Manchester United Banter Archive March 05 2013

05 Mar 2013 23:15:21
We were robbed tonight but what is done is done and we have to move on. Ok that wasnt what I said as I launched the remote for a brand new tv at the wall when nani was sent off but hey.

Ronaldo really is a class act though seeing him after the goals and in his interviews, he may never cone back but I would welcome him anytime.

Brendan81

Good post, agree with both points.

Good post Brendan let's move on wasn't our night blah blah

05 Mar 2013 23:08:16
Well, to say I am gutted is a massive understatement.

Firstly, I don't think there is any shame in losing to Real Madrid under normal circumstances. They are a good side and good luck to them. I hope they go on and win it. Mourinho is a gem of a guy and Cristiano is still one of us. Credit to him for not celebrating too.

However, we were the better side tonight plain and simple. Even after Nani was sent off and they went 2-1 up, we were in control and gave it everything.

The decision to send off Nani was a DISGRACE. His eyes were 100% focused on the ball, he had no intent to harm the player and irrespective of all that, his foot simply wasn't that high. Shocking. It totally wasted the game and gave it a complete anti-climatic feeling after that.

I am so proud of the players though. We were down and out, but they dug deep and gave it everything. We cannot ask anymore than that given the circumstances.

It is a massive disappointment, but we must move on. It's time to wrap up the Premier League title and go on to win the FA Cup.

Glory Glory.

s20c

Doesn't matter if there was intent or not

05 Mar 2013 22:59:51
Thought as a team we were fairly comfortable til the red card. Surprised with the team selection but Giggs was all over the pitch like a rash. Welbeck stretched the play well and Carrick impressed. I have to say the back four were excellent tonight too.
Roy Keane likes being controversial whenever possible so I'm not going to hold a grudge over his baffling opinion
Hopefully the injustice felt after this game spurs us on in the remaining games

Just saw Keane's interview and he is a right old person and a bitter rubbish. Never a red card as we see week in week out high footed play even when the player sees the other player there and at worst it is a yellow and most times not even a card.

For a guy who put some sick tackles into people during his career, his opinion only points to absolute bitterness and not a balanced argument. I guess the manager knew what he was doing when he shipped him out.

Shahram

How many european cups SHOULD you have won by now, 7? 9? More? Of course, that isn't including the one you SHOULD have won this season. but didn't

Ferguson: " we should have been European Champions many more times in the lad 15 years. "

But you weren't- enough said.

Carl Liverpool

So now Keano's tackles were sick were they. I'll bet you were not saying that and were cheering every time he made one for ye. Typical United fan cannot face up to it when someone goes and tells it like it is. Too used to Gary and the boys licking arse every saturday and just can't handle the truth.

05 Mar 2013 22:58:05
Well, first off, credit to all the United players tonight. Everyone played well and worked their socks off the whole game, especially after the red card. It's obviously hard not to be somewhat biased about the red card, but I thought it should have been a yellow card and nothing more. It didn't appear to me that Nani even saw Arbeloa coming and had his eyes firmly on the ball.

After that, it was always going to be near impossible to contain Madrid, and the time and space that Modric had when he took that shot was a clear indication. A little disappointed by Keane's comments, but he's entitled to his own opinion and I don't think any of us should think less of him for all his contribution to Manchester United and its legacy.

In particular, I thought Danny Welbeck was fantastic, over both legs. Hopefully some people's critical opinions of him have changed. He's proving to be a very valuable player, and is United through and through.

I also thought Nani was excellent. Really stepped up the to occasion. He may not have a place in the club by summertime, but credit to him for picking up his form in the past couple of weeks and at least giving United more depth and option on the wings. If he actually had some consistency, Nani would be one hell of a player.

Lastly, Giggs was superb. I know that like many United fans, I had a lot of reservations when I saw his name in the starting lineup, but he surprisingly did a fantastic job of helping keep Ronaldo quiet and picked some beautiful passes of his own. Great way to make his 1000th appearance, but too bad the result didn't go United's way.

Anyway, proud of the performance, very disappointed by the result but that's football. Hope United really takes it to Chelsea next weekend.

05 Mar 2013 22:49:53
In both legs referees were against us, but all in all I'm really proud of my team, for me I can not fault any united player tonight


TheInFamousNoName

Hardly mate read the rule book violent conduct raised feet, anyway what about Higuains gal wot wrong with that, and the penalty real nor got, a think you payed well but you got your fairvshareof decisions me thinks {Ed004's Note - Higuians goal was punished for an elbow straight into the back of van Persies head he got booked for a lot less at Madrid. The Rafael was after the momentum had changed from the sending off but that's the only decision we got over two legs. What about varanes last man foul! Ramos elbow against Evans, the penalty not given for Evra, ardbeloa not seeing red in the first half for a waist high challenge on Evra.}

Well said ed004

Nice one Ed004. Usually there's no need to point such things out (you win some you lose some & all is fair in love and war) but this plonker needed telling! One thing's for sure - we won't feel hard done by, we'll pick ourselves up ready to go again. The United way.

Look lads, if you're going to remember controversial decisions in a football match, you have to remember ALL of them, not just the ones you can use as an excuse because you got beat.

Higuain scored a perfectly good goal in the first half and your right back clearly handled the ball on your own goal line in the 2nd, denying a clear penalty to Real. If the referee had given it, he would have walked too.
So maybe things evened themselves up.

Carl Liverpool

The corner that resulted in Welbeck's goal wasn't a corner so there is another decision ye got. An own goal and that decision and ye think ye deserved it?

