Man U

[smasher]

People liked Benitez because he was too nice and he played the game. He was called arrogant, unfairly, by Ferguson. Why should he praise someone who insults him? What type of person would?
He has praised the club, end of story.

[Armando]

How come no one speaks of the elephant in the sitting room?
Remember refeering decisions in the Bolton and Spurs games . THAT'S where the league was won!

Maybe, because it's not an elephant in the corner at all....only to bitter people with a myopic view of things?

[KK77]

I know that wasn't easy for you Rafa so fair play!!

Have to be honest at the end of the day.

[reder]

I know that wasn't easy for you Rafa so fair play!!

I dont know what the big issue is here, stop getting your knickers in a twist, the league table doesn't lie. The best team over the league season wins it and this season that was United. However, Liverpool have progressed in the league. Personally, I think it was a golden opportunity to win the league and it was wasted over the new year period. This summer is massive. Rafa messed up in the transfer market last season. I dont buy any of this Parry nonsense and Rafa doesnt fool me for one sec with his political games. Not one of his signings were good enough.

I think united will be strong again next season with or without Tevez. I am very worried about Chelsea. I have to admit that I like Hiddink, the man. He has a certain dignity about him that I really like and IF Chelsea manage to keep hold of him for next season, I cant see anyone else beating them over a league season. I know he is going but I just have a sneaky suspicion that he may stay for another season. If he goes, Ancelotti will most likely come in. His style mirrors that of JM. Chelsea in that mold will be right up there in the title race.

Looking at Arsenal on Saturday, they are not as far off the pace as people think. With 1 or 2 good experienced defensive signings and an season free of widespread injuries, they will come right back into the picture.

As special note for Roy Hodgson and Fulham. From relegation to europe. A brilliant season by a club that I have always had a soft spot for. Lovely place to go and watch a game of football (when you dont have a restricted view seat). Hodgson is a true gent of the game. Well done, sir. Danny at the hub as well. SW6 is wonderful and all that.

[smasher]

Maybe, because it's not an elephant in the corner at all....only to bitter people with a myopic view of things?

Only stating a FACT, rendering what happened thereafter to be highly questionable. These wrong decisions were influential to the final league standings and must not be ignored.

[DeLorean]

Only stating a FACT, rendering what happened thereafter to be highly questionable. These wrong decisions were influential to the final league standings and must not be ignored.

Do you care to offer an opinion on the decisions that went Liverpool's way that I mentioned above, seeing as you're intent on pursuing this avenue of injustification?

[DeLorean]

I dont know what the big issue is here, stop getting your knickers in a twist

Agree with most of your post but not sure where this line came from.


From relegation to europe.

Should be anyway assuming Spurs don't win at Anfield coupling with them losing at home to Everton. Totally agree though Hodgson is a top man. His response to Redknapps opinion on foreign refs was great last week as well. Fulham are actually very good to watch as well despite their lack of goals and watertight defence.

[reder]

Agree with most of your post but not sure where this line came from.


Just feel people are making too much out of Rafa not thanking Alex F. Far more relevant things, which you have mentioned, to dicuss in relation to the top of the PL. Its a nothing side issue.

[reder]

Fulham are actually very good to watch as well despite their lack of goals and watertight defence.

Hangeland and Paintsil are excellent defenders. Id say a few of the top clubs will be sniffing around them.

[old git]

Do you care to offer an opinion on the decisions that went Liverpool's way that I mentioned above, seeing as you're intent on pursuing this avenue of injustification?

an even more recent decision on sunday against west brom with liverpool leading 1-0 lucas blatent foul on fortune as he was about to score no penalty says ref liverpool go onto win 2-0 and west brom get relegated how is that for injustice to west brom :mad:

[lionelhutz]

Saw in one of the newspapers today a journalist was picking the best United team of the Ferguson years - I thought it might be interesting to do that here. Mine would be;

Schmeichel

G Neville Vidic Ferdinand Irwin

Beckham Keane Scholes Giggs

Van Nistelrooy Cantona

[DeLorean]

Wouldn't fault that side. Suppose Pallister, Stam, Evra, Ronaldo and Rooney would also be in the running. Kanchelskis was class back in the day too. It's be some bench with VDS sub keeper as well!!

