Manchester United Banter Archive December 09 2012

09 Dec 2012 23:03:23
Is Lindegaard injured or just being sent a message? Not even on the bench today. Does this have something to do with his poor performance last weekend at reading?

Fresh! {Ed004's Note - His wife went into labour so he was given the day of}

Lets hope its a long long Labour and a healthy onee aswell

09 Dec 2012 22:49:24
With Rooney playing in the hole lately where do you guys are kagawa fitting in? I'd hate to see him become inaffective playin out of position Rooney rvp up top with kags behind is what I want to see personally


Munkydunc {Ed004's Note - I would like to see Kagawa playing LAM cutting inside. He plays there for Japan effectively and can interchange with Rooney}

I agree Ed He needs to be played on the left to cut in it will give him a lot more room to find areas on the pitch etc. {Ed004's Note - I also feel if we got Baines he could form a similar relationship to that of Pienaar and Baines which is a phenomenal partnership}

Ed's got it spot on, would then be nice to have Rodriguez as RAM! But Valencia and Young will be enough for this year.

Fresh! {Ed004's Note - Yes I think they will be enough for this year but I just think Rodriguez is a strong possibility as we have bid for him and have been scouting him a lot}

Ed004 I agree think that could be an awesome partnership, so Anderson and l.bender behind in a 4-2-3-1 formation or would you prefer two defensive midfielders instead.


Munkydunc {Ed004's Note - I think Lars Bender and Anderson/Cleverley is enough, though I would like to see someone like Cabaye}

Ed dont u think instead of cabaye ,mountinho would be a better option.......
why is it we are not after him? ,would be great player for us. {Ed004's Note - I think Cabaye edges it as he has premier league experience and I would prefer to sign Rodriguez}

09 Dec 2012 22:25:06
absolutly amazing goal by rvp , the way he curved the ball onto narsi,s foot with pinpoint precision ,knowing it would take it past hart, and some people have the cheek to say utd are lucky ha.
ps , long way to go yet utd , dont count your chickens , and all that...............lfc

Liverpool won a match have they? How about the goal we had disallowed that shouldn't have been? You really are dreadful at banter.

GDS

We are not getting ahead of ourselves we won against a rival and went 6 points clear when we have played all of our toughest away games. There is a very long way to go but there is nothing wrong with positivity.

We are lucky...lucky to be the fans of the biggest and most successful club in England. Well done on firming up your mid table position today

Gav

Jealousy is a wicked thing mate.

Caolán.

Liverpool wouldn't recognise positivity, what have they got to be positive about!? Oh that's right. Maybe getting into the top half of the table.

Andy S

Wow liverpool get there first win of the season against a side that isn't in the bottom six and out crawl the scousers from under their rocks. Were not getting carried away, were just celebrating a good win or have you forgotten what thats like?

Shappy

Off subject , but i think you would all argee messi is the best footballer who has ever kicked a ball, the only choice i think, out of this world.
ps, the only player in the english game who plays the same way is mr suarez , not as good offcourse , but they both have great skill..............lfc {Ed007's Note - Messi... aye right! Suarez....lmfao! Bedtime lfc, put the can down and get to bed. How come you haven't been seen while X-Factor has been on TV, is that you Chris?}

Bond has just blown lfc out of the water with that reply... Bond, Take a boooow sooooooooonnnn!!

Night night ed007 and co................lfc {Ed007's Note - ;-)

That is truly funny. BTW I am personally looking forward to hosting you guys at old trafford next year. I am sure you will be given a gracious reception and then a boot up the ...s as we put 4 or 5 past you boys.

Shahram

Christopher Maloney appears on X Factor, lfc goes missing from these pages.

Christopher Maloney goes out of X Factor, lfc makes a miraculous re appearance.

Busted!!

An Dun Red Devil

Maradona to name one was better than Messi. No way Messi would have survived a single match in the eighties and nineties.

Supasub

Everyone knows it was a scouser who threw that coin at rio yesterday due to the fact it was tied to a piece of string,joeyored

09 Dec 2012 21:57:58
I can now say that I finally trust Evans and I can say that confidently, but IMO Smalling is a class above. I have no doubt in my mind that Smalling will replace Ferdinand with ease, however I do not think Evans is an equal replacement for Vidic. I do think Jones will be a couple years into the future. So I can see a Jones and Smalling partnership for England and United in the future, just cannot see Evans being the long-term replacement for Vidic. But this is a squad game and IMO Ferdinand and Vidic will both be gone by the summer of 2014 so I do see a young CB joining and I think we will go for a finished article too. We have a great future with Evans, Jones, Smalling & Keane, but I do see a Zouma type signing and someone like Hummels. It is a squad game so I would have no problem with Smalling, Hummels, Jones and Evans fighting it out for two starting berths.

Sydney!

I'm glad to see you say this, you're not someone who is just stuck with an opinion that might be wrong purely based on the past. But I have to say, I see Smalling as the replacement for Vidic and Evans as the replacement for Ferdinand. I also see it being the main partnership for the next 7-8 years. Also, in relation to Ed's comment, I don't think Hummels is that much better than Evans, if at all, I certainly think Evans is a better ball player. I think with Keane coming in, all we need is one more CB, how I wish we'd got Varane.

