Manchester United

[Stormrider]

The Everton goal was an absolute laser. In before I could even blink or comprehend what was happening :laugh:

[Mullet Taylor]

haha evans was so slow at there with rodwell

looks like utd's second top scorer in OG's couldn't help utd today. Everton were outstanding from start to finish. Fully deserved win

[ThaReaper01]

Agree with the Everton part, but not Neville. I'd say that Evans was our weakest link today. Didn't look comfortable. Had it not been for Wes being as good as he is...


*Shivers*

[Mullet Taylor]

brown and evans together are always a horrible combo. Evans needs rio or vidic to have a great game i feel. although evans did havea stinker midweek

[Ziss]

Neville needs to seriously consider retirement and Carrick and Evans need a mighty kick up the ass.

[Stormrider]

Dammit. David Moyes had the golden touch today. All his subs scored :(

Everton were so good in the 2nd half :(. Dangerous side now that all their players are getting healthy again.

[Mullet Taylor]

everton were missing cahill and fellaini. even yabuku was on the bench.

[requiem7]

shambolic defending today from our back 4. Everton deserved their win. Hard work and a fair amount of quality and flair.
Rubbish start to the weekend.

[FlytotheSky]

Everton had a monster game today. In the last 10 minutes, I thought Manutd would be able to score and level but damn Everton really stopped you guys today.

[ThaReaper01]

IMO, this was the perfect game for Anderson. He could have had his way with the center of the pitch. I've never liked the combo of Flecther and Carrick. A playmaker is what we need. He goes by the name of Anderson. I honestly thought that when Berba picked up a knock that we would shut up shop and take the point. Maybe throw on Vidic or Gibson, some athleticism. But we went for it, and got caught. Twice. Credit to the Toffees in the end. I think they will sign Landon. He's been top drawer since he's got there.

[Joel]

IMO, this was the perfect game for Anderson. He could have had his way with the center of the pitch. I've never liked the combo of Flecther and Carrick. A playmaker is what we need. He goes by the name of Anderson. I honestly thought that when Berba picked up a knock that we would shut up shop and take the point. Maybe throw on Vidic or Gibson, some athleticism. But we went for it, and got caught. Twice. Credit to the Toffees in the end. I think they will sign Landon. He's been top drawer since he's got there.

He's been anything but a playmaker at Man United. At the moment, he's just a cheap version of Edgar Davids.

[Dan]

At the moment, he's just a cheap version of Edgar Davids.
Or an expensive Jose Kleberson. :shfty:

[FlytotheSky]

I thought you guys bought Carrick as a playmaker?

[ThaReaper01]

He's been anything but a playmaker at Man United. At the moment, he's just a cheap version of Edgar Davids.

Give the boy a chance to play. You must remember that he has been playing a central defensive midfield position and can't do what he does. Albeit a damn good CDM, he hasn't been able to really play his game.

[Joel]

Give the boy a chance to play. You must remember that he has been playing a central defensive midfield position and can't do what he does. Albeit a damn good CDM, he hasn't been able to really play his game.

Hence the "at the moment". But there mustbe a reason why Ferguson has put him in that position. Maybe in training he sees that he has the qualities for that position.

Or an expensive Jose Kleberson. :shfty:

:lol:

[Stormrider]

Hence the "at the moment". But there mustbe a reason why Ferguson has put him in that position. Maybe in training he sees that he has the qualities for that position.

No it's because we never play with an attacking midfielder in our formation. He can play left wing but Giggsy, Nani, and Park keep him away. He can play support striker but that's Rooney, Berba, and Giggsy territory. It's either CM or nowhere :(

I feel for the lad. Great talent but he's still adjusting to an unnatural role for him. His confidence has also been real shit for the longest time too. He should've went to a club that plays him as an attacker, like in Spain or France.

edit: Actually you are kind of right Joel. I think SAF brought him here to groom him as a CM. I was excited when we first signed him cuz he was great at left wing for Porto so I thought we had a genuine replacement for Giggs, but we very rarely see him play there for United.

[requiem7]

Anderson is still 21. Plenty of time to improve and fit into the side.

[Stormrider]

Yup but the question is whether he'll be given the time to improve. I hope SAF continues being patient with him but maybe he needs a different position. Fletcher is a rock in the center and Hargo will be a force next season. Gibson is making strides and we also have Carrick. Don't see many chances for him there unless injuries strike.

I think he needs to compete for the left wing position next season, especially since he's naturally left footed. If Nani carries his good form into next season than I'd rather have Nani player there or those 2 can rotate, or maybe Ando can split the time with Berba and play in the hole behind Rooney and become the next Dinho :cool:

[thenotsogood]

The only way Hargreaves can perform is if he doesn't get injured again. The potential in him for club and country was high, but he doesn't seem to play consistently, simply because he's never fully fit.

[muscularmatt]

That Rodwell is going to be awesome though. Wouldn't be surprised to see him in a United shirt in a couple of years.

[ThaReaper01]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wr9e-s8q8K8


Don't know what to take away from this.

[requiem7]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wr9e-s8q8K8


Don't know what to take away from this.

He just wants to play no matter if its on the left or right. But would prefer the left.
Nani's an idiot for not playing for the red card he got.

[Stormrider]

Rooney just can't stop scoring with his head :D. He definitely needs a healthy boost in the heading department when the next dlc arrives, but knowing Konami they'll still be clueless. I think he has scored more headers than anyone in the world this season.

Valencia put in some great crosses too. His crossing has really improved since the new year and I don't think he'll stop improving anytime soon. I was also shocked to see Ando finally playing left wing again but too bad he got injured so early :(

[ThaReaper01]

Rooney just can't stop scoring with his head :D. He definitely needs a healthy boost in the heading department when the next dlc arrives, but knowing Konami they'll still be clueless. I think he has scored more headers than anyone in the world this season.

Valencia put in some great crosses too. His crossing has really improved since the new year and I don't think he'll stop improving anytime soon. I was also shocked to see Ando finally playing left wing again but too bad he got injured so early :(

That volley cross was special. Berba was really good as well. I made that comment on PSD during the Everton game. Seems determined to justify his tag.



EDIT: Found this charmer of a line in the report of the match.


"Injury is the one thing Capello cannot countenance for Rooney. There would be no point in the Italian trying to put on a brave face. England would instantly be reduced from contenders to also-rans."



:lol:



EDIT 2: http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=746785&sec=england&cc=5901


:crymore:

[Stormrider]

Ando is done for the season :crymore:. Right when he was finally given a chance in an advanced role.

[Winger]

I was looking forward to seeing Anderson deployed wide left with more attacking freedom. Shame. And we could've done with him for the Milan clash at Old Trafford, too, with that rehab Michael Carrick (who has been dire lately) suspended. Gibson, Fletcher, and Scholes in the midfield then.

I'd play the same system we did against Milan first time around, with the only difference being that we actually defend with some sort of dicipline and awareness! Ji-Sung Park to resume his duties as royal pain in the ass to Pirlo and Ambrosini.

We could really do with Hargreaves getting back in the frame for the run-in to the season. Anderson is done for this term. Carrick is playing diabolical. Scholes can't go 90 minutes week in, week out. And Gibson is still rather average at times. Thank holy-good-fuck for Darren Fletcher!

[Sweey]

You'll be screwed if we start with four forwards :>

Except we won't.

[Ziss]

Thank holy-good-fuck for Darren Fletcher!
I find myself saying this an awful lot. What a player he turned out to be!

[Winger]

You'll be screwed if we start with four forwards :>

Except we won't.

What is this system of which you speak?! :ohmy:

[SmAsHeD]

I find myself saying this an awful lot. What a player he turned out to be!
I couldn't see myself saying this 2 or 3 years ago... But really, where would us be if we were without him nowadays.

[Stormrider]

Yea same system as 1st leg would be good but Valencia instead of Nani please :)

[Hunter]

The amazing thing about Darren Fletcher (besides his ability obviously :joel:) is that he still flys under the radar with a lot of fans, and probably teams too. Maybe it's because he's Scottish, maybe it's because he's still yet to become the complete player, maybe both. There's no doubting though that he's been so valuable to us over the last few years, and once again it shows Fergie hasn't lost it one bit. I remember when a young Darren Fletcher was being pushed into the team, most people laughed at the thought of this Scottish stick-like figure ever playing first team football for Manchester United. Sir Alex on the other hand predicted it all perfectly, and now Fletcher has something that not many players have - the ability to change a game around, and big games at that. How many times over these last 3 years or so has Darren Fletcher popped up with a winning goal in a big game? (Chelsea springs to mind immediately).

