The signing of Dimitar Berbatov concluded the most exciting final day of the transfer window United fans can remember. City had just become The Richest Club In The World (TM) and had a bid accepted for the man Sir Alex Ferguson had been chasing for over two years.
Sky Sports News kept giving updates, first with Mark Hughes beaming because he was meeting Berbatov later that day. Then it was reported Ferguson had collected Berbatov from the airport and taken him to Carrington. We were shown footage of Berbatov at Old Trafford but we were left waiting. Tottenham weren’t happy, City weren’t happy, and whilst the player was made up, that didn’t matter if we couldn’t sort a deal with Spurs.
As 1am approached, it was confirmed that Berbatov was now a United player. Before that day, I hadn’t been desperate for us to sign the striker, but like most, has been whipped up in to a frenzy following the drama of the deal, and was absolutely ecstatic when it finally went through.
Berbatov made his début almost two weeks later against Liverpool at Anfield and three minutes in we were at a climax. He linked up brilliantly with our forward line, pulled the ball back across the box for Carlos Tevez to score. Pure joy. This is the player we’ve been looking for.
But an hour and a half later we were 2-1 down and utterly deflated… and the opinion of Berbatov from some sections of our support deflated too.
Berbatov turned down City’s money, he didn’t even bother meeting with them to see what obscene amounts of money he could get out of them. He got on that plane with only one intention: to talk to Ferguson.
He is a player I’ve always championed though, with the reasons mounting as the months went by, but it all started with his reaction to becoming a Manchester United player.
“Joining United is a dream come true,” he said upon signing. “If I want to play for the money, I would accept the Manchester City offer or Chelsea. The red shirt is the really big thing for me. I want to play for the biggest club in the world,” he said the following day.
It’s hard to believe that this player went on to receive some harsh criticism from United fans. His attitude was absolutely spot on, just what you want to hear from a new signing, but it didn’t seem to hit home for a lot of reds. Did we just expect all new signings to feel that way? Maybe Ronaldo and Tevez’s reasons for leaving should remind us that a lot of foreign players aren’t going to see us and the be all and end all. Maybe it was the price tag that put people off, but more likely, it was the fact he didn’t move around like blue arsed fly on the pitch.
Carlos Tevez has the touch of a rapist. You have to run all over the pitch when your first touch sees the ball bounce ten yards in front of you. Berbatov plucks the ball out of the sky and brings it to the ground with all the delicacy of a parent laying a new born down to sleep in their cot. It is beautiful. It is this kind of magic we’ve been craving and certainly following the departure of Ronaldo, should be appreciated all the more.
Now whilst this is a little excessive (and obsessive), someone has taken the time to show Berbatov’s highlights in parts 1, 2 and 3. His goals, his flicks, his perfectly weighted paces, and his superb vision. It’s a nice reminder of the player we’ve got and in same cases, it’s fairly educational. Plenty of the great moves that ended with goals started with a moment of brilliance from Berbatov and quite a few of them had passed me by.
We are right to demand more than 14 goals, one goal for every three games, from a £30m striker. But then we can’t complain about his 10 assists, the most at the club, the second highest in the Premier League. Whilst we should expect more goals I think the feelings towards Berbatov will soften, now that we know what he’s all about. He’s not a Ruud van Nistelrooy goal machine and Cantona’s scoring rate in his first season wasn’t much better than one in three either. Berbatov isn’t going to bust a gut running here, there and everywhere, but he should be in the right place at the right time, and will feed the ball to others who are in the right place.
I’m excited about a lot of things for next season. Wayne Rooney is the player I’m always keen to see do well and I think with him playing a more central role he’ll have a great year. Michael Owen has shown in the pre-season that Ferguson might have pulled off a great bit of business and I hope we see the best of him come August. Darren Fletcher has improved massively over the past two seasons and I’m looking forward to seeing how much more room there is for development. Fingers crossed Owen Hargreaves will come back in September and I’m desperate for him to do well. But what I really want, aside from the obvious trophies, is for Berbatov really to come in to his own and show more strongly than ever what dicks some of our fans are for questioning him. This guy is absolute quality and now is his time to shine.
Man Utd News 24/7
Fingers crossed he has a terrific season.
I ll dig out some archives and see what the plastics said about him before!, a player I have always supported and is just scintillating to watch…come on Berba!.
this season is the where he will prove his worth. so ladies and gentlemen boys and girls get ready for a roaler coaster season.
True Legend
Couldn’t agree more, I love him. It’s a shame so many were blinded by devotion to that other tit. Fergie doesn’t chase a player for so long without good reason…
All of last season Fergie kept going on about how the players on the squad were just starting to get a feel for Berbs. This is where I think a lot of fans had a problem with him. The teams fast paced style was being “forced” to accommodate Berba versus him adapting to United’s style. The problem is the myopic view that United play in a singular style, attack and attack with pace all the time.
Berbatov was brought in by Ferguson I think for something completely different from what we had in Rooney/Ronaldo/Tevez – high speed attackers. That United for the last couple of seasons were so used to playing in that mode, it wasn’t easy to play with Berbs and for a lot of fans it was hard to watch United play with him.
This season, the team is going to be very different simply due to the loss of the two. That though will really bring Berba to the fore because it’s not going to all be about speed. The fact that the squad has had year with him and that they’ve played a pre-season with him, I think we’ll see him not only shine but, I think will make Rooney really stand out. Lot has been made up of their 1 goal partnership but, that I put down to both learning plus the fact the positioning due to Ronaldo’s presence, didn’t lend them to have a more prolific partnership.
Just look at what Berba did for Keane at Spurs – he’ll do the same for Rooney and Owen IMO.
his touch is absolutely divine, no one has ever questioned that, but thoughts of the penalty taken against Everton in the FA cup semi-final shoot out still linger for me…
I hope he does really well this season, and he becomes a true United legend, but a bit of scepticism never hurt anyone.
hopefully Berba will excel next season because he is a class act who is a the right club to truly be something out of the top drawer. he is Cantona-esque and will definitely score more goals next season. what gets my back up though Scott, is the comment “…and show more strongly than ever what dicks some of our fans are for questioning him.” there is alot of that on here, slating people who don’t reckon Dimitar was worth the near £32m we paid for him, and to be honest these people are entitled to that opinion because that’s what football’s all about – opinions. People aren’t ‘dicks’ etc for having a different opinion to you. Berba had a decent season last year, sometimes we saw flashes of brilliance, crucial goals and majestic assists from him, BUT all in all, he underperformed in far too many games.
I kind of feel we’re gaining “new” players in some of our injured or talented youngsters. We’re gaining a “new” player in Brown this season, we missed him last season although John O’Shea always gave a fair performance when called upon. I think the same about Hargo, I hope his recovery will go well. Macheda is another player we will see more of this season, he’s a similar type like Ruud and I can see big things for him in the future. Flethcer’s development has been awesome and he’s a totally different player compared to what he was two seasons ago. Tosic also looked lively against the Greentown side in Asia, I’m sure we will see more of him too.
We saw Berbatov’s class in Asia, Owen and Berba connected well together. Owen makes the runs and Berba provides those magic touches and passes. I also can’t wait to see Valencia play in the red shirt.
I think we have a strong group of players in every position on the field. We could easily line up two strong sides. I also like the fact we’ve got senior players mixed with younger ones, a perfect blend. We don’t need Villa, Silva or Ribery for 60-70 millions pounds, that’s just ridiculous. I’m very optimistic about this season and the squad we have…
Berba, a ‘quality player’, and that’s a fact. Can’t wait for the season to start to see him with a more central Rooney, or with little Mickey Owen and Man-Boy Macheda. Yes we’ll miss Ronaldo, but there are goals in this team, you just wait and see.
Scmikes – people are dicks for slagging off a new signing week in week out because he doesn’t run himself ragged. If you weren’t one of those people, then that comment wasn’t directed at you, but there were plenty of people sat around me calling him a “lazy cunt” and a “useless bastard” every week. I think they are dicks.
I acknowledged in the article that we’re right to expect more out of him. That’s not the same as saying it’s ok to call him shit, which is what loads of fans did all season.
Great points about his desire to join us and his pride in wearing the shirt. At the moment he looks a lot fitter and i really believe he will come good this year. I think he was justifiably criticised last year, not a single man of the match performance in my eyes, and some shocking displays. I am not bothered if he doesnt run around – we have enough forwards doing that – but last season even his skills were short and more often than not didnt come off. He was also poor infront of goal. Last year, I just kept waiting and waiting for something big to happen to him but it never did. His season was summed up when he was left on the bench for the CL final. The previous season, his performance for spurs against us was the best display I have ever seen of an opposing player at OT, easily eclipsing Messi, Torres, Ibrahimovic. I believe Ronaldo’s departure will free up a lot of players inhibitions to turn on the style and I reckon the Berba Rooney attack will give us a much healthier goal return than last season’s low scoring tally.
couldnt agree more…most fans at first were like his shite now mostly the ones who were saying his shite are saying his quality..got to give the new players abit of time
He’s a fucking great player. A United class player those who don’t appreciate him are blind. Give me him over any of citys overpaid pile of shite any day of the week. I’m still jerking off over his flick for Owens goal the other day! Fucking class.
