VIDEO: Fletcher’s Goal vs City

October 23, 2011 170 Comments

szólj hozzá: ManU 1-3 ManC

Author: Scott Filed Under Darren Fletcher, Match Day

170 Comments

October 23, 2011 at 17:57
berbatunday says:
what a goal
October 23, 2011 at 17:58
Fred says:
Why even bother?
October 23, 2011 at 17:59
Costas says:
Probably his best goal for us. Pity that it couldn’t have been anymore anticlimatic.
October 23, 2011 at 18:06
berbatunday says:
and what is with the celebration or is it just run?
October 23, 2011 at 18:07
CedarsDevil says:
Almost chucked one of my City loving mates out the window when that went in, terrific goal…

Enjoy your day bitters, you have created a bit of history just as we did when we thrashed the gooners…

Come May though we will be the ones celebrating
October 23, 2011 at 18:09
kanchelskis says:
@Costas

Everton a couple of seasons ago edges this one, for me.
October 23, 2011 at 18:09
Costas says:
On another topic, anyone remember his goal against Mourinho’s Chelsea? Haven’t celebrated a lot of goals more than that one. A win based on heart and desire. maybe Fergie should show that tape to the players.
October 23, 2011 at 18:10
Costas says:
@kanchelskis

The volley? That was a beauty too. Good call.
October 23, 2011 at 18:12
Fred says:
Yes, the Everton goal was even better.
October 23, 2011 at 18:12
Fred says:
I remember it, Costas. It was a looping header.
October 23, 2011 at 18:15
kanchelskis says:
@Costas

That’s the one!
October 23, 2011 at 18:17
berbatunday says:
@ Costa,

memories, beauty of a header, but the everton volley tops his goals in my opinion
October 23, 2011 at 18:21
kanchelskis says:
Good grief… I’ve just read this on the match report on the BBC website:

“United were reduced to 10 men when Jonny Evans was sent off early in the second half but City’s superiority was such that they looked on course for a landmark victory from the moment they took the lead.”

What a load of fucking shit!
October 23, 2011 at 18:21
Costas says:
@Fred

Yeah, looped it right over the CLLC. I remember that it was a cross by Silvestre and time standing still once Fletch headed it. Took forever to get in.

@berbatunday

It definitely was a belter. Fletch pulls them out of the hat at times.
October 23, 2011 at 18:26
utd_fc says:
Great goal by Fletch but it was far too late, and apart from this one goal, there was 0 contribution from him. But to be fair, it’s not like the rest of the team did too much more.
October 23, 2011 at 18:32
markg says:
fuck me we need a midfielder and if anyone can’t see it is adiot
October 23, 2011 at 18:33
markg says:
sorry i meant an idiot
October 23, 2011 at 18:34
sidhant says:
i think fletcher did OK today.its anderson who really needs to step up his game.i would like to believe that he will become better but i just dont see that happening.His right foot is like valencia’s left,doesnt seem fit enough,finishing is awful,seems to lack a footballing brain that a central midfielder really needs,can no longer beat his man and is basically a fucking liability.he has been here for 4 years now and his game seems to have gone backwards.he shits on fabregas,yeah right.
October 23, 2011 at 18:36
Fred says:
kanchelskis – I read it too. Complete load of bollocks written by Phil McNulty, a scouser. The sending off was the reason City were so superior, anyone with a fucking brain can see that. What a prick.
October 23, 2011 at 18:46
Dela says:
“United were reduced to 10 men when Jonny Evans was sent off early in the second half but City’s superiority was such that they looked on course for a landmark victory from the moment they took the lead.”

Wow… are they for real? That’s all City did in the whole first half. When Evans went off, it was clear we were struggling. In fairness, City started with more or less five across the midfield, we played 4-4-2, so after Evans got sent off and Fletcher dropped back, it was easy for City to just pass the ball around. The sending off was the defining moment of the game… it led to the second goal when Anderson was struck in a spot he should never be. The final three goals simply flattered City, all came in the last few minutes of the game, all as a result of needless pushing forward from United.

But this is hardly the first time the media has lost touch with reality after a United defeat.
October 23, 2011 at 18:49
Doghouse says:
Great goal. Sure, just a compensation. But on a day like today we sure as shit need one.

That and Chelsea exploding. What the hell happened to them?

Have to say if Chelsea had won today I’d be really worried. I mean we lost, but City are still way too new to the title race to be considered out and out favourites, and we’ve had a really hard start to the season. For my money Chelsea are still the threat, and so to see them self destruct makes me happy. Two red cards, three points lost at what should have been an easy game, that’s worse for them in the race for the league than our defeat today.

City will always play out of their skins against us, we need to get into the habit of doing the same to them because frankly I don’t think I’ve ever seen United play City and been able to say that United wanted to win more than City do. It’s been their cup final for so long that it’s part of their psyche, to us they’ve been a banana skin. That has to change if they do manage to settle into the top four.
October 23, 2011 at 18:51
Mikekelly12 says:
It’s a Pitty we didn’t get to play it out 11 v 11. I’m not saying we’d have won but would have allowed us to compare our performance more realistically.
October 23, 2011 at 18:55
what the fuck is wrong with you says:
No, we would have probably won.
4-3 mate
3-2 shield game.
It’s United we are talking about, not some team that plays worse in the 2nd half. Fuck trying to tell that to fucking idiots on other forums or so..

Want reasoning?

United had a ton of possession in the first half.
Anderson had 2 clear sighters
Rooney had a good sighter too
Evans had a 6yard striking chance but missed the ball completely. Ironic, he would have been a hero if it went in and Baloteli didn’t shove in front of him.
City had 1 chance and scored with it, the rest of that half they didn’t look a threat whatsoever.
October 23, 2011 at 19:01
gaz says:
no heart shown by any united players today complacent was also evident from the second i saw Nani shaking balotellis hand on the way onto the pitch,fucking awful stuff AWFUL i am disgusted to see that performance today sorry ando ur not gonna make it as a utd player same for evans no pride NOTHING im sooo gutted,no first touch and one twos that opened them up in the comm shield fuck im so upset and gutted……only thing left is bounce back and move on……sorry fellow reds but im hurting same as im sure u all are
October 23, 2011 at 19:03
Fred says:
Spot on.
October 23, 2011 at 19:04
Vishal S says:
Managed to see the highlights.At 3-1 down, Smalling wasted a headed chance. Had he left it, rio would have had an easier chance!!
Things could have been so much different. Sigh!!
October 23, 2011 at 19:05
scan74 says:
a dark day it happens

have had this feeling a few times remember a spell back in 96/97 0-5 3-6 to geordies and southampton

and then we lost unbeaten home record in europe to fenerbache the end was nigh that year we won the league 2 years later we won a treble

remember 1-4 to the scouse few weeks later we won 18th league title and reached an ECF

today was a kick in the bollocks credit to city they deserved cut us to pieces as we kept going 4 something that wasnt there

but what im getting at is we will heal and go again there are just 5pts get behind the lads and hope we get back on track at everton

keep the red flag flying high gentleman

19
October 23, 2011 at 19:07
Red Neck says:
Just took my dog for a walk to clear my head. The first person I saw was a bloke in a city shirt. I have seen this same bloke a hundred times before walking his dog but this is the first time he’s worn it. I tried to get my dog to bite him but she wouldn’t. My dog isn’t usually fussy, she will eat sheep shit, fox shit and badger shit but apparently not blue shit.
October 23, 2011 at 19:08
Mikekelly12 says:
A simple thing to remember is no matter how much I’m hurting right now having just been beaten 6-1, I’d still rather be a Manchester United supporter than a blue!
October 23, 2011 at 19:13
Red Life says:
What i still can’t get round my head was at 4 – 1 we should have shut up shop, their last 2 goals were school boy stuff. All i saw was Smalling and Rio against a wall of blue.

This result doesn’t matter now, it’s gone. It’s who laughs last. We need that title no matter what!
October 23, 2011 at 19:40
Clint-iamyourpapii says:
I need help, Im falling to pieces, the qpr game cheered me up but now im dying. It hurts soo bad.
The last few years my Ex Girl – was cheering me up being a Utd fan aswell but now shes gone, my friends taking the piss, the Utd friends keeping busy, I feel all alone in the world.

When Messi scored that goal at Wembley. My heart was ripped, today Im emotionally shattered from the last week & today. How can we neglect tactics. Like SAF said at 4-1 we should have been defending not attacking even more. The side has lost all defensive sense, we attacked like mad at 2-0, 10 men.WHERE IS THE COMMON SENSE! Do we need Carlos Quieroz back? What’s gone wrong? Is it VDS retiring? Is it the lack of consistancy in defence? Have we forgotten that a solid defence is the best foundation to sucess. Why is this club playing like Arsenal? Why? SAF needs to find the answers and deal with it. He is the manager and needs to sort it out, Crackdown is needed, hair dryer plugged in and let it rip on those overpaid spineless players that didn’t turn up for the last month.