Percy {Ed004's Note - I am sorry but I believe Hummels is a far better ball player than Evans. I feel that whats separate Hummels from very good defenders, I think that Hummels is without doubt already a world class defender, something which Evans is not but I am not saying he will never reach.}

Maybe Messi might join united Sydney are you comfortable with Messi RVP Rooney Welbeck and Hernandez fighting for the striker's spot? or maybe Iniesta might join and Battle it with Powell Cleverly Carrick and Anderson for the Midfieldiers spot?

RED87

I don't see the point in signing any centre backs to be honest. Defence is all about continuity rather than competition. So having loads of defenders who you have to rotate is more of a hinderance than a positive. We have Smalling and Evans who'll be the main stays for the next few years, Vidic i think will stay and provide some experiance(he is a leader and our captain, and as such is worth more to us than what we would get from selling him), then we have Jones and Micheal Keane who i have high hopes for, as two young lads who need games. So signing another young defender doesn't make any sense.

Shappy

Spot on Shappy. Evans, Smalling and Jones can fight it out for years for the two centre half spots, with Vidic providing the elder stateman experience for another couple of years yet.

Defenders take longer to get into their prime as a rule, so there's no need to buy just yet, that I can see. Especially with another two promising ones following along after that.

StevieK

I agree but also wish we had Varrane. I believe he will be the best defender in the world and better than Hummels in a few years.

I know it is stretch but if we were going to buy a defender, I would rather make an effort to get him, which should be much cheaper than Hummels.

If Vidic comes back healthy, no defender will get ahead of him on the team sheet and he is going to be there for at least a couple of more years and what an enviable position to be by having Varrane, Evan, Smalling, Jones, Keane as other choices.

Shahram

Shahram

Smalling, I believe is better than Varane. I have seen him play quite a few times for Madrid and i haven't really been impressed by him to regret us not getting him. I'm not really convinced that Varane will be as good as if not better than Hummels.

Smalling imo is unbelievable and was a top notch catch by the manager. He will be the best cb in the world by the time he is 25-26.

kdevil10

As much as I would love to see Vidic stay I think a £20m bid from Anzhi would be too much to turn down and too much for him to turn down as he would be paid five times what he is taking home now. Him and his family have lived in Moscow before and he would be given the captaincy at Anzhi I'm sure. We have coped fine without Vidic over the past year so if an offer of £20m (approx) came in I am sure the club would accept and use the money towards a world-class replacement. Hummels would cost £25m (approx) and would be great business and it would be a massive statement to the rest of the league.

Sydney!

09 Dec 2012 21:07:20
There is a rumour that the coin thrown at Rio was in fact a Euro and the fan was trying to send it to a donation box as City fans don't need Euros any more.

Red Man

09 Dec 2012 20:48:20
So glad we won, I was cursing the ref/lines man cause again they could of cost us. At 1 point we should of been coasting at 3 -0 and avenging for the defeat last year then break away and score. Thank god that gold and shameful for the few City supporters throwing coins etc.

09 Dec 2012 20:38:31
We have 3 games in 6 days this month so we really could have done with a fit Valencia. Kagawa, Nani & Anderson should return in the next 1-2 weeks and they will be needed. To be fair Scholes, Fletcher & Giggs will be needed too. It could be worse as Chelsea will play 6 games in 17 days and suffer with jet-lag.

Sydney!

I am hoping Nick Powell will get some game time in the centre of the midfield. Hopefully we do not go back to slow predictable and just poor play next match. keep the momentum and attacking play !

09 Dec 2012 20:33:59
City fans always throwing coins at there problems.

09 Dec 2012 20:26:19
Does anyone have the feeling we may be seeing the best English centre back of all time in a few years..... Chris Smalling is already world class. I do not think Vidic will get back to his best and at his age he should unfortunately be moved on for £15-20 million along with Evra and we should be looking to bring in Baines and Hummels/Ogbonna/Papadopolous. Imagine a back 5 of DDG, Rafael, Smalling, H/O/P and Baines.

Are you serious {Ed004's Note - I agree with him. We have the foundations of a top defence with De Gea, Rafael and Smalling, if we replaced Evra with Baines we would be in a near perfect condition defensively as long as Vidic returns as the same player before the injury and if not a replacement such as Hummels would make the defence one of the best in the world}

09 Dec 2012 20:46:47
dont you rate jones at all?, Isnt he meant to be a good prospect for centre back role

Totally agree if we can get a good fee of Vidic if he doesn't return to the player he once was. Our poor defence hasn't been helped by a very poor evra who seems to have lost his ability to defend, tqack back and get back into position. With just Baines bought in January it would taken the burden off the CB's who continuously make up for Evra.

Mad Hatter

Am I serious ? YES! If you can not see the talent the boy possesses your mental.... He is already up there talent wise with the best around....

I do rate Jones I just think he lacks composure and aerial threat... He could be a class holding midfielder or centre back but I do not think he will be any where near as good as Chris Smalling who imo carries on improving will be remembered for years.