Ye are better off out anyway, save ye being embarrassed again by Barcelona. They will beat Milan 4-0

05 Mar 2013 22:47:32
Intresting to here jose comments after the game saying the better team lost and also walking down the tunnel 2 mins before final whistle. Is anybody thinking what i'm thinking about his next job is manchester utd

You wish
son you wish.

05 Mar 2013 22:46:39
How many games is that now ruined by the referee in Champions league games.

Interesting to see G Bale at the game?Was he there as our guest or Real's?

Don't read into bale being their! He absolutely won't be joining

05 Mar 2013 22:43:34
U know what guys Nani knew Arboloa was there, he just tried to nick it round him. No intent what's so ever. I am glad it's over, not one pindit or whatever gave us a chance. I just wish we would have pressed them in the game before they scored as much as we did afterwards.
It hurts bad but as many have said I'm proud to be a United fan. Bring on the double.

05 Mar 2013 22:42:22
Never felt so proud of the team since I started supporting it as a 6 year old.
Cheated not beaten.
For a moment it felt like Ronaldo apologized for scoring.
Proud
DJ

05 Mar 2013 22:37:58
So, intent doesn't matter then? It's all about dangerous play. Ok. It follows then if a player attempts an overhead kick and catches another player in the chest, then he should be sent off. Why doesn't it happen though?

Overhead kicks should be banned, very dangerous play

Wasnt the keepers punch in vidic face dangerous play then?

06 Mar 2013 00:30:15
Technically we shouldn't even be using footballs, because they can kill people!

Jolly Red

05 Mar 2013 22:35:55
Does anyone else think that game could determine the rest of the season? I. e. the reduced number of games and anger at the manner of the defeat push the team to victory in the league, and maybe the cup?

MEF

No, Fergie will pick them back up.

I think that's what he means Joe. One thing is certain; after tonight rubbishty fans can kiss goodbye ANY slim chances they may have had in the title race.

TK-Red

Yeah That's what I meant TK. The manner we went out in could be used as motivation by Fergie and the players to make sure they give their all to wrap the league. Also having a few less games will help in terms of reducing fatigue and injuries.

MEF

05 Mar 2013 22:34:15
Same ref that sent rafa off 3 year ago against bayern. Sent Van Persie off in the nou camp for that 0. 5 second delay off taking a shot. Same ref who cheated chelsea against barca 4-5 year ago. Last year at the nou camp sent terry off. Surely FIFA and uefa or someone should realise not only is he poor and inconsistent he's got it in for English. Not sure but think he sent Rooney off at the World Cup aswell. Not only this Turkish football is corrupt clubs refs players proving of match fixing how can they let a Turkish referee red a game of this siZe. Not only the red but the fact he waited 2 mins for him to stand up to dish it if its a red it's usually straight away. If your not sure don't give it. As much as they should of had a pen we should of had 2 or 3 twice Ramos was all over vidic on corners and the 2 handbills at the end one was on target and was blocked with the hand.

It's not the same ref but I understand your point

Busacca sent RVP off

Also u forgot to mention that Turkish clubs, fans hate English teams with a vengeance, so why would a Turkish ref be in charge of this match. Why not German, Portuguese, Italian, French, Swedish, Norwegian, danish? Out of all these nations we chose a bloody Turkish ref?
They can stuff off.

It always seems to happen against English clubs. The referee is instantly recognisable for me and when the camera went on to him about 2 mins before the red I was shouting its that Turkish ref who hates English football. Boom he normally deals cards out like blackjack but not for FIFAs beloved Spanish clubs. Also carricks booking was a joke every decision the Spanish teams surround the referee why not book them.

05 Mar 2013 22:32:38
Baffled by the red card, but hey, that happens! Such a shame that a match that had been hyped up and waited for by people all over the world, be ruined by a referee!

A few good points, does anyone still think Ferdinand or Vidic should leave this summer? Welbeck was the best player on the park for me though, he was easily our best threat going forward (until he gets into the box) and took Alonso out of the game!

Anyway, another game where the referee takes centre stage, this ref though, loves giving out reds to English teams/players!

Nani vs Madrid
Cahill vs Corinthians
Gerrard vs Ukraine
Terry vs Barcelona
Balotelli vs Dynamo Kiev

They were his last 5 red cards, coincednce? I think not!

Can't really blame him for the terry one though.

You said it, some far eastern betting consortium will be delighted. Also platini and the other bent persons in eufa will be rubbing their hands with glee.
Nomidfield

05 Mar 2013 22:32:10
Very unlucky tonight thought the lads done great vidic ferdy played well showed they have still got life in them
Raf and evra at different stages of there careers but both done ok.
The much maligned midfield were the better of the 2 teams Carrick plugged gaps all night very good.
Welbeck had a great game
Was it just me or did Rvp maybe look a wee bit tired

Thought madrid were poor to be honest
And mourhino nice to see him say " irrespective of the red the best team lost" for me there is no doubt he wants the United job
On the red you can't blame nani but, I no this will be unpopular but in Europe with your foot that high and studs showing you run the risk of getting a red. I think it was very harsh but I've seen them given.
All in all gutted but a lot of positives

OK but what happened when Ramos kicked evra in the penalty area, nothing! What happened when varane brought evra down in first leg when he was one on one? Nothing.
It is this inconstintcy that is infuriating. And the English clubs always seem to be on the end of it.
Nomidfield

05 Mar 2013 22:27:53
Well I may be poking a hornets best here but I think I repeat I think it looks like nani kicks out after he makes contact with the player, if he did then I suppose the red card is correct. If how ever I am wrong and the ref has sent him off for dangerous play as keane said then it is a joke.