Edit: The bench would have to include Ole Gunnar though!!

[gustavo]

Saw in one of the newspapers today a journalist was picking the best United team of the Ferguson years - I thought it might be interesting to do that here. Mine would be;

Schmeichel

G Neville Vidic Ferdinand Irwin

Beckham Keane Scholes Giggs

Van Nistelrooy Cantona

I'd have Rooney in for Cantona but that's about it

[NeilMcD]

Ronaldo for Beckham in my opinion.

[NeilMcD]

Only stating a FACT, rendering what happened thereafter to be highly questionable. These wrong decisions were influential to the final league standings and must not be ignored.

Its a league. Over the course of the season, decision go for you and against you. Liverpool got decision for them throughout the season. They did worse that Man Utd in the League, FA Cup, Champions League and Carling Cup and yet Benitez says that Liverpool are a better team and he refused to congratulate Ferguson, something that is done by all rival managers even Wenger and Ferguson when each one the league. As I said before this season I had a lot of time for Benitez as a person but he has become very bitter and myopic and I think the song the Man Utd fans sing seem to be true.

[DeLorean]

How about the worst?

--------------------Taibi----------------

???????------Prunier-----Blanc-----Heinze

--------------Djemba-Djemba------------
---------Kleberson---------Veron--------

------Bellion-------------------Nani------
-------------------Forlan----------------

I know Heinze doesn't deserve to be there but that's what happens when you try to join the Pool !!! beware Carlos!! I'm also aware that Forlan doesn't deserve to be there as he came good in the end I just couldn't think of anyone else. It's hard to find crap full backs!!

[NeilMcD]

David May was rubbish at full back when he played there Decent centre back though. What about Bardsley at right full

Up front you could have Nevland

[DeLorean]

David May was rubbish at full back when he played there Decent centre back though. What about Bardsley at right full

Up front you could have Nevland

Yes Nevland is far more appropriate than Forlan in fairness. He actually seems to be a decent enough finisher though just never got any games at United. It was at a time they had Cole/Yorke with Solskjaer/Sheringham in reserve. It'd be a bit harsh on May I think, there's surely someone more deserving that actually specialises in the full back role...not sure Bardsley is deserving of it either. Did ok the odd time he played I thought.

[old git]

How about the worst?

--------------------Taibi----------------

???????------Prunier-----Blanc-----Heinze

--------------Djemba-Djemba------------
---------Kleberson---------Veron--------

------Bellion-------------------Nani------
-------------------Forlan----------------

I know Heinze doesn't deserve to be there but that's what happens when you try to join the Pool !!! beware Carlos!! I'm also aware that Forlan doesn't deserve to be there as he came good in the end I just couldn't think of anyone else. It's hard to find crap full backs!!

all the abu's would say gary neville :D:D

[reder]

all the abu's would say gary neville :D:D

I would be as anti-united as possible but Neville was a top player for united for years. Guy who keeps out of the media spotlight, loyal as hell to his club, only ever played for one club over a whole PL career. A model professional in truth.

[gustavo]

How about the worst?

--------------------Taibi----------------

???????------Prunier-----Blanc-----Heinze

--------------Djemba-Djemba------------
---------Kleberson---------Veron--------

------Bellion-------------------Nani------
-------------------Forlan----------------

I know Heinze doesn't deserve to be there but that's what happens when you try to join the Pool !!! beware Carlos!! I'm also aware that Forlan doesn't deserve to be there as he came good in the end I just couldn't think of anyone else. It's hard to find crap full backs!!

I'm only guessing but I'd say theres worse players in those positions than Blanc and Veron :confused:

[Angus]

You youngsters clearly don't remember the halcyon days of crap Man U teams under SAF

1 Jim Leighton
2 Mal Donaghy
3 Lee Martin
4 Clayton Blackmore
5 Graeme Hogg
6 Neil Webb
7 Danny Wallace
8 Mike Phelan
9 Peter Davenport
10 Ralph Milne
11 Mark Robins

Sub Arthur Albiston
Paul Parker

[John83]

I'm only guessing but I'd say theres worse players in those positions than Blanc and Veron :confused:
For all that Veron failed to make an impact, he wasn't a bad player for them.

