Manchester United Banter Archive December 28 2012

 

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28 Dec 2012 22:34:22
Have just read the review for I AM KLOOT'S new album in Q Magazine, sounds like a good one and we will be hearing a lot more of them next year.Good news for our friend on here.

Red Daz

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Care to give us a clue?Seems I'm clueless

Pardoe

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Pardoe,

I am kloot are a band.

GDS

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Lol and I am too old

Pardoe

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28 Dec 2012 22:19:32
Fergie, bang out of order, ! my ar3e!
As he said we are high profile and big news, the press have shot their load about his recent comments and ABU'S all think he's lost it? He's got them all eating out of his hand, love it.
You may think he's embarrassing, you may think he is over the top, he isn't, he loves this club and will do anything to aide the team to win and if you think different your clueless.

1 question, if you were a manager and there was a big contentious decision, would you let it pass without reason?

Dishforth Red.

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I agree. And I'm sure SAF fully expected to be punished. Thankfully he didn't.

Thomas

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28 Dec 2012 19:44:34
If you could sign only one.....

Who would it be from Eriksen, Moutinho, strootman, or Wanyama?

Pedroknight

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Strootman - I think he is underrated. Wanyama is overrated, as is Eriksen & I'm not too big a fan of Moutinho - I think there must be a reason why a really big club hasn't come in for him yet at his age.

Fresh!

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Moutinho
we need a attacking midfielder who can bag a few goals.


TRUMORS

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Trumors,

we are scoring plenty of goals at the moment, we need someone who will help to protect the defence with a bit of speed and muscle and grit unlike all of our current, very creative, midfielders. I'd prefer Wanyama of the 4 options, if only because of his performances against Barca (but not forgetting how well he plays week in week out)

Jaxer

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Our problem is too much pressure on the defence as our midfield is so weak.... A strong defence minded player that can break up play and be effective in both boxes from set plays is needed.... Strootman, Wanyama, L.Bender are all good candidates but I dont see one coming in I can see Baines happening in January though.

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28 Dec 2012 19:24:36
What is everyone's problem with Fergie's comments? Football has lost its bite and passionate side in the last few years... The ref has said that there was no bad language or threatening behaviour or anything... All Fergie was doing was trying to get the ref to justify his decision which I thought he gave wrongly by the way as how wasnt the offside player involved in the play?? The comment about the barcodes was just a tasty dig at them after a heated game... Get over it..... Bring back the passion.

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Totally agree fergie at his best with his comments about us being biggest club in the world and the barcodes a wee club in the north east brilliant
johndenton

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The only reason anyone is getting on Fergie's back is because everyone loves to hate him and loves to hate our great club.... It is sad really.

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28 Dec 2012 19:22:09
Are transfer plans coming together? Im thinking Nani out in Summer, Zaha deal secured in January for Summer. Strootman, Baines & Lewandowski the three for the summer? Thoughts?

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You've been reading the papers haven't you?

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28 Dec 2012 17:23:00
Evening Gents, was roped into clearing out stuff we don't need in the house for stuff we don't need that we got at Christmas by the wife and spent most of the time thinking about what would be good moves for us to make and why and if they were realistic and one that got my thinking was Thomas Vermaelen!

Now before you slate me, here are my reasons.

1) I think it is clear that Arsenal cannot hold onto their top players now if big clubs come knocking so not that unrealistic to think we couldn't get him off them, we did get RVP.
2) I remember reading that RVP and Vermaelen are best friends so I imagine they stay in touch and Vermaelen has asked what United is like so this could help persuade Vermaelen to come.
3) Vermaelen can play LB and personally I would prefer him to Baines who I don't actually rate as highly as some on here!
4) He can also play CB and SAF does like players who can adopt other positions as well.
5)I don't think he would be that expensive.
6) He has had his injury problems so we could rest him at times to give Buttner, Fabio, Blackett opportunities where Baines would expect to play weekly.

I'm not saying this will happen, was just thinking outside the box and think it could be a good move.

Any players who haven't been mentioned that we should try and realistically sign and why?

Ports

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I do rate Vermaelen actually but he wouldn't be my choice. If we needed cover for CB and LB then great, but I'm not confident enough of his attacking pedigree to buy him as 1st choice LB.

Gav

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I do not rate Vermaelen that highly mate. He has a horrendous injury record too. I prefer Koscielny if I'm honest.

Sydney!

