it unstoppably past the stranded keeper from close-range. Old Trafford erupted with mounting fervour as each successive goal went in, with much waving of French tricolours. It really felt like we could win the league, and who knows, maybe that elusive Double Double too.
My host for the match was the actor David Dixon, with whom I have shared many a tense couple of hours watching football on TV, reaching a certain unforgettable peak in 1999. He’s no United fan, but was always fair-minded, despite one son being a Newcastle supporter. I stayed chatting after United’s victory about how work was going. David is most famous as ‘Ford Prefect’ in The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy and on this weekend he was awaiting the result of an audition for The Bill. He’d sometimes done voice-overs for us and had been sorry to hear that one of the producers he’d liked had been made redundant. It can be a cruel world at times.
United’s trouncing of Forest put us in a very strong position, made even better when Forest stirred themselves in their very next match to hold Newcastle to a draw in midweek. My brother was watching on TV in a pub in London and he later told me ruefully that the whole pub groaned loudly when Forest equalised . Everyone knew that meant United would almsot certainly win the title. ABU’s the lot of them.
Thanks to Match of the Day, and thanks to a Liverpool supporter
Confirming my feeling that the Paranormal storm was abating somewhat, Uri Geller’s programme was well-received at the Weekly Programme Review meeting, when senior staff discussed the week’s output. I thanked Sport for the co-operation given by Match of the Day, which was graciously accepted, no doubt helped by the generally favourable response to the programme. Many reviewers had a bit of fun over John Motson’s somewhat leaden commentary about bending Cups and spoons.
It’s sometimes claimed that there’s institutional hostility to United at the BBC, some allegedly emanating from Brian Barwick , the Liverpool-supporting head of Sport who later became chief executive at the FA, and whom many blame for the inadequate celebration of United’s Treble in the 1999 Sports Review of the Year. All I can say is that he knew all about my United allegiance and it was a bond more than a barrier, perhaps because he liked the idea of someone from a documentary department liking football. Regardless, I had cause to be extremely grateful to him around this time when one of our programmes, about boxing, contained a serious error of fact about BBC Sport, such that they could almost have sued us for defamation. I was furious with the producer who’d had detailed instructions to check the facts and had not done so. Brian could have gone public at Programme Review and had a real go at me, just when I was ‘on the ropes’ on several counts but chose not to, and just had a quiet, friendly word about it outside the meeting. He later told a friend of mine it was because I was ‘a top man, a top man’. So here I’ll say a big thank you to Brian Barwick, Top Scouser.
Biteback
Although the Paranormal situation had normalised somewhat, BBC’s viewer feedback show Biteback was doing another big item on the controversy, causing me some alarm, in case it was another inaccurate stitch-up like C4′s Right to Reply, which had left a nasty taste. This time I was interviewed at length and very fairly, all calmly filmed in my office in White City by a self-confessed West Ham ‘obsessive’, which got us talking about that horrendous time a year before when on the last day of the season West Ham had held out for a 1-1 draw, thwarting United’s dream of a Double Double in ’95. He’d loved it.
So, now the Premiership Title again came down to the last match of the season, with all games kicking off at the same time, to avoid anyone gaining an advantage, just like last time.By this time it was United or Newcastle for the title. Who’d blink first?
Sunday 5 May 1996: Middlesborough 0 Man United 3
As my ‘Dicko’ neighbours were going to watch the Newcastle game I went into the office to watch the title decider. By now I was incredibly nervous, quite unable to do the bits of work I’d hoped to do before kick-off. I phoned Uri to see if he’d had any luck with cup final tickets which he kept promising to get for me from his Reading contacts. I was desperate to get two so I could take Kat, for what I hoped against hope would be an historic victory, making United the first team ever to win the League & FA Cup Double twice. Uri was still trying.
I paced round, went to the loo, ate crap food, drank fizzy water in gulps, fidgetted, looked vacantly at spread-sheets, tried to read scripts, gave up.
United were facing Middlesborough in their swish new stadium, the Riverside. They were managed by, Bryan ‘Red Robbo’ Robson, who’d only left United two years before, after United had done the Double for the first time. The ‘Boro keeper, Gary Walsh was another former United player, plagued by bad luck with injuries.
When the players appeared in the tunnel they looked composed and purposeful, unlike me. But when they kicked off they looked nervous and could easily have gone behind. Gradually they sorted themselves out, keeping a good shape and passing the ball about neatly until after 15 minutes they took the lead through a powerful downward header from reserve centre back David May from a perfectly flighted Giggs corner.
There were some anxious moments as the Boro’s little Brazilian genius Juninho ran at defenders like an eel, but May was in excellent form at the centre of defence in one of his best-ever performances, replacing the injured Steve Bruce. Shortly after half-time Andy Cole came on as sub and instantly proved Fergie right when he scored a lovely goal, flicking the ball into the net over his shoulder from another Giggs corner with such delicate precision I almost missed the fact he’d scored, silencing his critics at a stroke. He was instantly smothered by his teamates in a writhing heap of arms and legs in the goalmouth, with Boro looking on disconsolately.