We are not in turmoil, its a blip that needs to solved before it spirals out of control.
We need to go back to basic, Boring play? I suggest playing;

Smalling,Rio,Vida,Evra,Valencia,Carrick,Fletcher,Park,Rooney, Chico for the next month.

Then have Cleverley,Jones,Fabael Da Silva,Young,Nani,Welbeck go in and out of the team. But the spine of De Gea, Rio,Vida,Smalling, Carrick,Fletch,Rooney,Park, Giggs remain.
———————————————————————————————————
Feel like bitch trying to keep a smile up as a front. WHY!
How can a loss in a sport hurt so much?

RANT OVER !
October 23, 2011 at 19:49
Danizizu says:
20 on the way.Up United
October 23, 2011 at 19:53
Sandeep1878 says:
Good evening Red Devils around the world,

cheer up fellas, with all due respect to my beloved club, players, fans and Sir Alex, shit happens in life and it happened today.

time to move on pals, we have lots to look forward and learn from these defensive goof ups.

i m sure we will be improving and goodison park is not the best place to revive but this is manchester united and we can do anything,

we will be back to hit them all..

#############

in the midst of masacre, we forgot this beautyful goal!!

##########

Costas,

for me, the one against Everton stands out, it was more difficult, congested and required quick thinking, precision and power..

########

Papii,

two good things,

one is you rant and

the second is the end of your rant

wasup pal,
October 23, 2011 at 19:54
Sandeep1878 says:
Tottenham Hotspurs 4-1 Manchester United 1995/96 (won the league)
Southampton 6-3 Manchester United 1996/97 (won the league)
Newcastle United 5-0 Manchester United 1996/97 (won the league)
Chelsea 5-0 Manchester United 1999/00 (won the league)
Manchester United 1-4 Liverpool 2008/09 (won the league)
Manchester United 1-6 Manchester City 2011/12 (will win the league)!!

BELIEVE!
October 23, 2011 at 19:58
Mikekelly12 says:
If we win the league this year we can look back on today as a bad (very bad) day at the office! Let’s hope that come our return meeting the players remember what happened today and put it right!! We were unbelievable at home last season dropping only 2 points in the whole campaign! We’ve dropped more already and to our bitterest neighbours!! Let’s hope we can get that home form back and quickly!
October 23, 2011 at 19:59
Dela says:
City at top of the table is something I don’t think will last. I’ve made it clear earlier that I think they got very lucky today in that the sending off really changed United for the worse, and the last three goals in particular were entirely down to United needlessly pushing forward in a game they had lost already. But on City, who have they played? They played Spurs and us (both away fixtures for them). Spurs had a horrendous start and got hammered, and United today just had a very very bad off day that City capitalized on. But who else have they played?

I decided to grab the fixture lists for this side of Christmas to point out the games, and to show why I think that gap is bound to disappear by the end of the year, setting us up for a terrific second half of the season…

MANCHESTER CITY
———————————————————–

1. Swansea (H) — WON
2. Bolton (A) — WON
3. Spurs (A) — WON
4. Wigan (H) — WON
5. Fulham (A) — DRAW
6. Everton (H) — WON
7. Blackburn (A) — WON
8. Aston Villa (H) — WON
9. Man Utd (A) — WON
10. Wolves (H)
11. QPR (A)
12. Newcastle (H)
13. Liverpool (A)
14. Norwich (H)
15. Chelsea (A)
16. Arsenal (H)
17. Stoke (H)
18. West Brom (A)

So basically, the only two difficult fixtures City have had are Man United and Spurs. To be fair, they played both away, but they beat Spurs at possibly the best time to play them, and against United today, if it were 11 v 11, it could have been a different game. Who else have they played? Now look what they have left. Liverpool at Anfield, Two weeks later they go to Stamford Bridge to Chelsea. Then they play Arsenal at Eastlands. They also have to host Newcastle.

The obvious difficulties in there are Liverpool and Chelsea, both away, and both will be utterly determined to beat City. Arsenal I don’t think will be much of a problem for them. Now let’s look at United..

MANCHESTER UNITED
———————————————————–

1. West Brom (A) — WON
2. Spurs (H) — WON
3. Arsenal (H) — WON
4. Bolton (A) — WON
5. Chelsea (H) — WON
6. Stoke (A) — DRAW
7. Norwich (H) — WON
8. Liverpool (A) — DRAW
9. Man City (H) — LOST
10. Everton (A)
11. Sunderland (H)
12. Swansea (A)
13. Newcastle (H)
14. Aston Villa (A)
15. Wolves (H)
16. QPR (A)
17. Fulham (A)
18. Wigan (H)

The draw against Stoke was our equivalent of City’s draw at Fulham.. they’ve yet to go to Anfield, and then obviously today’s loss. 20 points from a possible 27 is 3 points better off than at this time last year, but of course, that’s not much of a comfort at the moment.

Still, what do we have left? Everton away is one we might be worried about next week, but after today, and the fact that Everton have only picked up ten points AND lost 4 already (2 at home), I really can’t see anything other than a United win. After that, you could maybe single out Newcastle at Old Trafford as a potential difficultly – one we share with City.. and the fixtures around it all have United as favourites for sure.

Fulham was a difficult one last year, should have won. Missed a penalty etc., but again, I don’t think they will be a problem with 7 points from 9 games behind them.

Hopefully today’s loss will prompt a positive reaction from our players to prove themselves and show the Premier League that we mean business. If so, then I think that gap between us and City is bound to fade away between now and the end of the year, setting it up for some juicy games next year, not least of all will be on April 28th, 2012, — Manchester City vs. Manchester United. Third last game of the season, we have then only Swansea at home and Sunderland away to finish the season. City, on the other hand, will have to follow that game up with an away game against Newcastle, and then QPR at home.

But ye, only 9 games in. Today hurt but let’s look forward!
October 23, 2011 at 20:02
Sandeep1878 says:
Happy birthday Wayne Rooney (24th October),

sorry lad, try enjoying it in whatever way possible.

Shit happens pals, we gotta move on.
October 23, 2011 at 20:04
gora says:
fucking pathetic.at least rent boys lost.too too open our play is,evra was evra 2dae,5 goals from our left hand side.omg anderson.lol.smalling is too one dimensional at ryt back.fuck u evans
October 23, 2011 at 20:06
Sandeep1878 says:
Dela,

thanks for fixture review mate, much appreciated.

yeah we goota move on, this is Manchester United and we are a Red Machine..
October 23, 2011 at 20:08
moscow JT says:
19
October 23, 2011 at 20:09
Sandeep1878 says:
Gora,

what the fuck?,

cheering the lads when they lift the trophy and calling for their heads when down?

agreed, it was a humiliating defeat, why are you over reacting with funny comments based on one game..

till now, we were singing the versatility fo smalling and all of a sudden he is one dimensional..
October 23, 2011 at 20:13
Manchester Man says:
Red Neck – thanks for that comment – made me laugh out loud on a day I could weep
Cheers Buddy
October 23, 2011 at 20:13
Vishal S says:
Just hope we win the league at Citeh’s ground. We play them in our third last league game. Will really heal the pain forever if we win it there.
October 23, 2011 at 20:13
pablo says:
listen reds one major factor in all of this…..anderson is shite shite shite…..when the fuck is this clown gonna step up to the plate.£18m of dross..no excuses this alleged footballer has had enough chances but is going fucking backwards….rant over
October 23, 2011 at 20:16
FletchTHEMAN says:
Thanks to Fletcher for at least taking a shot on goal. Sad day to be a red. Well played to the Blues. It was defo their day.

I am really looking forward to a response from the players. If not, they should consider other employment.

Still a long season ahead and good to get a bad game behind them. Sad it was this one, but so be it.

ComeOn U Reds! # 20 is still ours to loose!
October 23, 2011 at 20:23
Clint-iamyourpapii says:
Hey sandeep thanks for the great past results, kind of helped
Hope we win the league, they broke our hearts today, only the league can cure it.

I still believe Chelsea is the main threat but City will be around there taking points.
Chelsea are still monsters, qpr game proved it, City are very similar to Liverpool of 3 seasons ago.
Lets wait it out and see who’s there by Febuary then take the battle to them.

6 fucking 1 at Old trafford, where we are untouchable, to cross town rivals.
We earnt our money,trophies,players,history,sucess.