Blanc was on his last legs though, and while there were touches of quality (I recall a striker racing towards goal, ball at his feet, and Blanc leisurely strolling up and poking the ball off his toe to one of the full backs; another had him beaten for pace, but was put off by a simple tap on the elbow just long enough for Blanc to catch him), he wasn't up to their usual standard of starting centre halves.

[John83]

You youngsters clearly don't remember the halcyon days of crap Man U teams under SAF

1 Jim Leighton
2 Mal Donaghy
3 Lee Martin
4 Clayton Blackmore
5 Graeme Hogg
6 Neil Webb
7 Danny Wallace
8 Mike Phelan
9 Peter Davenport
10 Ralph Milne
11 Mark Robins

Sub Arthur Albiston
Paul Parker
How many of those players did he buy? I don't doubt there was a lot of deadwood when he took over - they were in similar shape to Newcastle now as I understand it.

Anyway, I think it's more interesting to limit it to players involved in his successful teams.

[pineapple stu]

You youngsters clearly don't remember the halcyon days of crap Man U teams under SAF

1 Jim Leighton
2 Mal Donaghy
3 Lee Martin
4 Clayton Blackmore
5 Graeme Hogg
6 Neil Webb
7 Danny Wallace
8 Mike Phelan
9 Peter Davenport
10 Ralph Milne
11 Mark Robins

Sub Arthur Albiston
Paul Parker
Don't mock - if all goes well, that team will be coming to the Bowl next year. :eek:

[DeLorean]

You youngsters clearly don't remember the halcyon days of crap Man U teams under SAF

Ya for some reason I was doing a Premier League yrs team. Probably assumed this from the original best team that was picked. It was all PL players.


I'm only guessing but I'd say theres worse players in those positions than Blanc and Veron :confused:

Blanc was well passed it by the time he went to United and Veron was a major disappointment. At their best obviously both would be a million miles from this team.

[Macy]

You youngsters clearly don't remember the halcyon days of crap Man U teams under SAF

1 Jim Leighton
2 Mal Donaghy
3 Lee Martin
4 Clayton Blackmore
5 Graeme Hogg
6 Neil Webb
7 Danny Wallace
8 Mike Phelan
9 Peter Davenport
10 Ralph Milne
11 Mark Robins

Sub Arthur Albiston
Paul Parker
You slag the youngsters and then go and pick Albiston anywhere near a worst 11!?!

I wouldn't have Parker or Robins in there either, and it's very hard to put Lee Martin in there considering his contribution to sparking the whole thing off. And Sunbed come to think of it - the free's in the early rounds of the cup winners cup and clearing off the line in Rotterdam.

How about Terry Gibson and Mark Gibson? A few of Fergies Fledglings didn't turn out to be quite as hot as New Years Day 1989 would've suggested either, but for that day alone they are exempt!

[old git]

You youngsters clearly don't remember the halcyon days of crap Man U teams under SAF

1 Jim Leighton
2 Mal Donaghy
3 Lee Martin
4 Clayton Blackmore
5 Graeme Hogg
6 Neil Webb
7 Danny Wallace
8 Mike Phelan
9 Peter Davenport
10 Ralph Milne
11 Mark Robins

Sub Arthur Albiston
Paul Parker

would have gary birtles in at no 9... / les sealy in goals
robins a bit harsh probaly saved fergie from the sack :p scoring winning goal against notts forest and lee martin scored winner in a replayed f.a cup final also ..

[gustavo]

Veron was a major disappointment. At their best obviously both would be a million miles from this team.

Major disappointment or not I'd imagine his contribution was better than Liam Miller for one

[DeLorean]

Major disappointment or not I'd imagine his contribution was better than Liam Miller for one

And many more besides no doubt, I didn't realise this little bit of fun was going to come before such scrutiny though, my bad:o

[DeLorean]

Blackmore and Webb were good players I thought but they were near the end of their days when I would have seen them

[Macy]

Blackmore and Webb were good players I thought but they were near the end of their days when I would have seen them
Sunbed was never that good. In Webb's defence he looked great before his injury - his behaviour in 92 was a disgrace though.

