Is Fergie reading my blog? Because no sooner had I posted a rant about the incessant player swapping every game, he finally admits to the press that his tinkering is the reason for our poor start. Anyway, there is not much we can do about it now but field our strongest lineup whenever possible, perhaps giving rests to players during the League and FA Cup periods (I honestly can't see Fergie seeing them as priorities anyway).
With regards to tonights game, Sparta Prague have shown that they are a very good and technical side and so even if we get 1 point tonight, it can be seen as a good job. I would probably expect Giggs and Scholes to start following their respective injuries and we will need their creativity after our desperate performance at the weekend. Also captaining Sparta will be United old-boy Karel Poborsky who showed at Lazio and Benfica that he was a better player then his performances suggested at Old Trafford. Rio and Keane will be missing (family bereavement and virus respectively) so Silvestre should lineup alongside Brown or O'Shea.
I'm not sure if others would agree with this one, but I think our strikeforce should consist of Smith and Ruud tonight. Ruud's pedigree in Europe makes him a certainty whilst Smith's goal-scoring start to the season surely warrants a place in the team. Post your thoughts below...
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
Sunday, October 17, 2004
Title hopes fading away
I was speaking to a fellow Man Utd supporter yesterday, post-Birmingham, and his scathing words still echo in my ears... "Fergie is f*cking insane, why the f*ck is he playing 4 strikers on the pitch at the same time?! What the f*ck is wrong with him?!"
It seems that many of my fellow United supporters are growing increasingly concerned at the plight of the team. We have made our worst start ever to a premiership season and our central midfield looks weak. This is further exacerbated by our strikers unwillingness to put the ball in the back of the net in the Premiership, with our top scorer, Smith, starting to be played out of position or left on the bench.
At first I was of the opinion that it's not our team getting worse, but teams in the Premiership getting better. However, a friend of mine, yesterday re-iterated a point that he has been saying to me for a few months now, regarding teams like Charlton, Boro, Birmingham et al... the so-called 'solid' teams. I quote:
"No longer satisfied with trying to win, they try not to lose"
Never was that more appropriate than yesterday. I'm sorry to say that if Birmingham play for a point at home, then they will get relegated, and from me there will be no sympathy. You have to play to win at home. The match could have gone on for another hour and Birmingham would not have scored. I can understand it if they came to Old Trafford, but at home it is not acceptable. People pay good money to watch premiership games.
Next rant, our team. Why oh why does Fergie insist on swapping the team every game? Henry, Reyes, Pires, Cole, Campbell and many more of their team were on international duty and still they made Arsenal's starting lineup. The fact that the line-up is changing so frequently will eventually be our downfall as the team does not get time to gel. Furthermore, playing 4 strikers up front is not going to return goals when there are no creative midfield players to lay on the chances... Ronaldo should have stayed on and shifted over to the left side where he could have had more success than he had against Julian Gray. Regarding our midfield situation, I'd like to know why P. Neville has been so harshly omitted from the central midfield position following his superb performances there last season. I'm certain he would do a better job than some of weak performances we've seen so far from Keane, Djemba-Djemba etc.
It seems that many of my fellow United supporters are growing increasingly concerned at the plight of the team. We have made our worst start ever to a premiership season and our central midfield looks weak. This is further exacerbated by our strikers unwillingness to put the ball in the back of the net in the Premiership, with our top scorer, Smith, starting to be played out of position or left on the bench.
At first I was of the opinion that it's not our team getting worse, but teams in the Premiership getting better. However, a friend of mine, yesterday re-iterated a point that he has been saying to me for a few months now, regarding teams like Charlton, Boro, Birmingham et al... the so-called 'solid' teams. I quote:
"No longer satisfied with trying to win, they try not to lose"
Never was that more appropriate than yesterday. I'm sorry to say that if Birmingham play for a point at home, then they will get relegated, and from me there will be no sympathy. You have to play to win at home. The match could have gone on for another hour and Birmingham would not have scored. I can understand it if they came to Old Trafford, but at home it is not acceptable. People pay good money to watch premiership games.
