Manchester United

[Phatmann]

Good to see Owen scoring in his first game in a United shirt, especially as he only played about half a hour (or was it 45 mins?) Malaysia's first goal was terrific and their second came about from a terrible mistake from Foster. :faceplm: Nani made a great run for his goal too.

I don't think we are re-scheduling the cancelled fixture which means our next game will be on Friday against FC Seoul.

[Mullet Taylor]

Foster has 1 problem. he is british.

David Seamun and Andy Gorum are the only 2 all time great keepers that have played in the last 15 years imo

[Baddar]

We're playing Malaysia again on Monday according to the BBC.

[Phatmann]

We're playing Malaysia again on Monday according to the BBC.
Yep, that's confirmed on manutd.com too. A bit silly playing the same team twice but I guess they didn't have enough time to organise anything else.

[Mullet Taylor]

100,000 fans seen the first game...probably will be the same second time round

[Foxhound]

My friend was taking the piss off me when Malaysia equalised.

[Haribo]

Why the fuck are we not trying to sign big names, we should be going for the likes of Fabiano, David Silva and Huntelaar etc.

I'm starting to sound like a broken record, but I've no idea why we haven't gone for Huntelaar. He's available, he's a goalscorer, he's cheap (compared to many) and I expect he would love to come.

[AgentZero]

I think its fair that we arent signing any big names, every team under the sun will want to bleed us dry just because of the ronaldo money and i have my doubts of getting a Huntelaaresque kind of player, i also still reckon we'll play 4-3-3.

[Baddar]

Yep, that's confirmed on manutd.com too. A bit silly playing the same team twice but I guess they didn't have enough time to organise anything else.

We do that a lot on tour. Play one team, then play the winner of said team and their opponents.

Also...

lol, Man City.

[Phatmann]

Macheda and Owen :smug:

[Ziss]

Full time?

[Phatmann]

15 mins gone.

[Mjällharth]

2 in as many, not bad.

[Baddar]

I want to be different, so I'm considering getting 'MACHEDA 41' on the back of my home shirt.

Is there any way of knowing if he'll be sticking to 41 and not dropping to a lower number before the season starts? He's been wearing 41 since last season (and on tour) but I don't want to get it then see him change. :/

[Foxhound]

If I'm not mistaken, squad numbers are usually announced in August.

[Hunter]

Just wait until we've played a few England League matches, it's not as if you need to buy the shirt now. I have Heinze 4 on one of my old shirts, different circumstances but I don't like wearing it now for obvious reasons. Still, his tackle on Morientes was epic.

[Baddar]

Oh, I have the shirt, just no name/number yet.

[AgentZero]

Im firmly sticking with Carrick #16 and maybe Berba on the away.

[Sully]

I always thought names on shirts were for kids :/

[Foxhound]

There was a big cheer by the Korean crowds everytime the camera focus on Owen.

[Phatmann]

I always thought names on shirts were for kids :/
Aye, I sort of agree with that. Last time I got a name on my back was when I was about 15/16.

[Stormrider]

Not lovin the new home shirt. I think the black strip is pretty ugly and retro lookin. Is it just me?

[Baddar]

Aye, I sort of agree with that. Last time I got a name on my back was when I was about 15/16.

I just HAD to get one on the last home shirt because the back of it looked silly without one, IMO.

[Phatmann]

Yeah I can understand getting one with the last home shirt cos the white things looked pretty shit on there own on the back, although mine peeled off pretty easily so it looked alright for me without the name and number.

[HH]

Who do you guys think is the most popular player for shirts apart from the stellar players?

[Phatmann]

Who do you guys think is the most popular player for shirts apart from the stellar players?
That's a tough one to call considering how widespread our fanbase is. I'm pretty sure I read on the official site that we'd opened up a new megastore - which is a replica of the Old Trafford one - somewhere in Asia, so I'm guessing Park Ji Sung will be on a lot of Man Utd shirts nowadays.

I watched this vid on manutd.com and noticed Skullverine had posted a youtube link to it in the chatbox, so here it is for anyone who missed it:

ji6WUIVCMzY

[Mullet Taylor]

god that utd top is ugly. looks like a training top made from 100% cotton

Sung will obv be the shirt seller in Asia but in britain it would have to be Utd's main attacking threat Rooney ? certainly won't be Owen

[Miggy]

Evra and Park are cool as. They seem like really good friends.

[Mullet Taylor]

this isnt the first time theyve been recording together. didnt they do something similar for evra's birthday ?

[Miggy]

Park's birthday, yeah. Tevez joined them in that one. They seem like a bunch of nice guys. I wanna be in their gang.

[Jonny2J]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/8169153.stm

:lol:

[Hunter]

Park's birthday, yeah. Tevez joined them in that one. They seem like a bunch of nice guys. I wanna be in their gang.

Playboy of Korea! Legendary moments, quality video, here it is:

6Ge7pJW2t3E

:laugh:

[Cannon ball]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/8169153.stm

:lol:

Purple nose has never bothered to talk us down before. A sign that he's worried? Anyway the club will do the right thing and not respond to him, give him no attention.

[Jonny2J]

Purple nose has never bothered to talk us down before. A sign that he's worried? Anyway the club will do the right thing and not respond to him, give him no attention.He's probably worried about your financial muscle but he won't be worried about your team challenging his at the moment. Well not until you bring in a better manager than Hughes anyway.

[Miggy]

Didn't Alejandro Ferguson say that Rafa was a nonce for calling Everton a smaller club to Liverpool?

Football. Bringing you hypocrisy all the time.

[requiem7]

Didn't Alejandro Ferguson say that Rafa was a nonce for calling Everton a smaller club to Liverpool?

Football. Bringing you hypocrisy all the time.

I think what he says is correct. Everton have came a long way from what they were before David Moyes took charge. They challenge to be in the top 4/5 teams. On very little resources. So you have to class Everton has a big club.

Man City may have the resources but they have yet to make a claim for being a top club. Only time will tell if their team will gel and challenge.

[AgentZero]

just seen the highlights of the fc seoul game, brilliant goals by berba and kiko. Im liking Kikos confidence coming into the season.

[Stormrider]

Funny vid. Too bad Park had to get hit by the cracker. It was so swollen.

[Foxhound]

Didn't Alejandro Ferguson say that Rafa was a nonce for calling Everton a smaller club to Liverpool?



Yes, he did.

His response to the Tevez billboard, in my opinion, is what City wanted. They were obviously taking the piss.

[AgentZero]

WgiJMDuVKYo&feature=related berbatov masterclass for some bits of the video.

[Lord Shrimpeh]

Berbatov played well but I'm glad we have Owen as we need a goalscorer, I don't think Berba or Rooney are profilic enough. I hope Owen stays fit. I was impressed by Nani, maybe he's been overawed by Ronaldo and he'll come to the fore a bit more. He's got a bit more end product now. I think he certainly has the talent. Tosic looked good too.

[AgentZero]

still drooling at berbatovs flicks and passes, 5/8 goals he had a part in

[Hunter]

Hopefully we'll wear black shorts this season because it looks sexy and dangerous. :cool:

[Foxhound]

The kit definitely looks better when worn with black shorts.

Speaking of kits, I think the white kit is going to be the away kit in the CL.

[Baddar]

Owen's second was beautiful.

[Acquiesce]

Lets not get carried away with Owen's goal scoring and Berbatov's performances just yet, look at the fucking shape of the defences they're up against.

[AgentZero]

looks like arsenals to me :cool::ninja:

[Dragonfly]

looks like arsenals to me :cool::ninja:

I couldn't argue with that, to be honest.

[Stormrider]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_5456970,00.html

No. Just no :no:

[Haribo]

I want him to succeed Fergie. Who's with me?! :shifty:

[Mullet Taylor]

i keep forgetting fergie is 67

[Joel]

I hear Anderson has FINALLY scored for you guys.

[Vitumbiko]

Yeah Beautiful freekick, and Valencia scored too. Nice run from him.

[Lord Shrimpeh]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_5456970,00.html

No. Just no :no:

He is one of the best managers in the world, he makes good signings and he gets the best out of his players. Why not? Sure he turned chelsea into a bit of a machine but after Fergie we need someone who can keep up the winning else we might slip behind.

[Stormrider]

Sorry I don't wanna be bored to death. I don't question his ability but his defense 1st style is just not the United way.

[CDDRodrigo]

ANDERSON SCORED!!!! THAT'S UNBELIEABLE!

Seriously, I never tought he would score in Man Utd.

[Hunter]

I thought Anderson had already scored for United, but we all didn't count it because it was in a miniscule cup match, maybe even a pre-season the other year? I'm sure he's scored once for us before - either way he still needs to score competitively - his goal today doesn't count.

[Top Gun]

Berbatov was unreal the other day. Was like he was the only player with two legs, it was so easy. :D I actually love him.

Sounds like Valencia had an excellent debut and Tosic has looked impressive, pre-season though.....

[Stormrider]

ANDERSON SCORED!!!! THAT'S UNBELIEABLE!

Seriously, I never tought he would score in Man Utd.

A real beauty too. Hopefully that'll give him a big confidence boost and the goals will keep rolling in. Doesn't hurt his chances now that he'll get to take a lot more free kicks with Ronaldo gone.

p.s. who do you guys reckon will/should take our penalties now? Seems to me like Nani likes taking them.