I thought Berbatov did well enough for his first season. The main problem is that he hasn’t scored many “decider” like Tevez did a season ago. As fans like to compare him directly to Tevez because they compete directly for a starting place, that factor contributed to preference on Tevez over Berbatov. Also, Tevez is probably the most archetype of anti-Berbatov type of player. A very physical, hard working type of player who bust around and snapping at opposition. Where as Berbatov is calm and calculating and prefers to sneak quietly into the position where he can inflict (or assist those who can) the most damage – not the most exciting to watching compare to all action style of Tevez. So, I conclude that criticism of “flop” labeled on Berbatov is a little bit harsh and unfair.
Another reason that cast Berbatov a frustrating figure to watch at Old Trafford last season is Ronaldo. Having Ronaldo is good but that means we are playing a great deal of 4-3-3 system which Berbatov finding it hard to fit in as his best playing off main striker. Also with Ronaldo in the team, the team play is very dynamic and (extremely) high tempo – something Berbatov finding it hard to blend in is style of play. It also made him seem rather snail-paced. So, with Ronaldo’s gone, it’s most likely that we will revert to our traditional shape. I can safely predict that this will be the season for Berbatov to shine. If not, hell, he can join Tevez @ Man City. I’d to see another “Welcome to Manchester” from a certain small club.
Am looking forwrd to the new season.
As sad as I am to see Ronaldo go, am glad the whole circus has moved on. He gets his dream, we get £80M, and the players can come out of his shadow and the teams built around him.
Fuck me, Rooney, Ronaldo, M.Owen (who would have thought I would ever say that), plus Nani, Valencia, Machedea etc
Now, that is some mouth watering line up, and I can see plenty of attacking footy, goals, clean sheets.
Tevez and his 5 goals. Well, good luck to him, earn a few more quid at a massive club, him and Addybyoyur, We have park to run round like a tit, dont need to pay £25M plus £6M loan fee.
fair point Scott, I personally rate Dimitar very highly but as you say, while I was fairly pleased with him next season, I do feel he needs to step up to justify his price tag
*last season
for the first time no one has said against berba thank god
I hope he has a good season too but I think if we compare Tevez first season to Berbatov and the goals he scored against the big teams, the impact he had against the big teams, Berbatov has been nowhere when we’ve truly needed him in the big games whereas Tevez scored winners and the opening goals against Liverpool, Chelsea, Lyon etc… when it really mattered. Sure Berbatov scored some key goals against the smaller teams but so did Macheda, I think Tevez has been given a hard time, we have to be honest when we say he was treated rightly, even Scott felt he should play more, yes he did play in some big games but if I was in Tevezs shoes, being dropped after the Blackburn game, being played in Carling Cup matches whereas Berbatov could play proper shite and still get a good run starting games, i’d be peeved, what Tevez has done since has made him a twat but he had no real ties to the club, he loved the fans and still does and from his perspective he thinks he’s done nothing wrong whereas we know he has, he shouldn’t have to stay at the club for us if he’s not truly happy. I know he’s contradicted himself a few times saying he was never happy and that’s why he’s a twat but ultimately, neither player was worth the price paid. Berbatov is 5 years older or something like that whereas Tevez wants to go back to Argentina in his prime. I’d love Berbatov to score 30 goals next season but purely for Uniteds benefit rather than to prove me wrong.
Berbagod!!!! sheer class!
(Goes like jesus christ superstar)
Dimitar, Berbatov, one look at citeh, and he said fuck*ff
Dimitar, Berbatov, one look at citeh, and he said fuck*ff
Mic most parts I agree with but tevez has acted like a dick towards Ferguson. For me berbatov does not fit into the man utd way of playing. Many united fans thought that van nistlerooy was slowing uniteds game down berbatov does the same. When united were at their best between jan 2006 to may 2008 united were playing with high speed velocity players who would just smash right into defences. With quick counter attacks players pressuring defences. berbatov expects ball to feet and that is not what united need. The reason why united were so effective was because of high tempo players. ronaldo and tevez what made them so deadly was they would pressure defences and their presence made defences fear united. Berbatov does not use the ball to run at defences or make his presence felt. Teams hate to be stretched and for me berbatov will not offer that option which makes him the wrong signing.
With his first season performance i took a lot of dig at him ….but as u say you cant deny wht genius berba is, with ron gone nd the kind of talent we have in berba i think he will go on to take a place bigger then cantona in tthe hearts of old trafford faithfuls.
P.S. I would be delighted to look a complete dick at the cost of berba’s performance & goals this season!
ok – that does it ! the things you said there are a complete and utter bullshit..i mean i had a lot of respect for your articles but this time you went over the top – sure carlos is a cunt for leaving in such manner and spitting in SAF’s face but to underrate him like you just have is a complete bullshit, and shows hatred has taken over you and you can no longer see the things as they are…i mean let’s look at what you said there – the only thing berbatov has over tevez is his tehnique – the one and only thing – and yet you summed it all up as if he’s overall better player simply for having a silky touch – come on! let’s compare them in united shirt – let’s compare tevez’ first season when he came and let’s compare them while playing together.. while some of you may notice carlos played more matches than berbatov but in those matches he SPENT HALF THE MINUTES BERBATOV PLAYED AND YET MANAGED TO OUTSCORE HIM. carlos didn’t deserve to be benched, and went totally out of form to accomodate the player who is not UTD callibre , only to return into form and to score some crucial goals for us last season. he scored more goals and scored more importnat goals.berbatov is always gonna be one of riquelme’s, denilson’s, ortega’s – a player with sumblime tehnique but not mentally strong to succed at the big stange – a chocker . we will miss tevez more than we think my friends..i can’t believe people buy this “carlos-has-the-touch-of-a-rapist-and-Berbatov-plucks-the-ball-out -of- the- sky- and- brings- it- to- the- ground- with- all- the- delicacy- of- a- parent- laying- a- new- born- down- to- sleep- in- their- cot-hence-is 100-times-better-than-tevez” crap ! if tehnique is all that matters, the jay jay okocha would be the greatest player to have ever graced the earth my friends.
DIMITAR BERBATOV, ONE LOOK AT CITY AND HE SAID FUCK OFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i know this will sound nuts to most but i think we’ll become a better team without ronaldo,i think berbatov is a quality player and will step up to the plate amongst others
I like Berbatov and think he’s a very talented player. I thought he did quite well in his first season, decent number of goals and a great number of assists. His impact in major games wasn’t as prominent as we would have liked but it was his first season at the club.
His form in pre-season has looked fantastic to-date albeit against poor opposition. Hopefully the upward trend will continue in Germany and then on into the PL.
The one area of Berb’s play that I was critical of last season was when dropping deep into midfield he often played a ball out wide or to a team-mate nearby & then stood still or walked casually toward the box. Rarely did he ‘give and go’, instead he would almost sit back and admire the pass he just made.
I wouldn’t get carried away with performances in Asia from any of our players, it’s fantastically encouraging to see them linking well & scoring goals but it can’t be taken too seriously.
I think there are a couple of aspects to Berb’s game that he needs to improve but they’re certainly not major aspects, what he needs this season is support from the crowd. It’s not easy for a player when the crowd gets on their back, especially when it’s unjustified.
Lets hope everyone gives him the chance to shine that he deserves.
the big thing about berbatov is he came with a big price tag and he was called the next cantona
he’s not cantona
he’s the first berbatov
but his match yesterday
as close to eric as ive seen
i frickin love the guy
loved him at spurs
love him more at united
also its not me with out links
one
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-PL-mApImM
two
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mW5xlTtBfWk
three
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oxm5YPU7_c
for me the reason why berbatov got slacked by some fans because of the standard ronaldo had set. they try to compare how many goals he score or whaever ho does to ronaldo. and the big fees doesn’t help him.
but berba remind me of cantona. this season i think saf will play the way united of cantona era. maybe the fans of ronaldo’s year will be dissapointed. but i don’t mind rolling back the years.
and four
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NawgzLNBcAg
the one thing im not likin is the anti tevez pro berbatov talk going on on this site
look in the mirror and ask where you pro tevez
look in the mirror and ask where you anti berbatov
if you where relax with the hypocritical posts
@ManUnitedchampions2008 – Mate Berba doesn’t need to run at defenders to contribute to our width play, because He has the exquisite art of being able to bring a ball out of the air, control it perfectly, and find a player out wide all in one touch football mode. We haven’t seen the best of Berba yet, and it is not entirely down to him either:-
1. Berba (contrary to popular fan belief) WAS in the box on a good many occasions waiting for the pass, but Ronnie, Waynes and especially Tevez desire to shoot themselves, even if on plenty of occasions wildly off target, gave Berba little chance. Must have frustrated him.
2. I was watching our end of season review, and was amazed at how effective Berba was in his overall contribution. Watch for yourselves if you haven’t already done so.
3. I TRULY do not believe Berba and Rooney will be a great partnership, sorry but I think you will all find that out soon enough. However Berba and Owen can develop that telepathic finding each other in the right situations to get goals. Will Rooney and Macheda hit it off, or Rooney and Owen, I don’t know – you all tell me!