Next rant, our team. Why oh why does Fergie insist on swapping the team every game? Henry, Reyes, Pires, Cole, Campbell and many more of their team were on international duty and still they made Arsenal's starting lineup. The fact that the line-up is changing so frequently will eventually be our downfall as the team does not get time to gel. Furthermore, playing 4 strikers up front is not going to return goals when there are no creative midfield players to lay on the chances... Ronaldo should have stayed on and shifted over to the left side where he could have had more success than he had against Julian Gray. Regarding our midfield situation, I'd like to know why P. Neville has been so harshly omitted from the central midfield position following his superb performances there last season. I'm certain he would do a better job than some of weak performances we've seen so far from Keane, Djemba-Djemba etc.
Thursday, October 14, 2004
Quick international roundup
Sorry for not writing frequently lately but I have been a bit busy of late. Anyway, it seems like a good week in general for Man Utd's internationals. Ferdinand was outstanding alongside Campbell as England beat Wales and Azerbaijan. Keano helped the Republic of Ireland ease to a 2-0 win over the Faroe Islands and also a solid draw with France.
Nistelrooy returned from suspension to fire holland to a 3-1 win over Finland, who had drawn with Macedonia in their previous match, whilst Ronaldo produced another sparkling performance (and 2 goals) to help Portugal to a 7-1 thrashing of Russia following their embarassing draw with Liechenstein. However, Fletcher was unable to make an impression as Scotland succumbed to a 1-0 defeat by Norway and a 1-1 draw with lowly Moldova.
It was unfortunate that Giggs wasn't able to make the starting lineup for Wales against Poland as I am convinced he would have made the difference (it was a fantastic game of football by the way!). It really is a great shame that such a magnificent player has never been able to grace an international tournament, and it is now looking likely (barring a miracle) that England and Poland will occupy the top two slots.
Nistelrooy returned from suspension to fire holland to a 3-1 win over Finland, who had drawn with Macedonia in their previous match, whilst Ronaldo produced another sparkling performance (and 2 goals) to help Portugal to a 7-1 thrashing of Russia following their embarassing draw with Liechenstein. However, Fletcher was unable to make an impression as Scotland succumbed to a 1-0 defeat by Norway and a 1-1 draw with lowly Moldova.
It was unfortunate that Giggs wasn't able to make the starting lineup for Wales against Poland as I am convinced he would have made the difference (it was a fantastic game of football by the way!). It really is a great shame that such a magnificent player has never been able to grace an international tournament, and it is now looking likely (barring a miracle) that England and Poland will occupy the top two slots.
Sunday, October 10, 2004
Thoughts on Glazer's takeover proposal
I'm going to take a negative stance on this one, even though like the majority, I am on the outside looking in. Many of the United fans I have spoken to are vehemently against Glazers proposal, and see it as a bigger threat than the Sky takeover bid.
Conspiracy theorists propose a hit-and-run scenario by Glazer, others suggest that the he will take profits out the club and place them in his own pocket, rather than re-investing. This is a very real possibility because Glazer doesn't have enough money to buy the club, let alone invest his own money into transfer funds. We definitely can't expect a Roman Abrahamovich situation here. The fact that Glazer will have to take out a loan to purchase the club means that United will be effectively turned into a mortgage laden model. Therefore we are transformed from a club in profit, to a club in debt. Again, while this doesn't pose a problem to the survival of the club, it will definitely have a hard-hitting effect on immediate transfer funds.
Another cause for concern is Glazers' apparent lack of knowledge of the traditions and vast histories of our club. Some reports have claimed that it wasn't Glazer's idea to buy the club, but his sons who are United fans. The fact that Glazer is an experienced sports "owner" and will have little concern for our famous history means that he will use the club solely for profit, exploiting us fans by hiking up ticket prices. Additionally, Glazer (who has very close ties with Sky) may undersell us and give Sky world exclusive rights to our games.