Shortly afterwards we heard that Newcastle were 1-0 down to Spurs and, to add to the joy, Man City were losing 2-0 to Liverpool, meaning their certain relegation. (In fact in both cases the matches ended in draws but that made no difference to the outcome). United were now coasting, effortlessly in command and I could hear Red fans singing an Oasis song with new lyrics, ‘Man City are so shitty!’ The fact that the Gallagher Brothers were City fans added extra spice to this taunt.
Soon it was all over after Ryan Giggs ran at Boro like a mesmerising sidewinder snake, leaving defenders in his wake before unleashing a whiplash shot from 25 yards, which sailed past the flailing Gary Walsh, as must have happened many times in training when they were both at Old Trafford. He looked rueful as he picked the ball out of his net, knowing like everyone else ‘Down by the Riverside’ that United were rightful Champions again, the third time in four years.
I watched the celebrations with a soppy grin on my face, at long last able to relax, for the first time for months.
I enjoyed it all again later on Match of the Day, suddenly feeling sorry for City fans, and for Kevin Keegan and the legendary Toon Army, and of course my good friend Ian. But not that sorry.
The kids had been amazing in composure and effectiveness in the final push over the line, but at the heart of it all was Eric Cantona, who had such a tactical grip over the team from his central position it was almost like having a second manager, on the pitch. That was part of his educational role too, showing the younger players by example how to make use of space, how to offer angles, when to quicken the tempo, when to slow it down, when to hold back, when to push forward, when to get under the keeper’s nose, when to hang back at the edge of the area. When Eric came to Old Trafford in 1992 the Red Devils were good , pushing for honours, but he had turned them into a far more formidable fighting force in ’93 and ’94, a process thrown into disarray by the Kung-fu madness. Now when he came back in the autumn of ’95 he was something different. It took a little while to establish exactly what he’d become , but by the turn of the year the ‘new’ Eric was uncontainable as an individual, but even more as the catalyst for the whole team, unlocking skills and spreading an aura of invincibility.Cantona helped those famous kids enter a prolonged period of dominance which in the case of Ryan Giggs could still continue next season, an amazing fifteen years later, while Paul Scholes and Gary Neville have only just hung up their boots, both grateful for what they learned at the feet of The King.
Without Eric Cantona it would not have happened in quite the same way as it has. It’s a remarkable legacy. Patrice Evra is correct, he really was The King. If he felt guilt over ‘the Kung Fu moment, his redemption was complete, United were Champions.
Now for the FA Cup. Now for that Double Double
Part III will be on the blog tomorrow.
————-
Read Part I
Man Utd News 24/7
Just bored at work till dinnertime and hardly any new comments to read. Thank you Sir Giles!! This will pass twenty minutes or so.
Regarding the opening paragraph, that cunt Collymore is STILL dining out on that goal even now, 15 years later.
Goal reports Sneijder stating to City that he wants to join us. But with him sticking to his 200,000 a week demands, we are only willing to offer Inter 24 as opposed to their 35 mill valuation.
It doesn’t bode well, and I don’t see Nike kicking in 11 mill to sell more than a years supply of shirts made in Chinese sweatshops.
Such a pity Gascoigne isn’t around any more. We could have sent him 4 containers of Venky’s undead chicken.
A fantastic read as usual Giles. You have had a really intersting life. I love the way you mix the football up with the topics of the day. You really MUST put them all into a book of some form.
Remember the Boro game like it was yesterday. Was in the local pub with my old man and remember going mad when May scored. The pub was full of Leeds fan and we used to get so much shit. “Scum”. “Munichs” etc. Thats the price I pay with living in Yorkshire I suppose. Giggsys was a belter. This season was one of my favourites as we really saw the kids enter the fray.
And to think many rate Bergkamp or Henry as the greatest foreign imports. Great players but not in the same league as Eric Cantona.
Really looking forward to the Barca test tonight. A decent result will breed so much confidence despite it being a pre season. Both teams will take it seriously. They really are not the same without Messi and Xavi which is pretty obvious so am looking forward to seeing how we fare.
Where is every cunt?
So I see Vucinic has “snubbed” United. Oh fuck off. As if we were ever interested. I really loathe the way the rags make out certain players have snubbed us despite us never being interested.
Right back to work for an hour.
Jack Barmby bagged another for the youth team last night. On the wrong end of a 5-1 thumping though!! He’s had a good tournament the lad. Think he’s scored about 6 or 7.
Thanks Giles, for bringing it all back. We forget what a great story it was when Cantona redeemed himself after the press barrage and ban. I loved the way he joined in the Kid’s celebrations. It was plain to see how much they looked up to him.
He had a special way of avoiding the cameras (and the ball) during games. I lost count of the times I’d comment that Cantona’s quiet, only for him to pop up and light the game up with a drag back or turn which would lift the crowd and change the match.