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28 Dec 2012 17:59:58
Firstly he's very injury prone and given the issues we've had with Vidic, Rio, Smalling and Jones i don't think its a good idea. Secondly he's mainly a centre back but you would prefer him at left back over Baines who has been the best left back in the league over the last season and a half. Sorry but i strongly disagree. Mort

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Think you've got dust fever or something Ports!

We need an attacking left back.
Vermaelen is at best a stop gap/cover for left back. Absolutely can't see it, he's not a good enough centre back, and no where near good enough left back.

We should just bring Baines in, £15M or under is the price we should be willing to play to sort out our biggest weakness. Give Everton their dues for their prize asset - I think we'd get him for much less. (Any more and they're taking the p*ss)

If we go for a narrower formation, the fullbacks need to offer the width... Therefore we need someone top drawer who can hack it in the EPL.

DodgyBanter

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Is this apart from the fact he's stank the place up this year?

Pardoe

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Fair comments chaps and the injury issues I did consider however RVP had a poor injury record but seems to of overcome these so no reason for Vermaelen not to but also it would allow the younger LB's chances like I stated.

Also, he actually offers a threat from corners and has a decent Left foot for set pieces. He is a physical player to.

I also think if we get a solid back 4 and someone to sit in front of them, we can then have 5 players who could be given more fluent attacking freedom without having to be to concerned with their defensive duties. RVP, Rooney, Kagawa, Young, Cleverley can go and be more adventurous. I read people saying Evra needs Young's support defensively but I'd be happy with Vermaelen accepting going up 1 on 1 with an opposition player.

I think people are blinded by Baines's set pieces and although he creates lots of chances, this is hardly a problem for us. Defensively so far this season, he has only won 54% ground duel and 50% of aerial duels which I would prefer to be higher as we need to tighten up defensively, attacking wise we are fine.

Like I said, I'm just thinking outside the box to the traditional names always popping up plus I'm not a Baines fan, still can's dispatch Cole at LB for England regularly and Cole is not what he was and I also feel without Pienaar, we would have a similar situation to the Evra/Young debate.

Still, just thoughts :)

Ports

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I think your original post was a good shout Ports. Vermaelen and Walcott could both be players that could persuaded to join us. Sure I think most would prefer that to be Wilshere and Oxlade-Chamberlain but your logic is sound!

Halesini

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28 Dec 2012 17:14:32
It's not for a scouser to point it out, and well done on some great responses...but am I the only one who has been cringeing watching and listening to SAF lately? He's starting to resemble the mad bloke who stands on the corner in his slippers shouting at passing cars. RVP could have been killed apparently, and the constant baiting of the linesman on Boxing Day was not good. Don't want to disrespect the legend that is SAF but I did find myself shaking my head.

AJH

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I think what he said about Newcastle is perhaps going a little too far. SAF seems to be especially feisty ATM so it might be wise for him to tone it down for a while, before he get's into trouble. Still, part of me loves his antics. He's one of these people who you love to have in your team but would loathe if he was at another team

Gav

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Ah at least one honest United supporter-bravo AJH

Puzzled

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It's called taking the focus and pressure away from the players. It's something he is best at and why we have been so successful over the years.

Sydney!

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He always did, didn't he?

Snakey

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28 Dec 2012 19:22:19
god you wouldnt let anyone say a bad word about him the other day ajh and now you are calling him the mad bloke on the corner. i actually agree but you shouldnt insult others who have a go about him then come and do it yourself even if you do state you dont want to be doin it

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At the start of this thread I merely asked if you were embarrassed but I think it would be better if I put it more pointedly. To do this I need to paraphrase a comment from a onetime prime minister (who was referring to one of his MPs.)
I cannot look at Alex Ferguson without imagining the sound of flapping white coats

Puzzled

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Fair point....although I did apologise for my grumpy ramblings...

AJH

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Van Persie managed to go a season uninjured, wait for Vermaelan to manage it then consider him.

Also he isn't good enough at leftback and i don't think he compares to any of our current centrebacks. Would be exspensive cover.

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Puzzled, what score was Pool's last match and what did Brenda say afterwards?
Point being, I honestly do not know and quite frankly, I don't give a damn. See an difference!

Dishforth Red.

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28 Dec 2012 14:25:45
Just how embarrassed do you get at the sight of your 70 year old manager's temper tantrums??

