So, it had to happen sooner or later, didn’t it? Manchester United have been drawn against Real Madrid in the Round of 16.
These are the games that the European Cup is all about, playing against massive clubs, with great history and cracking players. Our fans will get a night at the Bernabéu and Sir Alex Ferguson will get to see if he can outmaster the self-proclaimed Special One.
For some reason or another, Jose Mourinho has struggled to get the best out of his superstars this season, with them 3rd in the league and already a massive 13 points behind league leaders Barcelona.
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored an impressive 14 goals in 16 games but that hasn’t been enough to carry Real Madrid through. They’ve won just 10 of their 16 games and Mourinho has already conceded the title.
Ferguson has squared up to a Mourinho team in Europe twice before. On the first occasion, we were absolutely robbed by the officials, and were unjustly knocked out by Porto. Then we played against Inter Milan who were the current Italian champions at the time and who went on to win Serie A by 10 points that season. We drew 0-0 away and comfortably beat them 2-0 at home.
Being entirely honest, I always hope for the easiest draw possible. These days our first XI just isn’t up there with the very best in Europe and I’d much rather the easiest route possible. But of course there is appeal in playing a side like Real Madrid. It will nice to see Ronaldo again for the first time since he left us for Madrid in 2009. It will be a good test for the manager to see if he can outwit Mourinho.
And whenever you may feel nervous about our next game, remember that if the 6th best team in England can win the Champions League, anything is possible…
Man Utd News 24/7
cracking, cracking draw… some absolutely incredible games in there….
Shakhtar vs Dortmund will be a treat to watch
and ofcourse it’s gonna be a blast watching gooner-boys getting pummeled by Bayern,
and then there’s this. i sincerely believe we can do it. Madrid have been poor this season. A scored draw at the Bernabeau will see us through i think, as i believe we can beat them at home
Viva ronaldoooo
I’m looking forward to it.
Meanwhile here is a link to a Harvard Business School interview about SAF’s management skills and approach. It’s fascinating.
http://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/7123.html
Worst possible draw but also the most exciting! This is what the Champion’s League should be about. Not for sides that qualify through the back door
If we’re good enough to beat madrid,then we’re good enough to go all the way. If we win,thats good,if we dont make it then we can concentrate on the league without fatigue.
It will be Fergie’s chance to stick it to Mourinho……
Great draw!!!!
The thing about the easier draws is that they can only get you so far. That proved to be the case in 2011. So I’d rather see us face the best from the off and see where we really stand.
AC Milan v Barcelona
Real Madrid v Manchester United
this 4 are the strongest… we will see final before final…United, RM and Barca…Milan is not our level…but because of history…lets give them a chance…
Sometimes i think that they already decided who will play with who…because, you can see that all teams who play each other, are similary strong…
If we beat RM…then we can lose in quater final, i don t care…
If we talk about money i want see us in final, but we will meet there Barca again and lose…
Milan are not even close to what they were last season. Easy, easy win for Barcelona.
Dortmund interest me more than Milan
Mouthwatering prospect…it’s the CL after all!
i wont say its the worst possible draw …its a real test for us …since loosing to barca @ wembley almost 2 yrs ago … but we could easily pull this one out , if this happened last yr .. there wont be any chance , but today our squad is more or less complete & stronger , Rooney and RVP are shaping up to become one hell of a team , even our midfield is becoming stronger and stronger , valencia as always has been superb , more importantly , young is improving and progressing enourmsley , cleverly and carrick …specially cleverly is dynamic …. as for our back four , now that vidic is back ….we re lookin confident and stronger …
if we compare our squad with real’s …i d say ours is more stronger …and even our subs are better than theirs ( chicha , giggs,scholes,jones,…)…and yes …DEGEA is better and younger than Casillas …he is without any doubt the future official goal keeper for spain ….and he has a chance to prove it
our weakest link in my opinion would be : maybe EVRA
their strongest link : ofcourse the ex man u legend ..Ronaldo
This was the draw that I really didn’t want, I was hoping to get Valencia, Porto, Shaktar or even AC Milan(knew Barcelona would get an easier draw) but it had to happen. It’s all good saying they have been playing poorly in La Liga and have conceded that may not retain the title but they will be gunning for the champions league more than anyone else. Our attack is excellent, I just hope our midfield will be able cope because if they don’t our defense will be under enormous pressure and with players like Cristiano, Benzema, Callejon, Higuain, Di Maria, Ozil and Kaka who are pretty handy around the goal area.
lets not mention the 6th best team in england here.they hardly deserved to win it.its an absolutely exciting prospect facing real.looking forward to ronnie’s return.we’re probably gonna be hearing viva ronaldo alot from our fans at the bernabeu.
Fergie needs to approach the games like he did The Etihad.
4-4-2, Rooney and RVP up front, Cleverley in midfield.
Accept we’ll concede, and just go out there to score more. Fuck European caginess and caution. It won’t work against the talent they’ve got.
God help us if our European performances doen’t improve dramaticaly!!!!!!!
Ronaldo usually start out on the left, so Valencia & Rafael are in with a huge job tracking him
Haven’t really payed attention to the draw. All I know is
that we’ve drawn Madrid and Arsenal have Bayern.
Anyone know who City drew?
Help me anyone
Any one watch Spanish football? I do and there not that good .If City nearly beat them do can we.
just noticed the calendar. There’s gonna be a Classico just before the second-leg. Will definitely have an impact
Said my piece in the last blogpost. Plonking it down here too
This is going to be big. The lads will be up for it ,SAF too. Cant wait. I tell you now,battle for places is gonna much heated. Ah,if players like Clevs,Jones pick up form and maintain that level, we’re in for a trest. Rafa too could be huge. Léta hope we’d have a settled no.1 by then
after the match Ronnie will be praising the whole united squad. G.G.M.U
Fadi you must have your blinkers on if you think our squad is stronger than Real Madrid, the only players in our squad that could possibly get into Real Madrid’s team is Van Persie and Rooney. I hope Manchester United win and they can if they play at their best but I’m realistic. You are talking about World Cup winners and world cup semi finalists, Ronaldo is currently the UCL top scorer do you still believe our squad is better than theirs.