[Foxhound]

p.s. who do you guys reckon will/should take our penalties now? Seems to me like Nani likes taking them.

When fit, a Hargreaves should take the penalties.

Anderson's freekick was nice.

[Mullet Taylor]

When fit, a Hargreaves should take the penalties.

Anderson's freekick was nice.

you're a positive thinking person aren't you ?

[AgentZero]

2nd half was all Boca...but thats a peach of a goal for anderson to score

[Foxhound]

you're a positive thinking person aren't you ?

Only in football.

[uA - 1905]

Only in football.


Awww

[Phil W.A.F.C]

What do all the Man Yoo supporters think of Valencia on here? I seen abit of his debut including the goal and he seem's to be running at that left-back more often than he did at Wigan. He will be a very good player for you lot.

[AgentZero]

I was pleased to see him play well, but obviously need more games to fully assess what we have on our hands.

[AgentZero]

not fussed about the loss but it was great to see how confident Nani took his penalty, kid could be huge this season.

[Ziss]

Seriously do not get your hopes up.

[Lord Shrimpeh]

Seriously do not get your hopes up.

Nani has always had the skill just not often the end product... which was similar to Ronaldo when he first came on the scene. If anyone can get that out of Nani then Fergie can. I think people have written him off too early.

[Rainey]

Nani has always had the skill just not often the end product... which was similar to Ronaldo when he first came on the scene. If anyone can get that out of Nani then Fergie can. I think people have written him off too early.

Im the same, Nani can easily become effective as ronaldo

[Baddar]

Well, during pre-season last year I was hoping something would be said to Nani in the hope he would improve, but the traits that he had in his first season followed on into last, which made him infuriating (at times) to watch.

I hope during THIS pre-season he's learned that chances are he won't be able to dribble past four players consecutively and score when he gathers the ball from 35 yards out every single time.

[Ziss]

I supported him, even after his poor first season, but last season was just painful to watch.

Put him up against lower teams in cup competitions and he'll piss all over them, but give him a challanging team like Hull and he'll do dump.

[dan80]

i do think he will do well he just needs the chanes and the confidence but also he can use his teammates loads of times last season u just want him to pass at times but with exprience he will learn and hopefully become a great

[Hunter]

Nani is just so unpredictable. After one of the worst season performances last year, and after being offered in trade deals out of the club by Fergie, I'm guessing finally the message has got through to Nani. This pre-season though, Nani has lit it on fire and it's incredibly intriguing for the coming season. If he can continue to find his feet, confidence and not become a victim of trying too hard like previously, I genuinely look forward to paying to see him. Hopefully it can be the birth of a great winger, and as previously said, his end product has been utterly shocking, often a lashed 35 yard shot into the stands. He seems to be playing simple 1-2s which is obviously more effective.

I hope it all pulls off for Nani, if pre-season is anything to go by, he can be great.

[Lord Shrimpeh]

I think he came in when Ronaldo was starting to be amazing and tried to emulate him with the end result in that he tried to dribble through defences which only worked against crap teams. Now that Ronaldo has gone he will perhaps be more relaxed and be a bit more of a traditional winger. This will fit into out new style of play which is likely to be more traditional than in previous seasons. Fergie's said he's going to change it

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson admits he will alter his team tactics in the wake of Cristiano Ronaldo's departure to Real Madrid.
Ronaldo was United's top scorer for the last two seasons and Ferguson is keen that the shortfall is filled by others.
"Cristiano is a big loss in terms of the goals he gave us," Ferguson told Inside United. "We will have to find the goals; our tactics will adjust.
"Fans will see us playing a slightly different style this season."
Ronaldo, who left for the Bernabeu in an £80m deal at the start of July, was the club's top scorer last season with 26 goals - a tally that eclipsed Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov's 13 and 14 goals respectively.

The Portuguese star hit an incredible 42 the previous season and bagged 118 in all in his 292 appearances for United.
With Carlos Tevez also departing the club for neighbours Manchester City, Ferguson is likely to use Rooney as a central striker alongside either summer signing Michael Owen or Berbatov.
But the Old Trafford supremo is also demanding more goals from his midfielders as the Premier League champions chase a fourth successive league title.
"You look to score about 100 goals," Ferguson added. "If we are going to win the league again or do well in Europe we certainly need players to step up.

Have your say on Manchester United's striking options
"Going back a few years, we could always guarantee goals from Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and David Beckham, who always pitched in with about 10 a season.
"Those goals from midfield have dried up a little in recent years, so we have to address that. I will be looking to (Ji-Sung) Park, Nani, (Luis Antonio) Valencia - even (Danny) Welbeck and (Federico) Macheda - to contribute 40 goals between them. The defenders will contribute a few from set-pieces too."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/8178625.stm

[Phatmann]

Poll added to thread.

In other news, we've poached yet another youngster, this time from Le Havre: http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12875_5465427,00.html

[Lord Shrimpeh]

Poll added to thread.

In other news, we've poached yet another youngster, this time from Le Havre: http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12875_5465427,00.html

And they're pissed. You snooze you lose you French bastards! :ninja:

Was it really worth putting Obertan up there? He's the new Bellion!

[Winger]

I'm not sure who I see having the more impact this season; Owen or Valencia. I think they will both do well, but the work rate of Valencia going forwards as well as backwards in tandem with his pace and crossing of the ball could be vital for us this season, especially if we're going with a more orthodox 4-4-2 with more orthodox wingers. But then again, goals win games, and Michael Owen scores goals. He also gives us that option of a ball over the top of a defence, because although he may have lost a yard of pace, he is still pretty damn quick. Couple that with the fact he springs off the shoulder of the defender, quite high up the pitch, and it should still be enough. The way he is training in pre-season, though, he may well regain those few yards of pace, at least to a degree. He is only 29. It could've been the injures in themselves, the missing out on pre-seasons, and the inconsistant runs in the team due to those injuries that saw him lose those few yards.

Who do you guys reckon will/should take our penalties now? Seems to me like Nani likes taking them.

I suspect that Wayne Rooney will probably shoulder penalty taking duty now. Or Michael Owen, when he plays.

I think Hargreaves would be a good bet, though. He's sound at set pieces. The same could be said of Tosic, perhaps. On penalties specifically (not free kicks) Nani and Rio Ferdinand are (usually) really calm and precise with their efforts. I would probably choose one of those two, myself.

[AgentZero]

Obertan will have very little impact, he looks fantastic but considering his age and payers in his position he need to make such an impression at training to get lots of games.
IMO it will be Valencia, like rooney youll have your fair share of injuries with Owen.

OH BTW away kit is horrible.

[Jonny2J]

I'm not sure who I see having the more impact this season; Owen or Valencia. I think they will both do well, but the work rate of Valencia going forwards as well as backwards in tandem with his pace and crossing of the ball could be vital for us this season, especially if we're going with a more orthodox 4-4-2 with more orthodox wingers. But then again, goals win games, and Michael Owen scores goals. He also gives us that option of a ball over the top of a defence, because although he may have lost a yard of pace, he is still pretty damn quick. Couple that with the fact he springs off the shoulder of the defender, quite high up the pitch, and it should still be enough. The way he is training in pre-season, though, he may well regain those few yards of pace, at least to a degree. He is only 29. It could've been the injures in themselves, the missing out on pre-seasons, and the inconsistant runs in the team due to those injuries that saw him lose those few yards.

I suspect that Wayne Rooney will probably shoulder penalty taking duty now. Or Michael Owen, when he plays.
I really wouldn't want Owen on penalties at they are one of the weakest aspects of his game. He really is very poor at taking them.

He really isn't quick enough anymore as well for those kinds of balls over the top as he can't keep up pace over a distance anymore. Although as you have said that may have been due to his conditioning as well over the last few seasons and I would expect this to improve at Man Utd, but at times it did seem like he was running through treacle.

[Winger]

I really wouldn't want Owen on penalties at they are one of the weakest aspects of his game. He really is very poor at taking them.

Aye. I agree. I don't think Owen is a particularly good penatly taker. I neither consider Wayne Rooney to be that much better on spot kicks. But forwards tend to take the responsibility onto themselves so to notch up their goals tally. I wouldn't choose either to step up for our spot kicks but, I can see them trying their hand at it.

He really isn't quick enough anymore as well for those kinds of balls over the top as he can't keep up pace over a distance anymore. Although as you have said that may have been due to his conditioning as well over the last few seasons and I would expect this to improve at Man Utd, but at times it did seem like he was running through treacle.

It may just be wishful thinking on my part but, this is his first proper pre-season in a while, a pre-season where he is actually putting the work in and training like he's about to undertake a triathlon. He looks physically and mentally prepared, confident in himself, again, and defiant to silence any critics by showing just how good he can be. It's been a long, long time since we've been able to say that about Michael Owen.

I expect Newcastle supporters to be a little perturbed, and a little irate, even resentful about this, because Owen is already taking his Manchester United career more seriously in pre-season friendlies than he seemed to his Newcastle career in top flight must win matches.

[Lord Shrimpeh]

Aye. I agree. I don't think Owen is a particularly good penatly taker. I neither consider Wayne Rooney to be that much better on spot kicks. But forwards tend to take the responsibility onto themselves so to notch up their goals tally. I wouldn't choose either to step up for our spot kicks but, I can see them trying their hand at it.



