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Monday, April 30, 2007

Manchester United the rollercoaster!

Good morning fellow United fans and what a great morning it is too. Is the premiership the best league in the world or what? At one point we were 2-0 down, with Chelsea leading 2-1 and we were going to have to play Chelsea at the bridge for the title. Then Our boys pulled yet another performance out of the bag, Chelsea conceded a goal and it’s 4-2 to us, Chelsea draw and we are 5 points clear with 3 games to go.

It’s at this point of the season that more emotion is spilled than any other. I think it’s partly because we all know that the season is drawing near, it’s been a long hard road and suddenly it’s make or break for everything. Of course winning the silverware is important, we’ve smelt it for so long but it’s so close now that you can almost taste it.

At the back of my mind I know that this summer will be long with no football to watch. My hope is that we are celebrating a host of trophies under our illustrious manager. When the dust settles and we are kicking our heals, this blog will resort back to the Man Utd transfer rumour blog reporting every little bit of gossip I can get my hands on, remember the Carrick and Van Nistelrooy saga?

But let’s not think about that now, we still have a few games left of this season, one of the most important being Wednesday’s visit to Milan. Vidic will have a scan today that will determine whether or not he can play in the game, oh how we need him. Ferguson said that he was trying his best to get Rio back, perhaps the gap in the Premiership will give him a little breathing space to make that decision.

We hold a 3-2 lead. That second away goal is the crucial one for them. A 1-0 result would send Milan through and us going home wondering what might have been! However this season seems different. Could you imagine this team coming back from 2-0 down away from home last season? Could you picture us driving on from 2-1 down against a team like Milan and then scoring a winner in injury time?

Wednesday will be tough, but we have shown time and time again this season that no matter how up against it we are, we can mix it with the best. This season promises many more ups and downs before Man Utd rollercoaster pulls into the station!

Friday, April 27, 2007

Ferguson is a masterclass, but then we already knew that!

Alex Ferguson has again proven his qualities as a first class manager. Whilst Mourinho seems to be attacking all contemporaries within the game, Ferguson in contrast is remaining noticeably under the radar. We have seen this scenario before, does anybody remember 1996?

Why Mourinho calls himself the special one I have no idea. Somebody on the forum has created a great poll, visit and vote here. For me the guy has no class, no style and ultimately will end up isolating himself from most people in football. In a way what he is doing is clever, he is diverting attention onto himself and away from the team, but there is only so much that one guy can take, are we witnessing the self destruction of a man that is so close yet so far?.. probably not, but it would be funny!

I found this Sun article quite amusing.

In transfer news, apparently we are in for Defoe, who is currently unhappy at Tottenham. For me I think Defoe would represent and excellent coup, should Tottenham be interested in a part exchange with someone like Kieren Richardson. My only issue with this would be his size, the same issues were considered on this blog months ago when we were debating the arrival of Carlos Tevez.

One other issue that has seemingly been under reported is the rise in ticket prices for next year. The Glazers have decided to raise gate prices by around 12% for next season. This angers me somewhat, especially in light of a huge new pay deal that is worth approximately an extra £30 per seat. We are in serious danger of alienating the true fans of Manchester United and instead turning Old Trafford into a corporate arena, full of people who don’t sing and don’t care. The building of the quadrants was the first step in this process; raising prices will only further this course of events.

Okay rant over, let’s look at today’s fixtures. We face an away trip to Everton. This is never an easy game, but the boys know what they have to do. Rooney is scoring goals now and Ronaldo is in sparkling form as ever, it’s down to our defence. If we can beat AC Milan then surely we can do it against Everton in what is arguably an equally important fixture! Let’s hope we win by a penalty!

Chelsea host a Bolton side that could have as many as 6 first team players out. I think Chelsea will win this one at the bridge, but it would be great if they lost in the dying minutes with a penalty gifted to Bolton for a Gary Speed dive!

The pressure is relentless now. Every game is a step closer to the title. Our boys know what is at stake and we have the best man guiding the ship. One love One United!

