Manchester United Banter Archive June 27 2012

27 Jun 2012 22:41:02
It's funny how Alves and Young if you like hits the woodwork and it's a bad penalty, yet Cesc hits the woodwork and it's a quality penalty. It's not as though he planned to hit the post :)

What a difference a centimeter makes. Well so the missus says ;)

Sydney!

Thats just the media lovefest towards Spain for you. There was a Spanish free kick in the second half that was cleared by the first man. The commentary? "Great freekick and great clearing header". Had it been anyone else it would have been branded a basic mistake from the Alonso who took the free kick.

TK-Red

Alves' penalty was a good penalty for the most part. He was very unlucky and with a little bit more composure would have scored (Nani calling him back certainly wouldn't have helped). Young's penalty was just bad...

T0MB0Z

Difference is Sydney, Cesc scored and Spain won. Christina Ronaldo bottled it again, no suprises there then.

R_R

Ba Dum Tsss.

G.A.G.U.S

I thought Young's penalty was well taken. It was a good run up and he hit it with pace and conviction. An inch below that and it would have been paraded as a masterclass. Ashley Cole didn't find a corner, didn't hit it with pace and didn't disguise his run up well, that was a poor penalty. I didn't see any difference between Alves pen and Young's. But I guess all that really matters is they didn't go in the net, but Cesc's did.

Sydney!

Ronaldo didnt bottle it, he just wanted the glory of winning it, arrogant and misguided,

Nani stepped up mind

Cban

Alves hit the underside of the bar - Young, hit it square. mm's vs cm's. I suppose we can both agree that Cole's was the worst of the three.

T0MB0Z

27 Jun 2012 22:14:12
Pedro looks class so does alba(he defended well too), We should try and get Pedro.

DesiRed.

I always think barce and Spain look a better team when pedro plays
Jred

Are you serious... Nani terrorised Alba all evening

fearny

Did you watch the whole game or just the first half ?

DesiRed.

IMO, pedro and busquets shouldn't be getting a look in in either Barca or Spain's teams.

Gar

Makes me laugh how so many people slate Busquets. I cant stand looking at him and all his diving and play acting BUT he is a very very good player and a great foil for the more industrious players in front of him. Tidies up well and is technically very under rated. How old is he 21/22? We would be raving at such a player if they were English. (Saying that surprised Martinez doesnt seem to get a look in at all either in defence or midfield, they have such an abundance of players its sick)
Invisible STuey
Invisible Stuey

I thought busquets played very well last, that said he is a k"o$
jred

Stuey, it's because the players were all taught to play a certain way at grass root level. They concentrate purely on keeping possession and passing and moving. We are at least 20 years behind Spain according to a bloke I met a few months ago in a Cornish pub. He told me he used to teach football in Spain and it is drummed into them from an early age. Players like Wilshere, Cleverley, McEachran & Barkley are the closest thing with have to Spanish players. All can pass and move and can keep possession. It's time to start again with different players or we will never improve.

Sydney!

27 Jun 2012 21:00:31
Watching these European Championships I know who I'd rather SAF sell out of nani and young,give me nani any day,he's looked much the better of the two,been really disappointed in young he's been shocking

Against the top teams Young has failed to perform. He plays well against average team and is a good players but won't take us to the next level.

Mad Hatter

You do realise we do not play in a 3 week tournament, we play in a 38 game season with other games along the way.

At times Nani can be a world beater nobody will deny that, but that is 1 in 4, he is so inconsistent. Tonight he was great in the first half then you didnt see him for the next 75 minutes!

Young had a poor tournament. I wouldn't sell either to be honest but Nani is so frustrating, and you cannot base your judgment on 'because they had a bad tournament' or Rooney would be sold for 5 million!

GDS

27 Jun 2012 20:38:37
Nani has been one of, if not the best player on the pitch first half getting pressed by 2 players. And people want shot of him! Shame on you.

Supasub

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand the argument begins........Again!!

CnM

1 game Supasub. 1 game.