I would like to re-iterate that I in no way claim to know all the details, but only see things as they are portrayed in the public eye. After all, when Glazer bought the Tampa Bay Bucs they were the laughing stock of the league. He hired the right people, who in turn hired the right people to turn the team around. However, if Glazer does have an ulterior motive then as United fans, we all have reason to be concerned.
Conspiracy theorists propose a hit-and-run scenario by Glazer, others suggest that the he will take profits out the club and place them in his own pocket, rather than re-investing. This is a very real possibility because Glazer doesn't have enough money to buy the club, let alone invest his own money into transfer funds. We definitely can't expect a Roman Abrahamovich situation here. The fact that Glazer will have to take out a loan to purchase the club means that United will be effectively turned into a mortgage laden model. Therefore we are transformed from a club in profit, to a club in debt. Again, while this doesn't pose a problem to the survival of the club, it will definitely have a hard-hitting effect on immediate transfer funds.
Another cause for concern is Glazers' apparent lack of knowledge of the traditions and vast histories of our club. Some reports have claimed that it wasn't Glazer's idea to buy the club, but his sons who are United fans. The fact that Glazer is an experienced sports "owner" and will have little concern for our famous history means that he will use the club solely for profit, exploiting us fans by hiking up ticket prices. Additionally, Glazer (who has very close ties with Sky) may undersell us and give Sky world exclusive rights to our games.
I would like to re-iterate that I in no way claim to know all the details, but only see things as they are portrayed in the public eye. After all, when Glazer bought the Tampa Bay Bucs they were the laughing stock of the league. He hired the right people, who in turn hired the right people to turn the team around. However, if Glazer does have an ulterior motive then as United fans, we all have reason to be concerned.
Saturday, October 02, 2004
Will Middlesborough prove once again to be our bogey team?
After the euphoria of tuesday, it's time for the boys to get back to their bread and butter in the Premiership. I'm sure Fergie will be keen to remind the team of the poor defending from set pieces which led to Fenerbahce's two goals.
Middlesborough had a lot of players out for their UEFA cup match and it is touch and go whether they will make tomorrow's game (or maybe McClaren is keeping his cards close to his chest?). Nevertheless, we should see a return to the United lineup for Ronaldo, and possibly Smith, provided that Fergie opts to rest Rooney (I hope he doesn't!).
For anyone who saw the game, I'm certain they would have acknowledged our central midfield as the weak link of the team. Djemba-Djemba was average and will drop down to the bench. His midfield partner on tuesday, Kleberson, stands a slight chance of starting ahead of O'Shea in midfield, but I wouldn't bet my life savings on it. Although Kleberson whipped in a great cross (with his weaker!) left foot he had a few displaced passes and his lack of effort in tracking back left a lot to be desired.
Despite this, and based on our form, the fact we're at home, Boro's injury list, and their recent set of poor results (they've lost their last 2 Premiership games) I would expect us to take all 3 points.
Middlesborough had a lot of players out for their UEFA cup match and it is touch and go whether they will make tomorrow's game (or maybe McClaren is keeping his cards close to his chest?). Nevertheless, we should see a return to the United lineup for Ronaldo, and possibly Smith, provided that Fergie opts to rest Rooney (I hope he doesn't!).
For anyone who saw the game, I'm certain they would have acknowledged our central midfield as the weak link of the team. Djemba-Djemba was average and will drop down to the bench. His midfield partner on tuesday, Kleberson, stands a slight chance of starting ahead of O'Shea in midfield, but I wouldn't bet my life savings on it. Although Kleberson whipped in a great cross (with his weaker!) left foot he had a few displaced passes and his lack of effort in tracking back left a lot to be desired.
Despite this, and based on our form, the fact we're at home, Boro's injury list, and their recent set of poor results (they've lost their last 2 Premiership games) I would expect us to take all 3 points.
Monday, September 27, 2004
Fenerbahce preview and Rooney set to make debut
Well the moment that United fans have been waiting for : Europes most coveted teenager set to make his debut. Fergie has given little indication as to whether he will start on the bench or on the pitch, but if I was a betting man, I would bet on him being on the bench as Fergie seeks to keep Smith happy.