Fletcher to take up a captaincy role sometime down the line? Whether it's just vice-captain, I can honestly see there being a possibility.

[Phatmann]

Van Der Sar has signed a new contract until June 2011. That is fantastic news. He'll be almost 41 when this contract ends. :huh:

[Foxhound]

I used to moan whenever I see Fletcher's name in the starting lineup. In my defence, he was playing on the right, which was Ronaldo's position. This was in 2004-early 2006.

The very first Fletcher's performance that I was impressed with was against Roma, 7-1 game. He was immense!

[ThaReaper01]

The fans Wembley XI according to Man U.com

Van der Sar
Rafael
Vidic
Evans
Evra
Valencia
Fletcher
Carrick
Scholes
Park
Rooney


I'd prefer 4-4-2 with Mame partnering Rooney. Diouf, with his athleticism, would give Villa problems. This let's Rooney roam and find the ball more.

[fick]

Thank holy-good-fuck for Darren Fletcher!

Same as others, I can't believe he's the same 'headless chicken'. I sometimes doubt he's the same person.

You'll be screwed if we start with four forwards :>

Except we won't.

We'd bemore screwed if you win. Except you won't :smug:

Van Der Sar has signed a new contract until June 2011. That is fantastic news. He'll be almost 41 when this contract ends. :huh:

Wouldn't be shocked if we hear a similar announcement next year. VDS is still a great keeper.

[Phatmann]

I think it is quite clear that we should be playing a 4-5-1 as shown by the fact we changed to a 4-4-2 against Everton and look what happened.

I must have missed a few games if Diouf is now a must start player for a cup final. How many has he scored now?

[Haribo]

I'd prefer 4-4-2 with Mame partnering Rooney. Diouf, with his athleticism, would give Villa problems. This let's Rooney roam and find the ball more.

There's no way Diouf would get his first start for the club in a cup final.

What happened to Obertan? Changed the game against Wolfsburg and haven't seen him since. :faceplm:

[requiem7]

I think it is quite clear that we should be playing a 4-5-1 as shown by the fact we changed to a 4-4-2 against Everton and look what happened.

I must have missed a few games if Diouf is now a must start player for a cup final. How many has he scored now?

I would even go for a 4-5-1. As its United it wouldn't be rigid and we could overrun them there midfield. We have to watch the flanks carefully.

[Mullet Taylor]

"It is six years since Sir Alex Ferguson last spoke regularly to the BBC and three years since he described them as "arrogant beyond belief", but from next season the Manchester United manager will have to renew acquaintances with the corporation after the Premier League underlined its determination to hold its members to a new agreement on giving interviews to rights holders. "

[AgentZero]

i've always had faith in fletch, he wasn't crash bang spectacular like the other lads developing through with him i.e. an 18 yr old Cristiano & Rooney even Kieran Richardson to some extent but he would put in safe performances here and there when we still had Keane and Scholesy banging it around in midfield. Like hunter said he does fly under everyones radar because of his lack exceptional technical abilities but its the residuals that gets him and United across at times.
Id would really like it if we put a fresher side to the team at the Final, Gibson to start definitely.

[uA - 1905]

Fletcher's stamina must be 350 in PES stats

[Foxhound]

How do you think United will approach this game? Play a full team like the one against City, or play a mixture of the young and the experienced? I personally think that it's the latter. I can see the likes of Gibson, Rafael & Macheda starting, with some of the regular first team members.

[requiem7]

How do you think United will approach this game? Play a full team like the one against City, or play a mixture of the young and the experienced? I personally think that it's the latter. I can see the likes of Gibson, Rafael & Macheda starting, with some of the regular first team members.

I am sure we are going to see a strong Man United side. The game is too important . Winning can be a nice springboard for the rest of the season.

[Hunter]

Definitely agree with Requiem. We're so close to silverware I don't see how we won't play a strong team. Especially with Giggs injured and Nani suspended right? We need all the strength we can muster up, and we'll want to keep Rooney comfortable so we'll probably throw him up top (obviously) and surround him with experience to make sure we get the job done right. I can see Park starting, especially to offer support from the on-rushing Young, but we'll just have to see what formation we'll play - it's anyones guess.

We might see one or two youngsters, but as for our team being understrengthed? Not for a final no, especially when the Glazers need as much bonus money as they can get their mitts on.

[ThaReaper01]

On the bench?!


Damn Vidic.

[fick]

I am sure we are going to see a strong Man United side.

Not the team you were expecting then?!?!?

Stunned Rooney is on the bench. Especially at 1-0 down, we need some quality.

[ThaReaper01]

Damn. MO turned on the afterburners there.

[fick]

FOOK ME!! Owen has scored!!!

Never been so happy to say that :faceplm:

[ThaReaper01]

Jesus finally. Damn site shit the bed or something. Go on Park, grab you one. And MC, stop taking FK's pl0x.

Oh dear. Mikey pulled a hamstring.


WHOA! Did we really not score?

[nev1612]

How did Vidic not even get a yellow???

Suppose that sums up fat fucking Phil Dowd!! Prick!

[Ziss]

How did Vidic not even get a yellow???

Suppose that sums up fat fucking Phil Dowd!! Prick!
Must have mistaken him for Steven Gerrard.

[Foxhound]

He was lucky. I thought the rule says if he's the last man, he's got to go off.

[ThaReaper01]

Must have mistaken him for Steven Gerrard.

:lol::w00t

[fick]

He was lucky. I thought the rule says if he's the last man, he's got to go off.

Only if it was a goal scoring opportunity, which it wasn't...


...there was no way Agbingbonglawhore could score with Vidic hanging on to his shirt :tongue:

[Ziss]

I retract my last statement.

Was stupid of me to think Gerrard would be playing in a cup final.

[ThaReaper01]

I retract my last statement.

Was stupid of me to think Gerrard would be playing in a cup final.

:lol2::joel:


DAMN: Big Bad Brad.
:superman:


EDIT 2: Damn that was a bad stretch from Rafa.

[ThaReaper01]

Fuck yea!

[fick]

Rooney with the head again!

Damn fine goal but some stationary defending from Villa.

[ThaReaper01]

Berba looks like he's in some pain. Last thing we need is another striker injured. Mikey pulled a string, Berba's on a bum knee, Danny is on loan.


DAMN. That's like the 10th for Wazza that has come of the bar.


PIG!


GG for Ji.

[ThaReaper01]

Glory glory

[fick]

Wasn't sure we'd win anything this year, so pleased to say the least.

[requiem7]

We are the champions!! :)

[ThaReaper01]

My friend!


AV's first silverware!

[Bish]

You know what I love about Rooney? He recognised he had a weakness in his game (heading), he worked on it during pre-season, in his own time, to try and make himself a better more complete player. Now, it's become one of the strongest points of his game. I wish other English players would use the same attitude.

[ThaReaper01]

You know what I love about Rooney? He recognised he had a weakness in his game (heading), he worked on it during pre-season, in his own time, to try and make himself a better more complete player. Now, it's become one of the strongest points of his game. I wish other English players would use the same attitude.
Yea, but he doesn't use his left foot often enough. Just heard that AV was MOTM.

[requiem7]

Not the team you were expecting then?!?!?

Stunned Rooney is on the bench. Especially at 1-0 down, we need some quality.

To be fair it was still a strong side.

[Foxhound]

Only if it was a goal scoring opportunity, which it wasn't...


Ah..

I'm certainly pleased with the result. Especially with being 1-0 down so early in the game. Owen was probably the best player up until he had to go off.



Oh, it's also the first time that United finished a game in Wem-ber-ly without the aid of penalty shootout.

[SmAsHeD]

shame to see owen got injured again, especially in front of the England Coach... He really did play well, all the off-the-ball movements, desire to win and, more importantly, the finishin were there today.

maybe Vidic should have been sent off (at least a yellow) for conceding the penalty. We got bit lucky tbh. Nevertheless, second half was just great.

[ThaReaper01]

Yea, he deserved a yellow in the first half, but got a poo poo yellow after a Gabby dive. So I think it's almost fair.

[Haribo]

Oh, it's also the first time that United finished a game in Wem-ber-ly without the aid of penalty shootout.
Bar the FA Cup final versus Chelsea.

Park was immense today, man of the match most definitely. I'm glad Carrick turned his 'mare of a first half into a productive second.

Thank God Villa pick Downing and Heskey. :joel:

[requiem7]

Seen it all now. Martin (monkey man) Keown in a Man united shirt on MOTD2
For Sports Relief I think.