G.A.G.U.S

Totally agree,,i know he can be frustrating but his ability is undoubted,,,one of our few world class players on his day,,,

Hardly one game G.A.G.U.S. He has been one of Portugal's better players this tournament. He has also been one of our better players for a couple of years. Yes he can be inconsistent but he is more of a help than a hindrance so I dont really see a valid argument to get rid of him unless we know we are bringing in Messi, Ronaldo et al to replace him. Bringing in Hazard and selling Nani? Perhaps but other than that there is nobody out there that will guarantee any more consistency.

TK-Red

So where is the post asking what happened to him for the next 75 minutes?

Proved everybody right, terrible after half time!

GDS

I tend to agree with TK. Nani is inconsistent, but that is what separates him from Ronaldo and Messi, if hr was constantly good he would be on their level. I would hate for us to sell and his consistency to improve at another club, but it does seem he is being forced out. The manager clearly wants to change things around.

Sydney!

GDS - which Portugal player actually played well after half time? Ronaldo didn't particularly, that doesn't make him that poor though does it? Nani has had a good tournament IMO

Gav

Nani went missing after half time as did ronaldo ithought moutino and coentro both played well
johndenton

Gav,

Ronaldo was still a constant threat and Moutinho was the best player all game so there are 2. Nani was nowhere to be seen in the 2nd half and extra time. I am not a 'Nani hater' by any stretch of the imagination, if we sold him and replaced him with top quality I would be happy, but I still think he can be a star at United, and like Sydney said, it would be horrible to see him become consistent elsewhere!

GDS

27 Jun 2012 20:29:37
Nano playing very well this match. Also Jaoa Motuinho.
SqueakyBum

27 Jun 2012 19:54:40
I actually think we should be looking at the best players across countries with a much more similar climate to ours. We shouldn't necessarily be looking at Spain, Portugal and Brazil for instance IMO. We should look more to Russia/Ukraine etc, eastern and central Europe, France & Scandinavia.
Nani & Anderson I think were brought in when quieroz was coach which was a bit of a one off and hasn't really gone to plan. However in the past players such as Vidic, Evra, Solskjaer, Kanchelskis, Stam, Van Nistelrooy etc work out well. We need players who once established don't want to return to a better climate/more familiar lifestyle.
You could also add Argentina possibly as there climate is not as hot as Brazil's generally which makes a difference.
Just my opinion.

Supasub

I think there is something in that. Our best overseas players have been the likes of the French (Cantona & Evra), Dutch (Stam, Ruud) and scandies like Scmeichel, Johnson, Ole etc. Add in Vidic and yes its something to consider.

Its as much a similar culture I think which you probably mean with lifestyle, but yes I agree also

Pardoe

27 Jun 2012 18:52:21
Just wondering how you think we will line up in comparison to the main rivals next year, City, Arsenal and Chelsea.

With signings, this looks likely for Chelsea:

____________Cech
Ivanovic__Cahill___Terry__Cole
__Ramires__Lampard__Mata
__Hazard____Torres_____Hulk

With signings for Arsenal (M'Vila could be in there too):

____________Sczesny
Sagna__Vermalen__Koscielny__Gibbs
___Arteta_____Song___Wilshere
Gervinho_____Van Persie_____Podolski

Who knows what City could do, but I think for us, this is the best we could do:

_____________De Gea
Rafael___Ferdinand__Vidic___Evra
_______Modric_____Carrick
Valencia_____Kagawa______Nani
____________Rooney

Personally, I think that we look the strongestm but Arsenal and Chelsea look considerably stronger (based on likely transfers), City will be better, Liverpool won't but Spurs will also. It will be an interesting season, I just hope we have the squad to match the task come the end of August!

RedDevil19

The only time I would fear a Chelsea side is if Jose was in charge of them. Arsenal will not have RVP there next season so will be considerably weaker, not just in terms of quality, but mentally. We will always be able to compete for top spot of the EPL, but it's competing on all four fronts that's the toughie. I think Kagawa and Modric would almost complete us as a team, we will need to replace Evra to improve our defence.

Sydney!

I like the look of your United lineup - altho' I'd like a new LB, even if that is Baines (I know I'm in the minority there)

That Chelsea lineup is a bit mental IMO loads of flair with little steadiness/steel in midfield. It will be really interesting to see how they lineup nxt yr with all the expected signings but I guess between Terry and Roman they will work it out ; ) sorry Ed2, that's tounge in cheek I swear!