@Marq maybe its Marcelo/contreao+ronaldo that needs to be on top of their game with valencia and rafael running riot.i just hope we get a fully fit Vidic+smalling in central defense for the game(trust those two more)
@costas couldn’t agree more “the easy teams can only get you so far”well said
@kalcheskis we i agree with your line-up buh think rooney will drop deeper,especially @ the bernabue+with the quality of opposition.we can’t go playing attack for attack against madrid,even madrid will be conservative.our attack for me is the best in europe
Cracking games+i can’t see us losing this atall.all focus on the league for nw please #GGMU
We were the under dogs against mourinho’s Inter-milan in 2009 anyway,so anyone(everyone)making us the under dog should/will be dissapointed.CHICHARITO won’t be starting,but i think with his movement,behind the defence Runs and pace,against pepe and ramos,could be a real key in both legs.
Oh boy, we’ve had pretty easy times in the past. Karma is a bitch i guess, this will be interesting. If we play our best games of the season im sure we can beat them, but i would say RM is favourits. RM are done with the league, they only got CL now. Can’t wait for Ronaldo at OT!
Call it a superstitious garbage or psyche but I knew we will face Jose in the last 16.
We have a great chance beating them and it will be great to do that against Ronaldo.if we lose that shouldn’t bother us as we can focus on the Premier league. methinks Real at this moment are under tremendous pressure after losing the marathon with Barca in the domestic league.that will be an extra incentive besides Fergie can stick to a totally unpredictable tactic that will hinder Jose’s progress…
Let’s not get carried away with current form and squad strengths/weakness of either team, a lot can happen before the first leg. Hopefully by then SAF will have every player he needs playing at or close to their peak. Any injuries to either team can play a big part in the final outcome. To say an away draw will win us the tie is crazy at the moment. Let’s see how things pan out over the next 6-7 weeks, we mustn’t take our eyes off this seasons real prize of number 20. I think we’d all like the Champions League and number 20, but if one had to go then, (in my opinion) the champions league can wait another year.
I have been dreading the thought of Ronnie coming back to OT wearing another clubs kit. Hopefully RVP, Rooney and the lads will show up for this massive occasion.
LET’S NOT FORGET, THE OBJECTIVE IS TO WIN. SO NO RESPECT TO RONALDO PLEASE, IT’LL ONLY RAISE HIS CONFIDENCE.
- Psychology/HR Consultant
@dazbomber
I live here and see them week in week out. Like you say they are not that good. If we have a full strength side then we will push them all the way. They’ve been very off-colour so far this season.
To be fair in some of the games they’ve dropped points in they have done everything but score or not score enough but there is nothing to fear. We’ve no reason to be going in as underdogs or thinking we’re second best.
i knew the day would come when CR7 returns to OT.the day will come in february and its gonna be awesome!imagine the thunderous reception he will get.
tick tock tick tock … Utd will be out only a few minutes on the field, RM is going to kick the life out of them this time there will be no comeback or miracle to save the old man vs the special one, like always when these 2 have met
BRING IT ON !
I sure hope that Anderson is fit – a midfield-diamond four of MC16/Anderson/Cleverley/AV7; and, hopefully, no injuries so SAF can play his best pair in attack and his best defenders.
Does ayone think he will celebrate if he scores?
was it 2-0 or 1-0 at home against Inter last time?
Fxxk the draw I’m sure it must a fake like cool or heat the ball then put Ronney back
“We were the under dogs against mourinho’s Inter-milan in 2009″
No we weren’t. We were the holders and Inter had been underachieving in Europe for years.
I’m excited by this draw. 10 years since the last time we played them, when another Ronaldo was given a standing ovation after a classic performance in a classic set of games. Those ties were dominated by Zidane though. Our team was great in ’03, but theirs was too – Del Bosque, Casillas, Hierro, Makelele, Zidane, Roberto Carlos, Figo, Ronaldo, Raul.
I think Real are favourites but it’s quite even. They haven’t been great in the league but, let’s face it, they’re going to therefore be putting all their eggs in the Champions League basket. But has Mourinho ever done a good job at a club in his third year? He’s a short term man and Madrid might even be worse come February than they are now. Excited & optimistic.
@viva ronaldo:
i dont think he will. remember when he refused to celebrate his goal against his former team Sporting Lisbon in 07/08?
“Does ayone think he will celebrate if he scores?”
What would be worse would be if he does his or “calm, calm down” gesture at Old Trafford!
I don’t think he will go over the top if he scores. I remember he was quite apologetic when he scored for us against Sporting.
At full strength we are more than a match for Real, they should be more worried than us. Its just a matter of what formation Sir Alex plays. As long as Giggs & Scholes don’t start, we should be fine. Mourinho’s teams have always been up for scraps, if Giggs or Scholes plays, they won’t have an inch of space. That would be too obvious a weakness for Mourinho not to exploited like all the teams have already done, and in Ronaldo, they have the ultimate finisher, so we cannot have them running at us
BEST. POSSIBLE. OUTCOME.
Come OOOOOOOOOONNNNNN!
SB
We’re Man Utd, we draw who we want!
Oh yeah of little faith………….already telling the great Sir Alex what to do!
Both United and Madrid have same weaknesses which is their defence and both are strong in attack.
I am happy that Vidic will be fully fit by February…..we need him @ his best, Nani and Valencia should be fit too.
I am not worried about Madrid midfield coz Carrick & Cleverley handle Man City’s midfield very well including Arsenal.
