Manchester United Banter Archive December 26 2012

26 Dec 2012 23:15:19
Can't believe all the "fans" slating Fergie. How much have we won because of him (not despite him)? I agree our midfield was poor but other than maybe Cleverly for Scholes who else could he have selected in light of all the injuries and coming fixtures?
GC

Why shouldn't he be criticized? He gets praise for all the wins and trophies, shocking that losses and increasingly frequent rubbish performances are blamed only on certain players and not the manager.

There's criticism and then there's just plain bile. Calling him 'past it', 'a doddery old fool'. 'lost the plot, etc etc is just plain disrespectful.

StevieK

Though I assume the worst offenders were trolls as they didn't leave names. I'd be seriously gutted if some of this guff was actually coming out of the mouths of supposed Utd fans.

StevieK

26 Dec 2012 22:56:02
I would just like to congratulate Adam Johnson of Sunderland for his goal against city how ironic lol oh and merry crimbo and a happy new year and up United Katef

26 Dec 2012 22:45:25
Watched the highlights now and although I wasn't there I'd say Ferdinand was at fault for two of their goals and also let ameobi take that shot. But it's ok we won a great game and should've scored more. Anyone at the match have opinion on Rio?!

Nozzla

26 Dec 2012 21:51:15
I don't think Nani will be sold in January and I still think he has a role to play. Our wingers have been average at best and with injuries piling up I think he stays. He is still a match winner on his good days.

26 Dec 2012 20:36:20
Heart can't take it. What a ride this team gives us. Thought Carrick was very good again. Big V shown some glimpse of form which is very encouraging. RVP never stopped running and causing the barcodes problems. We could and should have scored more. De Gea 2nd time in a week that he has palmed a shot into the middle he'll have to sort that out. I acctually feel sorry for Scholesy, brain and legs are out of sync now.

Feels like 99

Dishforth Red

Same here, i think Scholes has been such a legend it is sad to see him get pushed to play, when physically he is not able to.

His passing is still great if you give him space but when crowded he is not effective and does not have the legs anymore and can't track back.

Shahram

26 Dec 2012 20:08:01
I'd
I'd like to apologise to everyone, particularly the new posters as I have been very grumpy today. Just got a little fed up with negative futile comments that were just a bit whiny. However, no excuse for calling people muppets so really sorry..butlease try and be constructive.

AJH

Lol... I was the one apologising for my vitriol after the last game, go easy on em... happens to us all!

Trying to learn the lesson of not posting in angry haste... Hopefully then stop winding people up unnecessarily :D
New Years Resolution maybe ;)

Looks like a few first teamers were injured/ill today, so under the circumstances getting a win was all important. Just ask Citeh! (And Loserpool)

Major poor selection was Scholes and Carrick, these guys need a runner like Clevs with them - especially with Giggs and Tony V either side.

Hopefully see the likes of Kags, Nani, Jones, Young back soon in this busy Xmas period.

7 points!

DodgyBanter {Ed007's Note - I tidied up the posts before I went out to eat at 4 o'clock, I'm glad to see some serious backtracking going on tonight. There is fickle and then there football fans..... ;-)

It's been an emotional day. Looking forward to scousy Hansen on match of the day, I am sure he will be as biased as ever.

Gar

26 Dec 2012 21:31:41
good of you to apologize. every fan was well in their right to have a moan today, we didnt know we wer gna win and didnt look like we would but every one was over the moon when we did, we all want the best for the team and unite in celebration when we are successful. some people though just get cheesed with our lineups but everyone has a right to speak there mind.

26 Dec 2012 19:20:05
Anyone fancy a cheeky bid for benteke at struggling Villa? He is better than Welbeck and maybe even Chicharito even though you can not really compare a poacher with a target man....

He want's a move to Arsenal i think.

Thomas

26 Dec 2012 19:06:45
Why not get Bale in?I have been against tje idea as I felt he was overrated but I think he has improved massively in the past year or so.

bk7

Because he would cost a little more than we are prepared to spend.

