Manchester United Thread

Re: Manchester United Supporters Thread - Owen wants move!

Just watched our game against Clyde FC. And we came out of it with a lot of positives and a few negatives.
The negatives were that Ronaldo and the Nevilles werent playing cuz apparently they had slight injuries which Sir Alex said shouldnt be a problem. And the main one was Howard. He still seems to be messing up at the back for example at one point he received a pass from one of our defenders which he almost let into the goal cuz he seemed to panic when opposing striker put pressure on him.
The positives were that 22 players got to play. We had 11 players in the first half which included Park, Van Der Sar, Rossi, Saha, Kleberson, Rio, Pique, Richardson, Mcshane, Fletcher and Jones. And then another 11 in the second half who were, Howard, Ruud, Rooney, Giggs, Scholes, Smith, Miller, Bardsley, Silvestre, Eckersley and O’Shea.
In the first half, Rio got a lot of boos everytime he touched the ball which is worrying. Imagine the reception he'd get at Old Trafford is the first thing that came to my mind. And it seemed to put him off during the game. Pique had a better game than Rio IMO. Park played ok. He seems to like to short pass often instead of going for the cross when he's on the wing which IMO would be good for guys like Rooney or Scholes who make late runs into the box (sadly, Rooney and Scholes played in the other half). We didnt get enough of Park to actually judge him so I'm not sure how he'll turn out. Van Der Sar didnt get much to do but still looked very lively and confident which was the exact opposite of Howard in the second half. Rossi played ok and I really think he'd benefit from a loan to another club. He should the confidence when playing with/against the big boys and showed that he has what it takes to step up from the reserves.
The most shocking thing in the second half was that Smith was playing in Keano's position. He even wore the number 4 which is a very defender/DM like number. He wasnt as good as Keano but did the job well and probably could play there for us when Keane isnt. I thought Miller played a lot better and also got on the scoresheet. But I still think he should be sold cuz we need the money. Ruud was very sharp and run with the ball quite a lot taking on defenders. At one point he took on 2/3 defenders and almost recreated the Fulham goal but he tried to go around the keeper too who fouled him which lead to the penalty. But its good to see he's doing that. I felt thats something thats always missing from Ruud's game.
Rooney and Scholes were worth the ticket. Their passing made it worht while to watch the game. They did some amazing long balls into the box which created 1 or 2 goals.

Overall, it was good day for the team. Ruud getting on the scoresheet is great for him cuz he needs to build up that momentum he once had where we could go into a game knowing that he's definately gonna score. Van Der Sar is looking good. Scholes, although a year older, looks the same. Rooney was good to see, he even showed off a little.

We now have another friendly on Tuesday before the team fly off to the Far East on Thursday. Everythings looking good so far.
 
Re: Manchester United Supporters Thread - Owen wants move!

Ferguson weighs into fixture row
Sir Alex Ferguson
Ferguson believes Man Utd can mount a title challenge this season
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho's criticism of Arsenal.

Mourinho claims Chelsea have had a rough deal from the game's governing bodies compared to the Highbury outfit, notably over fixture list allocation.

Ferguson said: "Mourinho's dead right, by the way. You look at the fixtures Arsenal have after European games - it has been going on for years.
 
Re: Manchester United Supporters Thread - Owen wants move!

Did you hear the boo's after Rio's every touch? he took some right stick!
 
Re: Manchester United Supporters Thread - Owen wants move!

Rune - How did u watch the match? Do you think they'll post highlights on the MUTV web service? I hope they will for the Asia tour, more or less the reason I signed up.
(can't get the channel, not in the uK)
 
Re: Manchester United Supporters Thread - Owen wants move!

they were showing the goals all day on Sky sports news yesterday!
 
Re: Manchester United Supporters Thread - Owen wants move!

What club did you support growing up?
Manchester United

What are your aims this season?
I want to do whatever it takes to win another Major League Soccer championship.

Where do you see yourself [playing] in 2010?
By 2010, I want to be playing in England.

Who is the most difficult opponent you have played against?
The U-20 Argentina National Team.

Who is the most skilful player you have played with?
Jaime Moreno

If you could change one thing about football what would it be?
I'd create a less stringent offside rule to allow for more goals to be scored.

What is your opinion on the youth system in your country?
The youth system in the United States improves every year. Between the ODP program, the residency program and MLS teams expanding their youth systems, there are many opportunities for good players to be discovered and grow.

Are young players able to get a fair chance to impress?
Right now, it depends on the circumstances.

What would your best piece of advice be for young footballers?
Keep playing. Success isn't easy.

What would you say your strengths and weaknesses in football are?
My strength is running at defenders and creating scoring chances for my team-mates. I still need to improve all aspects of my game, however.

Describe what type of footballer you are in three words?
Explosive. Flashy. Fun.

What would you say your best position is?
Attacking midfield.

Who would you say is your biggest influence in the game?
Pele.

