280 replies to this topic

[biollante]

Throw in ronaldo and rooney while you are at at. Just not a complete performance.
Maybe they were thinking about Chelsea before Celtic.

[bosox4283]

Sucks isnt the word.  You never stop playing until the whistle blows, and I would think a professional footballer on one of the worlds most popular teams could go upper 90 on a penalty....ugh.

Please, PLEASE sign F. Torres in January....please Fergie...Im begging.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Whoa...wait just one second. Do you think that they are going to sign Torres or do you want them to sign Torres?

FWIW, Atletico de Madrid is currently 5th in La Liga and has a serious chance of contending this year. I'd imagine that the price on Torres would be very high, especially considering that Atletico has lost several key players to injury so far this year.

[Zomp]

Whoa...wait just one second. Do you think that they are going to sign Torres or do you want them to sign Torres?

FWIW, Atletico de Madrid is currently 5th in La Liga and has a serious chance of contending this year. I'd imagine that the price on Torres would be very high, especially considering that Atletico has lost several key players to injury so far this year.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I want them to sign Torres based on the MANY rumors that Fergie has a hard-on for him. The price on Torres will be very high, but when he signed his one year extension to his deal it also lowered the buy out clause.

Do I think they will sign him in January? No. But I think come summer time they will make a serious run for him again.

WARNING! RANT AHEAD! WARNING!

I know everyone complains about ManU's spending power, but with Ambromovic in the league now you really do need to assemble the perfect team to compete for the league, the only real problem I have with the team right now is Saha. Sure, in a perfect world we would sign Hargreaves, but that takes away playing time for Carrick who I think has done a fine job, but people dont hear about him because he isnt flashy and he doesnt score. Carrick is like a QB distributing the ball, and he does a great job at it.

On defense you have Neville, Rio, Vidic, and Heinze/Evra...no compaints there except for the fact that it is painful to watch Evra rush down the wing. Even the subs of Wes Brown and John O'Shea are fine, and Richardson could fill in back there in an emergency.

The mid-field is fine, Scholes returning to form was a HUGE boost to the team. Giggs is playing like he's 5 years younger, Carrick has been fine, and Ronaldo(though too flashy at times) has been playing the best football of his career.

Everytime I watch a game I am glad I have the pleasure of watching Wayne Rooney, his temper might get the best of him at times and some people may think he is a punk, but he can play any position on the pitch and he doesnt need to score a goal to have the most impact on a game.

Which leads us to Saha, he's been scoring goals at a fine rate for the casual fan, but most of those goals are a result of poaching. Which is fine, if you are Ruud because he was one of the worlds best at it. But Saha has NO first touch, terrible vision, and fans are counting down the days until he is injured again. We need another forward...Ole is a sub now and as much as I like Smudger...he would not cut it as a starter.



END OF RANT

[The Allented Mr Ripley]

I posted this in the Celtic thread, as well:

Neville told Lennon that Saha would miss

Neil Lennon last night revealed Gary Neville had predicted Louis Saha would miss the 89th-minute penalty at Parkhead that ensured Celtic's qualification beyond the Champions League group stages for the first time.

"Gary Neville said to me: 'His head has gone and he's going to miss,' before he even took it.

[MarkInLondon]

I posted this in the Celtic thread, as well:

Neville told Lennon that Saha would miss

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Must be one of the few examples of someone trash talking one of their own team-mates...

If that was really the case, why didn't Neville, as captain, pull rank and get someone else to take the spot-kick instead?

[Vinho Tinto]

If that was really the case, why didn't Neville, as captain, pull rank and get someone else to take the spot-kick instead?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Exactly. I have my doubts about this story. However, if true, I would expect someone else to wear the captian's armband. That type of comment can never be uttered by the team's leader during a match.

[Zomp]

I LOVE SAHA!!!!!!

[Vinho Tinto]

I LOVE SAHA!!!!!!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

As you should. His poor game vs. Celtic had everyone jumping all over him, but he had scored one of United's biggest goals of the season (at he Luz) and almost had the winner today.