@King Eric – Is that true about xavi not playing? I’d heard only Messi isn’t playing, but that was a few days ago. We’re missing players too. I’d like to see more possession this time.
Cunt reporting in! hahaha
Loved reading part 2, thanks Giles
Morning mikekelly12
@mikekelly12 – We need to sign the lad who scored a first half hat trick.
off topic guyz….
http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2011/07/30/2597134/wesley-sneijder-tells-manchester-city-he-wants-to-join
Call me mad but i think we should sign wesley sneijder .What do you think.
dazbomber
Not a bad idea, I would assume you are the first to bring that one up here! By the way what was that all about with the plane crash? lol
Morning Cedars, how ya doin pal?
Hiya mike, I am all good buddy……… I asked this on another thread, you do post sometimes with a capital M at the start of your name right?
Hadn’t comment on Giles’ threads as of yet, because I only wanted to post about his articles and nothing else.
All I can say, is thanks for these amazing recollections sir. I like how you tie United’s 95-96 title march with your personal experiences at the time. Can’t believe it’s been 15 years!
Cedars – Yeah I think so. For some reason I think it changes depending on whether I’m posting from my laptop or my phone?
Cheers for that mike/Mike, for a minute I thought I was corresponding with 2 different people!
Cunt reporting in, present and accounted for.
CedarsDevil always brings a smile, and usually a guffaw or two as well!
Sneijder? Crash?
Thanks Giles, for more wonderful memories well written!
Guys, what time is the game tonight against Barca??
mikekelly12, your cookies differ. They have recorded how you typed your username, and fill in the blanks for you. Just change the one to match your choice the next time you submit a comment from the deviant machine.
@CedarsDevil – A light aircraft hit a house two streets away, no one was killed but the two on the plane were injured.There is a small airport near by they fly over all day long ,you never think they will crash. I walk my dog with a safety hat now lol.
Cedars – No, just lil ol me I’m afraid. Sooooo, not much happening this morning. Thought I’d wake up to a transfer merry-go-round!?
@ dazbomber – How do you keep the safety hat from slipping off your dog’s head?
Cant wait to go to the game tonight…temperatures are very hot and humid. I think the players will be pretty fit after the last few preseason games and workouts in this heat.
What an excellent read! Enjoy this paragraph towards the end:
That was part of his educational role too, showing the younger players by example how to make use of space, how to offer angles, when to quicken the tempo, when to slow it down, when to hold back, when to push forward, when to get under the keeper’s nose, when to hang back at the edge of the area.
Amazing Giles! Looking forward to the third part about the cup final, which is my first real memory of a United match (being 13 at the time; in contrary to most people on here I didn’t watch football during my early childhood). That volley is playing in my head as I’m writing this.
@smartalex – That made me laugh my fucking head off, nice one.
what times the game 2nite?
Giles – Fantastic read. Really enjoyed it. Looking forward to part 3.
King Eric – This fucking cunt is here, all present and correct sir!
mikekelly – Jack Barmby has been top drawer. Did you see that goal where he took it to the byeline, rounded the keeper, beat a defender then placed it in the corner? Superb. That Matts Dahli looks a composed midfieder too and by all accounts has been a crowd favourite out in Ireland.
xol – No its not true mate I am just assuming that as he didnt play or feature against Munich in the audi cup.
Kings – Nice one. Cheers mate.
Why dont we buy a forward ,use the long ball and miss out the midfield . Wimbledon United lol.
rewind – 1200am GMT mate.
dazbomber – Hello mate. Yeah heard about that light aircraft crash on news yesterday. Saw your post yesterday but thought you was taking the piss. Dont know why you would! How close was it?
Rite here @King Eric.
Fantastic read sir Giles.Rite here @King Eric.
Fantastic read sir Giles.
sigmundv – Yeah I also liked that paragraph about him helping the young ones and was gonna mention that myself. Just little things that we take for granted. Fine details.
@King Eric – It was close two streets away, it hit the house next to my mate.
http://www.darkroomdemons.com/072811_whitehouse/
Some of these White house visit photos are hilarious.
Sneijder isn’t demanding 200k. And we’ve agreed to pay 35 million. That is fact. Once we’re back in England the deal will be wrapped up.
Good read again Giles.
@Marshall I think the game’s at Midnight. Could be wrong.
Kick off is at 1am I think. MUTV programme starts at midnight.
myp2p’s saying 12:00 but they got it wrong for the last game. 1:00 makes sense.
Judging by the Whitehouse photos, Berba stayed outside. Rio gets clocked showing his phone pics off. Sir Alex chats up the Cook, who gives him a box of cookies. The players get hungry and once outside, raid the Boss’s box of cookies.
kick off is 7.00pm eastern that’ll be midnight in england
King Eric – yeah saw that goal, it was in the quarter final if im thinking of the same one.