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Man Utd V Milan match highlights and review

It was one of those fairy tale games that only United can provide. We scored first and early, but somehow you just knew this wasn’t the end of it. 2 fabulous goals by Kaka made it 2-1, our patched up defence looked as though they had lost it for us. But then came the fightback!

United showed spirit and determination, the players seemed experienced beyond their years. 2-1 down against such a great team was not an issue, the goals would come and they just knew this fixture would go their way. They never stopped believing!

All the talk this week has surrounded Ronaldo, but for me this was Rooney’s night. He scored the second and then the third in jury time was a marvel. It could well be the goal that takes us through. Don’t get me wrong there is still much to do, but with the likes of Rooney and Ronaldo, why shouldn’t we be confident?

I’m sure that I have said this before, but something seems different this year. Whenever it looks like it is all over we are given a reprieve. Last night was one of those times as was the Chelsea result on Sunday. We are still alive and still fighting. Let’s see how tonights game goes between Chelsea and Liverpool, who would you want to see in the final, should we get there?



Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Manchester United V AC milan match preview

Tonight is the big one. Nothing less than a win will suffice as we look to book our place in the final of the Champions league. We face a Milan side that rested a lot of its major stars over the weekend whilst we have a squad that has only 10 first team players fully fit. United always have injury problems at some point in the season, it is how we deal with it that will determine our season.

Ferguson said it again on Saturday “we like to make things difficult for ourselves and do it the hard way” and it looks like this season will be no different. With the likes of Ferdinand, Vidic and Neville out for both ties, we will be relying heavily on our attacking options to seek a breakthrough. Can they do it?

For the first time this season I was gloomy before the Roma game at Old Trafford I could see as drawing 1-1 with them equalising in the last minute, but how wrong was I? Perhaps it would be a good omen if I were to suggest the same again? I think we all now that the Roma result was a freak, we played outstandingly well and Roma just never closed us down. Tonight promises to be equally spectacular however.

With no first team defence to speak of, the red devils will look to play the kind of football the South Americans like to play. You score 1 and we’ll score 2. I expect us to try and play as much of the game as possible passing, moving and attacking. There will inevitably be gaps at the back, but I think our attacking players will be able to run Milan’s’ ageing defence to pieces. Kaka will be on form and how we deal with him could well be the determining factor.

What happened at the weekend? Drawing against Middlesbrough at home? It threw my predictions straight out of the window. Jose was moaning that the referees are all supporting Manchester United all because his team couldn’t capitalise on our slip up. What about all those goals your team has scored when the whistle should have gone minutes ago Mourinho? I guess we don’t mention those. That draw could well have cost him the title, remember they still need to go to the Emirates.

In transfer news, it seems that Torres was photographed with the slogan “you’ll never walk alone on his captains’ armband. This slogan as many will know is synonymous with Liverpool. Could this be a sign that he would rather move to Liverpool than Man Utd? To be honest I think a move to Liverpool would suit the Spaniard and would make more sense. To me, he is not an essential purchase, more a luxury should we wish to add him to our ranks. There are other striking options that we should be considering, Rossi, Huntelaar, Berbatov all spring to mind!

Well that’s it from me for today. Roll on tonight and I’ll be back tomorrow to gloat or wallow!

Thursday, April 19, 2007

Agent's Score predictions for the run-in!

Chelsea thumped West Ham last night 4-1 to reduce our lead to 3 points again. To be honest I always said they would win that one with few problems, just as I expected us to beat Sheffield United. The key to the premiership are the remaining fixtures as I’m sure you can imagine.

Let’s look at the remaining games. Next we are home to Middlesbrough. I think this should be a victory for us, especially as we are playing them at home. Expect lots more moaning from Southgate about Ronaldo. 3-1 to us. Chelsea travel to Newcastle this weekend and I can’t see them dropping points there, 2-0 to Chelsea.

The following week (forget about the champions league for a second, yes I know that’s very difficult!) we face Everton away. I would say this is our second most difficult fixture. I see it being quite a high scorer and we will probably concede first. I say 2-1 to us., but it could be a draw. Chelsea will face Bolton that weekend, they will be at home and it has 1-0 Chelsea written all over it!