That aside, I thought we were brilliant tonight, I was proud of every player and they all put a stint in including nani who I am normally quick to slate.

Still can't understand Rooney being on the bench but at the end of the day who am I to question fergie!

Karllap

05 Mar 2013 22:27:33
Forget Keane, just a bitter sad man and a failure as a manager, that decision was wrong and totally changed the game.
We were the better team up until the red, in control of the game really, looked the most likely team to score and still had lots on the bench.
They didn't have a shot on target until then.
I'm proud of how we played, welbeck, giggs and vidic were class.
It hurts because feels like we have been cheated.

Will Red

05 Mar 2013 22:23:07
Well what a game.

I must say credit for all players who played in a red shirt today and played their hearts out for us. Sir Alex has defiantly chosen the correct team and IMO we should have won.

I would moan about the referee and the red card but to be honest there is no point crying, it's happened and we can't change what happened.

What we can do is continue to support the lads as much as possible and make sure we bounce back on the weekend.

I am off to bed, I need to sleep over things and make sure my anger doesn't effect my views on the game.

Lets just remember that we can now focus on winning our league title back and even the FA cup.

05 Mar 2013 22:20:16
Just wanted to quickly point out that it was simply Keanes OPINION nothing more, nothing less.

Let him say what he believes, he is sure as hell entitled to do that.

Its not what he said mate, its how he said it, proper bitter imo

Rouge Diablo :)

Keane is a bitter person who will never be a legend. He is a disgrace.
Nomidfield

Totally agree with Rouge Diablo - everyone is entitled to their opinion but Keane's demeanour was of a man looking to stick the boot in.

Moon - can you imagine Gary Neville saying what he said, in the manner he said it? Why did Dixon and Southgate disagree?

05 Mar 2013 22:17:05
Well what can you say. The boys played well. Have to pick ourselves up for the weekend and go and end Chelsea's season. Think Fergie will want the double now.

05 Mar 2013 22:15:24
UEFA screw job once again, I cannot stand this favouritism of Spanish teams, Sepp Blatter has once again ****ed English football over, I hate the man, the sooner he leaves his post the better, you can argue with the referee, I would of sent Nani off i'd of of seen that from where the ref did it looked nasty when sped up, FairPlay to the lads they gave it there all and asked questions of real too, Rafael was brave and for me a positive to take out of the game, as was Giggs IMO ran all night, was hoping for a 99' repeat but oh we'll hey ho now onto securing the league and the FA Cup and let's get braced for an excited summer.

Fifa's Sepp Blatter?

The Irish Rover

Hmmm conspiracy pages are elsewhere

05 Mar 2013 22:10:32
Hats of to Mourinho for saying the better team lost.

Bit gutted, personally I don't think Nani should have been sent off but had it been the other way around I think we may have been calling for the RM player to be sent off.

Either way, we've shown the world that we may not have the fanciest names in our team but we do know how to play against so called 'better' teams.

so so proud with the team.

And may I also just say that I thought Giggs was terrific as was Nani until the red.

Don't be to bitter or angry tonight guys, we're still on for a domestic double.

Out of the UCL but quite frankly we went out to one of the best sides on the planet.

P. S - I actually thought Ronaldo dreadful tonight.

The moon, for Christ sake, we're Man United, we don't mind losing against the better teams? What are u non about mate? We are Manchester united we should be the best team and we should no it be happy just to give Real a bloody game.
Get a grip, we should set our standards a lot higher than that.

He was not dreadful, rafael had a great game both going forward and back. I would be interested to know how much running he did.

Shahram

If any of there players had done it to one of ours I don't think anybody would of expected a red card either!

You ever watched El Clasico? The slightest of contact and players are at the referee trying to get the other players booked / sent off. Notice no RM player was doing that to the ref. Terrible decision that ruined the game.

rpc

05 Mar 2013 22:05:26
Real Madrid hadn't had a shot on target until the red card. I think that tells us all we need to know about what effect it had.

TK-Red

05 Mar 2013 22:03:52
Roy Keane former Legend
LP

05 Mar 2013 22:02:18
Well for anyone watching it on terrestrial. Roy Keane, it's nice to see your not bitter about getting the boot from us. You've just earns the ire of every United fan for your ridiculous comments. ****.

Bitter twisted tit who has never had my respect and will never do so. Total person.

05 Mar 2013 21:58:50
its official
Roy Keane is as daft as the f##kin ref!
well p##sed off!

fozzy58

05 Mar 2013 21:58:13
Arsenal fan here, I agree with tomlfc, nani was just trying to bring the ball down, and the real player ran into him.

maybe they should go the full hog and introduce five a side rules.

05 Mar 2013 21:53:58
When referees make such gaffs' are they penalised? If so he should never referee anything above a French ligue 2 game.

05 Mar 2013 21:52:33
The post mortem on itv has sealed one thing for me. I am convinced Roy Keane has it in for Utd. Every time I see him analyse when Utd play he always seems to slag us off and never praise us. For example the only person who said it was red no matter what. Is he bitter because of what happened when he left?

