The day after Manchester United clinched the Premier League title at Middlesbrough’s Riverside stadium it was a Bank Holiday. I spent it strolling nonchalantly in the sun down by the Riverside at Richmond, with my wife and daughter, wearing my old ’92-93 Champions T-shirt. It was a satisfying feeling knowing all that effort and commitment through the season had paid off. It was as if I’d done all the hard work myself.
But even as I basked in the warm spring weather my thoughts turned to the FA Cup Final, trained in the United manner to forget the last trophy and think of the next…
To read this story in full, purchase Red Matters from Amazon.
Man Utd News 24/7
what a post……fantastic
Giles – Another fantastic read. Thanks.
I hope there’s a part 4, 5, 6, 7…..
This is a brilliant sequel, come on Giles you know a book makes sense by now
Thank YOU Giles.
I hope that sums it up because I dunno anything else that would better.
Hey Lads,
Great trilogy Giles
——————————————————————————————————————–
My Views on the Barca Friendly:
1- De Gea looks like he’s been our goalie for 5 years. The boy is Edwin Van Der Star. Even Lindeguard has me very confident. We have amazinf goalie and United are in good hands with those two.
2- Evans was quality yesterday. I liked everything he did. Confidence player but on his day he’s as good as Smallings, who is 6’5 yet moves and runs like Rafael at Right Back with his dadddy long leg skills. Great Defending yesterday. The discipline and concentration levels for a friendly was impressive and a good match for everyone.
3- Anderson was 9/10, Thiago Alcantara brought the best out of him, great midfield battles and Anderson did some great passes all game for him and needs to keep it up. C’mon Ando !
Who needs Sneijder?
4- Welbeck is a revalation since last we last saw him on tour. Him & Rooney are a bad combo but partner him with Owen or Chico & he’ll do magnificantly because Danny likes to drop back and also support his partner up front.
5- Cleverley was breathtaking. Man of The Match. Reminded me of Scholes, He maybe weak and small but Iniesta was called a Runt only in 2007-08 and look at him now. Cleverley is destined for greatness with us. He just needs more game time.
Who Needs Sneijder?
6- Super-Nani destroyed Eric Abidal.
7- Ashley Young was Decent but makes a lot of bad decisons for guy of 26 years. Could be down to not being used to United’s pace and movement etc but he needs to be more efficient because the league is tougher and Park or Giggs are there to compete for his postion so he’s gotta step up a gear or 2. Phil Jones looks great, bloody monster and Beastly ability.
Great win, who needs sneijder when we have Cleverley, Ando, Gibbo, Park, Giggs and Fletch to comeback. If anything we need a midfield battler or Defensive midfielder because as it stands, all we have are Carrick and Phil Jones in that role.
Cedars has got it right. We want a book.
Fabregas > Sneijder
Those saying no sneijder needed are deluded.whilst I was impressed it doesn’t change the fact that we need midfield reinforcement.
Part 3 done and dusted. Thank you Giles. Uri Geller, eh? Peculiar fellow…
Giles writes a brilliant article and again some are compelled to bring bloody Sneijder into the thread instead of having anything to say about the main topic…
This is seriously becoming sickening, there are other threads for that (Well almost every other thread)
Young in my opinion will hit breathtaking form november-december when games come thick and fast.
We have a wealth of selection problems already, why add sneijder to that, with his big wages, transfer fee and time to adapt, I no longer want sneijder but more game time for Tom, Gibbo & Ando.
Look at our midfield options:
Nani Carrick Ando Giggs Young or Valencia cleverley Fletch Ando Young
Valencia Carrick Giggs Park or Nani Carrick Ando Cleverley, Welbeck
The combinations are crazy, I’ve only come up 4, SAF has probably over 50 midfield structures. Add Gibo and Fletch and we got more than a selection headache but a migraine.
Cant wait for the Community shield
The lads have got a lot of love from this morning’s game, but i have to say i think a lot is being understated here.Some of the football we played was simply fantastic. its almost as if we’re apologetic they had so much possession. I’ll say this to that argument; the 11 men on the pitch this morning were comfortable on the ball and not just at rest, at full fucking tilt. It was so lovely hearing their fans start cheering OLE,OLE and then see the ball in the back of the net a few seconds later..
