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LIVE BLOG: Manchester United v Olympiakos

March 19, 2014

Brad

Follow @bradcantona on Twitter.

CONFIRMED LINE-UP: United vs Olympiacos

TOP 5: United’s Champions League quarter-finals

385 Comments

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WeAreUnitedd March 20, 2014

@john the troll, we United supporters are fine here, how are you?

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trevor knightsmith March 20, 2014

John,
You might be correct in what you say, but at least we're in the Quarter finals, which after the way we've played this season is a huge plus to most of us.

It is easy to write us off even before the draw is made, but anything can happen . Barca were going to thrash Chelsea in the semi finals the year they won it, Bayern were going to slaughter them in the final on their own ground . Chelsea were outplayed in all three matches, but lifted the cup despite finishing 6th in the league.

City were going to slaughter Wigan in the cup final last year , and we all know what happened there!.

Look at Barca and Real Madrid against the German sides in the semis last season, totally thumped.

I'm not saying we will win it , but at least last night gave us something to cheer about . The side put in a lot of effort and should be given a lot of credit for it .

Please let us just savour the win , it hasn't happened a lot this season !

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dannysoya LOVES USAIN BOLT March 20, 2014

@weareunitedd is correct on Fellaini. If you don't think he will improve our midfield then what exactly was the point of buying him then? Why exactly did we spend 27 million pounds to remain the exact same position or even get worse? That is a perfect case of money wasted. As long as he is here that price tag will forever hang over his head and will forever be a mark against Moyes. I have no problems with people expecting more from Fellaini. He cost more than what we paid for Rooney FFS. lol.

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wayne barker March 20, 2014

Imo Mata has to play number 10 to get the best out of him I don't want to see him on the wide right again which means a different role has to be found for Rooney
Not being funny and i've seen a lot talk about it's up to Moyes to figure out getting the best out of players but when the club has 4 players who's best position is num 10,how is that supposed to happen

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WeAreUnitedd March 20, 2014

David Gill talking about Pogba leaving.

http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/man-utd/transfer-talk/news/gill-united-did-everything-to-keep-pogba_145124.html

what happened behind the scenes.

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John March 20, 2014

@trevor knightsmith:

Am I not happy we won against Olympiakos? Of course I am. The main thing about it is, as it said that it has given us an EXTENDED hope to cheer about something after a fuck all/disastrous season.

As far as comparison to chelsea is concerned, don't forget they had to sack AVB and bring DI Matteo for lifting that CUP WITH BIG EARS.

imho AVB is better manager than Goodison Gollum David moyes minus passport.

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WeAreUnitedd March 20, 2014

you have to find the right tactics to coimmodate them together and that means possession football cause they play that, the onyl one who can plays faster footbal lis Januzaj so lets use him the way Dortmund uses Reus

it's all about evolving football, yes wingers with pace are more helpful but as you said when you have players who prefer that 10 position then 1 needs to be dropped and for others change the tactics, lucky for us Januzaj has good accelaration so we can use him on doing that

anyway, it would take essays to explain everything and videos etc, so won't go deeper, but this is one though how to play them together.

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wayne barker March 20, 2014

Bayern didn't look anything special against the Gunners,still think that sending off was dodgy if Ozil puts away the penalty could've easy been a different result
Not really bothered who Utd get last 8 anything can happen contrary to popular opinion with the trolls Utd aren't chopped liver as long as the team shows commitment we can battle anyone

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WeAreUnitedd March 20, 2014

I also don't think Bayern looked anything special, but the worry is that they can raise their game a couple of notches so they are very strong

I am not that scared but not hopeful either, but fortunately the CL can surprise us sometimes and if we get our defensive game solid against the big guns then we have a slight chance, but just a very slight one agaisn the psgs rmadrids barcas etc

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Fletch™ March 20, 2014

Fellaini did his job last night and I have to tip my hat to the lad.