This is hurting bad,
Bye RoM, will be back when I feel good, could be days/weeks.
October 23, 2011 at 20:23
Vishal S says:
http://sportwitness.ning.com/forum/topics/john-terry-qpr-racist-anton-ferdinand

Will the FA react??
October 23, 2011 at 20:25
WillieRedNut says:
Dela – Not being funny here, but none of that matters. It’s their day. Saying, it won’t last for city, is clutching at straws of shit. They hit us for 6 in our back yard. I trust the manager 100% to lift this lot. But make no mistake, they let the club/fans and our own manager down a bucket full today. Of course we can recover. United always have that in them. Today though, we were left shame faced. Still a Red to the day I die! I’d rather suffer in a lower league, than be a blue nose. Over and out!
October 23, 2011 at 20:27
Fred says:
Vishal – on today’s evidence, we’ll probably be giving them a guard of honour in that game.
October 23, 2011 at 20:30
T4M says:
i dont understand why everyone is after evans?he got stupidly sent off but he had no choice.balotelli would have scored.its one of those “take one for the team” moments.if that was jones(who has been praised over the top)or smalling im sure none of you would say a word.
October 23, 2011 at 20:31
slim says:
Feel gutted for the Reds in Manchester tonight
October 23, 2011 at 20:35
CedarsDevil says:
Mikekelly & Red Neck

True reds to the bone the both of you…. Reading your posts just lifted my spirits. I say that with no disrespect to anyone else here
October 23, 2011 at 20:37
JayDizzle says:
20
October 23, 2011 at 20:38
WillieRedNut says:
We’ve dished it out over the years. We have to take our medicine now. Put the on
October 23, 2011 at 20:38
Fred says:
T4M – surely letting Balotelli go 1 on 1 with De Gea and the possibility of him scoring would have been a more sensible way to “take one for the team” than giving City the man advantage for the entire second half, as well as the possibility of a goal from the resulting free-kick or even penalty. Did he just think he would get away with it? We were completely fucked from that moment.
October 23, 2011 at 20:39
Sandeep1878 says:
Fred,

its a long way mate, done ven think of giving those scums a guard of honor in their ground, there wont be anything more sickening..

fact that we alreadsy faced the big once makes some point here,

not everyday city will score like this but accepted that have been free scoring..

this is Manchester United and we always respond mate..

#############

Pablo,

thanks for the praise on Ando..

##############

Papii,

cheers mate but i request you to comeback soon, ROM will miss you.

cheer up pal, at worst, be back by Tuesday..
October 23, 2011 at 20:41
FletchTHEMAN says:
Evans, bad decision but likely saved a goal. It was Smalling’s error that set it up. What I just can’t stand was Rio and Fletcher just jogging through the last 10 minutes. Even the freekin ref had more movement than our central defense.

Like I said. Hoping this is a one off. Evans will be crucified but at least he tried to get a boot in. Rio has some thinking to do. MF was out to sea as well. Not the Reds we all love that’s for sure.

Want a good response this entire week. Need something to take away this bitter taste.
CSKALandon loosing isn’t even going to make up for this a little. Just depressed.
October 23, 2011 at 20:42
CedarsDevil says:
Willie

Evening my alter ego! Hahaha

Spot on, we dished it out so many times over the years… Guess we were due one
October 23, 2011 at 20:43
Fred says:
If there’s one team who know how to defend a lead, it’s Mancini’s Ciddy. If there’s one team you don’t want to be chasing the game against, it’s them. Chasing the game against them with a numerical disadvantage, well that’s just a nightmare.
October 23, 2011 at 20:43
Dela says:
@WillieRedNut –> Ye, I never said it wasn’t their day or that the lads didn’t leave themselves and everyone around the club down, I’m simply pointing out that the 5 point rift – which is getting unbelievable hype in the media – is very unlikely to last. I do think that the fact that we’ve already dealt with the Anfield fixture, and have already played against Chelsea and Arsenal once, is significant. I didn’t put up the fixtures between now and the end of the year to dismiss what happened today, I’m simply looking ahead at what to expect this half of the PL season. After all, the league is bigger than any one game, and I’m confident we will go on to win the league despite losing 6-1 at home.
October 23, 2011 at 20:44
Fred says:
Evans saved one goal, cost us five. Nice one, Jonny!
October 23, 2011 at 20:45
Balaji Sivaraman says:
@Fred, Not sure whether you read the other thread, but you were taken aback to my post meant only in jest I direct your attention to my post at 19:07 on the other thread and sincerely hope there are no hard feelings.
October 23, 2011 at 20:47
Sandeep1878 says:
Hello CedarsDevil,

was hoping to see your arrival,

as expected some of the fellow match day bloggers have gone over board on our players, even to the extent of abusing them..

cant stop this..can we?

i have given up on that buddy,
October 23, 2011 at 20:48
Fred says:
Ohhh, thanks mate. No hard feelings at all.
October 23, 2011 at 20:48
CedarsDevil says:
Evans was immense in the first half…… Right now dish out your best at me for saying that

The whole team collapsed today…. Toughest part was watching the boss post match
October 23, 2011 at 20:49
Fred says:
Evans was good in the first half, that much is true.
October 23, 2011 at 20:49
Red Neck says:
CedarsDevil
Hello mate, very good of you to say so.
October 23, 2011 at 20:50
T4M says:
fred,evans will still have gotten stick for leving balotelli free.
October 23, 2011 at 20:51
FletchTHEMAN says:
Right, Still proud that we were still going for it after Darrons goal. Just seems like they got us on every counter. Couldn’t stop them in midfield for the last 15 minutes. Feel sorry for DeGea. He didn’t deserve that. Played a good game. Sure glad it din’t get worse. Still can sleep nights with 8-2 for consolation.
October 23, 2011 at 20:51
Vishal S says:
@Fred
Just one thing my fellow red. From the time i’ve started to watch and follow Manchester United and Sir Alex, i’ve learnt one beautiful thing. NEVER GIVE UP. No matter how uphill the task is. We’ve never been scared away from any challenge and this is a challenge i fully expect Sir Alex to overcome.

Reading sir alex’s interview tells me one thing. Sir Alex will for sure be making some tough decisions. I trust him.

And all the young players at the club would have seen the bad side today and they’ll learn even more from this battering. De Gea, Smalling, Jones, Welbeck, Hernandez would have learnt more from today’s loss than from the victories we’ve had all season. I hope all these younger players play against everton and put on a performance. If they do, it will speak a lot about their character and mental strength.

We all as supporters of this club can do one thing, and that is to cheer on the team. Sir Alex and United have given us too many joyous moments and today can be the perfect token of appreciation by giving him and his team the full backing
and expecting them to put on a show for all the true supporters for the remainder of the season.

We’ve all had a terrible day!
BUT
Every sunshine brings a new opportunity with it !
In Fergie i trust.
October 23, 2011 at 20:52
Balaji Sivaraman says:
@Fred, Ohh, cheers mate.

Cedars and Sandeep, if you haven’t read Sir Giles’ belter of a post in the other thread, then please do, one helluva post that one.
October 23, 2011 at 20:54
Fred says:
Someone suggested that the same XI who started in this shocker should be put out against Aldershot. I think it’s good psychology and will be beneficial for the players and the fans to get over today’s thrashing – especially as the next proper game is Everton away (another tough test.)
October 23, 2011 at 20:55
Mikekelly12 says:
Cedars
As are you pal. Cheers for the comment. It’s a bitter blue pill that we must swallow and rectify as soon as possible. The next game can’t come soon enough.
October 23, 2011 at 20:56
WillieRedNut says:
Dela – 5 points is fuck all at this stage of the season. We’ve clawed back bigger leads in the past. City though, present a different challenge. They’re an emerging force, whether we like it, or not. The manager is up for that challenge. We should be as well.
October 23, 2011 at 20:57
Fred says:
T4M – getting some stick is one thing, causing that abomination we witnessed today is another.
October 23, 2011 at 20:58
Devil310 says:
Hello Reds…

Don’t know what to say really….lost for words. I can believe we let ourselves get shat on our own home. It is so UNLike United. Yes, Evans is a fuck up and got sought out AGAIN but you dont go from a 1-0 with ten men, to a 6-1 loss at home. The kid isn’t starring 11 United quality. I can see both Smalling and Jones taking over those central positions, but not Evans. Not only is he clumsy but he gets caught wrong sided time after time

Aside from that, I think this is the only game I’ve seen where we lost without any dignity. I really hope this is a bounce back point, because this spineless performance, even before the sendoff, does not dignify the history of this club
October 23, 2011 at 20:58
Neil_loves_United says:
Ain’t been on this for a while. Absolutey devastated/shocked with the result. Don’t think it’s really sunk in yet. Never imagined the result would be 6-1 when I was thinking about the game this morning. It was there to see in recent games we needed a kick up the arse. This result could make or break our season. I’m sure Fergie will sort this out. Rio really needs to get his act together along with Paddy.