No matter though, i’m just mega pleased with the work out and the mental outlook of the squad now. They went forward with purpose and real intent – the basis of our play. And Barcelona did the same by keeping posesssion. But when the foreplay got out of the way, we got at them with pace, braveness, ingenuity. It was good to see. If felt like they thought and felt that the next man would be there, attacking or defending. Good times lads, good times for me.
Yeah, some foreplay, before the main act is always the way to approach it.
United landed an hour ago with Turkish Airlines at 12:11. You can follow flights in real time online with the flight radar at:
http://www.radarvirtuel.com/
@willierednut
thats it mate, if anyone would understand it’ll be that red willierednut. Enjoy the game?
finally it’s not me who brings up sneijder. but i do agree, leave the sneijder talk to the ‘offered a contract’ thread. this thread is for cantona/giles/memories talk.
The Fly
Cheers pal……….. Its not about whether we want Sneijder or not, its about giving the writer of the article the credit he deserves on this thread. Furthermore there are two other threads for the Barca game!
Slim – I enjoyed the game mate. Was impressed with De gea. Looks accomplished already in goals. Young Tom got better, as the game progressed. Nani is getting ever closer to greatness. Any talk of him leaving was poppycock. He’s a player coming into his prime, so why would we sell him? Overall, a brilliant tour, with 5 wins from 5 games. Not bad, eh? Looking forward to the bitter next week. Before that though, the king returns for Scholes testimonial. Should be interesting.
Brilliant read Giles.
I watched that final in the pub, wasn’t old enough to be in there mind, and you’re right it was a bloody boring match, but I couldn’t stop watching and got rewarded for it in the end. My friends supported ABU so they left at half time to go cause skullduggary elsewhere, and I was sat there in a cloud of smoke hoping for a goal. Liverpool defended well, they looked more interested in stopping us play than scoring (if I remember correctly) But that strike from Eric was unstoppable, it was like a rock through a glass window. Funny you mention how “special” the FA Cup used to be, and the hours of BBC build up. Imo Sky have taken the shine off pre-match coverage in general – I blame the adverts every five minutes, but im glad I grew up thinking the FA Cup was a big deal, because it was. In the last 10 years Sky Sports have def shaped the punters mind by placing the League and Europe miles above everything else. Still, terrestrial could do a lot more to give the Cup the aura it deserves. ITV should not be the home of the FA Cup, with their plastic coverage, it should be front and centre on the BBC like clockwork and without adverts.
Hopefully, with other a few other Clubs upping the stakes we’ll get some of the magic back, its the perfect tournament to restore “some sort” of national pride to the game from the grassroots up. I was gutted/livid watching Toure knock us out with a well taken goal, but at least our Squad will have that memory to win it this Season. Its coming up for a decade we haven’t won it.
Giles Oakley
Thank you sir.
It is always exciting to see a new thread entitled by you. Your distinctive style holds promise of exciting facts delivered in a fairy-tale wonder. Never disappointing, always enthralling, your contributions to RoM are a glorious reminder of the depth and breadth of a true fan’s love for United.
May peace, health and happiness be yours as you continue your wonderful journey through life as a Manchester United supporter.
‘And it comes back to Cantonaaaaaa………. you just couldn’t write this script’
Giles could write the script.
The problem with Mr Oakley’s stories are that it would be greater justice to read them on warm crisp pages in a leatherbound book. Complete with relevant photographs.
smartalex
Nice words my friend….. Whilst I acknowledge that most threads go way off topic at times and I for one is as guilty for playing my part as the next guy, however when such articles are written I believe they at least need to be commented on, or the author who has put in a great effort thanked.
Willie
I believe he has already!
CedarsDevil
Hello my friend!
There are many who do not read the comments, and some who do not read the articles.
A pox on them all!
Those who ignore us and selfishly post their views on matters usually irrelevant and always off-topic are not part of the RoM community, and never will be, even if they receive replies and conversation.
There are some here who’s opinions I rarely agree with, yet fully respect and welcome.