[Junior]

Sunbed was never that good. In Webb's defence he looked great before his injury - his behaviour in 92 was a disgrace though.

What was his behaviour in 92?

Received this pic from a Man U fan which I thought was quite funny....

[NeilMcD]

Ahh Neil Webb the man who had a fight with Brian McClair on the pitch over the merits of socialism. I wonder is he in a union now that he is a postman.

[Macy]

What was his behaviour in 92?

Generally being a fat waster, but specifically his crawl off the pitch when United were chasing the game against Forest, and when after United told England he was injured coming into the crucial period of the season, he went behind the clubs back to say he was fit.*

Whilst I'm sure to the country before club brigade this is fine, but when it's a player who's career was essentially ruined by an injury for the national team and when the team were going (unsuccessfully) for their first league title in 25 years it was unforgivable.

[Denis The Red]

A lot is being made of the possibilty of United fielding a "weak" team tomorrow. I think it's their right and they've earned that right.
And as Sir Alex said, they'll be still trying to win and have the players to do so.
If Chelsea managed to get to the Champions League final on Wednesday I'm sure their top players would not be playing against Sunderland and their relegation rivals might claim they have an unfair advantage.
It's been said, you don't get relegated on the last match of the season, it's what you achieved or haven't achieved throughout the season that has got you in this situation.

[Billy Lord]

Hope Hull win and the barcodes go down as it's what Newcastle deserve. Their fans are like the bandwagon Irish, I can't stand their 'Aren't we great and everyone should love us' attitude so I'd prefer to see them relegated. Not AF's problem if they're crap as he's concentrating on an important game next Wednesday.

[Neish]

Would like to see Newcastle go down just to give their fans a dose of reality. Any fans that truely belive Kevin Keggan is a great manager are delussional and are need of a serious reality check

[superfrank]

Think Kevin Keegan was doing a good job when he went back there and he shouldn't have been forced out.

I personally won't be upset if Newcastle go down. Their treatment of Bobby Robson and Sam Allardyce was ridiculous and totally unfair for two proven managers.

[Angus]

I like to be the contrarian in any discussion and all season I have been saying Man U have not played well - to their standard

Having said that I saw them at UP and they were super - but super in terms of control, discipline, passing the ball, defending - and not in terms of creating chance after chance.

They were very good without carving us open - I thought that was down to WH being pretty good that day but even still, they were very good but not explosive in the way they have been

They have been, to use one of my buddies words, gash for the last month, and probably since christmas. They have gotten results without performances for most of the season and the only reason there is focus oin them now is that their continued lacklustre performances are resulting in defeats or near defeats.

So why is this ? 2 reasons - the hairdresser's mind is in madrid and they don't have a dominant centre midfielder. They kind of replaced keane with scholes and tried to with veron and these guys - but scholes is past it and while I am a huge carrick admirer he is a tidy player but not a keane, vieira, essien, alonso, rui costa, etc etc

They are lacking big style in the centre although giggs has been a more than able filler and the hairdresser on the wing is scratching is nads every week

This is a problem - do not kid youirself - results frequently mask crap performances - and at this rate they will win bugger all

Thoughts ?

Kind of sorry that this became true - really in midfield they were shockingly bad - admittedly against 2 guys playing out of their skin but Carrick Giggs and Anderson never got a kick.

These debates sometimes fall into a "were Barca good or Man U bad" thing but I think we were looking at one of the best club performances ever. Very seldom have I been awestruck watching a side - Milan in 2 finals against Belgrade and Barca, Arsenal in their pomp - but this was a class apart. All eleven completely comfortable with the ball and they weaved such spectacular pictures with the ball - it was immense

Ni fheicimid a leitheid aris

[NeilMcD]

Barca were great tonight but ifI was a Man Utd fan I would not be downhearted. 4 trophies in one season and 3 league titles and 2 Champions League finals in a row. Not bad at all. Barca were immense tonight and I think Man Utd coudl do with buying a world Class midfielder but they have done pretty good over the last few years without one.