Mad Hatter- Even if Vidic does get back to his former self I think at his age we should be looking at selling and replacing him. If we could sell a 30 year old for around £18 million and sign Hummels at 23 I think... for around £25 million then that is great business and he is more of a modern player who can play with the ball at his feet as some pace and can pass.

Agree with you no name. What i meant was if we get a good price for Vidic if/or not he returns to his original self then we should sell him. It won't be long before he deteriorates. Add Evra to the list and get a replacement for him too.

Mad Hatter

We should not be selling Vidic whether he returns as his old self or not. He is one of the few leaders we have in the team and he adds experiance to a young back four and goalkeeper.

Since when have we become Arsenal and are willing to sell anyone for "a decent price".

Shappy

There seems to be people on here who look to push some of our players out the door with indecent haste.

Vidic is only 30 for flip sake, not 50! He has another 3 or 4 years in him, if needed, and he brings invaluable leadership to a defence that is so promising, but still so young.

Like Shappy says, we do not need the money and we do not have to buy players with the proviso that they have a good re-sale value (I hate that term!). If they're still doing a job, there should always be a place for them here, and to hell with no re-sale value!

StevieK

Sell Vidic? why would we do that. He is an absolute leader and selfless player and a guy you want when you play away in Europe or PL in big games.

SAF loves him and will never sell him as long as he comes back healthy. His presence in the tunnel leading out the team itself is worth the admission price.

The team needs a balance of younger and experienced players that are not in their late 30's and he is a long way from retirement.

I also don't get all this sell Carrick stuff, we need to buy replacements for scholes and giggs and need players like Carrick in the squad.

Shahram

09 Dec 2012 20:21:08
Yesssss!! Good defensively, Rooney and RVP linked up well and could be unplayable, we finally scored on the break. It could of been a hammering if the linesman didn't crap himself when he didn't see young was clearly on. Overall to get 3 points at city with a dodgy ref was not a bad day.

De gea was class as well today and really should be playing every game.

09 Dec 2012 20:16:37
Hi guys, thought i would come on and re-iterate what i said last week when Lindergaard was Fergies 1st choice and BEFORE he had a shocker at Reading. Fergie has to come out and name David DeGea as our 1st choice keeper once and for all. He is by far the best keeper we have and is well on his way to being the best in the world in years to come. Last time i came on and said this there were quite a few disagree's but anyone who knows keeping will know how good he is. Yes he has had tricky spells and yes he needs a bit of work on crosses but so do 90% of keepers and of the 10% that dont need it i dont believe any are as good all round as DeGea. He is a young guy but the strength and character he has shown to come back and fight as he is is amazing. Hope that some who disagreed have now maybe seen the light and we can all get behind our number 1 who will only get better with every game.

Brendan

To be fair i agree with you that De gea should be our no 1 keeper.

But i like the way Sir Alex is handling this situation as it is making De gea more motivated to get better and in quick time. De gea must be feeling some pressure from Lindegaardso it will only help De Gea is the long run, but none the less de gea should play more often.

09 Dec 2012 20:07:59
What a week, loved the build up to the game, especially the mind games. Loved how every ABU jumped at the "penalty" claim from SAF, priceless. I also liked the fact that SAF made Rooney play in the weakened CL team, I think that was the kick up the ars3 he needed because he wasn't anything like the player we've seen so far this season, maybe in a couple of games. The game was a strange one for me, usually I get so nervous for the City game I don't enjoy the game itself, however, I felt strangely comfortable today and knew we were going to win, even a 2-2. I am not going to go through the best bits because we all saw them but the best bit was our Tom took a kick from bully boy Toure and Toure went down like a sack of potatoes.
I don't know what SAF and the team have said or worked on this week but it worked and it could prove the catilist to reaching greater hights this season.
Dishforth Red

09 Dec 2012 19:59:15
De gea had a great game 2day thought he did really well on the corners and made a great double save. RegTheRed

Didn't come on a couple of occasions but definately one of his most assured performances.

Supasub

09 Dec 2012 19:56:55
Remember that Scholes goal? Michael Owen?

Well now we have another one to add to the history books, Robin Van Persie has is making his way to become one of the United's greats. Such an amazing player, he had shown that when he fooled two players and finessed with his right foot, he should have scored. Robin will be with us for many years, he doesn't need pace to score, so he could easily play to his mid 30's.

Rafael... What a player to have to succeed from Gary Neville, he is making his way to the best Brazilian right back of all time, maybe even the world.

Smalling and Evans (Mainly Evans) have surprised me so much the last two seasons, if these two carry on at this rate they will become our new pairing, alongside Jones, Vidic and another center back we will have no defensive problems for a few seasons.

These 4 players along side players I didn't need to mention such as Rooney, Cleverley, Chicharito and De Gea all have a bright future a head of them.

The past few months I was doubting some of our players along side other fans but today they have shown why they play for United.

Next week is Sunderland, and we all know what Fergie wants to do them. Those fans will regret what they did.

Have a good week lads, stay safe and remind all of your friends who support City about that scoreline, I know
I will be doing it. ; )

-JakeW

Today we were a lot more adventurous with Young actually running at people and look how we did. I just hope that the performance does not drop back to the slow and laboured play we have become accustomed to in the last few months just because the players got hyped up for one big game.