AJH

26 Dec 2012 18:35:11
got a question and a theory. Given the club is buying up all the land around old trafford what does this mean? My theory is that given the trouble with the rail line holding up the expansion how about they plan to move the stadium. Well demolish the current one and rebuild it further down on the land thats been bought. Then they can expand it as big as they want or as big as to how many tickets they can sell per game. Gotta be a minimum of 90k or even a 100k

Awful idea. I imagine that they intend to develop the ground around it. The current stadium will be expanded, but I imagine the extra land will be used for parking, shops, fans facilities etc just to improve the match day experience.

Fresh!

26 Dec 2012 17:40:18
it has been confirmed by SAF that roney was injured for today and will be for 2-3 weeks
also reported that young and wellbeck werent fit for today
but any news y jones wasnt there?
squad rotation or is he out injured too?
ed any news on jones??

26 Dec 2012 18:04:55
i think its best we start the match 1-0 down......seems to me that our team plays well after going behind :P.

..huzzi

26 Dec 2012 18:00:56
The two games in which Rooney has played particlularly badly and not played at all are two of the games we have struggled in most. Just goes to show how important he is.

MelonRed

Complete bs. That midfield today with or without rooney was rubbish and cause of our problems. Squad rotation does not work when the second string is poor.

Shahram

How is it BS? Not only does he put in a shift but even just by being on the pitch and making the simplest of passes he indirectly gives the team a lift.

MelonRed

He played last week and while he was rubbish but the team played well, it ain't rooney it's the midfield.

shahram

Get over your Ronney crush, it's a myth.

AJH

When rooney plays well united do
jred

26 Dec 2012 17:38:44
Are some United fans actually disagreeing that this was a bad team selection!? The scoreline means nothing, we gave our defense a hell-of-alot to do because our midfield selection was too old and lethargic !It was poor and the bench had no options either. What if Van Persie had gotten an injury? Some of the comments are deluded. Stop waiting til the final score and bashing people for saying the selection was poor (and Fergie knows best). He was under immense pressure due to the poorness of our play which caused him to act like a petulant child at half time, and I think a ban might give him some perspective.

Gar

Sorry, I stopped reading after 'the scoreline means nothing'.

Okay :) If thats what helps you sleep mate!

Waiting for the final score before commenting on anything, is what reasonable-minded adults tend to do. Its what seperates us from children and eejits.

StevieK

"By scoreline means nothing" I mean today should have been quite comfortable. Stevie I didnt say anything until after the game. I still think the team selection could have caused us serious problems and such a pivotal time of the season is very strange to me.

Gar

Gee Gar, youre right. After 26 years managing one of the biggest clubs in the world, perhaps SAF needs some perspective.

AJH

Not trying to weigh in on the selection debate but waiting for the final score before commenting is silly. What matters are good processes, not good outcomes in the matter of assessing decision making. That is what reason teaches, as even bad processes can yield good outcomes occasionally through random variation, aka chance. It would be like closing your eyes and hitting a bullseye and then claiming that you should play darts with your eyes closed. So StevieK, you should get your claims right before you call someone a child or eejit.

Pepe

AJH

You agree that SAF was fully in his right to barate the officials the way he did? And also that Van Persie is lucky to be alive? I am not saying he has lost the plot here, I am just saying those actions were quite embarrassing.

Gar

Pepe - believe it or not, SAF doesn't read these posts, so it has no bearing on the final outcome whatsoever. Pretty deludedto think otherwise. All it does is show the poster in a pretty poor light.

StevieK

AJH

How Do you reckon Scholes is a good managerial selection decision. I think you are letting the score influence you and people have a legit case here.

The manager is at fault with this charade and has not bought in years and then mumbles out this rubbish about " I don't understand why we are conceding so many goals". Have to be blind not to see why, the middle of the pitch is so open you could drive a bus through it.

Shahram

Pepe, all these years I thought SAF was a decent Manager and it's all down to chance! I'm really sorry for being such a fool.

AJH

Gar

Yes he has been a bit emotional lately, it was the tone of your post I didn't like. The offside goal was a disgraceful decision. Not surprised he was upset. Like ot or not, he has built his career on this knd of reaction / approach.

