Our Carling Cup games have involved more experienced players than our FA Cup semi-final against Everton this weekend. Federico Macheda, Danny Welbeck, Rafael, Fabio, Darron Gibson all starting, as well as Ben Foster. Out of the first XI players, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic were the only usual first choice players.
Predictably, Ferguson has received flack for picking a young team. ‘Disrespecting the Cup’ seems to be the most common theme. There’s also the complaint for the fans who travelled all the way down to Wembley, paying an arm and a leg, to watch pretty much our Reserve team line-up.
Are these complaints justified?
As Ferguson argued this morning, the fact that the sixth best side in England couldn’t beat a team of our youngsters in normal or extra time proves they were good enough for the occasion. Penalty shoot-outs aren’t about luck, they’re about nerve, and two of our most experienced players lost theirs when it came to taking the penalties. The youngsters did themselves proud.
It’s not possible for our squad, given injuries and the number of games played already, for Ferguson to start our best team for every game, if we are going to compete on all fronts. We’ve already lifted two trophies and if we wanted to win more, we had to prioritise.
Whilst of course the FA Cup is a brilliant competition and well worth winning, there’s no way it takes priority over the Premiership or the European Cup. Just like our manager ranked the Premiership ahead of the Champions League earlier this season, opting to give the players just one day’s rest ahead of Porto to enable us to have an extra day’s rest ahead of the league game against Villa, the FA Cup has a ranking for us. I’d love us to win the FA Cup but I’d love us to win the Premiership and European Cup more. That is not disrespectful and it’s pathetic for the media to suggest otherwise.
As far as the fans are concerned, I know I’d probably be fairly pissed off if I’d made the journey to Wembley only to see that line-up. Our young lads did a good job and pushed Everton harder than maybe our first team players would, but that’s besides the point. If you’re doing your bit as a fan, forking out a few hundred quid for a round trip to London, you expect the club to do their bit too. I can completely understand why the 25,000 United fans who got tickets would be frustrated, but that doesn’t change my opinion that Ferguson did the right thing.
Essentially, we were painfully close to winning with that team selection and only had we got thrashed could people point the finger at Fergie. He didn’t sacrifice the competition, he put out a team he hoped would be good enough to win it. Had Danny Welbeck not been fouled in the area and allowed to slot the ball in to the gaping open net or had he been awarded a penalty for that foul, the country would be singing a different tune today. As it happens, inept refereeing from a man who was ridiculously labelled as a United fan this week cost us our place in the final. Remember that before blaming team selection or Dimitar Berbatov or anyone else.
Man Utd News 24/7
Thank you Scott for putting this.I have asked for it since yesterday.I feel awful for those people that made the trip.Just for them though.Seeing the kids do so well and not get beaten in 120 minutes is more satisfying for me than qualifying and losing 1-2 key players due to Wembley’s horror pitch.
In a word, no. It was a gamble, but the ‘kids’ showed themselves to be good enough. We almost got there, unfortunately we didn’t. But it was certainly not a wrong decision.
Absolutely right. If we had of been awarded that penalty and we converted it and won the tie Sir Alex would be the darling of the media this morning and labelled a genius. As it happens the ABU put a totally unjustified slant on it. “Disrespectful” and the like. My only gripe is that the rentboys are almost firing on all fronts and they start with their strongest team every game. BUT as there is still a way to go this decision by the rentboys could back fire in the way of fatigue and pressue. Furthermore have they any other choice with their squad being so threadbare?
As much as I would have liked to win all the Cups, I applaud Sir Alex for showing us the United of the future. They were STILL better than Everton and didn’t win because of inept decisions.
I am proud of our youngsters and proud of Fergie’s (metaphorical) balls (guts…) he has to play kids in a semi-final.
I agree that we need to rest our players, especially some, like Ronaldo, who really looked to have benefited from not playing the full match against Sunderland. Fergie was spot on too in picking the players that really needed to be played as the Ferdinand- Vidic partnership should not be disrupted unless forced.
