Manchester United [Archive] - Page 61

Meyyappan

15-04-2008, 12:48

Our Wayne" Is Better Than Yours.

I am still haunted by Wayne Rooney. Even now, sitting in my exile in the rust-belt of the Midwest, his short Everton career boomerangs back into my mind again and again. I was there in the Park End the day Wayne scored that goal. Sat there, in what - looking back - felt like a Royal box seat for Rooney's coming-of-age - I wasn't sure exactly what I was witnessing. Was Wayne going to be another false dawn like Danny Cadamarteri, the dreadlocked 17-year-old who came into the world of football feet first and hit the ground running, like a precocious young chess champ seemingly intent on playing a pickup game of speed chess with the Grand Masters.

We all remember what happened the day Rooney came on against a bulletproof Arsenal side. Little snapshots flicker back into my memory. Wayne's goal; looping over Seaman like a vandal's brick, a Krakatoan eruption at Goodison, my dad letting off a minute long ecstatic scream at the final whistle, and listening to the feverish hoarse voices at the train station talking about "our Wayne". The rest of this fairy-tale remains unwritten; Wayne didn't go on to drag us into a golden age, instead he left for Old Trafford. But as long as I live in the U.S. - 3,300 miles away and sheltered from his successes with Man Utd - Wayne will occupy a strange limbo in my heart. Everton were of course compensated with millions of pounds for letting him leave, but the Wayne I knew, the bullish mercurial street-fighter, I wouldn't swap him for a wilderness of millions.

No matter how much dirt emerges about Wayne Rooney, no matter how much the Scouse genius runs roughshod over his "Once a Blue, always a Blue" oath of fealty with obnoxious and hypocritical badge kissing, I will always regard him as a footballing God.

To get over Rooney's departure to Old Trafford, I treated the new version of him as a different player - and it wasn't to hard to do. Sir Alex Ferguson has straitjacketed some of his wilder tendencies, turning his feral flair and atavistic aggression into the more controlled player he wanted him to be. Whilst at Goodison, Rooney notched up 15 goals in 67 appearances, a record that - on the face of it - is inferior to his goalscoring rate at United, where he has scored 52 goals in 124 league appaearances, but that isn't taking into account Moyes' softly softly approach. Of those 67 games for Everton, 27 of them were as a substitute, and the Everton side of that time doesn't hold a torch to the current United squad.

When watching Wayne now you see an awe-inspiring and excellent player; but I think that he could have become even better. The early Rooney - bursting past defenders, ruthlessly direct and blinkered, known to taunt defenders by putting his hands on his hips in mock boredom, who like a belligerent matchmaker, never ceased to revel in introducing the ball to the back of the net - won't be seen at Old Trafford.

Say what you want about your Wayne, but OUR Wayne had it all and in many ways was uncoachable. The glorious trajectory predicted by many for Rooney hasn't quite panned out and although he is the jewel in England's crown, he is overshadowed by others such as Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Kaka, players who should have been his peers in the high altitude world of top class football.

Even Wayne's performances for England have suffered since he moved to Manchester. As an Everton player, Rooney scored nine goals in 17 games for England - but now he is playing under Sir Alex, his tally for England is a far more modest five goals in 25 games. Reading through the match reports during his time with Everton, you are struck by the fact that he was lauded by the press for his finishing and "killer instinct" - two things that have been removed in the lobotomised talents of the United version of Rooney.

Sir Alex Ferguson got it very right when trying to coach out Cristiano Ronaldo's showboating flair, but he got it wrong with Wayne, as the young Scouser's direct early self was more akin to the Brazilian Ronaldo at Barcelona - a footballing egomaniac, and a lighting rod for every attack - attributes that no longer are present in Rooney.

Manchester United's millions bought a star, but by separating Rooney from his boyhood club, they never got the legend.

OPINIONS.ITS QUITE TRUE HE REALLY MIGHT HAVE BECOME BETTER PLAYER THAN HE IS NOW IF LEFT THERE HE WOULD HAVE BEEN HIS EXPLOSIVE SELF:rolleyes:

Zoolander

15-04-2008, 13:08

Danny Cadamateri stayed at Everton & became shithole. If only he went to Manchester United, he could have been the next Ronaldo.....

AgentZero

15-04-2008, 14:15

lets face it if wayne wasnt exposed to Alex Ferguson hed end up liek duncan ferguson, angry, bitter and violent.

Sully

15-04-2008, 14:23

You honestly believe that?

AgentZero

15-04-2008, 14:37

i didnt even read all of it...just the opening paragraph.

Keyser Soze

15-04-2008, 14:44

Doesn't change the fact that you were just speaking shite.

AgentZero

15-04-2008, 14:49

speaking shite was it?here i was just giving my thoughts on what i reckon rooney would of ended up if his aggression wasnt curbed. Last time i checked opinions and thoughts were valued somewhere.

Keyser Soze

15-04-2008, 14:59

Yep, just not yours unfortunately. :coffee:

AgentZero

15-04-2008, 15:02

:laugh: cunt.....touche' though

Jonny2J

15-04-2008, 16:10

Just like our Cole was better than yours. :cool:

Fuck Cyuff. He's just upset because his club has ruined Thierry Henry.Aye righto.

vanNistelrooy

15-04-2008, 18:09

Famous last words? Watch the fucker destroy us :(

mufcsean

15-04-2008, 20:35

Rio signed a new deal :D

Top Gun

15-04-2008, 21:58

Ronaldo shot breaks fan's wrist

A Boro fan had his wrist broken when he attempted to fend off an off-target shot from Cristiano Ronaldo.

Fred Harrison, 68, from Hartlepool, was sitting behind the Middlesbrough goal at the Riverside during the match against Manchester United on 6 April.

A missed strike by the Portuguese forward came straight at him and he put his hands up to protect his face.

The ball hit his right wrist, which was later diagnosed as broken and put in a plaster cast.

Mr Harrison said: "As we sat down my son looked up and said 'we're right in the firing line here'.

"I said we'll be OK because shots to the goal usually go way over, but this one just scraped over the top of the bar and came straight over to me.

"As it was coming I put my hands up to stop it hitting my face, because I was thinking about my glasses."

Mr Harrison, however, bears no resentment to Ronaldo.

"I definitely think he's the best footballer in the world, he said."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7347585.stm

:laugh:

P.S, thanks Wigan.

AgentZero

15-04-2008, 23:53

imagine what itd do to your face if you were in a wall..broken nose?

Keyser Soze

15-04-2008, 23:54

Spontaneously combust, I expect.

mufcsean

16-04-2008, 00:19

He was probably a frail old man

AgentZero

16-04-2008, 00:25

doesnt drink enough milk

skullverine

16-04-2008, 07:08

more good news: Vidic is back on training & expected to play against Blackburn

otobot

16-04-2008, 07:24

i'd rather have SAF save him for chelsea...

AgentZero

16-04-2008, 08:14

how long was he out with his shoudler thing a while back? didn he make a speedy recovery aswell?

Akineye

16-04-2008, 11:05

Great results. The Arsenal game wasn't as comfortable as most of us were expecting, but once Anderson and Tevez replaced the disappointing Scholes and Park it was XI versus XI, and we looked a completely different side. Harsh on Arsenal? Probably. But we now sit two games away from consecutive titles.

I had to laugh watching the Chelsea Wigan game. Seeing Chelsea boo their team off at half time and then again at full time. As much as Old Trafford has fallen in recent years, thankfully we have not lost as much as they have. Now I've got nothing against Chelsea as a club, but they're not exactly Real Madrid. This is a team who is currently in the CL semi finals, who got to the final of a cup and is in a title race (sort of). A club that a few years ago could only dream of signing players of the calibre of Drogba, Essien or Ballack. They're booing a manager appointed by the man who made this whole thing possible.