[ThaReaper01]

Ah shut up Redknapp. Pat was right there. It was no LM foul. It was a booking and a pen, but nothing more.

[Foxhound]

Bar the FA Cup final versus Chelsea.

Park was immense today, man of the match most definitely. I'm glad Carrick turned his 'mare of a first half into a productive second.

Thank God Villa pick Downing and Heskey. :joel:

Yeah. I forgot about that.

[Appswah]

Seen it all now. Martin (monkey man) Keown in a Man united shirt on MOTD2
For Sports Relief I think.


Lol i have to agree. The older he gets the more he looks like a monkey! lol.

[Ziss]

I think it should have been a red...

[Hunter]

I think it should have been a red...

Quite probably. I think the only things that can come into dispute is the fact it was a few minutes in, and that Agbonlahor was struggling to control the ball anyway as he was constantly tripping up on it - does that make it a goal scoring opporunity? Debatable as to whether it was a clear cut goal scoring chance.

As for Owen getting injured, it was always going to happen on the Wembley surface. It's always been a thick surface, cutting up every match so the chance of injury is stupidly high. I guess they focused so much on the actual design of the stadium they forgot about the most important aspect - the pitch.

[Phatmann]

Serious question: Ryan Shawcross or Jonny Evans?

[ThaReaper01]

Who is a better tackler (lol) or who is the better defender? Shawcross has never play vs AC Milan in the Champions League and play decent. Evans.

[Berry]

I thought Jonny Evans was one of United's worst players that night at the San Siro.

I rate Shawcross, I'd say he's better than Jonny Evans. He's been one of Stoke's most consistent performers this season and last. Could definitely step up to the plate and play well in European cups.

[requiem7]

Serious question: Ryan Shawcross or Jonny Evans?

J. Evans for me.

Evans is still learning his trade. He was called earlier than Sir Alex would have expected into the 1st team. And most of the time he has done well. We have to remember we have done without a settled defence for this entire season!

Really thinking about that makes me amazed how well United have done. Winning the league cup, 2nd in the league. A lead over Milan. Doing really well to be honest.

Evans might even make his place secure in the team if he starts performing well.
As Ferdinand has had a shocking season injury wise.

[Ziss]

Evans has been poor lately.

[ThaReaper01]

Yea, he looked woefully out of place against Milan, but was good enough.

[fick]

Evans has been poor lately.

True, but I think we have yet to see the best of him, so far we've only had glimpses of his potential.

Shawcross looks the part, but I'd be interested to see how the two compare in a season or two....

[Joel]

Serious question: Ryan Shawcross or Jonny Evans?

Gerard Pique.

J. Evans for me.

Evans is still learning his trade. He was called earlier than Sir Alex would have expected into the 1st team. And most of the time he has done well. We have to remember we have done without a settled defence for this entire season!

Really thinking about that makes me amazed how well United have done. Winning the league cup, 2nd in the league. A lead over Milan. Doing really well to be honest.

Evans might even make his place secure in the team if he starts performing well.
As Ferdinand has had a shocking season injury wise.

You didn't need to add that.

[AgentZero]

Man we let him go way to early like 10 years way to early. He wasn't bad but he wasn't getting minutes and now hes like a rock for Barca, i suppose SAF saw the lads coming in and thought we had enough cover... and stretched we were!

[Barry]

Gerard Pique.



You didn't need to add that.

Jeffrey Bruma? :ninja:

[Joel]

Jeffrey Bruma? :ninja:

Oh Lord, you know it, Barry. You know it!

[requiem7]

What has Gerard Pique have to do with original question?

[Hunter]

Give it a few years and Evans will be a solid regular in our team I'm certain. No one can be stupid enough to expect greatness from a young fringe player immediately, who is still gaining experience. I think Fergie knew that Nemanja would be leaving the club sooner rather than later (if rumours over the last few years were true - and they seem to be), and as a result he's been frequently including Evans in the line-ups, whether it be due to injury or down to a good string of performances. There's a reasoning behind all of this, and that's because Fergie sees potential in Evans. Sir Alex gradually integrated Fletcher into the team while others doubted him, and I honestly see a similar scenario here with Evans, he just needs another season or so worth of experience under his belt to help boost his confidence I think.

PS: Forgot to mention - it was mint seeing Evra captain in the Final, he's fast becoming one of the more favourable players at Manchester United in recent times.

[Mullet Taylor]

besides fletcher, who else has fergie gave the time to prove hes worth a utd starting position ?

[requiem7]

Give it a few years and Evans will be a solid regular in our team I'm certain. No one can be stupid enough to expect greatness from a young fringe player immediately, who is still gaining experience. I think Fergie knew that Nemanja would be leaving the club sooner rather than later (if rumours over the last few years were true - and they seem to be), and as a result he's been frequently including Evans in the line-ups, whether it be due to injury or down to a good string of performances. There's a reasoning behind all of this, and that's because Fergie sees potential in Evans. Sir Alex gradually integrated Fletcher into the team while others doubted him, and I honestly see a similar scenario here with Evans, he just needs another season or so worth of experience under his belt to help boost his confidence I think.

PS: Forgot to mention - it was mint seeing Evra captain in the Final, he's fast becoming one of the more favourable players at Manchester United in recent times.

Evra is a model professional. Doesn't drink which is a huge bonus. He also has that competitive edge when playing rival Premiership teams. I'm more worried about Ferdinand than Vidic though.

[Foxhound]

besides fletcher, who else has fergie gave the time to prove hes worth a utd starting position ?

Probably O'shea.

[AgentZero]

PS: Forgot to mention - it was mint seeing Evra captain in the Final, he's fast becoming one of the more favourable players at Manchester United in recent times.

he's finally got some respect!

[Hunter]

besides fletcher, who else has fergie gave the time to prove hes worth a utd starting position ?

Just look at Darren Gibson as another example, it's obvious there's some potential there and we're gradually integrating him into the team. Give it a season or two and I wouldn't be surprised at Gibson becoming a fair regular, especially now that Scholes is winding down.

Then there is Nani. Possibly not homegrown but Fergie has definitely persisted with him over the years, and he's finally coming good. The same could be said for the likes of Welbeck and co, while they haven't yet made the grade, it doesn't mean Fergie hasn't given then ample time to prove their worth. We can't strike gold with every player which is understandable, but the important thing is we do give our young players decent stints playing for the first team, some will cut it, some won't.

[SmAsHeD]

how about that 'Ronaldo' guy? Remember people were questioning fergie's decision to keep including him in the starting XI, when he was just purely a cock, at the beginning? Gave the ball away almost everytime with that useless showboating, and either inaccurate or, cos of his selfishness, bad-timing passes.

[Foxhound]

Gerard Pique.




He was really slow whenever he was given a chance to play. English Football probably just doesn't suit him.

[Joel]

He was really slow whenever he was given a chance to play. English Football probably just doesn't suit him.

It's a bit unfair to judge him like that, as he never got a run in the side. You're now seeing what he can do when he is trusted and a member of the starting XI.

[AgentZero]

how about that 'Ronaldo' guy? Remember people were questioning fergie's decision to keep including him in the starting XI, when he was just purely a cock, at the beginning? Gave the ball away almost everytime with that useless showboating, and either inaccurate or, cos of his selfishness, bad-timing passes.
nah i loved that, i was a fan boy the instant he did his first set of stepovers against Bolton:w00t:w00t

[Joel]

Owen out for the season? Surely that is a typo. Maybe they meant Owen Hargreaves, because we all know Michael Owen is not injury prone - see page 37 of his 70 page document.

Edit: Forgot to add something - :joel:

[SmAsHeD]

while one Owen might be heading back to the team, another Owen is heading out. God.
but I feel for Michael. He deserved more, having scored a goal and was playing well during the match before the injury. Might be a good way for him, as well as some Owen hopefuls, to give up his England call tho.

Hargreaves for England squad anyone?

[Foxhound]

I'm quite surprised. Some players have recovered from hamstring injuries for less than a month.

[Bish]

while one Owen might be heading back to the team, another Owen is heading out. God.
but I feel for Michael. He deserved more, having scored a goal and was playing well during the match before the injury. Might be a good way for him, as well as some Owen hopefuls, to give up his England call tho.

Hargreaves for England squad anyone?

Just a tad early to suggest that I think.

I'd be really surprised if he found himself on the plane to South Africa.

[Jonny2J]

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t171/firetotheworks/Owen.jpg?