I hope that the most effective partnership, and indeed most effective team formation will reveal itself for us, and the sooner the better, no matter which players have to be sacrificed!
ManUnitedchampions2008
are you micheal really
you seem to have no faith in united but pop up with possitives when they win leagues
OT: just a heads up that the young lads are playing in the milk cup on the bbc red button now, i think ko might be 6.
i think macheda played here last year, so it’ll be good to see some of the young talent. hopefully ravel morrison will play, he looks like one for the future!
“I do feel he needs to step up to justify his price tag”
oh nooo. again and again.
why is it that hard to understand he isn’t the one responsible for the price we paid for him and doesn’t need to justify anything.
most of the berba hate i came across were people wondering why he played over tevez like you said in the post. i think it’s kind of the whole mob mentality that caught up in watching tevez wear his ass out on the field trying to chase everything down etc. what they failed to notice is he wasn’t of our caliber..not saying he’s not talented i’m just saying this: in long stretches last year tevez was COMPLETELY wasteful with the ball and at the same time COMPLETELY selfish. it’s all good to respect a guy for running hard all year but it’s not like he had a big as an impact on our team as park did…they’re basically the same talent wise. tevez doesn’t have a first touch, doesn’t have real in the box skill…it’s like fergie said…he’s a trier. that’s about all he is. berbatov might be a slap in the face to the “blue collar, hard working” fan…but that’s why he plays for us…because he treats it as an art…that doesn’t mean he isn’t trying as hard if he’s not running full on for 90 minutes…he’s doing it his way. he’s probably the most technically gifted player in the squad and also one of the smartest on-pitch. he’s going to end up with something like 20 goals and 10-12 assists…the degree of difficulty on the goals and assists will turn the tide in the eye of the common fan as to whether he was worth it or not when in truth he’s worth it either way. get that shit in the back of the net somehow.
sean_m11
brandy is the guy who impresses me so much
@Jig – I so agree with you on the issue of crowd VOCAL support for Berba. He got much vocal support in every club he played for, and he is a player who needs that fan support and who responds to it. So yeah, we should all do that support thing this season.
@scott
i dont even know if you read every comment but i wanna say this
im not licking your ass here
but i love the blog
im on it all the time even thou i work have a misses and a 3 year old i love having as much fun as pos and i watch about 9 hours tele
i love your smarts on football
i love how ya speak the truth
i love how you back everything up with proven fact
you have a fantastic grip of english as well not like myself even thou i do it for a living but
“Carlos Tevez has the touch of a rapist”
is the greatest thing you’ve ever wrote
keep up the good work
Class from head to toe and you can check my opinions on the archives Scott. Was at the megastore two weeks ago as we took the school I work at on a “reward trip” to Old Trafford. Whilst in there I entered an argument with a southern couple who were there with a disabled lad. (More of a debate than argument). They were saying how we should have kept Tevez and sold Berba instead. Straightaway I jumped to his defence saying he is class. Yeah but he doesn’t run around like Tevez they replied. Yes because he does not need to. I had to leave before I lost my rag but it bewilders me how some people even now after all that has happened would rather have that little cunt at United. When I left I said to them “Just you watch him next season”!
Great post Scott and like you I cannot wait to see how Rooney does with his new found freedom. Gibson may even claim a first team spot. I have been very impressed with him close season. Another great season from Fletch. He is gonna be huge for United. Looking forward to Valencia ‘s debut.
Off topic – Although I do like to mock the plight of Newcastle FC, on talksport tonight I think they went a bit far. I phoned them to ask why no topic on Saint Stevie or Tiny Tears instead of this pointless barracking of the geordies? Not heard back yet.
gotta hate tiny tears who the hell is micheal I only joined recently
Giles – Welcome back mate.
gotta hate – great last post mate and I know the feeling. My wife is always complaining that I spend way too much time on here.
I remember fans are questioning his attitude and commitment in the past few months and i for one didn’t go with the flow by saying Tevez is my favorite player instead i go for Berbatov as i know what is football, no one appreciate his skills, flips, movement, technique, vision, passing, selfishness and love for the club. Nowadays, player come and go for money, Berbatov for one is the player i admire as he is coming to play for the shirt, to play for this club unlike some players who play for money. I remember clearly a rumor saying the Malaysian player who score 2 goals against Man United recently in the Asia tour saying he won’t mind having the lowest wages just to join Man United. This is the passion all the fans need to appreciate. They are tonnes of players willing to join Man United. No point buying mercenary players. This summer man speculation linking Man United to different players and fans wanting this and that players. They should realize do those players wants to play for the club? Do they have the ambitions, courage to leave their league at their age?
Berba tov tov tov,
He told City to fuck off,
Berba tov tov tov,
He showed Spurs he was the boss.
Only just seen yesterdays match. Great goals. Owen’s bicycle kick from Berba’s flick was fantasy football. Berba’s set up for Nani was class as well. Even Berba’s goal was quality. Tosic good goal. Giggsy is a LEGEND.
I recognized that Owen was quite un-involved yesterday but still got 2 good goals. Exactly what we need.
Ando is getting closer ain’t he. Evra was coming close as well.
Nobody deserved more appreciation than Dimitar. He was sublime. His goal. His telepathic assists. His timing, touch (look at Tosic goal), vision, weight of pass and general talent. Has he even got a chant or song, because Old Trafford is gonna want to sing one this season.
@ghtt i thought that a couple of years ago but he just seems to have stalled a little. i first seen him on mutv about 8 years ago playing in a 5-a-side tourny for academy kids and he was unbelievable.
Heres a link too for those who dont have access to the beeb
http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/milkcup/
This season is Berba’s- c’mon dude l believe u can make it. Awake da fans n stop being criticised, show dem yo ability. 20 goals with 25 assists are enough 4 doubters. Given the pre-season’s Dimi’s showdowns leave a room 4 great things which could prove ManU’s title defence. Luv u Dimi n have faith in u.
James – do you have a crush mate?
I’m just messing pal. I’m glad you enjoy reading the blog so much.
CROoney – “while some of you may notice carlos played more matches than berbatov but in those matches he SPENT HALF THE MINUTES BERBATOV PLAYED AND YET MANAGED TO OUTSCORE HIM.”
Berbatov played in 43 games last season, Tevez played in 51. Whilst Berb had more time in the league, Tevez had more time in the domestic cups.
Tevez did not have half the amount of minutes as Berbatov. Dimi played 2389 minutes of Premiership football, Tevez played 1667 minutes. Berbatov scored 9 goals, Tevez scored 5. That means Berbatov scored a goal for every 265.4 minutes he played in the league, Tevez scored a goal every 333.4 minutes he played in the league. As you can see, Berbatov’s strike rate is MUCH better than Tevez!
If you are going to come on here telling me I’m talking utter bullshit… don’t go on to talk utter bullshit yourself eh?
manutdchampions2008 = micheal
scott if you go around calling me james i might:)
althou the misses doesnt let me have any more man crushes
she’s still highly worried about the rooney one
Another spot on post Scott mate, i totally agree that berba will be crucial in the upcoming season. Unlike you though, i was one of those that really really wanted him from spurs so his lukewarm season was a tad disappointing.
But now with a proper pre-season under his belt and an obvious change in system he IS going to prosper I just know it. I think he’ll make a better partnership with owen though, they against green town they were impressive.
@crooney
Was Jay Jay Okotcha not the best player to ever grace a football field? He made MOTD worth watching after the United game had been on!
Also, general comment – I think it is widely accepted that compared to the 2008/08 season, Utd never really hit top form last year. I believe that this was because Fergie knew Ronaldo was off, signed Berba and played a different system that was designed not to rely on Ronaldo so much. However, the problem was that we still had Ronaldo, but were playing a system that was designed with his departure in mind – we had to accomodate him into a system that did not suit him, and other players – such as Berbatov suffered. Now we can play last year’s system – which played like a general 4-4-2 at times, without messing it up to accomodate Ronaldo (which we needed to do as he was a brilliant player).
berbatov haters = football simpletons. football is not a simple game of kick, pass, score. if you merely try to quantify their (tevez vs. berbatov) contribution, you are missing the point. also, everyone who is pro-tevez (can’t believe there are ‘supporters’ still defending him, unbelievable), keeps referring to 07-08. what about 08-09? he was awful. does that mean if berbatov has an amazing season this year, you will jump right on his bandwagon, saying he is way better than tevez? awful.
In 2008/09 United were magnificent, the power and the beauty, an outstanding, eye-catching style of play. Saw them playing once by accident, and even in the match they eventually lost United were by far the better team …
All of which doesn’t mean of course that they cannot reinvent themselves (again) and be just as successful in a new, different, way or style, now that some players have gone and others have been signed.
I’m no football guru, but Dimi’s partnership with M.Owen looks promising to me. I was shown the replays of all the matches from the Asian tour, and Dimi looked a new man, he’s clearly in the process of finding his voice in this team.