There are other, selfish ingrates who only live out of reach.
http://www.united-latest.com/1/post/2011/07/red-devils-beat-fc-barcelona-thanks-to-nani-owen.html
Check the last comment on this thread. Impostor?
Very interesting willierednut! Only CedarsDevil can answer that.
Willie
Yep an impostor it is my friend….. Well spotted
That United Latest site is full of muppets so I doubt any of the regulars from here would go near it. A load of lads claiming to have inside knowledge of transfers!!!!
me thinks giles got enough material to put together a docu-movie. it’d be great if something like that came along down the road. Until then i’ll continue to enjoy and be impressed with Giles writing style and the way he reminisces and put those thoughts into words. Proper football man Mr Oakley.
Also wanted to add, this is a blog not a Forum. They may be styled the same way but things often branch out, so i think your being a bit harsh there smartalex. All in all there a lots on here who appreciate the efforts and work of contributing writers. Others well, not so much. At least no bad mouthing about the articles themselves
@ Clint-IamYourPapii any of that 50 combinations still cant beat a first team Barcelona.. If we really want to win the CL then sooner or later gonna have to beat Barcelona and it starts from midfield. Status quo, the team gotta be on form and hope Barca have a bad day to stand any chance. We can be domestic best but the record isnt reflected in CL.
Cedars – Thought so mate. Some clowns out there, eh? Sad people.
Willie
Unbelievable really, for the record i ONLY post on RoM, the blog to be precise, I do not even visit the forums…….. For someone to use my username (whilst I am sure no clue what it means) and then copying my usual opening line exactly the way i write it is quite disturbing to be honest.
Cedars – Probably the same person/persons that have frequented this blog and copied your posts.Quite disturbing, is right. Something missing between their ears.
slim
Thanks for the feedback mate! So that I may properly understand, in what way was I harsh?
Specifically, please.
Thanks buddy!
CedarsDevil
Please review the comment attributed to you at 22:51 on The Redemption part 1. Thanks
http://therepublikofmancunia.com/the-redemption-of-eric-cantona-the-double-double-of-1995-96-part-i/
Great article and series Giles.
smartalex
That was me my friend, the kindness of my heart got the better of me……. I believe in giving people second or even third chances…. If I am right then so be it, if not then fuck it
Afternoon Reds. Not much else to add that hasn’t already been so eloquently said by smartalex, willie and cedars etc. A wonderful insight into the life of a true fan. I look forward to more in the future.
Rucien – somebody got out the wrong side of the bed this morning!!
Well done CedarsDevil! It sounded like you, but I did wonder.
I too believe in giving people endless opportunities.
We are all guilty and in need of redemption.
Willie – In a way its flattering that someone out there is so desperate to be me! On the other hand it might have the making for a horror movie!
Cedars – A nightmare on CedarsDevil street? Lol.
@mikekelly12
Cheers pal.
single white female
talented mr ripley
Good afternoon Mikekelly12!
Were you able to resolve your brother-in-law’s registration issues?
Hey there wayne!
wayne
If she is pretty I will take my chances! lol
Seriously fellas, I think we should start some sort of a campaign to get Giles to put all his brilliant articles into a book, or at least have them collectively posted on a website for everyone out there to enjoy and learn more about our great club
Willie – no worries Pal.
smartalex – yes thanks pal, had to do it through his Facebook login for some reason?
@Cedars,the friends episode were joey wanted to fuck his stalker Brooke Shields,not Meg Ryan but not bad.lol
Cedars – not a bad idea, get him to recount his memories season on season.
Giles must have enough material and its quality,should submit it to a publishing company,utd must have one the club uses
Mikekelly12
Hi there my friend, over the months Giles has written some terrific stuff from as far back as the Busby Babes era……….. STR has them all on file so it should be too difficult to get them all together in one place….
wayne
Would not mind Brooke to be honest, my fear is that my stalker would turn out to look something like shrek! lol
Rooney?
Cedars – afternoon pal. Would be good to get it in book form so you could have it to hand to read anywhere. I’m going on holiday in 2 weeks and a Giles Oakley book would be a perfect travelling companion.
So who’s this stalker mate?