The world is full of quirky goal scorers, to have one who has a knack for scoring big goals is a good thing.

ManU outplayed Chelsea today. Chelsea has shown a habit of getting results in games they were outplayed. That has been a staple of Fergie's ManU teams. The result settles very little. Chelsea get the nod for snaring the away point.

Rooney has his head up his ass for the first two months of the season. If he keeps his current form, that attack of Giggs-Rooney-Ronaldo-Saha will be near impossible to contain.

[Who The Hell is Stan Papi]

How did Saha get the ball into that space for a goal?

I knew this game would turn on how Drogba played and well...

Scholes and that new boy Giggs are still fantastic.

I hate Manutic.

[biollante]

The draw was what it should have been. Man. U. had the first half and Chelsea the second.
Man U will be dangerous if they actually start scoring. Seems like they can get it into the box but can't score.
Saha had a nice goal.

[Philip Jeff Frye]

ManU outplayed Chelsea today. Chelsea has shown a habit of getting results in games they were outplayed. That has been a staple of Fergie's ManU teams. The result settles very little. Chelsea get the nod for snaring the away point.

Rooney has his head up his ass for the first two months of the season. If he keeps his current form, that attack of Giggs-Rooney-Ronaldo-Saha will be near impossible to contain.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Not in the 2nd half. ManU had a few early chances to put it away with a 2nd goal but couldn't convert, but Chelsea seemed as much the better team in the 2nd half as ManU did in the first. As for Rooney, did he do anything after half-time?

[Vinho Tinto]

Man U will be dangerous if they actually start scoring.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

They have outscored everyone in England by at least 6 goals. I think that the attack is fine.

[Carmine Hose]

Devils stay 3 points clear of the Blues with 3-0 win over Everton at OT.

Giggs, Saha, Scholes and Vidic miss the game. Ferdinand walks off gingerly. They need to go nuts in that January transfer window to get some reinforcements because OGS and Park will come back slowly.

Great moment when the Everton fans are dogging ex-player Rooney and he turns to them and kisses the United emblem on his shirt.

Edit - Benfica looms next week at OT for them to advance to the 16 in the Champions league. Middlesborough away on Saturday.

Edited by Carmine Hose, 30 November 2006 - 09:04 AM.

[Carmine Hose]

Larsson to join Man Utd in January on loan

Sir Alex Ferguson today admitted he had tried in the past to sign Henrik Larsson, who will join Manchester United on loan from Helsingborg on January 1.


The 35-year-old former Barcelona and Celtic forward will come to England to watch United's match against West Ham at Upton Park on December 17 and will then train for a week, go back to Sweden for Christmas and be eligible to play for the Red Devils after January 1.


Ferguson said: 'I have always admired him. I made a move for him when he was at Celtic but then they managed to persuade him to stay.

'He is a great player. It is a terrific bit of business for us. We are bringing someone in who can change a game. When you think back to the Champions League final he was the one who won it for Barcelona when he came on.

'He can play wide right, wide left or up front. I am really happy we have got him. I would have liked to have signed him long ago but I knew he wanted to go to Barcelona and then he went home.'

Larsson told a press conference at Helsingborg: 'It's a very fun thing to contribute at such a late stage in my career.

'Alex Ferguson called me last night and greeted me to Manchester United. We spoke a little about a match and how it looked like with Christmas and the new year.

'They have been after me before - after the first or second season with Celtic. It feels nice to come and play for such a big club.

'I probably won't play every match from the start, but for me it feels like a very fun thing to contribute at such a late stage in my career. My family are okay with it.'

Larsson added: 'I know the players [at Manchester United]. They are really good players. I have played against many of them, so it's not a new thing. I hope the situation will be easier, knowing the faces and names.

'I will go over there to play as much as possible - but I have no idea of how Ferguson wants to use me.

'We will see how much playing time there will be. Am I a back-up? Yes, at the beginning. Then you will see what I can contribute and how things are going. We have not discussed a jersey number at all. We will see what it will be.