09 Dec 2012 19:36:54
Gallaghers,Gary Owen, Rick Wakeman,Jason Manford,Mike Summerbee,Eddie Large,Nial Quinn,were you watching today ? Your boys took one hell of a beating at Wastelands today.
Raffael

09 Dec 2012 19:09:21
De Gea- 7 :faultless for two goals really. Made some cracking saves and cleared some crosses too. Needs to take control of box more often and needs to let a shout at defenders but all in all a more than decent game

Rafael-7: attacked and defended solidly still afraid of his rash tackling though

Evans-7: so impressed with him this season. He's gotten stronger and stronger. Defended well while on

Ferdinand-6: defended well but his lack of pace was exploited today

Evra-8: became a real leader today. Needed to cover Ferdinand a lot and got caught out of position but attacked and defended with pace and power.

Valencia-6.5: did okay but did not show much hunger and drive in attack . Still won't beat a man like before

Cleverly-7.5: attacked and defended superbly . Kept the ball moving throughout and always looked for Rooney

Carrick-7: defended immensely today . Silva and yaya were kept reasonably at bay throughout.

Young-7.5: showed great attacking build up with Rooney and rvp and helped evra out too. More like the 18 millin player we signed last year

Rooney-9: world class performance today. Linked up superbly with everyone and worked tiredlessly as per usual. Got 2 more goals aswell.

rvp-7.5: great free kick to win us yet another game. Great effort for youngs goal too.

Subs- smalling-8.5: unreal in defense. Some amazing tackles when going got tough

Jay-c

De Gea should get a 10, the two goals that went were impossible to save, not even the best keepers in the world would have kept them out.

Evans should get a 9, looked so composed on the ball and was solid until injured.

Other than that, fair ratings.

-JakeW

09 Dec 2012 18:59:03
Just wondering, is it possible for Tevez to get a ban for his kick out? I don't really understand it, but is it only punishable by the FA if the referee didn't blow for the foul?

Hoppy

He can be punished by the FA as he wasn't punished by the referee, but I wouldn't hold your breath.

Sydney!

Sorry, he can only be punished by the FA if the referee confirms that he did not see it. If the ref did see it and decided to take no action, FA cannot do anything. That is what I think happened. The ref bottled it, not wanting a sending off at the end of the match.
Mike B.

Mike B, you are right in what you are saying. The FA will ask wimpy Atkinson, he will say he didn't think it was worth a sending off and they will brush it under the carpet to protect the referee. Tevez was booked for descent, then he escaped a booking for kicking the ball away and then escapes a straight red for kicking out at Jones, he should have received two yellows and one red in all honesty, but escaped with just a yellow card.

I said a few days ago that Atkinson was a bottler and a cowardly ref, IMO these are the worst kinds of referees.

Sydney!

09 Dec 2012 18:42:14
How enjoyable was that?

We didn't dominate midfield which was a worry and they certainly had more control but we pressed high and persistently which is what we should have been doing all season. It was nearer to the high tempo football we expected to see. In a way we played like a European away side, harry the opposition win the ball back and break effectively. We certainly chased, harried and spent a lot of energy, at last we put some pace in our game.
Rooney was dangerous arriving late in the box and actually Young had one of his best all round games for us. I see some criticism of Valencia but he was always a threat on the break. De Gea showed why he is and should be our No1, he was more commanding than Lindergaard and is already more assured. I felt City's task became a lot harder with two situations, Tevez on the bench and the loss of Kompany. Carrick and Cleverley had decent games and played with far greater tempo. Smalling is a good player and worth a starting berth, certainly we defended far better.

The Rio incident was shocking in that coins had been thrown at Rooney earlier in the game and nothing had been done to stop it. A lack of class in that they couldn't take defeat, typified by Tevez reaction in kicking out at Jones. Throwing coins is disgusting and dangerous , a centimetre lower and Rio could have lost an eye. The FA need to stamp on it.

A great win but there is a long way to go and it would be stupid after working so hard to drop points in easier games.

Very enjoyable result today and Ferguson should note how the pressing game can work. There was a delicious poignancy when you see City with a banner with the time of their final goal last season, RVP stuffed that one back down their throats.

Next week we play Sunderland, the fans who laughed and derided our players when the City goal was scored last season. Next Saturday is a game i have been waiting for, I havent forgotten, I hope the team haven't forgotten and frankly go and stuff them

Red Man

None of us have forgotten what Sunderland did! I hope we beat them 5 or 6-0 and they get relegated. They won't be doing the poznan then will they?

G.A.G.U.S

We should have won the game comfortably with Young's goal being wrongly rules offside.

Sydney!

I though I was the only one who remembered that game. Sir Alex Ferguson said we won't forget that day the fans cheered for city. I want to see a performance even better that today for that game. Show no mercy.

-JakeW

09 Dec 2012 18:30:08
G.A.G.U.S
You seem to seem narrow minded, why don't you set up your own site and then you can place each of your concrete views on there?! I agree with the above posts, Evans and Samlling could both play for Barcelona, and I agree that it is only because of their nationality that they are put down.
I also think Cleverley could play for Barcelona in years to come, I am just hoping that doesn't happen.
And G.A.G.U.S has Nani offended you personally in some way, you seem to be the one with the obsession.
PJ
------------------
LOL I'm narrow minded? I have nothing personal against Nani, but a blind, deaf dog would get frustrated with Nani's inconsistency. I was joking with Percy, yet you take it seriously. Maybe you should take the stick out of your a55?