AJH

So it's not what I said, it's how I said it? Right, well I am disappointed about starting two golden oldies and leaving no attacking cover on the bench bar Cleverely. It was terrible on Fergie's part. Even Powell instead of Wooton would have been a little more reassuring. The decision was a disgrace, but so was his reaction. I love Fergie, but he let himself down recently.

Gar

I agree with AJH and StevieK. We don't work at Old Trafford, we don't know what's going on behind the scenes. We all know now that we where hampered with injures from yesterdays training. Welbeck would have been on the bench, or started? Same for Young and Rooney. Not everyone would have been at the training yesterday so he could only pick from who was left. That being said I would have started Cleav's, but what if he had a shocker in training and Scholes might have had a great training session, we don't know. So when people say in SAF we trust, it's because he's the manager, him and his staff are the one's in the know. The manager hates to lose so he'll do what ever it takes. This also "could" be his last season with us, and i think, for all he's done for us, give him a bit of respect. You win some, lose some and draw some. If we won every game, happy day's, but that would be boring. We might not be playing the best, and we do need to address the midfield, but the players we have are never gonna lose my support, even the ones that leave (not United standard) I still support, only the players that disrespect the club I lose interest in (like pogba). Like i said win, lose or draw I'm always happy because i just watched "Manchester United" and being from Belfast i don't get over as much as i would like, but i've been there for a few defeat and still came ont smiling, because i just watched the team i love at the place i love to watch football "OLD TRAFFORD". Don't get me wrong i'm upset when we don't win, but i never get nasty, or run the team down. Watching United for the past 33 years, i'm always amazed that we support the greatest team in English football history. Sorry.

Thomas.

Shahram, I don't disagree we still have serious midfield issues, I just got grumpy today with all the whinging and whining that was less than constructive.

Scholes and Giggs together is not. Pod selection, no idea why he keeps picking them and not Powell or even Fletcher. I guess he is seeing things in training we are not seeing...

AJH

Got away with it today. But we won in the end. But pls sad, stop giving us heart attacks with these selections. Carrick scholes and giggs together is always going to be second best in midfield. Just wish he'll trust some of our youngsters.
Hanging said that,carrick had a good game and cleverley injected energy when he came on. We're 7points clear so let's keep positive and look forward to the wba game.
NoMidfield

AJH

Now stop beating up the kids :)

We all agree on the same thing. I am hoping he sees the light and buys some reinforcements in January. As you say if he sees Scholes and Giggs as the best of the lot in training then we clearly have a an issue if carrick and cleverly are not available and that is way too thin for my liking.

Does anyone know when Kagawa, Anderson and Nani are back from injury an is young also injured. I am also getting worried about us playing RVP too much and the guy needs a rest.

going to maldives for a week and not sure i can watch the next game but will sneak off and read the posts hehe :)

Shahram

27 Dec 2012 00:43:17
@StevieK,
Crikey, people don't really read posts thoroughly do they? I did not weigh in on the selection debate, neither did I say that Fergie's results are down to chance. What I said was, pointing to a single outcome, such as a final score or "lucky bullseye" and saying that that is the true measure of the decision making that led to it is faulty. To assess decision making, one must assess the manner in which the decision was made. In the same way that hitting a bullseye with your eyes closed DOES NOT mean that you should play darts for money with your eyes closed; winning a match does not mean you made the right decision about team selection. It doe not mean you made the wrong one either. It is however illogical to state that a win means good team selection as that win may be down to chance. It may not be, but you cannot say definitely that the win was a result of team selection being optimal. Hence, one can debate the team selection decision as soon as it is made.

Pepe

Pepe - see my post further up. I have no problem with people debating team selection once the team has been released. That's part of the whole banter process.

I do have a problem with people coming on after a goal down, or at half-time spewing out a lot of hateful, disrespectful malice at the most successful manager we've ever had, or at players who've given everything to this club.

StevieK

26 Dec 2012 17:22:00
So we win, even when we went behind we always have a chance, i read on here people slating fergie!

If he has injurys he can only play whats at his disposal expect a different line up against west brom!