Gav

I'm not saying we wouldn't compete, as you say we will always be there or there abouts. It was just interesting to see which line ups looked the best.

RedDevil19

Good post.

Chelsea definitely look strong, Arsenal are a quality defender away from looking like challengers, Koscielny looked better as the season went on but still don't think hes up there. They also have to keep Persie fit. Lets see how Giroud does. And we all know what we are crying out for! Let's hope it happens! City will buy and sell that's for sure, whether they hit the ground running is another question. I think Spurs will struggle if Modric goes, and Liverpool... ha ; ) Another thing I will say is that its a squad game now and I believe we have the best squad.

SHRIMP

I'm an Arsenal fan and hope it goes back to Utd and Arsenal fighting for the title, Chelsea back to a cup side and City back in the 1st division.
(we can only dream) as for Arsenal I think were certainly be a better side than last year but I still think were make more signings still. Thanks and good luck next year.

I think Arsenal could be a better team if RVP leaves and the right players are signed...

------------Sczesny------------
Sagna--Vermalen-new cb--new lb
----------M'vila--Song----------
------------Wilshere------------
Gervinho----------------Podolski
-------------Giroud-------------

Somebody like Benatia to pair up with Vermalen at cb (or maybe Vertonghen if they can get in ahead of spurs). They could even look at playing Vertonghen at lb as at the moment I don't think Gibbs is really good enough. Either way a midfield three of M'vila, Song and Wilshere would be tough to break down.

T0MB0Z

I see chelsea lining up like this
cech
ivanovic--cahill--terry--cole
ramirez--lampard
marin/hulk--hazard--mata
torres/hulk
chelsea have the strongest front 4 in the entire premier league on paper.i think they will be in the race towards the end.i dont see much of a threat from arsenal.

frank n'stein

27 Jun 2012 18:35:04
ED002 seems to have a lot of free time today, eh ED ?

MUMBAI_BOY

27 Jun 2012 17:53:41
Bale agreed new deal with Spurs. I guess that puts an end to any rumours he is coming to United this summer. Fair play to him I say, many papers have said he wants to move to a bigger club for CL and more success so respect to him for sticking with Spurs for the time being, in an age when there doesn't seem to be much player loyalty

Gav

27 Jun 2012 16:04:59
Out of curiosity guys, what would be the consensus on here with Rodriguez? Would you want to pay £30 million or more on Rodriguez, or would you rather spend maybe £10 - £15 million on Lucas Ocampos or maybe Alvaro Vadillo (i.e. someone unheard of who is up and coming). The pressure of such a large price tag may impact on Rodriguez, and I don't honestly see that we would pay so much for him. Indeed we went in for Hazard, but he is expected to be a world beater, Rodriguez is slightly less highly thought of even though he has a big reputation. I think its a massive financial risk - although i'd take him for £20 million no problem.

RedDevil19

Cant see us paying 30 mill for rodriguez, maybe 20 tops, but only if we sold nani so maybe the question should be rodriguez or nani
jred

I want us to sign Rodriguez for £25m-£30m as he is the one player other than Hazard who has the potential to be better than Nani and is also good enough to take over from him now at his young age. Nani will be a big loss if we cannot replace him properly.

Sydney!

I'd do what we can to get Rodriguez, he has the potential to be a top talent. But I wouldn't want to spend more than 30m in cash, which is less than Porto want. Maybe the compromise would be to offer 25m and Anderson who Porto are interested.

I wouldn't want to spend much on Ocampos as he is unproven in european football. If we were to sign someone else other than Rodriguez the player i'd want to see sign is Antione Griezmann who I think will have a great season next year.

Shappy

Nani will not leave unless Rodriguez comes in, but even then I hope he doesn't. We'd buy a good player and let one leave, it seems a little pointless. I think Bale signing a new deal is a good thing though as if we sign no wingers this summer then we could offer cash and Young for Bale next summer. That would be brilliant business I think - although i do prefer the Latino style.

RedDevil19

I would take him for £25m, no doubt. Maybe even £30m.

G.A.G.U.S

Doesn't Rodriguez play more on the left? Whereas Nani can play both but has played more on the right recently?
Why can't we have both?