We should dispatch of Fenerbahce, but at this level its unwise to take anything for granted. Van Hooijdonk will be their greatest threat, but provided that Rio and Mikael's partnership continues to grow, we should be able to contain him. Scholes has been ruled out for 2 weeks, so I would think O'Shea will be lining up alongside Keane. Additionally, G. Neville and Saha are still a week away from full fitness so Brown should continue at right back.
Expect Ronaldo to continue his good form and prove our biggest threat.
We should dispatch of Fenerbahce, but at this level its unwise to take anything for granted. Van Hooijdonk will be their greatest threat, but provided that Rio and Mikael's partnership continues to grow, we should be able to contain him. Scholes has been ruled out for 2 weeks, so I would think O'Shea will be lining up alongside Keane. Additionally, G. Neville and Saha are still a week away from full fitness so Brown should continue at right back.
Expect Ronaldo to continue his good form and prove our biggest threat.
Sunday, September 26, 2004
The best is yet to come from Man Utd
After yesterdays deserved victory over Spurs, things are certainly looking brighter for our lads. Although we won by the one goal, we should have won by more... Bellion (and the linesman who flagged Ruud's goal) being the prime culprits. However, it was great to see a clean sheet... just goes to show how good Rio is.
With Rooney, G. Neville and Saha still to return, I can only conclude we're on the up. We have no choice but to start taking 3 points from our games if we want to catch Arsenal, and personally I think we always play better when we're under pressure and playing catch-up.
Another special mention to Ronaldo, I cannot speak highly enough of this boy. He is a born entertainer and a footballing genius. Fergie has really brought the best out of him because his tricks are now used to beat people (instead of showboating) and we are beginning to see end products from his wizardry. I am certain that one day he will be FIFA world player of the year.
With Rooney, G. Neville and Saha still to return, I can only conclude we're on the up. We have no choice but to start taking 3 points from our games if we want to catch Arsenal, and personally I think we always play better when we're under pressure and playing catch-up.
Another special mention to Ronaldo, I cannot speak highly enough of this boy. He is a born entertainer and a footballing genius. Fergie has really brought the best out of him because his tricks are now used to beat people (instead of showboating) and we are beginning to see end products from his wizardry. I am certain that one day he will be FIFA world player of the year.
Friday, September 24, 2004
Spurs vs Man Utd game Preview (from their perspective)
Today, courtesy of Dal from SpursBlog, we have a special post previewing the upcoming game from a Spurs fan perspective.
Nobody should be in any doubt - this will be a tough game for Santini's 'young team'. Man Utd are still smarting from their early season slumber and are eager to close the gap on Arsenal and Chelsea.
Ferguson has made some astute signings this season, with Heinze and Smith good additions to what was looking like a slightly bare squad. Rooney will not feature in this match, but we all know what he's capable of. The return of Rio, however, will boost Man Utd more than any new signing. Rio's return against Liverpool showed all the signs of him returning to his best and Man Utd will need him to keep that up if they are to seriously challenge Arsenal this year.
So, a tough game ahead for the Reds against one of the three unbeaten London sides. If they are to break this unbeaten run, Rio will have to be at his best to thwart Jermain Defoe, who has to potential to turn the game in an instant. Equally, Ledley King will have his work cut out against Van Nistelrooy. The key battle I see is down the Utd right and Spurs left, where Ronaldo (who is on fire at the moment) will come up against one of Spurs' best players so far this season, Edman. If Atouba is fit (he is doubtful), Spurs should have good cover on the left, but without him, Ronaldo may just get some joy. Having said all this, the midweek 6-0 win against Oldham will have buoyed Spurs and I see them running out winners by the odd goal - we're due a win against the Mancs!
Nobody should be in any doubt - this will be a tough game for Santini's 'young team'. Man Utd are still smarting from their early season slumber and are eager to close the gap on Arsenal and Chelsea.
