Manchester United Banter Archive February 14 2013

 

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14 Feb 2013 22:22:51
This is directed at 'puzzled'. Why was my post so 'rose tinted' as you said? I think its a pretty fair appraisal and something that the staff inside the club probably also agree with. We've also been evolution over revolution, and my post was about just that and how well the rest of the squad is doing. Please explain!

Fresh!

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Fresh,

You have to realise that Liverpool fans are deluded and nothing they say can be backed up with anything sensible. At the end of the day we are a world ahead of them and they know that, the things they say are just to wind us up and the more they try the more deluded they sound. Just enjoy it.

GDS

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GDS,

I totally forgot that Puzzled was a Liverpool fan. That explains everything. Cheers for reminding me.

Fresh!

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14 Feb 2013 22:07:32
Just watched the Tottenham - Lyon match and we should definetly buy Bale. He's winning matches on his own at the moment, and I think he would be a perfect alternative to getting Ronaldo back, much cheaper as well.

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I would love bale at the club but unfortunately I think it unlikely
2 great free-kicks tonight
jred

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Bale is much better than a lot of people on here give credit for. I've always said that he would be a very good buy but I don't think we'll go for him.

Fresh!

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Much cheaper? You sure?

GDS

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Bale would be cheaper, you'd get change out of £40-50 million. Where as Ronaldo you would be anywhere between £60-100 million. Bale is a fairly risk free buy as you know he'll perform well in the Lleague. But then again, Ronnie is also risk free. Still don't hthink you can put the two men in the same bracket though.

Fresh!

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(Ronaldo Bale)

There, I've done it. Who knows what will happen now. ;)

DodgyBanter

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14 Feb 2013 22:03:13
Every1 ready for the Bale love inn in over the next 48 hours?
Chris the REDman

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Come on Chris, it's not just after tonight. The guy is quality.

StevieK

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Big fish in a small pond as was modric. watch him bench warm in Madrid nx year.

ms85

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Ms85

Bale is class, and you'd be saying so too if he played for United!

Modric is a very good creative CM but for one reason or another he hasn't hit the ground running at Real. It's not that big of a surprise TBH as there is so much politics going on within that club and they already had a top midfield. I'd take Modric to United for £20-25m all day long.

Gav

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14 Feb 2013 21:44:57
Positives;
1/We got a great draw away from home.

2/Every player (including rooney) worked their socks off for the team.

3/DDG, Jones, Wellbeck and Evans came of age

4/We are now slight favorites

And last but not least

5/we could be supporting liverpool so its not all that bad : )

Chris the REDman

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14 Feb 2013 20:58:13
Rooney's best position is behind the striker, it's where he has put in performances, that could be described as world class. Last night he did not play there, and he has never looked great on the wing, in my opinion. The fact that rooney has to be played on the wing, highlights our need for a left winger.

Nat

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I agree Kagawa got into some really good positions in the first half and as I was watching I couldn't help but think would Rooney do better and I think the answer is yes!

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Nat
I would agree with that, Rooney didn't have a great game but he done what was asked of him in what is clearly not his position.
He's played wide a few times although normally on the right especially when Ronny was at the club but I don't think he's ever excelled there
But for one reason or an other we are a bit short in that position for a game like madrid
Jred

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14 Feb 2013 20:07:24
Dont be so quick to write off the guru brendon, he's not done yet and I still trust in him, he will be the best manager in the world soon, he's done a bang up job apart from a few losses but he can't get it right all the time in his first spell here.
Make no mistake that zenit are a worldclass team, not like we were beat my minnows and this competition is probably the hardest in the world and has better teams than champions league so I take no shame, credit to the lads for giving there all tonight and looks like a certain pep is back to best.
even van persie missed chance he shoulda scored last night so we will let suarez off the hook

! This has made my day. Liverpool fans are mental!

G

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Zenit are an average team and I fully expected Liverpool to beat them home and away. I genuinely think Liverpool are a poorer team than I first thought and I really did think they were shocking.

Gerrard needs replacing and Suarez leaving this summer? Where is the passion going to come from when Gerrard and Carragher leaves? Allen LOL? Liverpool are in huge decline and I cannot see it improving for a very long time.

Sydney!

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Only a liverpool fan would say that lol the almighty europa better than champions leauge deluded

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Think its more than a few losses
the 'guru' brendon to be best manager in the world. god where do they make this stuff up? on what evidence do they base this crap on, most deluded people on the planet, and if that draw was too hard for them I wonder if they would swap for madrid seeing as we are in the easier cup against easier teams

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Henderson! The ball was flowing through him. . . to the other side.
Watched a bit and Allen and Henderson are good championship players at best, they might find their natural posturing next season.

Supasub

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I even had 2 people try to tell me that glen johnson is better than rafael today, I nearly pi**ed my pants

Duggo

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14 Feb 2013 23:47:06
This was on a liverpool fan page

Top 10 players in the World: 1. Messi, 2 Suarez, 3 Ronaldo, 4 Iniesta, 5 Falcao, 6 Ibrahimovic, 7 Gerrard, 8 Neymar, 9 Fabregas, 10 Bale

Deluded or what?

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14 Feb 2013 19:55:39
I think if united got wanyama and erikson in the summer and mab a left back we would be ok. What you guys think

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I would perfer strootman over wanyama
and a winger like james rodriguez

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Id prefer strootman and wanyama

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I think erikson is a bit over rated for me, strootman I would like to see along with one other cm and wide player maybe rodriguez.