G.A.G.U.S

What are your views on Smalling and Evans?

Percy {Ed004's Note - Personally I think Smalling will become a world class defender if he already isn't, while I think Evans is a top class defender on his day, he isn't consistent enough to be a regular starter. I believe our first choice centre back partnership will be Smalling and Vidic and anyone else happy to see Smalling show some leadership when he had a go at De Gea not coming for the ball?}

Ed004 i noticed that and for me that is the only 1 negative i could say about de gea but hopefully with a gd run of games an understanding will be built with a regular back 4

Calvin {Ed004's Note - I thought Smalling showed us today and the past few games why the defence should be built around him, but only if Vidic does not return as the player he once was. I reckon if we got Baines in January like some rumours suggest. A defence of De Gea, Rafael, Smalling, Vidic and Baines would be the best in the league without doubt. Then in the summer sign a midfielder and a Nani replacement. So 3 signings and this team would be taken to the next level imo}

Smalling looks like he's going to be an incredible player. Hope the lad can stay fit throughout his career, he could go on to achieve anything.

DodgyBanter {Ed004's Note - If Vidic doesn't come back the player he once was, could people imagine a partnership of Smalling and Hummels.... Phenomenal}

I can now say that I finally trust Evans and I can say that confidently, but IMO Smalling is a class above. I have no doubt in my mind that Smalling will replace Ferdinand with ease, however I do not think Evans is an equal replacement for Vidic. I do think Jones will be a couple years into the future. So I can see a Jones and Smalling partnership for England and United in the future, just cannot see Evans being the long-term replacement for Vidic. But this is a squad game and IMO Ferdinand and Vidic will both be gone by the summer of 2014 so I do see a young CB joining and I think we will go for a finished article too. We have a great future with Evans, Jones, Smalling & Keane, but I do see a Zouma type signing and someone like Hummels. It is a squad game so I would have no problem with Smalling, Hummels, Jones and Evans fighting it out for two starting berths.

Sydney! {Ed004's Note - I am really hoping we see Hummels signed he could form such a formidable partnership with Smalling}

I think Smalling and Evans are top quality(particularly Smalling).

G.A.G.U.S

09 Dec 2012 18:17:45
If a man makes you cry, he has done something heroic, Ohh ROBIN VAN PERSIE!!! ♥
DJ

09 Dec 2012 18:04:30
Manchester is RED!

G.A.G.U.S

09 Dec 2012 17:46:11
eds/anyone im travelling via train..rubbish internet signal in india..we WON..
but what happened at the end? tevez kick? rio hurt?

Rudi {Ed004's Note - Tevez kicked out at Jones. Very similar to the way Rooney did vs Montenegro awhile back. Rio was celebrating with the team and a coin hit him above the eye and split it open}

09 Dec 2012 17:28:08
I have to say I have no time for city fans, their players and them as a club but I must say I have got a bit of respect for Hart today when he stood in front of the prat who came on the pitch towards Rio, well done Joe, nice to see one City player with a bit of class and pride.

Ports

09 Dec 2012 17:13:58
Hey guys cudnt see the match but my mate a Liverpool supporter tells that Valencia was mom today and he was like the best winger in the world. Really glad to see Valencia getting back to form.

You my friend have been trolled.

MPez

I think he was winding you up, he is nowhere near his best and hasn't been all season, however, he has been out for a month!

Dishforth Red

09 Dec 2012 16:56:06
Great result today from the boys, thought valencia worked his socks off today and gave everything on that right hand side, thought evans was fantastic while he was on and put in the sort of performance we have been craving from him, Delighted with the win lets hope we build on that and go even more clear of city!

09 Dec 2012 16:44:06
I never knew why lindegaard was out.
But i was happy to see ddg in goal over him.
Now even after todays performance SAF thinks ddg is not good than i dont think he values him.
For me he is man of the match.
We could have conceded 4 goals if it was lindegaard.
Pls Saf Open ur eyes and dont be stuobbern in cin favour of experience.
Lad is simply awesome.

Rodio17

Rodio17

SAF played DDG in the Manchester Derby away from home, I think that should tell you how much SAF rates the boy!

Ports

I've thought all along that SAF rates him and that he'd be back in the team for this game, tbh

Lindegaard came in and did OK for a few games but DDG is the real star of the future

Gav

Lindegaard was given the day off as his wife went into labour, it'll be interesting to see who he plays in goal next week.

Shappy

Ports
Saf has no option as lindegaard got day off because of his wife.
But ddg has proved again nd again that he is the best.
If saf gives him more chance rather shuffle all the time.. We wouldnt have even heard rubbish rumour of begovic
Rodio17

09 Dec 2012 16:42:43
We conceded 2 but DDG made some incredible saves, he needs a run of games here to establish himself and gain confidence. Once we get all the wounded back we will be a force.

The first goal was an incisive finish and the second was hit so hard through a group of players... DDG had no chance on either..