He sat on the bench and when the manager called him in he said something to the effect of:
Moyes: "Listen well Mo", "We have 3 minutes to kill and I need someone to take it in the corner with Giggsy and kill the game" "If they score, we are dead"

Fellaini: "Count on me boss!"

End of. If you looked at the bench, Fellaini was probably the best suited and he did it well.

I can recall a match a few years ago where Nani gave the ball away and we lost the tie.
U21s just got kicked out of the Lancashire senior cup for giving up a free kick with 5 min on the clock.
It's a lesson that many players just never learn.

Fellaini grew a couple notches in my estimation. There will be games where he does nicely.

There are times when you need a man who will do one job. At times, it is the difference between progressing and going home.
You could tell that Fellaini and Giggs knew EXACTLY what they were about those last 2 corners. I was well pleased to see that. No muckin about and it was what the Manager asked for and got last night from Giggs and Fellaini.

Giggs for 94 minutes to be fair!

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trevor knightsmith March 20, 2014

Wayne.

I agree, of course we stand a chance, as do the other seven teams in Quarters .

Let people write us off, I don't care, we're into the last eight, and on merit !

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The_red_devils March 20, 2014

One trick effective tony turned into no trick pony.
He at best should be a squad player, one good game don't change anything.

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Fletch™ March 20, 2014

Giggs now the oldest outfield player to ever appear in the UEFA Champions League (40 years 3 months 19 days)
Giggs holds the record for most appearances in the CL 146 (Xavi is on 145 and will probably get the record next year)

Giggs is already the oldest to score (37 years, 289 days) when he scored v Benfica Sept 14 2011.

Giggs GIGGS will tear you apart again!

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John March 20, 2014

The way this Gollum is hiding and saving his job is unbelievable. Gollum must be the luckiest person of this world. I would put him above the guy who won Euro lottery just few days back.

I mean he can get thrashed by City, he can get thrashed by Liverpool, he can make us outplayed by Chelsea, even tottenham, newcastle, everton can smash Gollum's arse even at old trafford but Gollum being Goodison Gollum doesn't loose his job. Isn't it incredible? LOOK AT THE POWER OF PASSPORT!!! Its just ridiculous.

How this fucker from Glasgow can save his ass beating Olympiakos after making us midtable and showing cluelessness of highest order is beyond anyone!!

Oh the irony, people are already dreaming of Chelsea-2!! However, just this dream shows the acceptance that we are all over the place this season like chelsea were that season. And, we are just into quarters after beating mighty Olympiakos.

I can tell you how this site will go in terms of who comments here.

1st step: Moyes will win against the team of SAF's friend Allardyce team and roar in press conference like that of a cornered cat. And fans on this blog will roar too (eg: wild beast from canada).

2nd Step: Because of title race between City and chelsea, Pelligrini's team will thrash us mercilessly in old trafford\home and moyes will fall to earth bite lil dust and make some excuses and fans on this blog will console themselves with hope of chelsea too(eg: Security guard tommy.)

3rd step: Moyes will be given tactical tution by WHOEVER we will be tied in next round and he will have summer approached and make excuses of being 1st season. His DADDY ferguson will sit on his side and stand by him. Fans on this blog will fight each other. A titanic clash between moyes lovers and moyes haters.

Finally: above 3 steps (in terms of similarity) shall continue till the business end of next season when GOODISON GOLLUM aka DAVID MOYES aka MR. PASSPORT will be sacked.

*********************************************************************************************************

Above is the reason I comment less these days. Because I know this is TRANSITION. TRANSITION BETWEEN GOODISON GOLLUM TO "OUR MANAGER/ MANCHESTER UNITED MANAGER".

@ WeAreUnitedd:

Go fuck yourself you fucking hypocrite! You two faced twat!!