It may just be wishful thinking on my part but, this is his first proper pre-season in a while, a pre-season where he is actually putting the work in and training like he's about to undertake a triathlon. He looks physically and mentally prepared, confident in himself, again, and defiant to silence any critics by showing just how good he can be. It's been a long, long time since we've been able to say that about Michael Owen.

I expect Newcastle supporters to be a little perturbed, and a little irate, even resentful about this, because Owen is already taking his Manchester United career more seriously in pre-season friendlies than he seemed to his Newcastle career in top flight must win matches.

I saw him at Newcastle several times and he was never given the support it's easy to get frustrated when the team can't get the ball to you where you want it. Also he never wanted really to be there in the first place and was kinda forced into it. I think we will see a new Owen I always thought though when he plays and is fit he's still one of the best English strikers currently playing, maybe bar Rooney the best.

[Vitumbiko]

Report: Manchester United To Tempt Sergio Aguero From Atletico Madrid

Premier League champions Manchester United are set to re-ignite their interest in Argentine wonder kid Sergio Aguero, and reports suggest that they will test Atletico Madrid’s resolve with a substantial bid.

The 21-year old had another successful season in La Liga with Los Colchoneros, partnering Diego Forlan in attack for the Champions League qualifiers, and has been previously been linked with a move to Real Madrid.

The English side have cash to burn following Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure, and The Sunday Express comments that Sir Alex Ferguson will look to the young striker as he builds his side for defending their league crown.

A bid of around €41m is expected from Old Trafford, despite Atletico frequently insisting that Aguero is not for sale at any price, but Ferguson sees Aguero as a direct replacement to Carlos Tevez and wants to boost his striking options.

The Red Devils are also interested in Valencia winger David Silva, who has also been linked with rivals Liverpool, and it is believed that an offer of around €29m would be sufficient to commence negotiations with Los Che over a possible transfer.

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news?slug=goal_report_manchest er_united&prov=goal&type=lgns

[AgentZero]

id rather we didnt spend spectacular amounts on a player that has to adapt and has a great air of uncertainty

[Foxhound]

I learn not to believe those rumours unless it has quotes in it, which might have some reliability.

[AgentZero]

Really gutted over this transfer period, it seems all my favourite non-united footballers have ended up in la ligas big two.

[requiem7]

I am hoping Owen can stay injury free. Apparently Utds medical staff and physio have been helping him strengthen his knee. he is a clinical striker.
But we still have Rooney who is Wayne Rooney!

[Stormrider]

Funny story. As good as Silva is I doubt he'll adapt to English footy and highly doubt Valencia would let him go for just €29m. Kun I think will adapt well but I think Fergie is gonna put his faith in Owen staying healthy with Kiko for cover. We're pretty much done for the summer.

[Jonny2J]

I am hoping Owen can stay injury free. Apparently Utds medical staff and physio have been helping him strengthen his knee. he is a clinical striker.
But we still have Rooney who is Wayne Rooney!Is he?

[Dragonfly]

Is he?

Yeah. He's always on the physio's table.

[Stormrider]

Yeah. He's always on the physio's table.

:lol2:

[AgentZero]

Yeah. He's always on the physio's table.
well played good sir

[Moyesavelian]

as anyone seen the

welcome to manchester border with tevez on it

in town (manchester)



its covered in red paint now well done whoever did it ::laugh:

im sure its gonna look like this in a couple of weeks

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3418/3731692985_29846f02a8.jpg

[AgentZero]

Van der Saar out for 8 weeks. Im optimistic about kusczak doing well.

[Phatmann]

Van der Saar out for 8 weeks. Im optimistic about kusczak doing well.
I think you're on your own there mate. I'd have a lot more confidence in Foster than Kuszczak.

[Lord Shrimpeh]

Van der Saar out for 8 weeks. Im optimistic about kusczak doing well.

Yeah for the opposition he would, as he would give them quite a few penalties.

Foster is playing though anyway I'd imagine. I hope he steps up his game cos he can be sloppy especially on crosses. Good shot stopper though.

[Winger]

With Edwin out for up to 8 weeks this is the chance that Foster has been waiting for. Let's hope he takes it. Should he put in commanding consistant performances he may well get to maintain his starting berth, even when Edwin returns to fitness.

It could all go to hell, though, if Kuszczak gets the nod. :faceplm:

[AgentZero]

kusczak did get the nod for the Valencia game

[Foxhound]

If Foster performs, I hope that he doesn't lose his place immediately after Van der Sar returns. At his age, he should be in the starting line up regularly.

[Phatmann]

I noticed Van Der Sar got the Golden Glove before the game. Is this for most clean sheets, lowest amount of goals conceded or something else?

[AgentZero]

im tooting up the kusczak parade and he had a brilliant reflex save in the 2nd half.
which BTW Foster started the 1st and Kusczak the 2nd.

[Stormrider]

If Foster performs, I hope that he doesn't lose his place immediately after Van der Sar returns. At his age, he should be in the starting line up regularly.

In GK years he's still fairly young so all is not lost if he warms the bench for another year or 2.

[Ziss]

If Aston Villa end up signing Wesley when we could have easily put in an offer, I will be severly fucked off!

[AgentZero]

to be fair though. Losing Laursen and Mellberg in successive seasons will have an impact on their defence and its depth, for me it should be their main concern.

[Jonny2J]

to be fair though. Losing Laursen and Mellberg in successive seasons will have an impact on their defence and its depth, for me it should be their main concern.Beye will definitely shore it up.

[Ziss]

Not in the centre of defense he won't.

Very overrated anyway, be Beye :ninja:

[NextBigThing]

ballack and the refree are c**ts

[AgentZero]

true, but to be fair we should always play the whistle and we continued aswell. If we had scored the goal it wouldnt matter now would it.

[Lord Shrimpeh]

I dunno how Evra got so far up the pecking order for penalties. Never mind I thought we were slightly the better team overall though I am concerned with our defence and especially with Foster. He always seems to screw up in the big games (i.e. any game the spotlight is on him) and does that make him right for a team like Man Utd? Temperament is one of the most important aspects for a top 4 keeper...

[AgentZero]

much like captaining the Starship Enterprise, person(s) who are emotionally comprimised should be given responsibility.
Well i think my push for Kusczak has been given an unlikely boost.

[Foxhound]

My thoughts:
The ref was shit. He stopped the play when Ballack was down, but when Ballack blatently stopped Evra, he didn't stop the play.
Foster doesn't fill me with confidence. When he was on loan at Watford, people were raving about his kicks, which has been poor whenever I've seen him so far. His poor performance might cause him to be dropped.
It was nice to see Evra made that tackle on Ballack.
I knew that Giggs and Evra would miss.

[Keyser Soze]

Some of Berbatov's touches today made me jizz. Him and Rooney are going to be a fucking problem together when they get into full flow.My thoughts:
The ref was shit. He stopped the play when Ballack was down, but when Ballack blatently stopped Evra, he didn't stop the play.
I knew that Giggs and Evra would miss.
No, because he gave you the advantage. If you had gone on to score from that there'd be no complaints. Why was Evra down holding his face for that long anyway? He got shoulder checked to his chest. He wasn't injured as far as I'm concerned and there was no need to stop play imo. I'm not buying any of them excuses though, you were caught on the break.

The ref, though, was pretty inconsistent and meh.

[Persona]

Some of Berbatov's touches today made me jizz. Him and Rooney are going to be a fucking problem together when they get into full flow.
No, because he gave you the advantage. If you had gone on to score from that there'd be no complaints. Why was Evra down holding his face for that long anyway? He got shoulder checked to his chest. He wasn't injured as far as I'm concerned and there was no need to stop play imo. I'm not buying any of them excuses though, you were caught on the break.

The ref, though, was pretty inconsistent and meh.

Still, you could see from the replay, Ballack intentionally tried to body check Evra, which is an offense itself.

But Chelsea were the better side on the day and deserved to win the Charity Shield, not like it's important. :laugh:

[Keyser Soze]

Still, you could see from the replay, Ballack intentionally tried to body check Evra, which is an offense itself.

Yes; hence why the referee waved play on as you had possession of the ball, and United were happy to do so.

But yeah pretty much. Good taste of competitive football before the big kick off though, for sure.

[Persona]

Yes; hence why the referee waved play on as you had possession of the ball, and United were happy to do so.

But yeah pretty much. Good taste of competitive football before the big kick off though, for sure.

Erm, after Ballack body checked Evra, I remembered Chelsea had the ball on a 3 v. 2 counter attack?

[Keyser Soze]

Erm, after Ballack body checked Evra, I remembered Chelsea had the ball on a 3 v. 2 counter attack?
Erm, you remembered wrong then. The body check hardly even influenced the play at all, Rooney had the ball at that point. It was still cynical though and Ballack probably should've been booked for it after the goal.

[Joel]

Never mind I thought we were slightly the better team overall

You stopped watching after the first goal, right?

My thoughts:
The ref was shit. He stopped the play when Ballack was down, but when Ballack blatently stopped Evra, he didn't stop the play.

He stopped the game when Nani went down and we had possession though.

It was nice to see Evra made that tackle on Ballack.

I liked the fact that it didn't trouble Ballack one bit.

Erm, after Ballack body checked Evra, I remembered Chelsea had the ball on a 3 v. 2 counter attack?