However I think Ferguson went overboard:
Central midfield. We have lots of central midfielders, and they have been rotated massively this campaign. Frankly, apart from Giggs and Scholes, none should really be tired. Now I know there were injury problems to Carrick and Fletcher, but both are expected to be resolved for Wednesday, though there is a slight doubt over Carrick. But that’s fine: save Giggs, Carrick and Fletcher for Wednesday (these seem to be Fergie’s first choice centre-mids) and whoever he decides to start will have been rested. So that leaves Scholes, Anderson, Gibson. Surely he ought to play his strongest team aside from those players who he wants to rest. He says he would have played Scholes if not for the pitch, but why does it matter if Scholes gets tired playing on that shocking pitch if Fergie’s decided he’s not going to be playing on Wednesday? In all honesty Scholes could have played the full match yesterday and then we could have rested him for a whole week and a half, because Carrick and Fletcher will both have had rests due to their injuries, plus Anderson won’t play on Wednesday and he’s a young lad, so we can do without him for next Saturday.
Apart from Gibson, I am tempted to say I would like to have seen one of Nani or Berbatov instead of Welbeck or Macheda, especially as Welbeck was playing out of position and whilst Berba didn’t make an impact when he came on, I think he’d have done ok if he was there from the start when the game is always going to be more composed and less tense. Neither Berba nor Nani has played much football recently: neither should need a rest. However, I thought both Welbeck and Macheda played well, so I won’t dwell on this point.
Overall, the kids did us proud, but I think Fergie went a bit overboard. I have to say, sitting in my incredibly expensive seats at Wembley (we could only get Club seats) and seeing the numbers on the shirts lined up in front of me came as a bit of a shock, and I am devastated about the loss. I can’t help feeling slightly let down, but if our players looks fresh and dandy and we stroll past Portsmouth and win the league (and hopefully the CL) then I (and the media) will just have to bow to Ferguson. Again.
Fergie was right. The club gets success by having a strong squad and you will not keep a strong squad together if some players only play due to injury they will just leave our club to play elsewhere. By giving the likes of Kiko and Wellbeck the chance in games like this they will want to stay, plus we now know that when called upon in a really big game they will not freeze and they have that bit more experience in a big game atmosphere. If anybody wants to talk about disrespecting the competition then let’s look at the people who provided that pudding of a pitch to play on. Maybe it should be renamed ‘the bunch of dickheads cup’ after the patrons.
As usual, all the arrogant excuses under the sun (just like your manager!) – get over it!
Moyes set you up for the fall brilliantly by “re-directing” the media (just like Fergie has been doing all his life) – Fergie tried to throw in a few young players to make Everton the favourites, a ploy that almost worked. Remember there was still over 100 million worth of “talent” on the pitch for you – Foster (the hero in the League Cup Final) now classed as a reserve. Macheda the answer to everything over the last 2 games now classed as a reserve!!! Tevez, Berbatov, Scholes – the last 2 were fresh legs who changed nothing.
Fergie’s plan back-fired against a team you haven’t scored against in open play for over 250 minutes………..both defences were brilliant – that sums up the match.
Get over it, forget the pathetic excuses – your manager is still the best in the business, he knows what he’s doing. As for Moyes – well he’s learnt from the master, hasn’t he?
Hey, long time lurker here, but decided time to enter the fray.
I was suprised to see the line up, but also thought they played well. Wellbeck and Kiko linked well, and with a little more luck could have had 1 or 2.
But anyway, if come wednesday we pick up 3 points with Rooney, Ronaldo and all having a good game, then I cant complain too much.
When we win the prem, (and the Champs League), I would say there will be many people out of the woodwork, saying we could have done 5 etc, I will be made up for the Prem, champs league and wont worry too much about the FA cup.
Dont forget, these youngsters came so close, 2 kicks away from the final and a duff penalty call. Also, small matter of the rentboys in the final.
I agree with Scott. Fergie’s selection so nearly did the trick and I was proud of the kids. One thing about that, I do sympathise to some extent with the view that it was tough on all those who made the expensive trip from Manchester etc. But on the other hand, they might have witnessed one of the great Cup victories. It’s like those fans who went to the famous Port Vale League Cup match all those years ago who moaned that so many first teamers were missing. It’s only now with hindsight we can see how privileged those fans were to see the start of something special with ‘kids’, including Paul Scholes. It might have been like that yesterday, it was oh so close. Of course it’s easier for me to say because it was a lot cheaper and more convenient for me to get to Wembley, living in London.
what happened to tosic? he should have started on the left or at least been on the bench.