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wayne barker March 20, 2014

Only on here would a 'fan' take shots at a player who battled his heart out with one fucking eye,just fuck off mate you're not a fan

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ashtheking March 20, 2014

We are united

My point wasn't about whether Fellaini was good or not, it was more about Samuels double standard towards Fellaini. You call Fellaini average but this season carrick has been below par. So why always point finger on Fellaini. My point is simple why have different rules for players. Carrick played yesterday but honestly was pretty poor. So if you are coming here and saying that giggs is performing better than Fellaini then first you should say giggs is performing better than carrick which is a bigger concern.
It's not new that Samuel always specifically targets Fellaini even though he even didn't start the game. And who he came he did a fine job of finishing the work. So learn to give credit also when it is due.

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ashtheking March 20, 2014

John

I really hope you are a city supporter because if you seriously are united supporter then I feel shameful that our supporters call name of our staff. Seriously you are pathetic.

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trevor knightsmith March 20, 2014

" Pelligrini’s team will thrash us mercilessly in old trafford\home "

I cannot believe a united supporter said that, and i thought the wife suffered form depression !

Wayne.

Of course Tony V should take a lot of plaudits for the heart he showed last night , most of us would have been in A & E !

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samuel - united WE stand March 20, 2014

Ashtheking - it is not an agenda against fellaini, i'm simply placing him on a podium and analysing what he actually brings to the side.. It is not double standard though.. If you compared van persie and darren bent and the englishman embarks on a goal scoring spree of 10 games whilst van persie goes on a drought.. Who between the two would get the benefit of the doubt? Who has more of a proven record and has delivered at the highest level? That comes into equation.

I accept carrick has dropped a level, I would go as far and say he perhaps isn't the player he used to be anymore, that's up to the club and whoever the manager will be to bring in quality replacements for him, he's carried the central mid long enough but fact of the matter is, proven achievements always counts.. That's why the likes of pirlo still get trusted despite putting in below par performances. Proven record gives a player the benefit of the doubt.. That is something fellaini and his buyer moyes do not have.. They are not proven and have yet to clear any doubts. I actually don't think fellaini is terrible but I honestly think with more upgrade, he is only going to be a squad player.. For 27.5mill, that's not good enough.

Putting all that aside, i'm not targeting him but he is in a position where he'll get huge scrutiny and a 40+ years old starting and possibly making the team better whilst you as a player at your peak has failed to do that does not look good on fellaini and every other central midfielder at the club.

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John March 20, 2014

ashtheking says:

John

"I really hope you are a city supporter because if you seriously are united supporter then I feel shameful that our supporters call name of our staff. Seriously you are pathetic."

Says DHOTI :D:D :D

How is India doing on T-20 world cup? Our First team coach phil neville is a good cricket player!! Take him to IPL and concentrate there!!

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wayne barker March 20, 2014

Trevor I was referring to The Red Devils comments deciding to insult Tony V and takes shots,what kind of fucking fan would do that

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wayne barker March 20, 2014

samuel has always been the same any player he didn't want at the club will never be good enough,same if he has it in for a player will never give him credit

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ashtheking March 20, 2014

John

What has that got to with our club. Again you are not able to present one good point. Ahh should I be surprised? I feel sorry for you. Poor sole

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The_red_devils March 20, 2014

Look who is talking about taking shots at players, a man who always blames the players for the bad season we are having.
Criticizing 1 players makes one a anti fan, then what it tells about a person who blames all the players??

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samuel - united WE stand March 20, 2014

DeGeaWeTrust - I've always thought welbeck had the quality anyway so his performance last night did not suprise me.. What he lacks is that composure to dispatch and nail all his good approach play.. He gave united directness and speed that perhaps lacked a few times this season, I will give moyes the credit for picking him there but another point will be, welbevk will have to be more of a goal threat and provide more assists whilst coming from that left side but he has the flexibility and technique.

Valencia had a good enough game.. He brought tenacity and drive added with his work ethic that's never been in doubt.. Valencia as a whole has had a good career at the club but I honestly cannot see him being part of the progression of the club,i don't think last night changed anything.