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James Rodriguez is very special imo. The best summer I could hope for is sell Rooney and Nani and bring in Rodriguez, Goetze and Wanyama. The team would be much better imo.

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14 Feb 2013 19:45:24
Having digested last nights game I must say it was a job well done. You could see De Gea full of confidence and in command of his goal. Hopefully his critics can take a step back now and rate his performances objectively, we can live in hope.

Aside from De Gea Evans has emerged as a top class centre back and it seems Rio and Vidic are competing to partner him. He's neat and tidy on the ball and his reading of the game has developed extremely well. In my opinion there are no centre backs in the premier league who are playing with the same consistency.

Welbeck has come of age this season and last night he made a few World Cup winners look very average. His penetrating runs, while clumsy at times, scare the life out of defenders. Should he become more consistent in front of goal he has the makings of an important player for Utd.

Rooneys form is becoming quite a worry. He looks out of shape and his passing has been appalling lately. Although he has scored a few lately he doesn't appear to be enjoying his football and personally I'd have taken him off first instead of Kagawa who I thought was doing ok and certainly better than Rooney.

One thing which stood out more than anything was the confidence of Evans, De Gea, Welbeck and Jones on such a big occasion. They only had to look at the Real number 7 to see the rewards of being patient and learning your trade at Utd. Obviously Ronaldo is a once in a lifetime player but he listened to his coaches ago OT and is reaping the rewards now. To me anyway the future looks bright for Utd and there are some excellent young players in the first team squad.

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14 Feb 2013 18:59:05
I know we shouldn't make fun of the afflicted but 2-0

Mike

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14 Feb 2013 18:02:17
Now we have people coming on the site saying that Rooney didn't play badly he was just played out of position. Rubbish! his distribution was slack. Madrid players ran past him like he was treading mud. He didn't close the winger down for Ronaldo's goal and then he let another player go in the box when DDG saved with his feet. Compare this to Jones and Carrick who ran their B***ocks off closing players down. I think someone believes the hype he sees about himself in the english press maybe he should see what the Spanish media think of him. I AM KLOOT {Ed004's Note - Kloot I agree with you. I feel the style of play we are hopefully moving to will not suit him at all. He is not quick enough or technically good enough. Personally I think Gotze is or will be a better player than him. Just as hard working, a lot more humble, quicker and far better technically at keeping the ball}

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According to the Spanish press he ran over 10000metres last night.


Re Rooney
". – there were more mixed emotions: admiration tinged with sadness. Wayne Rooney, the man sacrificed. "

"With five minutes to go, Ferguson took him off, shattered, " notes El País. "Not one shot on goal, but the stats show that he had run 10, 395 metres, so Ferguson patted him on those broad, deckhand's shoulders. The superstar, a worker. "


Now, maybe you do a marathon each and come fresh as a daisy - whilst knackered Rooney can only do 10k. Has to be some reason you think so badly of him.

Seems the Spanish press support our players more than some on here.

Mike

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Haha well played mike : )
Chris the REDman

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Let's be completely honest about Rooney. Last night he was asked to play in the Park Ji Sung role. Played out of position on account of his work rate. Although he did work hard and tracked back to help throughout, his passing was dreadful. In a game when our possession was always going to be limited we could have really done without Rooney messing up simple passes, and not giving the defense more relief.

Above all the way Rooney was used in the biggest game of the season should tell us one thing: the manager does not see him as one of our key attacking players. Teams simply don't put their focal points in the role of auxerily right wingback. And to be honest, last night he didn't do anything more than Park has done prior to him, ran a lot bit did very little with the ball.

Rooney is a top class striker, and still looks dangerous when he plays there. But he's now the number two striker at the club, and if he isn't going to be played up front then I don't see what he offers the team on the wing or in the middle of the park that other players on far lower wages couldn't provide.

Danny Pughnited

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All the Rooney bashing makes me laugh. He will go on and beat Sir Bobby reckon and you lot will still call him average. I understand that maybe you don't like him as a person, but give the guy a break he is rated as a world class player all over the world and best of all he is English. I dream of a day united field 11 english players (even better a field of mancs).

Adam Dean

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Rooney isn't a defender, he doesn't have the know how about closing down and tackling players. he ran his socks off last night and sacrificed attacking for tracking back and helping out.

every player last night gave 100%, it's like people enjoy complaining.

JK92

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Rooney was poor. He might have run a long way but he was far from his best last night. He was bypassed often and looked was off the pace. Sometimes people just need to accept he had a very bad game.

AJH

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ED004,
Any chance he will move this summer - and are we interested?

Tom {Ed004's Note - Ed 2 says we have looked at him but tbh I think a move is unlikely. May help to get the best out of Kagawa as well}

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Mike when you say it like that it sounds a lot but considering, on average a footballer runs 9-10 miles during a game which is between 14,000 and 16,000 metres, the distance covered by Rooney yesterday is nothing out of the ordinary.

TK-Red

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Danny, possibly a player being phased out of the team? Would you agree with that?

Sydney!

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It's looking like that Syd. I mean if Young was fit or Valenica wasn't in such poor form Rooney probably wouldn't have started on the wing. But it's clear that Kagawa was chosen in the hole because of his ability to break at speed, so I'm not sure if Rooney is still one of the first names on the team sheet in the big games. SAF must be asking if it's worth offering the record wage Rooney will demand for his next contract for a player who isn't crucial to the way he wants the team to play.