Ferguson has made some astute signings this season, with Heinze and Smith good additions to what was looking like a slightly bare squad. Rooney will not feature in this match, but we all know what he's capable of. The return of Rio, however, will boost Man Utd more than any new signing. Rio's return against Liverpool showed all the signs of him returning to his best and Man Utd will need him to keep that up if they are to seriously challenge Arsenal this year.
So, a tough game ahead for the Reds against one of the three unbeaten London sides. If they are to break this unbeaten run, Rio will have to be at his best to thwart Jermain Defoe, who has to potential to turn the game in an instant. Equally, Ledley King will have his work cut out against Van Nistelrooy. The key battle I see is down the Utd right and Spurs left, where Ronaldo (who is on fire at the moment) will come up against one of Spurs' best players so far this season, Edman. If Atouba is fit (he is doubtful), Spurs should have good cover on the left, but without him, Ronaldo may just get some joy. Having said all this, the midweek 6-0 win against Oldham will have buoyed Spurs and I see them running out winners by the odd goal - we're due a win against the Mancs!
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
Congratulations to Giggs and Moaninho
I forgot to mention yesterday, that it was Giggs' 600th appearance for Man Utd, putting him only behind Sir Bobby and Bill Foulkes. Congratulations Giggsy, hopefully theres a few more appearances still to come.
In other news roundup, it annoyed me greatly the other day to see Moron-inho having a dig at Spurs for "parking their team bus" in front of the goal. Talk about double standards; remember how you put 10 men behind the ball when you played us in the Champions League last year? The arrogance of this man will be his downfall. Congratulations Mourinho, you've just made yourself the most loathed manager in the country.
In other news roundup, it annoyed me greatly the other day to see Moron-inho having a dig at Spurs for "parking their team bus" in front of the goal. Talk about double standards; remember how you put 10 men behind the ball when you played us in the Champions League last year? The arrogance of this man will be his downfall. Congratulations Mourinho, you've just made yourself the most loathed manager in the country.
Monday, September 20, 2004
Hopefully this excellent win over Liverpool will kickstart our season
Even for the most pessimistic of Man Utd fans who watched the game, some optimism will restored after this 2-1 win. Keane was back to his dynamic self, marshalling the midfield and getting in some timely tackles (except for that one foul on Finnan). Heinze was awesome, putting in some crunching challenges and getting forward at every opportunity. Rio looked liked he'd never been out (bar the mid-game energy snack!) and kept the Liverpool forwards' chances to a minimum.
The plaudits however, must goto Cristiano Ronaldo. Every time he got the ball, the Liverpool defenders backed off or double (or even triple) teamed him. I highlighted in my previous article how the wingers would win the game for us, and it was two crosses by Giggs for Silvestre that led to the goals. Additionally, this will do the world of good of Silvestre. He still made a few errors during the game, but having a regular partner in the centre of defence will definitely help his cause.
Put simply, it would have been a travesty if we had lost this game. We dominated, created the lions share of the chances and looked far more positive than Liverpool's counter-attacking style. This performance certainly bodes well for our next few games, and just goes to show that when we have a full squad ready for action, we will be back to our best.
It's a shame that Gerrard's injury is a lengthy one (6-8 weeks if you haven't heard) because now he will miss the England vs Wales game. Although he was subdued by the tidy performances by Scholes, Keane and O'Shea, he still remains an important player for Liverpool and England.
The plaudits however, must goto Cristiano Ronaldo. Every time he got the ball, the Liverpool defenders backed off or double (or even triple) teamed him. I highlighted in my previous article how the wingers would win the game for us, and it was two crosses by Giggs for Silvestre that led to the goals. Additionally, this will do the world of good of Silvestre. He still made a few errors during the game, but having a regular partner in the centre of defence will definitely help his cause.
Put simply, it would have been a travesty if we had lost this game. We dominated, created the lions share of the chances and looked far more positive than Liverpool's counter-attacking style. This performance certainly bodes well for our next few games, and just goes to show that when we have a full squad ready for action, we will be back to our best.