Erm, no. Ballack body checked Evra, but Rooney had the ball. He played on and made a pass. Then you lost the ball and only then did your players want the game to be stopped.

It's a problem that needs to be sorted out, but I do think you all wouldn't have given a shit had you not lost the ball after YOU played on.

[Persona]

You stopped watching after the first goal, right?



He stopped the game when Nani went down and we had possession though.



I liked the fact that it didn't trouble Ballack one bit.



Erm, no. Ballack body checked Evra, but Rooney had the ball. He played on and made a pass. Then you lost the ball and only then did your players want the game to be stopped.

It's a problem that needs to be sorted out, but I do think you all wouldn't have given a shit had you not lost the ball after YOU played on.

Ah. Apologies mate. I'm not well known for my memory. =P

[Lord Shrimpeh]

You stopped watching after the first goal, right?

We had the first half Chelsea the second but we were the only team to score two *real* goals ;)

Nani injured with a dislocated shoulder might be out for a while. Typically after he has a decent game!

[Persona]

We had the first half Chelsea the second but we were the only team to score two *real* goals ;)

Nani injured with a dislocated shoulder might be out for a while. Typically after he has a decent game!

We only had a better opening 20 minutes or so and after that, it was all Chelsea. They dominated the midfield (not surprising considering Fletcher was partnering Carrick) and our last *real* goal was actually a yard offside.

I thought after scoring the goal, Nani became cocky and thought he was better than he really is. Took too much time on the ball and lost the ball on quite a few occasions (again). No one really had a great game for us TBH. Only Evra and Berbatov were our better players.

United desperately need a battler in midfield quick who can also pass the ball (Essien anyone?). Knowing that Fergie creams whenever he thinks of his Scottish son Fletcher, we're in for a quite a tough season again.

Oh well, it's only the Community Shield.

[AgentZero]

Drop the whole evra thing, as i mentioned on the previous page if we had scored (seeing as we stil had possesion) it wouldnt have mattered but once we lost the ball i dont know why everyone stopped playing. Although the fact ballack went down earlier and Foy out of no reason at all stopped play himself and didnt allow patrice or someone to kick the ball out was a tad annoying.
Berba looks the goods. I dont know about everyone here but the little intricate passing out of defence is a bit of a worry.

[Acquiesce]

I dont know about everyone here but the little intricate passing out of defence is a bit of a worry.

Yeah, yous think you're Arsenal or something? :smug:

[Ziss]

No, as we have trophies in our cabinet that aren't covered in dust and are starting to rust :happy:

God, if I hated Ballack before I hate him even more now. "I may have blocked him a little bit" - a little bit with your elbow? You Kraut cunt.

Foy really didn't help himself by blowing up for Ballack being down a minute or so before. Why he didn't take Ballack's name when play had stopped is beyond me, considering Evra got booked for winning the ball with a tackle.

Also, did anyone notice at no point did the commentators mention that Evra was down with a "head injury"? Something I thought referees had to stop games for?

EDIT: Oh, and Berbatov. Looked so fucking good yesterday. To make the touches and turns he did against a defense like Chelsea...Can only be a sign of good things to come. That one two which looked like he was leisurely walking round the defenders was quality too.

[AgentZero]

Yeah, yous think you're Arsenal or something? :smug:
exactly! That is why im concerned, shouldnt copy shoddy defending

[Joel]

Also, did anyone notice at no point did the commentators mention that Evra was down with a "head injury"? Something I thought referees had to stop games for?

When I get hit in my chest, it doesn't affect my head.

I'm just sayin'.

[Winger]

When you see it on instant replay you can see that Evra got caught in the chest more than his face or head. But in real time it looked like a raised elbow come shoulder block that caught him around the face or the head. And the fact that he went down holding his face (crying wolf or otherwise) meant the referee should have stopped the game, no question what-so-ever, especially when considering his "consistancy" in stopping the game for Ballack when he was just laying there chilling, screaming wolf, before getting up 2 seconds later, and also for Nani, in what turned out to be a serious injury to his shoulder, but at the time was not looking like a head injury in the slightest.

None of this is Chelsea's fault, no more than it's Manchester United's, it's the referee and his lack of consistancy. If it was stopped for Nani, and for Ballack, then it had to be stopped for Evra considering he was stopped by the most blatent foul of the day which in real time looked like a smash in the face. The referee let it go to see if we could gain an advantage but, we lost the ball within about 4 seconds if I'm not correct, so where was the advantage to be had? We had to play on to look for an advantage because Chris Foy refused to blow for the freekick when the foul occured, and then failed to pull it back when no advantage was on the cards (I guess that doesn't happen anymore). We should have simply played to the whistle with more conviction rather than tugging on the referees shirt and telling him to do his job properly but, we didn't and we got punished. Ben Foster should've saved it, anyway (story of the day).

If the officials do their jobs correctly it's 1-1 on the day, and still a penalty shoot out victory to Chelsea, so, we can't spit the dummy out over the Evra incident but ignore that Rooney was probably half a yard offside. In the end it evened itself out that way.

I was quite an even game but, look at which goalkeeper had to make the more difficult saves of the day. Park, Berbatov, and Fletcher all forced top saves from Cech. Ashley Cole also put a brilliant block in to snuff out a Rooney effort. On the flip-side, though, Evra had to clear off the line for us, and Foster did make a good stop from either Drogba, or Anelka, down low. Neither side dominated proceedings, nor even came close, not in my opinion. Each had their spells of controlling possession and periods of persistant attacks but, as always there will be blues seeing it only as Chelsea in complete control, and reds seeing it as United being in complete control. Both sides looked good and bad in parts but, I think we saw enough to know that both are still gonna be real contenders this season.

Really disappointed in Ben Foster. He has shown that he has all the natural ability in the world to be a top goalkeeper, especially when on loan at Watford where he was being tested regularly in games, which shows his performances weren't simply one off flukes. But it seems he hasn't been able to get a handle on the pressure that comes with playing for a club like Manchester United. If we take him out of the firing line and start Kuszczak against Birmingham I think that will destroy his confidence for good, his career at Manchester United would effectively be over. So we either stick with him and give him a run of games in hope that he can settle his nerves, or we make the decision now that he is not our future number one, and give Kuszczak his chance. I don't believe Kuszczak will be our future number one. I don't think he stands a chance, where as Foster only needs to overcome nerves on the big stage (which let's face it, he has hardly played on often) and that should come with a consecutive run and a vote of confidence from the manager and the defence. Kuszczak on the otherhand lacks in the ability department, and that is harder to overcome. If Kuszczak gets the nod, though, there can be few complaints. Hell, he has actually looked quite good in his last few outings...

[Lord Shrimpeh]

We only had a better opening 20 minutes or so and after that, it was all Chelsea. They dominated the midfield (not surprising considering Fletcher was partnering Carrick) and our last *real* goal was actually a yard offside.

Maybe they had more of the play in midfield but they didn't create any more than we did, I think it's generous to say they dominated. Rooney was perhaps just off but the benefit should be given to the attackers and he would have been only just off. More often I think the benefit should be given to the attackers as it would make for my exciting games. I think on the whole the game was pretty much even.

[AgentZero]

does anyone have an opinion on this Diouf fellow? Just hope he isnt another Manucho, although less obscure and came from the same club as Ole.

[Lord Shrimpeh]

does anyone have an opinion on this Diouf fellow? Just hope he isnt another Manucho, although less obscure and came from the same club as Ole.

Watching clips of him on youtube etc he looks good and he's younger than Manucho was when he joined so that's a plus. He could go either way though and fade into obscurity or become the next Ole. Fergie suggested other clubs were moving for him which is a good sign.

[Foxhound]

Did Nani actually say that he might play for Portugal tonight?

[AgentZero]

on the prowl for another keeper it seems.

[Jonny2J]

http://www.nufc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10278~1754493,00.html

Danny Simpson has signed on loan to us until January.

[Phatmann]

http://www.nufc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10278~1754493,00.html

Danny Simpson has signed on loan to us until January.
Replacing Habib Beye with Danny Simpson, I feel for you Jonny.

[requiem7]

Did Nani actually say that he might play for Portugal tonight?

Yes your right. He got 17 minutes.

[Foxhound]

From manutd.com
Defensive injury concerns ease

United’s defensive injury problems have subsided slightly ahead of Sunday’s season opener at Old Trafford against Birmingham.

Nemanja Vidic started training with the first team again on Friday after overcoming a calf problem, while Jonny Evans is likely to miss Sunday’s match against Birmingham with an ankle injury, but should return for the trip to Burnley on Wednesday.

United are also without Edwin van der Sar (hand) and Rafael (recovering from a shoulder operation), but Wes Brown is likely to partner Rio Ferdinand in the centre of defence, Ben Foster has recovered from a swollen knee which kept him out of England’s game against Holland as a precaution in midweek, while Gary Neville is over his groin problem and may make the bench.

“Jonny Evans picked up an injury against Chelsea, which resurfaced during training for Ireland,” Sir Alex confirmed on Friday afternoon. “He’s doubtful for Sunday, but it’s not serious and he should be ready for Wednesday against Burnley.

“Rio returned from international duty with a sore back, but we think he’ll be OK. Wes and Gary both trained with the first team this week. Wes is more advanced than Gary and he is in contention for Sunday. We might put Gary on the bench.”