'The length of the contract is neither too long nor too short, so that is perfect. It will be yet another long season - but it is better to be there than to have a long pre-season with Helsingborg.'

Ferguson is light on strikers, with Wayne Rooney and Louis Saha supported by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

A fourth forward, Alan Smith, is still recovering full fitness after an injury lay-off - while Giuseppe Rossi is on loan at Newcastle.

[Vinho Tinto]

Love the pick up. Larsson showed good form last year at Barca. He's too old to carry a team like ManU. But Sir Alex will pick his spots and give him a chance to shine. A deadly finisher like Larsson is tough to get.

[Vinho Tinto]

ManU slaps City around again 3-1.

Ronaldo was named player of the month in England yesterday.

[Zomp]

ManU slaps City around again 3-1.

Ronaldo was named player of the month in England yesterday.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Rooney, Saha, and Ronaldo had the goals today.

For as much as everyone criticizes him, Ronaldo has been playing great. I dont think ive ever seen anyone as fast as him with the ball, and he finally seems to involve his teammates more instead of trying to nutmeg 5 guys.

IF, and thats a huge IF, ManU can keep Ronaldo with Rooney for the next 5 or 6 years they can plan on competing for any trophy they want. Factoring in age and skill level, I think Id rather have only Ronaldinho and Messi/Eto'o more.

[meckbah]

I think Id rather have only Ronaldinho and Messi/Eto'o more.

Have to agree with this and since Messi and Eto'o are both injured at the minute United could lay claim to having the most explosive attack in Europe right now. If only Saha was actually any good thye would be unstoppable going forward.

Of course all of this is dependant on Ferguson not listening to Carlos Quiroz. Against Benfica last week United started with the 4-5-1 formation Quiroz favors and Ferguson accepts in Europe and when they try and hold on to leads in the premiership. the only problem with this is that the players cannot play this way. Once Benfica went ahead they formation went back to 4-4-2 and they did what they do best, attack attack attack.

Yesterday at home to a weak City, Ferguson takes Saha off after just 60 mins, and brings O'shea on to play a holding role which is meant to protect the back four, all fine in theory but once again the execution from United was awful. Predictably City actually looked threatening for following 10/15 minutes until Ronaldo got the third. Again I would have not problem with this if a player like Hargreaves was being used in the holding role, or any player for that matter with decent positional sense and the ability to pass a ball 5 yards to a teammate, two skills which O'Shea does not possess.

United are in a great position right now but with such a weak squad it will be tough to keep this up no matter what, unless Ferguson leaves well enough alone though it will be impossible.

[Flask N Gaggin']

If only Saha was actually any good thye would be unstoppable going forward. 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What do you mean if Saha was any good? He's among the league leaders in goals and he's also got 5 direct assists. That doesn't even include the CL games. He's also scored in the biggest matches- Celtic, Benfica, Chelsea. He's performed better than Rooney, who if you take away bunches of goals against Bolton and the like, has been somewhat disappointing. Saha isn't a clinical finisher in the mold of RVN, but neither was Andy Cole, who was part of the best attack United, or any team has ever had. Who would like to see thim replaced with? Saha's movement is vital for opening up space for Rooney and Ronaldo to work with.

[Zomp]

What do you mean if Saha was any good? He's among the league leaders in goals and he's also got 5 direct assists. That doesn't even include the CL games. He's also scored in the biggest matches- Celtic, Benfica, Chelsea. He's performed better than Rooney, who if you take away bunches of goals against Bolton and the like, has been somewhat disappointing. Saha isn't a clinical finisher in the mold of RVN, but neither was Andy Cole, who was part of the best attack United, or any team has ever had. Who would like to see thim replaced with? Saha's movement is vital for opening up space for Rooney and Ronaldo to work with.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

FnG, you had me until the Rooney comment. Saha is a "poacher" striker in the mold of RVN...he just isnt as good. Sure, he has scored a few of the biggest goals of the season, but IMO the only GREAT goal he scored this year was in the Chelsea game.

Also, to say he is outperforming Rooney is crazy.