Danny Pughnited {Ed004's Note - I would keep Rooney but only if a) he accepts or demands a reasonable salary and b) gets into shape and does whatever can be done to try and get back some of the speed he has lost. Both of which are unlikely. Surely by selling Rooney, Nani and possibly Valencia it would possibly cover 2 players like Bale and Gotze or anyone from Isco, Rodriguez etc...}

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14 Feb 2013 21:57:04
I haven't seen kagawa 'break with pace' all season. I guess you just see what you want to see. But I have seen Rooney do a hell of a lot more than kagawa this season. I say this not to put kagawa down as it is his first season but I do find it funny that most of people on here seem to want to play him (who has not performed at all as of yet) over Rooney our top assister and 2nd top scorer.

EkD

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All you slating rooney is funny! he's been the main man at our club for years and you lot call for his head! you should be ashamed of urselves!
if we didn't have rooney we wouldn't of got rvp! fact because we wouldn't be better off than arsenal was
it was his goals last season that kept us in the title race! matt.

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14 Feb 2013 23:26:58
@TK if the average is 14000 mtrs in a game that means the average footballer is running at approx 9km /hr for 90mins - not saying it can't be done but. Am extremely doubtful that that is an average
Mike

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The average for a midfielder is 11300 for a centre back 9942 a striker is somewhere between
Jred

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I remember wathcing Rooney breakthrough for Everton and England and was fortunate enough to witness his debut hat trick at Old Trafford against Galatassary. I have to say I really thought I was witnessing the borth of an absolute superstar for club and country of Gazza like talent. Rooney is extremely talented and probably works harder than any attacking player of such talent I can remember, so he is a real team player and not a selfish one. Talk of selling him to me is way over the mark. At the same time, though no doubt his Utd career has been a very successful one and he has been a very good player for us, has he really ever reached th elevel we expected. Yes he may have been played out of position due to his work rate and team ethos on several occasions, but how often has he really performed and set a game on fire at the very highest level in the champions league. I don't think Rooney has consistantly reached the levels I hoped, he has runs of games and had one very very good season, bu the has not done it consistantly enough to be mentioned amongst the very elite likes of Messi, Iniesta, Ronaldo, Xavi who talent wise he is up there with. however sellign him I think we woudl soon see just what we are missing. Irreplacable no, soon to be irrelevant no
Invisible STuey

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Invisible STuey
I would agree with all of that a well balanced post about Rooney, must be a first
Jred

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EkD, I'm not sure what player you've watched all season, or last night, but the best part of Kagawa's game is fast one passing and movement. There were a few examples in the first half where he almost got RVP in behind the defence with quick touches, and he got behind them once or twice himself. If you watched him at Dortmund, where the team is set up to break quickly, you'd see a lot more of his ability to move the ball quickly. Rooney, on the other hand, likes to slow the ball down when he plays behind RVP.

All of this is pretty much beside the point, because we're ultimately talking about the manager's decision to chose Kagawa over Rooney, rather than people here wanting this to happen. The fact of the matter is that you don't play your most important players out of position in the biggest games. Rooney didn't sacrifice himself for the team, SAF sacrificed him because he felt he had better attacking options. If SAF is thinking like this, that Rooney isn't an autmatic first choice in either of his favoured roles, then he could be sold. Do you honestly see SAF breaking our record wage to keep a player who he struggles to fit into his preffered strategy?

I don't necessarily want to see Rooney sold, he is still a top striker. But if the manager can't accommodate him in that role, then we need to cash in now before his contract runs out and his value drops. Because he is decent at best in any other roe. Ed004 is right, we could potentially bring in a top class player, better suited to the 4-5-1, by selling Rooney.

Danny Pughnited

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14 Feb 2013 17:42:35
My impressions of Wanyama from Celtic-Juve game:

Physically powerful, and he moves quick laterally, which enables him to tackle at will, dominant in that sense. Technically he looks good with passing and shooting, though his decision-making was inconsistent, which is understandable, given his age.

One concern I realized after a while was that he rarely appeared in either box in open play. Offensively, I could understand, he may have been instructed to stay central to deal with Juve's fine MF, but he never made it back either on any of their goals. Granted, Juve struck quickly, but I wonder if he does not have the engine to be a box-to-box CM or am I being too harsh?

Very impressive prospect overall!

Zidaniel {Ed004's Note - But fitness can be worked on. I was pleasantly surprised on how good his passing was. That's what separates him from Jones IMO}

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I thought he looked neat and tidy but a lot of sideways and back passing. Not sure he is any better than what we already have.
Izzaguirre looked decent but would still prefer Baines.

Red Daz

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14 Feb 2013 17:20:14
Well GAGUS thanks for stating the obvious, must get you on master mind, "next contestant 'GAGUS' from Manchester, special subject: the bleeding obvious!'

Or at least we would if I agreed with EVERYTHING you have said. Rooney put in a shift tonight and has scored vital goals for us over the past few weeks. Last night he was played out of position and did a shift for us, maybe didn't pass his best but who did in all honesty? What you forget is that when Ronaldo left and before RVP came he was the main man, he adjusts however the manager asks him too. Lay off the man hater, he'll show his worth, plus I'd rather have Rooney in my squad than not anyway.

Look forward to your next set of obvious points GAGUS.

PJ
--------------
Now I know why you are the much hated PJ.

Rooney has been poor this season. That's a fact. He is NOT the same player he was after Ronaldo left, and he never will be. He has lost that burst of pace that got him past defenders. That was evident in the match against Swansea, and other matches for that matter.