Wish him all the best for the coming season.
sanj Said,July 27th, 2009 @18:28 manutdchampions2008 = micheal
/
i think this is fact
and manutdchampions2008 i know your only on here a little bit
you came the day after micheal left
berbatov = will go in folklore
anyone know who scored the 2 united milk cup goals
ravel morrison sent off
brady 2 (1 pen)
thats my boy
thatnk you jessetto
Someone posted on here that “if you dont get Berbatov you dont get football ”
When you watch the artistry and nonchalance of his little flick up and flick on to Owen(who banged it in fucking beautifully bytheway) you are reminded why it is called the beautiful game. He is the player to do the little bit of magic that seperates the very top teams in the very big games. Lets not forget that last years Champions League final was just a really shit day on the pitch that unfortunately was the very worst time to have an off day – no more than that. We are going to be very, very awesome this year because the prima donna has gone and the little Argie has moved on to bigger and better things at the mighty Manchester Shitty.
Hargreaves is going to come back and be the best midfield rat catcher we have ever had and Berba is about to become all that he can be. As for Rooney and Owen I can hear Hanson and Lineaker now grudgingly admitting that Sir Alex Ferguson has outsmarted everyone again, kept his money in the bank until he needs it, got the goldenboot winner for free and won a record breaking amount of titles overtaking Liverpool in the process.
AND – He still wont speak to the BBC because they have not got the good grace to apologise to him over the unfounded,unproven and unsubstantiated outrages claims they made against him regarding his dealings with his son.
I cannot wait for this season and believe we will score for fun and right some of last seasons wrongs.
I am not convinced of Berbatov as an out and out striker. I am also not convinced of Anderson in the centre of Midfield. Why not move Berbatov back to attacking Midfield and give him more targets to pass to. As we have seen he can win the ball and is a great passer.
Ferguson pointed out on several occasions last season that Berbatov quite often topped the player stats for ground coverage in games, or was high up in them.
The modern mania for match statistics has probably benefited Berbatov in this case. The “lazy” stereotype is the easy-pickings view of too many, United fans included. A laid-back character trait often accompanies great skills in a footballer yet isn’t proof of laziness.
Remember Currie, Hudson and Elvis-loving Frank Worthington? They suffered for their nonchalance too. But Berbatov is better and his tough first season here will do him good. Expect big things from him this time.
Fantastic article and completely spot on in my view. This is the season for Utd’s other stars to shine. Rio’s got it right when he says the loss of Ronaldo will bring out the best of the rest. Watch out for Berbs and Nani as well as Rooney to have a great season this year. Getting Hargreaves back is like a new signing and hopefully he can stay fit.. the same with the other Owen. I said it at the beginning that he will be a Utd legend in no time and can’t understand some supporters not seeing this. He’s a natural predator and we create so many chances it’s harder for him not to score! Can’t wait to see how Valencia fits in. With him on the right and if Nani comes good on the left we’re gonna be world beaters. Ronaldo who?
I wanted to add that I do not believe United has had a really great crosser since Becks went. Valencia is the man to fill that role now and will do an excellent job.
If only Michael Owen was good in front of goal…….. Haha thats right he is fucking second to none in front of goal and we got him for sweet Fuck All.
He already has a 1 in 1 goal scoring ratio and he is probably not even trying that hard yet.
@Norton – Yeah Frank Worthington mate – Didnt (The Black)Pele say he was the best player he had ever seen or something to that effect?
cantona = lazy
sheringham = lazy
berbatov = lazy
headless prostitute argie chicken= football genius
“If you don’t get Berbatov then you don’t get football” was my catchphrase for much of the season. I stand by it!
I agree with Hughsie who said, “However, the problem was that we still had Ronaldo, but were playing a system that was designed with his departure in mind – we had to accomodate him into a system that did not suit him, and other players – such as Berbatov suffered.” This is the point I was trying to make, basically.
I’ve already said I will galdly admit I don’t understand football very well (a female fan and all that), so how can I compare…
If Dimi has a great season this year, then I’ll say he’s had a great season. Is it called jumping on bandwagons? don’t think so.
@Hughsie88 Said, – no – the reason why we never hit the top gear last season and the reason why for the first time in 4 years we weren’t at least joint top scorer was that we waited and waited and waited for berba to gel..he never did and fergie eventually gave up and let tevez play more as we were apporaching to the end of the season – he’s technically gifted, that’s for sure, but he draggs us and slows us down…his purchase was unneccessary and until he proves me different i stand by my statement that we need DARREN FLETCHER more in some matches than we need Berbatov in ANY match…the only thing he brought was the breaking up of roo-tev partnership..in fact i think ronaldo’s medicore form throughout the season was down to waiting for berbatov and letting him play in the box instead of him…and when he saw there was no result , he went on spending more time in the box – and tevez was a perfect partner for both ronaldo and rooney…some people were saying how berba brought the best of rooney when they were playing together in the beginning of the season – failing to see that they barely had an assist between eachother…that’s how fans blind are…the new cantona my ass – i knew it from the beginning and i was actually shocked how some people can put him in the same sentence – fair play to him – he’s a genuine lad but he ain’t no world beater
*gladly*
We don’t need new players. But we could use Silva. By the way, what’s the news about Douglas Costa? I heard Grêmio agreed to low the fee.
But I think Berba can shine now he don’t have Tevez raging on him, he could really florish.
@Scott the Red – I thought it must have been a genius who said it mate. I could not agree more with that and it sums up what the guy is all about. Running around is one thing but it doesnt make the highlights ever, now beautiful little flicks and that cheeky little flick he did away from home on the byeline last season before squaring through to Ronnie to score – now that is what you want to see.
gotta hate tiny tears hmm I joined last week or the week before and so what if I am not a berbatov fan he does not fit into the united way of playing that is a fact. and tevez I still find him a good player oh sorry against the rules you cannot say that on here. some have the opinion I have that berbatov is not what united needed. go look at united at their best it is forwards who will carry the ball at a fast tempo. 99 yorke and cole their movement was crucial in stretching defenders. you are deluding yourself if he will be up there with united greats. he is not in the same league has ronaldo cantona keane schmecel giggs scholes rooney.
well running around with no highlights to offer brought us more than those sexy little flicks last season…btw – andrea pirlo also did it on this year’s confederations cup – big deal… berba is great when playing against sunderlands, stokes,west broms when leading 2,3-0, but when it takes someone to take the ball and win it against the likes of inter,arsenal,barca etc he’s nowhere to be seen—i bet every centre backfrom the top 4 is pleased when seeing his name on the teamsheet ahead of rooney or tevez
Good to see Welbeck score twice tonight..
@ghtt
love it.
thank god we have owen, i tell you that…if he manages to stay fit i have no doubt that he’ll form a great partnership with roo…if fergie doesn’t do a tevez that is ( benching him only cos he’s not as expensive )
CRooney – Get fucked mate. What a lot of nonsense. Why are you still sticking up for the cunt? Your username says it all really. Ronaldo and the Judas have moved on, I suggest you do the same.
As Scott has said prior “If you can’t appreciate Berbatov, you don’t understand football”.
ya see manutdchampions1993
you can say what ever you want on here
football is a f antastic thing because its all about opinion
and there are a few rules about writing on here
mostly jokes around 58
but opinions about manchester united are always welcome
but your not gonna get much respect on your opinions if you dont have anything to back up what your saying,
if your new on here this site is run by scott the red and
Scott the Red Said,July 27th, 2009 @19:00 “If you don’t get Berbatov then you don’t get football” was my catchphrase for much of the season. I stand by it!
and thats the truth
i remember micheal used to say slagging berbatov was against the rules
but you dont have a pair of balls to be the one to stand up and say berba is shite but we are frightened to say it
its just its not fact
-
-
-
-
just wondring whos schmecel
CROoney – I’m interested to hear your response to what I had to say on Berb vs Tev…
Scott, you reckon you could put Welbecks 2 goals up if you can find them anywhere..?
jack what where the goals like
i’m watching the milk cup on the lap top as peppa pig is on the tele
“ManUnitedchampions2008
are you micheal really
you seem to have no faith in united but pop up with possitives when they win leagues”
Spot on gotta hate. I reckon he is but he denies it.
@ghtt didnt see them mate, dont know if it was on tv or not i tryed looking but couldnt find it..scott can ussaly find videos of most goals scored so hopefully he’ll put them up…welbecks going to be awesomeee!