Roll on saturday, and roll on Barcelona on wednesday too. With injuries to Ronaldinho, Messi's lack of fitness and the fact that Barca have only won one of their last league games, whilst there's always the distinct possibility of this all going tits up, even an enternal pessimist like me is beginning to believe that it won't this year.

AgentZero

16-04-2008, 13:01

kudos to avram though hes made them more tolerable to watch

Joel

16-04-2008, 13:16

kudos to avram though hes made them more tolerable to watch

Tell me that was sarcasm.

AgentZero

16-04-2008, 13:20

too sublte eh?

Lord Shrimpeh

16-04-2008, 16:45

too sublte eh?

To be fair he has made them better to watch because now there's a high chance they'll fuck it up, which is great entertainment

Keyser Soze

16-04-2008, 17:19

I had to laugh watching the Chelsea Wigan game. Seeing Chelsea boo their team off at half time and then again at full time. As much as Old Trafford has fallen in recent years, thankfully we have not lost as much as they have. Now I've got nothing against Chelsea as a club, but they're not exactly Real Madrid. This is a team who is currently in the CL semi finals, who got to the final of a cup and is in a title race (sort of). A club that a few years ago could only dream of signing players of the calibre of Drogba, Essien or Ballack. They're booing a manager appointed by the man who made this whole thing possible.

I must agree about booing at half-time, I certainly wasn't; I found that a little embarassing for the club and the players. The fans definitely weren't booing at the result though, it was just the manner in which we Grant has us playing (and have been pretty much all season) with probably the strongest team on paper we've ever had, we're producing some of the worst football I've seen from us in the last 5 years.

I can see what your saying about how we should be grateful as we were only a top 5/6 club before Ambramovich, but I don't think it takes away our right to have an opinion and a moan when things need to be said. It's natural and expected. Roman's money won't last forever, so we need to establish ourselves as a top club to stay and become completely self-sufficient within the next few years anyway.

Akineye

16-04-2008, 20:08

I must agree about booing at half-time, I certainly wasn't; I found that a little embarassing for the club and the players. The fans definitely weren't booing at the result though, it was just the manner in which we Grant has us playing (and have been pretty much all season) with probably the strongest team on paper we've ever had, we're producing some of the worst football I've seen from us in the last 5 years.

I can see what your saying about how we should be grateful as we were only a top 5/6 club before Ambramovich, but I don't think it takes away our right to have an opinion and a moan when things need to be said. It's natural and expected. Roman's money won't last forever, so we need to establish ourselves as a top club to stay and become completely self-sufficient within the next few years anyway.

I just don't understand where they get off booing the team off after the opposition sneak a draw in the last minute. Chelsea played them off the park and Wigan snuck a draw. It happened to us earlier in the season when we battered city and they somehow came away with a 1-0 win. I would never boo United no matter what, but that's a different argument; it just amazed me that a team that was poised to become another Leeds before Abramovich came along are now being booed despite being CL semi finalists, league cup finalists and still involved in a title race.

If you're booing the manager, just remember who fucked off your old manager to replace him with the current one. Thats right, the man that made all this possible. I wouldnt piss him off, or in a few years time you'll have someone like Gary Megson to look forward to.

Keyser Soze

16-04-2008, 20:46

I just don't understand where they get off booing the team off after the opposition sneak a draw in the last minute. Chelsea played them off the park and Wigan snuck a draw. It happened to us earlier in the season when we battered city and they somehow came away with a 1-0 win. I would never boo United no matter what, but that's a different argument; it just amazed me that a team that was poised to become another Leeds before Abramovich came along are now being booed despite being CL semi finalists, league cup finalists and still involved in a title race.

If you're booing the manager, just remember who fucked off your old manager to replace him with the current one. Thats right, the man that made all this possible. I wouldnt piss him off, or in a few years time you'll have someone like Gary Megson to look forward to.
I do actually agree with the first part, but I can understand where they are coming from when we've been promised great football from this unknown manager who has come in to succeed a man like Mourinho and he's just showed no tactical awareness, no charisma and worst of all, the level of entertainment has lowered since Mourinho left and we are playing some horrible stuff. But as I say, I don't condone booing of your own team/players (with the few small exceptions) and I felt a little embarrassed when it was happening.

You speak like we were a team of Wigan's stature before Roman; we've had some great players and managers come in down the years so I'll assume your Megson comment was tongue-in-cheek. It's not like Avram has proved himself to be much better than Megson though. As I say, if Roman was to fuck off in a few years time I'd like to think we'll be coping well enough anyway; but I like to think he actually gives a shit about the club now.

Moving on, you United fans must be clutching on four-leaf clovers over tommorow, a draw is a very realisitic result though tbh. It goes without saying though, we'll need to win every game we've got left to even think about winning the league after dropping points on Monday. I do think we'll win at the Bridge against you, but it could mean nothing if we slip up between now and then.

lihuipp

16-04-2008, 21:03

Who can send the lyrics of Man. Utd. to my e-mail (lihuipp@hotmail.com)?
I would like to express my gratude to you. I'm from Beijing,China. Thanks!

p.s. Man. Utd will take the two championships to the city!

Phatmann

16-04-2008, 21:12

lihuipp

16-04-2008, 21:18

you can speak Chinese?
I'm fine.Thank you!

Jonny2J

16-04-2008, 21:22

你好吗?:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Phatmann

16-04-2008, 21:22

you can speak Chinese?
I'm fine.Thank you!
Que?

lihuipp

16-04-2008, 21:28

could you give me the lyrics of Man. Utd? I don't know how to find it. plez!

Phatmann

16-04-2008, 21:33

我不知道. Which song are you talking about?

Guillermo

16-04-2008, 21:34

Ni hao ma xiansheng? :huh:

Phatmann

16-04-2008, 21:36

Ni hao ma xiansheng? :huh:
Wo hen hao, ni ne? Zhong guo fan dian zai nar?

lihuipp

16-04-2008, 21:38

I just remember the last of this song. "Glory glory man united,Glory glory man united,Glory glory man united and the reds go marching on".
I'm looking for the anthem of Manchester United. I have its mp3 but lyrics.

Phatmann

16-04-2008, 21:39

lihuipp

16-04-2008, 21:41

are you seeking for the Chiese restaurant? OK, if you can come to Beijing,you will be my guest. and i will invite you to a triditional Chiese restaurant.

Phatmann

16-04-2008, 21:50

Thank you. do you have MSN? you are so kind to me. would you like to establish the friendship with me? my msn is lihuipp@hotmail.com.
:smug:

Who is your favourite Manchester United player?

mufcsean

16-04-2008, 22:58

Where did you hear that Vidic was fit again (Whoever said it)

Usul

17-04-2008, 00:37

Mike is going to Beijing to hook up with his new very-special-chinese-male-friend. :laugh:

AgentZero

17-04-2008, 00:40

mike that is impressive.

Phatmann

17-04-2008, 00:40

Mike is going to Beijing to hook up with his new very-special-chinese-male-friend. :laugh:
Do you have a problem with this? http://img251.imageshack.us/img251/4997/armsfoldedgv6.png

Keyser Soze

17-04-2008, 00:41

Is there anything Mike can't do? :wub:

Usul

17-04-2008, 00:44

Do you have a problem with this? http://img251.imageshack.us/img251/4997/armsfoldedgv6.png
Nah, it's about time you lost your virginity. :jester:

Guillermo

17-04-2008, 00:53

Is there anything Mike can't do? :wub:

Be top of the leaderboard on CoD? :wave:

Viperized

17-04-2008, 00:54

Wo hen hao, ni ne? Zhong guo fan dian zai nar?
Ni hui jiang yingyu ma?

skullverine

17-04-2008, 06:46

Where did you hear that Vidic was fit again (Whoever said it)

that was me. I got it from here, http://www.football365.co.uk/story/0,17033,8652_3430119,00.html

Also, I saw this on PESFan, apparently this will be our away kit next season.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm100/sparkic/photo017dy6.jpg

AgentZero

17-04-2008, 08:20

looks fake. Although it does say united on the trim i dont think we'll be using white so soon. It seems we have a rotation of white, black and blue.