G. A. G. U. S

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The agree is for the much hated PJ comment, and not the idea of selling Rooney or downplaying his significance in our success.

PJ, is there a need to be so rude? We're all in this together. If you don't agree with that perhaps you could simply try and get your point across without insults.


PG3

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Ahhhh I love this site : -)
Chris the REDman

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Fight, fight, fight

AJH

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Come on girls-cut it out

Puzzled

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14 Feb 2013 17:03:16
who do you think could be realistic cm fielders for the summer erikson cabaye strootman are three
PTIM

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14 Feb 2013 14:56:26
I think he had a poor game, he's had a poor season but he isn't playing in the fluent, possesion, advanced attacking play which Dortmund have done so well with over the last 2 and half - 3 years.
Me personally, I think he's vision, short passing skills are unquestionable, unfortunatly we have no players around him who have also played that type of football, the rooney, welbeck, RVP, Toni, Nani's of this world are used to the style of play we play, for him to fit he needs a central role behind RVP (inconsistent wide) where he can pull the strings. Then again he had to deal with big pressue from Aisa to succeed, the language barrier, so ideally next season will be the starting point for him to push on and fullfill his potential!

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14 Feb 2013 14:02:32
I have to reiterate this as I am so impressed - I think that Jones is the future Manchester United & England captain. DM/CM is not his favoured position, yet he is one of the worlds best at doing it - every bit as good as Wanyama if not better. I guarantee that we will not buy a very defensive minded midfield player in the summer because firstly, we don't always need one so spending vast amounts on one is a waste. Secondly, Jones is as good as anyone at it and can fill in there at any time. He has enabled us to focus our attention elsewhere. Although I'm not sure where we will transfer our gaze too:

GK: DDG will be the best in the world, Lindegaard is a good backup.

LB? Well Evra I think has one more season in him.

CB? Plenty of cover providing Rio stays.

RB? Fabio will come in and cover giving us Rafael, Fabio and Jones that can all play there.

CM? Could do with an extra body in there, maybe Strootman/Cabaye (someone who is an all rounder).

Wings? Zaha, Valencia, Welbeck, Young & Kagawa will all be playing there so may not bother replacing Nani.

Strikers? We have 4 of Europes best strikers plus good young players coming through.

Realistically, we could replace Lindegaard with Begovic, and we could sign a CM like the ones I mentioned. Other than that, we don't really need anyone unless a quality player comes available that we simply cannot pass on like RVP. Hoping the man in question is Ronaldo!

Fresh!

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I would love baines but 1 more season with evra is an option as he has had a good season and butner/fabio as cover.
Agree we need a good all rounder like Strootman.
I think we also need another winger, one who can score goals also as our top scoring midfielder this season is giggs with 4 and that is one area we need to improve on.

Will Red

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I agree.
Evra has another season in him. Buttner can cover & Fabio can cover Rafael.

Rio can play one more season. Which gives us Rio, Vidic, Evans, Smalling & Jones. Rio & The Unitec coaches highly rate M. Keane & Thorpe. They could possibly go to a Prem team on loan.

CM is where we lack bodies. Scholes & Fletcher I don't think will be here next season. Giggs will cameo for one more season. Powell will probably get a Prem loan. That leaves us with Carrick, Cleverley, Anderson & Jones plus Giggs filling in. We could do with an extra body to prevent Jones being positionally messed around. Strootman, Cabaye or a Bender from Germany.

Wingers: Nani will leave, that leaves us with Young, Valencia, Zaha & Welbeck. Januzaj & Dælhi for the Capital One Games.

We've got four top strikers. Send Henriquez & W. Keane on loan to see what they can bring to the table.

I really think one player is needed. That's a CM.

Fabregas, Ozil, Gotze, Schweinsteiger, Vidal, Khedira, Cabaye, Sandro, Strootman, S. Bender, Gundogan, L. Bender, Moutinho, Witsel, Parker, Sahin (on the cheap) M. Veloso, Banega, Ganso, Isco, Benat, Thiago Alacantra, Capoue, Gourcuff, Sergio Canales, Ander Herrara.

All midfielders that we could benefit from having in the squad.

TJ
Eriksen, Defour, Wanyama,

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For the cm position
if Barca or Real don't bid, I think there's a fair chance we may sign Christian Eriksen this summer, Strootman is also another strong possibility but a lot may depend on his agent and whether SAF will agree to his pay off.
Wanyama is another often mentioned and there does seem to be real interest there. I live in central Scotland and a lot of my Celtic supporting friends believe he will be leaving soon but we do face competition from Arsenal.
Arsenal also intersested in another utd target in Cabaye, but I feel he is a back up option for both clubs

Ideally I would like us to sign strootman and Eriksen but the lure of spain will always threaten so we could be better off with Wanyama who is by no means a poor substitute

dags {Ed002's Note - Manchester City are also interested in Wanyama.}

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Well, my heart has calmed down and so has the nerves and my stomach. What a game, it had everything and has provided us with two new heroes. DDG was outstanding and given time will grow into being a great keeper. Phil Jones what a performance and what a lionheart. Overall I felt every UTD player who was on the pitch did a great job for us. I know some may be critical of Kagawa, but during the first half all our attacking threat came from him. We had the chances to win it, but Jones tackle on Ronaldo with less than a minute in our 6 yard box, prevented them from nicking it. Everything is now set up for a cracking home tie and its so up in the air anyone could win it, bring it on. The team did us proud and so did our travelling who out sang The Madrista's

Emptyred

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'dags' - Totally agree with everything you say. I think Strootman is the man that we will turn to, Wanyama is less likely. As for Eriksen, well City, Madrid, Barca and us will be in for us - as will some Italian clubs. If a Spanish club go in we have no chance, he may even go to Atletico if they get a windfall from selling Falcao. Personally I see Eriksen to be very unlikely, not sure why, just a feeling I have.