All in all, it was a better performance than some of the dreadful display showcased this season.. You enjoy the win but at this football club, we look ahead and set our gaze to the very top rejoicing over one decent performance after several dreadful cannot be the aspiration.. We must aim to do better and hopefully in the long run, that will be the case.

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John March 20, 2014

ashtheking says:

John

"What has that got to with our club. Again you are not able to present one good point. Ahh should I be surprised? I feel sorry for you. Poor sole."

I know you are a dumbass lurking on this site and, obviously, you are not so bright. I am not here to make good point to you. I am just suggesting you to put your dhoti back on and fuck off where you belong instead of boring others. Pathetic CUNT/ Mr. Ventilation/Mr. Dhoti.

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John March 20, 2014

And to all true United Supporters who clearly know Goodison Gollum belongs to club like West Brom, Enjoy the victory! United is Back!! ;)

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The_red_devils March 20, 2014

Vermijl agent says he staying depends on moyes

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2585258/Its-David-Moyes-Marnick-Vermijl-stay-Manchester-United-boss-sacked.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed

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Mav March 20, 2014

@Samuel and ash

Samuel you are kind of reaching. We all know you don't rate fellani. We all know you don't rate him but the fact is he came on and did his job yesterday pretty well so your attacking him just seems petty.

Ash is totally correct. Its double standards because at that time and place he did a good job. Give credit where its due. Ash is also right that Carrick has been pretty poor and you continue to by pass him.

Same with Rooney AMD double standards. When you argue (fairly BTW) that a good coach should make all the players work and interchange and they should play where asked I agreed.

I would come back and point out the fact that despite this, its pretty clear that shinji is not a winger. For the best of the team, shrinking should be in the middle AMD Wayne on the left ( which goes with your point of playing where asked) and you refused to acknowledge because obviously, your boy Rooney isn't in his preferred spot.

Yeah you think fellani isn't good, but he did his job yesterday. End of story.

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wayne barker March 20, 2014

I don't mind people coming at me just stop lying I never take shots at players and have never blamed the season on the players.I blame the players for not showing effort like the first leg.If the same effort last night had been shown in the first leg Utd wouldn't have needed 3 goals and when players are committed good things happen.That's all I ask out of them to respect the badge and be committed
To come out and insult a player who battled his heart out playing with a injury that most players would've been subbed off for makes you a twat and most certainly not a fan

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Fletch™ March 20, 2014

Couple Corrections:

Ryan Giggs records in UEFA Champions League:

Oldest outfield player- 40ys 3mo 19d
Most appearances -149 (157 in Europe)
Oldest Scorer (37y 289d v Benfica)

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NairobiRed March 20, 2014

What I totally don't get is the negativity and attack that some players who played are getting after winning a game very few people expected the team to win. I'm pretty sure less than 10% of the fans strongly believed the team could pull it off. When they did, I expected the online fans to show some recognition and praise the team for pulling of a massive result. I recognise it wasn't barca or madrid, but the fact that everyone basically ruled us out, this makes it a big win.
Also, I don't get why people are so eager to criticise the team even when they win, if there's anything we have learnt this season is that the dark clouds are never far away. Why continue moaning and crying when the sun is up, we know it won't last so instead of moaning, I'd urge all of us to enjoy the warmth of the CL QF, to know we are in the top 8 in europe, and we'll be facing the best of the best is massive.
There be plenty of time and reasons to moan, criticise and insult our players, hell, the chance could come as quickly as saturday, so let's enjoy the little victories because we'll have plenty of opportunities within the next few years to be negative.

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Monica Bulker3 March 20, 2014

As good as yesterday's victory feels, I still feel it's only a postponement on Moyes' sacking. We beat Olympiakos to be honest, and even though the players showed true heart and determination, it was a team regarded as the weakest in the last 16.

If we don't get carried away and take a closer look at the game, after RvP's hat trick, we reverted to Moyes' United. RvP was isolated, midfield got overrun, Olympiakos threatened a few times and it could've ended in a nightmare.