[Vinho Tinto]

Sure, he has scored a few of the biggest goals of the season, but IMO the only GREAT goal he scored this year was in the Chelsea game.

Also, to say he is outperforming Rooney is crazy.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You must have missed his goal in Lisbon. That was his best goal of the year. He has just as many goals in the Premiership as Rooney, and an additional three in Europe (Wayne has zero). It's not crazy to think that he is outperforming him. Rooney has been very hot and cold this year.

[Zomp]

Your right, I did forget about his goal in Lisbon.

But I cant stress this enough, Rooney doesnt need to score to make an impact on a game. Yes, he has been hot and cold this year...but his "cold" is better than some player's "hot".

But your right, Saha has more goals than Rooney. This may seem like a big deal to you, but when you realize that in Europe ManU play a 4-5-1 most of the time, and even in the Prem Saha always plays ahead of Rooney, you could see why Saha has scored more.

[Vinho Tinto]

Your right, I did forget about his goal in Lisbon.

But I cant stress this enough, Rooney doesnt need to score to make an impact on a game.  Yes, he has been hot and cold this year...but his "cold" is better than some player's "hot".

But your right, Saha has more goals than Rooney.  This may seem like a big deal to you, but when you realize that in Europe ManU play a 4-5-1 most of the time, and even in the Prem Saha always plays ahead of Rooney, you could see why Saha has scored more.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I understand perfectly well how Saha ends up with more scoring chances in a 4-5-1. Even in a 4-4-2 , he would play in front of Rooney. Saha is a flawed player but talented player. You can't discount his goals simply because of the type of his role. Plenty of players play up front and score at a lesser rate.

The fact that we're even comparing the two shows how crappy Rooney was for the first two months of the season.

Yes, Rooney can help his team without scoring either by passing or creating space. But he was just plain and simple on Mars for a while there. About as bad as a post-World Cup hangover as you'll see. He's been on point since early November. His improved form, Ronaldo's career best form, and ManU's lead has me thinking that they could end up with a major double this season.

[Zomp]

I understand perfectly well how Saha ends up with more scoring chances in a 4-5-1. Even in a 4-4-2 , he would play in front of Rooney. Saha is a flawed player but talented player. You can't discount his goals simply because of the type of his role. Plenty of players play up front and score at a lesser rate.

The fact that we're even comparing the two shows how crappy Rooney was for the first two months of the season.

Yes, Rooney can help his team without scoring either by passing or creating space. But he was just plain and simple on Mars for a while there. About as bad as a post-World Cup hangover as you'll see. He's been on point since early November. His improved form, Ronaldo's career best form,  and ManU's lead has me thinking that they could end up with a major double this season.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Plenty of players play up front and score at a lesser rate, yes. But the point that I, and every of ManU fan that feels this way, am trying to make is if you put any striker in the EPL infront of Ronaldo, Rooney, Giggs, Scholes, and Carrick they will score a bunch goals at a very high rate due to the chances they will get.

The wonderful yet cruel thing about Football is stats never tell the whole story, only playing the game does. Oh well, we'll agree to disagree...

[meckbah]

What do you mean if Saha was any good? He's among the league leaders in goals and he's also got 5 direct assists. That doesn't even include the CL games. He's also scored in the biggest matches- Celtic, Benfica, Chelsea. He's performed better than Rooney, who if you take away bunches of goals against Bolton and the like, has been somewhat disappointing. Saha isn't a clinical finisher in the mold of RVN, but neither was Andy Cole, who was part of the best attack United, or any team has ever had. Who would like to see thim replaced with? Saha's movement is vital for opening up space for Rooney and Ronaldo to work with.

ZompfoShomp makes part of my point later on by saying that any striker playing in front of Rooney, Ronaldo, Giggs, Scholes and Carrick would score goals but that is not the only reason I made the “if only Saha was any good comment”

Saha has great qualitites, his speed, movement and the fact that he scores goals being the main three.