We are just as good as Madrid and i am confident we have a chance against them….i am sure the Los merengues where shitting in their pants when they drawn against United….they are scared, trust me ! ! ! ! !
@Legend(Giggs)
Don’t see how Nani’s fitness will matter when he won’t be at United!
Jay … yes we re stronger mate … and not because i m a red devil i m saying dat
…seriously we re stronger … this is it the bloddy real test …a test if SAF is better than the ( Chosen One ) , a test that our attacking force is better than theirs …a test if DE GEa has any chance to be oneday the main goalie for Spain …a test if our wingers can beat theirs …. a test if UNITED ‘s form ,squad , manager … r to stay and improve for the next two yrs or so ….its Judgement DAY if u ask me 
….CANT WAIT
Kanchelskis – is this another hypothetical thought about nani or concrete truth lies in that comment?
@samuel
All conjecture of course. But either it’s true, or Nani has rewritten medical science with the world’s most devastating hamstring injury.
C’mon, Fergie’s not even bothering with updates on his fitness any more. He’s off.
@kanchelskis
Stop believing rumours until confirmed by the club, I dont see Sir Alex releasing Nani considering Valencia fitness problems and Sir Alex rarely sell good players during the season, if Nani leaves it will surely be end of the season.
Crackin Draw. Bonkers difficult, but crackin!
A great tie for fans. Tough but nothing to fear. Our history with Real is not pretty reading. But we do need to sort out the away leg.
Facts:
We have never won at the Bernabaeu in 4 attempts.
Record: Man United v Real Madrid:
8 CL matches,
Old Trafford: DWLW,
Benabeu: LDDL.
Need to sort out the away form and then we have a chance. At least a draw with away goals. Nothing like the present I always say. Let’s do this.
All Matches
1 Real Madrid 3 – 1 United, Thu 11 Apr 1957
2 United 2 – 2 Real Madrid, Thu 25 Apr 1957
3 United 1 – 0 Real Madrid, Wed 24 Apr 1968
4 Real Madrid 3 – 3 United, Wed 15 May 1968
5 Real Madrid 0 – 0 United, Tue 4 Apr 2000
6 United 2 – 3 Real Madrid, Wed 19 Apr 2000
7 Real Madrid 3 – 1 United, Tue 8 Apr 2003
8 United 4 – 3 Real Madrid, Wed 23 Apr 2003
Still a bit incredulous this wasn’t fixed. How is the pre draw was exactly the same?!
I am loving this draw. Honestly we will be the underdogs and I love that. I have a great feeling we will knock them out. Even if we do get eliminated lets give a fight. Its better to be eliminated by the strongest team than getting knocked out by Porto or Celtic. Honestly speaking I would have been much nervous if he had drawn Valencia or porto. We have been performing well against big teams so let us do that. Boys will be hungry. Everyone knows that especially young guns this could be their breakthrough match. A Match which will cement their legacy.
It has been 10 years since we faced them last. That was a classic. That was the first match I watched( I watched highlights next day) and I became fan of football and I became fan of Manchester United. How can anyone not love this tie. I am loving it.
I’m pleased it’ll shut all the cunts up who slag Utd off week after week when we beat them and all the fuckers who jack off to the two team Spanish league
@Legend(Giggs)
It’s not a case of ‘believing rumours’. I’m not speculating based on what others are saying, but from looking at the facts.
Can you give a rational explanation as to why he’s been out for two months with a hamstring injury and Fergie’s stopped giving updates on his fitness?
It will be fucking hard to watch ronnie rip our defense wave after wave, I’m just glad he’s mostly used as a left winger, rafa usually does good when faced against pacey wingers unlike evra who would get ripped a new not to mention that this he would be facing the worlds second best player.
Bring it on anyways.
Real Madrid v United!
Anyone thinking what I’m thinking? Mayans got it right.
We are going to win the lot!
Mayan Apocalypse
@Proverb
That said, Di Maria vs Evra is still a cause for concern.
“all the fuckers who jack off to the two team Spanish league”
Why people debate the best league’s, and why others care what others think, is beyond me. Who seriously cares what the best league is? You don’t get a medal for it and every country gets the football they want – different styles, histories, strengths and if someone thinks another league is great – fine, let them enjoy their football. It’s all good.
The problem is there’s no money in Spain, so instead of Valencia keeping the likes of Mata, Silva and Villa and Atletico keeping De Gea, Torres, Aguero, Falcao (probably) the good teams lose their best players to Barca/Real or the moneyed English clubs and they never challenge the big two. I’ve never masturbated to a football league before, but there’s still wonderful players there and good football being played in Spain. What’s your problem?
ahjs says:
I’ve never masturbated to a football league before
____________________________________
You haven’t lived, mate.
Ahjs what’s your fucking problem,I think the Spanish league is overrated and I’m sick and tired of cunts coming on here every week picking Utd apart about how if we play Real or Barca the team would get killed.Now were going to find out ok you cunt
Wonder how I can get a ticket at the Bernabau? Does UEFA sells them on their website?
@Unitedforeva
Doubt it. There’ll be a certain number of neutral-section seats available, but God knows how you’d get hold of them. Probably mostly tied up in corporate partnerships.
If you’re not a STH, it’s gonna pretty tough to go to this one.
Unitedforeva.
Go online and get a press pass that’s what the Rangers guys did.
None of the teams are good enough to beat United in a two legged Champions League tie on merit. this is United’s time.
@parryheid
You’ve changed your tune. Before August, you were warning everyone to expect a terrible season.
It was inevitable. you just knew it was coming. it had to happen some time. Maybe fergie might buy one midfielder in january now? maybe? i think we can progress but for us to progress we are gonna have to play the best football of the last three years at least to beat Madrid.