Puzzled

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Not nearly as embarrassing as it must be supporting Liverpool :D

I hear BR is trying to grab a few more Chelsea cast offs in the January sales.

DodgyBanter

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Not half has bad as seeing your old manager wearing a Luis Suarez T-Shirt. Probably the most cringeworthy thing I have witnessed by a manager.

Sydney!

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Not embarrassed at all to see the passion he still has to win every game, thanks for asking though!

Whilst we're on the topic...

How embarrassed do you get at:

1) your league position?
2) your level of performance and results against the mighty Villa and mighty Stoke recently?
3) the fact your manager tries playing the 'Barca way' with players like Downing, Henderson & Jon-the-joke Shelvey?
4) THAT envelope thing filmed for that TV show?
5) the fact that your next 'saviour', the man to really take you onto the next level is one Daniel Sturridge?

Still puzzled?

Gav

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I dont, i find them quite entertaining.

JWalk

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Probably about as embarrassed as you lot were by Kenny's spoilt child routine in ever press conference/interview.

TK-Red

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Put it this way, it's less embarrassing than your position in the league.
sparky

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Not as embarrassed as you liverpool fans seeing the mighty liverpool being midtable.

JK92

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At the moment quite a bit as some of his statements and behavior makes Mourinho look good.

Shahram

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28 Dec 2012 16:13:03
not as embarrassed as you must get at the sight of your manager who cant win a game

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Methinks you protest too much

Puzzled

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Great comeback Puzzled! BTW I answered your Q honestly but you failed to answer my Q's...wonder why

Gav

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To be fair I do think that retrospective action should be issued for offences by both players and managers. I dont know why Mike Dean didnt mention Fergie in his match report, but on the face of it (in my opinion) Fergie should be in the stands for the next match.
Taking pressure and focus off the players only goes so far as an excuse, even if it is what he (and mourinho) do so well.

Jaxer

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Jaxer, you cannot ban a manager for having a heated discussion with an official. Unless the manager has been insulting the referee by using bad language directly or indirectly or questioned his integrity. The referees report confirmed that the manager was not abusive, offensive or threatening in any way.

Sydney!

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Sydney

It is just not one thing but a series off stuff that he says and does. It's fine to love the club but c'mon be honest. I was watching the game with my 8 year old and it was embarrassing and his comments afterwards. Has anyone read his comments on Giggs, i am starting to believe he is going senile as he must be watching a different game.

Shahram

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Sydney,
I think that referees should give out more yellow cards for dissent from players (which doesnt need to include bad language), introducing a rugby-esq rule where only the captain can speak to the ref on the pitch and i think that the same should go for managers. When you see the manager (for whatever team) acting like that on the sidelines it makes a complete mockery of the respect campaign (which incidentally has gone extremely quiet in recent months). Whatever fergie had to say, it should not have spilled out so much on to the pitch. Yes fergie may not have used bad or inappropriate language, but it is atrocious for any manager to treat officials like that. also as shahram said, this isnt the first time he's done it, not even the first time this a week.
I also think that referees shouldnt maintain such a wall of silence after matches, i think that they should have the option of going to a press conference to explain their decisions, to help clear up any confusion. If Mike Dean came out saying the reason SAF wasnt mentioned in the post match report was because he didnt use foul or abusive language then fine, but keeping silent only breeds suspicion and contempt, leading other teams' fans into believing that Fergie as far too much power in the English game.

Can you honestly say that Steve Clarke or Chris Hughton or someone like that would have stayed pitch-side for the whole 90 mins?

Jaxer

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28 Dec 2012 14:10:45
Not heard about Rafael. Is he injured. Not played the last two games. Any news eds.

Yogesh

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Injured

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28 Dec 2012 12:38:18
Sunderland fan here ive just heard what Sir Alex has said about Newcastle haha absolutly brilliant i love the man what a true sporting legend those of you who dont know he has said these exact words in an interview "Newcastle are just a wee club in the north east" i couldnt have said it better my self they have been getting far to big for there boots the last couple of seasons and a i couldn't have picked a better person to shut them up, by the way thanks for the result on boxing day we both did each other a favour and after the small section of our fans wrongly took the mick on last day of the season i would say we are square now all the best for the rest of the season.