Jesus

17-04-2008, 09:04

And I hate the Blue one.

AgentZero

17-04-2008, 09:06

i didnt mind when vodafone was still on the logo but there was that blue/red abomination from a few seasons back, id say bring back the blue but not in royal blue. Maybe a darker shade

Akineye

17-04-2008, 09:31

I do actually agree with the first part, but I can understand where they are coming from when we've been promised great football from this unknown manager who has come in to succeed a man like Mourinho and he's just showed no tactical awareness, no charisma and worst of all, the level of entertainment has lowered since Mourinho left and we are playing some horrible stuff. But as I say, I don't condone booing of your own team/players (with the few small exceptions) and I felt a little embarrassed when it was happening.

You speak like we were a team of Wigan's stature before Roman; we've had some great players and managers come in down the years so I'll assume your Megson comment was tongue-in-cheek. It's not like Avram has proved himself to be much better than Megson though. As I say, if Roman was to fuck off in a few years time I'd like to think we'll be coping well enough anyway; but I like to think he actually gives a shit about the club now.

Moving on, you United fans must be clutching on four-leaf clovers over tommorow, a draw is a very realisitic result though tbh. It goes without saying though, we'll need to win every game we've got left to even think about winning the league after dropping points on Monday. I do think we'll win at the Bridge against you, but it could mean nothing if we slip up between now and then.

A team of Wigan's stature? No, but Chelsea were heading for financial collapse before Abramovich came in. Worth remembering that they were averaging gates of around 18000 in the mid 90s.

Tactical naivety and 'boring football' are all valid arguments, but the fact remains that discounting the tin pot trophy, the only difference between Grant this year and Mourinho last season was a last minute Drogba goal. Added to that Chelsea are still very capable of beating Liverpool, are still contesting the league, and correct me if I'm wrong but didn't they break a club record for consecutive wins in the league this year? I'm not saying Grant is a brilliant manager but some perspective from certain Chelsea fans is in order. Frankly, I'd be embarrased if United fans booed after we failed to win the league every year, and this is Manchester United.

And another thing. Despite today's fashion I don't 'hate Chelsea' and of course I'd far rather see them win a cup than the mickeys, Abramovich money or not. I just think a proportion of their fans are a disgrace. Same with all clubs? Of course, but at Chelsea today it seems to be the majority who feel the need to act like mongs.

Oh, and a serious question now. Would you still be clamouring for Grant's resignation and the appointment of a more proven coach if he wins the Champions League this year?

In other matters... I read today that Catalan journalists and Barcelona staff received a memo reminding them not to refer to us as 'Manchester' explaining that there was another club in Manchester called "Manchester city." Gave me a laugh considering it was Barcelona who played at eastlands when city opened their new stadium.

And Dickie Best Snr passed away yesterday. Condolences to his family.

Keyser Soze

17-04-2008, 14:12

A team of Wigan's stature? No, but Chelsea were heading for financial collapse before Abramovich came in. Worth remembering that they were averaging gates of around 18000 in the mid 90s.

Tactical naivety and 'boring football' are all valid arguments, but the fact remains that discounting the tin pot trophy, the only difference between Grant this year and Mourinho last season was a last minute Drogba goal. Added to that Chelsea are still very capable of beating Liverpool, are still contesting the league, and correct me if I'm wrong but didn't they break a club record for consecutive wins in the league this year? I'm not saying Grant is a brilliant manager but some perspective from certain Chelsea fans is in order. Frankly, I'd be embarrased if United fans booed after we failed to win the league every year, and this is Manchester United.

And another thing. Despite today's fashion I don't 'hate Chelsea' and of course I'd far rather see them win a cup than the mickeys, Abramovich money or not. I just think a proportion of their fans are a disgrace. Same with all clubs? Of course, but at Chelsea today it seems to be the majority who feel the need to act like mongs.

Oh, and a serious question now. Would you still be clamouring for Grant's resignation and the appointment of a more proven coach if he wins the Champions League this year?

Correct, we were. But if Roman was to go in a few years, we wouldn't be looking at getting the likes of Megson like. :laugh: Hopefully we'll be here to stay now.

Avram Grant just commands no respect, and I just feel the players are running the dressing room and the club generally - not Avram.

I know what you mean man, there's obviously a lot of bandwagon jumpers after our successes so you can kind of see where the booing is coming from these fickle idiots who expect everything on a plate (although, that first-half was disgusting). Can't agree with you about the majority of our supporters being mongs, it's generally pleasant if you are speaking trouble-wise but I'm surrounded by season-ticket holders who have been going for 10+ years. I think the new breed of Chelsea fan does seem to take everything for granted though and just fickle as fuck but I think that can be applied generally to football fans.

OF COURSE I'd still want Avram out, as I've stated above, I don't think he's got it and never have. He was appointed out of the blue and everyone just expected it to be a temporary thing and I think everyone is a bit dissapointed we haven't got a more proven manager who can handle all the ego's and isn't afraid to rattle a few cages; aswell as having the tactical know-how. Funny thing is, everyone was/is saying the only good thing to come out of that Heskey equaliser or us winning nothing, is that it could seal Grant's exit.

Barry

17-04-2008, 14:36

Is there anything Mike can't do? :wub:

Appreciate quality in movies? ;)

Phil W.A.F.C

17-04-2008, 16:19

Reports suggest that in the summer Fergie is planning an 8 million quid swoop for Wigans Wilson Palacios And Antonio Valencia. Please god this isnt true Bruce is trying to build something so that the last thing we need. :crymore:

pes guy

17-04-2008, 16:21

Phil W.A.F.C

17-04-2008, 16:30

I highly doubt it, i thought Antonio Valencia was on loan to you lot?

I really hope so, made it permanent in January :D.

pes guy

17-04-2008, 16:33

I really hope so, made it permanent in January :D.

Oh ok never knew that!

Guillermo

17-04-2008, 16:58

AgentZero

18-04-2008, 00:08

Fergie should go in the market for more defenders and swap dong and or saha for another forward.

Lord Shrimpeh

18-04-2008, 00:13

Fergie should go in the market for more defenders and swap dong and or saha for another forward.

But we need our dong, what else can we whip out to stun the opposition when they least expect it?

AgentZero

18-04-2008, 00:15

yeah losing two big dongs isnt a good move actually :ninja:

EDIT: i like andersons car what kind of audi is it?

skullverine

18-04-2008, 04:29

dailymail says that Brown is on the verge of signing the new contract.

Hopefully it's true.

Jesus

18-04-2008, 05:19

Appreciate quality in movies? ;)

I concur.

He doesn't like the Lord of the Rings! :shocking:

We can't do anything, it's his taste in movies.:unsure:

Edit: Good news about Browny, what we need are a(possibly two) full-backs(left and right) and a striker. Hopefully, Mercedes.

somegooner

18-04-2008, 09:08

Fabio and Rafael. LB and RB. your getting them next season.

skullverine

18-04-2008, 10:32

Manchester United defender Wes Brown has agreed in principle to a new four-year contract worth £50,000 a week, according to reports.