Supasub

I think every United fan would prefer to have Nani and Rodriguez, but it's highly unlikely unfortunately.

Sydney!

Sydney you have never once qualified why we can't have both. You just say it. Please explain to me why we can't have both...i'd love to know.

RedDevil19

Because nani's ego couldn't take getting benched all the time for Valencia.

19, I have said numerous times why, but you obviously choose to ignore. We will need to balance the books is one reason, the other reason is we do not need FOUR top wingers. In a perfect world it would be Rodriguez and Nani, but if Rodriguez comes in it's highly likely Nani will be sold.

Sydney!

I'd like Rodriguez but I honestly think paying any more than £25m for essentially a 20 year old who has had 1/2 good years in the Portugese league is a bit much! I'd snap him up at £25m but I cannot see United going in much higher than that (plus VAT + fees obv)

Gav

Of course in an ideal world we'd get rid of Young rather than Nani (I would anyway). Any combination of 2 from Rodriguez/Nani/Valencia on any given day would terrorise opposition defences!

It would be harsh to get rid of Young after just a season though and it wasn't that poor a season overall TBF. I just feel he will never have the quality of hurting defences that the other 3 names have/will have

Gav

I don't think Young is in the same bracket as Nani or Valencia. He is a good player, but by no means bordering on world class.

RedDevil19

Syd - We don't need four top wingers for 2 positions? People expected us to sign Lewandowski which would have left us with four strikers for two or maybe even one position(s).

I'd argue that based on consistency - Nani and Young are about the same level as Chico and Welbeck (in terms of what you'd get and expect from them in an average performance given their positions) and Lewandowski and Rodriguez would both take a season or so to find their feet.

Of course I don't think we were ever likely to sign Lewandowski this summer - but having four wingers wouldn't be too strange an occurrence (although I personally fell that Nani is on his way out regardless).

Re the op's question - I'd take either Muniain or Rodrigues over Nani in a heartbeat. I don't think either would be much of a step down and over the coming years I believe both will become far better players than Nani has ever been for us. Nani isn't going to improve while playing for United unless we change our style to give him a more pivotal role - which based on his inconsistency - we can't afford to do.

Why not let him go for £20-25m and reinvest in someone who could become world class? Based on their current abilities neither Muniain or Rodriguez would be much of a risk as either way you can already tell they're both going to be very good players (or indeed - already are). One (or both) could very well turn out to be world class - and those are the types of players we should be aspiring to have at our club.

It seems painfully obvious that we can no longer compete for players already playing at that kind of level based either on finances or our location - but if we could help to develop a few we might stand a chance of keeping them around when the Spanish clubs come a knocking.

T0MB0Z

27 Jun 2012 16:00:35
We must be grateful for small mercies ... Spurs have announced that Gareth Bale has signed a new four year contract keeping him at WHL until 2016. At least that's one over-rated player who won't be coming to OT.

Mike B.

27 Jun 2012 15:51:51
what is happening with the neymar situation has he agreed to sign with anyone and is there any interest from united? {Ed002's Note - There is no agreement to join another club. No interest from MUFC.}

27 Jun 2012 15:34:11
Is Rodrigez a winger?Should the centre midfield not be our main priority?Modric looks like a no go so what about going all out and bid for Ozil?Smashing player and he is having a great euro campaign.Said it once before,I hope baines does not come to us.

Who knows what you have said before, leave a name!

RedDevil19

What makes you think Ozil wants to leave Real Madrid? and why would they want to sell him.

Yes because he'd want to leave Madrid immediately, leaving the sun & lifestyle not to mention a star studded team (no matter how they pay for players and how long it can be sustained ) to earn the same sort of money in Manchester. (and I support united)
Why would that happen?

Supasub

I guess RM could force him out to raise funds and then he will have to decide where to go next. Barcelona would be out of the question, Italy is in decline and perhaps Ligue1 or the Russian league is not where he will want to go. Manchester United doesn't sound so bad now does it ;)

Sydney!

Well said 'supasub'. Man Utd fans seem to think that we are the only club that people would want to play for. Real Madrid and Barcelona at the moment have more pulling power than we do. Its a simple fact. Ozil would not want to leave Madrid and I do not think Madrid would let him go, especially with the amount of assists he gives (to Ronaldo mostly).