I’m amuse abt d young lads performers,tank God no1 here criticise SAF,we saw dat d future is nt only ok bt brght n save,it does hurt 2lose a semi bt wud had luv dis lads 2play an FA final,abt berba i wont crucify hm bt hate his attitudes,i must say he’s nt born 4dis gr8 club,no hunger always lazy as usual Carlito shud ve taken d 1st spot kick bt knw berba did wnt 4it bt lost n showed no remose,he must cum up wit sometin 2please d fans,mike rilley is shit always shit evn d blind knew its a penalty bt allw moyes 2run his head,d referees in d EPL ar disgraceful,congrats 2 moyes n his lads they truely merit a trophy 4d magnificent play dis season i’m optimistic they wll emerge victors against d rentboyz.we’ar Manchester United! GOD BLESS MAN.UTD!!!
when you have to play as many games as a top team do the second string is nearly as important as the first team da silva,evens ,kiko etc have stood up to be counted when they where needed. ive said for months and months and season and season liverpool will not win the league and its because they only have 1 team you need the makings of 2and a half teams and united have it chelsea had and kinda still have it arsenal are building it.
delighted they played and even more delighted at how well they played youth is manchester united
its the sir matt busby way
King Eric: “If we had of been awarded that penalty and we converted it and won the tie Sir Alex would be the darling of the media this morning and labelled a genius.”
Spot on. I hate winning as a result of a penalty – nailed-on or not. But, it’s part of the game – or, at least, it should be part of the game if the referee had not been “blinded” by Moyes’ sly piece of gamesmanship, accusing him of being a pro-United fan. Winning through penalty-kicks is not much better. I guess that I’m old school but I’d play until a winner emerged from open play – even if the field was littered with cramped-up bodies. These newfangled “solutions” don’t really solve the main issue – who was the better team on the day.
And, yes, SAF’s team selection made sense – and surprised everyone. In open play, for the whole game, it was clear that UTD had not only the lion’s share of possession but almost all the chances. Everton were bullied by the speed and skill of the UTD kids – and the resourcefulness of UTD’s first-choice central defending pair.
Fortunate, though, that Ben Foster didn’t fuck up. He seems to have one “moment” per game. That’s worrying.
I understand the positive way of looking at yesterday, how we *almost* did it with kids and how we were robbed by the ref etc, but chelsea and arsenal were going for exactly the same 3 tropies we were and played their strongest teams. Chelsea now have their names on the cup and are building strength and confidence because of it. We on the other hand have thrown away an historic quintuple and seen our boys take another negative blow due to our selections. Give the youngsters a chance by all means – but in the cup-semi final…?
his biggest mistake was buying berbacrap
king george the switzer Arsenal are not going for the title as we are.Chelsea are going for 3 trophies but they haven’t played 56 games in the season like we have.Maybe he went overboard but the quintuple after a season like the last one was never on the cards.
I usually dislike these media clichès and recurring
gags but today I will give in and say;
IN FERGIE WE TRUST.
It was an exciting line up. maybe looking back I would have had Nani on the left and Wellbeck on the right.
Wellbeck looked a little too short on strength, pushed off too easily. Maybe a year or so in the gym.
And penalty practice for Berba.
What an awful pitch, it removed dribblers from the game with the way it was bubbling and turned it into a long ball matches. Plus it is heavy on the legs as well so it is very tiring. Guys just look @ how your team’s performance was wobbly after the CC final bcuz he pitch is very tiring so your gaffa was right.
Oh for God’s sake micheal grow up or fuck off!!!
At least now we know that we can depend on people like Fabio for the run in.As long as he get fit again.And what about that Anderson performance?Fabregas will have a torrid time in 9 days.
Before the match I txted my Evertonian mate to say ‘Bet your happy with Uniteds line-up’ and he just txted back saying ‘It makes no odds, not today’. So no matter what team we put out yesterday it was always going to be Evertons day. Personally i think they will win it now. Harsh for the fans that went down to London, but thats Football you cant win all the time.
The spurs games of the last 2 years, I think we see a different Berbatov to the one we see now. I was one who wanted to sign him, and was thinking how to fit rooney, ronaldo, tevez and berba in. I dont know if its just me, but it seems berba is almost playing up to this cool, laidback player.
I dont know, I hope it all comes good, but wish fergie would revert to last years forward line for the remainder of the season.
Again. Fergie played Rio and Vida in the center of defence to make sure we won’t concede. He calculated it to perfection. But the problem was that Wellbeck and Tevez lacked that important last touch and we didn’t score.
But especially in the first half we dominated Everton. I was so fucking pleased about our performance. In the second half things’ve changed but we looked good. Came on Scholesy who calmed us a little bit.