However to put it bluntly he should have about 6/7 more goals at least this year than he actually does, witness his ballooned shot over the bar against City or the numerous one on ones he has tamely poked straight at the keeper throughout the season. He like Andy Cole struggles when he has too much time to think about what he is going to do, (although the Chelski goal was impressive) that’s why I am never confident with him on one on ones or taking penalties (his record isn’t bad with pens but how no one at Old Trafford has noticed that we actually have the best penalty taker in the world in Ronaldo on our team is beyond me)

I agree that stats are not a very effective way of looking at footballers but I would love to see a goal to chance ratio for Saha, having seen every single minute of every single game this year I would venture that his ratio would be awful. He scores a lot of goals because he gets a lot of chances but he is not an efficient or deadly striker.

My second problem with him is far more serious in my opinion; his complete an utter inability to read a football match or a pass. In Scholes, Rooney, Ronaldo, Giggs and Carrick United possess 5 players who are exceptionally gifted at reading a game, seeing a pass and making runs. They all have phenomenal peripheral vision. Rooney and Scholes in particular are adept at picking out perfect passes and runs to give their teammates clear cut chances. Saha is so far off the pace it is incredible. He cannot make intelligent runs early enough nor can he see the potential runs of others until his teammate actually makes the run thus negating the benefit.

In a perfect situation (ie with someone like Henry a player who is quick but actually football intelligent as well) the striker would read the potential pass make the run (before the pass is played) and use his speed to pull away from defenders thus giving himself a clear run on goal or space to shoot, Saha on the other hand cannot make the run because he can’t read the pass so he has to wait until the pass is made and then he uses his lightning speed to get there before the defender however this does not allow him to ease away through on goal nor does it give him the space to shoot. So the ball gets regurgitated and the build up starts again. It doesn’t look incredibly bad because Saha keeps possession but it is frequently costing united chances to score.

Point 3, maybe I’m getting overly picky here but glue wouldn’t stick to him. Honestly he is awful at holding the ball up. Sometimes he gets lucky and he manages to keep possession with his back to goal and he even manages at times to use his undoubted skill to turn the defender and start good attacks for the team but more often than not the defender nicks it or the ball bounces five yards of him. For those who remember Hughes in his pomp at Old Trafford you will know what I’m talking about, anyone who saw Dalglish will also know how important and effective a striker who can hold the ball can be.

Comparing him to Rooney is complete heresy, I couldn’t care less how many goals he has compared to Rooney or whether or not Rooney is blowing hot and cold (which he is) Saha is not even in the same league as Rooney, never has been never will be. The fact that Rooney has the same number of goals in the league is in fact a negative mark on Saha since Rooney was suspended for 3 games and is constantly played out of position by Ferguson. Saha is meant to be the main goalscorer. Rooney is meant to score goals don’t get me wrong but he has so much more to worry about especially when Ferguson plays him wide left. As for the Champions League Rooney’s lack of goals is puzzling but I for one am not concerned at all. Every time United play I pray our best chances fall to Rooney because I have complete and utter faith in his ability. He will get his goals.

Saha has the greatest knack in the world, he somehow scores goals and on top of that he scores all sorts of goals, something Ruud never did, Saha can get you tap ins or long shots, headers and goals with either feet but he is not a clinical striker. Comparing him to Andy Cole is quite appropriate, they are very similar, lightning quick goalscorers who score goals simply because they have some talent but more importantly because they play in a team that creates so many chances. Both are/were prone to awful misses and you never really felt confident they would score.

I can think of any number of strikers I would rather pick if my life depended on someone scoring a goal. If United have aspirations to win the Champions League you need a clinical striker. Creating chances against City, Fulham, Charlton and even the big English teams is one thing but you don’t get a lot of chances away to Milan or Barcelona in the CL ¼ final, I want someone who I know can take that chance.

My point is that if United had a genuinely world class striker they would be unstoppable going forward. I wasn’t slating Saha because he brings a lot to the table and has helped united change their tactics which has led to a change in their fortunes this season. Finding an Henry or an Eto’o is tough, Torres may or may not be the next great thing and a team will have top pay a tidy sum to find out so I don’t exactly have a definitive plan but I do believe that United should be looking to upgrade on Saha if they want to be the best team in the world.