Fresh! {Ed002's Note - Eriksen will not be going to Atletico who will make very, very little from any sale of Falcao who they only own part of - and they have an expensive replacement in mind.}

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I'm all in favour of fans supporting their players, but the post above from Fresh!
is obviously seen through the most rose-coloured glasses it's possible to buy. Unless of course he was using irony

Puzzled

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There are plenty of attractive targets this upcoming summer as we already have quality and depth at most positions. We can take some chances on some young players to develop, or if SAF feels comfortable with his current setup we could lump our entire war chest plus sales into buying one world class player. (I know I'm dreaming but I'd throw Nani and 80mil at RM for CR and see how it goes). The exciting part is that RVP isn't a striker like Torres who relies on speed, so I expect him to remain an elite player well into his 30s. Some may argue a CM is a "must-buy", but even Strootman isn't a guaranteed improvement on our current options. If Anderson could stay healthy for any length of time, or if Cleverly steps up that one more level, we could be fine there too. Should be a fun summer. -KG

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14 Feb 2013 13:41:21
the most striking thing about last night for me was just how miserable and iscolated mourinho is at madrid, we had all read the stories but I for one thought it was the mostly press blowing things up.
i simply cannot see jose in that post come september, I am not saying he will join us, as he will prob want to go into international management before coming back to the prem (again not necessarily to us)

in regards to the game I thought jones was fantastic, and showed what we could do with a bit more muscle in midfield. I am not saying he is the solution to our problems there but he is def part of it, and at 20 he has plenty of time to work on the weaker area's of his game (ie passing/ vision).
de gea made a real statement with his performance yesterday and silenced a lot of critics which, personally, I am not surprised by. Raphael showed just how far he has come, yes he was poor in the first half, but he settled in he second half and did really well esp considering in the past he prob would of picked up another booking.
rooney was, for me, kind of disappointing, I know he was played out of position and the tactics we used didn't suit him but I still expected more from him, I don't even remember him busting a gut chasing back, he may have done but in my view he went missing in a game he should have shone.

in a game 'the whole world was waiting for' rooney failed to deliver, and in my opinion like ibrahimovic is one of the reasons rooney will never be seen as the best in the world

on a different day rvp could have scored a few but saying that real could have done the same, so on reflection I think the draw was a fair result and sets us up pretty well but one thing for sure, no one will be predicting a 0-0 at old trafford

dags {Ed002's Note - Mourinho will be leaving Madrid in June, of that I have little doubt. Real Madrid's first choice is not available until after the 2014 World Cup so they are looking elsewhere and there is support for Benitez but I suspect that is waning. Ancelotti would be a very good option as he would not interfere with transfers at all. I rather think we might see Lippi's name re-appear for one of the major managerial jobs this summer.}

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Ed, I can't agree more, I had read a while back that Perez had already started sounding out potential replacements for mourinho (who, at the time, was rumoured to be wanting to join utd this summer).
if I remember rightly he had enquired about Jurgen Klopp but was flatly rejected, and had decided Benitez was the new favoured choice.
Do you think Benitez flopping at chelski will change this, as for me he was never going to change things there (not with the likes of terry and co in the dressing room anyway) and was seemingly doomed to fail?

dags {Ed002's Note - Loew is their first choice but he will not be available until after the 2014 World Cup at the earliest. The support for Beitez is not necessarily from Pirez but there seems little point in explaining it on a MU page.}

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Mourinho might end up at city as I have been told by a good friend in AD that Mancini is out.

Shahram

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14 Feb 2013 13:33:36
People getting on rooneys back is stupid he played out of position. I don't understand playing him on the right rvp plus rooney 2 man forward line for second leg welbeck on right!

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You can't understand it? You can't understand why we would put the one player who will put a shift in when playing on the right and really help out his full back was played on the right wing.

Who would you rather have stopping Ronaldo, Rafa and Welbeck or Rafa and Rooney?

GDS

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Must say, I posted that I was slightly disappointed with Rooney's performance (when in possession) last night, but at the same he puts in such a shift! With RVP and Kagawa coming in he has been asked to play out of position as he did when Ronaldo was at the club. I won't deny that Wayne seems to have lost a bit of that 'class' and 'sharpness' he once had but in terms of workrate and the number of different positions he covers on a pitch - he is better than ever. When played in his favoured position versus City he put in a classic Rooney performance and scored 2 goals. So let's hope he is still capable of that when played cetrally. When he is played further wide perhaps we should expect less from him in terms of quality but more in terms of workrate?

I have no problem with posters analysing Rooney's performance levels but I feel it's important to take into account what role he's been asked to play and the amount of 'donkey work' he is willing to do for the team in the big games.