Fuck it, we’ll be back I’m sure of it. Never write us off.

We’ll keep the red flag flying high…
October 23, 2011 at 20:59
berbatunday says:
@ Papii

great post at 19:40 l guess we need CQ back or some defensive coach
October 23, 2011 at 21:01
CedarsDevil says:
Mikekelly

We have had our down moments over the years eh? Blessed as United fans that these such moments have been far and few in between…. Still fucking hate them blue scum bastards though! hahaha

I am sure you gave it your best today pal…..

Red Neck – Pleasure buddy
October 23, 2011 at 21:03
CedarsDevil says:
Balaji – I always read posts by Sir Giles my friend… Thanks for the alert
October 23, 2011 at 21:05
Balaji Sivaraman says:
I know some people including Willie were saying we needed to invest big in the summer, while others like Cedars (and maybe King Eric) were saying that we had enough to make a case with Tom stepping up. What I detest is if fans change their opinions, I know none of you guys did. But some people who gloated over our second half demolition of City in the Shield match and said stuff like we put them in their place with a bunch of kids, are now saying that we need to buy a new mid-fielder and need to sell Anderson and Fletcher. This is the same Anderson that played brilliantly along with Cleverly in the Shield match. So, one demolition (TBH, it was more of a 3-1, I don’t remember the 3 goals going in in my head at all) changes the fact that we were so good in the early part of the season.

I will honestly say this, I felt after our initial few games that Tom was the Anderson to Scholesy’ retirement and believe King Eric when he said he fully expected Tom to step up to the final challenge. Of course, we still had those defensive problems, but our attacking threat with those two in MF meant that we always could score more than the opposition which we did in the early part of the season. I still believe that with Tom’s return, we will see an improvement in our play against all opposition, and especially given that the teams we are going to be playing are in the bottom rung of the league (with the exception of Everton).

Plus, for all the people saying we need a new MF, I don’t begrudge your opinions, but I am ignorant when it comes to who is available in the market, so could you please point out who is available and what the asking price is and whether they go along with our current setup. I am sure if many such options were available then Sir Alex and his scouts would’ve gone over each of them to see whether they were willing to join United. I also agree with what people like Denton and FITB have been saying in that we don’t need a creative force like Sneijder since we have that in Cleverey, we need more of a Keane type MF. Somebody who is going to act as a destroyer from the middle of the park.

To be honest, I expected Sir Alex to use Phil Jones in that position, and he did play there last week against Liverpool but not with a lot of success. I am not sure who is available in that role as well since they don’t make them like they used to anymore. So, I still believe that there are not a lot of ready made answers available in the world of football right now, and if there were I am sure Sir Alex would’ve assessed them and made the necessary decisions.

Which all brings me to the point that there is no use arguing over whether we should’ve bought anyone in the summer or not? The fact is that we are in October right now, and the best we can do is utilize the tools at our disposal along with our very efficient youth setup to make the charge towards the 20th. I don’t expect any signings in the January window for many of the aforementioned reasons; unless some great readymade player is suddenly made available in January, we will have to make do with what we can. I don’t think Pogba is ready for the big league quite yet as well. So that rules out him or Ravel.

Another thing that needs mention is that, apart from the fact that City haven’t really been tested so far, they also have come through their two big tests with flying colors. They have to be commended for that. But it also needs to be highlighted that, apart from Carlos’ antics, there haven’t been any disruptions in their squad in terms of injuries. More than half of our squad has been devastated by some long term injuries. These may sound like excuses, but I think they definitely need to be highlighted when looking at City’s early season form. They may still continue in the same vein even if hit by injuries, but that still remains to be seen.

This squad is definitely good enough to win the Premier League, and I still maintain what I said in the beginning of the season that this overall squad is one of the best – if not the best – in world football right now. One freak result thanks to a lot of factors does not change that fact. As I said, I will change my name if we don’t win the 20th in May.
October 23, 2011 at 21:07
pablo says:
sandeep 1878 sorry to be so negative about anderson but seriously when has this bloke ever won a game for us…? he plays in a fucking major part of the pitch and is consistently supported by the manager…..payback time is fucking long overdue
October 23, 2011 at 21:08
CiTyBlUe says:
I told you we would rip you apart and what happened, we just made history again and you lot of plastic pansies just got a piece of what you deserve. We’re saving the rest for later chumps.
October 23, 2011 at 21:10
Sandeep1878 says:
Balaji,

great post mate..

you are one of those detailed and long post blogger…

i think the fans are high on emotions and talking things they wouldnt have otherwise,

all will be well my friend,

i have to shower some praise for Silva, for me, so far, he is the best PL player along with Rooney, nani and aguero..
October 23, 2011 at 21:10
Fred says:
We need some real men, like we had in the ’94 and ’99 squads. I can’t help wondering if we’re not becoming a bunch of fannies like the Arsenal team of recent years.
October 23, 2011 at 21:12
Sandeep1878 says:
CityBlue,

yeah save the rest for coming may, thats when we hit the final nail on the coffin,

and make sure you watch out for this space when we lift that fucking trophy up ur arse..
October 23, 2011 at 21:12
Fred says:
Balaji – I seem to recall that while King Eric was optimistic about Cleverley, he wanted us to sign Big Wes Sneijder too.
October 23, 2011 at 21:14
Fred says:
CiTyBlUe must have seen the red card for Evans in his crystal ball, because that is the sole reason they were able to tear us apart today.
October 23, 2011 at 21:14
CedarsDevil says:
When Newcastle ripped us to shreds 5 – 0 we were written off…. Southampton netted 6 past us, was all doom and gloom… then we went on to win the league…

A few years ago the dippers put 4 past us at OT, some ran away, we responded and won the league..

Today’s result hurts, causing me to even bleed but we will bounce back. Have we not over the years?

Keep the faith fellas…. Win draw or lose… Just keep the love
October 23, 2011 at 21:15
Balaji Sivaraman says:
@Fred, Yeah, I recall that as well, I was not sure which is why I added the “maybe”.

LOL at your other post! I think you may have a point. I was saying to my dad that Gary Neville and Roy Keane would not have accepted such a pathetic all round performance from their players. I also think that none of our “leaders” really stepped up today like a Keano would have. I have been a long time supporter of Rooney to take the mantle of leading the team from the front and providing the necessary thrust when our backs are against the wall, but he did not do that today. I still think he is the only person capable of doing that though! We certainly need someone like that. Someone who grabs our players by the scruff of the neck, someone who doesn’t take no for an answer and someone who leads the team forward when we are having off-days like this one.
October 23, 2011 at 21:16
gaz says:
fuck getting pissed doesnt take this hurt away im lost…
October 23, 2011 at 21:17
WillieRedNut says:
Balaji – KE wanted Sneijder as well mate. We don’t need him tbh. We need someone who can get about the pitch and put their fucking foot in. Combative/holding midfielder, whatever the fuck they’re calling them these days, is what we need in our midfield. Sorry for all the expletives. Just seen my team get hosed!
October 23, 2011 at 21:18
CiTyBlUe says:
Sandeep, the only trophy you will be lifting this season is a trophy bought from your local trophy shop to comfort yourself at nights with when its all cold and lonely after watching us rip that title from you all.

Think ill go watch the highlights one more time and savour the memory, thats all you will be left with after winning nothing this season.

Berties and Plastics!
October 23, 2011 at 21:19
pablo says:
cityblue what next for you cunts…champions league…olympics….ryder fucking cup….wimbledon…rugby world cup….the ashes….you are a plastic club with plastic supporters just tramps that have won the lottery no fucking class or history whatsoever.bet you’re wanking over youre noel gallagher picture on your wall eh you prick.
October 23, 2011 at 21:20
WillieRedNut says:
Wishful thinking to unearth another Keano. He would’ve put Silva in the top tier of the North stand!
October 23, 2011 at 21:20
Balaji Sivaraman says:
@Sandeep, Yeah, it’s an occupational hazard of being a blogger, long posts that is.

@Willie, Yeah, that is what I have been feeling as well. At the time I wanted Sneijder because he was Sneijder and because Sir Alex wanted him as well. But seeing our defensive frailty over the past month is leading me to agree with FITB and Denton (and you as well) who have been saying for a long time that the combative mid-fielder is what we need right now. But, as I asked in my gargantuan post, who is available in that position in world football right now, and how do we know whether Sir Alex didn’t already make a pass at him?
October 23, 2011 at 21:21
CiTyBlUe says:
For any United fans wanting to speak to someone before doing themselves, a hotline has been setup to help you out.