It's a shame that Gerrard's injury is a lengthy one (6-8 weeks if you haven't heard) because now he will miss the England vs Wales game. Although he was subdued by the tidy performances by Scholes, Keane and O'Shea, he still remains an important player for Liverpool and England.
Sunday, September 19, 2004
Good idea to throw Rio straight back into action against Liverpool?
To be honest, I think Fergie has been left no choice on the matter. Even though Rio is desperately short of match fitness, the terrible form of Silvestre probably made the decision for him. Nevertheless, it's good to have Rio back. He's one of the best centre-halves in the world and was showing fantastic form before he was banned. His focus and dedication to the cause has been highlighted by Fergie, who stated that he only ever missed training on 5 occasions during the ban, and those were because of the court cases.
I will take a stance of 'cautious optimism' for tomorrows game against Liverpool. Fresh, from their victory against Monaco in mid-week, Liverpool always seem to raise their game against us, and their talismanic midfielder Gerrard will prove a thorn in our side unless Keane and Scholes (or Fletcher and Djemba if they're playing) are on top of their game.
The way I see us winning this game will be to utilise our wide players. Ronaldo and Giggs will most likely make mince-meat out of their respective opponents Riise and Finnan, and hopefully Ruud will bring his good form against Lyon into this game to get on the end of any crosses that come his way. Additionally, I hope John O'Shea gets the nod over Phil Neville for the right back spot because his marauding runs forward will be necessary to keep Riise in his own half and also to keep Kewell at bay.
I'm sure our players are perfectly aware that a win tomorrow could well be the tonic we need to kickstart our season. C'mon United!!
I will take a stance of 'cautious optimism' for tomorrows game against Liverpool. Fresh, from their victory against Monaco in mid-week, Liverpool always seem to raise their game against us, and their talismanic midfielder Gerrard will prove a thorn in our side unless Keane and Scholes (or Fletcher and Djemba if they're playing) are on top of their game.
The way I see us winning this game will be to utilise our wide players. Ronaldo and Giggs will most likely make mince-meat out of their respective opponents Riise and Finnan, and hopefully Ruud will bring his good form against Lyon into this game to get on the end of any crosses that come his way. Additionally, I hope John O'Shea gets the nod over Phil Neville for the right back spot because his marauding runs forward will be necessary to keep Riise in his own half and also to keep Kewell at bay.
I'm sure our players are perfectly aware that a win tomorrow could well be the tonic we need to kickstart our season. C'mon United!!
Thursday, September 16, 2004
Ruud shows United fans exactly what they've been missing
Bar the optimists amongst us, like the majority of United fans at half-time last night, I was feeling pretty dejected. Our passing in the first half had been atrocious, Howard produced another howler, and Silvestre was putting in another poor performance.
However Ruud got us out of jail. In typical predatory fashion, he buried the two chances he was given, and also shattered Law's record of European goals (30 goals in 32 games now - an incredible ratio). Damn, its good to have Ruud back.
I think now is the time to take Silvestre out the team and just give him some time on the bench to clear his head. He keeps making far too many mistakes (one terrible cross field pass to a teammate in his own half springs to mind) and he was responsible for their second goal (poor positioning). Another option would be to swap the positions of Heinze and Silvestre, but we'd have to be careful there since Gabriel doesn't speak any English yet.
A 2-2 in all is a very good result from our perspective. Lyon are going to be the main contenders with us to win this group and so to deprive them of 2 points at their stadium can only be seen as a good nights work.
However Ruud got us out of jail. In typical predatory fashion, he buried the two chances he was given, and also shattered Law's record of European goals (30 goals in 32 games now - an incredible ratio). Damn, its good to have Ruud back.
I think now is the time to take Silvestre out the team and just give him some time on the bench to clear his head. He keeps making far too many mistakes (one terrible cross field pass to a teammate in his own half springs to mind) and he was responsible for their second goal (poor positioning). Another option would be to swap the positions of Heinze and Silvestre, but we'd have to be careful there since Gabriel doesn't speak any English yet.
A 2-2 in all is a very good result from our perspective. Lyon are going to be the main contenders with us to win this group and so to deprive them of 2 points at their stadium can only be seen as a good nights work.