Nani’s shoulder “popped out of place” after falling awkwardly following a challenge from John Terry during the Community Shield last weekend, but he made a substitute appearance for Portugal in midweek and he will hope to repeat his dazzling Wembley performance.

I read somewhere that Evans was sent home because their manager wanted to give United a favour.


And, if anyone cares. Obertan and Macheda will wear #26 and #27 respectively

[Lord Shrimpeh]

Rio's out and O'Shea is captain :no: at least it's only Birmingham... isn't it? :erm:

Also why's Fabio suddenly a right back? I assume it's to give him experience... I can't wait for the day he and Rafael play first team together. It'll be immense.

[AgentZero]

it will be a League cup game for sure, when well have twin brazilian attack force.
So rios out, that leaves us with O'shea, Brown, fit enough to play in the middle...unless *gasps* well see a return of gary neville to cb :faceplm:

[Joel]

Give Owen a chance and he'll score, right guys?

[AgentZero]

he fluffed his lines late on.

[Dale C.]

Good match, no?

Was disappointed Benitez didn't score that chance, but oh well ay.

Owen :laugh: Thought that was a definite goal.

Well done anyway, 3 deserved points.Just about. :laugh:

[Foxhound]

The defence looked shaky at times. Almost got caught by a Birmingham counter attack.

In the second half, United performance dropped, mainly due to the substitution of Nani. I can't believe that Owen missed that. He could've run off the keeper or do a chip.

The only possible reason that I could think of why Nani was subbed off is as a precautionary measure. I remember him holding his right arm in the first half.

[AgentZero]

Yeah it was a good match, bit cagey towards the end as Birmingham were going forward and getting confident. Valencia and Nani look the goods as a combo IMO thought give Nani untill the 65th should of been fair.

[requiem7]

Scholes had a few good shots that would have gone close if they hadn't been blocked. A decent 1-0 victory. 3 points on the board. As everyone know the awards are handed out at the end of the season.
Birmingham looked a very useful side. A big fan of big eck. (McLeish) His side look like they could do well. Now Liverpool have a fight on their hand.

[Top Gun]

Fabio looks like he will be a special player, very good today. Owen looks like he will give us something different which is pleasing, just needs a goal to set him on the way.

[fick]

Owen looks like he will give us something different which is pleasing

Like what? We've got injury proneness, lack of height, poor 1st touch and OAP's covered already...

[Top Gun]

Like what? We've got injury proneness, lack of height, poor 1st touch and OAP's covered already...

A threat in behind...

[fick]

A threat in behind...

I had heard the rumours...

[AgentZero]

the depth of the defence is being called in again with evans doubtful for burnley.
It seems we'll line up like we did at the closing stages of the brum game with fabio-Brown-Oshea-Evra. I hope Carrick gets a run at Turf Moor or is he injured too?

[CRISSGRAN]

I think you have to try to keep Fletcher fit and playing also as he looks like a key player in United's sucess. He does a lot of running, tracking and certainly pings the passes around the field nicely.

[Mullet Taylor]

funny how flecture is always the invisible man for scotland

[Foxhound]

O'shea--Vidic--Brown--Evra

If Vidic is fit to play.

[AgentZero]

he wont be till Wigan...is what ive read.

[TH]

Can't help but laugh :lol:

[Mjällharth]

:huh: .

[Sully]

Oh dear :lol:

[Bammers05]

:)

That is all.

[Mullet Taylor]

i knew utd would struggle missing sar and vidic. heard carrick missed a pen, daft twat

[Bish]

I don't think their defence will cost them this season, I just don't see enough goals coming from midfield anymore, now Ronaldo's gone. Their basically gonna need Rooney to be on his game, every game.

I'm already questioning whether they should've used the Ronaldo money on a better replacement (Ribery).

[Mullet Taylor]

the defence is basic without sar and vidic. plus when ronaldo was here, rooney on the left helped the defensive out big time. same with tevez when he played, defended from the front

[Hunter]

Brown needs to get his head out of his arse, he's been shocking his last two appearances, being embarrassed by two awfully average teams. When our back line constitutes of O'Shea, Evans, Brown and Neville together in one match, with no VDS, then you're pretty fucked, especially when there isn't an enforcer in the middle e.g. Roy Keane.

What else needs to be said really?

[Dundon's]

Brown needs to get his head out of his arse, he's been shocking his last two appearances, being embarrassed by two awfully average teams. When our back line constitutes of O'Shea, Evans, Brown and Neville together in one match, with no VDS, then you're pretty fucked, especially when there isn't an enforcer in the middle e.g. Roy Keane.

What else needs to be said really?

Honest enough post there fella, not been smart here either but this must be one of the most average Man U squads I've ever seen.

Don't get me wrong they're not bad players, just very average, especially right across the midfield.

[Hunter]

Honest enough post there fella, not been smart here either but this must be one of the most average Man U squads I've ever seen.

Don't get me wrong they're not bad players, just very average, especially right across the midfield.

We've got plenty of underated players, but them being underated doesn't mean they're great by any means. Everyone believes them to be shite, when in fact most are fairly decent, but nothing more. Simple as that. Fletcher has proved his worth in the team the last couple of seasons so he gets a pass, Carrick is debateable, Anderson just isn't cutting the mustard - not yet anyway, Nani has been utterly woeful but he's had a solid pre-season so fingers crossed.

You're right though, a lot of our players are "potentially" good, they just don't seem to be able to fill this potential and play to the best of their ability. That's the difference between Ronaldo and our current midfield, Ronnie fucking walked all over the lesser teams - some people criticised him for it, but the lesser teams are often what cause the title chasing teams silly points. The perfect example is tonight against Burnley.

We just need to get Fabio, Rafael, VDS, Vidic, Rio and Nani back pronto. I've still got a great feeling about Owen though, I'm confident he'll net around 15 goals this season.

[Dundon's]

When they're all fit your back 5 is as good as anyones and up front Rooney is top drawer, but you do need one serious fucker in the middle creating and scoring at least 15 goals a season and that's just not there for you right now which will cost you a shit load of point over an entire season where the game is just dead tight and there's no space in behind.

That's where the magic comes in and takes the 3 points in stoppage time.

[Hunter]

Fancy giving us Fabregas for £40m?

[Lord Shrimpeh]

I just can't believe Fergie said after about a month of the transfer window we were done spending... I don't see the point of saying that anyway and how is this squad possibly good enough? To win trophies you need 3/4 world class players and the rest to be decent squad players. We have got rid of 2 world class players and brought in more squad players. The maths doesn't stack up.

[Mullet Taylor]

who else prefered rooney when he was being the supplier ? i think Utd should go crazy for a world class striker who has natural goal scoring ability. I can see rooney getting pissed off alot this year if doesn't get any service. at least on the wing he seen alot more of the ball and made things happen

[Dundon's]

Fancy giving us Fabregas for £40m?

Fab will sell for a lot more than that if he does go believe me. :D

[Foxhound]

I can't believe that United managed to lose against Burnley!
I didn't watch the game because it wasn't live on TV, but I read that the performance was woeful. Carrick and Park being the worst players.
I really hope that we'll sign another player. Hell, I'd even take Robben as Bayern are not willing to sell Ribery.

[Mullet Taylor]

to be fair, burnley's keeper had a solid performance but why was carrick the penalty taker? is he the usual spot kick taker when Ronaldo wasn't about last year ?

[Dundon's]

Someone like Robben would be very useful to have when you're looking for something different, even if he is a greedy cunt that doesn't want to pass off the ball the best of times.

[Acquiesce]

to be fair, burnley's keeper had a solid performance but why was carrick the penalty taker? is he the usual spot kick taker when Ronaldo wasn't about last year ?

Ferguson said Carrick took the peno because he has always put himself forward to take one in the numerous shoot-outs United have been involved in over the past couple of seasons, so he was confident stepping up this evening. In fairness, it wasn't that poor of an attempt, keeper made a good save.


United have been unconvincing in their two opening games, and I can see Rooney getting frustrated a lot this season. I wonder how many times he'll see red.

[Foxhound]

In my opinion, Nani is the best penalty taker after Hargreaves.

[Meyyappan]

I just can't believe Fergie said after about a month of the transfer window we were done spending... I don't see the point of saying that anyway and how is this squad possibly good enough? To win trophies you need 3/4 world class players and the rest to be decent squad players. We have got rid of 2 world class players and brought in more squad players. The maths doesn't stack up.

Vidic,Ferdinand,Tevez,Rooney,R onaldo,Evra?? more like 6 world class players

Now there is ?? on Ferdinand

Iniesta,Messi,Henry,Eto,Xavi,P uyol

[Ziss]

ENGLISH MOTHERFUCKER, DO YOU SPEAK IT!?

Meh, was disappointed with the result but only for a minute or two. Games like this happen, and I rather it did early in the season rather than at the nitty gritty end where it gives the other team(s) a bit more momentum.

[fick]

Meh, was disappointed with the result but only for a minute or two. Games like this happen, and I rather it did early in the season rather than at the nitty gritty end where it gives the other team(s) a bit more momentum.

Understand the sentiment. I had some apprehension prior to kick off, Burnley do have a damn good record against EPL sides over the last 2 years and have got to the top flight by working damn hard. I can see them following Hull's pattern from last year though where lack of depth will see them tire in the second half of the season. All credit to them though, they did a job & we didn't.