Mike
Not sure mate, someone used my user name a few weeks ago here and started picking fights with everyone left right and center until STR finally had them blocked, now it seems (As per the link Willie provided earlier) they are using my name on other sites and using my exact quotes!
By the way fellas, ALERT troll/knob on the Video thread…..
smartalex
“Those who ignore us are not part of ROM community”
Some people will choose to ignore some discussion. Its piss poor when a thread is barely alive and its diverts no doubt, but ROM is world class blog, there’s many who enjoy pieces like this and are vocal about it. I’ll retire ate its good someone points out when topics go awry so easily.that said its speaks volumes of the blog and posters who naturally put things right back. you try co-ordinating a topic to a pub full of guys who worship United. i gurantee you, you’ll still find a group talking about boobies or some other random shit, its happens and thankfully its not so bad on here
Gotta agree with the fellas calling for a consolidation of Giles’ writing, anybody can write about games gone past but it takes a certain “Je ne sais quois” to transport a global audience back to the time you’re writing about. Giles can evoke nostalgia in abundance, and his occupation over the years gives him a unique slant on our Club worth the admission fee alone. I’d def buy it, but until then these occasional gems will do the trick
they always do.
Off topic – it makes perfect sense Berba didn’t play last night. Alex already knows what his golden boot winner is capable of, so giving the Mancunian a proper run out was the correct decision. Also, Diouf didn’t get that long on the pitch but he imposed himself well I must say, and the thing I’ve always liked about his game is his ability to hold the ball up and shrug off defenders. Fair play to the “faithful” who have no faith in him whatsoever, after all, people were writing off Welbeck right up until kick off
but im glad our manager has the foresight to keep Diouf around because we’re yet to see his best. He matched Welbeck under Brucie by scoring 6 for the Chicken Farmers, and he assisted quite a few as well. Not sure who saw that kid Ibrahima Drame – but thats the style of play Diouf brings to the table, he’s strong as an Ox, very fast across the grass and very strong in the air – we really don’t have another Striker in that mold (a target man who holds up the ball and scores) so I can see what Ole was banging on about. Don’t forget lads, Alex takes his time developing talent, so youngsters like Kiko would be Arsenal first team from the age of 17. The lad Diouf had an excellent loan season and Alex has made it clear he isn’t selling or loaning him, so we should all be more patient with him, how many seasons do Owen and Berbatov have left at the very top anyway? Trust the manager to plan ahead.
Lmao @ boobies
I heard Berbatov picked up a knock. No point risking him in a friendly.
Cedars – well you’ve certainly made an impression on somebody. It’s a pity that somebody is stark raving bonkers, but an impression non the less!
slim
Once again thanks for the feedback. I must be a bit slow, but I can’t see how it is harsh to say that “Those who ignore us are not part of ROM community”
Surely if they ignore the community they are not part of it?
Thanks for your time mate!
Maybe they’re on a break? Kitkat, anyone?
Mike
I like Kit-Kats, I’ll have some.
What a read…. wow…
Nani says bring on the competition on, he played tough defense.
I’ll have a kit kat, chunky one with my brew would bs nice.
Off topic but just stuck the darts on ITV4 and there are 2 seriously fucked up hair cuts on show. Just thought I needed to share that.
Cedars impersonators, biggest form of flattery or being staled by a phyco killer run, run away…
A hopeless romantic or a felon stalker who breaks in her home. Depends on the women perception of you.
I vote he loves Cedars.
The Red Bulls are playing the Gommers tough. Go Terry Hank.
Stalked. fucking can not spell……
Zibbie – it’s the Gunners.
Mikekelly OK I got used to calling them Gommers for Gommer Pyle of Shit for some on neutral sites. He was a TV character in the 60′s he was a duffus.
really loved the trilogy of articles as someone suggested a book having pictures King Eric walking out of the tunnel after the ban would be an amazing read.