I lol at the people who said sell berbatov and use the money for tevez,
gotta hate tiny tears oh I spelt schmeicheal wrong do I care nope, did he do I care well he is spot on. he is to slow for united, the forwards I prefure are aguero torres villa they are proper CF not berbatov. and we have rooney has our catona united need someone who is mobile and can run through the channels not a touch player
thats it emilys learning a wellbeck chant
give me 10/12 mins ill get it sorted
COME ON EMILY DONT LET ME DOWN
@manutdchampions2008
berbatov isnt acutally that slow, his quit fast for his age, watch the highlights of his season up there and now and again he moves quit fast to the ball…how olds berbatov? 29 something like that, how fast you expect him to run? and his not a winger so he dont really need to be fast and his not the kind of player to run behind defenders for the ball so he dont really need it, we got rooney for that and berbatov setting up goals for rooney and scoring himself
ghtt you got a chant for him mate? i prefer welbeck on the wing myself, his class at dribbling and fast as fuck also got a good shot
“headless prostitute argie chicken= football genius”
GHTT that’s brilliant! :L
manutdchampions1997
does this discussion with micheal then he lost and ran away
maybe next time your at a mirror you could ask him how that worked out for him
jack give me 2 mins i think she knows it and peppa is over im gonna record it
READ WHAT I SAID – Not being picky mate but that outrageous bit of skill on the byeline was not away from home but at Old Trafford against the ‘ammers!
king 3-0
In my earlier post I had the 2007-08 season in mind, not the 2008-09, apologies for the misprinit. 08-09 had a lotof bright moments as well
@CROoney
you bring up rubbish point after rubbish point. and did you forget who led our comeback when we were down 2-0 to spurs? let me guess, you’ll say it was tevez because he came on at half time. however, tevez was the only forward who didn’t score. additionally, the argument of being a ‘big game bottler’ is nonsense in itself. are those points against the stokes, west broms, and sunderlands less important than against the big 4? if you recall, we collected 5 points from the big 4 last season and still won the league. liverpool’s inability to collect points from mediocre opposition cost them the title.
Cant find the bloody goals by welbeck anywhere.
If you get a chance watch the game against Spurs at OT last year again. It’s no exageration to say that Berba did not put a foot wrong through out the entire match. He only got one of our 5 goals but he was the lynch pin we built the comeback around.
Some say that SAF bought him specifically cause he knew that Ronaldo would be going. In other words he never intended that they would both be part of his plans long term. I’m begining to believe that and that Berba will really shine in a team that no longer is trying to feed everything to Ronaldo. And I say this as huge fan of CR7.
Yea, I think the best is yet to come from this United squad and can’t wait for the new season! (The video clips are awesome!!)
@kingEric – You are quite right your majesty.
I am often wrong but when I am right it is an excuse for a party. Being right all the time must get you down after a bit mate. Remember that time last season when we thought you got something wrong but then it turned out you were right again. Lol. Cheers for clearing that up mate, it was exactly the thing to remind those who doubt Berbatov of what he brings. The really big games where there is nothing betwen two great sides are decided by the skillful flashes of genius and Berbatov is the type of player who will provide that. I know I am preaching to the choir with you mate but it surprises me how many people still dont get him. I think he had a really good season last year it is not as though he didnt win us a single match now is it.
Everyone is allowed their opinion I suppose otherwise what would be the point of this Forum. I just hate when scousers disguise themselves as Reds to come and have a windup on here . Filthy Dipper cunts.
@jack http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8tcqaksiho
he’s too good for brazil
or even argentina
his name is danny wellbeck
he’ll score a flippin screamer
@ Dave Mack
SPOT on. same point i brought up. he was the driving force behind literally every move forward in the second half. a counter attack is useless without a player to hold the ball up and allow other players to get forward.
ghtt quality mateeeeeeeee…well done…i remember that goal v derby, quality finish, it remind any1 of the finish by rooney that won us the world club cup?
remember berba against hull second half of the season is was in a scholes type role and he controlled the whole game
i think united have a fantastic team for next season
when united play against teams like city or someone else with a poor backline i wouldnt be annoyed iwth a 4-4-2 with danny welbeck and kiko up front
just leave owen berbatov and pele on the bench
Sar
Brown Ferdiand Vidic Evra
Nani Hargreaves ? Tosic
Rooney Berbatov
2 many choices to go next to hargreaves, carrick, anderson, flecther?
owen can be our super sub…nani and tosic have been quality so far in the tour so ill decide on valenica when ive seen him play more
I think Berbatov is class and he will improve this season. I think the fact we signed him on the last day of the window last season worked against him a bit in that he didn’t get time to settle in and get integrated into our system. Now that he has had pre-season behind will help him enormously. I for one am looking forward to seeing him step up to the plate – I reckon he’s got 25 goals in him this season.
i always backed berba to score more goals. the criticism he get is not fair on him. he is a gud player and he played fairly well last season. i wouldnt blame him coz the rule he played bit hard to score as rooney was strugling. he will do better than any season this time. he isnt a player who works like tevez but gud goal finder in the edge of the box. lastly i ask the fans back him more coz he choose us and our beloved club over money and the berties, respect him for that. even if he is flop i will back him till he end his career. go berba go
gotta hate tiny tears why are you getting me involved with some former user who did not think berbatov is any good. his style is suited to the italian or spanish league not the prem and not united. in my personal opinion berbatov is not for united and someone like aguero would suit united more ebcause of his style of play
Scott, Berbatov might’ve had a better strike rate last season, but his games weren’t interrupted as Tevez was, we all loved Tevez for the most part of the season and there’s a reason for it, we all wanted Tevez to play more and more fans loved Tevez and it wasn’t just because Tevez runs around more, he was more effective and like Crooney said, Berbatov slows down our play whereas with Tevez we stretched teams more, there’s a reason in Tevezs first season we just seemed a dominating force and against the top 4 we had a great record against them, Berbatov just isn’t a big game player for me and we’re a different team with him. We can use stats to prove different things and Berbatov might’ve had a better strike rate in the league, but let’s face it, there’s a reason Tevez won fans over more, Berbatov is alright if we give him lots of the ball and this season, without Ronaldo, i’m hoping he’ll come into his own, last season we passed to Ronaldo most of the time, this time I hope we take advantage of Berbatov and I hope he steps up to it, just like Ronaldo did when we pretty much built the team around him. Though in Europe, I can only see us struggling, we won’t make a third consecutive final, the 4-3-3/4-5-1 formation just won’t work with a slow striker like Berbatov, we need Ronaldo up top for his speed, height, skill and finishing, the lad was always a danger and defo the best player in the world.
Berba is made for united and fits in to uniteds play no doubt, he oozes class which brings the best out in other players around him with his touch and vision, he proves you dont need to run around like a fuking over rated knob jockey to achive things, whoever is still doubting berba will be prasing him during this season and being fickle
berbatov is not for united? that is supported by the fact that we won the league, the league cup, the club world cup, and reached our second consecutive european final with him in our squad.
Mic – and Tevez didn’t get injured all season, Berbatov did on a couple of occasions, so had matches where he was getting his fitness back.
Tevez won fans over because he worked really hard and that is an admirable quality. We loved Alan Smith for the same reason. Shall we get him back from Newcastle?
f*ck off to citeh if you want to support c*nts like tevez, aguero, villa etc. he is a vital part of our club, who wants to wear our shirt, either accept it, or f*ck off. and if you’re so in love with torres, then f*ck off to merseyside with the dipper lady boy.
Thanks, King Eric Said.
Well, kick-off is still weeks away and already the fires of controversy and abuse are raging. Oh it’s good to see everyone getting fired up. I’ve said it many times, I think Berba is sublime, and I thought Scott put the case beautifully. It may be an age thing, but as you slow down yourself you get to appreciate certain types of player, like Berba, like Sheringham, who can appear slow but are actually ten moves ahead, and can work space and angles so exquisitely. At his best Berba almost seems to suspend time with passing that’s so tantalisingly close to opponents you can’t quite believe the perfection of the move as it takes out the defence with one languorous touch. I’m sure Berba will deliver more in his second season, bouyed up with that Premiership medal in his locker, the proof he seems to have needed that he’s good enough to be in a dressing room full of multiple title-winners. Imagine how tough it must be to walk in and see Giggs and Scholes, whose weight of silverware alone could intimidate the largest of egos, regardless of how welcoming they might be. From what I’ve seen of the Asia tour, Berba really looks like he’s enjoying himself. That’s how footballers of his ability should be, and it’s a great sign for the upcoming season.
Apparntley Tevez is injured. He slipped over in the showers from what i’ve just red, Hahahaha.
I think he will shine, I’m expecting big things from Dimi this season. C’mon Berba, step up!
@jack
rumour has it he fell over his fat cheque, berba>tevez
giles oakley – i’m on board with your thoughts. great post all around. he thinks it’s art as much as he thinks it’s sport. pure class.
Giles Oakley
sir hello to you its been a while
manutdchampions2001
get a grip lad im not talkin to you about how berbaov is better than tevez because i did that for most of last season
sanj I bet u sang ronaldos name and tevez chants. the irony is these players who u hate united would have won nowt witout them especially ronnie who at times carried the team.
how does ronnie hate united? probably the most ridicluous comment ive read on here
manutdchampions1999
i dont like tevez and never got behind him since last november
i still like ronaldo
but i dont know who you are,if your not micheal, to come on here after a week and stant shootin down peoples opinions on players that have been here and proved tere points to people like yourself who just wants to run there mouth
and as i said at about half 6 today
im not licking scotts ass but his
if ya dont get berba you dont get football
thing reigns true
and if you dont get berba you dont really get a football fans support time or respet on a football blog chat
I love it – you can tell from the way everyone is a bit tetchy at the moment that we really need the season to start.
Be patient brave souls. The battle will commence all too soon and they shall know us by the trail of dead.
Not long now lads and I am sure we will ALL be proven right in the end.
Lets all be like the Fonz until then.