Saying that, it would appear we couldn't hit the side of a fucking bus at present.

I may also take this time to remind everyone that I said Owen would be a shit aquisition... I still stand by it. Looking like I might be right ;)

[Lord Shrimpeh]

Vidic,Ferdinand,Tevez,Rooney,R onaldo,Evra?? more like 6 world class players

Now there is ?? on Ferdinand

Iniesta,Messi,Henry,Eto,Xavi,P uyol

Okay 5/6 ;) But tbf Man U and Barca were the best teams on the planet last season, other teams could still win trophies with less world class players. How many have Man U got now? Vidic, Ferdinand, Rooney and Evra by your reckoning so we are 1 or 2 short and they're mostly all in our defence.

I may also take this time to remind everyone that I said Owen would be a shit aquisition... I still stand by it. Looking like I might be right ;)

I don't see how someone who was the best player in Europe and comes free on minimal/pay as you play wages is a "shit aquisition". I agree some people are getting carried away and think he'll set the world on fire... which he won't. The only problem is he was our highest profile signing.... which tells you a lot.

[AgentZero]

we came to Turf Moor complacent, easy as that. Got shocked by an a relatively early goal and then spent the whole fucking game chasing it. Park had a terrible game and that would be like 2/3 bad games from him, love his industrial attitude but i think its time we start benching him again. I thought that would of been a great opportunity for Valencia to get confidence in under his belt by running at (lets face it) mediocre fullbacks.
But i suppose sir Alex see's Wigan as a harder game to win and probably rested the squad on the notion that this squad should be good enough to get past Burnley. Id like to see more of Carrick and Fletcher/Scholes in the middle, still think mickey is our best shout for a playmaker and he could make things happen for the forwards.

EDIT: Fuck owen was the highest profile due to him being English, Valencia is the summers marquee signing IMO and he looks the part too.

[fick]

I don't see how someone who was the best player in Europe and comes free on minimal/pay as you play wages is a "shit aquisition". I agree some people are getting carried away and think he'll set the world on fire... which he won't. The only problem is he was our highest profile signing.... which tells you a lot.

Owen at his peak was a one trick pony. He is no longer at his peak. Ergo, he is now a fucking no trick donkey. Hence he is a shit aquisition as he brings nothing to the side.

EDIT: Fuck owen was the highest profile due to him being English, Valencia is the summers marquee signing IMO and he looks the part too.

Valencia is quick, can beat a man and has a higher degree of physical presence than most wingers. he cannot however cross a ball with any consictency. He will not score goals. He cannot take corners. Wigan won't miss him. I think the last part is the most telling don't you?

The xfer window has been an elabourate waste of time. The youngsters we have coming through have more potential than anyone bought/brought in.

[wrathchild_uk]

If you look at our squad at the moment i just can't see where the goals are coming from other than Rooney. I don't think Park should be benched he should be sold..he may work hard and everything but going forward he's absolutely shocking.

[Lord Shrimpeh]

Owen at his peak was a one trick pony. He is no longer at his peak. Ergo, he is now a fucking no trick donkey. Hence he is a shit aquisition as he brings nothing to the side.

If his one trick was scoring goals then that was a pretty good trick for a striker. I agree he's lost his pace and has had so many injuries has lost confidence in shooting but you never lose natural ability and for free I don't see why he wasn't worth taking. He'll only piss people off cos he'll be 3rd choice striker (after Rooney and Berba) when he should be 4th or 5th but that's Fergie's fault for not signing anyone, not his.

[Hunter]

I'm definitely happy with Owen's acquisition. In a time when a good striker is costing £50m, getting a decent striker for free is undeniably good business. I've got complete faith that Owen will do well for us, I can see him getting around 15 goals this season. Fair enough, he has missed a couple of one-on-ones in his few games, but once he scores a goal, gets into his stride and builds confidence I've no doubt he'll be slotting them home in most of his appearances.

[Joel]

If his one trick was scoring goals then that was a pretty good trick for a striker. I agree he's lost his pace and has had so many injuries has lost confidence in shooting but you never lose natural ability and for free I don't see why he wasn't worth taking. He'll only piss people off cos he'll be 3rd choice striker (after Rooney and Berba) when he should be 4th or 5th but that's Fergie's fault for not signing anyone, not his.

His one trick was exposing defences with his pace. His pace is long gone now, but people still harp on about how he is a natural finisher. But calling Owen a natural finisher is just insult to the true natural finishers such as Romario, van Nistelrooy, Trezeguet, etc.

[Ziss]

You should have used Solskjaer, not vanNistelrooy as an example ;)

Although he's lost his pace, I appreciate how he makes space for himself all the time. Like Hunter said, once he gets a goal or two under his belt he will come good.

[Lord Shrimpeh]

His one trick was exposing defences with his pace. His pace is long gone now, but people still harp on about how he is a natural finisher. But calling Owen a natural finisher is just insult to the true natural finishers such as Romario, van Nistelrooy, Trezeguet, etc.

I'd call scoring 40 goals in 89 appearances for England and 206 in 423 appearances for Liverpool, Real Madrid and Newcastle, nearly 1 in every other game, as being a damn good finishing record. Sure his pace could get him in position but here's been plenty of pacy players who couldn't score and Owen could. I'm not saying he was the best but anyone with those records is worth giving another chance to I believe. I can see argument if we'd spent money on him but what's the problem with a gamble for free (and relatively small wages)?

[Joel]

I just think deep down Man Utd supporters are using his track record to try and convince themselves that they got a great signing here. Owen's finishing last year for Newcastle was pretty poor. Many times I saw him have chances and he'd just kick it straight to the goal keeper.

Yes it's free and it can not turn out as bad as our £30m for Shevchenko turned out, but at the same time, he is taking a forward spot that could have gone to someone a lot better.

It just seems really weird that you would bring in someone who is way past his best days and ironically those best days were spent at your rivals. If he does bad, then you'd never hear the end of it from Liverpool.

[Lord Shrimpeh]

I just think deep down Man Utd supporters are using his track record to try and convince themselves that they got a great signing here. Owen's finishing last year for Newcastle was pretty poor. Many times I saw him have chances and he'd just kick it straight to the goal keeper.

Yes it's free and it can not turn out as bad as our £30m for Shevchenko turned out, but at the same time, he is taking a forward spot that could have gone to someone a lot better.

It just seems really weird that you would bring in someone who is way past his best days and ironically those best days were spent at your rivals. If he does bad, then you'd never hear the end of it from Liverpool.

It will never turn out as bad as £30m for Shevchenko ;) You still got him btw?

I don't think any Man U fans think it's a great signing and we'd all much prefer it if Fergie would come to his senses and sign someone decent for good money but it seems he's back in his average player phase which he goes through now and again before realising it's a retarded strategy.

Owen is however free and as such worth signing. If he scores 10 goals it'd have been worth it and there's the possibility he might rediscover old form. I agree though if we over use him then we open ourselves up to ridicule and no way should he be starting games until he's proved himself.

[Barry]

I agree with Joel - it's not like Man Utd need to check for loose change in their sofa's to pay for a good striker.

You lose a top player, with whom you've competed for the Champions League two years running. Quality wise, money won't buy you a pound-for-pound replacement but would you really risk giving his (or a different) spot on a perpetually injured English striker with a somewhat glorious record & past but - who recent history shows did little of interest - when you could just spend a bit more and in theory be right back up there again competing for the Champs League.

Of course, with the assumption that you are too weak to challenge for it again, something that might or might not be true.

[Jonny2J]

Joel is spot on about his finishing, I've been saying this for ages but it has fallen on deaf ears with most who haven't hardly watched him over the last few years.

http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/6167/898812617270989.jpg

What a beautiful picture.

[Hunter]

Only ruined by the AIG across the front, otherwise, a nice kit.

[Phil W.A.F.C]

Looking forward to tomorrows game. In 5 seasons in the top flight i think we have more chance of getting summut tomorrow than ever. Knowing our luck we won't get anything but i think it will be a better game than the Wolves one. I think Valencia will start tomorrow but Figueroa will have a blinder i can just sense it. He his shit off a shovel Valencia though. 'Mon Tics!

[AgentZero]

missing out benzema still hurts especially because we had the moeny to compete aswell but im not fussed we didnt hit full struide until 4th/5th game into last season

[Dundon's]

Lets get this straight though, you didn't miss out on Benzema, you were never actually in the hunt for Benzema because he made it clear he would only leave his club to join Madrid which was supposed to happen next season anyways.

You must of been reading the Sun.

[Foxhound]

Lets get this straight though, you didn't miss out on Benzema, you were never actually in the hunt for Benzema because he made it clear he would only leave his club to join Madrid which was supposed to happen next season anyways.

You must of been reading the Sun.

Sir Alex did say that he made a bid, around 40 million quid, I think. Lyon wanted higher so, he decided not to do any more bidding.

I had a dream last night. United lost to Wigan by 2-0, and weirdly, I was laughing at the result. Let's see if my dream was able to predict the future.

[Lord Shrimpeh]

Sir Alex did say that he made a bid, around 40 million quid, I think. Lyon wanted higher so, he decided not to do any more bidding.

I had a dream last night. United lost to Wigan by 2-0, and weirdly, I was laughing at the result. Let's see if my dream was able to predict the future.