The Fly – Loving your optimism
come on the fly
the wee wes crew rule
Afternoon lads – really looking forward to this game tonight.
Giles – even though its nearly been two decades the Cantona years never feel that long ago. I guess his impact, his goals, and that kick, will always make the 90′s feel like yesterday for me. I haven’t even started reading part II yet, but your style of writing is engrossing my friend. Great Read.
“But according to Gill, that deal never got off the ground. Asked about Sneijder, he said: “We didn’t progress that one. I’m not doing anything on anything at the moment, so they are all dead.” ”
http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/103335.html?CMP=OTC-RSS
Dont hold the yanks to a timed kick off, bloody canadians either. I watch hockey during the season and when they say the match starts 7 they actually mean sometime after 7.15 but generally when we get round to it after adverts on tv of course. Pain in the cocking neck. So another 2am start for me.
How come kettle neck is thinking about Inter, I thought he wanted to move back to south america to be closer to his family. Maybe just an excuse to leave city.
I would like to know if when we play city we can boo at Aguero. Booing at a kun may seem a little too Madrid like. Is this an under cover ploy to stop the crowd booing and turning their back on the match (poznan) by playing a slightly elaborate race card. Fuck City are desperate. It came as a big surprise to me that they paid 40 odd million for the Argie as there is a player playing in Ghana called Bigfat Rubberlips Hanging Fromatree and he could have been got for less that £100000. Bloody transfer fees gone through the roof. No value in the market.
Loved it Giles. Bloody long, but bloody good!
Just seen Gill interviewed on Sky.
He’ says, the moneys there, if Fergie requires it.
A month left, so we’ll see.
Quick Saturday Rant
As long as opposition show Nani more respect than a lot of our supporters I’ll always defend him to the hilt. Cutting inside to shoot or going outside to cross, we all know he’s dangerous, but at times we did look predictable with most of our attack going through him last season. The number of goals he managed to score and assist while double marked speaks for itself. As a Squad, we did lack cutting edge away from home on occasion, and I blame that on our predictability, because all teams had to do was stop Plan A and we’d often have no response. But the thing is lads, as much as we bang on about our midfield we should be realistic – there is more than one way to win a match.
With Young as our top signing, name another Club with left and right Wingers as gifted as ours? Tony is a brilliant blunt-object when teams wanna play ugly, and he can get you 10+ goals and assists each season. But Young and Nani have the added benefit of two great feet, and a Strikers eye for goal, so playing both players in the same team changes everything. People forget that Berbatov is a Vodka drinking smoker, so the reason he’s under appreciated at United is because we’ve always had him running into the box trying to catch the cross. The fact he won Gold Boot sums up his class, but give him space and options to touch and go and thats when Berbatov is most dangerous.
Imo two creative wingers looking to cut inside will create space and options for our Fullbacks and Strikers. As far as central midfield goes, we just need bodies there to apply pressure, distribute the ball, keep it tidy and provide cover for the defence. Young can come inside and put the ball on a coin, and when he’s not predictably pinned to the wing Nani’s ability behind the Strikers ain’t bad either. Both players can nick the ball from opposition and both can bury the ball from long distance. With our existing options in midfield, those two can dominate the centre of the park at will.
Cannot wait to see how we line-up tonight, I just hope our central midfielders stay switched on and keep it tidy. Half of Barceonla’s recent success if keeping it tidy, because player for player I don’t think we’re far apart. True, Sniejder would be a top signing for the right price, I’ll never deny that, but if Gibson stays I really wouldn’t give a flying monkeys if theres no fourth signing. Imo Young will prove to be signing of the season, and with Nani given more freedom to get off the wing, I think we’ll batter teams away this season.
Goat – I think it’s Kun pronounced like Cunt, as opposed to Kun pronounced like, erm Moon.
Have we sold Kusczack yet
Apparently he’d rush round to her flat, burst in and shag her against the wall in a frenzy, calling out ‘What a cunt! What a cunt!’
hahaha, brilliant.
Laters Reds.
Have we sold Gibson yet
PIG and Gibbo are surely on their way out, as well as Diouf. Seriously what are they going to offer us this season? Gibson is a good enough lad but as a footballer he’s painfully average. Carrickinho, Fletcherinho, Sneijderinho, Cleverleyinho, all ahead of him in the pecking order, I’d even rate Pogbainho ahead of him.
On Pogba, just been watching some YouTube clips of him. What a beast, that boy don’t do tap ins.
Sorry just seen this comment on the mailsite and nearly spat my cuppa out. World class midfield? Where? Gotta love the dippers:
“It’s obviously a huge blow to lose a player of Stevie’s calibre, but King Kenny is putting together a world class midfield – players like Jordan, Alberto, Charlie, Stuey and of course Big Dirk out on the right will have no problems stepping up to the plate. Indeed that bunch cost the club over £70 million so I should think that would be the case! The fact is I can’t see anything stopping the Mighty Red Men marching on to their 19th title – I just can’t wait for the season to start. YNWA. IKKWT.