It was a good game but we saw that even the 6th team in the country can not play adventurous football even against our 2nd team. That’s boring.
I don’t feel depressed after we lost the game. That’s why the answer is obvious, SAF was right.
If we lose the EPL i won’t live for 6 months at least. You don’t know how depressed am i after the games like Milan 3 years ago.
The young’uns did the club proud. A much improved showing to the young side that went out of the Carling cup last season (or the season before?). I personally find it exciting to watch this crop of players play and I’m sure the confidence that Sir Alex showed in them, along with the experience of that game will do them good, particularly in the run-in coming up. And now the manager knows he can count on these players to come in when needed. And ofcourse if it weren’t for ridiculous refereeing we might not even be having this conversation.
I personally thought Sir Alex should have played a stronger team or at least brought on Ronaldo after 70 mins because it would have opened up everton a lot more.
Now that the dust has settled though it is good that the first team players have had some extra rest ready for the critical run-in.
The plus point was the Da Silva twins and Darron Gibson had another good game.
I dont feel too annoyed about the result because the main thing is winning the title as far as i’m concerned.
@ Costas, you are still living in the past, one decent game of the last 2 previous clashes doesnt scream out nervous energy to the opposition
This is Sir Alex Ferguson we’re talking about, if he thought it was okay to stick Rooney in goal, Ferdinand up front and Berbatov on the wing, i’d say it was the right decision, he’s done so much for this club, if you think you can do better fucking apply for the job yourselves then. Don’t tell the #1 manager in the world how to do his job, you don’t know what goes on behind the scenes so shut the fuck up and let him do his job, like Scott said, had we won, those lads would be made heros and Ferguson would’ve been hailed as a God but no, they lost on penalties after giving a good account of themselves.
For what they are worth,the tabloids migth want to take a look at the poll results.How low could they get.Putting words into United fans’ mouths just to have a go at Fergie.
Supergunner07 Not living in the past at all.What i have seen from the last 2 games,suggests to me that he is getting his form back and he will be the player that we admired in 2 games against Arsenal last year.The 2-2 draw and the 4-0 win.So why not be optimistic that he can handle Fabregas?
Thought I’d come on here and gage the reaction to your defeat. Good to see that most posters on here have taken it on the chin. Been reading Arsenal blogs today and am disgusted by the attitude many of our fans have taken towards Wenger and the team.
Obviously you lot haven’t had a trophy drought like ours but honestly I find so many football fans to be so resentful and angry these days. I was surprised to see how many of you dislike Berbatov. At 30 million maybe he was a bit expensive but when he played for Spurs I used to look at him and think he was the only player I wished played for us. Personally I think he is a very talented player and offers you something none of your other strikers have, however I can see why some fans get wound up by him.
See you in the semis
To keep it short and sweet…….. SAF was not wrong to play the kids… he was wrong playing too many of them.. thats how i feel…. could have done with a couple of older heads in the middle of the park… even though Ando and Gibson did well… just think we could have done with that bit of experiance in there…
That wasnt really short and sweet was it lol.. oh well :0)
B E L I E V E
Fair play to ya Gooner77
Gooner77 always a pleasure.Personally i thought that Saturday was rough luck on Arsenal because Chelsea had one chance in the second half and that was a throwback to the 60s.Route one football.The Semis mean the world to you now but hey,at least you won’t tie us on FA cup wins this year!For all the crap United have gone through in the Cup in the last 10 years we are still the side with the most wins.See you in the Semis and make sure you come here more often.
FailsworthDevil
if he played experience the experiment wouldn’t have been complete. if you do something don’t take half measures. He was brave enough to express his ideas to the full.
“It’s not for us to talk about other football clubs. We very rarely do. We try to concentrate on what’s going on here and let the game take its course.”
-Sammy Lee a few minutes ago.
So that rant in January wasn’t about “other clubs”?The comments about Fergie being nervous weren’t about “other clubs”?
@ costas
leave him alone poor number 2 )) he was number 2 to Big Sam at Bolton. )) Hehe ) very interesting ))
Corea… if you want to experiment mate, then dont do it at Wembley in the semi’s pal…
Im all for the youngsters getting a chance… totally for it mate…but at times even though generally i would say they did well.. there were times when they looked lost… and when players look lost they tend not to learn anything..