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28 Dec 2012 14:32:17
The comments are ridicuolous time he was hit with a long ban and as for the mackem ..grow up ! everybody in the country is sick of the drunken glaswegian there is more to life than finishing above your wee neighbours

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It's funny how Pardew comments on SAF having a go at the ref when he wrongly overruled his official that could have cost us points. Yet a few month's ago Pardew was pushing officials and getting a three match ban for it.

Sydney!

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The difference is that Pardew admitted he was wrong and immediately made a grovelling apology. He was then banned and took his ban without complaint.

SAF can apparently harrangue match officials all day long and get away with it. No admittance of any wrong doing - just the usual denial, counter accusations and incredible arrogance.

SAF's judgment is clearly decreasing at the same rate as his irritability (and senility) is increasing. He should retire now and stop embarassing himself and the club. How long before he p1sses himself live on TV...?

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No unnamed poster, the difference was that Pardew put his hands on the 4th official and THAT is what he apologised for. The fact is that the referee has said in his report that SAF used to insulting/threatening language so I don't see where the issue is. Perhaps next time he should just shove the official like Pardew did?

TK-Red

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"SAF can apparently harrangue match officials all day long and get away with it"

The referee report has confirmed that there was no insulting or threatening behavior so what is the issue here?

Let me guess? Another paranoid Liverpool fan?

Sydney!

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That he didn't use abusive language is what I clearly mean't.

TK-Red

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Definition of "Harangue": Lecture (someone) at length in an aggressive and critical manner.

I don't think I said he used abusive language did I? But he was clearly aggressive and lectured at considerable length. I think the word 'harangue', was correct.

And no I'm not a Liverpool fan (you lot really are obsessed with Liverpool aren't you? - why on earth would a Liverpool fan take exception to SAFs rant?), I'm a fan of the "wee club in the north east". I woudn't normally comment on anything Man United related but SAF's rant was childish, disrespectful and plain wrong.

DomW

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If you saw the game you would of also seen the full newcastle dug out swarm and surround the 4th official when valencia went in on anita, you cant complain about 1 and not the other.
johndenton

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DomW, well the referee and the FA do not think what he done was too bad. Assaulting an official on the other hand like your manager done was uncalled for.

I take it you are in agreement with your manager that the goal should have stood then? Even though the player did interfere with play and was yards offside. Then how would you feel if it was correctly flagged offside and the referee wrongly overruled the linesman's decision?

We are trying to win a title here lad, another ridiculous decision against you lot cost us two points last season or the season before.

Sydney!

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28 Dec 2012 12:22:01
Holtby of shalke is available for free in summer. And i definatly believe that he could be a wel come addition to the club with his left foot ability. Hard worker and a good playmaker.
Rodio17

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Saf had every right to talk and shout at the ref. Linesman had his flag up for offside. If Evans had missed the ball and cisse put it in the net then the goal would have been ruled offside. What a stupid rule.
In think the ref should have used some common sense but we've not come to expect that from mike dean !
Carry on saf, we need passion !
NoMidfield

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28 Dec 2012 12:08:23
Good to hear that Young and Welbeck may start, Welbeck now has the chance to show how good he is, he needs to show how much he wants to start by performing tomorrow.

Great to see Kagawa as well, i can see him coming on late into the game for one of the strikers, depending on how the game turns out.

The team is starting to all fall into place, with Anderson, Rooney and Rafael to also return i can see a strong squad for the rest of the season.

I also hope to see Vidic start tomorrow alongside Evans or Smalling. But due to the RB issues Smalling will play there.

I also wouldn't mind to see Buttner have an appearance. See if he has anything to prove.

-JakeW

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28 Dec 2012 13:16:56
I know you think I have a problem with the brand but I would just like to see him beat a man or pass the ball forward rather than always laying off.I see far better midfielders than him in most teams we play. The only reason we stayed in the game against Newcastle was Carrick's constant attempts to get the ball forward to the attackers. As for my problem with DDG I thought his keeping on Wednesday was shocking at best. The one time he came out to punch the ball unchallenged he nearly broke his writst. i know a lot of what I will say will be unpopular but in the end like what i said about Rooney it makes sense. You don't honestly believe that Rooney is injured, Ferguson is furious with him and is giving him the necessary kick up the backside he needs. I AM KLOOT

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Not every midfielder beats a man, how often do you see Carrick beat a man? Never, he just retains possession and passes sensibly rather than trying hollywood balls that never come off.

I think its truly pathetic how you can't use the guys name but have to resort to cheap digs.