Click here
The 28-year-old England international, who has started 41 games in all competitions this season, could have left the Old Trafford on a free transfer when his current deal ends in June.

The season-long absence of injured club captain Gary Neville has given Brown the chance to secure a first team place this term and put the defender in a strong position to negotiate his new contract.

Brown, who joined United as a schoolboy 14 years ago, is expected to sign the new deal in the next two weeks after talks reopened following a six-month stalemate.

The defender had threatened to sever his ties after months of haggling but will now remain with the club he joined on YTS terms until beyond his 32nd birthday.

Meanwhile, fellow defender Rio Ferdinand has revealed there are still one or two issues to iron out before he signs a new contract at Manchester United.

The 29-year-old's representative, Pini Zahavi, this week claimed Ferdinand had agreed a five-year deal thought to be worth £130,000 a week.

Ferdinand told MUTV: 'It's nearly signed, nearly.

'We are still talking over a couple of things but I'm sure it will be sorted out before the end of the season.

'It will be a proud day for me, definitely, when I do sign a new contract.'

The England defenders insists he has no desire to play anywhere other than Old Trafford.

'I'm enjoying my time at United, I love being here and that's not changed,' he declared.

'Being part of a successful team is great and to be part of the tradition that goes along with that is an honour in itself.

'To have the opportunity to stay here for another four or five years would be fantastic.'

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=526721&cc=4716
___________

I thought he wants a bigger wage than that.

Wan

18-04-2008, 11:33

Fabio and Rafael. LB and RB. your getting them next season.

They will spend at the reserves or youth side though.

AgentZero

18-04-2008, 11:52

agreed..also its crazy to think that Brown wa sgettin more than Ron 2 seasons ago, now he's(ronaldo) earning prolly just nearly twice what brown gets.

edit: what is ronaldo getting anyways, roughly?

skullverine

18-04-2008, 12:26

probably around £110k per week

Wan

18-04-2008, 12:27

I saw the news and it'll be in the region of £150k if I'm not mistaken. (Or is it £115k? :unsure:)

PESFan92

18-04-2008, 15:50

Man Utd may be spending £90M on player wages. Ronaldo on £150 000 a week. and Man Utd planning a £38M raid on 4 players in the summer including Sporting Lisbon's Joao Moutinho and Miguel Veloso and the 2 Wigan players mentioned earlier

Phatmann

18-04-2008, 15:58

Apparently, along with Rio and Wes, Michael Carrick has also signed a new contract.

Thoughts on the Blackburn game tomorrow? I have a bad feeling we'll draw 1-1 and then lose to Chelsea, meaning our superior goal difference will be called into play to decide the title. Would be a great finish to the season, but for my nerves sake I'd obviously much rather we sealed the title as soon as possible. :D

skullverine

18-04-2008, 16:12

It will be a tough game, but I'd take a 1-0 win

Zoolander

18-04-2008, 16:12

Not happy that Brown is staying. We should have let him leave & bought Maicon. :shifty:

Evra is the next contract we have to tie up.

Rambo

18-04-2008, 16:13

2-1 to us, tomorrow is a must win game. As for Chelsea, I think we'll scrape a draw.

Top Gun

18-04-2008, 16:45

I'm glad all three have signed. Wes Brown might be hated but he's good enough as a back-up RB/CB and saves us splashing cash on a replacement. Carrick and Rio have both been class and deserve it, we still need a new right back though.

Vidic and Nani are both back for tomorrow so hopefully they will both feature from the start, there's 4 days until the Barca game so it should be a near full strength side. I'm going for 2-1 as well.

Saha has got another hamstring injury and is expected to miss the rest of the season. :doh:

vanNistelrooy

18-04-2008, 16:52

Rio signing - awesome
Carrick signing - awesome
Brown signing - AAAAARGGH!
Saha injured - deja vu? Retire already!

Guillermo

18-04-2008, 17:13

Saha has got another hamstring injury and is expected to miss the rest of the season. :doh:

:laugh: :laugh:

I really hope we get a striker, but I think Fergie may use Manucho next season. :/

Top Gun

18-04-2008, 18:03

A striker and a right back is the priority this summer. Huntelaar would be great, then give the fourth spot to Manucho/Welbeck/Campbell.

Joel

18-04-2008, 18:46

2-1 to us, tomorrow is a must win game. As for Chelsea, I think we'll scrape a draw.

It's not a must win game at all. A draw is a result that does not hurt you. Especially as you think you will draw at Stamford Bridge.

Rambo

18-04-2008, 19:10

It's not a must win game at all. A draw is a result that does not hurt you. Especially as you think you will draw at Stamford Bridge.

I'm not entirely comfortable taking a 3 point gap to Stamford Bridge. Even if we draw next saturday, we can still drop points in our last two fixtures and be overtaken by you. However unlikely that is, it's a possibility. Taking a 5 point gap to Stamford Bridge and getting a point leaves us in a more commanding position as we can draw our last two games and still win the league.

Keyser Soze

18-04-2008, 19:29

Still doesn't make it a must-win game though.

vanNistelrooy

18-04-2008, 21:56

It's not a must win game at all. A draw is a result that does not hurt you. Especially as you think you will draw at Stamford Bridge.
If we play our full team at Stamford Bridge I think we will win.

Zoolander

18-04-2008, 22:36

:laugh: :laugh:

I really hope we get a striker, but I think Fergie may use Manucho next season. :/

Manucho has potential to be as good as David Bellion.

AgentZero

18-04-2008, 23:51

Still doesn't make it a must-win game though.
we'd liek it to be a must win, to ease the nerves

vanNistelrooy

19-04-2008, 16:41

Kuszack :/

wrathchild_uk

19-04-2008, 17:44

He almost gave a pen away again.....where is Anderson??

Sully

19-04-2008, 17:53

Mon the Blackburn!

vanNistelrooy

19-04-2008, 18:07

I knew this game wasn't going to be straight forward :(

Keyser Soze

19-04-2008, 18:12

http://www.bbc.co.uk/northernireland/winter/christmas/images/santa2.jpg
http://www.destination360.com/north-america/us/hawaii/images/hawaii-cruise-ships.jpg

Legend.

Zoolander

19-04-2008, 19:02

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/3167/a090billpaxton6ce5ebs6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

"That's it man, game over man, game over! What the fuck are we gonna do now? What are we gonna do?"

Rambo

19-04-2008, 19:04

Tevez scores yet another important goal.

vanNistelrooy

19-04-2008, 19:10

Were we playing Greece just then? They spent more time on the floor than Didier Drogba :erm:

Jonny2J

19-04-2008, 19:11

Were we playing Greece just then? They spent more time on the floor than Didier Drogba :erm:Oh the irony.

vanNistelrooy

19-04-2008, 19:12

Oh the irony.
I know you'll point out Ronaldo, but the Blackburn players really were taking the piss. Time wasting throughout the game. Then again that was evened out by the 4 minutes added time :rolleyes:

skullverine

19-04-2008, 19:15

Why can't Friedel have a bad game when playing against United?

vanNistelrooy

19-04-2008, 19:16

Doesn't matter, we found the goal in the end so we can win it (not technically I know) at the Bridge :)

Joel

19-04-2008, 19:16

Maybe if Rooney wasn't acting childish and lashing out at players when a decision didn't go his way, they wouldn't have needed to go down...

vanNistelrooy

19-04-2008, 19:19

I agree, but I found it odd when he brought down Samba and Pedersen fell to the ground on the other side of the pitch. Don't think they've got it quite sussed yet.