If we had just 2 more older heads on the pitch that could have give them a bit of guidance… etc, then i think that would have benefited both the result, and also what the youngsters could take out of the game..
At the end of the day.. SAF did what he thought was best… it didnt end up with the result we wanted… soooooooooo… we move on.. to Weds..
Get a result against Pompey and then Spurts at weekend… and then the games are coming down…. thus putting lots more pressure on the bin dippers..
Adebayor and Van Persie out of the Anfield match due to injuries.
I think it’s great that as the top club we still give opportunity to our promising youngers to prove on the big stage they are UTD calibre! In all honesty they can hold their heads high this morning after a gutsy brave performance! I am obviously gutted we’re not in the final and yesterday was wondering why we spent all the effort to get there not to put out a side that would ensure progress to get thru! (ESP since the extra game wouldn’t have been till after the season anyway)!
However after the emotions wind down I realize that there is a fine line between success and failure, if we had won with that team then fergie would have been hailed as genius by the media and our youngsters seen as most promising Europe! However it didn’t happen 4 us this time!
I say fair play to having the balls to play such a team on such an occassion and congrats on their performance! The younger ones will benefit from this experience! Let’s get behind the boys to finish the job and become champions of England & Europe!
I’m just frustrated by it all. I think I might start on the beers now.
For fucks sake… these dippers must have been rubbin 4 leaf clovers on there bollocks all season… coz they are defo getting the luck thats for sure..
Anyway… Arsenal could always get a result against them… dont write them off against the dippers …
B E L I E V E
FailsworthDevil
there are times, mate, when first teamers look lost.
Aye… ya not wrong there Corea pal….
Liverpool also are missing Gerrard.I said it before.A draw tomorrow will be a big gift.
the scousers must think berbatov is their player, is he working for liverpool secretly because that is propably right
Our most dificult games are against Boro away and Arsenal at home. Of course we want scousers to lose some points in order to save energy and players for the CL when we need to. But i think this league may decide in the final day. Liverpool are CL free.
Yeah that’s why he scored against Bolton at the last minute.The truth is out now!
Corea that’s why i wanted 1-2 Liverpool slip ups by the time we host Arsenal nect Wednesday.At the moment,and with Arsenal’s injuries,i would settle for 1 draw from them and 2 wins for us.
costas
at least Arshavin will play and that’s great news. But he will be accompanied by Bendtner (( oooh noo!! Mabe Eduardo ? hey you, gunners, what is with the best finisher in the league ?
If Arsenal get a draw, and we win the next 2 games, by the time we play our game in hand…could be a 6 point lead… and u know what that means dont ya??
May 10th against Citeh… could be the day we win the league…
Just imagine…………. oh fuckin heaven that would be……….. oh i would fuckin lurrrrrrrrrrve it…
Think i would pull my plonka up and down my street, laffin at the blue noses if that happened…(Dont think my missus would like that though).. lol…
Eduardo is ok Corea.It will probably be Arshavin and him with Bendtner on the bench.I don’t know how Wenger plays to be honest.But in the end he has to look out for his squad you know?If he played the 2 strikers tomorrow,then they could have reaggravated their injuries and missed the semi.
FailsworthDevil that can’t happen because after the City game we still have 3 games to go:Wigan,Arsenal and Hull.I just hope that by the time the Arsenal game is over we will have wrapped up the title so that we can celebreate at OT.I missed it last year.If we win our remaining games then that’s absilutely certain.
I forgot about the Wigan game… oh well… there goes my wank down the street lol…
off topic: what time (UK time) is the reserves match tonight ?
costas
the common sense must say “play the 2nd team against Liverpool”, i think. there are not many chances they will steal points tomorrow. (
I want to say “we must win games for us and mustn’t rely on other teams” but then i start to imagine what difficult games we have left. ohhh.
Wazza i can’t find it anywhere,sorry.Try the official website.
Yes i know Corea.To be honest,our 2 best chances are Hull and Newcastle because they will be both highly motivated.And if you look at how are Boro trip is positioned,it will be difficult to get the 3 points in that one.We will see.Maybe West Ham might also help.
Mon 20 Apr – Preston North End A (KO 14:00) LSC
http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid={B4CEE8FA-9A47-47BC-B069-3F7A2F35DB70}&newsid=6613600&page=2
micheal – I think we have all established your dislike of Berbatov, don’t you think you should give it a rest and post something a bit more constructive and original.