Gav

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14 Feb 2013 12:57:56
EFC fan here well done on your performance last night against Madrid, typical uefa ref going soft on your opponents again

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To be fair I think madrid should of had a penalty when jones pushed di marria

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14 Feb 2013 12:10:51
What a fantastic game last night, one of the most entertaining and enjoyable games I have watched United play for a while!
Firstly, a mention for the ref who had an awful game. It is very rare you see a ref blow before a corner is taken, but it was as if he was worried Real may have conceded. In the laws of the game it is up to the ref when he wants to blow for full-time, but I find it hard to believe he would of done the same if Real had the last minute corner. All night he continously picked on the united players, I do not disagreeing that our yellow cards where justified, however how did no Real players not get booked. Ramos was very rough all game, while Varane (who played excellent it has to be said) should have saw red. The ref bottled it and something has to be said.
Never have I been so proud of Manchester United FC and these are the games we should be talking about more. Recently, and i'll be the first to hold man hands up, we have had a bit of bash at some of the players and the team, as well as the manager, but this year they have shown great determination and quality in the league, in particular against the bigger teams.
De gea (excellent), RVP (unlucky but brilliant), Welbeck (Very surprised), Jones (future England captain). There was many stand out performances but a special mention needs to go Jonny Evans. This lad has improved dramatically and evolved into one of they most underated and deseptive defenders in World football. Sure he has shaky moments in games, but who doesn't, it is just because he is Jonny Evans that it is highlighted more. Time and time again he surprises me, last night was a masterclass by the Northern Irish lad, and if you are ever in doubt of his abilities just watch northern Ireland against portugal and you will see that he fits right in with the traditions of Manchester United. I can honestly see a triangle of Evans, smalling and jones just in front for the future.
I am beginning to look forward to Manchester United games again, as every game is full of quality football and total excitment. The tie is not over and there is still a strong possibility we may not get through, but I would rather get knocked out here by Real, as I respect both clubs.
Just a small mention to the club of Real Madrid, when Real won the the european cup after the Munich air disater they dedicated their win to the club of Manchester United and the families of the poor people on board. They also offered a free visit and holiday to Spain to all the families involved in the plane crash. I know they have had a bit of a habit of buying our players, but I have huge respect for them.
Can't wait for the second leg, but there is still games to win before that and I can't wait for the Reading game.

aaallj5

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14 Feb 2013 12:06:34
I think this result and performance has proved once and for all that Sir Alex knows how to use the squad to its maximum effect.
Jones, Welbeck and De gea have had their share of bad press, but cometh the hour they proved they are the future of our club.
I'll be there for the return leg, can't wait, the atmosphere will be electric. nice to see the Lfc fans crawling back under their rocks, you wouldn't know they had a match tonight, they were more concerned with our match. shoved it right up their dirt box
!
Flyhalfmitch.

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14 Feb 2013 11:33:08
How good can phil jones become?

GD

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I think, the experience he is getting by playing at different positions will give him a very good understanding of the overall game. Amazing for a young lad. Benoit

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Extremely.
SK.

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I don't want to pile too much pressure on him but as I doubt he'll read this I think he'll turn into a fine player.
He has the stature of Big Duncan with his pace too, if he turns out to be half the player Duncan Edwards was according to Sir Bobby he'll be one hell of a player. potential Captain.
Flyhalfmitch.

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"I don't want to pile too much pressure on", followed by mentioning Duncan Edwards in the same sentence!

I'd hate to see you Mitch, when you really start turning the pressure on! : )

StevieK

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I did say 'if' he turns out 'half' the player.
Flyhalfmitch.

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14 Feb 2013 11:14:32
If the ref in the Celtic vs juve match
Was pro juve
How could that ref last night be described? some of the
Challenges made by real players and not 1 booking
What a joke

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14 Feb 2013 11:09:50
In the return leg, I'd play Valencia out wide And put Rooney back in behind Van Persie

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14 Feb 2013 10:32:23
I have to say, Ronaldo acted with great respect last night. His celebration showed his class. After the game also he looked so happy to see old friends like Evra and Rio as well as embracing SAF. I know I'm a bit of a dreamer, but if I could wish for one thing then I would wish that we get Ronaldo back in the summer - even if we went on without signing anyone else this year, I'd be happy given the performance of many of our players.

Fresh!

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He is some player - every time he got the ball I feared what was going to happen, I would love to see back in a united shirt, he has got better since leaving and would tear up the EPL even more than he did.

It showed great respect after his goal, let's hope he's very emotional on his return to OT so he could be off his game : )

Giants14

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He's too good for the occasion to get the better of him I think. His ego is huge after all haha, and he will want to impress. I just hope he misses OT so much that he wants to play there more regularly from the summer onwards - we then would be the worlds best team without doubt in terms of both quality and unity.

Fresh!

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Someone should get a 'Welcome Home CR7' banner sorted. might just tug at his heart strings - and p*ss of the RM fans lol

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14 Feb 2013 16:10:09
It's no secret that the thing he's missing at Madrid, is the feeling of being part of a family. He just doesn't get the support or love from both the club or fans at Real Madrid. It's one of those things where you don't miss it until you've lost it. Cristiano is clearly a sensitive guy, and probably slightly insecure, which is probably a result of his upbrings, early family life, etc. The 'arrogance' that we all see is probably a persona to cover up the insecurity within.

I think a large banner in the Stretford End saying 'Welcome Home CR7' would actually pull on his heart strings, and even bring a tear to his eye. Please don't think for a second that I believe he's coming back to United - financially, it's just never going to happen! However, what I would state is that if money was completely taken out of the equation, and he was given a choice between Real and United (given that he's now experienced life at both clubs), he would pick United at a drop of a hat.