09 Dec 2012 16:26:14
"Johnson is the best right back in the Prem by a country mile. Anyone who watches him regularly knows this. Technically he's the best English player too, bar none."

Lmao... How silly. He scores one decent goal and suddenly he is top class.. Absolutely deluded Liverpool fan... I would put Richards, Walker, Rafael, Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Maicon and Zabaleta to name a few ahead of him in the prem... He doesnt know how to defend bless him.

He cant defend for Sh*t, sure hes a good attacking rb, but in the big games he always goes missing because good players take the P*ss out of him.

09 dec 2012 16:17:33
y did cleavery,valencia and evans subrtituted and they played well?

Evans took a blow to his leg and it kept niggling him until he had to come off. Valencia was poor today, very wasteful and coming back from injury. Cleverley was not completely fresh after taking a knock against Cluj and looked tired.

Cleverley was knackered - he had run himself ragged and had a good game.
Evans got a knock and Tony V got a cramp.
All good reasons for substitutions. Let's give SAF his due; he picked the right team for the game. Hopefully we have now seen the last of those great legends, Scholes and Giggs, in the big games.
Mike B.

Evans had an injury and valencia and cleverly probably picked up a knock and ran themselves into the ground but nothing serious. So glad cleverly does not have a calf problem as they can be along term injury lay off.

Shahram

Cleverley and Valencia are recovering from injury and Evans picked up a knock in the first half.

Shappy

09 Dec 2012 16:14:33
Get in there. Justice prevails in the end, nice deflection by that whinge Nasri. We had a goal wrongly disallowed and a good penalty claim turned down. What game was Mancini watching?

Sheeeez, good goal by Johnson there. I can't help thinking that it looks like West Ham are playing the crew of the USS Enterprise.

An Dun Red Devil

09 Dec 2012 16:09:41
Wat a win.... I guess every1 was jumpng whn van persie scored.... Comebck kings does it agn....
Sid

09 Dec 2012 16:05:59
Also thought smalling showed he could become one of the best defenders in the world in a couple of years time

James

Chris Smalling is a phenomenal talent... No wonder we spent that much on him after pretty much one season for Fulham. He is literally a carbon copy of Rio at that age maybe even better.

09 Dec 2012 15:59:28
Someone was on here last week complaining that he's not being entertained by United anymore, and i replied with a comment that 'we may not be hammering teams 8-2 this season but we're still being entertained'........ Someone tell me that derby match was not entertaining!!. THE REDS GO MARCHING ON! ON! ON!!
Flyhalfmitch.

09 Dec 2012 15:56:54
Sweet, sweet victory. Great match all round. Great first for us. Decent second. Atrocious Valencia. For the purist, fanatics, optimist and especially the doubters.
PeeBoaiy

Atrocious Valencia? Must have been watching a different game to me pal. Awesome game awesome result, just amazing.

GDS

Valencia frustrates the hell out of me. He is strong and fast but he dithers too much. He needs to get his head down and go past his man. I sometimes wonder how he manages to stand up, given that he only has one foot !

Pip :-)

09 Dec 2012 15:41:17
Jesus Christ, I almost had a heart attack. Oooh, Rooobin van Persiiie.

09 Dec 2012 15:38:32
So we have beaten City, Chelsea, Newcastle & Liverpool away this season. All potential banana skins.

Sydney!

All we need to do is keep performing solidly against weaker teams and not make stupid mistakes.

This game is our turning point.

-JakeW

Could be as we have now a run of easier teams and also captain fantastic coming back and generally a healthy squad.

Shahram

Come on Sydney, those teams are not Banana skins, they are serious opposition.
We had our fair share of slip ups on Banana skins this season though

Jonny8

09 Dec 2012 15:39:54
Well I'm so proud of the lads, the character we showed! To concede one goal when it should have been 3-0 and we got mugged! We defended well de gea was excellent! Rooney was very good and robin take a bow son! I think Carrick, rio and young deserve a special mention they were all excellent!

Caolán.

Carrick, Rio and Young? A lot of fans want them out though! Shows what a big game does to the players.

-JakeW

!00% agree. Rio had Aguero one on one a number of times in the box when they were 2-1 down and I thought he did great.

Carrick was very good and young had his best game of the season and was very good.

I think the whole team was very good. To beat city at home it usually takes a team performance. Rafael had another very good game.

Shahram

De Gae showed that he is pure class today. Looked calmed and composed. He dealt with the aerial balls really well. Moving closer to #20.

kdevil10

1 game doesnt change anything they still need to go young was poor second half

Young will not go anywhere. He offers a lot of options, he performs in big games and he is settling into being a big game player.

DodgyBanter

09 Dec 2012 15:32:09
I am so annoyed Tevez didnt get sent off for kicking out... He will go and score 6 or 7 goals now in the games he should be suspended for.

Thats quite a prediction, 6 or 7 goals you say. Have you considered that he would have only been banned for one game as it would have been two yellows? So you think Tevez will score quite a few against Newcastle then. Lol.

Shappy

No he still could of got a straight red and then FA can extend that.... Kicking should be stamped out of the game ( No pun intended)

It would of been a straight red... ^

Very rarely to you see a straight red for a niggly little kick like that( even though it should be), if he was to book him for it it would have been a yellow more than likely.