Boro game is always difficult for US. No matter what kind of football do they play and the time of the season. But they are bottom and that’s not good.
) If we play as ourselves i don’t see a problem. We know what it is about.
But We are Manchester United (c)
Corea, Wenger in his interview said that he wants to get closer to the top 3 and even the top spot.He will give it a shot.It’s just that the circumstances around this game for them are so unfortunate.
@ costas
and you believe him ?
he is miles away from the title and miles away from the out of form Villa.
He is smart enought to understand that the CL is the onl one left and he has chances to play again in thу final.
Lets just hope that the Gooners squad players want to make a name for themselves tomorrow and break a few ankles. Torres out for the season would be an added bonus.
I know… but after getting knocked out of the cup… then he will need to prove sommat to the Arsenal fans..
I dont really like Arsenal… but i will say is they wont go to Anfield and roll over and die… coz i think Wenger has too much respect for SAF than that.
United include England international Wes Brown in their line-up for the match as well as Serbian prospect Zoran Tosic, two other players, Richard Eckersely and Lee Martin, have first team experience with Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.
Man Utd: Amos, Eckersley, Gill, Evans, De Laet, Brown, Eikrem, Drinkwater, James, Martin, Tosic. Subs: Derbyshire, Devlin, Stewart, Dudgeon, Ajose.
Having rested so many senior players against Everton, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, Ferguson may see Arsene Wenger do the same when Arsenal travel to Liverpool, United’s closest challengers, on Tuesday.
“I don’t know what Arsene will be thinking about the game,” said Ferguson. “But no matter what, Arsenal always try. That’s the mantra of Arsene himself, he’s a winner.
“I’m not concerning myself with that game, I’m concerning myself with my own team.”
Alex Chick / Eurosport
I love all these comments about how it is impossible to field your best team for every game of the season, and so Ferguson picked the right team. The fact is, the players he put out on the pitch lost, and so he picked the wrong team. Nitpicking about decisions that didn’t go our way is neither here nor there, and really should be way below us. Some you get over the course of a season, and some you don’t. We still had 120 minutes to score, and failed to do so.
In 1999, when we were battling on all three fronts, did we rest our best players for those two Arsenal semi-finals? Like hell we did. And that was during the Juventus Champions League semi-finals, with Giggs carrying an injury, and with a much much smaller squad than we have today.
In fact, i will go as far as to say, that if we were playing Arsenal or Chelsea or Liverpool yesterday, we would have seen a different line-up. And that is ok. Ferguson thought this team could do the job, and give the rest of the team a rest for wednesday. But to make 9 changes in an FA cup semi, to me, was a mistake. He could have dropped 5 players, and still had a core of players with experience and ability to change a match, or come out with a moment of brilliant. This is even more so the case, considering we are playing Portsmouth at home on Wednesday. He could have split the players he was resting between these two games, and had the others on the bench, just in case.
And while we are analysing the team choice, why was Nani completely neglected? Is it because Wellbeck does a better job on the wing, or because he covers back better?
He prioritised away from the FA cup and made a wrong team selection based on the fact we were playing everton. Fine, i can accept that this is the 3rd choice trophy for us this year. But i am still gutted by our unneccesary exit for the second year running, and i don’t buy into not being able to play a stronger team when we are challenging on all fronts, because the only time any team ever did win all three, they did in fact go all out in every game, and carried that winning momentum on to the next one.
Fair point aint it Corea mate… at the end of the day… we do our business and we are champions… we shouldnt really be depending on other teams to help us out..
At the end of the day if Arsenal do get sommat off the dippers we take it as a bonus… if they dont… then we win our games, and the league is ours…with a game spare.
News that Adebayor is out, so is Van Persie. I would hold too much hope of Arsenal doing any damage to Liverpool, then again, Arsenal always seem to be able to turn it on when the chips are down, let’s hope they do us a favour.
Last note from me about the FA Cup. Is it just me or is it that I did not feel all to sad that we lost. I was like “haiz…” a minute later, I’m ok already. Unlike any other defeats we have suffered so far, where I would be glum for at least a day or 2.
FailsworthDevil
looking at the shedule it’s of course easier said than done.
the game against Arsenal (Home or Away no matter), away to Boro (ouch) who is fughting agaist the relegation, Hull away last game of the season (same situation), Totenham home, City home.
Liverpool are CL free and play easier opponents.
Scott, i think is time for your analisis. FA Cup gone, EPL ahead.
