280 replies to this topic

[Zomp]

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?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Are you talking about the first or second goal? On the first Neville should have never let the forward cut inside, but I dont think there are many keepers who could have saved that shot. It was perfect, upper right corner with great pace. On the second goal, it was deflected off of Scholes left foot to make it go into the corner. Should he have saved the second one? Hard to say really, if Scholes doesnt touch it the ball goes about 10 yds wide of the goal. VDS may have been out of position, I cant remember.

[Flask N Gaggin']

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?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

There wasn't much he do about either goal, the first one a perfect shot, the second took a defection because Scholes and the Scottish Player didn't close down properly. He is however succeptible to long range shots, it's probably his weakest area.

[meckbah]

Bayern now seem willing to allow Hargreaves to join United if they stump up stg20m. Thats a huge chuck of change and it makes me sick to think that United could ahve signed him for free this time last year on a pre contract deal. Their is a premium on English players moving to English clubs and I fear United will pay upwards of stg15m when this deal is finally completed be it now or in the summer. I just hope it doesn't stop us getting a top class striker.

Hargreaves
Hargreaves 2

Going the other way are Phil Bardsley and David Jones, to Aston Villa and Derby respectively. I think Jones will be a good championship player and may even do a job for a team in the bottom half of the premiership. He has a sweet left foot but just doesn't do anything exceptionally. Bardsley is a hard as nails right back, fearless in the tackle but without the positional sense or attacking ability to make the rb spot at united his own. They both should have good solid careers ahead of them

David Jones to Derby
Bardsley to Villa

Jonny Evans has also moved to Sunderland on loan, he has the potential to be a great player and this is a big step for him. He played the last six months at Antwerp in Belgium, he has already played for Northern Ireland and will face strong physical players in the Championship which should help toughen him up. He is very classy on the ball and strong in the air.

Evans to Sunderland (loan)

Edited by meckbah, 05 January 2007 - 01:42 PM.

[Zomp]

What happened to Pique(sp)? He started one or two games last year for the first team and I was very impressed with him. I know they loaned him out, but I havent heard anything about him...seemed like he was still young enough to be groomed for a permanent first team spot.

[Vinho Tinto]

There wasn't much he do about either goal, the first one a perfect shot, the second took a defection because Scholes and the Scottish Player didn't close down properly. He is however succeptible  to long range shots, it's probably his weakest area.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yes, I'm talking not about those two specific shots. He's shown over his career he has a blind spot with anything outside the penalty area.

[meckbah]

What happened to Pique(sp)?  He started one or two games last year for the first team and I was very impressed with him.  I know they loaned him out, but I havent heard anything about him...seemed like he was still young enough to be groomed for a permanent first team spot.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Pique was loaned out to Real Zaragoza. He has played six times for them this year starting four games and scoring two goals. I believe he was injured and hasn't been able to force his way back into the team. Zaragoza are fifth I think in LaLiga and are playing quite well. As part of the loan deal Pique must start 20 games this season so he may be in for a very busy second half of the season.

Personally I have seen him a few times in action, he is very strong and looks to be quite a good technical player and he is alsdo quick so he has all the attributes to be a complete defender. I'm not certain his levels of concentration are honed as yet and that leads to him losing his man from time to time.

He was part of Spains U-19 (it think may be 21) team which won the World Cup last summer.

[meckbah]

Yes, I'm talking not about those two specific shots. He's shown over his career he has a blind spot with anything outside the penalty area.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Van De Sars weakness is without doubt long range shots but they are often unsavable (Benfica's goal at Old Trafford, Baines for Wigan). Last year he let in a stinker from Mendieta which started Boro's 4 goals romp at the Riverside. All that being said I wish we had signed him as soon as Schmeichel left. He may not be the best keeper in the world but for every long range effort he lets by he makes countless saves like the one from Sibierski in the 44th min last week. He is very comfortable with the ball at his feet, solid on crosses a very good close range shot stopper and a good communicator. I'm glad he's on our team right now.

[Flask N Gaggin']

http://soccernet.esp...=399075&cc=5739

Larsson's Swedish club will not stand in the way of him extending his loan spell at United. Good news, after his impressive display on Sunday.

[Carmine Hose]

Why not make a run for any central defenders that Chelsea's eyeing, to at least drive up the price? Especially any that can also play left back as cover for Neville given his troublesome calf.