Shappy {Ed004's Note - He was already booked though}

09 Dec 2012 15:30:04
So happy we won. Had a sneaky feeling we would. But i felt so bad for De gea after his double save. Was so gutted for him but we still won so still very happy

James

09 Dec 2012 15:29:56
We won, that's all that matters!!

INCREDIBLE game still 6 points ahead!

Lets just celebrate guys!! Take care!

09 Dec 2012 15:27:54
before i realised what happened i thought rio punched himself in the head!

ms85 {Ed007's Note - I thought he poked himself in the eye at first.}

09 Dec 2012 15:22:56
That's the United way.

-JakeW

09 Dec 2012 15:05:11
Valencia has been very poor all season......whyyyyyyyyyyyyy?

MPez

09 Dec 2012 14:55:37
incredible useless ref. absolutely good goal and a penalty not given.

Shahram

09 Dec 2012 14:54:30
We should be 3.0 up and picking City off, that linesman could well have had a hand in who wins the league this early on. How did we know Atkinson will bottle giving a penalty. One thing I hate is cowardly referees.

Sydney!

Couldnt agree more.. We should of been settled 3-0 up and sitting on the counter picking them off. Instead The linesman doesnt know what he is doing and they score straight from it then we have a clear penalty imo and Tevez should of been a gonna for kicking and they had very lenient decisions throughout imo.

To be fair Syd He was fairly consistent on that kind of shielding challenge. We had a few at the other end too.

I thought MA had a good game and kept 11 Vs 11, which made for a great game.

We got the luck at the end that we deserved from the disallowed goal... Good ol' football karma!

Everyone in that squad should walk at least a foot taller after that display, we'll done lads.

DodgyBanter

09 Dec 2012 14:49:49
F**k sake I had young at 20-1 for next goal!

Jono

09 Dec 2012 14:27:09
2-0 up at half time...... Lets kill it off now...... GGMU
Sid

09 Dec 2012 14:25:47
Clincal, Disciplined, and Determined team in the first half. Hope we can continue like this in the 2nd half.

09 Dec 2012 14:22:44
Well the manager got the lineup spot on today, unlike last time at City. Our wingers have been huge this game, had a hand in both goals and tracking back hard. Mancini has done us a favor by not starting that troll Tevez. His movement would hurt us more than Baloteli. 45 minutes to go, anything less than a victory now will be disappointing

09 Dec 2012 14:19:56
Ashley Young was the best player on the pitch, certainly showed he can play at this level. The wingers have been the difference in this game.

Hoppy

09 Dec 2012 14:12:58
The biggest suprise of the first half? Rafael's decision that the "john travolta" look is a good one. Lol.

Shappy

Lmfao.... You beat me too it. It is dreadful! He looks like Travolta's mini me.

09 Dec 2012 14:08:51
Blimey! Who are you lot and what have you done with United?

AJH

09 Dec 2012 14:01:34
wow... i can't keep my excitement lol

JK92

09 Dec 2012 13:41:18
As I said two days ago, I hope martin Atkinson does not spoil the game but he normally does.
NoMidfield

09 Dec 2012 13:20:23
Excellent team selection today SAF. No complaints from me, I would have picked the same. With Kags Vida and Ando injured I think the only other choice was 2 from Rio, Jonny and Chris, for me I expect Chris to over take Rio this season... But his form last match was not great, hope Rio can have a storming day in the swansong of his career. He'll be under pressure from pace, so he'll have to read the game well.

Come on Utd... Go out there and win our title back!

DodgyBanter

09 Dec 2012 13:03:25
Dont mind this line up considering the injuries but i would have like smalling instead of ferdinand or evans

James

09 Dec 2012 12:58:47
It's a bold team Gents! A bold move!

Lets give the dog a bone and hope its time for city to f**k off home!


Rudi

09 Dec 2012 12:54:26
DDG
Rafael Evans Ferdinand Evra
Carrick Cleverley
Valencia Rooney Young
RVP

Fergie going for it but .... that defence is weak and we all know it!!

Prefer a back 4 of
Smalling Jones Vidic Buttner
lol

Halesini

Vidic is still not ready, Jones not experienced enough for a game like this. Would have preferred Smalling instead of Rio but let's hope we beat them.

Shahram

09 Dec 2012 12:47:27
YESSSSSSS thank u fergie for starting De Gea. So Relieved :D

James

09 Dec 2012 12:41:50
i really can't see us getting a win today, not with the injuries we have and the way we have been defending, i would take a draw as city need these 3 points more than us.
i think it will be either 3-1 city or 2-2

if we play giggs or scholes then it's game over, suicide..

Giggs, Scholes, Fletcher all miss out.
Attacking line-up but our defence is not just up to scratch at present.

3-2 to City but.....if we get first goal who knows


Halesini

So you just giving up before the game starts? We are Manchester United, remember the 1999 final? Anything can happen.

-JakeW

09 Dec 2012 12:39:28
United XI: De Gea, Rafael, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra, Valencia, Carrick, Cleverely, Young, Rooney, RVP.