Im happy for the win and my club regardless of performance! sometimes you have to forget about things and just enjoy being a fan and all exciting games red devil give us

Big V

Big V, well said. I wouldn't pick Giggs and Scholes together but some of the people I here are just....childlike in their criticism. 7 points clear and apparently SAF has lost it. Stunning

AJH

Well said Big V, and AJH if you hadnt gone on a crusade toaday I think I probably would have, it gets boring hearing people judge Fergies decisions without having all of the information available to Fergie and his team. We do need midfield reinforcements but to question his managerial abilities is ludicrous

snakey

I just agreed with everything youve been saying AJH then realised I slated Fergie playing Giggs n Scholesy earlier, I will call myself a muppet!
Bloody boxing day hangovers

snakey

26 Dec 2012 17:16:49
Not our best performance. But as Jon Champion would say a win is a win. Special thanks to Sunderland.
PeeBoaiy {Ed004's Note -They are doing their best to make amends}

Yeah we beat them for you but we will beat you lot as well {Ed004's Note - You didn't last time though, or the time before that...}

26 Dec 2012 17:14:15
So he does it again. #JavierHernandez
PeeBoaiy

26 Dec 2012 17:09:31
Carrick proving to be our best midfielder. His passes were superb. Did you see that assist for Chicha? OMG.

26 Dec 2012 17:07:47
Valencia, what has happened to you?! Drop him play Welbeck, Young, Nani, Rooney, Rafael, Anderson, Cleverley, Hernandez. I don't care who, he was shocking at attacking today and could have been sent off numerous times! The term liability springs to mind.

Percy

Percy, Merry Christmas. For once...I agree with you, Valencia needs a rest.

AJH

You're right Percy, Nani is no different though. He's the same, most of the time.

26 Dec 2012 17:06:03
watching man utd play is like playing russian roulette! Anything can happen. The Comeback kings strike again, seven points clear...GGMU!

26 Dec 2012 17:03:44
Take VALENCIA out of the team please.start Nani on the right againt WestBrom.Valencia is beyond being poor!

Think i saw some glimpses of the old valancia.

James

Had a fantastic cross to Hernandez who should have scored

26 Dec 2012 17:00:45
Some of you persons on here at half time obviously don't know a game lasts 90 minutes. You should hang your heads in shame at some of the vitriol you came out with against players and manager alike.

StevieK

The result doesn't change the fact that the manager put a shi**t lineup. Why cant you see that? Giggs, Scholes, Rio start, Rooney, Welbeck, Jones, not even on the bench. It's okay to criticize when it is warranted and if you think everything the manager does is great then good for you. Imagine if he played a strong side, maybe we would have won 6-1 and padded our goal differential. Maybe you dont think we can do better than beating mighty Newcastle 4-3 {Ed004's Note - Newcastle are a very good side and on their day can be a tough match for anyone, also if you were listening during the game the commentator stated that welbeck was sick and young were injured so there weren't many wingers available so Giggs had to start and his selection was deserved after how he played against swansea, however I do not think Scholes should have started and the game seemed to change when Cleverley was introduced.}

Stevie,at the risk of starting rumours about us, spot on. The drivel on here is dreadful and posted by muppets. Disagree if you want people but at least try and be constructive.

AJH

Noname, not that I feel I have to justfy myself to you, constructive criticism after the game is one thing, childish, moronic bile after just 45 is another thing altogether. Try and hold off on your personic soundbites until the game is finished next time at least.

AJH, let them talk mate :)

Jono - I've got t'internet in Scotland mate!

StevieK

Ed004, these people don't let small thingslike injuries or illness get in the way of a good childish temper tantrum.

StevieK {Ed004's Note - Yeah I know}

26 Dec 2012 16:59:05
If you would have told me that we would be 7 points clear by tonight having drawn on sunday I would never have believed you.

We have found citys boogie team

But typical UNITED :) must be very demoralising for title rivals

James

26 Dec 2012 16:22:06
Evra is our biggest driving force in the team at the moment... Shame he struggles to defend! Give him his dues though, his attacking play has got much better under pressure from Buttner... he's turning into a goal machine!