We then travel to Man City. We will win this one 3-0 no problems! Here is the killer, Chelsea must travel to the Emirates to face and Arsenal side who have rediscovered their scoring form in the past couple of games. I honestly think that this one is Arsenals. If not it will be a draw.

The penultimate game comes next with us facing Chelsea. This is a crucial game for both sides, but I can see a draw for this one. We might get lucky and nick one, but it will be a cagey one with both teams conscious not to concede. Of course a lot depends on the points difference by this point. If Chelsea are 6 behind by then, they will have already lost the title and so it may be a non starter. I’ll go 1-1 again

Then we face West Ham. I think that this one is ours, 3-0. Chelsea will face Everton at home and I’ll go for a 2-0 Chelsea. There is a lot still to play for, but I honestly think that we have the easier run-in. If we keep focussed then we can do this. Let’s bring home some silverware.

Do you agree with my predictions? Please feel free to let me know if you don’t (or if you do) and leave a comment.

Monday, April 16, 2007

Manchester United 4 Watford 1 review and highlights

11 goals in 2 games can’t be bad, can it? The weekend game against Watford yet again allowed Manchester United to show off their offensive prowess. The new look formation with Giggs, Rooney, Ronaldo and Smith all working in a rotating format seems to be working like a dream. The only worry is Ferdinand, who limped off with a worrying groin injury. We hope that he will be fit for the weekend trip to Middlesbrough.

Darren Fletcher deserves the praise he is getting at the moment. To fill in at right-back, a position I don’t think I have ever seen him play was brilliant. It seems at the moment, no matter how many injuries we have, there is always another player who can step up and do the job. Yes we will need our key men back for games against Chelsea, but I have faith that our fringe players can hold us together.

Did anybody watch match of the day 2 last night? They are so biased on that program. It’s always ex Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea players on the show, who always seem to think that a team other than United will win competitions. The best was last night when Peacock decided that Chelsea would win all three ties against United and take both cups. His reason? They have match winners all over the pitch. Erm Scholes, Rooney, Giggs Ronaldo and even Carrick and Smith anyone? I don’t think its gonna be that easy Gavin. Well to be fair to the old chap, he was only ever a runner up in the FA cup with Chelsea.

Smith, what a revelation he has been for us in his 2 starts. He adds something new to the team. A fight a vigour and a real cutting edge. He can play that killer through-ball, he can hold it up, allowing time for the likes of Ronaldo and Rooney to join the attack, he can roam like the 2 R’s and Giggs and he can shoot. For me, he has been the reason we have scored 11 in 2, he was involved in 3 of the 4 goals this weekend.

Ronaldo had a quiet day on Saturday…. Still scored a goal though! Rooney was scintillating which was refreshing. The new formation seems to allow him much more space and time for the little flicks and passes that he so loves. His first goal was class, it’s great to see him finding form again and at the right end of the season.

Well ladies and gentleman. That’s enough from me, Tuesday sees us face Sheffield United, we must keep the pressure on, we can’t let Chelsea get any closer.

Here are the highlights of the game against Watford. Enjoy!

Friday, April 13, 2007

Ronaldo signs new 5 year deal!

Ronaldo today committed his future to Manchester United, extending his contract until 2012. Ronaldo announced
"I am delighted. I spoke with Sir Alex Ferguson about my future and everyone knew that I wanted to stay, "
I am very happy at the club and I want to win trophies and hopefully we will do that this season."

This could not have come at a better time for us as the season hots up with United still on for the treble. It will allow the team to focus and build a squad around key players such as Rooney and Ronaldo.

At least it gives the papers one less player to talk about. What do you have to say about that Madrid?

Thursday, April 12, 2007

Manchester United to face AC Milan in the semi finals

So it looks like we’re facing Milan in the semi finals. They did well to get a 2-0 result in Munich, but facing United promises to be a whole new proposition. 2 years ago we lost both ties 1-0 against the mighty AC, back then the likes of Rooney and Ronaldo were mere whippersnappers. This time around it promises to be a completely different affair. Whilst our boys are maturing all the time, Milan’s players are edging closer to the pension queue. How old is Maldini now? Must be at least 58! Good luck facing Ronaldo.