Plus Points: De Gea starts, and no Scholes or Cleverely. But this might not be the confirmed line-up, so there may be a change.

09 Dec 2012 12:18:18
Can't wait for the game! COYR! Team news anyone?
MUFC19

De Gea in goal, the defence is Rafael, Evans, Rio, and Evra. The midfield is Valencia, Carrick, Cleverely, Young, Rooney, RVP.

Good to see Valencia.

Valencia and cleverly start!

Caolán.

The Manchester United starting XI: De Gea, Rafael, Evra, Ferdinand, Evans, Valencia, Rooney, Carrick, Young, Van Persie, Cleverley

09 Dec 2012 11:51:19
Today, no tackles will be pulled out off, there will be pushing and shoving, there will be cards but one thing for sure is today we win.

Caolán.

09 Dec 2012 10:59:18
"I'll maybe go for experience on Sunday because it's been well documented that City don't lose games at home. They're unbeaten at two years which is fantastic but hopefully we can get a solution as to how to operate in the game." -SAF

If we do play with Giggs and Scholes we have a small chance of doing anything this game, Scholes is alright but not Giggs. Hopefully we will be surprised boys!

-JakeW

He will definatly go for experience:

_________Lindegaard
Rafael___Ferdy__Evans__Evra
__Fletcher__Scholes__Carrick
__Rooney____RVP____Young

Would not be at all surprised to see something as uninspiring as that. If we play Giggs or Scholes then I think we will almost certainly lose.

Fresh!

Who else are we going to play if valencia nani ando clevs kagawa are all out

welbeck------fletch-----carrick------young
-------------------rooney--
--------------------rvp
jred

If he plays Giggs and Scholes it's time for the manager to go

Just mind games...Scholes and Giggs don't start

Gav

09 Dec 2012 09:33:56
I fancy aguero for 1st goal and , city 2 united 2

Parkie mufc

09 Dec 2012 02:11:36
It actually amuses me how negative the majority of you are...

MPez

There is a difference between being negative and been realistic. Try watching a game without rose colored glasses on.

True and dont understand the reason behind it , think majority of posters are glory hunters

nikz

MPez, don't confuse those of us that are realistic with those that are negative. Some people are all doom and gloom and border on offensive, others try and be balanced and accept we are not the finished article yet.

AJH

AJH, very true as we are still in transition.

Sydney!

Are City the finished article? No, not by a long shot.

Being realistic is fine, but keep it to yourselves. We're fans of Manchester United, the biggest football club in the world.

We should be talking about how many we will put past City, not damage limitation, not going for the draw. That is not Manchester United, we go for the victory.

MPez

No one wants to be negative. Our attackers are as good as theirs. Our defence with vidic is as good as theirs. And if ddg plays then he's as good as hart. Only problem is in midfield where we are a bit short on options. But hopefully saf will sort that out soon.
So good luck to the Reds. Let's go there and battle and win.
NoMidfield

Niks

The majority of posters want a team that is better than what we have today. If glory hunting means a team that is winning trophies, then I guess that makes me one :)

Shahram

MPez if people kept the realism to themselves then this site would be one big deluded love in and that my friend is what the Liverpool page is for ;) As much as some posts get on my wick, its good to have both extremes of opinion on here as it gives people a chance to use common sense and realise that the truth is probably somewhere in the middle.

TK-Red

Mpez,

People aren't saying we should go for a draw as look how that backfired last season. We are saying a draw would be a great result as city are unbeaten at home for 2 years and it would leave us 3 points ahead of them with our 3 toughest away games in the bag.

With the money city have spent they should be winning games like today, so stopping them doing that would be a brilliant result for us whether we win or draw.

Don't think anyone can ever have a go at me for being negative on this site, I get abused for being too positive usually!

GDS

Mpez your brand of arrogance is frankly pathetic. Telling people who can see the limitations of the team to shut it so we can chime on about being the "biggest club in da world". We are playing a team that easily beat us home and away last year. Some people are talking about damage imitation because that was the managers attitude the last time we played, pack the midfield keep 10 men behind the ball and hope for a draw. That's what we did last time we went to wastelands. RVP is the difference between then and now, so there is a chance of a result but the idea that we should be facing the league champions and thinking how many will we stuff them by isn't support for the team, it's dellusional arrogance that we would all laugh at if it came from a Liverpool fan.

Danny Pughnited

Danny, is it "arrogance" or is it having belief in your team? If we are looking for a draw against a team who didn't get a win out of Madrid, Dortmund & Ajax, in 6 matches then we should be taking a look closer to home.

Yes, that was Europe, but you still have to be confident in supporting your team and not be mulling about over a draw or damage limitation.

MPez

I believe in the ability of any Manchester United team I have been lucky enough to see to pull out a result against any team they face on the day. For me that's support and belief. What you display is arrogant expectancy: because we are Man Utd, the "biggest club in the world", we should be stuffing the league champions.

I don't think we should be going out to limit the damage, in fact, if you read my response to the last derby I was furious at the tactics. However, I will not be suckered into delusional over-confidence. We are playing a top team at home, make no mistake of that. We will face a really tough test, and if you come away with any result I will be happy. All I want to see today is 11 players in red giving everything.

Danny Pughnited