Oh Manchester,
Is wonderful,
Oh Manchester is wonderful
Its full of Tits, Fanny and UNITED
Oh Manchester is wonderful.
act like the fonz
http://www.lllj.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/berbatov_smoking.jpg
@scott i seen alan smith playing a few weeks ago
we dont need him back
is the richest club in the world{tm} a joke
its not really trademarked is it
its just after it childish tevez poster
nothing they do surprises me
@ghtt – love that photo – cool as fuck.
I always chuckle when I remember Gordon Strachan complaining about coming in to Old Trafford only to find Barthez sat in the visiting managers office after a match with his feet on the desk smoking a cigarette.
He was definitely another guy who had a bit of Fonzie in him haha !
Barthez had won absolutely everything you can possibly win and was shagging a (real)supermodel. So what the fuck could Strachan possibly say to him ?
scotts catchphrase last season
if you dont get berbatov ya dont get football
i’d 2
you dont have to chase the ball like tevez
if you can control it like berbatov
and my second one was
listen to what Giles Oakley says
gotta hate tiny tears no I don’t rate berbatov because he is not that good. He is not in the bracket of the top 20 of the best players around, let alone the top 10. There are certain players that fit into a united system and berbatov is not one of them. ronaldo hated playing alongside berbatov because he never made the runs ronaldo liked so he could run into space. Rooney I doubt likes it because he has to do half the work berbatov does because he is so damn lazy and he plays where Rooney loves to play second striker, like how ronaldo was suffering from berbatovs lake of dynamic threat he does not pull players out of position so Rooney can get through also. berbatov is a defenders dream because he is not like a Rooney Torres drogba who will give defenders a hard time.
Barthez a legend filled us with stunts
problem was he taught he was playing up front
mancitychampions1968
so much bollox i dont know whether to laugh or punch my computer
emilys in bed i might have a bushmills and read that comment again to try get my head around it
Barthez had a fucking amazing shot on him. But putting your hand in the air and hoping the player wont shoot………….. I can look back and kaugh now but at the time….. Thank God we eventually got EVDS.
Right, good night all Im off to bed. Gotta get up early tomorrow and support United all day.
before i pour my drink i want to know how strong to make it
are you saying really now
drogba>berbatov
night buddy
bushmills..fine choice ghtt
black label
West Bromwich Albionchampions1920
watch yesterdays match highlights with me while i try and calm down with a drink
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afXOwPKDD4I
How the splashing duck does Ronny hate us. He’s said 4 million times that he loves United and it is “his house”. He’ll be begging to come back here in a few years.
on rocks ghtt?
manunitedchampions1911
cheers
i take it your gone to bed
or gone to change your user name
ive a goodone for ya to use in november when the mirror tell you its ok to like him
straight
berba had a major hand in 5 of uniteds goals yesterday whether its was assists or the volley he put away, doesnt matter who it was aginst, that performance would punish anybody
@ELLTY
you know who are
ya havent subscribed yet
for youtube? what do i do and how do i do it lol?
berby will shine this year
http://www.youtube.com/user/iseeredpeoples
click the big subscribe button
:L
any player you’d like a chant about
gotta hate tiny tears I am still here and why would I change this name. I weill not change my stants I just find there are better strikers out there
you never answered me thou
is drogba better than berbatov
Owe will get 20+
let me resay that I will not change my view he does not suit our style same as veron
do you think drogba is better than berbatov thou
gotta hate tiny tears well if its the form of the drogba back in the 06/07 season yes he is better, if its the form of drogba last season and the season before then no.
ghtt – thats me suscribed mate…look forward to listening to little emily
i got an email just there asking about a forlan chant
so ill say thats the first one you’ll get mate
manutdchampions1957
i cant believe your a football fan
but more power to ya
drogba peaked 2 years ago
“mancitychampions1968″
lolol quality ghtt
well keep them coming they are unique!
anyone else wanna sub just click the big yellow button on the side of emilys videos
by the by speaking of youtube scott just uploaded a fantastic city video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49B-OzVyBMA
@ micheal/berbatovWPOY2010/manciteh33yearsfuckall
“sanj I bet u sang ronaldos name and tevez chants. the irony is these players who u hate united would have won nowt witout them especially ronnie who at times carried the team.”
1) ronaldo did not hate united. ronaldo does not hate united. ronaldo will never hate united.
2) tevez does not hate united either- if you think he picked city over united because he ‘hates’ united, you are having a laugh.
3) you are micheal.
4) i have never been to OT (yet), so… no, i didn’t ‘sang’ ronaldo’s name or chant tevez’s. i supported tevez until he started running his mouth in the press and disrespecting our manager. i can tell you one thing, ask any of the regulars around here, i have said time and time again that those who chanted over sir alex should be ashamed of themselves. costas, king eric, or ghtt can all attest to that.
sanj
you got my backin
emily got me tickets to the arsenal match and the fact that united won there 18 title at that match was fantastic but i got those tickets cause ive always wanted to go to the last home game of the season because of sir alex fergusons speech
and the gimps fucked it up for me cause i went out after the match and got back to the hotel at 3:58 in the morning i know that caus i checked the clock and taught oh the news is on in 2 mins i can finally hear what was said by sir alex even thou it was live infront of me on a large p.a. system
I could never utter a bad word about him. I know players have rough patches and coming over from Spurs to United is an enormous step up – players have to adjust.
He wooed me far far more in his ‘abysmal’ season than Ronaldo did in his best – 06/07 (he scored more in 07/08 but was far better, IMHO, in the aforementioned season).
Berbatov=Lazy
Lazy=headless chicken Utd fan
rc7
i dont get ya
sanj when did I say that ronaldo hated united dont put words in my mouth.
Androo so berbatov in his first season with united impressed you more than ronaldo did in the 06/07 season LOL. ronaldo between aug 2006 to may 2008 was propably the worlds best player. no one could touch him in those 2 seasons. berbatov was woeful last season and he belongs at a club like spurs not united. united need pace in attack and with uniteds poor midfield a hard working front 2 makes up for that loss.
“I also expected the form we’ve seen from Berbatov. Last season was a strange one for him and we maybe didn’t use him in the right way, but we know exactly how to use him now – further up the pitch, playing as a centre forward.”
Sir Alex for MUTV
Berba was never played as a Centre Forward. No one could have scored more from behind. Rooney was played out left too, to accomodate Ronny as well.
Now things are gonna fall into place. Those two are gonna shine
Berbatov will become a legend at Old Trafford
berbatov was woeful last season
.
LAD YOU DONT KNOW SWUAT LIKE I SAID TO MY 3 YEAR OLD 2 AND A HALF HOUR AGO
GO
TO
BED
come backin may and ask scott to design a berbatov t-shirt for ya
.
you dont have a clue kid
ronaldo scored a shit load of goals and was fantastic at what he did
but best player in the world
nowhere near best player on the team
At first when i saw 165 comments for this, i thought a bluenose came to stir up shit again.
Listen guys, i think it’s unfair to judge any player on his first season. When we had a awful 01-02 season, Roy Keane refused to pin the blame on Laurent Blanc, Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Juan Veron because it was their first season at the club. SAF said in his recent interview that Berbatov will olay higher up the pitch this year. This is the season on which he will be judged. I truly believe that any talented player can succeed at United, just as long as we switch the system to benefit him.
@GHTT
I get pissed off with people calling him a lazy cunt, just repeating the lazy press who have dubbed him a flop. Of course he can score a few more goals, play more consistently and sometimes when things go wrong, roll up his sleeves but SAF asked him to play a deeper roll. The guy is pure class and last season made a major contribution to our PL triumph. Tevez was a good player but ultimately a mercenary Judas.
Costa buddy hello
busy busy man
its only micheal / manutdchampions1967 again
he’s talking cock
gotta hate tiny tears ronaldo was the best player in the world in those 2 seasons. now if you cant tell ronaldo was the best then you dnt know football much
rc7
now i get ya buddy
bebatov is lazy
and so was cantona
and sheringham
oh and gary palister never made any runs
gotta hate – love the way you keep putting a different year next to michaels user name.
Giles – great comment – “like Berba, like Sheringham, who can appear slow but are actually ten moves ahead”.
manutdchampions1908
ronaldo was never better than rooney
thanks, ghtt. more importantly than responding to micheal, i think a prerequisite for this discussion should be watching the 3 berbatov highlight videos in scott’s article (that unfortunately do not include the spurs 5-2 comeback). after watching all of them, i have reached these conclusions. these are my opinions, feel free to disagree (as i’m sure a few will).
1) berbatov is one of the best, if not the best, passer in our squad and has truly remarkable vision. these videos are not mere 3 minute clips, they are long and detailed, and depict literally, chance after chance, that he was either directly or indirectly responsible for.