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/51/173195978_e476ecfda3.jpg

Owen. :D

[Dale C.]

Mythical :lol:

Those are class, Jonny.

[Haribo]

Owen out for the season? Surely that is a typo. Maybe they meant Owen Hargreaves, because we all know Michael Owen is not injury prone - see page 37 of his 70 page document.


He's getting as bad as Bosingwa.

[Joel]

He's getting as bad as Bosingwa.

True.

Well actually I don't know what you're talking about. So when I said true, I was actually lying, which is kind of ironic.

[Haribo]

True.

Well actually I don't know what you're talking about. So when I said true, I was actually lying, which is kind of ironic.

I can tell you're in the Chelsea camp. Lying to the ones you love :joel:

Where's Macheda thesedays? With Owen's injury, I assume Diouf will be 3rd choice striker and Kiko 4th? Unless he also has a long term injury I'm unaware of.

[Joel]

I can tell you're in the Chelsea camp. Lying to the ones you love :joel:

Where's Macheda thesedays? With Owen's injury, I assume Diouf will be 3rd choice striker and Kiko 4th? Unless he also has a long term injury I'm unaware of.

Are you trying to say that I love you, Guillermo? :blush:

I guess you guys are excited to be returning to the top of the league tomorrow. Damn FA Cup! http://img.wrestlingforum.com/images/smilies/side.gif

[requiem7]

Are you trying to say that I love you, Guillermo? :blush:

I guess you guys are excited to be returning to the top of the league tomorrow. Damn FA Cup! http://img.wrestlingforum.com/images/smilies/side.gif

It might be the only chance Chelsea have of winning a trophy.

[Joel]

It might be the only chance Chelsea have of winning a trophy.

True.

It could be worse than the FA Cup though. We could have ended up with just the "Mickey Mouse" Cup.

[SmAsHeD]

I can tell you're in the Chelsea camp. Lying to the ones you love :joel:

Where's Macheda thesedays? With Owen's injury, I assume Diouf will be 3rd choice striker and Kiko 4th? Unless he also has a long term injury I'm unaware of.

Macheda was injured but will return to training very soon, apparently.

I suddenly realised that none of the Argentines United have had actually left the club with happy ending. Veron's magical touches faded away while playing with us; Heinze, the player who we used to love, wanted to go to Liverpool but instead went to Madrid unhappily; And then the Teves affair. Not sure if SAF would ever sign another Argentine again... But then I wanna see Di Maria in Manchester...

[Meyyappan]

True.

It could be worse than the FA Cup though. We could have ended up with just the "Mickey Mouse" Cup.

Each is saying the other will end with just a cup,so in your opinion who will win the league?

[Ziss]

With your run in, you should. But then again, this is Arsenal we're talking about...

[requiem7]

Each is saying the other will end with just a cup,so in your opinion who will win the league?

I said it might be be the only trophy Chelsea win. Joel took it as a slight. Hence the Mickey Mouse Cup jibe.

I think the league is still wide open. I feel United have to win all their remaining games to win the league.

[Joel]

I said it might be be the only trophy Chelsea win. Joel took it as a slight. Hence the Mickey Mouse Cup jibe.

I think the league is still wide open. I feel United have to win all their remaining games to win the league.

All three teams chasing the title are going to drop more points before the champion is crowned.

This title race is a lot better than previous years, but that is only because the teams involved are worse. Whether the reason be self inflicted or the league is of better quality, I'm not sure.

[ThaReaper01]

Paul scholes!

[Phatmann]

Reaper, what did you think of Mame "Superman" Diouf today?

[chelsea11]

Vokes :faceplm:

How did you come away with all three points. How am I surprised you did...one moment from the old reliable, and you've heaped pressure on us against West Ham now.

[Hunter]

Was an alright performance today, but we made a few silly mistakes. That's to be expected though given some of the fringe players coming into the side. It's strange in a way because we don't have a set eleven I don't think this season, there's several rotations going on in a lot of the positions, and while it's nice to have options I just hope it's not affecting the player's spirits.

Berbatov played well today, although the commentators were annoying me creaming over him and slating almost everything Nani did. It's their job to commentate on the action I know, but they loved sticking it to Nani which irritated me since he's been incredible the last month or so.

Our crossing has been quite lethal as well this season, it looks as though Neville has been teaching Valencia some of the tricks of the trade. :smug:

Oh, and Diouf's header at the end. :laugh:

[ThaReaper01]

Reaper, what did you think of Mame "Superman" Diouf today?

He was GENIUS! That header was World Class!

[chelsea11]

Was an alright performance today, but we made a few silly mistakes. That's to be expected though given some of the fringe players coming into the side. It's strange in a way because we don't have a set eleven I don't think this season, there's several rotations going on in a lot of the positions, and while it's nice to have options I just hope it's not affecting the player's spirits.

Berbatov played well today, although the commentators were annoying me creaming over him and slating almost everything Nani did. It's their job to commentate on the action I know, but they loved sticking it to Nani which irritated me since he's been incredible the last month or so.

Our crossing has been quite lethal as well this season, it looks as though Neville has been teaching Valencia some of the tricks of the trade. :smug:

Oh, and Diouf's header at the end. :laugh:

He was terrible today. Gave the ball away constantly and made a lot of mistakes. That three match suspension really screwed his form up. I'm sure he'll bounce back but hopefully not. :ninja:

[Joel]

Our crossing has been quite lethal as well this season, it looks as though Neville has been teaching Valencia some of the tricks of the trade. :smug:

Oh, and Diouf's header at the end. :laugh:

That cross from Neville to Diouf was so perfect. That's one thing that I love to see in football - a perfect cross.

He was terrible today. Gave the ball away constantly and made a lot of mistakes. That three match suspension really screwed his form up. I'm sure he'll bounce back but hopefully not. :ninja:

Today was him bouncing back.

[SmAsHeD]

Finally, Rio and Vidic partnering. Thank god.
Hopefully none of them would get injured before Milan match, which is (just) 3 days away lol

[Mullet Taylor]

utd used their get out of jail free card against wolves. Utd cant afford a repeat performance like that again or will defo drop points

[ThaReaper01]

http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2010/03/06/sports/sports-uk-soccer-england-manutd-rooney.html

[Mullet Taylor]

Fergie blaming wembley for the injury. I heard Milner saying the wembley pitch is rubbish but i don't think any Villa players got injured.

Im disappointed Rooney played for england. His priority should be UTD and not a worthless international friendly. His plane ticket is booked so he should have taken the night off and let others scramble to see who'll be his strike partner

Only good news is that i think Pato is still a doubt for Milan. Don willl be the man for that question

[SmAsHeD]

utd used their get out of jail free card against wolves. Utd cant afford a repeat performance like that again or will defo drop points

obviously one of the main reason behind this was also because of the absence of Wazza. Although B9 played alright today, he is just not really the person who suits to drop deep, especially when we were playing 4-5-1, which really isnt the formation suits him best.
But its a good test to see how United deal with situations without Rooney, so that they could improve on it.

I still think we will somehow drop points though. No way we could win all the remaining games. Just hope we will only drop points "at the right time".

[ThaReaper01]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAsAIX6xCXY&feature=browch



Looks like we aren't the only one who's main striker is injured after ID.

[Mullet Taylor]

Utd are linked with snapping up Joe Cole if Chelsea can't give him a contract he wants. I'll be surprised if Fergie goes for another injury prone player. Time will tell

[Phatmann]

obviously one of the main reason behind this was also because of the absence of Wazza. Although B9 played alright today, he is just not really the person who suits to drop deep, especially when we were playing 4-5-1, which really isnt the formation suits him best.
But its a good test to see how United deal with situations without Rooney, so that they could improve on it.

I still think we will somehow drop points though. No way we could win all the remaining games. Just hope we will only drop points "at the right time".
I'm sorry but did you just refer to Berbatov as "B9"?

:faceplm:

[Papa]

That's ban worthy.

[Bish]

C-3po>cr7+b9

[Lord Shrimpeh]

C-3po>cr7+b9

R2D2=cr7(C-3PO/DB23)-b9

[Hunter]

Just thought I'd pop in and mention I seen a G&G scarf on "Strictly Come Dancing" (I think it was - on terrestrial anyway). The camera panned to the crowd for a moment and there was a bloke with a G&G scarf on.

:cool:

[Haribo]

I assume you mean Dancing On Ice. I won't ask why you were watching, unless you wanted to get a look at Willoughby.

*I need a phwoar fist pumping GIF to go here.*

[Hunter]

Same thing. Was on the tele in the front room when I walked in, I watched the monstrosity that was a Pink Panther inspired performance.