I don't think we'll lose... maybe a 2-1 victory or a draw. It's hard to be confident when none of the players can score goals apart from Rooney... and Vidic lol. I can see why SAF didn't want to over bid for players this transfer window but surely we could have got Villa or someone. Valencia are meant to be in financial difficulties.

[Appswah]

5-0

owen scored! omg. lol

[NextBigThing]

with a nice finish ! and nice assist !

nani freekick who needs ronaldo

[Mjällharth]

I'm a bit surprised how Wigan collapsed this heavily.

[Hunter]

Michael Owen, Premier League top scorer, watch this space. ;)

[Foxhound]

The only part that my dream predicted correctly was me laughing at the result.

I'm happy with the improved performance in the second half. I'm sure that everyone was frustrated in the first half as there were many chances, but none of them went in.

The game would be close had Foster didn't make that save. He made some good saves, so hopefully he'll carry on his form when playing against Arsenal.

As for Owen, I'm glad that he got a goal. The fans singing Are You Watching Merseyside? was quite funny. I'm also impressed with Nani today, as he seemed to improve his decision making. Normally, he'd blast the ball during the build up of Owen's goal. His corner kicks has been pretty poor so far, though.

Lastly, I'm a bit surprised that the commentator didn't say "Missed Ronaldo?" or "Who needs Ronaldo?" after Nani's goal.

[requiem7]

Nani is coming good. He has shown potential and is now applying himself.
Rooney's double is very pleasing.

[Ziss]

Lastly, I'm a bit surprised that the commentator didn't say "Missed Ronaldo?" or "Who needs Ronaldo?" after Nani's goal.
The highlights I watched on eplmatches said something like that?

Nice to see that Nani might actually have a brain after all.

[AgentZero]

the movement for berbas goal is fapworthy, Scholes still has it.

Lets get this straight though, you didn't miss out on Benzema, you were never actually in the hunt for Benzema because he made it clear he would only leave his club to join Madrid which was supposed to happen next season anyways.

You must of been reading the Sun.Id say putting down 40M euro is as being in the hunt for a player, imo it prompted madrid to offer a higher bid to Lyon.

Anyways 2 games in and Arsenal are on an average of 5 goals a game. Should be a tasty match.

[wrathchild_uk]

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/46250000/jpg/_46250528_owen466282.jpg

What a beautiful picture ;)

[AgentZero]

i was actually looking for the outstrecthed arms one..

[Mullet Taylor]

what a sexy finish. i hope he gets many more to shut people up

[Dale C.]

Wasn't as good as Gallas' finish :lol:

[Jonny2J]

what a sexy finish. i hope he gets many more to shut people upOf course he's going to with the service he'll be getting, combined with the amount of poor teams in the Premiership. Will be more interesting to see how he does against their main title rivals.

[Meyyappan]

Of course he's going to with the service he'll be getting, combined with the amount of poor teams in the England League. Will be more interesting to see how he does against their main title rivals.

The way you were talking before it seemed he would have been a flop now the way you are talking it seems he would be a big success....

Fergie simply bought him to have anothe attacking outlet and destroyer of small teams since ronnie left......for the big fishes there is rooney and berba...........

[Dale C.]

Fergie simply bought him to have anothe attacking outlet and destroyer of small teams since ronnie left......for the big fishes there is rooney and berba...........

So if Fergie only bought him to play against the ''small'' teams, why is he still hailing him as the best finisher england have?

Surely he should be playing him in every match?

[Jonny2J]

The way you were talking before it seemed he would have been a flop now the way you are talking it seems he would be a big success....

Fergie simply bought him to have anothe attacking outlet and destroyer of small teams since ronnie left......for the big fishes there is rooney and berba...........Possibly try reading things correctly first before commenting.

I have always said he would score goals against the lesser teams in the league, especially with the service he would get.

[AgentZero]

how does everyone see the Arsenal game next week? I think this could be one of those games where the finger is finally pulled out by some of the players i.e Carrick, Park, Giggs, Nani to name a few.

[Mullet Taylor]

Meyyappan ma man. "..." is more effective than ".........." - nice post by the way, actually read it in one go and got what you meant !

[Lord Shrimpeh]

So if Fergie only bought him to play against the ''small'' teams, why is he still hailing him as the best finisher england have?

Surely he should be playing him in every match?

He said, and I quote: "And Owen is one the best finishers this country has ever had." Meaning he has been in his career but he's not saying he is at the moment. Read things properly in future ;) He's obviously too old and slow for the big teams but doesn't mean he can't finish.

[Mullet Taylor]

arsenal still conceded 2 goals against 2 basic sides. if vidic plays and gary isnt rightback, i fancy Utd

[Joel]

I haven't seen the whole game, but judging by MotD, Berbatov looked pretty amazing yesterday. If anything, you all should be creaming over that performance, rather than Owen's goal (which was a good finish).

If Berbatov can hit top form, you'll be beating teams by big margins.

[AgentZero]

yeah last time nev started was when we lost to arsenal. Centre mids has to be on song for the game, i fancy fletcher starting and scoring a goal. Hes the kind of no frills player we need to stop their quick passing and movement in midfield.

[Foxhound]

arsenal still conceded 2 goals against 2 basic sides. if vidic plays and gary isnt rightback, i fancy Utd

I don't trust Gary Neville when playing big sides nowadays. He was awful against Arsenal last year. I'd rather have O'shea at right back.

[Mullet Taylor]

wheres mufcsean these days ? holiday ?

[Haribo]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/athletics/8216514.stm

Love that guy :lol:

[Lord Shrimpeh]

I haven't seen the whole game, but judging by MotD, Berbatov looked pretty amazing yesterday. If anything, you all should be creaming over that performance, rather than Owen's goal (which was a good finish).

If Berbatov can hit top form, you'll be beating teams by big margins.

Berba has the potential but he's been too lazy and so the jury is out on whether he will hit those heights. I hope so and think this is his season to prove himself. Flicks and stuff don't impress me unless it leads to a goal being scored.

[Joel]

Berba has the potential but he's been too lazy and so the jury is out on whether he will hit those heights. I hope so and think this is his season to prove himself. Flicks and stuff don't impress me unless it leads to a goal being scored.

Old man Scholes should definitely be picking up the blame for that. Harry Redknapp's wife would have finished that.

I couldn't believe how hard Berbatov worked to recover the ball, then pass it to Nani, who then assisted Owen for the goal. Berbatov working for the team? Woah.

[Meyyappan]

yeah last time nev started was when we lost to arsenal. Centre mids has to be on song for the game, i fancy fletcher starting and scoring a goal. Hes the kind of no frills player we need to stop their quick passing and movement in midfield.

Do not worry you shall kick us away and storm to the title and we shall come back to fighting for our fourth place(just like your fans are predicting...) ok so if you had any worries of our talent rivalling your future success you can take that out of your mind too.........

[requiem7]

I enjoyed Berbatov's celebration yesterday. the icy cool was swapped for emotion!
A tough game next week. But why a 1715 kick off?

[fick]

If his one trick was scoring goals then that was a pretty good trick for a striker.

I wasn't refering to scoring...

His one trick was exposing defences with his pace. His pace is long gone now, but people still harp on about how he is a natural finisher. But calling Owen a natural finisher is just insult to the true natural finishers such as Romario, van Nistelrooy, Trezeguet, etc.

...this was. Well put Joel.

I just think deep down Man Utd supporters are using his track record to try and convince themselves that they got a great signing here.

Not all Utd fans though... although on here it would appear i'm a considerable minority.

watch this space. ;)

Why, will it score more than Owen?

Nice to see that Nani might actually have a brain after all.

Bounds of reality stretching to breaki ng point..! If only Nani could do it every week. And learn to cross a ball. And take corners.

I haven't seen the whole game, but judging by MotD, Berbatov looked pretty amazing yesterday.

Best to date in a red shirt. I pray that it's a sign of things to come. However, as I don't believe in god, i fear it's in vain.

I don't trust Gary Neville when playing big sides nowadays. He was awful against Arsenal last year. I'd rather have O'shea at right back.

I like Fabio at RB. His speed and atacing prowess rival Evra & create a great balance. He needs to learn a little about reading the game and improve his positioning though. Prefer O'shea at left back (when Evra is out) as he's the only player who can cross properly from that wing!

I couldn't believe how hard Berbatov worked to recover the ball, then pass it to Nani, who then assisted Owen for the goal. Berbatov working for the team? Woah.

I'll let you into a secret... it was actually Park in a wig... ;)

[Mjällharth]

I'll let you into a secret... it was actually Park in a wig... ;)

And in that case some serious high heels I reckon...

[fick]

And in that case some serious high heels I reckon...

Asians in Heels? Worked for Jin...

[Mjällharth]

Asians in Heels? Worked for Jin...

:laugh:

[AgentZero]

anyone see Vidic and Rodallega go at it?

[fick]

anyone see Vidic and Rodallega go at it?

Pathetic. Seen more fight in a hamster. Loved the Beeb's commentary regarding Rodallega's "near elbow" to the ref. As usual, the beeb sensationalise everything.

[Hunter]

Vidic's little flick was hilarious, I wasn't expecting it whatsoever, then all of a sudden he swings a cheeky hand out and catches him. As previously said numerous times, the referee handled it all quite well. I think if Vidic actually punched him though he'd be getting a knock on the door from the FA, but since it was seemingly a flick, it'll probably go unspoken...hopefully.