RedDevil19

If they wanted to force him out maybe. PSG are going to become a more attractive club over the next couple of years so they are also going to be competition in future.
Whatever is said about any league's strength if a club developed a team capable of winning the CL any player would consider it.

Supasub

Sure, but IF Oezil became available and it is a big IF, then we would certainly be interested and being Manchester United we will have a great chance signing him. RM are badly interested in certain players, but they cannot afford them. If another team was going to sign one of their biggest targets I am sure there would be a chance Oezil COULD become available. It's unlikely, but could be possible my friend.

Sydney!

27 Jun 2012 15:30:02
Well that's Hay Bale off the market now he's signed an extension at Spurs 'til 2016.

27 Jun 2012 15:20:51
ED,SYD come 1st July can you tell me which players from the first team and youth team will be out of contracts ?

I know Pogba,Fryers are free agents, but who else ?

MUMBAI_BOY {Ed002's Note - I will leave this for Syd.}

From what I know, Reece Brown and Wooton may be out of contract. Thats about it, possibly McGinty as well.

RedDevil19

Just Norwood is out of contract but he will likely head to Coventry or Barnsley for a compensation fee of around £400k.

Berbatov is out of contract, but I believe United will activate it just before he is sold if they haven't already activated it?

All the players who the manager wants are all signed up and have been given new deals other than Pogba of course.

Sydney!

Reece Brown is contracted til 2013, Wootton and McGinty could be out of contract, but it doesn't really matter now the club can get compo for their youth players.

Sydney!

Alright Syd,

Has Fryers signed on? Cheers

SHRIMP

Fryers will almost certainly join Spurs for a compo fee from what I was told.

Sydney!

Thanks Syd. What's your opinion on this mate? I thought Pogba, Ravel and Fryers would make it and yet here we are with one already gone and two seemingly on their way out. Something just doesn't seem right. Do they not have the potential to be good enough, I don't think this is the case. Are they being to demanding, I wouldn't know.

We are crying out for a player like Martinez and yet in time I honestly think we have a player of his caliber sat in our reserves in Paul.

I understand the situation regarding Ravel and will trust the managers decision but surely we should be going to hell and back to keep Pogba. He will be top class. Now with Fryers seemingly going I honestly believe something is awry. Especially with Pats disinterest with defending! Surely its time to give the younger chaps a shot? Isn't this what United is all about?

Anyway, your views would be good. Cheers. SHRIMP

Fryers was behind Blackett in the pecking order at the time he was called up to the first team squad, but Fryers had the physique and was able to fill in at CB against Leeds and with us having a shortage on CB's at the time Carrick and Fryers played CB as Jones and Evans was our only fit CB's and they couldn't be risked. Fryers looked okay in those games he played in, but will certainly not be missed. The manager likes Blackett who is a couple year's younger so will not worry about Fryers leaving. He is good friends with Ravel and will join him in London. I heard and it is just rumour, SAF said to him sign or fook off. We all know about Ravel and his off the field issues so no need to talk about him. Pogba is the player the club wants to keep. He is going to be the business wherever he goes and it's tragic that he got involved with his current representatives who have advised him poorly and it seems a 19 year old kid away from his family is no match for them. The club have offered as much as Juventus (If reports are true about the £20k a week Juve offer) and the manager has promoted him to the first team to train with the seniors, gave him his own dressing room peg and gave him snippets of games. Next season was always going to be the season he broke through so it seems the club have done what they can, but he is getting very bad advice so he will leave. I just hope he comes out in the future and tells the world he made the wrong decision. Time will tell.

Sydney!

27 Jun 2012 13:59:20
Man Utd are the first team whose no. 7, 8 and 9
at the same time were or should say are not the
1st choice players for majority of whole season.I
hope fergie buys some players of man utd class
who completely deserve this jerseys.Personally i would prefer m'vila , moutinho(or cabaye) and pato
who should fill these nos. frns?

Aakroz

I think we could take a risk with the number 7, give it to a new young winger, maybe Vadillo or Ocampos? As for the number 9 I would give it to Welbeck, Pato is so injury prown and I don't think we will go for him. As for the number 8, i'd take it off Anderson and give it to someone like Moutinho/Modric/Cabaye.