So, credit where it's due, but unless Moyes can make us play like the first 55 mins every game onwards, I still don't think he's the right one for the job.

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ashtheking March 20, 2014

John

What are you a 10 year old. Man your replies are so childish that I am smiling. Calling names. Ha this is what we used to do in schools. Anyways go and do your homework child.

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ashtheking March 20, 2014

Mav

Exactly. I have nothing against people having an opinion regarding a player but to always take a dig on them is not correct. Fellaini given e time did his job well so why criticise him when giggs midfield partner carrick was pretty bad for many games. Look even I am not that a. Big fan of current season,s Valencia but I won't take a dig at him at yesterday's performance because he showed the fight and passion. So give him credit . We have to keepin. Ind that all of the wear our shirt so to have personal vendetta aginst one individual is not correct.

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tallestreD March 20, 2014

Ashtheking, Samuel makes good posts but on being double standard, most on here are.

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ashtheking March 20, 2014

TallestreD

I know that I like to read Samuels post. Never ever doubted his passion for our team. But if eel he is always. Harsh with Fellaini when there are other players who are equally or more bad.nothing against Samuel

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samuel - united WE stand March 20, 2014

Mav - the clear fact is I don't deny my views regardless of what people, I stick by my opinions and explain adequately. Honestly do I think fellaini is at the level expected of manchester united? No.. I've repeatedly clarified the attributes he lacks which are absolutely crucial in a key position but I also balanced my view. The belgian has his strenghths but they will make him nothing more than a good squad player. Fact is, united need more quality and the right ones.. I can't say I'm sure purchases will be made but I hope quality will come in.. I also have huge hopes for nick powell, lingard, zaha etc and a couple of others stepping up.. I think united will have another januzaj type younger player stepping up.. Could be andreas perriera, pearson or rothwell.

Yes fellaini did a good job holding onto the ball but it's not really something worthy of credit, it is not really a scale to judge quality.. So despite me accepting he did well coming on, it changes nothing. You try to make out i don't give credit where its due, I think you just blank out the other balanced side of my view on players.. Not double standards but you have your opinions and entitled to it..

Again the rooney debate.. Pardon me for not getting with the mob spraying delusional sayings of him being a pub footballer. Rooney could be the highest goal scorer at the club, he has delivered and continues to do so whilst others hide away.. I've judged rooney, a clear proven quality player like I would most.. It is judging on quality and NOT agendas based on his personality or how much of a mercenary/cuntified bastard he is. Based on quality, whether dips in form or not, rooney has been and still is a difference maker.. It is up to other players to step up their level and take his place but again, i'm sure you'll know I will not go down that level of claiming "favoritism" for one player or another.. It may be unsual for you or anyone with similar thoughts but players are judged on quality and that alone..

Don't get your point on kagawa, i've always acknowledged his quality and with a better manager, he would have kicked on.. Fair enough he is not a wide man but in a more narrow system with the fullbacks providing width, kagawa can play off the left.. United don't have the right system and the right manager. Like I said, rooney is not a playmaker but some people make out rooney has never played behind the forward, he's played several years there and has proven effective. I accept however a more natural playmaker needs to be there but before people start looking at who plays through the middle.. Actually have a top manager in charge that is tactically astute and ambitious, a manager that knows how best to utilise them.. If this manager deems rooney not effective behind the forward then shift him up top and if he deems rooney surplus to requirements then get quality replacements.

Conclusion.. Your point that fellaini did his "job" is fair but desperate, he would have done his job if he has been outstanding whilst actually playing ahead of giggs at any point this season..

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midfield-man March 20, 2014

@John,
and it was Olympiakos, the easiest opponent we could have got!! We will get thrashed in next round, i am sorry to say this.

I am sure City will expose the clueless manager we have and that is the preview of whats coming in next stage of Champions league.