Mort

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Kloot you could write a post ad long as shappys normal ones full to the brim with valid points but critisize DDG and you get rounded on!

I'm glad there was at least one other that had their eyes open when judging him.

Jono

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Completely agree about Rooney, but you are wrong about Cleverley and the sooner you drop your grudge, the sooner you will see he is better than you think. He was too careful at the start of the season, but he is starting to be more productive. Beating a man is not his style and passing forwards is something he has been doing regularly for the past few games. His goal against Sunderland shows exactly what he is capable of and the more he plays the better he will become. DDG tried to be too flash the other day and it backfired. He should have dealt with it better and I am sure he will in future.

Sydney!

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I have critiscised Cleverley many times but would like to say at least at the weekend he was doing one two's to get forward, I thought he did more but still has a way to go

Pardoe

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Fight, fight, fight...

AJH

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DDG

I did not think DDG had his best game either. I like keepers to look solid and as though the ball sticks to their hands, that's what DDG lacks IMO. I will give him a fair chance though as he's young and hopefully will improve on this as well as his aerial ability. His shot stopping and distribution are usually good.

Rooney

I would have to agree that he looks a shadow of his old self at times. He certainly doesn't burst past players any more and tends to lose the ball too often. He doesn't look sharp. Everything he touched used to turn to gold but those little things aren't coming off anymore. I'm not sure what the solution is. He is certainly still one of our most important players and on his day still runs the show for us. Seeing as I like to look on the positive side - I will just hope he improves his conditioning and learns to adapt his game now he's lost that pace. We shall see what happens in the summer though.

Cleverly

It's nice to hear you give a more reasoned argument on him. IMO though he has started to mix it up a bit better, his goal the other day was well taken and I've seen him make some positive passes of late. You never mention his work rate and the way he makes himself available so often, these are his strengths.

Cleverly is far from world class right now, but I think he can improve into a very good CM'er. At worst he will be a good squad player. You cannot blame him that we haven't bought a top CM'er for years. If we had, Cleverly would be made to work harder for a starting place, which I think would be a good thing.

Gav

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Pardoe, Cleverley has been given two different roles this season. 95% of the time he has been played deep in midfield collecting the ball from the defenders and on one or two occasions he has been given a more advanced role and to be fair he takes advantage of it. People need to remember this is his first proper season and he will improve a lot by this time next season.

Sydney!

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28 Dec 2012 11:00:47
I am kloot!
im starting to think you just decide on a player by seeing if you fancy them or not!

seriously cleverly is a good player and was quality against newcastle when he came on!

Man up and admit your error of judgement!

Big V

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Big V or are you just a Big L open your eyes he wouldn't get anywhere near the midfield of City or Chelsea. He is at best a neat and tidy player but brings nothing positive. I AM KLOOT {

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The irony of that statement is that IAK has been using the exact same sentence in defence of Carrick over the years so perhaps, just perhaps, we should be commending Cleverley for the job he does in our midfield and go out and find someone to compliment him. Afterall, Carrick isn't going to be around forever.

TK-Red

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28 Dec 2012 10:51:06
Just watched 07/08 season. Man city beat 8-1 by Middlesbrough. And we won the league. What a change in 4 years. What a difference a billionaire makes. Hate those noisy neighbours. Bought it all.

Nozzla

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I'd hardly say 1 title and 1 FA cup classes as "bought it all". Don't forget we won our 3rd European Cup that season, something City are nowhere near.

TK-Red

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TK. Agree what you're saying. But what they have won do you think they'd have done so without the money.?! Anyway. Here's to a fine 2013.

Nozzla

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No I don't. You are right in what you say mate but we don't want them thinking we consider them as equals now do we? ;)

TK-Red

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28 Dec 2012 10:15:03
We should buy another player in Arsenal next season! City won last year after buying Nasri, then we are doing Superb after buying RVP! Surely there is a solution in Winning Premier League title! Steal Arsenal player! I say Santi Cazola!

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Really? Theres' no-one in that Arsenal side i'd say yes go but him now. Wilshire possibly beyond that no-one else.

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Really? Theres' no-one in that Arsenal side i'd say yes go but him now. Wilshire possibly beyond that no-one else.

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28 Dec 2012 10:03:30
We are one step closer to 20th Premier league title!

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Make a sentence out of the following words:


Chickens Count Hatched Before Don't Your They Have.