- Kathy, Kent, 30/7/2011 13:00″
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2020475/Liverpools-Steven-Gerrard-injured-September.html#ixzz1Tb0ThI8s
Oh and Stevie Me is fucking finished.
Paul Scholes was talking about 4 Strikers being enough, so I’d not be surprised if any loans happen. He also said he thinks Young will do very well as a goal creator and scorer. Let’s not forget this is the man that said this time last year, “Chicharito will get 20″.
Charlie Adam world class. Delusion has spread over to Liverpool.
Not true Costas.
He’s a world class plonker!
Costas – Hello mate. You well? Delusion has been in Liverpool for two decades! Not forgetting that top player herman munster Henderson. Oh and Downing. Fucking jokers mate.
In other rivals’ news, Chelsea fans are celebrating on twitter because Torres finally scored in a friendly.
@King Eric
I am good mate. Hope you are well too. You know, about 2-3 years ago I kind of understood the scousers hailing their midfield of Alonso, Gerrard (at the time) and Mascherano as world class. But this bunch? Like willie said, world class plonkers perhaps.
We need to kick barca in the butt today,i know it’s a friendly but i really want us to win that match so bad,at least to reassure the lads that we still can beat a barcelona(whether it’s team B or not),i don’t want this to turns into some kind of metal block.winning this match will prepare the lads incase we meet in the CL again this season.l prepare the lads incase we meet in the CL again this season.
Proposed Sneijder deal- 35 million
Superstar Andy Carroll- 35 million
Which would you choose?
David De Gea who is tipped to be the next number 1 for Spain and ‘potentially world class’ OR……..Doni the mug who we smashed 7 past. Again a very difficult choice…
Our striking options are Rooney, Berbatov, Hernandez, Owen, Macheda, Welbeck. The scouse have the frightening options of Carroll, Suarez, Ngog, Kuyt.
If you look at it, even from a neutral point of view, we actually are stronger than them in every position. And with Gerrard now slowly becoming a crock, they haven’t a chance.
Did you see the flukey shite for Torres goal. Scuffed shot, maybe offside, rebound tap in. Standard Chelsea goal then
@Fly there both still with the club.
Weak ass goal,
http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2011/07/30/2597134/wesley-sneijder-tells-manchester-city-he-wants-to-join
King Eric – Hello mate. I laughed so hard and pissed myself. Fucking deluded cunts. With players like the aforementioned, you have to say this is definitely their year!
The Fly – Hello mate. That Carroll is just a fat gypo cunt.
Hello Kings
Carroll for what he is, a target man, is a good player. But 35 million for him is ludicrous, stupid money. Likewise with 20 million for Jordan Henderson. They cannot justify those prices and are destined to fail.
I wouldn’t believe Goal.com for anything. They claimed two weeks ago that Sneijder had agreed terms AND a fee was agreed. Here we are now still debating it. The facts are he is keen on a move, Inter have now said they are looking to sell him, he isn’t after money at United because we simply wouldn’t pay him. If he was after a paycheck he’d stay at Inter or whore himself at City. I think it’ll be done this week, conveniently when the two clubs are within an hour away. The only way it doesn’t happen is if we don’t pay Inter what they want, but Gill’s comments suggest we will. (Inter are on Sky Sports 2 now if anyone is interested).
But on the topic of King Eric Cantona, I’m off to watch some YouTube clips of him. Might start with THAT volley at Selhurst.
Fantastic !!!
straws
Clutching.
@
Reality
word
Bites.
Kings. Cheers mate. Truly pathetic.
The Fly. Hello mate. Yeah texted exactly that to someone after the tranny scored. He fucking misskicked it. Anyway have you ever seen so much hype over a two bob cup? Saying how they now have their first trophy and how viyash boash has claimed his first silverware. It was a fucking nomark tournamnet. Didn’t stop tiny tears celebrating like he was back in Moscow though. Calm the fuck down you arselicking scum. Also raving about that lanky cunt Mceachran. Presenter said is he pushing for a place in Ingerlund team. Fuck off. Just ask him how Ryan Tunnicliffe is. Ryan absolutely owned him in the youth cup semi and crunched him two or three times. They keep saying how viyash boash is gonna play the youth. Aside from the aforementioned it was the same old shit a la lampard terry etc.
King Eric
To them its a trophy nonetheless, give them a break, probably will not touch any more silverware for another year.
Kooky.
Cedars
Youth Cup final Tunnicliffe had McEachran in his pocket.
bollocks
This cunting cunt late on parade
Cedars. Hello mate. Hope you are well pal. Yeah too right. Once that avb cunts honeymoon period is over and Fergie has eaten him for breakfast the media will soon turn on him. At present they are affording him far too much respect. It will be the only thing they win this season as you correctly say.