‘MUST’s chairman Duncan Drasdo said that Gill was mistaken if he thought the argument was purely about personality. “David Gill talks about the ‘anti-people’ [anti-Glazer/anti-debt] being in a minority.” ‘
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jul/31/manchester-united-fans-david-gill
”Javier is coming back with us,” said Ferguson. ”He is fine. He won’t play for a couple of weeks but that would have been the case anyway. He was always going to need a break until he got his fitness back. He will do some training, then we will have him back in three to four weeks.”
http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/103428.html
We are all guilty and in need of redemption.( For I have sinned against RoM and will work on this and ask for forgiveness to all those I have wronged, I try to learn more all the time of this great club and BLOG.)
GLORY GLORY MAN UTD !!!!! I hate that in Definition I’m a Glory Hunter cunt of sorts, If Rooney was sold I would still be a Man Utd fan. The Olive branch that was extended to me I hope to use to renew some sense of I’m not such a bad guy.
“It is no different,” said United’s assistant manager. “It is a tasty one of course because it is the two Manchester clubs coming up against each other. But we may try out a few new things. We have a week to prepare. The FA Cup semi-final was disappointing. But this is a new season.”We will have a look at a few new players to see if they can handle it and take us into the league. That is what it is all about. Manchester United is all about challenges. You get them every day. Next Sunday will be no different.”
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_7074291,00.html
Oh I see, fair enough assessment of them.
Lunch time and I hope the Red Bulls come back and beat the Gunners,
Zibbie
No worries, its all behind us now………… We have a new season to look forward to and of course number 20…
smartalex
Thanks for that story on Hernandez, brilliant news
lol, Mikekelly12..
‘Clearly it hasn’t been a good year for FIFA,’ said Gill. ‘No-one could say it has. Hopefully through some of the things that are happening, we can get the change and improve the organisation going forward. UEFA is a professional organisation. What it has done in terms of its own structure and the Champions League is very professional. We have had an initial dialogue with them and they can liaise with FIFA. The calendar is wider than just the European situation but it is clear: we provide the players. We are a key part of the game. The Champions League is one of the top competitions in world football. We are producing the product. Everyone has to understand that.’
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2020825/Manchester-United-chief-executive-David-Gill-wants-FIFA-change.html?ito=feeds-newsxml
CedarsDevil
Always a pleasure buddy!
zibbie, regarding your comment at 17:19.
It is right and good that you recognise that you have wronged some on RoM.
The forgiveness you ask for is granted on my part.
Use the olive branch wisely! Don’t start another fire with it, please!
We often see your goodness glow, let it shine brightly!
You know what Zibbies like though. Probably shove that olive branch up your ass!
Inter Milan look awful!!
Not watching the city game. Got the gooners on here. Gervinho looks lively. Henry basking in the glory of the Arsenal fans. Ego!
This article is by regularly ABU twit Taylor
‘Manchester United have pledged to give Ravel Morrison their full support to help get his life in order and prevent one of the more prodigiously talented young players to emerge through the club’s ranks for many years becoming a story of wasted talent.’
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jul/31/manchester-united-ravel-morrison
I’ll stock up with olive oil to ensure clear passage!
City scored right on half time and right at the start of the 2nd! Inter defence went missing!
willie I’m on the way to the emergency room, with a on fire olive branch up my ass, you are surely a man of visions.
Last time a similar thing happened was 91 with a pager set on vibrate. With a very kinky girl, the kind you don’t take home to mother.
My mate had a threesome with a schizophrenic.
Thanks so much Cedars, maybe for some and some may not. For those I will not try to offend or comment directly to until told to do so.
Cedars thanks mate my heart was warmed when I saw the responds from you the other day. What a man, what a fan, what a father of the cutest baby girl….. A Fan for life here in Dubuque Iowa…
Giles story telling a thing of beauty. In sales you want to paint a picture, I’m painted in your picture Giles, I’m the 8 month old English Mastiff playing in the background with the children.
There is a great picture of de Gea under pressure against Barcelona.
Cool as a cucumber.
http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/189906/20110731/soccer-football-manchester-united-barcelona-match-highlights-video-messi-rooney.htm
Wayne Rooney’s cousin John, is on for the RedBulls. Arsenal fans typically, booed him. Clowns!
willie LOL !!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks Smartalex thanks….
The ER Dr. best stories always begin with, Dr. your never going to believe this but…. BUT!!!!! But….