I definately don't think for a second he's regreted moving to Madrid. It was his dream at the end of the day. But what I do believe is that with experience and maturity, he's come to realise what I truly fantastic club Manchester United is, from both a professional perspective (i. e. coaches, players, manager, staff, etc. ) and a support perspective (i. e. most supportive fans in the world). You cannot put a price or value on family at the end of the day.

I think what will be interesting, will be the selection of Real Madrids new manager (i. e. Mourinho's replacement). As things stand, it's Mourinho's relationship with Cristiano that's keeping Ronaldo 'happy' as Jose is providing that love/support. I've no doubt that SAF is still having an influence to this day (both directly with Cristiano, and in-directly via Jose Mourinho). If the new manager of Real Madrid is someone who keeps his distance from the players (i. e. Capello type), then I think Cristiano's happiness at the club might take a nose-dive.

That's my 10p anyway. Thoughts and comments welcome as always.

WF Red Devil {Ed002's Note - He sounds like a complete flake.}

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14 Feb 2013 09:51:31
Just watched the extended highlights of last nights game again and while I was watching last night I thought madrid had a lot more good chances than us. Having watched it again I have to say it was a lot more even chance wise than I thought. I was very close to heart failure for most of the game though so not really surprising.

The only clear chances for each team were.

United - Welbecks poke just wide, rvp onto the bar via lopez glove, rvp off the line, giggs chance that he should have just put his foot through, rvp 93rd minute shot saved by lopez.

Real - coentrao shot and de gea's amazing save, di maria 2nd half 20 yarder, coentrao sliding and de gea saving with feet, khedira shot and ronaldo's brilliant 40 yard free kick.

If you add to this the fact I thought ramos should have been red carded for swinging his elbow at evans in the 1st half and obviously varane should have gone in the 2nd. Over the 90 minutes I think for all their possession and skill outside of our box, real were lucky to end with 11 men on the pitch and on level terms.

I hope de gea and our defensive game is as good in the 2nd leg as I can see us scoring 3 goals with the crowd behind us and a more neutral referee.

Brendan

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German ref says it all

Pardoe

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14 Feb 2013 08:12:49
Hi guys and gals,
So proud of the team last night, this season we have really stepped up our game in the big games. We are getting the right results in games so consistently and the players have the confidence that we can beat anyone.

So many of the players that everyone thought didn't have a future at our great club such as carrick, evans, rafael and even evra have been playing really well this season, and have earned their right to be in the starting line-up.

SAF got his tactics spot on last night, he will have his work cut out for him in the 2nd leg, because Real Madrid can cause more problems away from home with the speed of their counter attacks rather than trying to break a team down.

But I'm sure mike phelan has it all already figured out!


Stringer

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14 Feb 2013 01:24:54
Great natch for a neutral, but as a United fan, I don't know if my heart could take much more of that.

With Robin's chances I was slightly disappointed not to have won the match, but 1-1 at the Bernabeu is always a great result.

Aside from that, how good was Ozil tonight? Showed exactly why SAF, along with the rest of Europe, were looking to take him. Smashing player, i'd straight swap for Rooney any day.

MPez

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14 Feb 2013 05:01:04
Wellbeck has arrived, as has De Gea. Wellback, besides a great goal, was active, disruptive, and a threat all night. DDG obviusly was man of the match with a few outstanding saves, this should boost his confidence greatly.

First half was nerve-wracking, dealing with all that pressure from RM. I thought our biggest problem was there was often no options once we won the ball back, with that different lineup we played. Rooney is much better centrally.

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14 Feb 2013 06:46:28
When it came to the crunch against Milan last year, RVP did the same thing, fluffed his lines. Wasted all the Ox's good work tearing them a new one. You may of got yourselves a bottler there. Lol.

Stoner

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Anyone have the feeling that we gave too much respect for Real Madrid. Especially in the first half
In my opinion, we are better than Real Madrid if we are more positive.

AJ

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Amazing game, think we deserved the win tbh ref had a shocker Madrid were lucky

ms85

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Stoner rvp a bottler. The definition of a bottler is arsenal 8 years with without a trophy then lose to birghmingham in the the final.

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Come on lads don't be too harsh on Stoner today of all days, whilst your enjoying the evening with your other halves, Stoner will be nursing his box of cleanex.

Bazza

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14 Feb 2013 14:45:30
Ahhhh Bazza, you and your other half Dave having a nice cozy night in, how lovely is that. Have fun.

Stoner

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Nice one Stoner, see you still have you sense you humour, surprising after eight years of misery.

At least you can console yourself that your box of cleanex won't leave you like all your players, prepare to say goodbye to Jack.

Bazza

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Why don't Stoner and lfc get together for the night? They both need company, seem like they have much in common and need a bit of cheering up after the recent downfall of their once great clubs. Just a suggestion!

Gav

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14 Feb 2013 16:35:25
Why thanks Gav, you are invariably a very thoughtful and generally sensible young man.

Stoner

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Cheers Stoner, I try my best : )

Gav

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14 Feb 2013 18:49:26
Gav,

I re read my post to you and it sounded a bit patronising but wasn't meant that way at all. You are genuinely one of a group of way better posters on here.

Stoner

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Stoner,

Stop making me blush on Valentine's day! I guess I'll have to admit you have your moments of making the odd good point too : )

Gav

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14 Feb 2013 00:40:55
Proved my point (below) about welbeck. He was awesome tonight.