[shakermaker1982]

Liverpool fans would kill themselves for Man Utd's throphy haul this season so like you say Neil Man Utd fans cannot grumble too much.

It will be interesting to see what Fergie does during the pre season. He has gone on record by saying that he doesn't expect too much transfer activity in terms of purchases but that could all change if Ronaldo does move on. Ribery and Benzema are probably top of his wish list but you'd think central midfield would be more of a priority after last nights showing.

If Tevez does go then I'd expect to see another forward but he might want to place faith in Welbeck and Macheda.

[Roadend]

Liverpool fans would kill themselves for Man Utd's throphy haul this season so like you say Neil Man Utd fans cannot grumble too much.



What is Utd. fan's obsession with Liverpool fans, even in humbling defeat that pathetic nature of utd's obsession shines out like a beacon :D:D

[NeilMcD]

What is Utd. fan's obsession with Liverpool fans, even in humbling defeat that pathetic nature of utd's obsession shines out like a beacon :D:D

I usally seem the same thing when Liverpool lose or win also. They are rivals and sadly in Ireland they are the two biggest supported teams and most of their Irish fans talk rubbish by calling each other scousers and mancs etc even though they could be from Mervue or Coolock.

[OwlsFan]

I usally seem the same thing when Liverpool lose or win also. They are rivals and sadly in Ireland they are the two biggest supported teams and most of their Irish fans talk rubbish by calling each other scousers and mancs etc even though they could be from Mervue or Coolock.

Sky interviewed 4 Man U supporters outside Old Trafford after the game. One was from Australia, 2 were from Norn Iron and the other - can't recall off hand where he was from but it wasn't Manchester :D

Truly a global brand.

[Denis The Red]

Barca were great tonight but ifI was a Man Utd fan I would not be downhearted. 4 trophies in one season and 3 league titles and 2 Champions League finals in a row. Not bad at all. Barca were immense tonight and I think Man Utd coudl do with buying a world Class midfielder but they have done pretty good over the last few years without one.

Not downhearted by the success of the season, because as you say it was a good one. Equalling liverpools league record was a great achievement.
My gripe about the match last night is that United brought nothing to the table. Apart from the first 10 minutes it looked like they didn't know where they were. They definately got a footballing lesson from Barca but I do believe United can play better than that and maybe we could have got a better, more exciting game.
Without doubt their midfield is nowhere near as good as Barcelona's and it showed. Boys against men me thinks. This needs to be rectified next season.

[Junior]

Sky interviewed 4 Man U supporters outside Old Trafford after the game. One was from Australia, 2 were from Norn Iron and the other - can't recall off hand where he was from but it wasn't Manchester :D

Truly a global brand.

Thats true but in fairness whilst Utd tend to get the most stick for having fans not from the home city. Listen to Radio 5-Live on any Saturday evening after fulltime on the talk in shows and you are guaranteed to get Liverpool, Villa, Arsenal fans etc...from all over the Uk/Ireland calling in. It feels like a rarity when the accent matches the club.

Not unlike a Manc talking about Ireland;)

[Denis The Red]

http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2009/0630/valenciaa.html

[DeLorean]

I'd imagine he'll be a good addition. Seems to have a good attitude and with skill and pace it's hard to go too far wrong. United should be busting a gut to get a proper central midfielder though. They could do with a striker but I think the midfielder should be the priority and there doesn't seem to be that many around. Fergie's refusal to see how ordinary Carrick can be could be their downfall, he needs to be the second midfield player not the main one. Having said that maybe Carrick would blossom in more of a free role with Anderson doing the grafting. In relation to a striker I wonder would Owen be a good no risk addition. In the off chance he would stay fit he could be deadly with Rooney or Berbatov.

[Neish]

I've only seen valencia play on a few ocassions and whilstplayed well I wasn't overly impressed. Is he good enough for United's level or is he going to be another Quinton Fortune or Djemba-Djemba?