MEF

05 Mar 2013 21:51:54
Very poor decision from the referee, completely ruined the game. Up to that point SAF had got it spot on again. Giggs and Welbeck were great, even Nani was causing problems. I know it doesn't matter but we had them beat until the sending off

05 Mar 2013 21:51:27
Anyone else think Roy Keane's a complete person?

05 Mar 2013 21:51:22
i've lost all respect for roy keane after that

05 Mar 2013 21:50:17
well guys, real did not deserved to go trough to the next round. we where the best team but thanks to ref we didn't go trough, I will not watch champions league anymore, and uefa sucks and platini to, zee

Zee,

United can't win them all mate. just take some pride in the fact that despite how we went out we've gone out to one of the best sides in world football.

05 Mar 2013 21:49:46
Speechless. simply speechless.

When I mentioned weak links in the morning. I totally forget refrees.

Now I must say rafs has lost us more matches than oppositions.
Rodio17

05 Mar 2013 21:49:21
Even the Madrid players and Mourinho seemed ashamed at the win. That sums it up!

"The best team lost" - Mourinho

Respect to the man and hopefully, future manager!

05 Mar 2013 21:48:55
Mourinho just said the best team lost!

05 Mar 2013 21:48:08
Liverpool fan here, not here to gloat

Best team lost, terrible refereeing and you showed great spirit and never gave up, respect lads {Ed004's Note - Fair play to all other bitter posting up provocative and at times insulting posts they will be deleted and bans will be given}

05 Mar 2013 21:46:55
I'm proud of the way we played, we were the better team and the tactics worked. I think the evidence will show that English teams get screwed! Spanish teams always always get the benefit of every call vs English teams. Real were dead and buried until then. Everyone says we don't have midfield and we have old players but guess what we were the better team.

Just saw a Mourinho interview where he said the team that should have won did not win the game and they were terrible (real). He also said he does not want to comment on the sending off. Very classy statement by the man.

Shahram

Madrid scored 3 goals? You didn't score any? And you think you were the better side? Unbelievable! Deluded or What! {Ed004's Note - Pretty sure Madrid only scored twice tonight and united scored once. Also united scored in the first leg as well?}

Never a red, real were out played until the sending off and then after the 2 goals we out played them again we were robbed. should of had a penalty. What was all keane's analysis about? the ref got it right?

As much as I want to rip the refs head off, what is that muppet Keane on about. He is so bitter against utd these days he's deluded these days. Great player but a complete c**k these days
Blackpool Red

05 Mar 2013 21:45:23
hi ed004, think rooney called pepe for an person on twitter because he did something to messi in a derby game so maby that's the reason he is not playing (rooney)zee {Ed004's Note - I doubt it Zee but I remember the incident now thanks}

05 Mar 2013 21:42:12
We may have been beat and now out of Europe but my god that performance fills me with pride a big well done to the lads tonight at the end of the day we were beaten by an person of a referee

Hold your hands up lads, they were the better team, they had more posession created more chances gave us a goal start and scored 2, Ref was spot on and fair dangerous play. straight red.

05 Mar 2013 21:40:48
This referee. cost us the game. but credit to us, we played really well until that unfortunate red card.

It's very tough to play 10 against 12. god dammit.

05 Mar 2013 21:39:52
That so called ref killed that game n

05 Mar 2013 21:18:50
Really don't know what ferguson was doing tonight. Why rest Rooney and kagawa? Kagawa scored a hat-trick on Saturday, and how is he rewarded? He is left on the bench for the biggest game of our season! Why was nani playing instead of Valencia or young? And what is the referee doing?

It was working! We lost because of the red not the players or tactics!

Get a grip, the selection was working and the team was playing well. The sending off changed the game

Fergie got his tactics spot on, if it wasn't for the red we'd have won.
Can't blame him for not starting kagawa and Rooney, welbeck and giggs played good.

TRUMORS

05 Mar 2013 21:11:43
whats really annoying is the tactics were working. Madrid looked clueless for periods.

05 Mar 2013 21:08:26
We looked very comfortable up until then.

It's Munich 2010 all over again.

Sydney!

You know wot syd, munich wasn't as bad as call as that its shocking mate tbh, its just wrong and the ref knows it as well now

05 Mar 2013 20:53:00
Well if we can't put it in, we'll get them to. put it in for us!

05 Mar 2013 21:22:12
For all my belief and optimism, I still feel the ref has knocked us out of the UCL!

05 Mar 2013 20:39:17
Interesting first half, very open again. I didn't expect it to be this open this early in the game, I thought it'd be a tight game until around 70 mins when caution had to be thrown to the wind by someone.

Looking forward to the second half, even though i've chewed my fingers down the the second knuckle already. Lol

05 Mar 2013 20:37:18
giggs has been impresive vidic has been great nani has done alright thow he hasn't had much to work with
paddy the irish man

05 Mar 2013 20:32:13
Cracking 1st half, really enjoyable and everyone doing reasonably well. The crowd is up for it as well so here's to a rousing second half.

05 Mar 2013 20:11:53
I said leading up to this game we will win if we are clinical, lose if we are wasteful. So far we have been wasteful.

Sydney!

RVP looks tired. and then nearly scores

Wasteful is a bit harsh. There haven't really been any clear cut chances other than the header against the post. We're looking lively but Madrid are defending well.

TK-Red

Clearly 442 syd no point saying what you think the formation is before watching the gameplay

Well we have slowed reals game to almost walking pace and they looked like they were out of ideas towards the end of the half. 45 minutes gone and halfway there. C'mon boys let's score a couple please and kill the game.