Going to look forward to this year…. Stevie-me all washed up and fatty Lampard too busy shagging his fame hungry slapper…..Captain Wonderful, the best friend who fucks your girl, will be found out finally this year to be a no pace over the hill cheating fuck pig…..
United vs Chelsea is September time. Hopefully AVB tries some mind games with Fergie and then gets taught a lesson. Sir Alex can and will drive any manager mental with his mind games, should put Chelsea out of the picture by October. If AVB gets put a ‘facht’ sheet then all is well.
Watching these Cantona clips is getting me buzzing for the Scholes testimonial. The King will put on a show for sure.
King Eric
I am well thanks buddy…… Thing is if the media turn on the rent boys then it will be a new found love for Arsenal, Liverpool etc….. Whilst they do that we will be grinding out results as Sir Alex keeps putting them hateful cunts in their place as he does best….
TonyBee
How’s things?
The Fly
Too right re Sir Alex……….. a certain FSW comes to mind!
The Fly. Not being pedantic mate but it was the semi final as I said when Tunni had McEacran in his arse pocket. I seriously cannot believe that prick in the studio was saying he is ready to step up to Ingerlund side. Based on what ?
aaaahh Benitez, bless him. Reading from a ‘fact’ sheet which later turned out to not be ‘facts’ at all, merely his personal ‘opinion’. That was a wonderful weekend. We smashed Chelsea 3-0 the day after Liverpool drew to (I think) Stoke.
I’m sure this Villas-Boas is a talented man, but with Ultimate Cunt John Terry as their ‘leader’ he hasn’t got a chance of making a real impact.
Andy hair products by Carroll.
Liverpudians, pud in the US means seaman heheheheheehe Puds, hahahahahahaha
Liverpulltilltheypudians.
Semi-Final then
Tunnicliffe, Pogba, Morrisson. If they don’t make it at United them no one will. Quality players.
United had indicated in negotiations with Inter that they were willing to meet the Italian club’s £35m valuation of the playmaker.
But Sneijder is holding out for £200,000-a-week, which is beyond the £170,000 wage United want to offer, and the Old Trafford club have told the Serie A giants they can now only pay £24m if they are to offer a package attractive enough to capture the 27-year-old.
Talks have stalled as all three parties maintain their stances, although sources in the UK and Italy have told Goal.com that the deal is still alive.
City also enquired about the Holland international but were told that he wants to go to their bitter rivals.
“Sneijder wants to play for Manchester United because of their prestige and tradition, which meant City never really followed up their interest,” a source close to the situation told Goal.com. “City were also put off by Inter’s asking price, which is also a problem for United because of his salary expectations.
“United have told Inter they will pay £24m for Sneijder. Inter have said they want £35m although they could be willing to sell for £30m.”
Goal.com revealed earlier this month that Nike, who sponsor Sneijder, Inter and Manchester United, could be prepared to make up the shortfall in wages, but it is unknown whether they will go ahead with such a venture.
http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/222/transfer-zone/2011/07/30/2597143/wesley-sneijder-tells-manchester-city-he-wants-to-join
Roman is a young George Stienbrener for the Yankees, good baseball people’s hard work fucked up by George.
Roman does the same thing, as long as he believes he knows best, The Rent Boyz will never reach their best,
wee wes cliche are gonna like(^^) this news
The Fly
Here you go mate………
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/2273656/exclusive_rafa_benitez_amazing_rant_at_sir_alex_must_see/
Really loving the comments on here…thumbs up lads.
CedarsDevil – Thanks for the link my friend. Never tire of watching that. He really is a fucking comedian.
One of the best rants ever. I’ll always remember Sir Alex’s post match interview after the Chelsea win. He was asked about Rafa’s rant and said something like “yes I saw that, it was quite strange, I think he’s quite a disturbed man”. Masterful words from a psychological genius. Those words got into Rafa’s head and never left.
Kings – Pleasure buddy…. It was hilarious, mind you he was only talking about facts! lol
RoM has prompted me to use the tools of U-Tube and Google more often. I have seen Best, The Busby Boys, The King, Robbo, Sir Matt, SAF first trophy with an assist from Cedars. Your RoM regular links are great, then I watch a couple more why I’m There. It helps this FNG of 8 going on 9 years to get some type of grasp for this great club. I’m so glad the Glazzers stayed out of SAF and Gills way of running the club.
WRD 19/20!
Goal.com don’t have a clue.
Rafa loosing it…….. hahahahahaha
Just had another look at our fixtures. Really some of the worst games possible to start the season.
@Fly cool Goal.com not cool thanks.
Careful of any thing that could cause anal leakage as a side effect.
Time to go I see my last post. Fuck I hate when I crack myself up. Time to go shopping and get ready for the game tonight!!!!!!
GLORY GLORY MAN UTD!!!!!!!!!!!!
CedarsDevil – It’s the way he pulled out that piece of paper that made me laugh. Clown. Never a dull moment with dippers eh my friend?
@Costas or anyone who like Lamb, I’m having a leg tonight with Elk backstraps. UUMMMMM. Kebabs for all!