[URI]

Why not make a run for any central defenders that Chelsea's eyeing, to at least drive up the price?  Especially any that can also play left back as cover for Neville given his troublesome calf.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That only works against a team that has finite resources. Abramovich hasn't really shown that he'd let a few million pounds come between him and his target.

The Guardian thinks that Chelsea isn't going to make much noise in this window anyway, with Jose possibly running to Real Madrid this summer.

[Vinho Tinto]

Especially any that can also play left back as cover for Neville given his troublesome calf.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Isn't Neville a right back?

[Carmine Hose]

Isn't Neville a right back?

I always do that for some reason. I look at the defense as if I were facing it and the offense as if I were facing the opponent.

[Flask N Gaggin']

Why not make a run for any central defenders that Chelsea's eyeing, to at least drive up the price?  Especially any that can also play left back as cover for Neville given his troublesome calf.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

As URI mentioned, that doesn't really work against Chelsea, and also United is very deep in defense. They have adequate cover for Neville if he has to go out for awhile. Wes Brown and John O'Bese both play there.

[Carmine Hose]

Wes Brown and John O'Bese both play there.

That's considered "adequate" cover?

[meckbah]

That's considered "adequate" cover?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I hate seeing a Manchester United line up with John O'Shea starting but both players are adequate cover. You would never want them in there for a prolonged period of time but having two internationals who can play multiple positions is a big plus. Chelski are looking to buy Tal Ben Haim from Bolton, he is a good player but not so much of an upgrade over Wes Brown, John O'Shea, Gabriel Heinze and Mikel Silvestre (who I hope never plays for us again) to get in a bidding war with Chelski. In fact to be honest if Gary Neville went down for the season I would be content with Wes Brown at right back, he is not as good but very much acceptable as cover.

[Vinho Tinto]

That's considered "adequate" cover?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

For the Premiership, yes. How many teams in England are really going to stretch the flanks? Chelsea, currently, will not.

If they play a team with strong wing play in the CL (Like Barca), then it might bite them.

[meckbah]

United bid stg20m for Hargreaves, crazy money and I just don't see where he fits into the starting 11 right now. At the very least he ensures John O'Shea never starts (or hopefully plays) another game for the club in midfield

Hargreaves Bid

[Flask N Gaggin']

United bid stg20m for Hargreaves, crazy money and I just don't see where he fits into the starting 11 right now.  At the very least he ensures John O'Shea never starts (or hopefully plays) another game for the club in midfield

Hargreaves Bid

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

They need Hargreaves against the top sides - Scholes and Carrick have done well this year, but Scholes tires at the end of games and loses his effectiveness. I think you will see him in the holding role, with Carrick in advanced position. Then you can bring Scholes of the bench to change the game. I think he'll also get a few games at right back to rest Neville, especially against the weaker sides. Completely It is ridiculous that I can't spell the word ridiculous money though.

[meckbah]

They need Hargreaves against the top sides - Scholes and Carrick have done well this year, but Scholes tires at the end of games and loses his effectiveness. I think you will see him in the holding role, with Carrick in advanced position. Then you can bring Scholes of the bench to change the game. I think he'll also get a few games at right back to rest Neville, especially against the weaker sides. Completely It is ridiculous that I can't spell the word ridiculous money though.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Dear God I hope not, the simplest way for United to throw the league away right now would be to drop Paul Scholes to the bench, he is completely and utterly dominating games from midfield.

Much as I have marvelled at Ronaldos performances this year this team is nothing without Paul Scholes (both certainties for team of the year and will both be in the five man shortlist for player of the year). He is playing his best football in years. The pace at which every game United play is dictated solely by Scholes, he is always available to take a pass from a teammate in trouble, his passing has been sublime, both short and long, he creates space where none had been and he keeps the team ticking perfectly. Ok his goals are down but he has got some big ones against Livepool and Newcastle and a belter agaisnt Villa. Scholes has started 18 games in the league this season and been substituted on only 3 occaisions and one of those was after 87 mins. I really dont think he has been tiring at all at the end of games. If you watch the last ten minutes of games United are winning he is constantly on the ball, making sure nothing crazy happens, just running the clock down by keeping possession.

Hargreaves isn't in Scholes class, not even close. My biggest worry is that Ferguson wants to go back to the 433 formation with Hargreaves, Scholes and Carrick sitting back and then rotating Ronaldo, Giggs, Larsson, Rooney and Saha up front. We don't need to spend stg18m on a guy to give Neville a break agaisnt the weaker teams. Thats what Wes Brown is for.