Karni

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Most of his critics were singling out his lack of prowess in front of goal. His supporters pointed out his work-rate and willingness to run all day to and fro.
His critics then responded to that amounting to nothing more than a headless chicken.

I must say, that of late, he has impressed greatly: Has a great eye for nicking the ball off a player on the way back for a supposed headless chicken;Which invariably lead to a decent counter attacking opportunity.

He is only 22. Young for a player, especially at a big club. we see players like Rooney, Ronaldo and Messi break on to the scene in spectacular fashion so young, we are often guilty of overlooking potential when a player reaches his early twenties.

As for now, I'd keep in the squad for another year just on his sheer pace and work-rate. If he can add a cooler head in front of goal the boy has a future.

BornInToIt

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14 Feb 2013 00:47:14
Welbecks best game for me, Jones an Kagawa were great Rafaafter a dodgy start got better
Good game

Pardoe

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14 Feb 2013 00:35:24
Having looked down seems I'm being sounded out for a DDG debate haha but first things first what a quality result!

Overall a few had off games, Rafa and Evra mostly but Jones was amazing and RVP allows a release on the defending by properly holding up play and bringing others in. A bold move by SAF in switching to 4-4-2 second half but the stopping of Alonso was a master stroke that I think Carlos phoned at half time ha.

After that I'm still very cautious to not get overly optimistic as its not in my nature but certainly didn't expect us to avoid defeat out there so we definitely have the advantage although just a minor one.

On to DDG.

Well we all knew his shot stopping would be tested and rightly so he stepped up to the mark.

Outwith the Conetrao save which was great I was impressed with two things.

1. His holding of shots instead of palming, a bouncing volley springs to mind and

2. His moaning at defenders a bit.

Now could have done slightly more of both but IMO a very good performance and only bettered by Jones for MoM.

But (haha) there is a difference in playing Real and stoke for example. If we played real every week I would have only minor qualms with DDG short falls but the areas I have always complained about were not highlighted tonight (except the 2 flaps at corners ;-) it's when tested regularly at crosses and physically and commanding that I have continually said he needs to work on. The holding of shots is defo a step in the right direction and if he can transfer that to holding crosses aswell that's 1 of the big areas sorted.

I think he played great tonight and showed us all what a good shot stopper he is, don't know why he kicked the second Conetrao shot though ;-/.

Oddest part of the night though goes to Giggsy, why oh why didn't he lace that shot! 1-2 away would just be greedy though haha.

I'm a bit peeved now though as my Norwich trip will see a second string out just 3 days before the return leg boooo ;-).

Jono

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Christ I praise DDG and I am still getting disagree's haha.

There is just no pleasing people.

Jono

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I agree 100% with your assessment Jono.

GDS

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Agreed, a well balanced opinion of DDG imo (for a change ;). I also take your point that next up he needs to prove his point against the Stoke's of this world - if he is to become our 1st choice for many years.

Gav

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13 Feb 2013 23:47:42
Jono,

Any comments on our goalkeeper?

GDS

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Yeah he was brilliant and will be at the club for many years to come.

Shahram

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I have wrote a post mate. It will be along shortly.

Jono

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Wow Jono's being really hounded for only having an opinion. Yes De Gea was awesome tonight but he wasn't tested on his weak points in this game. He looked awesome every week when he played in Spain, but this isn't always the case in England.

I'm a fan of De Gea and feel we should get behind him as I think he will be a world class keeper. But there are still elements of his game he needs to strengthen, and until. he does people are entitled to question him.

Shappy

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Shappy,

I am not hounding him at all, me and Jono have a good understanding on here and a bit of banter. He is allowed an opinion of course.

GDS

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Its not just you though GDS, I must have seen about 10 taunts aimed at him from other posters, but at least they had something else to say in their posts. I'm not trying to single you out, it was more that you post was the straw that broke the camels back.

Shappy

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Shappy, I'm sure Jono is OK about it! (Apologies if you've been crying through the night Jono ;). He makes a point of coming on after each game to point out DDG's faults so some of us just wanted to hear his opinion tonight when DDG was immense IMO. TBF, Jono's long post (above) is spot on - was impressed with DDG holding onto a few shots but I also agree with him that DDG now needs to show the same level of performance against the Stoke's etc. of this world.

So to reiterate, I'm sure Jono can take the banter : )

Gav

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Actually I am deeply saddened and almost downtrodden by the singling out of ones view on a certain subject!

Na I generally couldn't give a monkies ha. I'm old and man enough to have a good old chow down on humble pie if needs be but I would say my assessment above was about as honest as I could be on DDG's performance.

Many may be surprised to hear that if he irons out the areas I have an issue with I would gladly have him as No1 for many years but the issue is how long will that take, if indeed it happens? only time will tell.

Jono

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13 Feb 2013 23:28:57
Great performance from the team tonight. Will always be under pressure in RM's back yard.

On a darker note, where has the real Wayne Rooney gone? He struts his stuff, demands a huge salary but frankly is lost at this level. Couldn't get in the game, poor touch and his opponents skipped past him time and again. He worked hard and his attitude was good, but he looks stale. On such huge wages is it time to move on?

Trawler.

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I believe that he looked tired putting in the shift that he does every time he plays and playing 3 games in 7 days obviously caught up to him. People slating him and saying sell now are overreacting. I think all in all none of our forward players had a great game and for a little we were just clearing it anywhere and allowing them to keep coming at us. A great result and could have been better with some luck.

Darren-Bermuda

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