Still trying desperately for Milan tickets, my guy was supposed to have got back to me by now. Nervous times.

[AgentZero]

i really can't fucking stand acronyms and numbers to describe players. Much like txt speak it should be punishable by stoning.

[SmAsHeD]

i really can't fucking stand acronyms and numbers to describe players. Much like txt speak it should be punishable by stoning.

in case you wonder, i got used to texting in short thats why.
I can see that you really can't stand it by swearing ;)

[Joel]

Don't you listen to them, SmAsHeD. I think B9 sounds wonderful. You need to kick it up a notch and start typing, "Wazza10", or "TWP10". Also, "YGM5" would be cool.

[Papa]

He could go a step further and have ID107 on the back of his shirt.

[AgentZero]

Don't you listen to them, SmAsHeD. I think B9 sounds wonderful. You need to kick it up a notch and start typing, "Wazza10", or "TWP10". Also, "YGM5" would be cool.
i got a few better one son, (a throwback) OGS20, MBD32, TAF19 or even JVoH10 :w00t:cool:

anyways ill welcome any freebie acquisition of Joe Cole.

[requiem7]

Liverpool getting beat by Wigan. Lovely.

[Hunter]

Finally got tickets for Milan Wednesday night after texting/ringing for about 3 hours earlier. Not everyday you see the return of Beckham to Old Trafford, will be nice.

It will never top the last Milan match at Old Trafford mind when Rooney scored late on with his first-time shot to win the game 3-2. There was three old guys in front of us, and one of them just keeled over backwards and landed on me and my mate when Rooney scored the winner, we were all hysterical. :lol:

[ThaReaper01]

Liverpool getting beat by Wigan. Lovely.

TBF to 'Pool, they will still give Man U a game, maybe even win. Remember the first match the teams played...

[Foxhound]

The papers are saying that Brown is injured again. He's doubtful to make it in the World Cup squad.

[commandos]

Well I expect a good game tomorrow night, it will be nice to see Beckham at Old Trafford again

[requiem7]

TBF to 'Pool, they will still give Man U a game, maybe even win. Remember the first match the teams played...

Funny that. How they give United a good game.
The Liverpool and Chelsea games are the ones I am nervous about.

[ThaReaper01]

Funny that. How they give United a good game.
The Liverpool and Chelsea games are the ones I am nervous about.

Not really worried about Chelsea. They beat a semi hobbled Man U side with a goal in the 82nd or what ever minute. With Rio, Vidic, Valencia, VDS, and Rooney playing good football, I'm not worried. But 'Pool, yes.

[AgentZero]

we havent beaten liverpool in 1.5 seasons, even though their ordinary at the moment they always find that extra gear when against us.

[Sweey]

Well I expect a good game tomorrow night, it will be nice to see Beckham at Old Trafford again

Indications are they he will (rightly) not start. I've got a pretty good idea what our team will be and he's nowhere near it. Of course, that means we'll be useless from every set piece :/

[ThaReaper01]

Indications are they he will (rightly) not start. I've got a pretty good idea what our team will be and he's nowhere near it. Of course, that means we'll be useless from every set piece :/

? You've still got Pirlo for set pieces...

[Sweey]

? You've still got Pirlo for set pieces...

Have you seen his free-kicks and corners?! Clearly not! They're a fucking disgrace.

Only on a very rare occasion - perhaps its a full eclipse - does he even test the goalkeeper a bit. Usually he's too busy making sure the ball bounces once and yet manages to balloon it over. His corners have always been a sack of shit. There is something seriously wrong within the club that he continues to take our set pieces.

He has not performed consistently since he won the World Cup.

[ThaReaper01]

Have you seen his free-kicks and corners?! Clearly not! They're a fucking disgrace.

Only on a very rare occasion - perhaps its a full eclipse - does he even test the goalkeeper a bit. Usually he's too busy making sure the ball bounces once and yet manages to balloon it over. His corners have always been a sack of shit. There is something seriously wrong within the club that he continues to take our set pieces.

He has not performed consistently since he won the World Cup.

Yea you are right. I don't watch Milan so I couldn't say yay or nay on the matter.

[Sweey]

I shall be continuing my build-up in the Milan thread so as not to rage in here tomorrow.

[AgentZero]

I wonder how dinho will play this time, or if seedorf will start. If we can keep Clarence down at least Edwin i dont think will be troubled, he's their danger man.

[ThaReaper01]

Who else, but Wayne Rooney.

[requiem7]

I want United to start the 2nd half like the 1st. I want more goals.

[ThaReaper01]

2-0! Ronaldo who?


3-0! PARK!

[Sweey]

Congratulations. Dominated us in the manner I worried about and thoroughly deserved to win over the two legs. If we can't even fucking react to conceding we deserve nothing.

[Bish]

Bit like the first leg, Rooney wasn't sensational, but grabbed 2 goals. Almost felt like he was coasting at times.

Man Utd beating Milan 7-2 on aggregate in a European tie just shouldn't happen.

[requiem7]

Great performance by United. It fell a bit flat in the 1st half but United stepped up the pace in the 2nd. Some cracking goals.
Added bonus is that Madrid are out. :)

[Lord Shrimpeh]

We played great, controlled the game and showed real composure and confidence. Mind you Milan just didn't turn up. Had a couple of sniffs at the start but soon faded. Very poor. Becks was just longing to be back in a red shirt, and I can't blame him on that performance!

[Hunter]

Not show it on TV when someone threw a G&G scarf onto the pitch from the Stretford End and Becks picked it up and wrapped it around his neck? Epic.

[Mullet Taylor]

haa that picture of becks in your av is perfect

right, 9 prem games and at least 2 more champions league games left. Can Wayne Rooney get to 43 in that time ? 13 goals in 11 is a big ask, but on the form hes i wouldn't bet against it

[Miggy]

Never knew Becks was a Norwich fan.

[Hunter]

Never knew Becks was a Norwich fan.

:lol: That ole' chestnut. ;)

I'll probably post up my little story later today as yesterday was definitely one of my more eventful matches I've been to - and that's saying something as incidents "always" happen. You'll be amazed.

[commandos]

Good result, congratulations.

[chelsea11]

They had that incident on Sky Sports News (I think) of Beckham picking up the scarf as he was about to walk down the tunnel. Beckham for United in the summer?? :shfty:

[AgentZero]

watching the game when the fans sang 'theres only one david beckham', it gave me goosebumps

[requiem7]

watching the game when the fans sang 'theres only one david beckham', it gave me goosebumps

He's one of our own. he deserved it as he was part of the golden generation. A true model professional.

I'd hope one day Ronaldo would get such a reception. It's great that former players that return as players/managers get a good reception.

[AgentZero]

everyone except for those who wanted to play for our rivals (tevez and heinze)

[Mullet Taylor]

Ince ?

[Ziss]

Ince ?
Is a cunt?

[Winger]

I don't care that Tevez is playing for City. Andy Cole and Peter Schmiechel are still two of my favorite players regardless of the fact they wore that blue second rate shirt. The thing with Tevez is how he handled the whole situation. He was offered a contract when it got down to it and he choose to turn it down. He, nor anyone else is guaranteed a first team place at Manchester United. He simply wasn't willing to fight for his spot and thought he'd done enough to earn a starting place every week, which even if he had is beside the point.

Quality player. Second to none work rate. Shame about the self imposed "I'm amazing... I'm worth so much... Appreciate me!" attitude.

[AgentZero]

spot on and the fact that Heinze pushed for a move to liverpool irked me more. Tevez also went about the media and thrashed talked about fergie not wanting him here for weeks.

[Hunter]

Exactly. The annoying thing is many people who aren't United fans don't realise what a twat Tevez was during the whole situation. They only see him as the victim in it all, and don't even realise we actually fronted the money in the end and his contract. The only attacking player guaranteed a starting place is Rooney, and that's because he's twice the player Tevez is. Tevez was just too egotistical and too much of a twat to realise that nowadays, United relies heavily on it's squad, we don't have a set starting eleven anymore. Park hasn't moaned about not starting every game, and that's one of the reasons he's so loved. They all have duties to do, e.g. Park is usually started against good attacking opponents because he'll track back and vice versa for Nani. Our squad players differ massively, and that's why it works in a rotational sense because they all have specific qualities that work well against some teams, more than others.

Just finished watching the match on the laptop (ITV download) and it's nice to see the Beckham appreciation translated well onto the tele. That and the fact the G&G campaign was in full flow, especially considering Avram and Joel Glazer were there on Wednesday night apparently - they must have felt so awkward.