Why is Nani no playing on the right and Giggs on the left.

Shahram

Don't agree with you syd mate, the only clear chance we had hit the post.

TK, I was referring to Welbecks two chances and RvP volley. Three great chances to score.

Sydney!

We hit the post and Denny had a decent chance, I don't think that's wasteful.

No name, I never said Vidic was wasteful, his effort was a great effort. Denny was wasteful with the rebound. RvP has had chances, Rooney had a chance, Welbeck had another decent chance following up from RvP decent effort. We needed the strikers to be clinical tonight. That being said we never looked like conceding before the referee sent Nani off.

Great effort from the lads though, we are probably a year or so away from challenging for the UCL properly. I'm gutted about tonight, but as long as we lift the League title in May I will be happy. Hopefully with this performance over the two ties the pessimistic United fans now realise we are not as poor as they think. Vidic could have had a brace, RvP could have had an hat-trick, Welbeck could have had a couple. We done well.

Sydney!

They were never "great" chances Syd! I'm sorry but not in the slightest.

TK-Red

05 Mar 2013 19:45:07
Anderson not even on the bench, can't see him being here next year. Nobody thought Rooney wouldn't start

Very much agree with that. Don't know who'll have him though, or who we'll replace him with LOL.

05 Mar 2013 19:40:22
Is SAF more concerned about Sunday's FA Cup tie against Chelsea?
Didn't see this lineup coming. Anyway hopes up cause he's a genius and a genius always does thing differentently.

05 Mar 2013 19:35:45
ok guys good luck hope nani plays well, I think he will. zee

05 Mar 2013 19:31:12
There is no way that I expected to see that line up.

I'm in shock. I hope it doesn't backfire.

05 Mar 2013 19:29:25
So the night is open for Rooney to come off the bench and show us how good he is, or used to be.
I'm sure he will be required at some stage, so let's see how good he is.
Personally, I think he's had his day but I hope I'm proven totally wrong.
Let's cheer the guys who are playing.
Nomidfield

I'm confused, this is almost positive but then you posted a rant. Could you not help yourself?

05 Mar 2013 19:20:09
As others have said, stunned at the line up, this is some gamble, rio, Vidic, Evra, Giggs and Nani all starting no-one predicted that.

What a gamble? Giggs is the most experienced player on the planet, Evra 1st choice, Nani is Nani. The only gamble is asking Vidic to play twice so quickly

05 Mar 2013 19:13:57
fergies lost the plot, no roonie and nani and cleverly starting, bye bye treble
BIG AL

05 Mar 2013 19:11:24
Why oh why is Rooney on the bench and Giggs starts?

05 Mar 2013 19:05:45
God save rafael from ronaldo. Nani is strtng.

Lol ronaldo must be liking this.

shahram

05 Mar 2013 19:02:09
wow, what a strange line up. rooney and kagawa on about 60/70 min for giggs and nani?

05 Mar 2013 18:59:32
Shocking team sheet can't see how we go thru in this tie, madness

Its not that bad lol

05 Mar 2013 18:52:19
Real Madrid are great and will be a tough nut to crack. But we are Manchester United. Play with no fear and show them exactly why we are the absolute best.

Believe.

COME ON UNITED!

s20c

05 Mar 2013 18:46:33
Hearing Nani is in the team instead of Kagawa.

MUFC19

05 Mar 2013 18:43:28
Wow didn't see that lineup coming. Hope he knows what he's doing.
Is that because of Pepe?
Supasub {Ed004's Note - What about Pepe?}

Just realised that Pepe isn't starting but Rooney publicly mocked him (on person*r) in a Barca derby last year or before.
Don't know if its coincidence but as soon as Pepe was brought on in first leg Rooney was then taken off, maybe a fear that Pepe would try and get him sent off, either way Rooney will be on 2nd half with hopefully more space, I do hope nani doesn't waste his f***in chance.

Supasub

You know I meant Classico and not derby.

Supasub

05 Mar 2013 18:39:28
I'm hearing Rooney is on the bench and Giggs starts. Surely not?

Nozzla

De Gea, Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Carrick, Cleverley, Nani, Welbeck, Giggs, Van Persie, this is the team not what I would of thought! but we have a lot of pace with nani and welbeck

Absolutely stunned with the team selection. Big names dropped the most shocking IMO is Evans, he's been brilliant this season.

05 Mar 2013 18:34:01
anybody else think ronny didn't play very well in the first leg

05 Mar 2013 18:20:49
ok guys this is my team I think will play tonight.
DDG
Rafa Evans Vidic Evra
Cleverly Carrick Giggs
Rooney Kagawa
Rvp
(maybe wellbeck for Kagawa)

05 Mar 2013 17:35:59
I expect your all buzzing as the game of the season approaches. But there is two main points I want to address.

The first is the loss of Jones, I don't see it as such a loss as a lot of you. He was one of our best players in the first leg. But the first leg was an away game against one of the best teams in europe. And as such we had to set up in a more defensive manner, we needed to defend well and hit them on the break. And Jones was a key player in man marking Ronaldo as we were inviting them on to us and you need to mark Ronaldo out of the equation. But when were playing at home we'll need to keep more possession and not give the ball away cheaply. Is Jones the player to do this? I don't think so. I feel the change in how we set up would mean Cleverley should come in for Jones anyway regardless of Jones injury.