BTW, I was searching for some statistics about the effort Berba put in and found this interesting issue.
Fouls sufferedPlayer Value Min. Club
Franck Ribéry 36 712′ Bayern
Cristiano Ronaldo 31 740′ Man. United
Luca Toni 30 679′ Bayern
in CL.
costas, can you find the statistics about the number of kilometres put in in games by Berba ?
Corea i can’t found the kilometres,sorry.Let me just say that Pools program isn’t much easier.They play Newcastle and Hull who are fighting for survival and by the time they go to West Brom they might be struggling as well.Then the go to West Ham which is no easy game with Zola at the helm.And you know what?If Tottenham are fighting for a European place in
the last game of the season, they won’t be a walkover either.
Newcastle at home ? no way!
Hull ?
but who knows.
West ham is a good shot. hope is our only hope
Hey Newcastle will be desperate for points so you never know.If they lose at Anfield with 3 games to go,the drop might be a certainity.
Wazza – Is the reserve game tonight. I thought it was Thursday.
Costas, Failsworth etc – Fuck the dippers, as long as we keep winning there is fuck all they can do. If they do win all theirs but so do we it would make it so sweet. So close, yet so far!
I was actually quite excited when I saw the line up. It’s not like he put out a line up which hadn’t shown potential. All the players in the starting XI yesterday have shown at different stages that they have what it takes for the big stage.
Considering that we have such a tight run-in and the League & Europe clearly being the priority, Sir Alex absolutely did the right thing. And the players did everyone proud. I see no shame in this defeat. Only feel sorry for th fans who made the trip all the way on a sunday..
@ King Eric
it’s cup game.
remember. we played more games than dippers. we play in the CL. it’s so easy to say win all of the remaining games but it tnihk we might need some help from some of the other teams.
I think Fergie’s decision was brave, necessary and refreshing. However, we’ll only know if it was the right decision if we win the next league game – after all, that was what the sacrifice was for. So the “first” team are really going to have to step up to the plate and play as well as the “reserves” did!
is it just me or in 5 games at the new wembley have united only scored one goal??
warwick
some news on Wes today ?
Doncobaino,it ‘s not you.1 goal and no wins.I hate the place.
just seen this….There have been three goalless draws, four penalty shoot-outs and we’ve scored just one goal in normal play. shite
Look at this joke:
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/article2386124.ece?OTC-RSS&ATTR=Football
I was chuffed to see the return of the Twins and Macheda getting the start.
Any word on Fabio’s injury? I hope he was just getting cramps or what not and didn’t do his calf again. And saw that Wes got 60 mins under his belt at RB for the reserves today, so thats encouraging.
think the pitch was that spongy and he ain’t played much 1st team football,fabio’s calves cramped up.could see him at the end of the game and before pens walkin round and he wasn’t limpin.how mint does he look by the way?he along with macheda,petrucci,rafael,ando,evans et al are givin us plenty to get excited about
Fergie was dead right to pick that team – I was really excited to see how the team would get on and it was great to see Macheda and Welbeck get full games (though I might have started Nani on the left.. ?!)
If anyone is disrespecting the FA Cup it is the FA.
I feel sorry for the fans that paid for the tickets but it is the FA who are to blame for that, not Fergie. If the game was held at Villa Park would people be so concerned about the cost?
Further the pitch disrespects the FA Cup, having semi finals at Wembley disrespects the cup, having such weak referees disrespects the cup and the FA have embarrassed themselves so much (Evra etc.) that they are a laughing stock.
I thought we played pretty well.
I watched a “Cantona Classic” on MUTV yesterday – when we beat Sunderland 5-0 from ’96 and I our performance against Everton was much better than that performance – it has helped me get a good perspective on the way this team is playing – they can play a lot better but they are still doing pretty well overall.
As Utd fans we’ve got loads to be positive about – lets stay positive for the rest of the season and give Berba extra encouragement – if he clicks we’ll be awesome!
Who gives a toss what the media think? I can’t believe that after 23 years of a glorious trophy-laden career, Fergie still takes so much shit for looking after the interests of club.
Muppets in the media. Seriously, what have these nutters achieved to merit questioning Fergie’s judgment?
They’ll be sucking his cock in May if we pick up the league and/or Europe.
I accept that, as the players have looked tired recently, it is a good idea to rest some of them to keep them fresh for the marginally more important ties.