2) the real issue at hand, i think, that sir alex has already attempted to fix… united’s chronic profligacy in front of net. no one would be slagging off berbatov if united had finished more clinically last season. these videos, which probably only contain a handful of united’s total chances last season, show a team that constantly created, but failed to finish. i believe sir alex has bought owen to solve this problem. if rooney and berbatov finish more effectively, coupled with owen’s track record, goals will not be a problem for united. this may sound brash and overly confident, but i think we may even score MORE goals without ronaldo and tevez. before you say i’m crazy:
league goals 2005-2006: 72
top scorer 2005-2006: ruud van nistelrooy, 21
league goals 2006-2007: 83
top scorer 2006-2007: cristiano ronaldo,17
sanj mate quick comment to get straight to the point
your 100% right
Hey GHTT. Busy, you have no idea! I think Micheal was that United fan who kept ending every comment of his with the words SELL BERBETOV. I haven’t seen that here for a while.
I will say this. Give Berbatov the freedom to move around the edge of the box and watch what he can do. I don’t want to see him picking up the ball from the half way line again. Unless we play Barca and we need someone to keep the ball for us.
King Eric haha puttng berbatov in the same league has sheringham now I have heard it all.
gotta hate tiny just shut the hell up. 2008 it is muppet, ronaldo is propably still better than rooney he is far more destructive in front of goal. he can score free kicks run at defenders at pace ronaldo is the most complete player after messi. come back when rooney has won world and european player of the year. golden boot pfa player of the year 2 straight seasons in a row. rooney is a top player but he is not in ronaldos league and without ronaldo there would be no 3 titles in a row.
i learned something today ronaldo>drogba>berbatov>rooney
thank you manunitedchampion1952
How about this: Ronaldo is an all around more complete footballer, but Rooney is more valuable to United. That can happen you know. Look at the 07-08 season: United’s losses were all games Rooney (not Ronaldo) didn’t start. Of course we will miss Ronaldo’s affectiveness and the fact that he was a matchwinner. But i think Rooney brings more to the club.He is a future leader.A player that can lift up the other players.
Evening Costas – I have heard that Valencia has joined up today with the squad in Germany. Anyone know if Vidic has yet?
ronaldo will struggle to score without a team that is centered around him, as it was at united. michael, come talk to me when ronaldo has won all those honors at real madrid. he won’t. you know why? because wayne rooney and dimitar berbatov are at united. so much of ronaldo’s success has to do with rooney, especially in 07-08, ronaldo’s most succesful year. if you don’t realize that, YOU are the muppet.
Evening for you King Eric, morning for me, hehe. At the blog on our website it says that Valencia, Vidic and Cathcart are there. I hope Cathcart gets a chance. Lets see what he is made of. And of course, i can’t wait for Valencia.
hughes and ince left united will win nothin(entre butt and beckham)
why woyld they sell whiteside what a stupid desision(entre giggs)
when keane left united will win nothing(enter fletch)
eric left united will win nothing(cole yorke)
when ruud left united will win nothing( enter 3 leagues in a row)
but ronaldos gone now so united are not gonna win anything
(come on nani your doing well kid)
Costas it was more down to lack of attacking depth upfront after ronaldo and rooney, plus tevez nani giggs saha anderson were never really top class attacking players who could step into the void of ronaldo and rooney, thats why it looked has if rooneys undefeated stats seemed more of the major factor when it was not. dont forget against bolton and man city both ronaldo and rooney did not start.
@manutdchampions2008:
They were both missing in those games you are right. But at the home game with City, it was only Rooney missing. Not that he would have done much in that game. I have never seen United as flat in a game before. I might go and check who’s absence has cist us the most. It’s been a while since i have looked up stats!
But i will stick to my other point though. Rooney brings more to the team. Roy Keane was never that talented, but you could see his attitude wear off on the others.
manutdchampion2009
giggs was never really top class attacking player
what is the bejasus
Costas fergie made some errors in the man city game. like playing anderson and scholes together and using giggs upfront instead of ronaldo also was an error from fergie.
Firstly, I wont lie about the opinions I held about Berbatov when he signed for United. I thought he was an over-priced, over-payed lazy player. One that would not sieze on a chance if it did not arrive to him on a silver platter. However, I have warmed to him over the course of last season. He will never be a 20-30 goal a season goal-machine but he is a quality player that will score, but will also assist others the afformentioned ‘golden plater’ service, meaning our over all goal scoring total will be greatly improved with him in the team. I’m looking forward immensly to next season and the prospect of him and Owen, supplied by quality service from midfield is mouth-watering.
It was a bad day at the office. And that includes Fergie. Ando and Scholes have never played well together without a 3rd midfielder in there.
anyone know what number valencia will be wearing next season. thanks.
Unless Tosic leaves 14 for him, the other choices are 26, 27 or 30. Or he could get the Argie’s number.
And how about this – Rooney and Ronaldo are TWO DIFFERENT PLAYERS: different styles, different attitudes, different everything, just about. One is super-fabulous and a dazzling showman (and supremely selfish and had the privilege of having every play being centered around his twinkling toes for the last few seasons), and the other is uber-passionate and has a great footballing brain and heart (and a wretched temper and was forced to play out of position as a wingback/workhorse on many a recent occasion). BOTH are highly-skilled, in different ways; BOTH are invaluable, in different ways. And BOTH ARE WORLD CLASS. Yes, the super-fabulous one has left, and his glittering presence will definitely be missed, but the uber-passionate one is still with us, with a more mature demeanor, amazing skills that are still developing, and a much better chance of playing in his proper position – driving right up the center to score all those wonderful goals. His time is NOW! And he will be a Red Legend ….
And if the CRonaldo fanboyz won’t stop whinging, there are plenty of planes, trains, automobiles, etc. that can haul their sorry asses to Madrid. He’s gone; get over it. We’ve been through changes before, and conquered in the end. It can be done, it WILL be done, because WE ARE UNITED!!! Never forget that.
theres no 19 20 or 21 as far as i know costa
i think that number will never be a first teamer number anymore after what little argie did to us last season. hope he didnt take up numbers so big its going to make the team like teams from italy or the americans.
is it not welbeck fabio and rafael on those…
valenvia
¬106¬
II___II
I__i__I
.II++II
.d“b
———
it looks good
Yes GHTT, Welbeck and the twin occupate those numbers. As i said, maybe something gets worked out with Tosic. Although 30 would be my choice after that.
owen is 7 your right sorry i was doing that from my mind
here we go
1- van der sar
2- neville
3- evra
4- hargreaves
5- ferdinand
6- brown
7-owen
8- anderson
9- berbatov
10- rooney
11- giggs
12- foster
13- j.s.park
14- owen
15- vidic
16- carrick
17- nani
18- scholes
19- welbeck
20- fabio
21- rafael
22- o’shea
23- j.evans
24- fletcher
25- a.valencia
26- manucho
27- macheda
28- gibson
29- kuszczak
30- martin
31-cathcart
32-tosic
33- hewson
34-possebon (on loan)
35-cleverly
36-gray
37-eckersly
38-zieler
39-chester
40-amos
41-wooton
42-james
43-eikrem
44-ajose
45-gill
i got that off manufan.net
just to point out
25- a.valencia
26- manucho
so 26 is up for grabs
GHTT i am looking at the official website’s numbers. Simpson has 25, but i expect that to be up for grabs. As is 26. And don’t forget that Obertan needs one as well! Nice to see that we are struggling to find numbers for them!
Read carefully said: “@Norton – Yeah Frank Worthington mate – Didnt (The Black)Pele say he was the best player he had ever seen or something to that effect?”
Sorry, fella, I nearly missed this reply of yours. Yep, I do believe you’re correct. Though there’s always that doubt that what he said wasn’t quite this ultimate accolade. Great player though was Frank. Great character too. Cheers
Scott you are far too pro Berbatov.
I’m not saying that he isn’t good enough.
Just I still don’t think we needed to sign him.
We were looking to sign a striker this Summer even though we spent £30 million on Berbatov. I don’t think that the money is value for money for a player of his age.
Yes he has some nice touches and seems to have all the time in the world on the pitch but I still think he has alot to prove. I think you need to take a more balanced view on Berbatov. Your favouritism for him is alittle excessive.
Either Rooney or Berbatov will have to play out of position if they play in the same team as both like to play in the hole behind the front man. Who I am assuming this season will be Owen and Macheda.
We were complaining about Ronaldo’s attitude on the pitch.
Are there any parallels between the two players?
Also regardless of wat we think about Carlos Tevez I think he scored more important goals than Berbatov too.
why is macheda is in front of welbeck in the pecking order?
i thought welbeck has a better chance compared to macheda in the nearest future.
i hope sir alex at least could play welbeck on the wings like he trains rooney for the striker role since he got the pace and the ball control. and macheda could be a r.v.n type of striker for us in the future…
and thanks ghtt for pointing those number out. the official web doesnt updates the numbers yet. maybe too busy for the pre-season tour eh…
AlphaRS you got it spot on. I did not say he was a bad player but he is not what united needed. What united needed is a central striker to really help Rooney be restored back to second striker that is his strength his position. Rooney is not has complete or has good has ronaldo, who ronaldo can play right left and through the middle and play has a central striker. tevez in his 2 years he scored far more important goals.
I bet if united snapped up Torres etoo or villa we would not be talking about needing a striker because Torres etoo or villa would be a perfect fit for Rooney, because they can get in behind defences that is the striker united need a powerful striker. Cantona had that type of player he had the central striker like hughes and cole Rooney has had it but not played with van nistlerooy or saha enough.