A few photos from the game (courtest of RedCafe):

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4012/4424148267_d764418081_o.jpg
http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2010/3/10/1268261143888/football-024.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4424910824_2341394cea_o.jpg
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs450.snc3/25814_1408174683769_1214517499 _31165075_1118590_n.jpg
http://i.telegraph.co.uk/telegraph/multimedia/archive/01594/David_Beckham__1594579c.jpg
http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Sport/Pix/pictures/2010/3/11/1268267190281/David-Beckham-001.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4065/4425072422_35144468f6_o.jpg

[Appswah]

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2010/3/10/1268261143888/football-024.jpg



Great pictures. This is my favourite though :).

[executioner]

I was at the Carling cup final and I swear, the amount of green and yellow dotted around meant you could barely see any red.

I'll have to try and upload the pic from my phone of after the goal. After the initial celebration died down, everyone was on their feet, spinning the scarves. Great sight.

[Hunter]

Was on the Caf earlier (again) and noticed someone made a little 3 minute or so video and couldn't resist posting it. Not going to Old Trafford for a good few months just makes me appreciate it even more - I used to be a regular a couple years back before Uni, now it's just ridiculously inconvenient, combined with Glazer's inflated prices, I have to pick and choose my games now which is horrible. Anyway, our G&G campaign has definitely lifted our home atmosphere and noise levels, for the time being, our home support is no longer a laughing stock. Desperately trying for tickets to Liverpool at home now, fingers crossed my guys pull through. Here's the video anyway (me and my mate were sat a few rows back really and a bit more to the right):

ovmrf4s8cZw&feature=player_embedded

[Mullet Taylor]

heh nice vid. What were your ticket prices before the glazers inflated things ?

[NextBigThing]

Good first half ! Let's hope we get the first goal to get the momentum in.


ROONEY!

[Mullet Taylor]

who else would score the goal :P

[Foxhound]

I thought that Berbatov was excellent. He's the Man of the Match for me.

I was literally bricking it when Zamora was one-on-one with Van der Sar, luckily, Vidic managed to recover in time.

Liverpool next weekend. I can't wait.

[Haribo]

Just caught this on MOTD2

3PJriD8yVso

:lmao:

[Papa]

Real Madrid to offer record £85 million for Man Utd striker ‘Own Goal’

Real Madrid have today risked the wrath of Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson by planning an audacious world record bid for prolific Manchester United striker “Own Goal”.

With 10 goals already this season, Goal is Manchester United’s 2nd top scorer, two ahead of perpetually sedated Bulgarian hitman Dimitar Berbatov.

Goal, who regularly partners fellow Utd striker “Dodgy Injury Time Winner” up front, is thought to be flattered by the interest from the Spanish giants.

Own Goal’s agent, Paul Stretford, told reporters, “Of course he’s flattered, but he’s a United player and he’s very happy here.”

“And apart from that, I’m not sure there are many defences as dire as Portsmouth’s in La Liga, so he may not get the same service in Spain.”

Interest

Real Madrid are understood to have been put on high alert after Own Goal’s spectacular hat-trick against Portsmouth last weekend.

Spanish paper Marca have reported that Own Goal is the number one target for Madrid this summer, with Madrid’s president Perez quoted as saying, “You know I don’t like to talk about other clubs and their players, but I’ll do everything I can to get Manchester United’s Own Goal this summer.”

“Despite reaching double figures for the season after banging in another at Villa Park this week, I actually hope he hits a dry spell for the rest of the season - then we won’t have to pay as much as we did for that greasy, diving, moaning little degenerate last summer.”

Praise

Berbatov, who has so far failed to impress at his time at United, has nothing but praise for his fellow striker.

“The manager demands that we score, and Own Goal has come a long way this season, he’s a pleasure to play with, as it means I have to run even less - so I’m obviously chuffed,” concluded the only man alive who makes the Panda look hyperactive.

United’s top scorer, Wayne Rooney, wants to see Own Goal - whose nationality isn’t certain - declare himself for England and play in this years World Cup.

“Heskey, Defoe and Crouch, the three of them can piss off, I want to play up top with Ownie,” said Rooney.

Sir Alex Ferguson however, is understood to be fuming at Real Madrid, who have yet again disrupted one of his best players in mid season.

“I wouldn’t sell that mob Own Goal” he was understood to have said.

“He’s our player and playing him means we don’t have to play that little scouser Michael Owen, which is a result” concluded the fiery Scot.

:laugh:

Link. (http://newsarse.com/2010/02/12/real-madrid-to-offer-record-85-million-for-man-utd-striker-own-goal/)

[Stormrider]

lol Papa good find

[nev1612]

It is a quality site. Been going on there for a while.

The nation’s sports fans have been left to wonder why nobody in the sports news industry thought to speculate upon, or even ask David Beckham how he felt about his return to Manchester United.

Last nights match was his first appearance at old Trafford since his summer 2003 departure to Real Madrid, a fact that has seemingly gone unnoticed by all major news outlets.

Manchester United secured a 7-2 aggregate win over Beckham’s current club AC Milan, in a match he watched from the bench for over an hour - where he was ignored by television in favour of pitch-related incidents.

“I tuned in to watch the emotional return of David Beckham to Old Trafford, but they insisted on showing lots and lots of football.” said one disappointed viewer.

“It would have been nice to see a few close ups of him on the bench - because that it is always the best bit of a football match.”

Unhappy

Football fans have faced a fruitless task this week in the search for any coverage whatsoever of Beckham’s return to Manchester.

One fan said, “I flicked through lots of television channels, and bought six newspapers, but for the life of me I couldn’t find any mention of Beckham’s return to Manchester United.”

“It was almost like the papers had insisted they would focus on the football.”

“Yes, it was a Champions League last sixteen clash, but the real story was a player sitting on the bench against a team he hasn’t played for in seven years.”

“I watched it, of course, and I realise that with all the adverts they don’t get much time to speak to the pundits, but what I really wanted to hear was Andy Townsend’s interpretation of the emotional roller-coaster Beckham would have been experiencing - it’s the type of insight he’s best known for, after all.”

“The media ignoring his return has completely ruined the last few days to be honest.”

[requiem7]

Bollocks to the sedated Berbatov though. He's had a good season despite being injured through it. I think he's coming to the boil nicely. I see him as being a very important player in the run in.

[Bish]

Liked Roy Keane's interview on SSN when talking about Utd's title run in:

''They can beat Liverpool, they can beat Chelsea, and of course they beat Spurs anyway''.

Hargreaves came through 45 minutes unscathed tonight.

[requiem7]

Liked Roy Keane's interview on SSN when talking about Utd's title run in:

''They can beat Liverpool, they can beat Chelsea, and of course they beat Spurs anyway''.

Hargreaves came through 45 minutes unscathed tonight.

The Liverpool game is the one I am most worried about. Their defeats of us last season derailed our run in. It shook Vidic up a lot. He improved a lot the last time we played them despite being sent off.

[Ziss]

Vidic just needs to smash Torres hard enough in the opening minutes, and make sure he feels it.

[Winger]

The "Torres / Vidic Myth" is one of the most frustrating opinions in football, for me. They have played four times against each other. In the first two games Vidic kept Torres completely out of the picture. He didn't let the Spaniard have more than one half-a-sniff at goal over that 180 minutes of football. But that seems to go unaccounted for. These two games are effectively off the record it seems. Why that is, I do not know.

In the first of the latter two games Torres capitalised on an individual mistake from Nemanja Vidic and raced onto a loose ball to go clean through on goal. Great awareness by Torres. Poor decision making by Vidic. But it stands to argument that any single player with a touch of pace would have capitalised on that error. It had nothing to do with skill or having the beating of Vidic. It was all about Vidic making an absolute clanger of a decision. The second of the latter two games saw Torres absolutely embarrass Rio Ferdinand, not Nemanda Vidic, to score a real quality goal against us. He done nothing of note when faced with taking on Vidic, and vice versa for that game, actually.

It also bothers me when people say Vidic cannot cope with pace. Not ever. And they base that argument on the fact that Torres and Eto'o have scored against Manchester United off of getting past Vidic. We covered the Torres incident, and highlighted how Vidic has coped with him every single other game they've played. Eto'o did make Vidic look amatuer in the Champions League Final and scored from doing so. But he didn't beat him either side of that. And neither did he manage to escape Vidic in either of the Semi-Final clashes the year prior. Yet again all of that goes unaccounted for. We're then left with the instances were Vidic was beaten, with no consideration for how they average out. And then we get "Torres owns Vidic, each and every game" as well as "Vidic has never been able to live with pace" which is disappointing to come across.