Call 0161 61 61 61
October 23, 2011 at 21:21
CedarsDevil says:
Recycling plant shit? hahahaha

Funny that
October 23, 2011 at 21:23
CedarsDevil says:
Willie – More like as far as Bolton buddy! hahaha
October 23, 2011 at 21:25
pablo says:
city blue just fuck off eh
October 23, 2011 at 21:25
Neil_loves_United says:
Also did everyone see United fans leaving early? People that did don’t deserve their season tickets. I know people that would love ST’s but unfortunately don’t have the financial power to possess them. Yet it’s these spoilt brats who have them.
October 23, 2011 at 21:26
Balaji Sivaraman says:
http://sportwitness.ning.com/forum/topics/25092011-anderson-darren-fletcher-manchester-united-draw-stoke

The above is a brilliant post written by Annie Eaves on September 25th, 2011.

And it pretty much speaks about what Costas has been screaming about for a long time – That the Fletcher and Anderson partnership has no chance of working. I will put my head through a brick wall for Sir Alex, but this is one of those decisions that I never understand, and the fact that he has used the same partnership repeatedly despite evidence suggesting that it is never going to work beggars belief.

I also feel that, in time, Jones could be that player who everyone has been saying about. Like Annie mentioned, someone like Busquets, somebody who is going to put their foot in, somebody who is going to make a nuisance of themselves, and somebody who is going to break up all their play. This is what I felt during the summer as well, but last week’s game provided evidence against that thought. I still feel he might eventually end up there, but needs to be bedded in against the lower half of the league if that is the over-arching plan as far as Jones is concerned.
October 23, 2011 at 21:28
parryheid says:
Was it only last Sunday I was highlighting the rotation in huge numbers was masking our midfield problem well well see you all are starting to focus now.Wouldn’t mind taking bets that shortly gets booted into touch.then we may see the fluency I mentioned was lacking taking shape.Too late until January till measures are taken with the midfield who knows what damage might be done by then and I’m not just talking about the league,today was a Godsend for all our opponents.
October 23, 2011 at 21:29
Mikekelly12 says:
Cityblue
Just tried calling that number but nothing happened? Could you check it?
October 23, 2011 at 21:32
CedarsDevil says:
CityBlue

Enjoy your moment, I have no grudges against you….. Today marks your club’s biggest achievement, enjoy it…. We have a history of winning trophies. Look us up on Google, its Manchester United
October 23, 2011 at 21:33
WillieRedNut says:
Balaji – I’m sure there’s players out there we could sign. I’m not great with names mate. It doesn’t have to be the most obvious name. We’ve up graded other areas of the squad. I’m sure Fergie could find someone. The lad at Rennes is a big physical cunt? Probably cost a few quid though.
October 23, 2011 at 21:34
Fred says:
CiTyBlUe is a typical one of those “Manchester United Ruined My Life” bitter Bertie Magoo bastards. A 6-1 win against a 10-man United today doesn’t quite make up for the lifetime of torment that comes with being a fan of ickle Man Ciddy and living in the shadow of the most famous club in the world.
October 23, 2011 at 21:40
philco says:
I live in Londonderry . Not too many bitters to be seen or found h ere to be honest. Today in the bar were chelsea, everton and Utd. And two city cunts I’ve never seen before in my life. At the final whistle, everyone just carried on as normal. No one took the piss. Everyone was in a kind of shock. Except these two bitters. Once they started a wee song and 10 reds just turned and stared. Song over. Every red there accepts what happened. Were not happy about it and we’re not going to to let some jumped up bitter bastards gloat like they deserve or earned it. Utd were woeful today for many different reasons but we’re still Utd and we’re still champions . It hurts , but we’ll recover.
One swallow doesn’t make a summer and one win doesn’t make shitty better.
We are Utd.
Red Til I Die.
October 23, 2011 at 21:41
youCANTbuyTHISfeeling says:
Tiger blood aaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrggggggggggghhhhhhhhh!! Piss off city, Manchester is RED. One game don’t change shit. Have perspective but have faith!
http://soundcloud.com/the-vaccines/the-vaccines-tiger-blood/s-0UEZ8
October 23, 2011 at 21:46
CedarsDevil says:
Willie

Where have you been my love? I sort of miss you and need a hug
October 23, 2011 at 21:47
Fred says:
That shut the CUNT up!
October 23, 2011 at 21:49
WillieRedNut says:
Cedars – I need a smith and Wesson.
October 23, 2011 at 21:55
CedarsDevil says:
Shoot the fucker in the head…. Trust me you could get away with it here
October 23, 2011 at 22:05
Hans says:
Just came back from OT (420 mile return journey) and I still cannot believe that I witnessed such a humiliation. Left North Stand Third tier at 1:4 (it became too painful) and could not believe that before I got out of the stadium they had scored another two.

From up there, during first half in particular, it was obvious that we desperately need a midfielder with vision. Several times we had players in good positions but players who had the ball at those moments failed to spot them. At the back, I cannot understand how we let the Italian dick-head unmarked. I was very disappointed with Anderson, Nani, Young, Rio, Evans, Smalling and Evra. It was a shame they were not fired up like their supporters, who made the club proud today. I felt sorry for Rooney who was running himself to the ground, but to no avail.

I hope this is a wake up call and we can recover from this embarrassment and turn things around. Glad this was not end of season decider. We can still do it.
October 23, 2011 at 22:09
WillieRedNut says:
I’m a glutton for punishment. Watching motd 2. Hansen will have a field day with our horrible defending.
October 23, 2011 at 22:16
Eric Cantona Told Me To Tweet says:
It was painful. And it still hurts. But at some points we need to swallow the pill. The recent scorelines have flattered us to be honest. We were exposed for way too much for our own good, but yet we grab the point(s). There would be a day where we would not only be exposed but had to swallow the pill at the end of the game. But I wish that day wasn’t today.

The good thing is that our young players are now awake (hopefully they are), that being a United player does not mean we were invincible of getting beat like today. Because no matter how spot on the tactic and strategy are, if players are being complacent, this will repeat by itself. But knowing United and SAF, this will be and has been taken care of.

Looking forward against Everton, which has never been an easy game for us and a good avenue to bounce back. I’m not asking for 8-0, just play great and with urgency. As Hector Barbossa from the Pirates once said.. “Heave! Heave like you’re being paid for it!”
October 23, 2011 at 22:18
Yesred says:
shitty’s win will be on the back pages of the papers tomorrow – Tuesday it will used for wrapping chips in.
October 23, 2011 at 22:27
NBI Red Onion says:
What is the most we have ever beaten City by? I need some amunition for the texts I am getting from Shitpie fans.

Where is @ Sandeep? Sandeep stats please – tell me that we beat them 7-0 in the past.
October 23, 2011 at 22:32
Fred says:
5-0 at Old Trafford in 1994 I believe.
October 23, 2011 at 22:35
Fred says:
Biggest winning margins in Manchester derby history:

United 1–6 City (23 January 1926)
United 0–5 City (12 February 1955)
United 5–0 City (10 November 1994)
United 1–6 City (23 October 2011)

That puts things in perspective somewhat, I suppose.
October 23, 2011 at 22:37
NBI Red Onion says:
@ Doghouse

I don’t buy this City are too new and inexperienced to win the EPL for one minute. They have a very good and experienced squad. Chelsea won within a couple of season of Russian cash and City have had a few seasons of Middle Eastern oil money. They are very capable of winning the EPL this season and they are extremely strong and have more depth than any other team in England.

As much as it guts me on current form I cannot see us beating them. They will not drop many points, they have huge competiton for places, enourmous levels of top quality cover, can buy again in January and are now 5 pts clear. I can’t see many teams beating them or taking points off them, they are also scoring goals for fun.

If Da Silva is injured and Aguero that may take a bit of steam out of them, but the way we have been playing for the last 2 months more or less, I cannot see us capitalising much as on current form we will drop more points than them. Our defence is just not holding and our midfield has been awful since Cleverly got injured. We can all hang out hats on Cleverly performing a messiah miracle on return and Vidic bringing back defennsive stability but by the time that happens the gap may have grown.

It is a 5 pt gap now. It could be 10 quite easily on current form and the coming games. If it gets to that kind of area where City are 9/10 pts ahead before xmas I can’t quite see us in the races and even Chelsea never had their depth so they will just reinforce and hold up as games come in thick and fast and Mancini is a good manager.

We really need to pull it out and make sure the gap between us does not get bigger between now and xmas.
October 23, 2011 at 22:39
NBI Red Onion says:
@ Fred

Thanks mate – f-me – how the hell did City thrash us by those scores 3 times. At least we have the 5-0. Some consolation I suppose.
October 23, 2011 at 22:39
Sandeep1878 says:
CityBlue..

what else the scums gotta do rather than watching one game highlights all season..

as i said,

up ur arse, watch out for the space..

defeat accepted, but look at your club, right from strikers to manager, its all a joke club with some fucking plastics like you who come here to post only you win against us and that happens once in a life time,

your life time is done, so shut the fuck up and keep watching this highlights for rest of your life while we continue outshine u scums by winning trophies after trophies..
October 23, 2011 at 22:41
Sandeep1878 says:
its 3 AM,

good night to my fellow red devils,

time for 3 hour sleep before office and how badly i need this sleep..