RedDevil19

27 Jun 2012 12:49:09
Interesting news regarding players already inside the United camp, I for one am glad about quite a few of them.

Firsty, the news about the younger lads. Brady and King to go out on loan, M. Keane also with Tunnicliffe getting first team involvement. Tunnicliffe I imagine will take Pogba's spot in the first team squad, he looks a good prospect but I think that from January he may go out on loan after having a few League Cup Games. Never the less, I think he will be a good addition and will learn a lot from being around the first team - definately one for the future. King is one I'm not sure of, I haven't seen enough of him to make a fair judgement, but he doesn't strike me as someone who will make it. As for Michael Keane, I hope he goes on tour and then goes on loan as I think he would be good RB cover instead of maybe signing Clyne or another player. It is important to look inwards first before looking outwards to other alternatives, and thats what I think we will do.

I am also pleased to hear that Macheda may stay at the club next season (according to his agent anyway). He is a player who deserves a chance, he offers us something different as well, a bit of the Berbatov but will by no means be a 'name' that is hard to leave out. He has showed promise when younger, but has been unlucky with injury or falling out of a new managers plans. Making impact in Cup Games could be a big thing for his Manchester United career.

The only other point I wanted to make was about Rodriguez, do you really think we have bid £30 million for him? I don't. He hasn't proved himself or is anywhere near to justifying that price tag just yet...he is a prospect who has performed this season...but at the moment he is nothing more than a prospect. I'd love to sign him, but for £30 million? No thanks.

RedDevil19

Agree with the looking into the club for good back up as we do have players in our reserves and youth that will be able to step up. I feel Petrucci is a player who should be given a few games next season.

I dont agree with Macheda deserving his chance as he hasn't been able to command a place in any team he has played for and besides his wonder goal for us he has done next to nothing. Not worth the risk, didn't even perform against Crystal palace last season.

Finally I think if we want a good player like Rodriguez then we may have to play a bit for him. I do agree 30 is a bit much for him but we were going to take the gamble on Hazard who is also just a promising youngster.

1redarmy

Couldn't disagree more about Macheda mate. He's had his chances, not a lot but still, and his attitude is sh*tty to be blunt. He's flopped at the clubs he went to on loan, albeit having not played much.

As for being a big name who's difficult to leave out, I don't for one minute think it was difficult to not play Berbatov last season - his number of appearances in the latter half would back up that statement.

Macheda, IMO, would simply be taking up a spot for a harder working, more productive and down to earth striker. If he stays, I'd bet he plays maybe 5-6 times as a sub, doesn't score, and gets sold next summer if we can still get money for him.

RED_SKY

In my mind Macheda would be a stop gap whilst Will Keane gets over his injury and Josh King has one final loan spell before we decide whether he stays or goes. I would rather have sold Macheda and kept Mame Diouf, but Macheda is a 4th choice that we never have to play and have not payed millions of pounds for. Makes financial sense to me, thats the main reason why he will stay for the year.

RedDevil19

REDDEVIL19

Sorry my friend by Macheda will never make the grade at Man United. He has been given lots of chances, he couldn't even hold down a place at QPR.
He has absolutely no quality, no pace and his attitute stinks.
Never be a Man United player!

Simmo

Kiko cannot be a stop-gap for W.Keane if he refuses to play in the reserves. Kiko will be offloaded as soon as the club gets an offer.

Sydney!

I'm not saying he will make it! I'm saying he will be a very cheap, cost effective 4th choice - whats hard about that to understand? He may do well as 4th choice, you have no idea if he will or he won't.

RedDevil19

27 Jun 2012 10:57:03
Just read Rio's comment in relation to Euro's, so Roy Hodgson should have played his team mate, a utility player, brought to Euros as right back/central defender who could play as a CDM if they were stuck instead of Henderson. That England should not think of defense first, sorry Rio, but you are after contradicting yourself.

Also, I think Capello is right, Rooney has not played well in a international tournament since 2004, to be honest I think he lacks the personal discipline that is required at international level that makes the great players shine through, proof is in the pudding he got himself sent off against Montenegro and should not have even go to Euros to be honest.