Vidic will get beaten at times, same as Nesta, same as Terry, same as Vermaelen, and every other defender out there. I don't see why people expect him to be the exception to the rule, and all of a sudden forget all of his prior form and records up until that point. Where as when it happens to say (I'll use one of our own so not to say that it is purely bias against Manchester United) Rio Ferdinand, it is commented on, briefly, before back to glowing praise the next week.

No doubt if Torres has the beating of Vidic on Sunday it'll be set in stone that he has terrorized Vidic every single time they've met, and be paraded as fact, when it is not. And if Vidic keeps Torres quiet it'll either go unreported or be highlight as "Vidic finally shackles Torres" as if he hasn't done it in two prior meetings.

[requiem7]

@ Winger. Your only as good as you're last game. I totally agree with you that Vidic is capable of keeping Torres quiet. In the last meeting against Liverpool he did well to setting the record straight. And to be honest we need all our defenders working with each other to keep Torres quiet.

[Phatmann]

Vidic not being able to cope with pace isn't just Torres and Eto'o as when we recently played against Villa, he had a terrible game when faced with Agbonlahor; he couldn't deal with him at all. I wouldn't say it is a fact that he struggles against players with pace but some of his poorest performances have come when playing against forwards with pace, it seems.

[Ziss]

Anyone got the odds on Vidic being sent off on Sunday?

[Haribo]

Anyone got the odds on Vidic being sent off on Sunday?

I wondered the same thing in October and look what happened there. Bad omens. I certainly wouldn't put it past him.

Hargreaves to train harder than ever before to face Bayern? :erm:

[ThaReaper01]

I wondered the same thing in October and look what happened there. Bad omens. I certainly wouldn't put it past him.

Hargreaves to train harder than ever before to face Bayern? :erm:

He was omitted from squad, no?

[Haribo]

Oh aye. Sucks to be him.

[Phatmann]

What's happened to Anderson? Is he injured? I saw him a few weeks ago in a photo for Sports Relief or something and that was the first time I'd seen him in about 3 months.

[ThaReaper01]

What's happened to Anderson? Is he injured? I saw him a few weeks ago in a photo for Sports Relief or something and that was the first time I'd seen him in about 3 months.

Yea man.

http://www.stretford-end.com/blog/2010/02/get-well-soon-anderson-but-read-keanes-book-while-you-recover/

[Phatmann]

Yea man.

http://www.stretford-end.com/blog/2010/02/get-well-soon-anderson-but-read-keanes-book-while-you-recover/
Ah ok, I missed that. Last I heard of him was that he had a bust-up with Fergie so I assumed he had just been frozen out of the club, which he was for a bit before getting injured, going by that article.

[ThaReaper01]

Ah ok, I missed that. Last I heard of him was that he had a bust-up with Fergie so I assumed he had just been frozen out of the club, which he was for a bit before getting injured, going by that article.

You gotta feel sorry for the boy. Finally gets on Fergie's good graces and blows his knee to hell. Gah, I hope he comes back and shuts his critics up.

[Stormrider]

Nobody else happy with our draw? If we avoid serious injuries to key players (knock on wood) then I feel a ticket to the finals is ours for the taking. This is one of the worse Bayern sides I've seen, that only made it past the groups because Juve are so god awful this year. Then they got extremely lucky and received a few very dodgy decisions to beat a mid table side.

After that I don't see either of the French sides posing much of a threat. Bordeaux is obviously the better side and they're very solid defensively and very dangerous from set pieces but we're good at defending those. Don't see them scoring in open play.

Imo none of these sides are better than Milan, whom we easily dispatched. I must be getting ahead of myself here but another United v Barca final?

[ThaReaper01]

Nobody else happy with our draw? If we avoid serious injuries to key players (knock on wood) then I feel a ticket to the finals is ours for the taking. This is one of the worse Bayern sides I've seen, that only made it past the groups because Juve are so god awful this year. Then they got extremely lucky and received a few very dodgy decisions to beat a mid table side.

After that I don't see either of the French sides posing much of a threat. Bordeaux is obviously the better side and they're very solid defensively and very dangerous from set pieces but we're good at defending those. Don't see them scoring in open play.

Imo none of these sides are better than Milan, whom we easily dispatched. I must be getting ahead of myself here but another United v Barca final?
Sad what happened to Viola. Played so, so well in both legs and were knocked out on away goals. I don't see Inter getting past Arsenal/Barca, so I can see another Barca/Man U final. Hopefully we defend a bit better. If that does happen, being without the Greaves will be a blow. Fletcher is a machine, but can't do it all on his own. Or do you get to choose a new roster for the final?

[Haribo]

Nobody else happy with our draw?

I'm happy with the route to the final. Ideally would have replaced Bayern with Moscow and it's plain sailing! I consider Munich the 3rd most dangerous of our 7 possibilities, so I guess I can be pleased. I reckon there'll be a sting in the tail for someone that will prevent a rematch versus Barca.

[muscularmatt]

I dunno guys I've a feeling about Munich this year, call it woman's intuition or whatever a man has instead of that, but I think they could surprise us all...

[Meyyappan]

No they would not you guys are gonna steam roll it to the finals.

[Stormrider]

Guillermo I actually rate Moscow higher than Bayern, especially when they're in their own backyard. The recently acquired Keisuke Honda looks a quality player for them and he had a couple of great performances against Sevilla, which were his 1st ever matches in the CL though he looked more like a seasoned Euro performer. Also the Russian league has just gotten underway so the players will be fully match sharp for the 1/4s. Call me crazy but I fancy them to squeeze past Inter, with a draw in Milan and then Inter fails to show up in Moscow.

[Hunter]

Guillermo I actually rate Moscow higher than Bayern, especially when they're in their own backyard. The recently acquired Keisuke Honda looks a quality player for them and he had a couple of great performances against Sevilla, which were his 1st ever matches in the CL though he looked more like a seasoned Euro performer. Also the Russian league has just gotten underway so the players will be fully match sharp for the 1/4s. Call me crazy but I fancy them to squeeze past Inter, with a draw in Milan and then Inter fails to show up in Moscow.

I have to agree. Of all the top teams in the draw, I would have put CSKA right up there as well, purely for the unpredictably. The flight over there could have been potentially draining for our squad, especially midweek, and I'm sure they play on an artificial grass pitch, which we all know can be disastrous since our players aren't accustomed to it.

I reckon it would take a good stroke of luck for Moscow to knock out Mourinho's Inter if I'm honest, but with the possibilities of injuries and suspensions, anything can happen. All I know, is that I sure as hell would hate a trip to Moscow to take on CSKA on a plastic pitch.

[ThaReaper01]

Anyone know where I can find a stream for the game?

[Stormrider]

Anyone know where I can find a stream for the game?


I mainly use the streams. You have to install software but it's safe and ad/spyware free so no worries. You also need to use IE for it to work.

If you happen to miss any matches then check out http://www.footytube.com/. It's a great site and they usually have match of the day highlights so that's a good 15-30mins of EPL highlights per match. They also have highlights from just about every league and competition out there.

[ThaReaper01]

I use http://livefooty.doctor-serv.com/

I mainly use the sopcast streams. You have to install software but it's safe and ad/spyware free so no worries. You also need to use IE for it to work.

If you happen to miss any matches then check out http://www.footytube.com/. It's a great site and they usually have match of the day highlights so that's a good 15-30mins of EPL highlights per match. They also have highlights from just about every league and competition out there.

Cheers mate.

[Joel]

In future, do not talk about streams on the main forums, guys.

[Barry]

Is it bad that I'd rather watch Milan-Napoli or HSV-Schalke? I just can't get excited for this.

[ThaReaper01]

In future, do not talk about streams on the main forums, guys.

Sorry mate.


@Barry - Yes it is bad. Considering my location, this is the first 'Pool game I'll be able to see since the 3-0 game on '07. I'm hyped!

[Barry]

Sorry mate.


@Barry - Yes it is bad. Considering my location, this is the first 'Pool game I'll be able to see since the 3-0 game on '07. I'm hyped!


I hear that, in that case I'd be excited too but I'm kind of fed up by both teams and the way they play. Both can do, but just don't do it.

EDIT: No, wait; it must be Liverpool's horrible kit. What were they thinking? :D

[ThaReaper01]

Lucky kit it must be. Vidic & Rio already having a shocker.