Keyser Soze

19-04-2008, 19:21

Did anybody else laugh out loud at how mis-timed Rooney's dive was? It was literally about two seconds after any contact.

vanNistelrooy

19-04-2008, 19:22

I know. Rooney usually tried to stay on his feet, but as soon as he looked and saw Samba was coming he went down. Probably one of those where you think "there's no way I'm getting this" when you're half way down. Most of us have been there :D

BarnDoor

19-04-2008, 19:22

Were we playing Greece just then? They spent more time on the floor than Didier Drogba :erm:

Rooney's dive in the first half wasn't half bad either....

Also Rooney should have been sent off for that challenge on Samba. No attempt to play the ball, just pure thuggery because he lost it. Thing is though, he does it in almost every match yet gets away with it. One of these days he's going to cripple someone doing that.

vanNistelrooy

19-04-2008, 19:24

It was awful, hence he didn't get the decision and half an hour on the floor ;)

At the end of the day, we're top and in the driving seat. I'll look forward to the chance of winning it next weekend.

Joel

19-04-2008, 19:26

vanNistelrooy

19-04-2008, 19:31

The thing is, if he went down when he got hit, it wouldn't have been so bad, as there was clear contact. But he waited and then went down over nothing, causing it to become a dive in my book.

Brad Friedel was immense. I remember at the beginning of the season he had a similar type of game against us at Stamford Bridge and held us to a draw.

Whatever happens now, I'd just like to say that it has been a very exciting England League season. The advantage is firmly with you, but I will cross my fingers that they will be one more twist in the tail.
That's Rooney though, he'll try play on rather than go down. But ocassionally when the ball escapes him he goes down and it looks so silly. I wish he'd cut it out, but heh, at least United fans can admit he dives. Try get the same response out of Liverpool fans with Gerrard!

I'd love him as our second keeper, but he must be getting on a bit? (although looks the same as he did 10 years ago!)

I feel last season was more entertaining, more points being dropped etc. Still, if we do win it I feel it's definately deserved, as our football the majority of the time has been very pleasing on the eye.

wrathchild_uk

19-04-2008, 19:36

http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/3167/a090billpaxton6ce5ebs6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

"That's it man, game over man, game over! What the fuck are we gonna do now? What are we gonna do?"

Were all gonna die man!!

Also Rooney should have been sent off for that challenge on Samba. No attempt to play the ball, just pure thuggery because he lost it. Thing is though, he does it in almost every match yet gets away with it.

Well we all know that Styles has to be one of worst Refs about...also Pleb bitch slapped Murty today and didnt get sent off either.

Keyser Soze

19-04-2008, 20:27

T
I feel last season was more entertaining, more points being dropped etc. Still, if we do win it I feel it's definately deserved, as our football the majority of the time has been very pleasing on the eye.
Whoever wins the league will deserve it though.

Jonny2J

19-04-2008, 20:32

I much prefer playing Chelsea at the end of the season when they've got nothing to play for. :(

Zoolander

19-04-2008, 20:34

The past few games Giggs has looked ineffective.

Sully

19-04-2008, 20:34

I much prefer playing Chelsea at the end of the season when they've got nothing to play for. :(

I don't ever look forward to going to St James Park, it's always a troublesome fixture for us

vanNistelrooy

19-04-2008, 20:42

I much prefer playing Chelsea at the end of the season when they've got nothing to play for. :(
Hopefully they won't have anything to play for ;)

I agree about Giggs. If Nani had been fit I doubt he'd played half as much as he has been. Just seems a yard off the pace and makes the wrong decision more often than not. Hopefully pre-season he can improve and come back better.

wrathchild_uk

19-04-2008, 21:09

He'll be 35 next season though so i dont he's gonna come back better..

vanNistelrooy

19-04-2008, 21:11

Well he can't come back worst than he has been, can he?

Then again he could come back as bad as Kleberson :huh:

Yossi

19-04-2008, 21:41

Then again he could come back as bad as Kleberson :huh:
Kleberson reminds me of the game in my signature :D Not that he had a shocking game or anything, as I can't remember, and I don't care either.

vanNistelrooy

19-04-2008, 22:01

Knowking Kleberson, he probably did have a shocker.

AgentZero

19-04-2008, 22:33

bit too close for comfort there

Jonny2J

19-04-2008, 22:40

I know you'll point out Ronaldo, but the Blackburn players really were taking the piss. Time wasting throughout the game. Then again that was evened out by the 4 minutes added time :rolleyes:Rooney you say?

AgentZero

19-04-2008, 22:55

now jonny we need to lot to lift and beat chelsea in 2 weeks, hopefully they will be too focused on Champions League that you guys can capitalise, all we need is a draw.

vanNistelrooy

19-04-2008, 23:06

Rooney you say?
He was caught, just took him two days to go down! :laugh: Plus he didn't take twice as long to get up off the ground.

When are the second legs of the CL ties? Are they a fortnight after the first legs?

Yossi

19-04-2008, 23:07

When are the second legs of the CL ties? Are they a fortnight after the first legs?

One week.

mufcsean

19-04-2008, 23:15

Tevez with another important late goal, he's an ugly bugger but you gotta love him.

I agree about Giggs, definitely lost the pace.

Glad to see all 3 (Rio Brown and Carrick) signing new contracts, Carrick has been very good for us and glad to see him sign on early, Brown makes a lot of mistakes but does thrown in the good performance every now and then, i still want to sign another right back but he is a good back up player.

Saha, fucking give it up man. Definitely want to see Frazier Campbell back with us next year, especially now that we can have 7 subs rather than 5 starting next season.

vanNistelrooy

19-04-2008, 23:16

So LostGaltico would be wrong, as the CL tie would be out the way by the time they play Newcastle. Seen the game is on the Monday too, where as we play at 12.45 on the Saturday :/

AgentZero

19-04-2008, 23:56

fuck you are right, lets hope the bindippers stretch them for 120 and there are injuries involved.

Joel

20-04-2008, 00:06

fuck you are right, lets hope the bindippers stretch them for 120 and there are injuries involved.

Here's a carzy idea, how about you just hope you win all your games.

Fucking hell, it's us who need to hope for dropped points, not you...

mufcsean

20-04-2008, 00:08

AgentZero

20-04-2008, 00:09

id like it served on a plate thanks, with big kev doing his good mate fergie a favour.

Joel

20-04-2008, 00:13

Really we don't even need you to drop points, even if were to lose at the bridge next week, if we won at home to West Ham and away at Wigan, which we really should, and you win all 3 of your games we will be on the same points but our superior goal difference give us the title.

Exactly.

id like it served on a plate thanks, with big kev doing his good mate fergie a favour.

You're either weak or don't trust United. Why wouldn't you want your team to finish of the jobs themselves?

mufcsean

20-04-2008, 00:13

I just hope Rooney is ok, Quieroz said he should be ok but if he is out the Barca game will be a whole lot harder

AgentZero

20-04-2008, 00:25

You're either weak or don't trust United. Why wouldn't you want your team to finish of the jobs themselves?
fine then, we'll wrap it up at the bridge then, lighten up son.

skullverine

20-04-2008, 03:26

I agree about Giggs. At the moment, Park and Nani deserves to start ahead of him.

Wan

20-04-2008, 08:38

His time is over and should retired by the end of this season or the next one.

vanNistelrooy

20-04-2008, 10:00

Not sure about retirement just yet. I'm sure he'll still be able to do a job, just needs to find a bit of form.

Why are all pundits, and a lot of United fans on here, already assuming we're going to lose to Chelski?

AgentZero

20-04-2008, 10:08

well we can afford it.

vanNistelrooy

20-04-2008, 10:13

It shouldn't be looked at like that. Chelski will be absolutely gutted at our equaliser last night. Even though they've made up 2 points, they're only the 2 they should have easily got last Monday. They've would have been favourites if we had lost, so I can only imagine how gutted they feel now. Hopefully we can get a result there; even a draw gives us the chance of winning it at home to West Ham.