Kings – Too right about the dippers. I was slightly upset when Roy took over as I actually respect the man, but once dog leash got the job, normality was resumed!
CedarsDevil – Absolutely mate. I think Roy is a decent bloke and them scum bastards showed him nothing but contempt. But the return of Dog leash means normal service has been resumed. I bet Fergie was pleased, knowing that he has someone to laugh at again!
CedarsDevil – Forgot to say, I loved Fergie’s response to Rafa’s comments about ‘facts’ after the Chelsea game, when he called him disturbed. He is in his own zone!
Wonder if Sir Alex still says to him ‘Hey Kenny, remember the Keane deal’
Awesome read Giles mate. I spent more than half an hour reading both parts in the loo
BTW are we going to get tonights match live in India?
I can’t watch online my internet is down
http://www.darkroomdemons.com/072811_whitehouse/images/aon_darkroomdemons_manchesterunited%200024.jpg
can sm1 pls tell me hu the other guy is with de gea….is it phil jones?
Overheard: Sir Alex saying, “Midfield? Tell them to get the fuck off the pole smoke, my new team plays 5-0-5. And tell that Dutch smurf that he can look for a sky blue bunghole across the street if he really wants to do some dumb bugger up the poopknot for 200 thousand a week.”
@rohitvarkey Its ben amos
Ben Amos is next to De Gea in that photo
CedarsDevil
Kenny is probably on egg-shells in Fergie’s company, knowing that ownership has long been decided. Sir Alex will just keep him simmering, with the comments on ice, ready to use but never required. I reckon that Sir Alex has such a hold over most Premiership managers, past and present. Yet I’d imagine that most absolutely love the company of our earthy manager.
off topic see the u17′s come a cropper in the milk cup final lost 5-1 still the barmby lad looks a good un scored a fuckin peach against the monkey hangers earlier in the tourenment hopefully a few of these boys will push n all for the future
smartalex
Great use of words as ever…. I think besides an extreme minority (Wenger among them) I have constantly heard nothing but praise for Sir Alex from other PL managers, especially British ones, they always mention how is he always available to give advice when needed and always returns their calls…
Barmby scored in every round, including the final.
Smartalex did u see his goal v hartlepool fuck me that was a beauty shame about the final still young uns done well to get there keep an eye out for Barmby Jnr
CedarsDevil
That is a big part of Sir Alex’s great strength. He is a big softy.
He is compassionate, empathetic and solicitous. He wants to help you.
These qualities are tempered with others, of course!
Here’s a 2 minute video of United beating Hartlepool 4:0, including the Barmby goal referenced by scan74
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/northern_ireland/14324626.stm
dont wish 2 piss on the parade did anyone see gills comments friday in the gaurdian sorry if refrenced before chaps
says nasri and wes deals are offically dead and wont progress no suprise with nasri but if not wes
then who 4 the midfield ??
Don’t tell Cedars I’m here.
scan74
Answer is simple, no one………… Makes Cedars very happy
Got ya
Too slow Pippy.
Milk cup final a bridge to far again. Bit sad for the youngsters as they were playing great.
Sounds like the Qataries have some players. Proud of our lads nonethe less.
here is a good video that give all the goals.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xa1X8g_zovM
What a hysterical merry-go-round!
Hey STR any live blog for the Barca game?
Do you want popcorn with that?
Did u c the empty stadium in dublin when city played today? When we played there last year we filled it. City are a massive club
Will take a break, all this thread jumping has left me breathless and almost pissing my self with laughter…….
Catch you guys later
Glad ur happy cedars mate makes me a touch concerned thought we would be nailed on 2 sign a midfielder this summer
Keano99. No mate didn’t see the stadium. What was the attendance? Smalltime cunts.
Scan74. Hello mate. Yeah Barmby looks quality as does matts Dahli. Rudge aint too shabby either. These under seventeens coupled with the reserves will hopefully make it at United. Some serious talent in there.
Evening King Eric yeah be good if a few of these boys step up Barmbys kid must have a good shout his old man must know what it takes 2 play at the top level
yeah looks gd at the moment pogba ravel keane and the lad Tunnicliffe hope hes spell gos well at posh looks a good un mate
Scan. Yeah mate Tunnicliffe is my favourite. Not as naturally gifted as Pogba and Morrison but has the heart of a lion. When Pogba got sent off at Anfield Ryan ran the show. A hard little bastard who had McvEachran in his pocket. Tough well timed tackler
WTF is up with those qataris? I wouldn’t expect United’s u-17s to get gubbed like by their senior national team!
Fucking hell. Didn’t mean to submit that comment as hadn’t finished.
Yeah tough tackler, superb engine, box to box, makes surging runs and chips in with goals. A young player in the Keano mould.
Can anybody tell at what time the match will start in uk?
King eric
I would sell my soul to have another roy keane
Great read Giles really enjoyed that…..