Put it away Wazza...


1-1

[Barry]

I switched back and saw Rooney miss the penalty and then score but what lead to the penalty? Hand-ball, tackle?

[ThaReaper01]

I switched back and saw Rooney miss the penalty and then score but what lead to the penalty? Hand-ball, tackle?

"Tackle"

THERE'S THAT MAN AGAIN!

[Appswah]

cant watch the match today :/ but luckily i can listen to it on radio and some nice fellow on another forum is making gifs of the goals :).

http://i44.tinypic.com/2mrfdhz.gif
http://i43.tinypic.com/2142stu.gif
http://i44.tinypic.com/zkhbwj.gif

[ThaReaper01]

It's Ji Sung Park!

[Appswah]

Just won £30 on that. Got 2/3 of my bets right.

United to Win
Rooney to Score first
United 2 - 1 Liverpool

:D

[Stormrider]

My bad Joel, I had no idea. Are they illegal or something?

edit: wooooo we top now and it's gonna stay that way :D

[Lord Shrimpeh]

Park is under rated I think, he doesn't show off but he gets the job done. His goalscoring is improving too. We look good for the title now and we're usually strong in the run in. We do have some hard games coming up though, Chelsea, Tottenham and Man City with Blackburn, Sunderland and Stoke not being push overs. Guess we shouldn't get too carried away.

[Ziss]

Park, Park, wherever you may be
You eat dogs in your home country
But it could be worse...
You could be Scouse...
Eating rats in a council house!!!

[Foxhound]

My bad Joel, I had no idea. Are they illegal or something?

edit: wooooo we top now and it's gonna stay that way :D

Yeah.

I also won a bet with my cousin (he's a Liverpool supporter). It's nothing much though. I won $5 worth of top-up card for my mobile phone.


Regarding the penalty decision, I thought it was a correct one. It looked similar to Rafael's foul against Bellamy in the Carling Cup.

I also think that the ref should give a foul whenever there's a high foot. The one Neville did to Maxi looked dangerous. I immediately thought that Neville would be carded.

2-1 against Liverpool, and top of the league! :D

[Hunter]

Park, Park, wherever you may be
You eat dogs in your home country
But it could be worse...
You could be Scouse...
Eating rats in a council house!!!

"You're just a bunch of racists!"

Don't sell my Park, my Ji-Sung Park,
I just don't think you understand,
'Cos if you sell my Park, my Ji-Sung Park,
You're gonna have a riot on your hands... [and continue of course]


My mate was telling me today that the reason Torres fluffed his chance at the very end was because the ball bobbled in front of his swing, and it bobbled in the same spot that Torres scuffed earlier for Rooney's penalty. :laugh: I hope to god it's true because if it is, I will be in stitches for weeks talking about it to everyone I know. I've been looking for some gifs, and even match highlights but I can only find the goals and not the actual Torres miss so if anyone can find it, I'll be much appreciative. It would literally be the definition of sweet justice.

[Papa]

Thanks for taking Smalling off our hands. You'll see why when you watch MotD.

[Ziss]

Like we did with Edwin? ;)

[Papa]

Slight difference between the two. We signed Edwin from Juventus, we signed Smalling from Maidstone.

[Ziss]

I'd fancy Maidstone over Juventus atm, tbf.

[Papa]

I'd fancy Maidstone over Fulham atm, tbf.

[Ziss]

lol; I think you'll admit that you'll take results like these if you can make the Europa Cup final.

On a United front, no Rooney today...not even on the bench.

Makes the Chelsea a must win game I feel!

[Joel]

Maybe Alex wants to drop points today, so it motivates you to win next week...

Why that dirty, old bastard!

Or maybe Wayne is actually injured. Yeah, that is probably it.

[Ziss]

I would say resting before Bayern. I predicted Berba would start, but not up top by himself :/

Maybe it's his time to shine!?

[Papa]

lol; I think you'll admit that you'll take results like these if you can make the Europa Cup final.

Of course. I don't really care about losing, especially away, it's just the fact that it was Hull who I hate that annoys me. I wouldn't mind finishing 17th if it meant winning the Europa as well.

[Foxhound]

I would say resting before Bayern. I predicted Berba would start, but not up top by himself :/

Maybe it's his time to shine!?

Let's hope that he actually stays in the box, instead of going left and right.

Evra against Davies :/

[Ziss]

Evra against Trevor Sinclair :/
:crymore:

[Haribo]

Thanks for taking Smalling off our hands. You'll see why when you watch MotD.

I saw why weeks ago. Already dubbed appalling by the tabloids.

[Papa]

I saw why weeks ago. Already dubbed appalling by the tabloids.

Today was just another shit performance to add on to all the others from him. Maybe he'll improve with age and United's training staff, maybe he'll become a decent player. Either way I'm sure Sir Alex is kicking himself right now.

[Joel]

Today was just another shit performance to add on to all the others from him. Maybe he'll improve with age and United's training staff, maybe he'll become a decent player. Either way I'm sure Sir Alex is kicking himself right now.

I doubt. He obviously already showed enough ability to interest Ferguson. Knowing him, he won't be worried. He'll think that once he is training with him, he'll be able to help Smalling progress.

[Bish]

Mr. O Goal for England.

[wrathchild_uk]

Interesting to see that Tosic scored a hat-trick today for cologne..

[Stormrider]

Great game from Nani. I'm liking his new style, less shooting more crossing :). Now he just needs to be more confident against the big teams.

[ShaunB]

Good win for us today, was slightly apprehensive when i seen that Rooney wasn't in the squad - The lads more than stood up for them self.

On a Berba note - he needs to show consistency in his performances and that will come with a run of games - which he probably won't get. I foresee him leaving us in the summer, which is a shame, as he had 'promise' at Spurs...

Green & Gold till they die or fold!

[requiem7]

Good win for us today, was slightly apprehensive when i seen that Rooney wasn't in the squad - The lads more than stood up for them self.

On a Berba note - he needs to show consistency in his performances and that will come with a run of games - which he probably won't get. I foresee him leaving us in the summer, which is a shame, as he had 'promise' at Spurs...

Green & Gold till they die or fold!

Berbatov had a cracking game yesterday. He's not going to be leaving us in the summer. On another note that was a fantastic defensive display by United.
Not long to to the big game against Chelsea.

[Phatmann]

Berbatov had a cracking game yesterday. He's not going to be leaving us in the summer. On another note that was a fantastic defensive display by United.
Not long to to the big game against Chelsea.
Considering the amount of balls that Bolton were lumping into our box, either from defence, corners or Sam Ricketts's long throws - he can throw it just as far as Delap can't he? - our defence did a good job. There were one or two lapses i.e. when Elmander got through but we were helped by having steady Eddy in goal.

After Arsenal drew yesterday, I am now looking forward to the Chelsea game as my biggest fear was Arsenal winning the league. It's still possible but is looking increasingly more unlikely now that ourselves and Chelsea have improved our goal difference so much.

[ShaunB]

Berbatov had a cracking game yesterday. He's not going to be leaving us in the summer. On another note that was a fantastic defensive display by United.
Not long to to the big game against Chelsea.
It's debatable if he will go. I wouldn't want him gone, purely on the fact he is a decent enough player - he needs to be shaken from his shoulders sometimes though. I can count how many 'great' games he has had this season on 1 hand, not enough in return for the money shelled out on him.

The defence did look rock solid for the most part. My only concern is VDS replacement...

Who do you think?

Running the risk of getting a mixed reaction here, Jussi @ Bolton is a steady keeper, with 4 decent defenders in front og him, he wouldn't be bad. Another one (wash my mouth out) would be Joe Hart - Although i can't see either happening... I just hope that Foster learns from getting more games!

[ThaReaper01]

It's debatable if he will go. I wouldn't want him gone, purely on the fact he is a decent enough player - he needs to be shaken from his shoulders sometimes though. I can count how many 'great' games he has had this season on 1 hand, not enough in return for the money shelled out on him.

The defence did look rock solid for the most part. My only concern is VDS replacement...

Who do you think?

Running the risk of getting a mixed reaction here, Jussi @ Bolton is a steady keeper, with 4 decent defenders in front og him, he wouldn't be bad. Another one (wash my mouth out) would be Joe Hart - Although i can't see either happening... I just hope that Foster learns from getting more games!
What are we talking about here? Some cheap successors or some blokes you would like to see? Jussi is a great keeper, but won't leave Bolton. Already had his testimonial. I haven't seen that much of Hart so I can't comment. I want Lloris TBH.