Red nights..

Manchester United – we always come back coz we are a Red Machine..
October 23, 2011 at 22:46
WillieRedNut says:
I don’t mind Bobby Manc actually. He showed some class today. He didn’t gloat, like the FSW has done in the past. Another point, did anyone notice big Ya Ya, or Barry? I thought they were quiet, but very effective at closing down any space in behind. Every team need an assurance policy. Food for thought, for Fergie and United.
October 23, 2011 at 22:49
NBI Red Onion says:
Re United fans leaving the match early. I would like to see the fans who sit and watch the match quietly like watching Tv and then leave early if they don’t like the show booted out of OT and our fans from around the world who will shout their heads off come in.

Why can’t we have vuvuzelas at OT. I think it would be great if we have a couple of games where United fans from all over the world got to attend it would be a great carnival atmosphere and change this pathetic mentality home fans sometimes have.
October 23, 2011 at 22:58
Devil310 says:
NBI – I agree with you mate. But Also consider that City are yet to play Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal…as well as in-form Newcastle.

One thing that team does not have in their favor is team spirit and solidarity. It must be fun and games at the moment, but wait until they start having frustrating games, and you’ll see them turn on each-other like a bunch of money grabbing leaches that they are. This isn’t Maurihno’s Chelsea. This is a bunch of primadonnas playing only for money.

We’ll regroup and bounce back. We’ll stick together as a team, as always. This doesn’t mean that we are strong enough to win the title…we have our own problems that need fixing. But those Bitter cunts will implote half way through the season as they don’t have.

You’ll see…
October 23, 2011 at 23:02
byron1970 says:
This is not a knee jerk reaction to today’s disaster but more a culmination of our central midfield displays so far this season and last.

It’s getting a bit frustrating looking at the same central midfield pairings for a few seasons now. Only the brilliance of Scholes (and Giggs on occasion) has gotten us through and with their limited appearances and/or retirement, it has been an obvious gaping hole for two seasons now. I’ve posted before how Anderson frustrates me but now I’m afraid he looks more and more like a player who’s just not going to deliver. Flether just doesn’t use the ball well enough and doesn’t even win it back as much as he used to. Carrick, while always limited has clearly fallen out of favour now. The boss even mentioned that Gibson was injured in a recent press conference but if everything went according to plan last summer he’d be at Sunderland.

Cleverly is the only relatively unknown we have and I look forward to his return. He has been more than promising so far this season but it’s unfair to heap so much expectation on a player trying to establish himself in the side.

I don’t blame the manager for not getting Sneijder, if it’s true the type of wages he was looking for, then that’s simply too much, even for us. Personally I would have liked us to have gone after Mata who is comfortable and imaginative on the ball.

All that said, to even think for one second that the manager hasn’t identified this would be extremely foolish. One of his greatest asset is patience and the ability to see over the long term. I’m struggling to see what the current plan is exactly but then again I’m not a genius football manager so I’ll just have to keep the faith, which I might add, is something I find very easy to do when it comes to Mr. Ferguson.

Maybe he’s going to be patient with youth, maybe he’s going to buy someone in January or next summer but I for one would like to start to see a change to the Carrick/Fletcher/Anderson/Gibson combinations. This is not to say I want them all sold. I respect all they’ve done for the club but I would like to see some fresh faces and new styles, as with Cleverly, and hopefully Pogba over the next couple of seasons and maybe some unknown that I’m not aware of or isn’t yet at the club.

Aside, I’m not going to be too harsh on Evans today. He’s been fantastic all season but what on earth was he thinking. Inspite of the promise of Evans, Smalling, and Jones this season (the future is bright), it’s time we got Vidic back into the side as we’re really struggling without him now. Hopefully he’ll stay injury free now that he’s back.
October 23, 2011 at 23:06
NBI Red Onion says:
@ Devil310 – hope you are right mate, but with Tevez the troublemaker gone and trophies to compete for it may pull their players together. Guys like Da Silva, Barry and Yaya are the quiet type and the spine of their team are not really trouble makers. Balotelli, Auguero maybe…Tough call, let’s see…
October 23, 2011 at 23:14
NBI Red Onion says:
People do say that SAF favours Fletch because he is Scottish, however I think that is nonsense.

In terms of mid field pairings, SAF does not really have much choice. On his day Ando can do the job, he used to have players like Gerard in his pocket. Fletch used to be good at breaking up play but his distribution is awful and he has no vison in passing.

The alternatives were Carrick, Park or Giggs in the middle. To be honest, I think Park and Fletch or Giggs and Fletch or Carrick and Park would have been better combinations. I think Park would have done more here than Fletch or Ando and he has been scoring this season. But I agree with above posters that Fletch – Ando combo has not worked. But then nothing really does. Only Ando-Clev seemed to work and since then Ando has gone down hill faster than Suarez the donkey gnu dives.
October 23, 2011 at 23:21
Sparkz says:
I think the reason Fergie went with Fletch and Ando was for their energy levels. Carrick would’ve been good for this game, in that he’d sit and stop Silva etc finding those gaps…and his distribution would be better as well. But the flipside is that City were gonna press us high and try get in our faces after 20 mins or so, and that negates Carrick somewhat.

Bear in mind when we beat City 4-3…we absolutely dominated that game, and Fletch + Ando was the partnership there.

I’m assuming Cleverley will be back for Everton? Any updates guys?
October 23, 2011 at 23:23
ahjs says:
It’s inevitable they’re going to win the league sooner rather than later. It’s actually taken them a while, Chelsea came second in Abramovich’s first year and almost won the CL. The next year they won it.

What worries me is how vulnerable we are compared to City. Chelsea could have beaten us, Norwich possibly, Basle nearly, City thoroughly. There was the stat before the game that De Gea has made the most saves of and goalkeeper in the Premier League. You could play 442 with the combinations we used to have, we could even go to Stoke where Messi would be found out and win the game easily with Giggs and Scholes in the centre, but we’re lacking in that department, in terms of quality if not numbers. I’m happy we’ve bought the long term replacements for VDS and Rio but I’m not sure we have one for Scholes. Evra needs to be pushed, too. I like him, he’s obviously good on his day but I would never dare let him get complacent.
October 23, 2011 at 23:28
WillieRedNut says:
442 is outdated. It’s too fucking predictable. Especially in the big games. Fergie needs to rethink that one. Whether we go with a 451/433, or a 4231, we need something different. And less predictable.
October 23, 2011 at 23:28
byron1970 says:
Sparkz – In his press conference Sir Alex said that Cleverly was to start training on Friday so I’d imagine a weeks training won’t be enough for the Everton game. Probably more likely he’ll make his comeback against Otelul Galati or Sunderland.
October 23, 2011 at 23:39
Sparkz says:
@byron- cheers mate.

@Willie- 07-10 we always used to play 1 up top in big games (most of the time anyway). Since the emergence of Chicharito though (and then Welbeck) Fergie seems to be more and more inclined to go 2 up top in the big matches, and it has cost us a few times. I remember after the Barca game, I saw someone say that “The emergence of Hernandez won Utd the Premier League, but cost them the Champions League final”.

I just feel that we’re overrun in midfield too much in these big games, and you need an extra man in there, its suicidal otherwise.
October 23, 2011 at 23:50
ahjs says:
@WillieRedNut

I think 442 has cost us in Europe a lot over the years (mainly before 1999 but a bit afterwards, too). Ferguson knew it and worked hard to put this right, even dismantling and toying with Beckham-Keane-Scholes-Giggs quartet. He wouldn’t play 442 in a big European game anymore and City under Mancini are practically a continental side.

And Sparkz, just seen your post. You’re right, playing one up front is what we did almost all the time until last season. Our strikers give us a bit of a headache because Rooney (and Berbatov!) are best behind someone and not exactly at their best leading the line on their own. Hernandez obviously thrives with someone like Rooney behind him and would perhaps struggle to lead the line. Welbeck might be able to but then what to do with Rooney? On the wing? Do you compromise your best attacker? Is it worth it?

442 is outdated. It’s too fucking predictable. Especially in the big games. Fergie needs to rethink that one. Whether we go with a 451/433, or a 4231, we need something different. And less predictable.
October 23, 2011 at 23:58
Costas says:
That wasn’t 4-4-2. With Evra’s positioning, it was more like 3-5-2, so don’t complain that Fergie doesn’t change things around.