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Don't Count They Chickens Before Your Hatched

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Hatched Chickens Count Before They Have Your Don't?

Ports

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With that joke of a defence, lucky there is no other teams stepping up the now.

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28 Dec 2012 09:59:46
Strootman, Alex Sandro, Ronaldo & Lewandowski - if all these deals come off I will be the happiest man alive. Three of the deals I think are highly plausible whilst the Ronaldo move is the most difficult. Could we jiggle around our funds to sort it out? For the 3 we'd be looking at £40 million or so and then £70+ million for Ronaldo.

Can we pull it all off? Well departures of Evra, Giggs, Scholes & Nani would help start the ball rolling freeing up wages and bringing in some cash to add to the transfer kitty.

I do feel that if Ronaldo does become available then we will be head of the cue as we cannot let him go elsewhere and he would bring in so much revenue despite us having to shell out a significant sum. As for Lewandowski, I think the deal is essentially done. Strootman is the most likely January signing whilst Alex Sandro I think is becoming more and more of a target as the price of Baines rises.

Love to know what you all think about my ramblings!

Fresh!

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Just 1 question how will you fit Ronaldo, Lewandowksi, Rooney and van persie into the same starting 11?

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Enjoy the memories of Ronaldo, let's uncover another gem. Time for us to move on...particularly at that price. Although...how about Rooney plus £xM for Ronnie? Hmm...

AJH

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Where does the rule book state you have to play all stars at the same time, all the time?
There is nothing wrong with having alternatives for different approaches and for when someone is injured, what's happening with alarming regularity at united!
There is no other top team with such bad injury history as United in the last couple of seasons.

Jonny8

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28 Dec 2012 09:37:05
Fellow Reds, what is your opinion on the apparent plan to move from our long-standing reliance on width/wingers to playing through the middle, for a more 'sophisticated' approach to give us more joy in Europe?

We did try it earlier this season when Kagawa was fit, but it didn't really work did it. It's clear we've reverted back to the width approach, which has squeezed out results for us.

If we are to keep the wide approach, I don't think our wingers are good enough at the very top level of the champs league. If we want to play more sophisticated possession football through the middle, we need more energy and bite to complement the guile of Kagawa or the style of play of Carrick, who SAF will always play.

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It didn't really work as the only players on the same level as Kagawa were Cleverley and van Persie. We need to find a way to get all 3 in the same side and also shore up midifeld at the same time.

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I like the idea of moving to a narrower formation but not sure we have the right clientel right now to make that switch permenantly.

If we did make the switch we need someone like Isco/Munian so that them and Kagawa could play either side of Rooney. This could spell the end for Valencia as he is not very adaptable. We would probably need more 'steel' in CM with this shape as you say, so there would need to be many changes to the squad. So possibly an unlikely route for us?

Is it more likely under SAF that we stick to the width? Perhaps. If so, we could keep Valencia and Young, and add someone like Rodriguez to improve the quality. With this formation I think we can get away with more of an 'all-round' CM partnership, so Carrick and Cleverly would work. This is because the winger's will have to to some defensive work. It would be good to bring in someone like Strootman though to add more options.

So in short - I'd prefer a narrower, more technical setup but feel a top class team with wingers is easier for us to achieve, given the current squad and options. I also feel whilst SAF is here, he will find it hard to move away from wingers completely.

Gav

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It didn't work as the formation chosen to implement the new ta tic was the diamon which is far to lightweight in the CM.

The 4-2-3-1 is the only way to implement it correctly IMO and so want teams already have adopted it.

One massive thin I have thought of is with that formation and the players needed to play ball and support means SAF needs to use 2 subs to change things up. From three CAMs to get 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 you need to either swap out 2 cAMs for natural wide men or proper forwards. I suppose SAF thinking behind keeping Toni V in the diamond formation meant then if he were to adopt 4-4-2 in game then he was only 1 sub away from that change.

Just a thought I think nobody has touched on.

Jono

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28 Dec 2012 09:30:51
In reference to the best strike force...
"Aguero,dzeco,tevez,silva,balotelli nuf said"

Which noname person wrote this yesterday? Think they need to take a look at the goals scored column of the premier league/Champs league tables?!

DodgyBanter

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28 Dec 2012 09:19:01
People keep posting that Hernandez is one of the most natural finishers ever... If you look at the chances he is missing almost every game I think people need to calm down a bit!