The second point is a sensitive one. I don't think we should play Kagawa from the start. This is a hard decision to make considering how well he played against Norwich but this is Real Madrid. He was largely ineffective against them in the first game. We need someone who can get into the thick of it but also bring that ability to make the differance in that vital moment. I think the player we need to play from the start is Ryan Giggs, he is in his best form of the season and the motivation of his 1000th game will drive him on to make difference plus his experiance will be vital in holding thing together.

Other than that I would play the same team as we did last time but in a more 433 formation like this:

__________DDG
Rafael__Rio__Evans__Evra
_Cleverley_Carrick_Giggs
Rooney___RVP___Welbeck

This way Cleverley and Rooney can help Rafael out with Ronaldo and Madrids attacking full back, with Giggs and Welbeck helping out Evra on the other side with Di Maria.

All the players i've chosen are comfortable in possession and very hard working. Welbeck deserves his place in the team for his performance in the last game where Madrid just didn't know how to deal with him.

We need to sit deeper than i'd like as Madrids best aspect is to catch us on the counter so we can't leave too much space in behind us, but at the same time we need to keep possession to cut the supply off to Ronaldo as he won't be man marked in this game. We need to try and control this game and get a couple of early goals would be great for the nerves but I expect the game will hang in the balance until the last minute.

We can win but we need to be solid at the back and keep concentration. Let's get behind the lads and believe in them.

And to all of you who will be lucky enough to be there lift the roof off the house and cheer the lads onto victory.

To be honest, I think that would be the best line up to include Giggs in the starting XI. and it's a line up I like quite a lot (even though i'd swap Kagawa for Welbeck). But we rarely use a 4-3-3 so unfortunately. I can't see it! I posted my line up for tonight further down the page and it was a 4-2-3-1. but the more I think about it, the more I can see SAF using a traditional 4-4-2.

05 Mar 2013 17:04:45
What I find that's rather quite funny in a way is that if all our players were fit all the Fletcher 'non fans' would be happy with him starting up against Ronny possibly with Carrick and Jones in a solid CM3 would we not?

Anyway my team for tonight.

----------DDG
Rafa--Rio--Evans--Evra
-----Carrick-Clev
--Kags-Rooney-Welbeck
--------RVP

Need a massive performance from Rooney, carrick adn Clevs especially as when we need to keep the ball those three will be pivitol in that. or cost us haha

05 Mar 2013 16:43:56
guys, have a feeling we will win the match 3-1 or 4-2 but i'm even happy if we play 0-0, zee

Fair play zee, your positive attitude is class. I like reading your posts, they're like a breathe of fresh-air compared to some of the negativity and the calling-over of some of the posters on this site.

I too am hoping we out score them and hope Rooney has a couple of goals to silent the critics

Only two hours till the build up starts gents. We are United!

ALDUtd

The calling-over of some of our players by posters on this site*

ALDUtd

05 Mar 2013 16:02:06
I was talking to my friend today about Michael Carrick, he's a city fan, he seems to think Carrick is very over rated because he is English, he also said Gareth Barry is a lot better, (he's a city fan) but it got me thinking, I Carrick wasn't English and was Brazilian and named carrilinhio we would be kissing his feet and praising him as a world beater, I aren't a Carrick supporting massively, but he is an integral part of our team, and had been really consistent this year, I think he should be in line for the player of the year from both the players and fans of MUFC, great player underatted IMO, onto tonight really excited, nervous but most of all really euphoric because we haven't really had a game of this magnitudes at this stage since real in 03' that I can remember, my team would be this.
DDG
Rafael. Vidic. Evans. Evra
Carrick. Cleverly
Nani. Kagawa. Rooney
RVP
I think if we start well with a good tempo, decent possession, I think we can give real a real test. We need to take our chances and mostly, get our better players into the game early to mark out intentions, I hope kagawa can carry his from from Saturday into today and what we all saw when he was at Dortmund, Nani I feel like some posts I've read will relish from this challenge, we all know he thinks he's ronaldo perhaps playing against him will boost his confidence? I don't know, whichfull thinking I guess haha!, anyways hope we come away with a win, how nervous and tense would it be if it went to ET and Penalties, I don't think I could cope haha!, have a good night guys. GGMU.

Carrick with a defensive minded player beside him he would dictate a game just like alonso pirlo scweinstiger and all them great midfielders can
paddy the irish man

05 Mar 2013 15:45:40
Ronaldo will get an amazing reception tonight and when the whistle goes someone needs to welcome him back to old Trafford within the first 5 mins professionally at least once maybe twice for good measure. No singing his name during the match either.

Supasub

Totaly agree, have been thinking exactly the same. We can sing his name before the 1st whislte but then it should stop and someone should give him a little 'manchester kiss' :)

05 Mar 2013 15:19:56
Fingers crossed that secretly Jones is available. It wouldn't be the 1st time Fergie has done this ;)

One thing is for sure whoever starts should get all our support.

Mad Hatter

I could be wrong, but all the media outlets are reporting that Jones is definitely out, but I haven't heard SAF say anything along those lines. I hope it is one of his tricks that he likes to play, could really do with another strong performance from the young lad.

#ags {Ed004's Note - Saf has said he is unavailable but Fergie would never lie to us tho?}

I want to see everyone else partner Carrick in the middle except from Anderson. He wouldn't win a single ball during all match.

Wasn't there an open training session yesterday, that Jones wasn't a part of, or he trained by himself.

I'd say the chances are very slim, I genuinely think he's out I can't see it being games from Fergie.