However, my heart sank when I saw the team for the Semi. I have been lucky enough to get to the last three aways, including Wembley, as well as having my ST for the homes and I felt that I should have watched it on TV and not spent yet another complete day travelling ( 12 hour round trip) to see such a makeshift team.
Rest the first XI by all means but what are the reserves for if not to step in. Are they not good enough ?
Foster I was happy to see – but maybe we were lucky not to get young Amos, admirable as he is.
Evra has looked jaded lately so Fabio was a good move.
Berbatov was coming back from injury so put in EITHER Macheda or Wellbeck alongside Tevez, but not both surely.
Is Wellbeck a better winger than Nani, Tosic or Lee Martin ? Not by a long chalk – he looked lost for most of the game. Looks to me as if he needs a couple of more years yet to build up strength and guile.
Macheda has the guile and is pretty strong and put in a good shift IMO.
We have loads of midfielders and Gibson is promising but not in the first or second wave – so why choose him for such an important match.
As had been said, play the lads by all means but one at a time.
Kevin – Watched that “Cantona Classic” myself on Saturday night.
Guys you think that next year Mache might have a similar season to the one Ole had that year?
I support Fergie’s team selection. Wow, we lost. I’m over it!
The kids have a bright future and yesterday proved that even more than we knew.
I agree with the team selection. In fact, I loved it. However, if you are going to let the ‘kids’ play they should have gotten a chance at the penalties.
I am not sure exactly how it works when picking takers but Ferdinand and Vidic shouldn’t have been in the first three. Berbatov,Teves, Scholes, Gibson, Welbeck would have been better choices for me.
I,for one,enjoyed watching the young lads yesterday and i think they did themselves proud,losing only to the lottery of penalties.
Fergie didn’t do anything wrong.The lads weren’t disgraced.We lost.On penalties.Get over it.Roll on Portsmouth on Wednesday!
Time for another League and European Cup double…………….:-)
Slur Alex was spot on. For you filthy lot the FA cup is a waste of time because you have the league to win and champions league second in your sights. Fuck the FA cup.
We could have done with winnming it though.
Absolutely spot on article
I’m glad the vast majority (84%) of United fans also agree.
Genre Kelly, the FA cup is important. While I don’t question Sir Alex’s lineup on Saturday, the FA cup is very important to him, to the fans and to the club. You should be ashamed of yourself.
Yes I agree with it
SAF was Wrong…it’s the FACUP…
1- PL and CL arent guaranteed why dont we fight for the FA CUP
we ‘re in semi-final…all other team playing with their 1st teams…
why do we play with all these reserves…the main thing is we had not a player with experience in a position to kill the game. Park,Gibbson, Anderson ,Welbeck,Tevez, Macheda ….I dont see anyone of those who can provide another to score against Baines , Hibbert , Lescott and Jagielka
anyone does….?????
2- At the end of the 1st half,it was clear that we cant win it like that..
we had to put someone who finish the game…the game was on it was Rio Vida’s area …we dont need to play all the120 min for Rio and Vida the may pick injuries, and then playing penalties and applying more pressure on the players……
3- in the penalties i think Tevez should start and Anderson to finish, i would not put Berba in the shooting 5….NEVER
it it true Everton could’nt beat our reserves,and we could not beat them also…we need the cup, it is the SEMI FINAL it is THE FA CUP
Seven of the fourteen players that played for Untied on Sunday have played on the Champions League final. End of topic.
This is a bit off topic. I dunno if anyone have read this yet bt check this article written @ Setanta.
http://www.setanta.com//uk/Blogs/Tom-Kell/2009/04/Its-getting-harder-and-harder-to-hate-United/
Lads to be honest. You can understand the reasons fergie did it!
1 – Everton Play a Physical High Tempo Game! He wanted to Match there tempo and fitness!
2 – You cant compete on all levels with the same team!
3 – An away match in Europe on Wednesday and a High Tempo Game on Sunday! – For one park didnt play very well! He looked Jaded!!
4 – Portsmouth is a game we canot afford to loose! End of! To give us best chance and the lads no excuses they needed the rest!
5 I might upset a few but if playing the reserves in the champions league final means we win the league i would bloody take it! There is no f*-kin way i want liverpool to win the league and i feel fergie is the same! – What was Fergies Mission Statement when joining the club “i want to knock liverpool off its fu*king perch!”
Never Argue about football with Fergie! Your only going to loose!