Hargreaves makes sense for United ove the next five years when Scholes and Giggs retire (probably 2 years away) becasue he and Carrick should give them a solid midfield which would allow Rooney Ronaldo and whoever replaces Giggs and hopefully Saha to be on the attack as much as possible. This year I just fear he will upset what has been a very well balanced team.

Oh yeah nice on Liverpool

[Carmine Hose]

Carrick was invisible today.

No excuse for letting so many clean crosses through.

This has happened a few times this year when the Devils attempt to sit on leads. They don't have the defense to fend off constant attack as they allow it.

[Zomp]

Tough loss.

I didnt agree with Fergie's formation at the beginning of the game, mainly because I hate when we play with a lone striker up front. It seemed to work for the most part, but to be honest I would have been happy with a draw the way United looked the last 25 minutes of the game.

Why take Ronaldo out there? I understand you are trying to protect a point and things were getting pretty heated on the pitch, but he has been your best player all year...and you need as many "game changers" on the field as possible when the other team has all of the momentum.

Rooney played fine today, though I think his worst postion is where he played today. Ronaldo seemed ok for the most part, Evra had a great game.

Ah well...6 points clear with 14 to play, if you asked any United fan at the beginning of the season if they would have taken that the answer would be an emphatic "Yes". It just sucks to lose to Arsenal twice in the season, but if we still win the Prem the pain will be washed away 1000x over.

The Stamford Bridge match is now...HUGE.

[meckbah]

Carrick was invisible today.

No excuse for letting so many clean crosses through. 

This has happened a few times this year when the Devils attempt to sit on leads.  They don't have the defense to fend off constant attack as they allow it.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Carrick is not the reason they lost today. Arsenal are a very good team who keep possession brilliantly and I have no problem admitting this. Carrick made at least 2 last ditch tackles to keep Henry out and he passed the ball well.

The problem today is the same thing I have been saying all year, when United play agaisnt the big teams and in Europe Ferguson changes his philosophy and alters the shape of the team. By starting Rooney on the left and playing Giggs off Larsson he basically took Giggs out of the game and kept Rooney isolated. When United were one nil up Ferguson could clearly be seen on the sideline sceaming at the team and raising 5 fingers emphasing the 5 man midfield I presume which he wants the team to play when they are in the lead. We cannot sit on leads and we are not alone in that, very few non Italian (and Arsenal in the 90's) teams have ever mastered the art of the 1-0 victory to the extent where you literally score and shut up shop. Have to admit Hargreaves would have looked pretty sweet coming off the bench today.

United have a system which works and yet Ferguson seems scared to let them try it in big games. Larsson was very isolated today and when you don't have the ball you can't get Ronaldo and Rooney into the match.

It's over now, the big question is how they react agaisnt Spurs, Charlton and Portsmouth in the next 3 league games.

[Spacemans Bong]

*pukes in your thread*

[meckbah]

Rob Smyth in the Guardian has an article which also blames Ferguson for Uniteds crazy 451 system.

Ferguson Running Scared

Edited by meckbah, 23 January 2007 - 03:23 AM.

[Carmine Hose]

United report an increase to the profits this year of 20 million pounds, to a total of 30.8 million. And they expect it to keep going up.

Further, I can't believe we have to keep reading stories of United refusing to sell Ronaldo to Real Madrid. On what planet would that ever make sense?

[Zomp]

United 2 Pompey 1

Really, it should have been 4-1 because Vidic's header clearly crossed the line and there was no way in hell Larrson was offside on his goal. But with a scoreless game going on Waye Rooney came on as a sub in the 60th minute and scored 2 goals. The first was on a tap in from a cross from Giggs(who played brilliantly all game), the second was a beautiful chip shot from the top of the box when Rooney saw that james was out of position. Not to get all Bonger like, but it reminded me of Eric Cantona's chip in the FA Cup.

[Carmine Hose]

But again they give up the late goal. That needs to stop.

[Zomp]

[Smiling Joe Hesketh]

I saw that Cantona goal in the Cup Final live back when I was living in Mass with a decent cable system. A thrilling match.

[Carmine Hose]

It's quite a luxury for whomever takes over for SAF that Rooney and Ronaldo are only 21 and are in the elite of the EPL already.

[Carmine Hose]

http://msn.foxsports...r/story/6421206

How can you not love Wazza?

"After the story broke in 2004, Rooney admitted in a statement to visiting massage parlors and prostitutes 'on occasions.'"

[Carmine Hose]

With 18 minutes to go, United go up 4-0 at OT vs. Watford.