Fair enough Ed. The only quotes I'd seen from SAF said that Jones was to start running a couple of days ago and that it would be a close call for the Madrid match. I'd seen the articles saying that Jones was out but there were no quotes from anyone in them. Stewart Gardner almost always tweets about Injuries but all he's had to say was that Jones was a close call as well.

#ags

05 Mar 2013 14:22:46
I'm thinking a 4-2-3-1 tonight.

-------De Gea-------
Rafael-Vidic-Evans-Evra
---Carrick-Cleverley---
-Rooney-Kagawa-Welbeck
---------RVP--------

I'd like to see Kagawa through the center, mostly for his work rate. I think he could really harass the central midfield of Madrid. Rooney and Welbeck in slightly wider positions will help the two full backs, and Welbeck was a constant threat when attacking!

That isn't Kagawa's strong point. He isn't Park Ji Sung. If we play Kagawa in the middle then we need to make sure its because we are playing through the middle. If we are looking for someone to chase down the Madrid midfield then we would be better off with Anderson or Cleverley doing it. That said, albeit for slightly different reasons, that is the starting XI that I would play too.

TK-Red

That isn't Kagawa's strong point? Did you ever see him play with Dortmund? I don't mean he should drop deep and play as part of the midfield. I mean him to play in the center of an attacking four. just behind RVP. The job of chasing down the Madrid midfield will ultimately lie with Carrick and Cleverley, but Kagawa's work rate in tracking back could definitely help in shutting down Madrid's deepest midfielder. most likely Alonso.

I think valencia will start to give rafeal a hand with ronaldo/di maria and rooney will start behind rvp and asked to stop alonso

Rio will be in tonight in place of Vidic I believe, other than that the team I would play.

Brendan81

I don't see that as Kagawa's job. If anything I can see 2 of Welbeck, Rooney or Nani coming off the wing to try and keep Khedira and Alonso busy but I would like to see Kagawa find space and try and do Madrid some damage rather than prevent them from doing damage to us. As I said, we have others who can do that.

TK-Red

05 Mar 2013 13:34:08
i can't believe some of u think that we are going to loose the match, tell me what happend in the first leg did we loose, we should have scored atleast to goals and if u guys think we will loose then don't watch the game. we played well in the first leg and we will give them a fight at oldtrafford so please try to be positive guys, do u guys think real fans think they will loose to barcelona when they play against them?im nervous about the game but I have faith in our team and saf, come on red army its a new era for us and it started in the first leg so let's get behind our team. united. united!zee:)

You can't blame people for saying it, they are flying, and to be honest I think some are just saying it so that if we do lose they can act like they thought it all along.

Personally, I can't pick a winner, it could go either way it depends on the lineups and how reserved or forward each team is.

After all, not knowing the outcome is part of the beauty of football.

Tm, if they are flying and nervous then I understand but if they are serious about that we are going to loose, then its wierd but I really hope they are behind our players tonight because they need us, was not having a go at anyone, good luck guys hope we win the match, zee:)

I'm not condoning anyone saying we are going to lose, I can see why they might is all I mean, but I don't agree with it.

It's fact that saying we are going to lose, is the opposite of supporting, so I hope that everyone is behind the team as well.

05 Mar 2013 13:14:20
just had a email from sky and it said mutv is free till 17th march

05 Mar 2013 12:46:24
Please, whoever is lucky enough to go to this amazing match today, please punch anyone close to you that is singing ''Viva Ronaldo''. Thank you

May I ask why?

Because he plays for the opposition

Even if Ronaldo scores a hat trick tonight, there is so much love for him at Old Trafford, they'll definitely be singing for him before it all get's going, and even if he does tear us apart I think people will appreciate what they are watching.

He is a one off, a rare gem, and a massive player in our history, that's why we still sing his name, that's why we'll be singing it for years to come.

Hopefully Viva Ronaldo is being sung when we are 2 or 3 up in the 85th minute to try and convince him to come back. I still hold out the hope he might however unlikely it may be.

TM,

Couldn't agree more.

05 Mar 2013 10:36:25
Sorry for the copy and paste.
Just thought fresh would love this.

Ronaldo makes his first return to Old Trafford on Tuesday night as his Real Madrid side meet United in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.
And Vidic, who played alongside the Portuguese before his record £80 million move to the Bernabeu in 2009, is optimistic they might be United team-mates once again. He told the Daily Telegraph: "He (Ronaldo) is a United supporter and still follows United, he still misses the club and the environment here, so I wouldn't be surprised to see him come back. "Vidic continued: "It would be a big ask for many reasons, but I would love to see him here. "I don't know what atmosphere he has at Madrid, so I can't really talk about that, but all I can say is that I enjoyed playing with him, he enjoyed it here and it will be great to see him. "Vidic believes Ronaldo is the equal of Barcelona striker Lionel Messi, who is regarded by many as the best player in the world.

05 Mar 2013 08:28:08
So another of my guessing is going to be true. Evra has been offered a new 1 year deal.
Fabio will be the new first choice left back from next season. And if he fails to impress in his given time, evra will provide more cover for another season and then either in january or next window we will purchase 1 new left back.
But this totally reduces the chances of a new left back purchase.
I for 1 has no objection with this.

Rodio17

So you do not want the team to improve? Evra despite his goals this season is a weak link in our side. If we want to improve the side then Evra must be replaced with someone who can defend well.

Sydney!

I definatly want team to improve and be the best and that's why I am happy that fabio is going to be there. And I fully trust the lad that he will not allow evra to come back again in the side.