----------

In all fairness to Moyes, we most likely will get spanked by City, but it's not like we haven't been under SAF either. The squad holes need to be addressed regardless of the manager in charge. With a better manager we may have had a better track record against all teams outside of the current top 4, but even Klopp would struggle with City/Chelsea/Liverpool this season with the squad we have.

I don't get people saying that a true united fan wouldn't say that we are likely to get hammered by City or whoever we get next round in the CL. Some people just lay it out as they see it and are more realistic,. and the reality is that we both need a more astute manager, and our squad is in a major fixer upper state, neither have been addressed this season and so here we are.

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midfield-man March 20, 2014

@samuel, actually you used to be quite negative about Kagawa, saying that it doesn't matter where he plays and that good players just perform and find a way to shine regardless of their position and that Kagawa hasn't done so, but I've noticed you changed your opinion this season and have even asked why Moyes doesn't play him often.

If we do invest in the midfield this summer and Kagawa is surrounded by other technical players he will shine the same as he did at Dortmund - as long as he's not asked to play as a winger, a CB, or keeper.

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midfield-man March 20, 2014

I"ve been critical of Valencia's predictability, lack of passing range and accuracy etc, but the man put in one hell of a shift yesterday - absolute tank. There was a moment where he got in the box behind the defender and was toppled down, with the Olimpiakos defender landing on his back, he shrugged him off like the guy weighed 10KG..and Olimpiakos defender looked at him like WTF is this?

Great moment.

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Fletch™ March 20, 2014

Midfield-man

Too right about Valencia. When he got clattered in the eye I was really thinking he had to go off.
Only reason he stayed on the pitch was because he demanded to stay on.
We need players who demand to represent the shirt. I knew we were going to win then. Great shift from the man.

My two biggest concerns on the team sheet were Rio and Jones as they have hardly made it through 90 minutes this season and no back ups on the bench with Smalling and Evans injured. Both CBs hardly put a foot, or head wrong. For my money, Rio making the full 90 is why we won. The lad is such a leader. Makes everyone believe when he is on form.
If that was Rio's last game (which I doubt) it would be a fine farewell.

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midfield-man March 20, 2014

Moyes: "People will probably think it's a turning point in people's careers but I didn't see it like that because the club don't see it like that. I see myself here for a long time"

In regards to next game - with Evra out, and presumably Buttner in - this could be disastrous.
Buttner has below average defensive skills, is highly unpredictable, and frankly a liability.
Whenever he's anywhere near the box I cringe as his timing of tackles is horrible and unpredictable - He's a red card waiting to happen, and it could prove costly for us.

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midfield-man March 20, 2014

@Fletch - do you work for uk national statistics? If not, I think you should look into it :)

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WeAreUnitedd March 20, 2014

midfield-man

I think we will use rafael as a lb and jones or smalling as rb, so i highly doubt that buttner will feature in, the upcoming games will show what will moyes do, cause surley he will experience something before that game

re: valwncia, when he got injured, for the long time I prayed that Valencia will be stayed on, that good he was yesterday, so yes I myself respect him very much, it's the double-stanfdards towards him that irritates me. anyway he was a beast

peace.

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midfield-man March 20, 2014

@Weareunited - let's hope we don't rely on Buttner for defensive duties which will be key in the next match and both full backs will have their hands full with all of our potential opponents.

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samuel - united WE stand March 20, 2014

http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11667/9223121

Marnick vermijl.. Always rated him, wonder if he'll get an opportunity.. There's also janko and varela.. I don't think a purchase for rightbacks should be made, give those an opportunity

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midfield-man March 20, 2014

One of Jones insane tackles looked dangerous to himself yesterday as well, he hobbled a bit after that which was worrying. He's got to learn how to control his tackles a bit more as well.

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WeAreUnitedd March 20, 2014

it’s the double-stanfdards towards him

meaning that wwhen he plays 2 year in a row below his standards, that's ok, but when nani does that then he's inconsistent

anyway.