Tuesday, September 14, 2004
Congrats to Arsenal and Chelsea, now for us to do England proud
All in all, its been a good night for English football. Arsenal survived a late scare against PSV Eindhoven to hold on for a 1-0 home win whilst Chelsea secured an easy win over Paris St. Germain.
Tomorrow's test against Lyon won't be an easy one. Thankfully they have top scorer Elber out with injury and so we'll be facing ex-gunner Wiltord. We now have Ruud coming back to match fitness and O'Shea is also back from his injury. Hopefully he'll play at right back, instead of P. Neville who looked a bit out of sorts against Bolton. Fergie has already stated that he'll play Howard, and I'm glad of this because even though he's made a couple of mistakes this term already, I still think he's a class keeper.
In other news, Keane has been accused of assaulting a teenager, lets hope he's innocent of any wrongdoing...
Tomorrow's test against Lyon won't be an easy one. Thankfully they have top scorer Elber out with injury and so we'll be facing ex-gunner Wiltord. We now have Ruud coming back to match fitness and O'Shea is also back from his injury. Hopefully he'll play at right back, instead of P. Neville who looked a bit out of sorts against Bolton. Fergie has already stated that he'll play Howard, and I'm glad of this because even though he's made a couple of mistakes this term already, I still think he's a class keeper.
In other news, Keane has been accused of assaulting a teenager, lets hope he's innocent of any wrongdoing...
Sunday, September 12, 2004
Not the end of the world after Bolton 'debacle'
Seems that many United fans have the knives out and hear the knells chiming in the background. Sure many expected us to beat Bolton, but we have to understand that Bolton are no longer a club struggling for relegation, they are a solid, hard working and talented premiership side, so it doesn't come with much surprise that we struggled to get the point yesterday.
I will admit that we haven't had the best of starts, and although we've only lost once, we've drawn far too many and already seen Arsenal open up an "unassailable" (according to some people) lead in the title race. It's a daunting task, but one I believe our boys are up to the task of facing. When we get Rio, G. Neville and Rooney back and Ruud back to match fitness, we will then see the true United. If come the end of the season, we finish outside a champions league spot, then perhaps we can start asking questions of the players and the manager, but up until now, all we can do is sit tight and get behind the players.
I will admit that we haven't had the best of starts, and although we've only lost once, we've drawn far too many and already seen Arsenal open up an "unassailable" (according to some people) lead in the title race. It's a daunting task, but one I believe our boys are up to the task of facing. When we get Rio, G. Neville and Rooney back and Ruud back to match fitness, we will then see the true United. If come the end of the season, we finish outside a champions league spot, then perhaps we can start asking questions of the players and the manager, but up until now, all we can do is sit tight and get behind the players.
Saturday, September 11, 2004
UEFA plan to encourage homegrown players bodes well for United
About time something like this happened. Whilst it doesn't really affect United too much, since our team has a large percentage of homegrown and English-born players, it doesn't bode well for the likes of Bolton, Arsenal etc.
The plan is to restrict squad sizes to 25 players, and four of these must be products of the club's youth system and a further four trained in the same country. Personally, I think that is excellent news for the England national team, because it would encourage clubs to play homegrown talent.
Some may argue that if homegrown talent is good enough, then they will be able to get into the team ahead of foreigners. Thats a fair point, but homegrown players must be played in the team to further their football education. If clubs look for a quickfix solution abroad, instead of investing the time required to nurture a youth player, then we stifle the growth of that player and his true potential is never realised.
The plan is to restrict squad sizes to 25 players, and four of these must be products of the club's youth system and a further four trained in the same country. Personally, I think that is excellent news for the England national team, because it would encourage clubs to play homegrown talent.
Some may argue that if homegrown talent is good enough, then they will be able to get into the team ahead of foreigners. Thats a fair point, but homegrown players must be played in the team to further their football education. If clubs look for a quickfix solution abroad, instead of investing the time required to nurture a youth player, then we stifle the growth of that player and his true potential is never realised.