[Joel]

Pathetic. Seen more fight in a hamster. Loved the Beeb's commentary regarding Rodallega's "near elbow" to the ref. As usual, the beeb sensationalise everything.

That annoyed me. All Rodallega was trying to do was pull his arm away so he could get to Vidic.

[AgentZero]

Rodallega really made a meal of a vidic lovetap.

[Meyyappan]

I wasn't refering to scoring...



...this was. Well put Joel.



Not all Utd fans though... although on here it would appear i'm a considerable minority.



Why, will it score more than Owen?



Bounds of reality stretching to breaki ng point..! If only Nani could do it every week. And learn to cross a ball. And take corners.



Best to date in a red shirt. I pray that it's a sign of things to come. However, as I don't believe in god, i fear it's in vain.



I like Fabio at RB. His speed and atacing prowess rival Evra & create a great balance. He needs to learn a little about reading the game and improve his positioning though. Prefer O'shea at left back (when Evra is out) as he's the only player who can cross properly from that wing!



I'll let you into a secret... it was actually Park in a wig... ;)

I thought Rafael was the RB

[Lord Shrimpeh]

Old man Scholes should definitely be picking up the blame for that. Harry Redknapp's wife would have finished that.

I couldn't believe how hard Berbatov worked to recover the ball, then pass it to Nani, who then assisted Owen for the goal. Berbatov working for the team? Woah.

Yeah I agree. We really need a attacking midfielder who can score from distance, they'd get at least 10 a season off Berba's flicks and assists alone. Anderson couldn't score in a brothel and scholes's hip falls out every time he shapes to shoot these days.

[Ziss]

S n e i j d e r

[Winger]

I think Michael Owen will turn out to be a good signing, if he stays fit. I don't expect him to be anything other than a good signing, though. If he has a great season, or an exceptional season, then that's something no one could have predicted. But I (sadly for us) don't see the latter occuring. I'd love to be proved wrong, though. As I see it, I think anything over 10 goals is a tidy aquisition, especially for free. And that would repleace the goals which Carlos Tevez would've brought to the side for £25.5m on top of an already paid £10m, and an almighty bout of sulking everytime he wasn't in the starting line-up.

Tevez notched up 14 league goals in 34 games (most being starts) in his first season. And 5 goals in 29 games (not many, but still enough being the full 90 minutes) in his second, and final season. Michael Owen should easily better (or at the very least equal) both goal returns if he plays the same amount of games. And if we're questioning Michael Owen's finishing, I don't think we can fail to bring up the fact that he is replacing a player who also liked to fluff the odd sitter. Tevez was far from the world's greatest finisher. He scored some great goals, and some important goals, but he wasn't a natural finisher. I think once Michael Owen gets into his stride, both in terms of complete match sharpness, and a goal or two to his name, he'll put the type of chances he missed against Birmingham and Burnley into the net. It's all to do with confidence and a run of games (to regain match sharpness and a high level of overall fitness) for Michael Owen. I personally don't think his ability (as a good player) is in question. He just needs to get back to being physically capable of the games demands, and mentally prepared to attempt those things that players with a high confidence follow up with naturally. His goal against Wigan (the hardest chance he has had, yet, ironically) will do him the world of good in that regard.

Look at Drogba and Anelka against Hull, they were taking it in turns to miss glorious chance after glorious chance, before Drogba finally smashed home a free-kick and lucked out with a sliced cross. He is now well on his way for the season, with confidence high. Torres had a poor game against Spurs but, found the net against Stoke. The first goal of the season is all important, for every player. Michael Owen is no different. Anelka is similarly on his way now, after notching a goal against Fulham.

Owen was not bought to replace the goals lost via the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo. He was brought in to first compensate for the sale of Carlos Tevez, and second, to aid in helping the team as a whole upping their goals return. Rooney and Berbatov need to up their goals return by (at the least) another 10 goals a piece. If they can do that, and Owen can manage a minimum of 10 goals himself, that's 30 more goals for the team, on top of a base return of 20 from Rooney and Berbatov as a partnership. I base that on 12 goals from Rooney last term, and 9 from Berbatov, in a set-up that had them as providers more than finishers. Now they have the task of scoring the goals, more than creating them, and as thus they should find the net more frequently.

Valencia is here to create goals, not score them. I'd say we'd be looking for Valencia, Nani, Anderson, Giggs, and Park, to find the net 20 times between them. I'm confident that Valencia, Nani, and Park can score 5 goals a piece. Anderson, Scholes, Carrick, Fletcher, and Giggs can surely muster a further 5 between them.

Rooney - 20 goals
Berbatov - 20 goals
Owen - 10 goals
Valencia - 5 goals
Park - 5 goals
Nani - 5 goals
Giggs - 2 Goals
Anderson - 2 Goals
Carrick - 1 Goal

That would give us 70 Goals. And I think it's quite realistic. And even if it wasn't, it's close to what we require from the team this year. Vidic should notch us a few goals from set-pieces, too. Then there are the unknowns (for lack of a better word) in Welbeck, Macheda, Tosic, Gibson, etc. They may play little to no role or perhaps step up, weighing in with a few goals in the process.

Our defence is unchanged form last season (injuries permitting) and if Hargreaves and Brown can get fit and stay fit we shall have further options in the final third.

The figures are rough but, I expect them to be close to what each player is required to put away for us this season, and I really do think they're realistic possibilities. The chances that would've been falling to Ronaldo are now going to be falling to Rooney and Berbatov, more than anyone else, so the law of averages suggests unless they miss every single one of them they're going to score more goals than last season. Rooney and Berbatov will still find themselves creating chances but now instead of Ronaldo being on the end of their ball, it's going to be the other, or else the wide players making an incisive run. Park had great efforts saved by Cech against Chelsea, and Jensen against Burnley, so the wide players are going to get chances, especially Park, at least in my estimation, due to his off the ball movement and knack for finding space. He was often asked to do the donkey work and keep his wits about him defensively when played with Ronaldo also on the pitch. For South Korea, and when at PSV, he could often be found ghosting into the area onto the end of through balls. We've only saw it sporadically in his United career. He is never going to score many goals (his finishing lets him down) but, I see no reason why he can't muster 5 in a system that sees him given more freedom and and more responsibility to make such runs.

[fick]

I thought Rafael was the RB

How should I know... they look the same to me.

Well done quoting the whole post for that comment by the way... :faceplm:

Anderson couldn't score in a brothel and scholes's hip falls out every time he shapes to shoot these days.

:laugh: Watching Anderson shoot reminds me of good 'ole Jason "pineapple head" Lee.

S n e i j d e r

Good option, but unlikely. Looking at what's available I'd still be interested to se Rooney in that role (as I've said on here before). Other than that, Gibbo has a good shot and possibly the potential to play the role, in time of course.

[Jonny2J]

eqTeGL99lhA

He doesn't miss chances btw and is still a world-class finisher. :D

[requiem7]

Anyone catch the Liverpool tonight? Really good stuff tonight. An own goal, Reina getting booked complaining about a corner and kicking the ball away. Villa scoring from said corner. Stevie G comceding a penalty. Torres moaning like a girl as usual. I didn't expect much tonight but was I entertained!

[Lord Shrimpeh]

eqTeGL99lhA

He doesn't miss chances btw and is still a world-class finisher. :D

Anyone can compile a tape of someone messing up just as people do of people playing well. His time at St James's was full of injury, he never got started properly and he was in a crap squad. Once he got some games he started to play well. He was probably infected by the crapness of the team. No one here has said he's brilliant or going to set the world alight but he was free, might recapture his old form and his track record makes him worth giving a chance. I think people just want to see him fail.

[AgentZero]

yeah the service at st james isnt like what he gets at Old Trafford, not to mention frequency. Your little vendetta has me hoping he will scorre moe than 13, which was his biggest tally down your end.
S n e i j d e r i see your sneijder and raise you a cheaper alternative in Gourcuff (:wub: )

[Mullet Taylor]

modric ?

[AgentZero]

fuck no.

[Jonny2J]

Anyone can compile a tape of someone messing up just as people do of people playing well. His time at St James's was full of injury, he never got started properly and he was in a crap squad. Once he got some games he started to play well. He was probably infected by the crapness of the team. No one here has said he's brilliant or going to set the world alight but he was free, might recapture his old form and his track record makes him worth giving a chance. I think people just want to see him fail.So it was the fault of the squad that he missed those chances and showed little or no effort?

[Mullet Taylor]

didn't owen score vital goals when keegan was in charge ? didnt he go on a little run of goal scoring form which saved newcastle that year

[Jonny2J]

didn't owen score vital goals when keegan was in charge ? didnt he go on a little run of goal scoring form which saved newcastle that yearHe did indeed. Keegan. :cool:

[AgentZero]

Ando's future in doubt?
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/manutd/6086657/Sir-Alex-Ferguson-questions-Andersons-future-with-Manchester-United.html

[AgentZero]

im really quite excited to see how this Obertan kid does. Anyone know when hes scheduled to return?

[dan80]

i heard about anderson but i read that he wants to fight for his place and needs to improve in training

[AgentZero]

Thoughts on the draw? The strength of each team i dont think should bother us esp at home (although Wolfsburg could give us grief) but tough trips to moscow and turkey. Cska is romans team aswell isnt it?