First Half

1-0 - Solskjaer taken down by DeMerit in the area, Ronaldo knocks in the penalty

Second Half

2-0 - nice own goal by Lloyd Doyley, thank you very much

3-0 - Larsson with a beauty from Rooney shortly after coming on for Solskjaer

4-0 - Wazza hits from Ronaldo for the third straight game

In the 73rd minute, Watford gets its FIRST SHOT of the game, off target of course. At the same time, United has 20 shots, 10 on net.

Bring in Silvestre for Vidic and Brown for Carrick. Apparently Ferdinand never gets subbed.

Edit - Not only do they blitz Watford, but get to give Giggs and Scholes a day off.

Edited by Carmine Hose, 31 January 2007 - 04:39 PM.

[Zomp]

[Zomp]

I can't speak on how fans feel about the Glazers...but Vinho gives his opinion on Ronaldo in the Liverpool thread and I'd like to get my say in too.

I think Ronaldo leaves United....maybe not this summer, but next year I think he is gone. I PRAY that I am wrong, but I fear that I am not. He is only 21 and it is scary how good he is playing right now. In a perfect world United could build around Rooney and Ronaldo and have 2 of the best 5 or 6 players in the world for years to come. But, from Ronaldo's view, it makes sense to move to Spain. In the EPL he gets killed on a weekly basis, is he a diver? Absolutely. But he is also far and away the most LEGIT fouled player in the Prem, maybe the world. Opposing fans hate him(and not just from the World Cup, he is brash, arrogant, and cocky), even some of his own fans can't stand him. In Spain, playing for Real or Barca he could be just as effective as he is right now, and his body won't take as much of a beating.

Do I love Ronaldo the player? Yes, before this season I always felt that Rooney was the better player but Ronaldo was the more talented one. This season has made me realize that not only is Ronaldo the more talented, better player, but his peak may be even better than Ronaldinho(strong words, I know, but some games this season he has CARRIED one of the top 5 teams in the world).

But here is the problem that I have with Ronaldo: At times, especially when he gets angry, he loses sight of the game and wants to take on the whole team by himself. I hate when he plays against Benfica because he tries TOO hard, he wants to prove to all of fucking Portugal that he is the best player on the pitch. There has been other instances, like when he started juggling the ball during the Carling Cup final last year to show up the other team, as well as countless amount of times where instead of passing the ball to an open Giggs or Rooney, he wants to nutmeg 3 players and score himself.

After writing that, I still want Ronaldo on my team for the rest of his career...he was on the opposing team during the World Cup and it was NOT a good feeling, every time he touched the ball against England you felt like his speed would just take him right to the back of the net.

If I had to bet, Id say next summer United sell him to Real for around 50 Euro. He becomes the best player in the world, and hopefully United use those funds wisely and remain at the top of the Prem.

(Please be wrong)

[meckbah]

But here is the problem that I have with Ronaldo: At times, especially when he gets angry, he loses sight of the game and wants to take on the whole team by himself. I hate when he plays against Benfica because he tries TOO hard, he wants to prove to all of fucking Portugal that he is the best player on the pitch. There has been other instances, like when he started juggling the ball during the Carling Cup final last year to show up the other team, as well as countless amount of times where instead of passing the ball to an open Giggs or Rooney, he wants to nutmeg 3 players and score himself.

He's 21 with all the talent in the talent in the world. When he juggled the ball against Wigan, Giggs came across and told him to cut it out. When United first captured the title in 1993 they played Blackburn in the final home game of the season, the night after a Villa lose handed them the title. Half way through the second half winning 3-1 a young Ryan Giggs began juggling the ball along the sideline. My point is that players mature and learn. Of course he wants to do it all himself, time and experience will help him mature and he will become I believe the best player in the world. United should not sell him, not even for 50m euro.

[Flask N Gaggin']

United 1 - Spurs 0 HT.

The ref is having a shocker. He's missed two blatant pens, and gave one to United after a blatant dive by Ronnie.

Edited by Flask N Gaggin', 04 February 2007 - 12:00 PM.

[Zomp]

United 4 Spurs nil

Goals from Ronaldo(penalty), Vidic on a header from a corner, Scholes on a tap in, and Giggs from a nice feed from Saha. United looked like a completely different team in the 2nd half scoring 3 goals, Tottenham failed to take advantage of the lazy start by United.

The HORRIBLE ref will overshadow the game, as well as the chippy play from Robbie Keane, Rio Ferdinand, Wayne Rooney, Nemenja Vidic and Paul Scholes.