Edited by meckbah, 11 December 2006 - 06:11 AM.

[Flask N Gaggin']

He's scoring goals and creating them too. He's got 5 direct assists in the league to go with his goals, and he's missed 2 games. You say that he's going to score goals because of the midfield behind him, but aren't the other attacking players benefitting from his play up front? It's not a coincidence that Ronnie is playing his best football at United right now.

Who would you replace him with? You mentioned Henry, but I'd reckon if you saw his chances to goals ratio it would be similar to Saha. Drogba, currently the best striker in the league, is FAR from clinical. I can't think of another player that would upgrade the team, especially when you factor in price. Would you gamble 25 million on Torres? Considering that he'd take time to bed in, and considering the fact that a holding midfielder is a more pressing need. With money most likely limited, that is where team should be improved. It's easy to play the Football Manager game, and talk about famous names, but the fact is Saha is producing and fits the system. Just remember the both West Ham and Chelsea got "world class" strikers this season and their play has suffered. No one would have called Cole or Yorke world class when they came to United, but they fit the system, and were a historic partnership. He's not a perfect player, but I can't think of any strikers available that are. You said he can't pick out passes like Rooney or Scholes- FFS they are two of the best on the planet at it, who else would be? He's not Henry or Eto either, but where do you suggest United get the 50 million plus it would take to get either one of them?

[Who The Hell is Stan Papi]

Why is Wayne Rooney at MSG watching th Knicks and why is he sitting near Jimmy "drinking crap beer on camera" Fallon?!

[Flask N Gaggin']

Why is Wayne Rooney at MSG watching th Knicks and why is he sitting near Jimmy "drinking crap beer on camera" Fallon?!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The team got 3 days off after the derby, I think he's over in NY shopping with Colleen.

[Zomp]

Maybe he is there for that auction he won for a night hanging with Puff Daddy?

[Flask N Gaggin']

Maybe he is there for that auction he won for a night hanging with Puff Daddy?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Diddy just wants to hang out with Fergie....

[Vinho Tinto]

From the look on Fergie's face, the feeling is mutual.

[Flask N Gaggin']

Rooney can't handle the Truth

[Carmine Hose]

Gotta love the accuracy of manutd.com's account:

12/12/2006 10:08, Report by Steve BartramClose call for RooneyWayne Rooney almost sustained injury in the most unlikely of circumstances on Monday night - while watching the New York Knicks on a short break.

The United striker and fiancée Coleen McLoughlin were sat courtside as the basketball giants suffered a home defeat to the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden.

In the early stages of the game however, Knicks star Paul Pierce - 6 feet 8 inches tall - lunged for a loose ball and clattered into the striker's right foot.

Fortunately for Wazza, he sustained no damage to the foot which suffered such a high-profile injury before last summer's World Cup. "It was scary," Rooney laughed after the game. "He rolled right over my foot."

United's players were allowed three days off after the Manchester derby following a gruelling period of games, before returning on Wednesday to prepare for Sunday's trip to West Ham United.

http://www.manutd.co...D&newsid=386123

[meckbah]

West Ham 1-0 Man United

Someone forgot to tell the united players they had a game today. Putrid performance, esaily the poorest of the season, including the Arsenal, Celtic and Copenhagen defeats.

The passing was awful the finishing weak and the defending sloppy.

With ten minutes to go in the Chelski game I was picturing an 8 point gap. 100 minutes later its down to 2 points and not looking so clever for United. Larrson was at the game and United need him badly, solskjaer is done as an impact player, not because of age, the injuries have simply taken his sharpness.

Also can anyone explainto me why Ferguson down one with 10 minutes to go decides to bring on O'Shea for Carrick, if anyone could tell me how O'Shea is actually playing professionally that would help as well.

Not sure the few days off and trips to the states and elsewhere effected the game but the players looked sluggish. No game in midweek thanks to Southend dumping us out of the Carling Cup, some extra shooting practice should be on the training schedule.