I seem in a defiant mood this morning. I feel as though we will beat anyone put in front of us. I scratch my head and wonder why, then the light bulb comes on, we just beat Roma, second in the league 7-1. Yes it’s true we shouldn’t dwell on this result for too long, we must look forward and prepare for the next game showing as much respect to our opposition as we did previously. But we can still gloat and wallow in our own success, for a couple more days at least. Just to revel a little more Marlowe has found this excellent little video dubbed the “7-1 Charts” watch and enjoy!



One thing is definite… There will be an English team in the final for the third year in succession. Whilst I am not one of those people that wants all British teams to do well in Europe (the thought of spurring Liverpool on, makes me feel quite nauseous) it does show just how strong the Premiership is. Year on year we produce teams that other European clubs dread to face. We are strong, fast and difficult to break down. Tuesday was a prime example of that. You can guarantee that Milan will not be looking forward too visiting Old Trafford in 2 weeks time.

In transfer news it seems that the Munich have softened their stance on keeping Hargreaves, They have said that a bid of between £17 and £20 million would be enough to let him go. To be honest we all knew it was going to happen. He will be down to 3 years left on his contract and Bayern will want to cash in whilst he still has value. It’s hardly groundbreaking stuff!

The weekend brings Watford, let’s hope we can continue on our run and keep up the fight on 3 fronts. One love One United!

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Manchester United V Roma match review and highlights

Well boys and girls, could you ever have wished for a more scintillating performance? I have to be honest I was nervous before the game. I could see us grabbing an early goal and then sitting back, only for them to equalise in the last minute…. I couldn’t have been wrong. 7-1.. yes 7-1 the players couldn’t have rewarded those fans that were mixed up in the violence a week ago any better way. It will have been a long walk home back to Rome!

It was a night when United were truly back to their best. Carrick and Ronaldo both grabbed a brace and it was fantastic to see Smith get on the scoresheet. I truly feel that his enthusiasm and determination lifted the team to produce such a miraculous performance. Other goals from Rooney and Evra rounded of Champions league history. Roma looked like a 1st division side such was our pace and accuracy.

Marlowe… I’ve just read your comment on the forum about me not posting on the blog since our defeat to Pompey at the weekend… very amusing. I have to admit it had put a dampener on my usually overly optimistic outlook for the season, but last night reminded me as to why I am a United fan and why I love my team so much. I don’t think we have anything to worry about, we still have the advantage in the league and have our place booked in the semi finals of the champions league and FA cup. Dare we mutter the words treble at this point?

Let’s look forward to Watford and then to Sheffield United in the league. All games are must win from her on in. I think it’s all going to come right down to the wire.

Thursday, April 05, 2007

Roma V MAnchester United Match review.

Last night was a heated affair and this morning our thoughts should be with those innocent fans that were brutally attacked by Italian riot police. Yes there were some Manchester United fans who stupidly reacted to provocation from the Roma crowd, but repeatedly beating women, children and old men cannot be tolerated. There were images of broadcast across the world of police acting in a barbaric fashion, beating fans that were lying unconscious on the floor. At one point senior officer were holding back other officers to stop their thirst for Mancunian blood. The authorities in Europe could learn a lot from UK police on how to deal with the crowds. Every time I go to Old Trafford there is little police presence within the ground and very rarely any trouble. In my opinion riot police promote a hostile environment.

Ok rant over for now, so what about the game. First off, and I don’t often say this, Paul Scholes was stupid. He was flying in all over the shop with rash tackles and deserved to be sent off. It was his actions that landed us with a defeat in my opinion. The rest of the team were magnificent. Ronaldo was sublime, ran the show and provided us with an outlet to attack.

Rooney’s goal was superb. For a player struggling to find his best form, his composure and touch to give us real hope was incredible. I was saying last night, 2-1 is better than 1-0. I think we will be fine at Old Trafford. We always create and nearly always score.

We certainly missed Vidic last night. I am sure with him and Rio at the back we wouldn’t have conceded 2 goals, but that is the game of football. We take the highs with the lows. So there is no need to worry, the red army goes marching on, a little battered and a couple of soldier down, but I have no doubt we can march over the finishing line!