Anyway, 4-4-2 isn’t outdated. You just needed the right players and even more importantly, the right tactics. Today we had neither. 4-5-1 wouldn’t have made much difference seeing how easily Basel were ripping us open last month..
October 24, 2011 at 00:04
NBI Red Onion says:
This was not a game lost due to formation. No way.
October 24, 2011 at 00:07
Sparkz says:
@Ajhs- I think Rooney on form can more than adequately play up front on his own- 09/10 showed that.

A forward line of Nani-Rooney-Young would’ve caused them more than enough problems. Its the central zone that we got buggered in.

City are a much more narrow team than we are….people like Silva and Balotelli like to drift central. Aguero loves dropping deep. And on top of that they’ve got someone like Toure in there who loves striding forward with the ball at his feet. Basically…they are fuckin strong in central areas. And for us to just play 2 in there leaves us hopelessly outmanned, it’s just too open. The amount of times one of the centre backs had to come up the pitch and essentially become a defensive midfielder was ridiculous.

Same thing happened vs Chelsea….we had the beating of them in wide areas, but they overloaded
the central zone with 3/4 players at a time, and thats where they created so many chances. We got away with it that day because our wingers were on form and Chelsea weren’t ruthless enough in front of goal. But today, our wingers were poor and City WERE ruthless in front of goal, so we paid the price.

It’s almost as if Fergie’s gambling…….he’s almost happy to be overloaded and dominated in the central areas, as long as we can terrorise the opposition in wide areas.
October 24, 2011 at 00:11
WillieRedNut says:
It is imo. A change is needed. The Basel game was a poor performance. We could’ve played anything that night and still not of won the game. None of the other big sides play that formation. That’s for a reason. England stank the WC out, with a 442 formation. It’s no surprise to me, or anyone for that matter, when we play that way, we usually get over run in midfield. Personnel of course, is also needed.
October 24, 2011 at 00:18
WillieRedNut says:
I don’t know whats happening with Carrick atm. Ando has slipped back into his coma, after an encouraging start. Fletch isn’t match fit. The virus done for him last season. You can see, he’s still not right. The big hope is Cleverley. Since he got done by Davies, we’ve felt his absence in CM. Fergie hasn’t too many options left to tinker with. Jones, maybe? Even Park could do a job in there. Time for some forward thinking Fergie!
October 24, 2011 at 00:19
Costas says:
But the Basel game wasn’t so different to today’s. They were still creating chances for fun. And that was on a day we lined up with 4-5-1. Carrick actually had a good game. Imo the root of the problem is how this team has been prepared to defend. No matter the formation or the personel, defending has stopped being a team effort. We hope that Vidic or a midfield destroyer will keep our opponents at bay, but it’s really about all 10 outfield players defending properly and covering each other’s back.
October 24, 2011 at 00:28
WillieRedNut says:
Giggs had a free role though. He wasn’t restricted to the CM. We can’t expect a 37 year old to cover the ground. It’s not just the poor defending either. Which has been bad, to be fair. The lack of protection is very telling in all these games. Even Barcelona have an assurance in front of the back 4. IMO, if something is clearly not working, we have to try a different approach. That old adage, if you’re struggling, go back to basics. That’s what we have to do. Tough game to regroup at Everton. Big test of our character.
October 24, 2011 at 00:42
Sparkz says:
We’re basically extremely open, and extremely positionally naive. It’s not just the younger players either, Evra is just as guilty.

Now we got away with it until today, but this has surely gotta be the kick up the backside the players and the Gaffer need. There’s a limit to being adventurous, you’ve gotta be smart about it.

That goes for the players, who need some sort of discipline (we had Welbeck tracking Silva for the 5th goal ffs, where were the defenders!).

And it also goes for Sir Alex. An open 4-4-2 isn’t always gonna do the trick. Sometimes you’ve gotta look at the opposition, and almost do a “horses for courses” approach. This is something he’s actually been brilliant at over the last 5 years, especially in Europe. He is so good at preparing a line up based on the opponents as well what he wanted to do.

Whether it was something like playing Rooney out wide to track the opposition full back….or playing Park in an attacking midfield role so he could hassle Pirlo vs AC Milan…or having a specific way of playing vs Arsenal….Fergie was the master. I used to compare that to Wenger, who basically sent his best XI out with no thoughts about the opposition and how to what THEIR strengths were.

Last 6 months though, Fergie’s become a bit like that. Whether he’s getting a sense of adventure as he approaches 70, I dunno! But he seems almost complacent about the opposition, paying little attention to their strengths, and just sending his team out to do what we do best, attack.

The one exception over the last 6 months was vs Liverpool last weekend. He actually planned a specific team & formation for that game, it wasn’t just a case of “go out and play our game”. And tbh, the reason he did that was coz we’d been spanked at Anfield 3 years running, so he basically HAD to do something. As I said, today will hopefully be a wake up call for all concerned.
October 24, 2011 at 00:42
Costas says:
Back to basics, I definitely agree with. Not an easy ground to go to (last time we won there, Hargo was just starting his United career. That far back!), but like Ferguson said, it’s a challenge we have to respond to. And other than the tactics, it’s the players’ attitude that needs fixing. If this result didn’t knock the complacency out of them, I don’t know what will.
October 24, 2011 at 01:21
NBI Red Onion says:
We had a COMPLETE inablity to retain posession and penetrate through the middle. All our attacks game from the wing mainly the left and were shut down and predictable, on the counter attack, usually our strength, we basically only had the wings for outlets and they focused on that slowing our counter and you could see what we were trying to do – down the wing and cross – a mile away. There was too little creativity and the MF were shoved back into our own half too often, the forwards then dropped intp MF to try to get possession, the Ando/Fletch rarely ever made a decisive or penetrative forward pass or run, playing to the wings or each other on the level, or behind to Evra or Smalling making the RB’s initiate attacks the MF should be varrying forward.
October 24, 2011 at 01:24
WillieRedNut says:
Blase attitude, springs to mind. From the players and Fergie. Maybe not taking City as seriously, as they should have.
October 24, 2011 at 01:27
aimanunited says:
this team can still win EPL but CL is impossible…
I do hope united can win treble one more time before Sir Alex retire…
October 24, 2011 at 01:30
NBI Red Onion says:
Are De Rossi, Van Bommel and Diarra available? M DIarra is a holding mid right? Carrick plays that role for us I think now, though he was a creative mid originally initiating attacks rather than being a destroyer in front of the back 4. What about Yann M’Villa? http://www.imscouting.com/global-news-article/Yann-MVila-A-look-at-the-young-defensive-midfielder-on-Manchester-Uniteds-radar/13350/

Who know if we will have money from teh Signapore floatation which seems to have stalled?
October 24, 2011 at 01:43
Fred says:
Be serious, guys. We gave City, Arsenal, Spurs and Bolton the runaround with our trusty 4-4-2.
October 24, 2011 at 01:43
CiTyBlUe says:
Fred you retard, Ill think you will find Nottingham Forest and Liverpool are the most famous clubs in the world backed up by FACT.

Makes me laugh how you delibrately mis-spell City because it goes against the lie that Manchester is or ever was United, the fact is Manchester City were named Manchester by the lord mayor of Manchester 8 years before United were named Manchester by a bnuch of local businessmen so that says it all really don’t it.

If it was not for Manchester City, United would have been wiped off the face of the earth, just goes to show you forget about half your history because it does not fit your purpose.

You’re all a bunch of pathetic inbred muppets and the City of Manchester will always be the home of Manchester City, the clue is in the name and you lot hate it because the world now know you’re a bunch of FAKES.

The Premier League title will be ours this season and there is nothing you can do about it!

Prepare for more humiliation!
October 24, 2011 at 01:49
StatesideAussie says:
I hsve been wondering about our use of 442 for some time. It isn’t just a question of the strikers, though it obviously has implications upfront too. For me, it isn’t as easy as making a choice between 442, and 451/433, etc. It breaks down into a number of questions, all of which have some pretty big implications — not only for how we line up on matchday, but for the makeup of the squad too. Those questions include:

1. Do we want two strikers, or 1, or a variable setup (nominally 1, but with others “joining in”)? A lone striker presents a bunch of issues, including for the makeup of the squad. Any time we field a team with one designated striker, that shirt is going to be worn by WR. It is really difficult to see a role for our other strikers, except as super-subs, or in “lesser matches”. In my view, the implications of this are huge.

2. Do we continue to place a premium on having two wide players? It is very much a United tradition. And our squad is most definitely set up for it, with Nani, Younf and TonyV who are all specialist wide players and all of them A-list players too. If we move to some other tactical approach, do we need three top-level wide players? Can we use them enough to keep them all happy?

The second question is the main one, really, because it preempts the first. having two wide players forces us to choose between (a) having two strikers, or (b) having only two central midfielders.