Just to show I'm not totally bitter, awesome Chelski goals today, sweet strikes from Lampard and Drogba

[Carmine Hose]

Looks likes Hargeaves is staying put (for this season at least)

http://soccernet.esp...=396758&cc=5901

Edited by Carmine Hose, 19 December 2006 - 01:13 PM.

[Zomp]

United 3 Aston Villa 0

The first half had some exciting moments for Villa, but in the 2nd United returned to the form that has led them to the top of the table. Ronaldo had the first, which was a prolific strike after a run of about 2/3 of the field, and the third while Scholes scored off of a volley from about 25 yds out...the commentator said it was the goal of the year(not sure if its better than Essiens against the bitches).

The commentator said it best during the match, "When you are up 2-0 and you are bringing in Wayne Rooney as a sub, life is good."

Again, say what you must about Cristiano Ronalo (ie. D Lew in the Arsenal thread) but he is simply one of the top 3 players in the world right now and the top reason United is in first. Watching him run or dribble by a player makes it seem like he has jets in his cleats.





Edit: Spelling

Edited by ZompFoShomp, 23 December 2006 - 06:48 PM.

[meckbah]

Aston Villa 0-3 Manchester United

Much better performance and the goal of the season from Paul Scholes. Ronaldo was sensational in the second half, he completely destroyed Villa. Scholes' goal isn't up on youtube yet though I can't imagine it will take too long.

Rooney was 'rested', then brought on to play right wing for 20 minutes, great way to treat your best player Ferguson. Saha was wasteful again but once United got the first they were never in any danger.

Really have to hand it to chelski, for the second week running they are level with 10 to go and they pull off the win. They never quit. The real mark of champions, I used to love that about United, I remember Cantona scoring about 5 last minute winners or equalisers in the 1996 season and Bruce netting two in injury time in 1994 against Sheffield Wed as well as the Yorke, Solskjaer, Sheringham heroics in 99 (liverpool, Bayern)......I never felt united were beaten and took great pride in a comment made by one of the back room staff at the time, "We are never beaten, sometimes we run out of time but we are never beaten"

Now when I watch Chelski I get that very same feeling, they just keep playing intelligent football (last year against Barca besides) passing the ball and creating space and chances, they have big players who seem to relish the challange of turing draws and even possible defeats into victory. I don't like it but it's impressive.

Carrick out for 4 weeks, look for United to offer big bucks for Mr Hargreaves now.

[Zomp]

Did you download it off of Maxxed and just finish watching it like I did?

[meckbah]

Did you download it off of Maxxed and just finish watching it like I did? 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Na thankfully I'm from Ireland, watched it live this afternoon and just there again on Match of the Day, absolute gem, better than his goal aginst Barnsley which he hit direct from a Beckham corner, that one is on youtube. His technique is awesome, it's just sucha sweet strike. To cap it off he won't say a word about it, no interviews no comments no media no anything just another day at the office for the best English player of the last 10 years.

[Flask N Gaggin']

Carrick out for 4 weeks, look for United to offer big bucks for Mr Hargreaves now.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I hear Carrick is back for Reading, back much sooner than four weeks. One of the papers was claiming its a done deal for 12 million, I'll believe it when I see it.

[Flask N Gaggin']

United's Christmas party, you can see them singing such classics as "He plays on the left, he plays on the right", "Who put the ball in the German's net?", "Keep the Red Flag Flying High", "Build a Bonfire", "Na Na Na Nicky Butt", "You are my Solskjaer", and "Keano's Magic Hat".

[Zomp]

United 3-1 over Wigan.

After a scoreless first half United came back on the pitch with Ronaldo, who started the game on the bench. 10 minutes later it's 2-0 with Ronaldo scoring both goals (though one was on a rebound off of his own missed penalty). Ole had the 3rd goal, and Wayne Rooney had a few bright spots but was unable to find himself on the scorers sheet.

With Chelsea getting only a point today, United's lead is up to 4.