Its true to a degree what Capello said, he has more freedom at United, but been the main man at international level is a different ball game.

The reasom why England are out of the Euros is simply because the 2 Cashleys bottled it from the penalty spot. Simple as.

R_R

The reason we went out s because we were not good enough to win in 90 minutes...... as a TEAM.........

period..
ps.. its over get over it and move on.... hope to see a different younger squad now if everyone is fit......

So Ashley Young is now called Cashley because he chose to join a bigger and better club than Liverpool?

Sydney!

The reason we went of the Euro's was we cannot pass the ball to each other. When our "player of the tournament" is Mr Scouser who passing range is simply left-right right-left accross the pitch in the hope the winger will head the ball on, as demonstrated week-in week-out at Anfield (if he is ever fit of course!). IMHO opinon Woy should have gone and grovelled to a 37 year old ginger lad, hands & knees if necessary, and asked him to play!

We were ultimately shocking, i wouldn't pick out anyone, Wellbeck was ok and A cole for once did ok. Central defence made lots of blocks/tackles but mostly in attempting to attone for errors, poor positioning and waywood passing!

Back to the drawing board Woy!

The point about Scholes is true. Italy had a player who most would call past it and yet he dictated the tempo of his team and held onto possession impeccably. That said I think Roy made an error in with his formation. Against a very organised Italy side we should've played 3 in the middle with 2 wide men and 1 up front. Lets face it we were going to play negatively regardless so we may aswell have done it effectively. 3 in the middle would've helped with possession and you cant score without the ball. After saying all of that I'd also say that sod England. Lets get the important stuff started as soon as possible.

TK-Red

Did Old Whiskey Nose give Cashley his Crossbar Challenge t-shirt Sydney?

As for Shrek, White Pele my a*se, Pele was a truely world class player who consistantly performed at international tournaments when it counted - Rooney simply has not

R_R

So Gerrard is to blame for Rooney not having performed at any way a decent level in 8 years in a international tournament. Sigh

R_R

Gerrard is finished just like your declining club.

Sydney!

Liverpool sign new mega money logistics sponsorship deal, details on 'Liverpool dodgy sightings'.

Sydney ;)

If it were me I would of had Rooney up top, gerrard behind and gerrard picking up Pirlo when we didn't have the ball.
Could of had Parker and Jones behind. Welbeck/young out left and Milner/Walcott out right. Alternatively you could of had Milner next to Parker instead of Jones.
Gerrard would of stopped Pirlo having the freedom he seemed to babe the entire game.

Supaub

R_R Rooney doesn't have the same service for England mate, there is no Valencia or Scholes to get the ball in and he is so unlucky coming into tourneys, when was the last time you could say Wayne is fully fit for a tourney? 2004 when he lit up the euros.

1redarmy

Perhaps you can tell us what Gerrard's excuse is for not performing in the last 5 major championships? Was he our best player at Euro 2004? No that was Rooney. Was he rushed back from a broken foot for World Cup 2006? No that was Rooney too. Perhaps Rooney was to blame for the entire team playing poorly in 2010? Or maybe Gerrard was expected to come in and win Euro 2012 in 2 games? No that was Rooney too. This is the point where you bang on about how Gerrard scored against mighty Trinidad and Tobago in 2006 I think. The fact is that in the last decade there is only one man who has carried England on his shoulders through any minute form of success and that is David Beckham, regardless of what others may think of him.



TK-Red

You have to look at what happened when we were in a bit of trouble in midfeild against Italy. We bring on the 3rd best central midfielder in england, Jordan Henderson! Scholes & Beckham would have made a best fist the Gerard & Henderson. Did Carrick have that bad a season? At least he can retain possession of the ball. If Johnson is the best right back in the country god help us, add to that Milner is pants so we struggle down the right hand side. The left i thought was a bit better, despite Mark Lawrenson blaming the hole defeat on Ashley Young. Back four is poor, Parker is a decent "water carrier".

In answer to the scousers having a pop at Rooneys tournament performances, faced with a load of dross playing around you for so long, you can't blame him for not being that arsed!

Dave

27 Jun 2012 07:51:07
some rumours flying in the way like sir alex try to sign lucas from liverpool because he knew the modric saga is over now.

LOL,

Sydney!