@dannysoya
Play like we did against City and we might just be in with a shout.
dannysoya LOVES USAIN BOLT – fergie will still set up in a 4231 442 formation, and if he changes tactics to a 433, I do see him lining up carick cleverly and anderson, wiith young rooney and RVP has a front 3
BREAKING: The end of the world has now been postponed as even the Gods want to watch Real Madrid against Man United.
Kanchelskis – it could be a worser hamstring or maybe there’s been other complication. It’s not All black and white. United would be foolish to get rid quality half way through the season without great replacement. Players like nani make the difference in the CL, united have enough workman like wide men, that’s not going to work against the very best. Nani is the only unorthodox winger united have, he can create or score out of nothing.
I like the thought of Ronnie trying to turn this into a one man show. Could screw up any plans RM may come up with. Then again he may just win the whole thing himself.
WHAT A DRAW!
I’d recommend taking the “over” option if wagering on total goals scored.
@samuel
I completely agree with you on the need to keep him. If all our wingers are playing at their best, he’s comfortably the most effective.
As I’ve said before, with Valencia you get a consistent 7 or 8 out of 10. With Nani, you could get a 9 / 9.5, or you could get a 5. He’s unpredictable in terms of style of play and consistency of quality.
I just can’t bring myself to believe that this supposed hamstring injury is keeping him out for so long. Why has Fergie not breathed a word about him for weeks? Doesn’t look good.
Two months is a long time – I think teams will look a bit different in Feb. Not only do I expect injuries since the EPL does not have a winter break (quite the opposite as we know), but there’s also the little matter of a transfer window in between. A lot of good players out there that are not cup-tied.
We don’t even know who is going to be managing Barca in Feb. Not that it matters, with that squad…
@domunited.
Barca? Erm … did you see the draw?
@Unitedforeva
Tickets info up on the official website now. Looks like standard members will be able to apply for away tickets…
What a game it would be. Btw, Barca is facing Milan… it would be great if both Spanish team are out… clearing our path to 4th Euro title.
Fergie’s best tactics has been 4-5-1 or 4-2-3-1 , that’s exactly what he’ll roll out. Anything else and we’ll be chasing shadows.
I CANT WAIT!!
i dont care if its a hard draw,this is mouthwatering…if we lose,we lose,just as long as we play our part in an amazing game,and if ronnie was to score then so be it…
just remember,these are the biggest teams in football,along with barca,and only one can go through,hopefully its us,but if its not,dont get to discouraged…
viva ronallddddooooooo hope we sing it all night n try to bring the lad home
The problem with the La Liga is that all the TV money goes to Barca & Real, whilst the rest lives on scraps. The sooner they have a fairer system like in England, the sooner other teams can compete.
Anyway everything else doesn’t matter anymore. Now the important thing is us clocking enough points on board so that we could have a choice of resting players before those big matches. Anyone any idea who we playing before & between our encounter with Real? It feels like a movie blockbuster coming our way in Feb =p
Yeah WS is available cheap and not cup tied buy him for 10mill would bolster our midfield,what can I say I’m a fan he pretty well single handedly won Inter the CL a few years ago
Dont talk too much..!
UNITED will tear them apart..!
BELIEVE…!
@kanchelskis
re: barca… didn’t see the draw, are you talking about the trainer handling mgmt duties in Vilanova’s absence? that’s doesn’t give me any confidence who will be steering the team from the sidelines.
if there’s something else i should know, please emlighten me. i’m in an office meeting and can’t do too much browsing.
If Vida is back to even 80%, we’ll be a boss against Madrid. And we’ll need Fletcher back. The tie has the potential to have goals into the double digits across two legs. Should be fun to watch.
This is the draw I honestly wanted. A proper BIG game where United usually turn up. We will do them over 2 legs. OT will be fucking rocking.
I would suppose the ideal lineup away to Real would be
DDG
Rafael-Rio-Vidic-Evra
Valencia-Clev-Rooney-Carrick-Young
Rvp
@jay: We were not underdogs in 2009 against Mourinho’s Inter. We were the reigning European champions with arguably the worlds best player and favourites to retain our title. Was a very one sides tie as well as United should have finished the Inter off at the San Siro after outplaying them for 90 minutes.
I like Ronaldo BUT I sincerely hope his name isn’t being sung at OT in February.
@domunited
The way you were talking, just sounded like you thought we’d drawn Barca, or said Barca instead of Madrid. (some saying Mourinho will be gone by then)
Thing with Madrid is they don’t play the possession football like a lot of Spanish teams do. We can beat them and no mistake over 2 legs. As Dazbomber said they aren’t THAT fucking good. We will have sorted our defence out by February I hope. Fergie and the lads will relish this one.
One mouthwathering tie! But we all saw this coming.I believe the both teams are scared of each other as they have identical style of play especially potent forward players.However,If manu can get a high scoring draw like 2:2 or 3:3 at the benabeau,then they will have a massive chance of going through.plenty of time for the gaffer to think about his tactis and he could make use of Guardiola’s services just this once.united have enough quality to undo real madrid,it all depends on tactics.
Put it this way they won’t fancy meeting United. Is it just me or is it a fucking insult that United are FIFTH favourites? Madrid now 4-1 . United about 14-1 to progress. Show some fucking respect. Last year aside United are always there or there abouts. The same can’t be said for Franco’s mob. God i cannot wait for a BIG European night at OT.
Jay – Err I would take Rafael over Arbeloa. I would take Vida over Pepe. Pat over Coentrao. Carrick is as good as Alonso. Ozil is weak and can’t see a game out. We are fine.
One mouthwathering tie! But we all saw this coming.I believe both teams are scared of each other as they have identical style of play especially potent forward players.However,If manu can get a high scoring draw like 2:2 or 3:3 at the benabeau,then they will have a massive chance of going through.plenty of time for the gaffer to think about his tactics, and he could make use of Guardiola’s services just this once.united have enough quality to undo real madrid,it all depends on tactics.