His movement in and around the box is excellent, he can finish pretty well, but he needs to work on his finishing a bit harder for me. Against top teams our strikers won't get 4 chances to score, they'll get 1... They need to learn to take 1.

Remember Philippe Inzaghi (Juve/Milan)? He'd do nothing all game, continually be caught offside (didn't one manager once say he was born offside?!) and then get one sniff of goal and bury it.

Now Hernandez is much better at timing runs, I think his movement is excellent, but finishing is not a patch. Wonder whether the coaching staff show these lads clips of these former players to show them what they should be aspiring to be?

DodgyBanter

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He is missing chances at the moment that he never missed a couple of seasons ago. Don't confuse natural ability with form. I see where you're coming from, and he should be working to regain his clinical streak, but make no mistake he is an extremely gifted finisher.

APC

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I'm a massive fan of his but I do know what you're saying - when Hernandez starts games he often gets a number of clear cut chances but only manages to put away say one of them. When he does score though, his finishes are usually very tidy and have the look of a clinical striker's goal about them, if that makes sense? I love seeing him take a quick touch then fire a shot instinctively - he did that once against Newcastle and I think we scored from the rebound. His runs are 2nd to none, as you say and IMO his finishing will improve. He is not a poor finisher by any stretch. One area he could work on is the direction of his heading.

I love Hernandez' style of play and attitude. I really don't understand poster's who say he should be sold (not aimed at you DB) because we couldn't get a better option who will be willing to be rotated. I think he is already good but will keep improving, and I think he'll go on to score lots of important goals for United. Many of which from the bench.

Gav

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I also really rate the lad, his work ethic and spirit really fit with the club... Reminds me of a young OGS, maybe because of his important substitute goals?

I just hope he doesn't try to become a Rooney type player when he should be focussing on being an out and out finisher. He is a natural player who finishes well instinctively, but recent finishing form has been a bit off.

I just hope he doesn't come out of games thinking I scored one, when he should be thinking I could have had four.

When we play Real we will have to take our chances.

DodgyBanter

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Agree with that DB. I'm pretty sure with the way he plays though we will see a hattrick or 2 from Hernandez before too long. I love the way he seems singleminded in his style, always looking to get into that dangerous position.

Gav

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Chico needs to learn to stay onside
johndenton

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28 Dec 2012 08:21:49
I am not convinced by valencia as our right winger. He completely stalls with the ball near the box. He neither do step overs nor situation aware. RVP and Rooney get frustrated with him most times.why not play young on the right, Buttner as a left winger as it may provide evra a good on field backup as well.

Ravi

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28 Dec 2012 07:03:37
I was having a little fun on the Scousers page when I saw a post saying that 7 of their team would get into ours. That's 7 players in a mid table team they think would get into a team that is 7 points clear. Stunning. The only one I could agree with was Sterling given our challenges out wider right now. Reading their site, they still appear to be in meltdown, bless.

AJH

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I just read it, took some finding and my brain was melting at the dross on there.

I wouldn't have anyone from their team at all.

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Sterling isn't better than any of our wingers right now. He has the potential to be but as a 18 year old he isn't even close to our wingers. There is a reason Liverpool are 12th, because they are a poor side.

Sydney!

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Love your heart felt advise to the Liverpool site AJH... Bet that riled em!

DodgyBanter

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Tbh, they seemed to ridicule the original poster themselves. Syd - really? Right now I'd take Sterling ahead of Valencia who seems to have got lost.

AJH

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AJH, I think Sterling has potential, but right now he is a couple of years off being a major problem for fullbacks. Valencia is having a dip in form, but he is a top player still. Nani is better than Young and Young is well ahead of Sterling. When Sterling is around 20/21 he may be better than all of them, but at this moment in time he wouldn't play ahead of any of our wingers.

Sydney!