Rooney and berbatov are the same has lampard and gerrard they are too similar and there is no balance, united need a balance upfront and berbatov and Rooney there is no balance because none of the two can play the central striker. We have seen how two link up players for united have not worked when ronaldo was not playing because Ronnie was the tall central striker who could get in behind defences.
@ GHTT “headless prostitute argie chicken= football genius” LOL
i hear alot about berba not suited our style of play…who knows maybe fergie want to change our style of play after losing to barca who have similar style…remember fergie = genius football…
Berba-flicks should be a mandatory an hour per day for the youths.
And I forgot to comment on topic (sorry, Scott). I love Berbatov, and was stoked to see us acquire him last season. Again, he’s not a “lazy” player/”weird” player or whatever – he’s just a DIFFERENT type of player, very cool, silken and efficient. A number of his passes/assists are magical, and his eye for the sneaky-quick-WTF goal is pretty keen. He’ll come good for us – real good, I think. Variety is the spice of life, people – I think it’s great to have such a diverse, deep squad (although yeah, we could use some beefing up in the midfield – get better SOON, Hargo, and SAF, surprise us with another inspired buy, PLEASE).
Berba not suited to our style? so what is exactly our style? headless chicken runs like Tevez? lol…
close your eyes and imagine. How was Cantona’s style? There was NO one same style, there were all unpredictable wasnt it? Our style since Cantona (that’s as far as i can remember lol) is beatifully unpredictable – majestic.
“Carlos Tevez has the touch of a rapist.”Brilliant!!
“Berbatov plucks the ball out of the sky and brings it to the ground with all the delicacy of a parent laying a new born down to sleep in their cot.” Scott,you’ve gone all poetic.
hurr,”Berba-flicks should be mandatory an hour per day for the youths.”Brilliant as well!!
But my favourite line I’ve read on here is Scott’s,”He can take his five Premiership goals with him.”That kept me laughing for weeks!!
Back to the topic,Berbagod is awesome and is one of my favourite players.Watching him play is an absolute joy.Those little flicks and tricks are something I keep trying in school.(They never come off,though!
)
Also,where were you for so long,Giles?
@manutdchamp2008
u change ur name mate. u are a fucking disgrace as a united fan (if u are). yeah agreed berba didnt have the best of the seasons but what makes u think tevez is better than berba.
even i was a fan of tevez and wanted him to be at united but after wat he said abt fergi he never deserved to sign for united.
in the last 3-4 season it was a one man show for united that was ronaldo.
but now it wont be every one will have their own freedom.
People need to just stop questioning SAF’s choices, as demonstrated by the fact that everyone calling Berba a lazy shithead or chanting about Tevez over SAF, now looks like a complete ass just two short months later.
Another unnecessary thing to do is to compare two different seasons.
Tevez scored more important goals ? Maybe. But that was 07-08 season.
I don’t think the opposition is that stupid to concede goals from 2 metres for two seasons in a row.
corea mate,well said.every season has its own moments
werent the goals berba scored against borough and last min against bolton important?
werent the assists imp?
wasnt that midfield performance where he held the ball so well agains porto imp?
@Scott,
This has been an amazing post mate….some of the one liners are beyond this world….
” Berbatov plucks the ball out of the sky and brings it to the ground with all the delicacy of a parent laying a new born down to sleep in their cot. It is beautiful.” ———–My God!!! J.K.Rowling would’ve been proud of that!!
Absolutely great stuff…..keep it coming…
Also @ GHTT — God bless you mate— “headless prostitute argie chicken!!”
that’s gonna keep me chuckling to myself for days!! Wonderful stuff..
I also think there’s no point in trying to make “CRooney” see reason….just let the season roll on and all his doubts will vanish inevitably when Berba starts working his magic like only he can…..
I think Sir alex intended Berba to play the Sheringham role and this year it’s gonna be good!
Cheers all!
@ aig alex is god
good morning, mate.
to be fair that goal against Bolton was helped by the Tevez’s assist.
it doesn’t matter. we want more from Berba and i think we will have it in the upcoming season. there is no other way, mate.
@corea
good morning
ya u have a point but overall as the stats show tevez played more games than rooney or berba.nyways as u say that is the past.
i think the difference this season is that in owen we have an out and out striker.(tap ins,fox in the box)
tevez,rooney and berba liked to play deep not a perfect striker(like owen or rudd)
If he can’t score shitloads, then he can be our Xavi instead. 10 goals, 30 assists. Hey, I won’t mind.
Well, Boogeyman, thanks for asking about where I’ve been , and thanks to others too for noticing. The sad truth is I was diagnosed in April as having Advanced Prostate Cancer (aka Denis Law Disease) and the side effects of the treatment have really started to kick in. It’s not been a good year health-wise as I’ve had to have 2 major operations on my eye to save my sight, with one more to come, plus I’ve had a bloody groin strain which has stopped me playing my normal twice-weekly football. Oh I have also recently developed asthma (aka Paul Scholes Disease) resulting from damage to my lungs caused by undetected TB, also leaving me prone to chest infections. Typically I went on holiday to Spain and got bronchitis. My GP says it may have been Swine Flu (aka Tevez Disease). … Apart from that I’m fine, although I fear my chances of playing for United are now probably fucked.
Hi Giles. Sorry to hear about that mate. I wish you get better soon. I have missed a great deal your insightful opinions.
Ah,It’s always sad when a young footballer can’t chase his dreams!
Either way,I hope you recover from all this.Best of luck!
PS:You could call your groin strain Michael Owen disease.
Actually boogeyman, i think that’s the Rio Ferdinand disease! He gets one every season!
hes gonna shine because hes no shite
Giles, i won’t sleep at night. Be careful with what you’re saying.
Tough luck, Giles Oakley hope things get better for you.
manutdchampions69 I think you are just coming off as a real glory hunter here. The comments you make are the ones you hear from 12 year olds “LETS BUY AGUERO,VILLA,ETO,TORRES FOR 80 MILLION! WOOHOO”.
No it’s about whats right for the team and whats right for the club, Sir Alex KNOWS what we need. Look at the signings so far…a winger who doesnt cut in and create havoc but has a wonderful cross on him. A striker who made his name playing behind big men who are strong and have a good touch on them
Is Rooney with his height going to win the headers from Valencia’s crosses? no Berbatov will. Who is going to play with the back to goal and put in the deft little touches for Owen and Rooney to attack? Berbatov.
What did Tevez do? he wasnt strong in the air he was a fantastic runner and had his moments(I will always appreciate his late winners) but he was never a clinical finisher.
You know what I find ironic though? I think when Berbatov and Tevez played together…they played better then Tevez and Rooney. Look at Tevez’s goal against City who set it up by picking the ball out of the sky? Berbatov!.
Look at the match against Tottenham. Berbatov was involved in the build-up for all the goals, without a pre-season against Chelsea and Liverpool he set up two goals(one for Tevez may I add).
Berbatov is the key this season; we are going to rely on his footballing brain and his technique to release Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney.
It is my personal belief that this year the team will be built around Berbatov so love him or hate him; shut the fuck up and get behind him!.
Im hoping berba will come out of ronnys shadow this season and prove to the haters that he is top class player. Any united fan that does’nt get behind any of our players are’nt proper united fans.
giles mate your in my taughts
five those players I mentioned are better than berbatov. that is a fact and by the way I said 1 of those not all of them. say torres was signed back in 2007 united would have a patnership for years to come.
@GilesOakley – bloody hell mate, you have had it tough by the sounds of it. Just one of those illnesses is enough to sideline the strongest person, but multiple ailments – bloody horrid! It kind of put things in perspective really, with all the GREED in footballers today’s world, that all the money in the world is no guarantee against the things life can throw at folks. Hope you are over the worst mate, and get back to feeling in sorts again soon!
With all due respect, we could only call it as we saw it last season Scott and that was Berbatov was not performing to his best the majority of the time and his stats (bar the assists weren’t good enough). his penalty against everton in the cup did him no favours. what were we meant to do support him blindly just because he cost 30 million and he did well at spurs? Veron cost 28 million and did well at lazio but no one was telling us we were dicks for thinking he didn’t fit in to the team. Yes, you are right it is his time to shine. because United wait for no one and if he has another average season, he could find himself for sale come next summer
spencer very true. I come on here and say berbatov is not the right fit for united and we see united fans come on here shit on my posts and say I am not a united fan. What frustrates me on here is pro berbatov fans are so blind and they say all his strengths and I am sorry they over exaggerate his strengths and contribution. Like or it or not 14 goals for a 30 plus million pound player is a dreadful return especially when you see how he performed.
One comment saying berbatovs season with united was more impressive than ronaldos 06/07 season when that season ronaldo was voted in the top 3 of the world’s best players. Also because some think ronaldo was the world’s best players we know nothing about football, tell me who was better than ronaldo in the 07/08 season because I am struggling to come up with names.
Actually it’s 24 goals from a 30m pound striker.
That’s assists added.
Giles – Sorry to hear your predicament mate, get well soon and look after yourself.
best wishes to giles