@kanchels
oh i see, you thought i was under the impression that we were facing Barca in Feb. no, i was just commenting that clubs – ALL clubs- could very well have a different make-up than what we are analyzing today.
CR9 – Like always when Fergie has met Mourinho? What you on about you prick? Fergie seen him off in League. Saw off Inter. What’s it like to BUY 9 European Cups?
CR9 – Also you got fucking battered by City second half. Why the fuck are you even on here? You were posting as a United fan other day.
Canada – Spot on. Ronnie will make it a one man show.
I most certainly do NOT hope we sing “Viva Ronaldo” . For 90 minutes he is our fucking enemy. Fuck him.
agreed – no love for ronaldo while he is playing against us. he’s a beast, we shouldn’t be wasting our breath lauding our oppostiion when our own players will need a lift.
Ronaldo has always found it harder against pacy fullbacks, so we need Rafael fit
Im not afraid madrid but really I don’t fxxking understand the fans are saying love the draw for me just want the most easy way plus some luck because I just want the fxxking trophy and past the loserpool record as soon as possible
We were probably never going to win it this year anyway… This is a great fixture, not some shoddy game against marseille… If we win, great. Lose and we will be in a better position to get the title back.
@proverb city’s big European trips are away to Swansea
King Eric, Completely agree. The wankin on Ronaldo has got to stop. We applaude him on…. then
We sing
“Chinga Ronaldo” for the 90!
Still I do think it is a cracking tie. In the 4 times we have met, only 2003 didn’t result in the eventual CL winner. Let’s hope that returns to us!
Bring it!
Rd5454
Yeah I love this draw. I am a football lover. These are very rare fixtures. MANCHESTER UNITED VS REAL MADRID. Two of the best clubs in world football. Can’t get any better. Its like Rock Vs Austin . Whoever wins wrestling fans will be entertained. Same way we are here for a treat. I would want our club to win and I have a feeling we will knock them out. When you say you want to win the trophy then you have to beat the best also. And honestly teams like Dortmund , Juventus or Shaktar are more dangerous because you don’t know what you will expect from those team but you know real madrid have superstars and they will play good football so our boys will be ready for it.
. Please don’t play giggsy. He would be better if we have to finish out the game. Don’t start with him.
Only way this tie will become boring if sir alex manages to start with Giggs or scholes especially giggs
I am happy with the draw.
1. We can have Ronaldo back, sort of
2. This is the reason for CL anyway
3. I think we have a decent chance, so we will see how it goes
Viva Ronaldo
AK
That is mint!!! Oi me!
We can beat them. We will perform better than City did against them for sure and it took a last gasp shot from ronaldo to sink them. We all knew this is the draw we would get as soon as Madrid didn’t top their group.
Notice how City fans quack in their boots when they found out they are in the same group as Real, and how United fans are excited about playing Real?
It’s our turn lads!
United v Real Madrid have met 4 times.
Of these, only 2003 matches didn’t result in the CL winner. But simple pattern analysis reveals the truth.
It’s our year
…’57……’68……’00…..??
THEM : US : THEM : ??
Oi! Lads!!! It’s our freakin turn!! HA!
Fine print (if you use this analysis for betting you are a complete gnome) Cheers.
I AM SO HAPPY for this draw.
I can’t explain it.
1. ronaldo will come home
2. We will show them who think we are not up to it
3. If we lose, we know we are not up to it, so better be eliminated immediatelly than go safe.
4. WE WILL WIN THIS GAME
@Marq
yeah you are absolutely correct
Real Madrid here we come, I think Madrid is mroe afraid than us.
It now or never. This will be a real test for United to prove what the team is capable of. Besides, it is also the time for SAF to prove his resolution in winning the UCL. Who should go down the field or what tactic will he employ will be a deciding factor. If he started tinkering with the team, I might go crazy. Winning will be a boost to the team and definitely keep the spirit up for PL. Losing (if it happened due to defence or midfield) will prove only to SAF whether his decision not to buy some potential or good defender or CB is wise. I dont mind if we lose while the team perform wholeheartedly but definitely I do not want to see another mirror image of our team performance against Barca in the finals 2 years ago.
Go United and win them.
Fuck la liga.. lets bulldoze them!! starting with Madrid!
King Eric – I do not know if you agree, I have been sick and tired of united fans loving this guy to death, many have short memorys, when he screwed united over in the summer 2008 having hissy fits he could not go to Madrid all summer long, and seeing this behavior on the pitch. Heck when he did join, listen to all his representatives give some horrible comments about the city of Mnachester, what did sir bobby say why ronaldo left, he felt he could no become the biggest player in the world stuck at united, yet his only world player of the year award came when he was playing at united, ironic isnt it
United have been better than Madrid this season. Madrid have struggled to score goals, while United haven’t ad any problem in dong so.
While our MF, in it’s current form, is marginally weaker than Madrid’s, I believe that with the right tactics from SAF, we can outplay them in the middle of the park.
And individually, our defence is much better than theirs. Now that we have everyone nearly fully fit, if we concentrate, we can easily keep out Benzema/Ozil/Ronaldo.
Not to mention that United’s attack is definitely at least on par with Madrid’s with RvP and Rooney definitely on par/ better than Benzema and Ronaldo. If Kagawa gains form by then and plays well, then United will easily go through.
This needs a 2008 vs Barca-esque performance though.
Vid aback, Maybe Nani back, Kagawa back, Valencia getting in form let’s hope, clevz and Ando getting into form and back, caarrick at the moment is strong.
IF we don’t get any injuries we have a great chance.
Have people noticed, how the City win has raised our beliefs and our mentality to go against the likes of Real Madrid. BRNG IT!!