Let me make it simple syd. I m a big evra and carrik hater due to there under par performances. So I wil never favour them.

Rodio17

Syd. don't be under impression that I like evra. Since last 3 seasons I want to see his back.
But its not happening so I made a guess while summer window that its fabio for whom SAF is waiting. press can relate us with any name. And if fabio fails new lb will arrive.

I guess SAF's way to find solution from with in. no mater if it takes time

Rodio17

The new contract to Evra would allow United to purchase a young LB and groom him for a year. When Evra goes the replacement would be ready.

Rodio,

Have you seem Carrick this season? Why would you be a 'hater' of any of our players, get behind the lads and support them till the end.

I don't hate any United player, but I do want us to improve areas of the team that have big weaknesses and not standstill or regress in Evra's case. Manchester United should never be standing still. Sometimes you have to make do as other positions are more important, but I feel this is the summer we need to strengthen the LB area. It's long overdue IMO.

Sydney!

People get caught up to much in what they want to happen, we all think we know best.
Over the last couple of seasons has there been any sign fergy was going to drop never mind sell evra.
Evra players nearly every game captains the side, I would say he has fergys backing and that's all that counts.
So for me it's no surprise he signed for an other year. I also think butts will continue to be the back up.
As for Fabio who knows what's going to happen but I believe he's only got 12 month left on his contract {Ed004's Note - I reckon he will cover his brother tbh}

I hate Carrick too, the way he's at the centre of everything we've accomplished this year just sickens me.

ZanySteve, I think what you're talking about is highly illegal, and I for one would be disgusted if the club engaged in such behaviour just to sweeten Evra's deal.

Danny Pughnited

I've wanted Evra replaced for a couple years but actually his form has been better this season. I'd say CM and the wings are more vital positions to sort out, especially with Fabio back as extra cover.

If anything I agree with ZanySteve that a young LB could be groomed at some stage.

I actually think Evra will still be first choice LB next season, with Fabio perhaps covering both sides.

HBadger

I have told many times carrick have been good this season lot many times in earlier posts but that doent change my opinion about him.
I hate loosing and some players have been gates for it lot many times and that to in som. imp matches also. So natural fear comes when they receive the ball.
Its like one get happy when rvp or rooney gets the ball near opposition panelty area. U expect them to score
I expect evra and carrik to do blunders in pressing situations.
I hope I have made myself clear

Rodio17

Ed004 Fabio has been playing on the right for qpr so you may well be right, but I find it strange he only has 12 month left on his contract {Ed004's Note - He could always be offered a new contract}

Danny,

Your post just made me laugh out loud pal, both parts of it.

Rodio,

You would probably have made yourself clearer if your post made any sense, you apologised for a post earlier that made no sense so you must be able to take your time and write a bit better. I just get that you hate Carrick and you have been told he has played well this season. Bearing in mind he has been brilliant in almost every game does this mean you haven't watched any games this season?

Ed004 I think he will either be offered a new contract or sold I guess we will find out in the summer it's just unusually for us to let a player get into the last 12 month when he's part of the managers long term plans {Ed004's Note - Something will happen with him this summer and I hope he is kept for squad competition maybe a bit of brother rivalry would be good?}

05 Mar 2013 13:41:41
That the same carrick that's carried the midfield pretty much single handed all season? Ok the guys made mistakes so to evra but to say you hate them for mistakes is incredibly petty. You seem quite young. All players make mistakes. You going to hate every player that makes a mistake?

GDS
I said.
I have told in earlier posts.
I haven't used the word" have been told"
I think I know the grammer little bit to make such mistakes.
Happens people understand others when want to and they don't when they don't want to.

Read properly.

Rodio17

05 Mar 2013 07:34:39
Forget personal opinions, grudges against players, forget about the ownership of the club, forget about bickering on here with each other, Tonight is all about the game the world has been waiting to see, for 90 minutes let's get behind the team and support every kick, tackle, step our players make.

If you're at the game, make Old Trafford rock, wherever you are in the world, get behind the lads. This could be a massive step towards a historic season, I cannot wait.

THIS IS THE ONE!

Yeah and it could also be the night where we realize how far we are behind the top clubs. Our midfield will be torn apart, and Madrid will counter attack with pace.
No chance I'm afraid. Let's move on and try and win the league.

Ah no name,

Why don't you put a name to that post? Guessing it was a bitter scouser to post something so pathetic.

No name we know the faults in our midfield but to quote an old saying the sum is better than its individual parts there may be players who we don't rate for whatever reason but put them together as our team and we can beat anyone because we are MANCHESTER UNITED
Onecut

Pathetic post noname, what a gutless reply!

I take it you didn't watch the away leg where we drew but should have won?

You don't deserve to support our great club with negativity like that! I officially denounce you as a United fan, haha.

Can't wait for tonight!

HBadger

05 Mar 2013 03:24:52
Going to sleep imagining the players lined up in the tunnel, waiting to walk out with the Champions league music on and the Theatre of Dreams absolutely electric! Packed to the rafters!

I got goosebumps!

C'mon men, make us proud!

ALDUtd

Talking about tunnels -

If only we had Roy Keane in there to sh!t up Khadeira or Gary Neville to blank Ronaldo, haha.

HBadger

If only lol. The game has changed so much though since then. Midfield no longer needs a hard-man to go in for crunching tackles, more to strip the opposition and read/intercept passes.

This game is not just a match it's more of an event, hopefully going to be a memorable one that I tell my kids about when they're older :)

ALDUtd