I'm just fed up of people assuming we're going to lose.

Joel

20-04-2008, 10:27

vanNistelrooy

20-04-2008, 12:02

I know, but I've got a feeling our players will know the league is practically ours if we get a result.

It's a shame the game is when it is. We've both got important CL games either side of the clash, and have to play our strongest eleven in all three. Liverpool, like always, only have the CL to play for so can rest players as can Barca as they're incapable of doing something in La Liga nowadays. I've got a feeling it'll be a Liverpool/Barca final :/

Dundon's

20-04-2008, 17:07

UTD will drop points at Blackburn.

have you been to the future and purchased some kind of book that gives all the results for this current season or something?? :rolleyes:

Whatever ya...

Phatmann

20-04-2008, 18:18

Meyyappan

20-04-2008, 18:29

Dundons also predicted 3 wins for arsenal,1 win and 2 draws for chelsea while 2 defeats and a draw for man u then a final chelsea vs arsenal to decide title .

Dundon's

21-04-2008, 10:51

Genie I never looked at it that way before, you really think we still have a chance?

Jesus

21-04-2008, 12:58

No. meyyappan, age does cause these illusions.

I farkin' hope we win at The Bridge. Then losing (once again) at the hands at West Ham and Wigan, won't make us lose the league. We'll win with our superior goal difference. :smug:

i've got bio tuition now, so will get back with a proper post afterwards.

Stella Artois

22-04-2008, 01:58

He was caught, just took him two days to go down! :laugh: Plus he didn't take twice as long to get up off the ground.

When are the second legs of the CL ties? Are they a fortnight after the first legs?

http://i31.tinypic.com/2ajdl69.gif

He's a cheating cunt.

vanNistelrooy

22-04-2008, 09:07

Unlike the angels from The Emirates :rolleyes:

Top Gun

22-04-2008, 14:13

I expect to see the 4-5-1 formation on Wednesday. Only selection dilemma is the central midfield positions really, I would personally go with Carrick, Scholes and, one of, Hargreaves/Anderson/Fletcher. Carrick and Scholes always look good when they play together and the other one will just be there to get about the Barca midfielders (doubt it will be Fletch as he's just back from injury but he did a great job against Arsenal). I also hope that we see Nani on the left instead of Giggs as he looks bang out of form at the moment.

I think we will score and any goalscoring draw will be a great result for us to take back to OT.

Dragonfly

22-04-2008, 14:20

Is Vidic still out?

skullverine

22-04-2008, 14:24

No.

if we play 4-5-1 tomorrow, I'd like to see Carrick,Hargreaves & Scholes at centre midfield. Anderson can come on at around 60mins.

Meyyappan

22-04-2008, 14:54

Genie I never looked at it that way before, you really think we still have a chance?

Well they do say luck evens out through the season...................
What if they get some shit refereeing like us at brum in last:angry: :angry: minutefor gods shake clichy got ball first it could have hurt our confidence as well............In my hearts of hearts i am dreaming about it

but nope :crymore: :crymore: :crymore: :crymore: dundon in my mind its manu unless barca dent em home and away while chelsea will have to be extremely tired we will have wait for cl results to even hope:no: :no:

Meyyappan

22-04-2008, 15:00

Genie I never looked at it that way before, you really think we still have a chance?

Well what if they get shit refereeing like us against brum for god's sake clichy got the ball well in my hearts of hearts i am still dreaming

But realistically to even hope :crymore: :crymore: :angry: barca first have to dent man u home and away
while chelsea have to be extremely tired,i counted on us winning at manu while they have cl games us to nick it though we put the perfomance we couldnt win it,now all we can do is wait and see;) ;)

Keyser Soze

22-04-2008, 15:05

Well what if they get shit refereeing like us against brum for god's sake clichy got the ball well in my hearts of hearts i am still dreaming

But realistically to even hope :crymore: :crymore: :angry: barca first have to dent man u home and away
while chelsea have to be extremely tired,i counted on us winning at manu while they have cl games us to nick it though we put the perfomance we couldnt win it,now all we can do is wait and see;) ;)
Alternatively, you could stop posting. I think that works better.

Rambo

22-04-2008, 15:07

No.

if we play 4-5-1 tomorrow, I'd like to see Carrick,Hargreaves & Scholes at centre midfield. Anderson can come on at around 60mins.

Agreed, Hargreaves is a must for me. He can get stuck in and stop Barca from playing their passing game.

Guillermo

22-04-2008, 15:59

We need Giggs on the left to help Evra nullify the threat of Messi.

somegooner

22-04-2008, 16:13

Is Silvestre fit?? You can have him at LB and Evra wide left like you did at the start of the season.

mufcsean

22-04-2008, 17:23

Never thought i'd say this but, YES! Fletcher is fit and i hope he plays, he has been great for us this year in the Champions league.

I agree Haribo, i hope Gigggs plays because if Ronaldo or Nani play on the left, neither will even think about tracking back to help deal with Messi

vanNistelrooy

22-04-2008, 18:22

Fletcher to come on at some point would be good. He always seems to put in a great performance against the big clubs. I think it's his constant closing down.

I'd like to see Anderson start tomorrow. Scholes wasn't too good on Saturday, and we'll be defending most of the game. So Carrick, Anderson and Hargreaves for me.

Also Nani in for Giggs.

mufcsean

22-04-2008, 18:23

I can see Nani raping Zambrotta, but i can see Messi raping Evra as Nani wont go back to help out where as Giggs would

vanNistelrooy

22-04-2008, 18:24

I heard that Zambrotta has been having a bad season. Is this true?

mufcsean

22-04-2008, 18:26

Couldn't say, haven't seen him all that much, maybe because he has done fuck all, i can't remember.

Dundon's i noticed you voted other in the poll, who do you think it is?

vanNistelrooy

22-04-2008, 18:28

Anderson?

Usul

23-04-2008, 09:21

I just read that Vidic had to go to Hospital last night, because of stomach problems.

Pique must be very nervous indeed.

StaVriS92

23-04-2008, 10:37

if rooney and ronaldo be in a good condition today i think we wont have any prblm of beating barca. only messi, etoo and bojan are dangers and brown i dont think he will be able to stop either messi and bojan...

vanNistelrooy

23-04-2008, 11:30

"Only" Messi and Eto'o! :erm:

Phatmann

23-04-2008, 11:36

I can't wait for tonight, but I think that could be a bad sign. :unsure: A 1-1 draw is what I'm realistically hoping for.

AgentZero

23-04-2008, 11:42

I just read that Vidic had to go to Hospital last night, because of stomach problems.

Pique must be very nervous indeed.

blimey! source? Pique i have some confidence in the lad perhaps maybe hed give some nous with la liga sides but it seems alien head is going to partner rio.

Guillermo

23-04-2008, 15:04

A 1-1 draw is what I'm realistically hoping for.

I'd certainly take a draw, and I don't see it being a 0-0 one. :/

For some reason I'm feeling about this tie like I was with the Madrid games a few years back (3-1/4-3). Which reminds me, was it a shot or cross from Figo? :erm:

50!

23-04-2008, 15:12

I'd certainly take a draw, and I don't see it being a 0-0 one. :/

Can't see it being 0-0 at all. Barca and Man Utd have scored in every CL game they've played. Well apart from Barca failing to score at Ibrox of course.