Fussily Jerry gets it.
willie I thought it was his Brother!!
Red Bulls tie the game no made up silverwear!!!!!!!
RedBulls score!
HAHAHAHAHAHA HENNRY TO LIFT THE TROPHY!!!!!!!!!!
MMMMMMMMMMUUUUUUUHHHHHHHHAHHHHAAAAAHHHMMMMMMMUUUHHHHHHAAHHHHHAAAAAA!!
On that picture linked ^ check out Smalling discretely shepherding Thiago away.
20!!!!
What a picture, that one tell’s a story of a thousand words. De Gea, Jones and Smalling.
Evans played like a man last night. Wow Evans, Jones, Smalling, the Twins and Ge Gea and SAF went for Varne and missed as well. De Lat still in the picture as well. What an eye for talent. What a bright future.
One in the eye, for Barcelona!
A nuuck. Nuuck , Nuuck, Nuuck… boink..
Smartalex.
Cheers mate. DeGae played very well and our second string defense was magnificent at times. THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT if we can keep the lot healthy. Might be short one defender and if we pick up an early season injury we will be tested. I am really big on De Gae at them moment. Lad looks class.
I looks like Cairregers assault on Nani is behind him and is on his way to big things.
Will have a read of this tonight Giles when I sit down with a smoke and cuppa.
Rucien. Tell you what pal. Why don’t you leave the squad and team selection to Fergie and you just carry on being a miserable bastard. It makes me fucking sick. No pleasing some folk.
What price sky now saying Citeh got ANOTHER piece of silverware under their belts much like they did with Chelsea yesterday? I fucking detest City. Oh and what’s with Parry making out all those unknowns coming on were chased by all of Europes top clubs? Were they fuck Alan.
Good to see my pal CaptainCunt praising KR for his shit comments on Giggsy. Fuck off. You aint a United fan and never have been. No further proof needed than your comments after the European Cup final. You must be one sad pathetic lonely tosser.
Any news on Rafael? When he left the field last night, he was walked off on his own but had a pretty worried look on his face.
Berba came out at the end of the match along with Rio, Park, Carrick and Amos to warm down…He waved to the fans on a couple of occasions, especially the ones with the Bulgarian flag. Classy Berba as usual. Dont know if he is injured or not, but did some running, so hopefully he is fit for wembley.
Very exciting match, with a pretty loud section of fans behind the United goal singing well through the end of the game and after most people had left. A pitch invader ran the entire length of the field, you had 3 guys dressed as Charlton, Best and Law complete with replica shirts, wigs etc taking pictures with people.
OK but enough of the sideshow, lets get the real thing started! Shitty at Wembley coming up.
Wonder who will be playing at the Scholes testimonial. It is only 2 days before the Community Shield. Reckon the team needs a little rest now?
Fucking beetroot cunt tapping Mata up now. Does this man ever shut his fucking mouth?
LOL King Eric, SKY did indeed say that about City. The pundit said “you wait 35 years for a trophy and then two come along in quick succession” FFS.
Unbelievable, I say SAF will have 50+ options for our midfield and some Barca fan boy thinks that we will play them in the PL 38x, FA Cup final, Carling Cup Final.
Lets get one thing clear Barca Fan boys, say if the likes of Man.shitty, chelsea, Real Madrid, etc knock your heavenly Barca out the CL, does this mean you will be supporting us in the final?
Fucking glory hunters
“I wont support united from my bar stool, if we don’t buy my favourite players”
FletchTHEMAN.
Hello buddy. The defense is looking so sorted for the foreseeable future. There will always be needs, but we have a core of quality young defenders that should ensure continuity.
I still think that there are two more players to come. One of which may be a full back.
Whats the mata KE?
King Eric – Hello mate. Yeah that fucking mouth piece for Sky is still at it. Cunt. Funny how he vexes when someone makes an approach for one of his players, yet he is more than happy to publicly declare his interest for another clubs player. Show some respect you fucking scum bastard. A man of total double standards and no class. He will always be a loser.
Great read Giles. Remember the FA Cup Final day well.
A nice read .Give us more