[meckbah]

Gotta admit the ref had a complete yogi bear but he was not the reason United won this match. In the second half they were pretty impressive. The penalty was dodgy but United were so superior to Spurs it was laughable. Been a tough few weeks for the Spurs. Vidic was a rock at the back and a constant menance at corners. He is becoming very Brucesque as set pieces. For me he has been the best center back this season. Another game down six points up and a goal difference advantage that is basically worth a seventh point.

[Flask N Gaggin']

United beat Charlton 2-0. Park and the Scottish Player scored. Park played well playing in place of Ronnie, who was out with a cold. United play twice in the league (Fulham (A) and Scousers (A)) before the Rent Boys do, meaning the lead could be 12 points by the next time Chelsea play. That would probably end the title race for all intents and purposes.

[meckbah]

United beat Charlton 2-0. Park and the Scottish Player scored. Park played well playing in place of Ronnie, who was out with a cold. United play twice in the league (Fulham (A) and Scousers (A)) before the Rent Boys do, meaning the lead could be 12 points by the next time Chelsea play. That would probably end the title race for all intents and purposes.

I'm really starting to think the Liverpool game is the season. Chelski fans will definately see that game as the match we could potentially slip up in. If we win there and make it to the cup semi final it puts tremendous pressure on Chelski not to drop any more points. If either United or Chelski reach the cup semi the United Chelski game will be postponed and put back to the end of the season which could render it irrelevent. Even with two games in hand a 12 point league would be a real pyschological blow with just 9 games remaining. I remember watching Mark Walters and Ian Rush score goals for Liverpool against United in 1992 to deprive us of our first title in 25 years. My dad took me for a walk after the game to try and console me and I will never forget seeing a Liverpool fan standing outside his house waving a huge Liverpool flag. Liverpool finished 6th that year, the game had no meaning for them except in denying us. I have always wanted revenge for that. I know we would not clinch the title at Anfield but every Liverpool fan out there must see this game as a great chance to turn us over again. To go to Anfield and win on route to a title is a great thing. We did it win in 1993 but it was a few months too early. This would be sweet. It's 3 weeks away but I'm already buzzing just think about it. Need to beat Fulham first obviously.

[Flask N Gaggin']

T-Ho to the Blue Scouse for keeps....

http://home.skysport...4...rss&clid=11

Too bad he lost his confidence during Rio's ban when United's defense went to shit. Just think, had he made that save in Porto, perhaps no-one would have heard of the Special One....

[meckbah]

T-Ho to the Blue Scouse for keeps....

http://home.skysport...4...rss&clid=11

Too bad he lost his confidence during Rio's ban when United's defense went to shit. Just think, had he made that save in Porto, perhaps no-one would have heard of the Special One....

Or if the linesman hadn't made a horrific call earlier in that game to disallow Scholes effort. Definately feel sorry for Howard but just don't think he was good enough for United. Everton are a good club and he has got a very good contract. Hope it goes well for him.

[MarkInLondon]

BBC coverage of the ManU/Reading game was scandalous.

Coppell attacked for fielding a weakened side and threatening the 'integrity of the FA Cup' (remind me which team pulled out of the cup totally a few years back...)

Then the match commentary treated Reading like a non-league side... 'plucky underdogs', uphill struggle for the outsiders etc.

United lacked spark (wither Rooney!). Reading deserved a draw.

[Zomp]

United win 1-0 as Giggs scores a controversial goal in the 83rd. After reading the report it said PSV had a goal called back that should have remained, and then they almost walked off the pitch after Giggs scored. United fans were hit with stuff from the fans at the end of the game, and police had to fire tear gas in the stands on the United side for fears of fans being crushed.

Maybe some one who watched the game can give a better report as to what happened? MarkInLondon? Flask? Meckbah?

[MarkInLondon]

United win 1-0 as Giggs scores a controversial goal in the 83rd. After reading the report it said PSV had a goal called back that should have remained, and then they almost walked off the pitch after Giggs scored. United fans were hit with stuff from the fans at the end of the game, and police had to fire tear gas in the stands on the United side for fears of fans being crushed.

Maybe some one who watched the game can give a better report as to what happened? MarkInLondon? Flask? Meckbah?

Can't add much to that to be honest.

Main crowd issues were in the first half - Utd fans seemed crushed in their area - police response to them getting upset about it was to fire tear gas into the section.