Phatmann

23-04-2008, 16:26

I'd certainly take a draw, and I don't see it being a 0-0 one. :/

For some reason I'm feeling about this tie like I was with the Madrid games a few years back (3-1/4-3). Which reminds me, was it a shot or cross from Figo? :erm:
More importantly:
7gasxpPiews

:smug:

mufcsean

23-04-2008, 17:26

:dancer: Cant wait now. I too would be pleased with a draw and i too can't see it being 0-0.

I just hope Vidic is OK though :no:

Miggy

23-04-2008, 18:37

I bid you good luck tonight.
May the best team win.

Barry

23-04-2008, 18:46

Here's me hoping for a great and even game, so we'll be able to enjoy the 2nd leg as well.

Rambo

23-04-2008, 19:05

Looks like Fergie isn't going to sit back tonight:

http://i31.tinypic.com/wgzrb9.jpg

Miggy

23-04-2008, 19:09

Messi, Eto'o and Iniesta ;)
Frank has done something right for once.

vanNistelrooy

23-04-2008, 19:13

9TORRES9

23-04-2008, 19:22

I can see it being close but Barca winning here 1-0

I think overall man u will go throu

vanNistelrooy

23-04-2008, 19:23

I think you're the only one confident of that. Phatmann is almost in tears atm.

Phatmann

23-04-2008, 19:24

I think you're the only one confident of that. Phatmann is almost in tears atm.
:huh:

Henry isn't starting? :smug:

Guillermo

23-04-2008, 19:35

We're going all or bust :no:

Joel

23-04-2008, 19:48

Wow. That's not his usual penalty kick technique.

Stella Artois

23-04-2008, 20:09

Wow. That's not his usual penalty kick technique.

It's a big game innit? He's bottled it.

Keyser Soze

23-04-2008, 20:21

For me, the 2nd wasn't a penalty. Marquez just got his body in the way like any other good defender would do and Ronaldo went down like a little girl. I wish Andy Gray would STFU.

This game hasn't started with pace I expected it to.

vanNistelrooy

23-04-2008, 20:31

Even if the 2nd was a penalty, he was never going to give it; we've already had our chance, and Ronnie fluffed it.

Lorenzinho

23-04-2008, 20:39

I always thought Ronaldo was a bottler but recently I've been completely awed at how good he's been and fully expected him to stick that in. Oh well.

And yes Andy Gray is the biggest waste of space ever. Like when Man United's formation flashes up and goes away and well after it's disappeared he goes "Y'know, I think Rooney is going to play down the right tonight!"

WOW!

Guillermo

23-04-2008, 21:11

This is a shambolic performance by United.

vanNistelrooy

23-04-2008, 21:34

Could have been better, could have been worse.

Never saw a 0-0 coming tbh. If it was the final, it would have been a lot more open.

Got to be favourites now.

Rambo

23-04-2008, 21:35

Evra was solid once again.

There was no attacking threat whatsoever from us, only had one good chance and missed it.

AgentZero

23-04-2008, 21:37

ronaldo had more of a game in the first. 65% possesion thank god they didnt put 2 away.

Original?

23-04-2008, 21:37

Barcelona may have played all the football, but I couldn't see them scoring. They seemed to lack any particular focus... or dare I say it, passion.

AgentZero

23-04-2008, 21:57

ronaldo can never cut it being a striker.

vanNistelrooy

23-04-2008, 22:12

He doesn't cover enough ground. If he'd hurried down defenders like Tevez or Rooney would, maybe we could have forced a mistake and pinched a goal from it.

I hope Millito is playing next week, he looked terrible.

Top Gun

23-04-2008, 22:14

I'm satisfied, I feel we can get the result at OT after what I saw tonight. Vidic will be back and we can't play much worse than tonight, probably the most disjointed performance for ages.

vanNistelrooy

23-04-2008, 22:23

Disjointed - yes
Did the job - yes

An away goal would have been lovely, but after the missed penalty it was clear we weren't going to make many chances :/

mufcsean

23-04-2008, 22:24

Obviously gutted we aren't taking a 1-0 lead to the 2nd leg but i'm just glad we have clean sheet, for me the 2nd wasn't a penalty either, that is what all defenders do and we lucky not to give one ourselves with Rio's silly challenge on Eto'o, thank god he stayed on his feet, the Abidal challenge on Ronaldo should have been a penalty but you can't blame the ref he was quite a bit away.

Overall i'm fairly confident we'll do enough to go through.

Top Gun

23-04-2008, 22:29

Disjointed - yes
Did the job - yes

You've summed it up nicely there.

When you put in one of your worst performances of the season and manage to come away from the Nou Camp with a 0-0 draw you can't be too disheartened.

vanNistelrooy

23-04-2008, 22:30

Exactly.

Now let's win this fucking title at the weekend! COME ON UNITED!

Jake Small

23-04-2008, 22:31

Barcelona may have played all the football, but I couldn't see them scoring. They seemed to lack any particular focus... or dare I say it, passion.

Agree 100%. If there was ever an argument that possession doesn't = goals, this was it...

To me it looked less like Barca schooling United and more like United simply allowing them to knock it around for 90 minutes.

When you put in one of your worst performances of the season and manage to come away from the Nou Camp with a 0-0 draw you can't be too disheartened.

I don't think it was a bad performance, it was just a defensive performance. You kept Barca pretty quiet for most of the game.

Keyser Soze

23-04-2008, 22:32

Atleast now it's clear what you've got to go out and do; win! I think too much emphasis can be placed on the away goal at times, as all United need to know is that if they win at home, they'll go through.

Hopefully that'll be a more open attacking game, which I'm SURE it will be.

9TORRES9

23-04-2008, 22:33

chelsea made last weeks game against everton free becouse there so called fans wouldent come and watch them, Where were all you when they were shit,

i hate the mancs but for chelsea to be 3 points behind them should be an insult, at lease man u dont just huth the ball they can play

Lampard and John terry the two most over rated players in the world, lampards not in gerrards league coz hes fat, Carra is 10 times the defender terry will ever be.

StaVriS92

23-04-2008, 22:35

Now let's win this fucking title at the weekend! COME ON UNITED!

no chance losing the title! glory glory man utd!!!
at old trafford we will beat barca ;)

Rambo

23-04-2008, 22:36

mufcsean

23-04-2008, 22:37

no chance losing the title! glory glory man utd!!!
at old trafford we will beat barca ;)

Who the fuck do you support, Milan Sampdoria or United bloody hell?

AgentZero

24-04-2008, 01:39

carricks little effort reminded of a similar one against le arse when played for tottenham, if he took it with the right he would of at least hit valdes. Goo dumy though sold whoever that was quite well.

StaVriS92

24-04-2008, 07:49

Who the fuck do you support, Milan Sampdoria or United bloody hell?

ffs i support milan coz its my team in italy, sampdoria coz cassano, and united coz its my team in england. also real madrid and bayern munchen. where is the problem???

Miggy

24-04-2008, 08:21

ffs i support milan coz its my team in italy, sampdoria coz cassano, and united coz its my team in england. also real madrid and bayern munchen. where is the problem???

I wonder what made you choose those teams to "support".:rolleyes:

Barry

24-04-2008, 09:16

Agree 100%. If there was ever an argument that possession doesn't = goals, this was it...

To me it looked less like Barca schooling United and more like United simply allowing them to knock it around for 90 minutes.

I didn't see it that way. They should've scored about 3 or 4, but there certainly was a lack of the aforementioned passion. United seemed helpless (Scholes? :mellow: ).

But the result itself is a great job, I expect a good game at Old Trafford.

/Someone stone Ronaldo please, before I do it
// Though Iniesta had a couple of shocking 'cough and he'll fall over' moments too

Joel

24-04-2008, 09:29

I didn't see it that way. They should've scored about 3 or 4, but there certainly was a lack of the aforementioned passion. United seemed helpless (Scholes? :mellow: ).