PS. RVP has also raised our bar and let’s hope Kagawabunga does the same.
IAMUNITED
Great draw and excited about europe again which is nice..
Would like to see vidic stay in reserves for another month to build up some momemtun and give him stability.. be good for his confidence also.
Also would like to see hernandez been given more game time, with the run of form he’s been in he deserves to be dropped in to most games for at least 20 to 30mins. He will always get goals and scored some important ones recently when our backs were to the wall
Milan may not be able for barca but at least they wont make it easy for them.. Inter, Chelsea and celtic recently have all shown how to beat Barca.. Park the bus and hit them on the counter
Of course we can beat anyone if we get our tactics right.. Anderson back will be a big plus again
@fergie is the boss
whatever mate, he stayed 2009 and got us into the final of CL and we won the league.
He almost was the topscorer in the league.
So what’s the complain? He did his job and he delivered, then he went and we got 90 million from him.
What more do you want.
`kanchelskis.
that’s true and fuck knows how we are in the situation today but welcome.As regards our two legged knockouts never at any time have I any doubts about our performances at this stage and I am still of the opinion our midfield is shite but am prepared to be educated.
Fuck christmas shopping, it kept me busy for like for ever, I haven’t had time to contribute and put in all I could on this thread, which is a massive thread by far
This game is masssssive iits going to be huge
Maybe the Mayan calendar is right
————de gea
Rafael —-vidic ——smalling —evra
—-cleverly——–anderson –Kagawa
————————Rooney
————————–RVP
Let’s show them the true team spirit lads, this is massive probably could be lads biggest game to date
Hey guys, I’m loving the positivity here!
Absolutely loving it! I’ve been moaning for a few weeks about some of the negativity, but I’m hoping this draw has really united us all again 
Whatever happens between now and then… LET’S DO THIS!! 
You can add in valencia in there to provide us with some cover and width, if nani has picked up his form by then so be him in that place to show boot ronaldo on that flank, we have big enough squad and quality to challenge them fuckers and possibly shit on there pants hopefully the squad doesn’t suffer any set backs and those who are still sidelined recovers and get some valuable game time before then
Real Madrid’s are at home to Sevilla 3days before we play them in Madrid
and then home to Barcelona 2 days the come to OT
Feb 10 Real vs Sevilla Bernabéu
Feb 13 Real vs United Bernabéu
Feb 17 Real vs RayoVallecano Bernabéu
Mar 3 Real vs Barcelona Bernabéu
Mar 5 United vs Real Old Trafford
Mar 10 Celta Vigo vs Real Madrid Estadio Balaídos
United are at home before both CL Fixtures and away after. Both league games are 3 days ahead.
Feb 10 United vs Everton Old Trafford
Feb 13 Real Madrid vs United Bernabéu
Feb 23 QPR vs United Loftus Road
Mar 2 United vs Norwich City Old Trafford
Mar 5 United vs Real Madrid Old Trafford
Mar 9 WestHam vs United Upton Park
The Barcelona game on 2 days before traveling to Manchester could be very important.
Wow what a draw!!!!
Mr. Van Persie, this is the reason you came to United- you must feel good about your decision in the off-season. You have waited your whole career for this moment. I would argue that this is bigger than when Le Arse weaseled their way into the final- there will certainly be more people watching.This season we have all seen your ability now it is time to show the world.
Mr. Rooney you thrive on a big occasion- here’s a good chance to get one over on your old rival- wink wink.
Young guns- this is what being a Red Devil is all about – Carpe Diem!!!
DDG- How about a Champs League Medal and the #1 shirt for Spain.
Sir Alex- Thank you for Everything, lets not over think this, turn the lads loose and we will prevail.
Supporters at OT- Viva Ronaldo on his introduction then boo his every touch.
ROM- Keep it positive and enjoy this very special time.
@Dela
tell me about it.
I though I was the only one happy for the draw and positive, then I came here to write my thoughts, and saw that the momentum is with us, and what a Influence that City game proved to be for the supporters and the team.
CMON!! somebody asked earlier this, but who did City draw? or chelsea?
Thanks Fletch for the fixtures update. Looks like its to our advantage. Even if by then Real have no chance of winning the league, their fans would never forgive them if they play a weakened lineup, so hopefully its a brutal affair for them vs Barca
btw.
have you seen this. Somebody talked earlier about this but look at the fixed thing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=uisidQxyo6Q
WOW. what are the odds to not be fixed?
Marq, One can hope. Everton will be a handful. But 3 days is a bare minimum. If Mourinho plays his first team v Barca they will less frisky 2 days later. Just hope we get a good ref. My god those are going to be massive games.
Wonder if they will use GLT for those matches. Figures that they won’t.
Proverb – No Carrick? He WILL start without a shadow of a doubt pal. He has to.
FITB and Fletch – Hey up lads, how’s tricks? I know I cannot believe what I am reading. “Lets sing Viva Ronaldo” Err lets not no. I bet the fucker would celebrate anyway. I DO like the lad, I always will but as I posted yesterday his comment that Mourinho is THE best annoyed me a bit.
Marq – Ha I know. We are relishing the game, City fans would be shitting it.
We’re at least getting two games when you don’t have to hear our fans sing a Real Madrid player’s name all the time. It’s been painful to hear how many times viva ronaldo has been sung recently by our fans. Don’t understand why some fans sing it still, he fucked off to Spain – let him be there (and let the people in Madrid sing his name) and sing some stuff that gets the players of Man Utd going, not viva ronaldo.
I never minded that Ronaldo left, even thoug hit hurt, that’s why we have to applaud him when he comes and leaves.
But if we are to sing, we should sing it to him once. After that, it’s over.