Lille got upset about the Giggs goal because he took a quick free-kick before they'd finished their twatting around, and before they'd had the chance to do the usual shuffle forward so it becomes 7 yards rather than 10. Tough shit. Attacking team should be able to take the kick whenever they want.

Lille then threw the toys out of the pram and went off - few minutes later they came back.

Wonder how Platini is going to deal with this?

Here's the BBC report.

[cjdmadcow]

United win 1-0 as Giggs scores a controversial goal in the 83rd. After reading the report it said PSV had a goal called back that should have remained, and then they almost walked off the pitch after Giggs scored. United fans were hit with stuff from the fans at the end of the game, and police had to fire tear gas in the stands on the United side for fears of fans being crushed.

Maybe some one who watched the game can give a better report as to what happened? MarkInLondon? Flask? Meckbah?

I'll see what I can do.

First things first, ManU were playing Lille not PSV (that was Arsenal) but because Lille's ground is not up to UEFA standards the game was being played in Lens. In the first half there seemed to be a problem with the access to the ManU section of the ground and their fans were, quite rightly, getting a little agitated and looking for a way out because of a possible crush. The French police took this as a sign to throw tear gas into the crowd! Nice.

It goes without saying that I'm no ManU fan but there was absolutely nothing wrong with Giggs' goal and for the Lille coach to attempt to take his players off the pitch is disgraceful.

Various debris followed from the stands aimed at players closest to the touchline.

If an English team was responsible for such actions they wouldn't have a chance to cough before being thrown out of the comp. Lets see what happens to Lille.

CJD

Edit - Beaten to it by Mark

Edited by cjdmadcow, 20 February 2007 - 05:26 PM.

[Zomp]

I'll see what I can do.

First things first, ManU were playing Lille not PSV (that was Arsenal) but because Lille's ground is not up to UEFA standards the game was being played in Lens.
Edit - Beaten to it by Mark

Oops! I should have realized that. See what happens when you can only watch Arsenal? It's hell.

[meckbah]

The police were a disgrace last night, they had no idea what was going on and just seemed to assume that the United fans wanted to cuase trouble and so they used batons and tear gas. UEFA need to realise that these grounds with fences around them simply do not work and lead to touble especially when the local police simply open the gates right before kick off. Hillsborough was a tragic wake up call in England and the Taylor report which followed really has changed attedind games in England forever. The older European Stadiums especially ones with fences can be dangerous places to be.

As for Lille walking off the pitch, they threatened to but never really did, they booted the ball to touch from the kick off and then had a quick meeting with half the players standing on the pitch not knowing what was going on and the other half standing just off the pitch. I really dont think they should be punished for that. The crowd chucking everything they could get their hands on onto the pitch after the goal however will probably lead to a UEFA probe though.

Giggs' goal was fine and Vidic was clearly pushed for their disallowed one. I can understand the players thinking they were done wut the truth is that the ref got both decisions right. Even Liam Brady backed the ref on Irish TV and he hates United .

[Vinho Tinto]

Any response from ManU on why there was 5K supporters in a spot reserved for 3,500?

Reading the comments, I thought Lille is grabbing at huge straws. No way ManU should or will get thrown out of the CL for anything that happened on or off the field. But the guy did have one point, if:

A) UEFA agreed to their securities measures.

B ) ManU was given 3,500 tickets, which were handed over to the travelling supporters early.

C) The supporters used the early access to create fake tickets.

Then ManU should review its ticket distribution policy. It's clear that the fans in that section were being crushed and the last thing anyone wants to see is a return to the 1980s. Just wondering if the club is disputing any of the above claims.

Edited by Vinho Tinto, 22 February 2007 - 09:41 AM.

[DLew On Roids]

I despise Man U and would love to see them lose to Lille, but this bitching about the Giggs goal is ridiculous. There's no law that states that the defense has the right to the time to set up a wall. If Lille wanted to set up a wall, they should have stood in front of the ball and asked the ref to march them back 10 yards.

The constant bitching and simulation in the game makes a mockery of these competitions. There needs to be a disrepute charge at the federation, confederation, and FIFA levels that can be brought against clubs and players who cynically try to game the system. Bitch about the ref at the post-game interview? You're gone for a game. Period. Grab your face and writhe around when the opponent's boot comes nowhere near it, a la Fabio Cannavaro in Tuesday's match? You're gone for three games. See ya. Intimidate the referee? Six-point deduction in the league, expulsion from the competition if it's a cup.

And just ban Marco Materrazzi, period.

Edited by DLew On Roids, 22 February 2007 - 10:42 AM.