@Keano99 – indeed mate another Keano like player would be a dream! His header in Turin is one of my favourate all time goals, 2-0 down skipper already out of the final should we get there when he latched onto Becks cross.
For any match going fan in 99 i dont think anyone would say we have seen a better United team although my old man might disagree with 68.
Anyone mentions Keano’s header and I get goosebumps.
“In towards Keane, CAPTAIN’S GOAL FOR MANCHESTER UNITED”
Can’t beat it
My hero, Keano. Love the guy. Not ashamed to say it lol.
‘at Nike WHQ, the Manchester United squad were put to the test with the intensive all-round training sessions that underpin a season.’ 6 minutes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kihXSLFIzzU
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/07/30/2596214/paul-scholes-admits-stupid-row-with-sir-alex-ferguson-could-have-?
The day, Paul Scholes nearly bit the bullet at United.
Seems the Barton rumors are surfacing again
I wonder if Fergie will barter with Barton?
Maybe he’ll jump at Joey.
Got those WMDs right here right here!
Source
http://www.cedarskooky.wes
Willierednut,
Just saw that piece on Goal.com. Strange that no one else has it.
Seems even the Ginga-Ninja had his moments of prideful arrogance. Amazing how many tidbits and gems are coming out of the previously silent Paul!
I’m playing the last episode season 3 right now.
FletchTHEMAN – A moment of madness from the wee man. I always connected it to the Veron signing. We tried to accommodate Seba into the midfield and pissed off the ginger prince at the same time. A moment of weakness, but we’re all allowed one.
@smartalex
I knew you’d get that lol. Essential viewing.
GHTT I don’t know if you’re reading this but David De Gea just tweeted Emily Jane’s video on Twitter, even he watches her!
http://twitter.com/#!/D_DeGea
I wonder who will be our hit player this season…….. Consistency will be expected from the old guard such as Vidic, Rio and co………. I am just wondering who will shine out for us over the course of the season. I do not buy into this second season syndrome crap so I am hoping the Little Pea will take off from where he left, Berba will as ever be class on the pitch and I do not give a shit if he scores them in fucking batches of 3′s or 5′s……… My money is on Rooney, 2 seasons ago he was excellent till his injury in March, last season he had a terrible start… My feeling is this will be the season when Rooney will unleash the beast in him over the course of the whole season and in turn along with Hernandez scare the living day lights out of PL defenders
Line up:
De Gea; Rafael, Vidic, Evans, Evra; Nani, Cleverley, Anderson, Young; Rooney, Welbeck
Berba can never start a game against Barca, lol.
Cedars. Hello mate. I think Vidic will be as solid as ever. His first pre season for two years. Evra will be back to his best after the world cup debacle of last year summer and his loss of form. Rooney will be on fire. He looks sharp as fuck and appears to have put all the shit behind him. Also said the same of Hernandez. He won’t suffer second season syndrome. Yes defenders will take more notice of him but he has the pace and movement to lose them in a split second. May not see him till September or so though.
Saw De Gea being interviewed. Seems a decent lad. Said its amazing to be here. Said Hernandez is incredible and helps him out all the time.
De Gea has stated he intends to learn English immediately which I think is great news. But in the mean time I suppose it’s good he can chat with Chicharito.
King Eric
I will have a drink to that thought my friend. I cannot bloody wait for the season to start, its been a dreadful wait……… Hopefully kick starting the campaign having put them scum bitters in their place first
Costas. Hello mate. Cleverley and Anderson against Barca? A big test and chance to prove themselves tonight.
Cedars. Oh cannot wait for it to start. Losing next week is not an option. Just seen a video of uniteds training sessions and meulensteen and strudwick has got them doing some good stuff. All possession football and one touch and shitloads of combinations. Rooney looks top drawer in that video.
Giles … thanks for the wonderful post. I like the way you add context of what was occurring in the wider world around those times. The anecdote about Barwick was interesting.
But what really struck a chord with me was the closing description of Cantona and his role within the team … Eric Cantona “had such a tactical grip over the team from his central position it was almost like having a second manager, on the pitch. That was part of his educational role too, showing the younger players by example how to make use of space, how to offer angles, when to quicken the tempo, when to slow it down, when to hold back, when to push forward, when to get under the keeper’s nose, when to hang back at the edge of the area.”
For mine, that is why I am hoping SAF will be able to bring in a player of the caliber of Sneijder or De Rossi or someone like that — not just because such a player would be a great asset by himself, but because our youngsters can only benefit from having someone like that leading by example on the field. We’ve still got Giggs for the next year, and Fletcher sets a fine example as well, but bringing these guys through will be a process over several years. It’s easy, when looking back over the years from a distance, to believe that Giggs, Scholes and the other “kids” just burst onto the scene and did it all themselves without any help. Thanks for reminding us there was more to it than that.
Gee … Berbatov not starting today? Bet he comes on from the bench.
Is it too late to take that bet?