Not 90minutes, but the ones not appreciating the effort Ronaldo put it’s simply stupid.
the lad has to be recognised cause he is an United legend in my opinion, but if you sing, sing it at the beginning and that’s it. Applause if he scores, but that’s it.
And he won’t celebrate. He’s not crazy.. only God knows ..(Ronaldo quote)
@motgp this is for you and the others, that blame Ronaldo leaving. He left, but wer always knwe. If Rooney had left, that would have been a surprise liek it was. For all of you, don’t want to go into a debate, cause he’s Real Madrid bound but this is my answer to you:
“whatever mate, he stayed 2009 and got us into the final of CL and we won the league.
He almost was the topscorer in the league.
So what’s the complain? He did his job and he delivered, then he went and we got 90 million from him.
What more do you want.”
King Eric, Whoa lad, you didn’t hear sign Ronaldo from me.
He cut that ribbon when he cut ties, end of. To hell with kissy feelie!
We applaud him all nice and gent like when he comes on (only proper)
But then we let him have it! Me!
If he wants a song, its got to be
“Chinga” Ronaldo from the Stretty end. Ha! Viva my arse!
tomorrow should of been the end of the world !!
but the God’s seen that it’s Manchester United vs real Madrid and have now said let’s end it
some time next year, we have to watch this game.
Fletch – Oh I know mate. I meant I was agreeing with you on how we shouldn’t sing his name!!
We had a tough road in 2008 having to play Barca and Juventus to get to the final. I think those kinds of opponents bring out the best in you, and we’ll rise to the occasion. And I think it will help us win the league. I think we tend to play down to inferior teams’ level and we show our true quality against elite opponents. We’ll find out if we’re good enough now. And I’m ecstatic to see Ron come home. I think we’ll see him in red again soon.
meant to say 2008 beating Barca and in 1999 beating Juventus. Dealing with the flu so pardon the error
WeAreUnited
I just hope the fans would just cheer his name during the presentation of their 11, then when the match starts boo him every time he gets the ball. Otherwise it would be some kind of Ronaldo testimonial.
King Eric Cheers! What do you make of Reals Liga game 2 days before.
Mark my words, it will be moved.
Sure hope we don’t give Jose any cause to run up and down the bye line at OT. That was taking the piss.
@motgp
yeah of course mate. theres no reason to go 90 minutes yelling viva ronaldo, but respect him yes.
anyway it doesn’t matter, maybe he’ll score 1 goal, but this is ours game to win!!!!!!
Here’s one for the conspiracy theorists: we beat RM and go on to win the CL, thus giving SAF his third European Champions League trophy, which he covets so much. His embition fulfilled, SAF retires right after the final. Controversially, Mourinho replaces SAF. Thus, by losing to us this year, Mourinho actually improves his own chances of getting SAF’s job sooner rather than later.
There’s nothing to it, of course, because Mourniho would clearly like to grab another CL trophy himself (which would instantly place him in a very select group of 3-time winners). And getting his third would hardly do any harm to his CV.
ANyway, back to the footy … I would much rather face a team like RM or Barca over two legs than one, especially with the advantage of playing away first. So bring it on!
Thank goodness others see the danger of over the top wanking over ronaldo. Spot on KE, he is the enemy. Throwing a hissy fit in his last two years and his slávě comment, urgh. Get stuck in you reds
Fucking Gooners are really doing my head in some cunt on talksport claiming Le Arse only self sustaining top club.Honestly these cunts are so fucking deluded really believe they are better than every other club with high morales,only reason is that their shit and the club won’t pay top wages
Why doesn’t the talksport lads set them straight erm no Man Utd have been self sustaining for years and all you cunts would soon change the tune if Le Arse actually started signing quality
These self righteous phony cunts are making me puke
we should sing his name pre match,and a couple of mins in the match(we still sing his name during games anyway)but then stop…no booing,we all know to well how he plays when booed…anyone remember 2006?anyone remember those away games and the abuse he got but still won us so many playing amazingly?i remember also when he played against france in world cup 06,was great even though they lost.
booing isnt the right thing to do with ronny,it spurs him on,just stay silent and act as if hes any other player imo..
anyway,may the best team win,lets not forget the first game at the bernabeu,where itll be tough,and need a positive result.
zigoo
Yeah, I change my mind – no booing – it only spurs him on.
Wayne … top post. And another point that gets overlooked about the Gooners: they can prattle on about being self-sustaining and living within their means, but see what happens when they fall outside the top four for a year, two years, three… without CL qualification and the revenue it brings, even their current level of spending would be beyond their means. They would have to cut back, and so the spiral downhill would only continue.
No fucking way the fans should chant Ronnie songs that’s fucking mad.Thanks for the memories but he plays for one of our longtime arch enemies their the virus ffs
People have short memories yeah Ronnie was a great footballer he was also a self involved selfish baby who threw tantrums and put the fans through the ringer every transfer window.He ruined the CL victory with that long drawn out bollocks that summer
He’s said the right things now he’s left but a lot of players sacrificed to make him the focal point of the team and take away his football contributions he was a cunt
Stateside hi mate hope things are well,think that’ll happen this year mate. Imo Spurs and Everton have better squads,I’d put Le Arse about same leval as the Dippers,ave
wayne and StatesideAussie – despite my problems with the glazers, I think united are in a very good position, at times I have gone nuts over their ownership, but we are spending money, competing, I think we ae in a better position than arsenal, and hey let us not forget the abysmal ticket prices to watch arsenal, 62 pounds to watch that garbage
I think if we are not going to win then its better to go out early so we can focus on the league as City are not in Europe. I know we lose TV revenue by going out early by the Glazers can go fck themselves and take a smaller dividend in their sticky paws.
RM are an easier draw than Barca, about level with Bayern. Barca are still the best team. Beating them will be hard they are odds on favourites. If we do get to a Barca – United final it would be a very tough game to win. This year I would much rather win the league. When we get to 20, I will be more keen on CL over league but right now we need out title back from the chavs.