Have you achieved any international honours?
I've played in both the U-17 and U-20 World Cups.

Does speculation bother you?
Not at all. I just play the game I love.

Did you captain a school team? Do you excel at any other sports?
I only played on a school soccer team one year, when I was a freshman in high school. I'm a pretty good golfer.

Which of these options motivates you more, money or medals?
Medals, but, more than anything, I just want to be the best player that I can be.

Who will win the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany?
France.

What car do you drive?
I don't have a car of my own yet. I was just approved for a learner's permit.

Interview with Adu
 
Re: Manchester United Supporters Thread - Owen wants move!

Rune, how did Kleb play? I read that he's desprate to leave.
 
Re: Manchester United Supporters Thread - Owen wants move!

jamie_mack said:
Did you hear the boo's after Rio's every touch? he took some right stick!
It was pretty worrying cuz they had very small crowd yet they still made a lot of noise everytime Rio touched the ball. Imagine whats gonna happen at Old Trafford. The fans are gonna kill him!

Sulph said:
What car do you drive?
I don't have a car of my own yet. I was just approved for a learner's permit.

Interview with Adu
:lol:

lumlum said:
Rune, how did Kleb play? I read that he's desprate to leave.
It was just like any other game for Kleberson. Nothing special. But I'm still hoping he can develop into a good player. He's just getting a lack of games which is hurting his development IMO.

The thing that surprised me the most was that Smith played as a DM and I dont think he even stepped a foot in the oppositions box so it looks like Sir Alex is maybe hoping to turn Smith into Keano's long term replacement.

We have another friendly on Tuesday. It'll be interesting to see the line up for that match.
 
Re: Manchester United Supporters Thread - Owen wants move!

I agree with your thoughts on Kleberson. Smith is very tenacious, and he tackles pretty good too.
 
Re: Manchester United Supporters Thread - Owen wants move!

dunno if this is allowed here but u guys can dl the game manu vs clyde thru torrent. anybody need info pm me
 
Re: Manchester United Supporters Thread - Owen wants move!

I don't think there's a problem with football match torrents. It's the software torrents that are not allowed, such as WE games for example.
 
Re: Manchester United Supporters Thread - Owen wants move!

anyway good second half nice seeing our striking force hungry for goals...ruud link up well with rooney.. imagine park there also..there'll be sweet football next season for sure
 
Re: Manchester United Supporters Thread - Owen wants move!

Here's my take on our first pre-season game against Clyde FC.

First Half.
A few players are worth mentioning in the first half and they are, Pique,Kleberson,Fletcher,Richardson and Saha.Firstly,I'm quite impressed with Pique,all the descriptions about the ball-playing,composed and cool under pressure defender seems to fit him perfectly.Sounds like Rio,you might say.I dare say,if hes given the chance,he might be better than Rio and yeah,he closes down and tackles his opponents superbly.Kleberson had a good 45 minutes game.He drifts between the hole and the centremid role pretty well and he capped it off with a goal,just like how the commentators were saying that if United would get a first goal,it would be from the brasilian.Captain Fletcher seems to be pulling the strings in this first half team,some lovely passes from the lad.Shades of Franky Lampard I should say in his movements and passing.Richardson was played as a leftback and did really well too,flying up and down that left flank,crosses really well too.I didnt know he could play as a fullback and that was a nice surprise.Saha had an industrious but goalless 45 minutes,always workin hard,had a lot of shots on goal.Unlucky to get on the scoresheet though.Our first goal came from his shot that was brilliant save but Klebs scored on the rebound.I hope he keeps his fitness and should give our other strikers some good competition.

First XI: Van der Sar, Ferdinand, Pique, McShane, Richardson, Jones, Fletcher(C), Kleberson,Park,Rossi & Saha

Second Half.
Players that caught my eye in the second 45 was Scholes, Rooney, Smith and Van Nistelrooy.Pulling the strings for the second team was Scholes,lots of interchanging passes between himself and Rooney.Great vision and passes as usual, a sure first team starter in our coming season.Rooney was a crowd favourite,always toying with the Clyde players.Brilliant through pass for Ruud's second game.Showed superb understanding with Scholesy and if both of them are playing in the same team,its almost certain that we are gonna get goals.Smith was playing in Keano's role in this game and I think Ferguson is behind this decision.He tackles really well,his passion and pride cant be questioned and he is looking good to replace Keano.Having said that,Smith needs to learn the role really well and needs to improve his positioning and defensive awareness.Van Nistelrooy looked tired for the first few touches before bursting into action.Had a couple of good shots on goal saved by the keeper.In a counter attack,he dribbled from the centre line,past 3 players before the keeper brought him down.Blasted the pk in to the keeper's right for his first goal.Credits to Rooney for his through ball for Ruud's second goal,a crisp shot from an acute angle.Ruud is looking good and two goals in his first 45 under his belt should boost up his confidence.