Tuesday, September 07, 2004
Heinze (finally) in Manchester
Well he took his time, but finally he's arrived at Old Trafford to help United's league conquest. I'm sure a few United fans have their reservations about Gabriel after the Olympics saga and his apparent lack of commitment to the cause, but to be fair to the lad, if you've been called up for your country, then I guess you really got to go. Declining Argentina would probably harm his chances for playing in the full strength international team.
Anyway, I digress. England's next game against Poland is a must win situation after the disastrous last 20 minutes against Austria. Hopefully Sven's men can put something right here and in addition i hope that Sven will do the right thing and DROP BECKHAM. I haven't seen him have a good game in ages, a thought echoed by Mark Butcher. As Butcher rightly states, Beckham and Owen are untouchables in the squad, and this should not be the case. If they are playing poorly, then they should be dropped - its as simple as that!
Anyway, I digress. England's next game against Poland is a must win situation after the disastrous last 20 minutes against Austria. Hopefully Sven's men can put something right here and in addition i hope that Sven will do the right thing and DROP BECKHAM. I haven't seen him have a good game in ages, a thought echoed by Mark Butcher. As Butcher rightly states, Beckham and Owen are untouchables in the squad, and this should not be the case. If they are playing poorly, then they should be dropped - its as simple as that!
Sunday, September 05, 2004
Another lacklustre performance... and Ronaldo comes up trumps for Portugal
Oh dear, another error by calamity James has cost England a win. Why wasn't Robinson starting? James has had his chance, and he keeps blowing it again and again but still manages to keep his place. I know this is a qualifying game and that Sven doesn't want to risk new players, but we can't afford to keep giving cheap goals away. Also, Owen had a disastrous game (as expected) so why was Smith taken off in place of Defoe? Surely Owen should have come off, and he should have come off earlier. Additionally, Bridge was largely ineffective and should have been replaced at half-time for Wright-Phillips.
Portugal were the other team to annoy me yesterday... they played a 80% fit Ronaldo (who may I remind you had a chance of damaging his hernia by playing). If he gets injured, then he would be out for at least a month and then who has the pay the price? That's right, the people who pay his wages... its so frustrating because we really can't afford too many more injuries with the bare bones squad we have right now. As the Sunday Times rightly put it "Ronaldo seems to be playing more for Portugal than Man Utd these days"....
Portugal were the other team to annoy me yesterday... they played a 80% fit Ronaldo (who may I remind you had a chance of damaging his hernia by playing). If he gets injured, then he would be out for at least a month and then who has the pay the price? That's right, the people who pay his wages... its so frustrating because we really can't afford too many more injuries with the bare bones squad we have right now. As the Sunday Times rightly put it "Ronaldo seems to be playing more for Portugal than Man Utd these days"....
Thursday, September 02, 2004
Man United's England contingent is less than Tottenham Hotspur :)
Well the two World Cup qualifiers against Austria and Poland are just around the corner, and here's what i *hope* the starting XI will be:
GK: Robinson (will most likely be james though)
DF: (right-->left) G.Neville, Terry, King, Cole
MF: (right-->left) Beckham, Lampard, Gerrard, Wright-Phillips
SC: Defoe, Smith
United's representation is pretty meagre due to various injuries and suspensions but I can only see that as a good thing :) Spurs will have a quite representation, and rightly so. Some of their recent signings have been very smart and they look like a team on the up. Based purely on form, I think Defoe should partner Smith up front - I think they could work very well together with Smith's strength and aerial ability coupled with Defoe's pace, dribbling ability and eye for goal. I'm hoping our prodigal son Beckham will get back to the form we know he is capable of. I would like to see him hitting the corner flag more often and whipping in those famous crosses... I still remember those two beauties he sent in for Yorkie to head home against Inter... ah nostalgia....
I would also like to give a quick mention about Shaun Wright-Phillips - i know hes a blue, but i think he could be the man to answer the problematic left sided position. He's pretty damn quick and has good dribbling ability (directness is something lacking in the england team).
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