[Zomp]

United 3 Reading 2

Goals from the Norwegian, and 2 from Cristiano Ronaldo. Ole's goal was a nice header off of a good cross from Ronaldo, and Ronaldo's 2 were a rebound off the post and a nice finish from a Gigg's cross.

United's lead now back up to 6 with Chelsea failing to get max points from Fulham.

[Vinho Tinto]

A very nice editorial on Ronaldo here.

[biollante]

Ronaldo is on his way to being player of the year in the Premiership (if they have such an award).

[Vinho Tinto]

Ronaldo is on his way to being player of the year in the Premiership (if they have such an award).

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

There's an award voted by the players, and another given by the press.

The scary thing about Ronaldo is how young he still is. For example, Brazil phenom Robinho is two years older than CR.

[meckbah]

There's an award voted by the players, and another given by the press.

The scary thing about Ronaldo is how young he still is. For example, Brazil phenom Robinho is two years older than CR.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The press award is the big one, the players vote for their player of the year in two weeks I think. I used to know a Birmingham City player and he told me they voted crazy early. the Football Writers Player of the Year Award is decided just before the season ends.

The Guardian article is a great piece of writing. I know I'm biased but I really am delighted to see both Ronaldo and Drogba playing the way they are this year. Both were hammered at every turn for diving and cheating and everything else last year. Now they are head and shoulders above every other player in the league.

[Spacemans Bong]

The press award is the big one, the players vote for their player of the year in two weeks I think.  I used to know a Birmingham City player and he told me they voted crazy early.  the Football Writers Player of the Year Award is decided just before the season ends. 

The Guardian article is a great piece of writing.  I know I'm biased but I really am delighted to see both Ronaldo and Drogba playing the way they are this year.  Both were hammered at every turn for diving and cheating and everything else last year.  Now they are head and shoulders above every other player in the league.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Currently playing? Because Thierry Henry would have something to say about that, but he's been unfit all year. Arsenal have fared fairly well in his absence (I don't think they beat Sheffield even if he's in the team - maybe a point) but I wouldn't count against him.

But seriously, the football from Ronaldo and Drogba has been delightful. Ronaldo is really turning into the complete attacking midfielder, with brilliant incisiveness cutting inside, where he can use his quickness and thought to beat a man. Even if you have a strong centre-half to cover Ronaldo, he's just as liable to go on the outside and lob in a cross. He's two players in one and as Bobby Robson says, You can't mark two players.

You must be jealous of the Cote d'Ivoire if you're English, because Drogba is the most English forward in the Premiership. Very strong, very fast and he likes to play right up the middle. His athleticism is unparalleled by any forward except for maybe Henry and Henry's not fit this year. Chelsea don't play with nearly as much width as United but with Drogba the Channel 1 approach works just fine for them.

As for the diving, this year I think you've seen much less diving from all quarters. The World Cup really seems to have been the tipping point for the diving and referees have made a conscious effort to swallow the whistle unless it's really egregious. The referee for the Sheffield-Arsenal match seemingly decided before the game to not call many fouls as there were loads of hard tackles. But that's great in my book. If Wenger thinks it's too physical then that's his problem.

[Carmine Hose]

RE: the diving

Yesterday vs. Newcastle United, players were getting hammered all over the field and the ref was letting everything go. Scholes got carded (shocker!) but that was after retaliating for the Magpies essentially clipping (to use an American football term) Ronaldo. It was unreal. The Newcastle player just charged at Ronaldo from behind and shoved him in the back, not even playing the ball, knocked him to the ground and then went and got the ball. Scholes answered the non-call with a vicious tackle. Good for him.

As for the match, United dominated play again, but Rooney missed one easy chance and didn't offer much. Ronaldo had a great header off a corner that went right at the defender who was able to head it back out. Newcastle's 2 goals were excellent, but a true result of terrible midfield defense.

This is what happens when the Devils dominate play. They get frustrated at not finishing and rush up front even more (see Evra, Patrice) and leave all the D to Ferdinand, Vidic, and Neville.

[Vinho Tinto]

Van Der Sar is a very good keeper, but how many times can he be fooled by long range shots. Does he have lead feet?