Second XI: Howard, O'Shea, Silvestre, Bardsley, Eckersley, Scholes, Miller, Smith, Rooney, Giggs(C), v.Nistelrooy.
 
Re: Manchester United Supporters Thread - Owen wants move!

Thanks Phrase. I can't wait to see next game!
 
Re: Manchester United Supporters Thread - Owen wants move!

Did you see Howard's blunder? It just never feels safe when he's in goal now.
 
Re: Manchester United Supporters Thread - Owen wants move!

I cant totally blame Howard for that blunder dude,it wasnt really a blunder anyways.Its miscommunication between Howard and Silvestre,the pass was short by the latter and Howard wanted to use his body to guard the ball back into the box before making a diving catch,O'Shea then came out of nowhere to knick it to safety.
I was kinda disappointed with Rossi,he did showed some brilliant touches and control but he didnt create an impact on the game.We seriously need some competition for Gary Neville on the RB position,McShane and Bardsley played there for this game but didnt do much to contribute in attack like Gaz.Maybe we should get Miguel from Benfica?
 
Re: Manchester United Supporters Thread - Owen wants move!

I bet Rossi was pretty nervous, hopefully he'll play tomorrow. Wish I could see these, for some reason my firewall won't let bittorrent do anything. Plus I'm agree no highlights on MUTV web service...i paid for it just to see the preseason stuff.

Anyway, I wonder what is going through Smith's mind. If this keano role is permanent or temporary. I know players switch positions throughout their career, but from striker to dmf is a pretty big move, I would think there's a different mindset/vision/etc that would make it pretty tough. Plus theres no chance of making the england squad as a dmf with gerrard around. I feel bad for smithy, he wasn' tterrible up front last season, and I have to believe that's where he'd like to be playing.
 
Re: Manchester United Supporters Thread - Owen wants move!

phrase said:
I cant totally blame Howard for that blunder dude,it wasnt really a blunder anyways.Its miscommunication between Howard and Silvestre,the pass was short by the latter and Howard wanted to use his body to guard the ball back into the box before making a diving catch,O'Shea then came out of nowhere to knick it to safety.
Why didnt Howard just pick up the damn ball? The blunder wasnt his fault to being with but it was Howard's fault for not doing anything about it.
 
Re: Manchester United Supporters Thread - Owen wants move!

take back my criticisms of mutv, just saw the goals. not bad, players looked like they were having fun, though v. nistlerooy looked a bit pissed off when he got the second goal, guess maybe was frustrated at the goalie for making good saves?

Where did Rossi play? Upfront or off to the left?
 
Re: Manchester United Supporters Thread - Owen wants move!

He played on the left. Not really his position. He's better as the second striker.

And Ruud had quite a few chances that he should have buried which is why he might have been pissed off.
 
Re: Manchester United Supporters Thread - Owen wants move!

Inter in for Ballack...fantastic. All just read reports that the whole Ballack is willing to move thing is just hype being started by his agent so he can renegotiate a big ole signing with Bayern next season. That sounds like a fairly realistic possiblity to me.
 
Re: Manchester United Supporters Thread - Owen wants move!

But lets hope Inter dont take him.
 
Re: Manchester United Supporters Thread - Owen wants move!

Inter have reportedly convinced Michael Ballack to leave Bayern Munich for the San Siro outfit in the summer of 2006.

Stories in the peninsula on Monday morning claim that the Nerazzurri have already struck a deal with the central midfielder.

The former Bayer Leverkusen sensation, who has spent the last five years with Bayern, has been tempted by Inter’s three-year contract offer.


It is believed that Ballack has been targeted given that Juan Sebastian Veron has made no secret of his desire to return to Argentina in 12 months.

Bad news for Milan fans.
 
Re: Manchester United Supporters Thread - Owen wants move!

Bad news for United fans too.
 
Re: Manchester United Supporters Thread - Owen wants move!

I really think that Inter Milan should really sort themselves out properly. Every summer they buy like 5 players, and say, "Yeah, this summer, we're really learning from past mistakes, and building a team capable of winning Lo Scudetto". I personally think that now that they've signed another attacking midfielder in David Pizarro from Udinese as well means that there's no point buying Ballack next summer. They already have enough playmakers in Stankovic, Veron and Pizarro. They've got a talented squad, but one that never learns how to play together, which I think is a waste of talent and money.
 
Re: Manchester United Supporters Thread - Owen wants move!

I bloody well hope not! Foreign players normally always have a preference to play in Italy or Spain rather than England.
 
Re: Manchester United Supporters Thread - Owen wants move!

They can technically be called the opposite of Chelsea. Big money, big signings, no sucess.
 
Re: Manchester United Supporters Thread - Owen wants move!

lol
How many central midfielders are Inter gonna sign?
 
Re: Manchester United Supporters Thread - Owen wants move!

Another worry is that maybe Ballack's agent is putting all these stories out there to get Ballack a good contract at Bayern.
 
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