We will beat Madrid, we usually win when we play second leg at home. Then ofcourse its Ronaldo’s “home” too. But Valencia and Rafael are quick, he will waltz past Carrick though, Smalling and Rio on form are the only CB who may handle him. In MF only a very on form Ando.
Real are defensively frail, their attack carries them most times.
We’re defensively dodgy too, but I think it’ll be down to how Fergie wants to line up in both games.
I see us going through though; unless we dip in form by then.
f.I.t.b hi mate Glaziers have 2 good qualities stay out of all football matters and make money avaiable when Sir Alex asks for it.63 quid is probably the cheap seats some seats cost over 100 per game
Kagwa cd be the pass master here linking mf and attack.
Why should we cheer Ronaldo? He is the freaking enemy for 180mins. That said, why is it that people are so polar? Not cheering for someone doesn’t mean you have to hate him. Towards Ronaldo you can just be neutral and keep quiet, treat him like any league 1 player that you know nothing about. He operates best with lots of love or hate, so I say give him none of any
Agree with @ KE – one thing I can not forgive Ronaldo for is saying Mourhinio is the BEST manager in th world.
Err hang on lad – Who made you into the player you are? Who was like a father to you so you say? You went from nobody to best in the World under SAF, Mourhinio has not improved Ronnie as a player, in fact I think part of the problem is while Ronnie is a goal machine his defensive game and assists have tailed off with Mourhinio and he will be punished for that by United’s attack. Screw you Ronnie, till you shafted SAF for that eye poker I would have applauded you on. Also you just comment about United to wind up Madrid and get more money. Great player ledgend wanker. Two fingers to you Sir.
How Can we the viruses
Stifle Marcelo and Arbeloa. The side’s full-backs,
Marcelo and Arbeloa, like to push forward as much as
possible down the flanks, often overlapping with the
likes of Angel di Maria, Mesut Ozil and Cristiano
Ronaldo in midfield.
Cut off the Team’s Creativity at the Source(Xabi
Alonso) the playmaker averages more than 70 passes a
game—over a dozen more than any of his teammates.
He is the spine of the Real midfield, the source of the
great river.
Patience Is a Virtue
Force Cristiano Ronaldo out Wide. If the Red Devils can
push him out wide, they stand a far better shot at
containing his explosive presence. Of course there’s
always the increasingly creative Karim Benzema and
the deft Mesut Ozil, but one problem at a time.
Wayne rooney thrives on this sort of encounters so do van the man aswell as the club
Bring in on indeed!
Defeat*
Winner takes Ronnie?
Ah its all going to be so so exciting, I can’t wait. It is going to be massive massive encouragement if we defeat Real Madrid. And we have all the chance of doing that! Got a lot of confidence on us, and we’ve got the RVP cherry to top it all up.
I wonder if we’ll sing Viva Ronaldo, ha. My my its going be mushy but I’m excited to see Ronaldo come back. Not excited to see the stuff he’s gonna do on the pitch though, damn that heck of player.
@King- well I love RM more than Utd to be honest mate, Utd being the team in the premier league that is, but when these 2 are meeting now, of course I will be for RM and its players instead of Utd… if it was Utd vs Barcelona or any other one I would be rooting for Utd, simples…
well insult me as much as u want, but CR will score in both legs, and with the current Utd defense and keeper it could turn out to be a humiliation for Utd if the lad really puts everything in and Benzema is fit as well
CR9
defense AND keeper? defense yes we’re all over the shop but in two months we’ll tighten up. keeper? de gea has been growing from strength to strength and in the time it takes between now and the two legs he’ll get even better.
@Marq
Good point about Ronaldo thriving when he’s hated on. And there’s no need to do it anyway. He deserves a good response from the crowd before the game, but that’s as far as it should go. During the games he will be as much of an enemy as that twat Ramos is. Of course, if United end up getting a secure aggragate lead, I wouldn’t mind the OT crowd cheering for him like they did with Beckham 3 years ago.
Looks like our 19 year old Chilean striker Angelo Henriquez will go on loan to Wigan. Roberto Martinez seems to be a fan and they didn’t do to badly with Tom Cleverley a couple years back.
Wigan will play all the top sides and it would be a treat if Angelo helped knock a couple points off that lot.
Good deal if it is finalized as Angelo needs games.
I may be viewing things with rose-tinted specs, but imo, we have the best squad in the league. The best set of players, no ego, play for team, warriors, awesome team spirit. No other team, and really no, has this combination. I just love these players we have, just everything. We may be complacent at times with some below par performances but we’re improving and going from strength to strength. We have it in our means to beat real. We have the strength and capability, and all we have to do is to step up our game. We will rise to the occasion. I do not see how real is that much superior, we have it in our means to beat them.
Maybe its just the Christmas mood. I’m so thankful that I love Manchester United.
Then you should fuck off to a Real blog if their the team you love the most you fucking twat
@tom c : provided DDG plays regularly and builds up his body, and commands the defense like Van Der Sar did or a Schmeichel…he’s too afraid to come out to pick the ball in the air, and with players like CR and Benzema who are at ease with headers he will have a difficult time
Over the years I’ve learned that when players leave it is not always black and white, so when they leave and come back to play against us I respect them apart from Tevez when he started acting like an oaf. There is no loyalty in football none whatsoever, not from clubs, managers or even supporters. Supporters can be very fickle so why do you expect players to be loyal, the Rooney saga taught me that. Ronaldo gave us 6 good years and was very influential in our trophy haul so when he comes back I will cheer him, but when he plays just boo him like we did to Beckham.
Wow a madrid fan on our thread… Believe in saf and the lads we’ll surely get past madrid and give mourinho something to cry on