And I do think that’s our problem — having only two central midfielders against teams that are set up like City is. That’s why SAF has tended toward 451/433 in the big European matches, and the bigger domestic matches, in recent years. But it’s tough, isn’t it, because there’s also a huge desire to get Hernandez or Welbeck (or Berbatov) on to the field as well, and to play any of those three, plus Rooney, plus two wide, and still have three in the middle … well, you can’t.

I sort of like the option where it might be written 442 (or 4411), but actually only one of the middle 4 is truly wide — we saw CR do this a bit before he left, playing wide but switching from side to side. It’s something Nani could do, I think. But I don’t see Young or TonyV in that role.

Another option would be 442 (or 4411) with two wide players, but have them “pinching in” when we don’t have the ball. But that seems risky, especially against better teams, because better teams have smarter players who can exploit the transiton time that’s required for the wide players to adjust between pinching in and spreading out.

I don’t know … just kicking some thoughts around. Not pretending to have the answer, just trying to explore some of the implications.
October 24, 2011 at 01:50
NBI Red Onion says:
@ CityBlue – you are so cute, we should just snog you. Poor sweet little baby pie, so full of hope and desperation ahhh..baby blue wants a title, it always good to have ambition, you go girl, life is a box of chocos. Remind me what you said about Chelsea when Abromovich bought Club and bought instead of earned success…? Come on sweetie pie, you can remember..
October 24, 2011 at 01:56
NBI Red Onion says:
@ Stateside

We tend to be set up to be more attacking at home and that usually works well for us so 4-4-2 was great on many occassions – remember Rooney and Pea last season and it has worked well for us at home.

SAF does change it a bit in Europe and away. However, we do not have a good enough CM at the moment to stop reliance on wide players. It does make us more predictable, but we really do not penetrate in the middle well unless Cleverly or possibly Giggs and Park play there.
October 24, 2011 at 02:01
WillieRedNut says:
What happened to our big game player, Park? Hindsight is wonderful. Leave Welbeck out and play Park instead. Deploy Park to get in Silva’s face? Disrupting him was key to stopping City’s attacks. That was my main concern. We never got to grips with him.
October 24, 2011 at 02:14
NBI REd Onion says:
@ willierednut

Agreed mate, I was hoping Park would start, I rate him higher than Ando / Fletch and he was on a decent scoring run.
October 24, 2011 at 02:30
StatesideAussie says:
I am also curious as to why Park did not play today. I was sure he would. Most of the previews in the media had him starting too.

Off topic … looks like I might lose my TV coverage on Nov 1 DirecTV are in dispute with News Corp over the cost of the Fox Soccer channels, which provide the coverage. They are already warning us subscribers that we will probably lose coverage as of Nov 1, for an indefinite period. Cunts, the lot of them. And if/when coverage does resume, it will no doubt be at a higher cost, which I may or may not be able to afford. Bastards.
October 24, 2011 at 02:57
NBI Red Onion says:
@ Stateside – if that happensmate keep an eye here for live web feeds not always as good but good enough.
October 24, 2011 at 03:02
zeeUnited says:
Yes, so we got humiliated, beaten, and completely hammered six goals to one, at our home, on the grass which grazed the babes and the kings of the past. This isn’t a rant, its a rally for all United supporters to unite.

This loss hurt, it hurt enough to put my unbalance my emotional health. But we’ll move on, against Alderecht and we will fight on. We think this loss is our, put things into perspective, rebuilding a team after the Munich air disaster was hard, Sir Matt’s rehabilitation was hard, putting on a jersey which belong to a deceased and walking out onto a football pitch is hard. This loss is absolutley nothing, in comparison to what our lads through history have gone through.

The Banter will be tough, oh god it will be excrutiating. But a 1-6 loss wont make you Liverpool, it will make us stronger. I will give us that determination, and that never say die attitude we accompanied before this game. The hurt on Sir Alex Ferguson’s face, during the post match interview was enough to make my heart sob, and I hope our “hero’s” will keep that look in their minds, whenever they think it’s necessary to do what they did.

Now the Twittersphere, post match was pointing all fingers @ Johnny Evans, but our entire defence is at fault. The experience of Rio and Patrice should’ve prevailed, Johnny Evans had a good game up until his moment of madness. Nani was completely off his game, and Ando needs to regain his early season form.

The Positive’s to be taken out of this match, is the amazing and tireless effort of Ashley Young. He attacked, defended, and showed why Sir Alex forged the money he did. He was our MoTm, and never gave up. Wayne Rooney, worked tirelessy throughout the game, and the passion he showed after he told of Rio, after one of the goals, showed us, where his head was.

In my early morning gruelling workout, the image I had in my head to fight on and Lunge that one more time, was the pain I felt through that loss. I live down under, and I was watching the game @ a supporters club, filled with both sets of supporters, and the red side never stopped singing with their hearts, and that’s how it should be. We need to use this result to push us. We need this result to recreate the United we fell in love with, I kinda feel for Everton, the wounded animal will be ready to bight back. If the wounded animal isnt ready to bight back, our players will need to take a long hard look @ themselves and reconsider if their worthy to wear our shirt.

But until then;

Then Raise United’s banner high,

Beneath it’s shade will never die

So KEEP THE FAITH AND NEVER FEAR

We’ll Keep the red flag flying here

We’ll Never Die

Regards Zee
October 24, 2011 at 03:42
StatesideAussie says:
NBI … yeah, I will do that. Trouble with live feeds is that the time often doesn’t work for me. I’m in California, so the weekend matches start anytime between about 4.30am and 10am, and I usually go with my son to his matches on Saturdays. It’s nice to be able to record them and watch when we get home. But yeah, I will figure out a way, somehow!
October 24, 2011 at 03:49
NBI Red Onion says:
Or make friends with a local United fan with full TV rts…:)

Interesting article – SAF looking to buy in Pea mould: http://www.manutd.com/en/News-And-Features/Football-News/2011/Oct/manchester-united-line-up-hernandez-type-signings.aspx?pageNo=2
October 24, 2011 at 06:40
CiTyBlUe says:
NBI Red Onion, don’t be a complete idiot all your life, do you seriously think United earned their glory through mythical hard work when the FACT is United have been buying glory since 1902 when you were taken over by local businessmen after United captain Harry Stafford encouraged them, they went on to bankroll United glory days.

Chelsea did nothing that United did not do first and you plastics are deluding yourselves if you think otherwise, When Chelsea was taken over by Roman I was actually quite happy for them because they had to put up with you lot just like everyone else so stick that down your wind pipe and blow bubbles out your ass.
October 24, 2011 at 06:46
voice of reason says:
I love this football club. Its more of a family to me than the one I have.
October 24, 2011 at 06:51
voice of reason says:
@city blue

enjoy ur day cause day like this will came far and in between for ppl like u.
United have earned wht ever they’ve achieved. Can’t say the same abt City, that a fact
October 24, 2011 at 07:03
Costas says:
Shity Blue is still here? Get a life you twat.
October 24, 2011 at 07:14
Vishal S says:
@cityblue
if i’m not wrong, all that money chelsea spent, actually has given them nothing comparable to united. We’ve won more titles than chelsea even after roman got the cash in. We’ve been more successful than chelsea. That’s a fact
Moving on to your small time club. When was it that you were taken over? How many trophies eh? 1 fucking fa cup. In that period we’ve won two league titles. The money you lot hav spent couldn’t even win you the UEFA CUP! Fulham have made it to last stages of the competition. Show’s a lot about your club, doesn’t it. Lets see if you lot can even make it to the group stages of champions league.
1 Billion 1 Trophy
so maybe another billion might just give you a sneaky little chance of another trophy! ;-D
October 24, 2011 at 09:27
GAZ says:
Cityblue- you dont have a clue you silly twat, all your club is an oil whores bitch all the money ploughed into your shithole could have been ploughed into Swansea just as much, so your only lotto winners, all you are are a soulless shit hole of a joke club, United is the greatest club in the world and will bounce back as we always do. BTW congrats on winning your cup final yesterday
October 24, 2011 at 16:16
RedLion says:
As much as i love Ando, yesterday the oppositions midfield showed what a true attacking midfielder can do! Incisive passing would be the correct way to describe it! Ando may be great, but is nowhere near Da Silvas level..
October 26, 2011 at 14:47
redbilly says:
Redneck re walking the dog.. I pissed myself at that one . Nice one . Funny enough , I now live in Surrey. Never see a City shirt but the last few days I have seen a couple. Probably on holiday with the winnings for a 6-1 bet , pricks..
October 26, 2011 at 14:51
redbilly says:
Did city buy hargreaves to gain inside info from a disgruntled player?

VIDEO: Fletcher’s Goal vs City

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