But the result itself is a great job, I expect a good game at Old Trafford.

/Someone stone Ronaldo please, before I do it
// Though Iniesta had a couple of shocking 'cough and he'll fall over' moments too

I don't agree with that. Apart from Eto'o hitting the side net, I can't remember another clear chance they had. It doesn't matter how well you play, if you don't create clear chances then you're not going to score and you don't deserve to win.

United may have played bad on an attacking front, but this is a Champions League, First Leg, Semi Final at the Camp Nou. I say, well done on a good night's job to them.

Next Tuesday's game will be great, as both teams have to go for it. If Barca get the first goal, it'll be very interesting.

AgentZero

24-04-2008, 09:36

yeah this all points to another very tantalising encounter, this one may have been dampened by our defensive mentality. But the next one each team will go for it.

Barry

24-04-2008, 09:47

I don't agree with that. Apart from Eto'o hitting the side net, I can't remember another clear chance they had. It doesn't matter how well you play, if you don't create clear chances then you're not going to score and you don't deserve to win.

United may have played bad on an attacking front, but this is a Champions League, First Leg, Semi Final at the Camp Nou. I say, well done on a good night's job to them.

Eto'o avoiding Rio's tackle, he laid it back to Messi? Messi should have been more alert. Admittedly, 3 or 4 might have been exaggerating. But with goals, there's a lot of luck/details involved. Sometimes you create those factors, other times they just aren't there.

Next Tuesday's game will be great, as both teams have to go for it. If Barca get the first goal, it'll be very interesting.

I agree with that, United will have to bring the heavy artillery if that happens.

AgentZero

24-04-2008, 09:49

heavy artilerry? erm ....anderson?

StaVriS92

24-04-2008, 09:58

I wonder what made you choose those teams to "support".:rolleyes:

lol why u say that Miggy???

Usul

24-04-2008, 10:06

I hope they play better, though if they had problems containing us with eleven behind the ball, what do you think will happen when Tevez and Rooney are not back there to help defend?

AgentZero

24-04-2008, 10:11

Well, its likely that you wont see that much possesion against us again.

Jonny2J

24-04-2008, 10:54

Was Sam Allardyce managing yous last night? :tongue:

Miggy

24-04-2008, 11:43

-09BAIS-e_s

I'm sure he has a personal vendetta against Cristiano Ronaldo

AgentZero

24-04-2008, 11:50

This really puts me at ease for the return leg, if we do lose most likely itll come through Barcelona playing quality football.

*fingers crossed there wont be own goals involved.

Phatmann

24-04-2008, 12:17

-09BAIS-e_s

I'm sure he has a personal vendetta against Cristiano Ronaldo
I thought Ronaldo had a pretty good game last night; Evra was our best player by far though.

vanNistelrooy

24-04-2008, 12:29

I hope they play better, though if they had problems containing us with eleven behind the ball, what do you think will happen when Tevez and Rooney are not back there to help defend?
Tevez and Rooney will be up there banging goals past your defence! :tongue:

Trouble containing you? We drew 0-0 and you had one clear cut chance?

Top Gun

24-04-2008, 12:35

@Miggy

They have a vendetta against all English teams basically, Stella has posted some videos up before.

One guy says he doesn't care what Ferguson tells Ronaldo to do, that he should track back all of the time. Surely Ronaldo is going to do what his manager tells him rather than some Irish guys who clearly don't know what they're talking about. They also try make out like Messi is some kind of saint, I seem to remember him punching a goal in against Espanyol...

At least they got it right when they said Paul Scholes was brilliant.

PESFan92

24-04-2008, 12:40

Tevez and Rooney will be up there banging goals past your defence! :tongue:

Trouble containing you? We drew 0-0 and you had one clear cut chance?

The way Man Utd played at Nou Camp impressed me, we all know the way Barca play, its a threat to other teams, but Man Utd coped with it well i think, and its all theirs for the taking. BUT, a Barca goal would put them on the back foot, and leave gaps in the final 3rd of the pitch, for Barca to attack. I think a Roma performance at OT would book their place in the final.

Rambo

24-04-2008, 12:56

-09BAIS-e_s

I'm sure he has a personal vendetta against Cristiano Ronaldo

A disgrace to football :laugh: Ronaldo was upfront on his own for fuck sake.

OT has become a fortress for us in the Champions League, 11 straight wins if i'm correct and i'm sure we can make it twelve.

wrathchild_uk

24-04-2008, 14:33

Have those guys ever seen Drogba play??

skullverine

24-04-2008, 14:54

Didn't get to watch the game as I had a fever. I was quite disappointed with Ronaldo missing the penalty though.

Akineye

24-04-2008, 18:15

I hope they play better, though if they had problems containing us with eleven behind the ball, what do you think will happen when Tevez and Rooney are not back there to help defend?

Given that Rooney will be more than 30% fit, who knows.

Pleased with the result and I don't think Barcelona ever really looked like scoring. Considering our back four was missing Vidic and contained a midfielder at right back I think we looked remarkably secure against a team containing Messi, Iniesta, Eto'o and Henry. One of the only negative aspects was United's inability to maintain the ball; probably due to the fact that we grow used to Rooney, Tevez and Ronaldo continuing to be dangerous on the break when given service.

Still, 0-0 is a better result than a 2-1 loss and whilst I can see them scoring at Old Trafford, with a fit Wayne Rooney leading the line, we're more than capable of scoring at least twice.

Top Gun

25-04-2008, 18:39

Predictions for tomorrow?

I hear that Vidic will be fit which is a huge boost and the fact that Chelsea need to win could really help us, as we are at our best when on the counter attack.

I'm expecting a draw, most likely 1-1. Which is a good result for us.

Rambo

25-04-2008, 18:42

I would love us to more or less seal the title at Stamford Bridge with a win but I can't see it happening, a draw is sufficient enough for me.

somegooner

26-04-2008, 12:50

Are Evra and Scholes injured or rested??

vanNistelrooy

26-04-2008, 13:40

Rested, as SAF is in dickhead mode. Chelski have been far the better team, but deserving of a lead?

Do our players know they can win it today? Then again, it's prolly down to this awful formation.

Miggy

26-04-2008, 13:43

Great ball from Drogba and lovely header from Ballack.
You guys really need to get into gear.

vanNistelrooy

26-04-2008, 13:44

We need to play a formation that we're used to! Vidic going off didn't help either.

Drogba needs to stop being a girl.

Guillermo

26-04-2008, 14:47

Sake.

Rambo

26-04-2008, 14:49

Just made it more difficult for ourselves. It's simple now; just win the last two games and Fergie must not fuck up with the selection.

vanNistelrooy

26-04-2008, 14:50

He has an eye on Tuesday. Still, O'Shea on for Anderson?

Two injuries, two off the line, and a penalty against us?

Lord Shrimpeh

26-04-2008, 14:51

It's not often I criticise SAF but today was a complete tactical mess and that's why we lost the game. Firstly starting with such a defensive formation invited Chelsea on to us and gave them confidence. Secondly when we luckily got a goal back instead of going to our normal formation so we could carry on with a threat to chelsea he went even more defensive! We played the last 30 minutes without a forward and what the hell was O'shea meant to be doing? If you invite chelsea on to you they'll score.

CHelsea deserved to win today because we didn't want to win. Playing for a draw never works in football and I hate it when managers, even SAF, do it. Especially when we're an attacking team.

Even so we should win the league. If we don't it will be because the players choke and if that is the cas we don't deserve to win the league. They need to buck their ideas up, although I blame today on tactics not players.