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28 Dec 2012 03:49:54
These Lewandowski rumours seem to be appearing more and more now and it got me thinking, Rooney is out for 3 weeks now with a knee injury that leaves us with RVP and either hernandez or welbeck partned with him which is a good attack but then if RVP happens to pick up an injury that would leave us with Welbeck and hernandez up front now which tbh doesnt really strike fear into anyones eyes, so maybe getting lewandowski in isnt a bad idea because it will always leaves us with at least one world class striker that will hopefully score goals

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28 Dec 2012 02:53:40
This one goes out to kloot, I can not see why you don't like cleverly, he isn't an overated English youngster like Walcott was or even like wilshere now. Cleverly is the only player in our squad who in the two occasions he has faced city and yaya toure played him off the pitch. On his debut and recently. If you watch him for a full game like you do Rooney you will see his qualities. He doesn't lose the ball much, he is always looking for the ball, looking to go forward and he may not be the biggest but he's very strong. His finishing needs work but at the minute he's the only midfielder we have capable of getting into double figures. He doesn't just play well against the likes of Newcastle but does anyone remember the friendly against Barca 2 seasons back he played iniesta off the pitch, yes it was a friendly but iniesta is arguably the best midfielder in the world. Finally cleverly reminds me on beckham he isn't the fastest player in the world, but great acceleration to create a yard of space and he has a wand of a right foot. Remember the assist for Hernandez winner v cluj, the Newcastle goals or the assist for welbeck at the start of last year? Kloot all I'm saying is I don't see how you don't like cleverly he's never let us down and he will be a fantastic player in years to come I think anyone can see that.

Caolán.

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I did remember him changing the game in the Charity Shield when he came on as sub, which other game did he play Toure off the park?
I can't agree with you, he's not creative, he's not a great tackler, he doesn't score enough. In fact all he does is come short to receive a pass than pops it sideways and runs away. All i can say is he's busy and wants the ball but when he gets it does nothing creative with it.
Maybe he will improve but for me he is far from being classed as a top midfielder and has done nothing to prove otherwise.

Simmo

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Caolán

Couldn't agree more. I've never seen Cleverly give any less than 100% on the pitch so 'The Brand' label I don't really get. It is also clear to see a lot of positives in his performances both this season and last. Nobody in out midfield works harder to be available to accept a pass, he gives us options and helps keep possession. He also works hard from bos to box. He is still young and improving, he needs to get better at finishing and keep showing that he can influence games. But I'm really glad we have him in the squad.

TBH I think if he went on to win the Ballan D'or KLOOT would still talk him down as he's good at holding grudges! If the Glazers sanctioned a £80m deal to sign back Ronaldo I'm pretty sure KLOOT would still rather talk about the debt ; )

Gav

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Simmo, you have just described what the manager asks of Cleverley and the job that he does extremely well. Let me ask, how many goals did Scholes score on average every season when he moved into the same position Cleverley plays and done the same job Cleverley now does? I will tell you, from 2005 onwards Scholes was the ball collector from the defenders and he played regularly from 2005-2010. On an average of 40 games a season he scored 3.8 goals a season. Cleverley already has 3 goals this season.

Sydney!

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Good point Sydney. I agree that Cleverly plays the role Scholes did later on in his career, not the out and out AM'er he was in the early days. The game has changed and we tend to play our CM'ers both quite deep these days. Having said that, I do expect Clevs to push on now and get on the scoresheet from time to time.

Gav

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Wilshere is not overrated mate, better than our midfield and better than cleverly

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Wilshere is a good player no name and will be a very good player, but he is massively overrated by the media. That isn't his fault though.

Sydney!

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Great post Caolain. Referring to Cleverley as "the brand" is disrespectful to one of our best players. Why not refer to Rooney or RVP as "the brand" also ? If Cleverley wants to create marketing opportunities on the back of being a great player, good on him ! I'd do the same if I were him. Deal with it and move on! Why are you so bitter KLOOT ?
PerthDave

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28 Dec 2012 01:23:04
Some top debates going on here tonight, best in a long while! Keep it up lads.

Hoppy

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27 Dec 2012 23:47:21
What does anyone / Eds make of the Mourinho & Ronaldo rumours?
Would love it to be true but who would partner Carrick in midfield?
Pedroknight

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Mouinho's doesn't have the pace to play out wide so Id think he would partner Carrick with Ronaldo in a more advanced role.

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I think it would be Mourinho pushing on whilst Carrick holds.

AJH

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I was about to post the same but i saw ur comment.


I actually think there is a lot of things going on inside the madrid camp.

If he doesnt sign a contract at madrid it is highly likely he will return to premier league, I highly doubt it that ronaldo will got the french league. By going there he is only going to dent his reputation by playin in a low league.

The only option i see is us, apart from us it can only be chelsea or man city.

i highly doubt it that he would go to any other club in premier league then us.

What do u guys think??

I need opinionss

SYD?,EDS?, all the popular people on here can u dwell some experience into this debate

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