DodgyBanter

26 Dec 2012 16:13:33
He hasn't even brought on a sub, oh wait he really has nobody to bring on. Well done Fergie, you have managed to make Newcastle look good and us look like sh**t. The biggest problem with the club is the manager, he said Giggs, Scholes and Rio still had years to play, what a joke. Hernandez is a great sub, but has trouble as a starter. Not putting Rooney on the bench is border line crazy.

No it's not and no it isn't. You need to take a tablet and calm down you muppet. I know it's a passionate game but it lasts 90 minutes....

AJH

26 Dec 2012 16:08:01
cleverley and buttner need to come on for scholes n giggs.

JK92

26 Dec 2012 16:03:57
Win lose or draw today (win, i know what was i thinkin even writin it) anyone who comes on here and defends sir alex and the team and calls the ones givin critizism not true fans or tells us to go support someone else, well it is you sir who cannot be the true fan

No it isn't you muppet. To post this part way through the game suggests you are on day release from the asylum. No problem with you disagreeing with the selection but your post is ridiculous.

AJH

26 Dec 2012 15:57:59
with no cleverley, anderson, kagawa, young, nani or rooney and four past it geriatrics on the pitch in key positions at centreback, leftback and midfield what do people expect.

We expect constructive comment, not infantile posts.

AJH

26 Dec 2012 15:53:25
Before anyone starts saying I'm negativs, do any of us accept the selection, tactics, performance today? Surely our standards should be higher.
NoMidfield

Gosh, why would anyone say you are negative Mr Sunshine?

AJH

26 Dec 2012 15:50:44
fergie is the reason we lost the title last season..
lose it this season he is again to blame, shocking team selections though out the season..

What a bizarre post, you need a reality check mate. SAF took what is a fairly average United side to within 30 seconds of the title.

AJH

26 Dec 2012 15:50:48
Who the hell do we bring in off the bench? Fergie took Newcastle too litly and put out a sh**t lineup. Everybody on this site rips certain players but for some reason the manager is above criticism. Well go ahead and defend the team selection. I feel sorry for the people who are at the game, you deserve better.

If you read the site even remotely regularly you will know that the manager certainly isn't above criticism.

TK-Red

26 Dec 2012 15:40:57
Why do we persist in allowing players to constantly cross the ball no matter who it is defending it... It always ends up putting us in trouble... Block the cross!!

26 Dec 2012 15:38:08
Come on de gea, even freaking Lindegaard could have caught that
Campian

26 Dec 2012 15:32:06
Evra is soo sh*t at defending

James

26 Dec 2012 15:08:29
Quality line up. Not. Poor by de Gea but what is rio doing.

26 Dec 2012 15:05:27
Here we go....

Andy S

26 Dec 2012 15:02:38
Why doesnt he give Powell start instead of Scholes? This could have been a game where we padded our goal differential, now I will take one goal win

26 Dec 2012 14:52:34
On looking at the midfield selection today.....a positive note....at least we'll still be a point a head in the league by 5 today.

26 Dec 2012 14:26:06
Check out the bench, full of youngsters. We don't really have a threatening bench today.

No goal threat from bench at all today. No young, welbeck, rooney, powell. Where do we turn to when things get desperate? Scholes will get sent off.
Keane16

26 Dec 2012 14:21:46
no jones or rooney
evra rio giggs scholes all starting together
what is SAF thinking

26 Dec 2012 14:17:32
I have a bad feeling Giggs and Scholes are going to play a part in this game.

-JakeW

Just found out they are.. great

-JakeW

26 Dec 2012 14:16:08
Giggs & Scholes both starting today. Got a bad feeling about this......

26 Dec 2012 14:13:01
Scholes AND Giggs start today. I hope SAF isn't taking Newcastle's midfield problems for granted. Could come back to bite on the ar5e if we aren't careful.

TK-Red

26 Dec 2012 14:10:07
we are doomed
paul scholes starts with ryan giggs today in a 4 man midfield