Manchester United Banter Archive December 20 2012

20 Dec 2012 21:52:13
If we beat Real Madrid I believe it will give us a huge boost in confidence to maybe go on and win the trophy

Chazza

Real is not the best team in the competition. Bayern and Barca are better and Arsenal is going to get humped by them.

our tie will be very close and it will be a matter of a certain players/s being the difference.

Psg is an interesting team to watch out for with Moura joining them shortly and seeing what he impact he will have.

Shahram

20 Dec 2012 21:32:06
After hearing the news today I must say there has to be a much larger chance of a return of Ronaldo to Old Trafford. We now have sun beds at Carrington. Lol.

Shappy

20 Dec 2012 20:28:02
twitter special, no one in in january Ronny back in the summer. Glazers trying to get the love by bringing him back. Goes on to say Ronny misses us and will take a huge pay cut.

Make of it what you will

Pardoe

I make it complete bull, Ronaldo is not coming back.

AJH

He is coming back to OT! (but as a madrid player ) :)

Winston

20 Dec 2012 19:50:29
GDS
You like some other people on here seem to be more excited about the fact that Ronaldo is playing at OT.
Get a grip he's gone and won't be coming back.
___________

No name,

You tell me to get a grip but you are just a keyboard warrior who doesn't even leave a name on a website. Did you read my post? The ronaldo part was a small bit of it and the rest was about us pitting ourselves against one of the best in the world.

Course I am excited about ronaldo coming back, there is a reason his name gets sung by us all in the Stretford end every match, I am excited for him playing against us. I never said he would come back, so not sure where you got that from.

I am excited for the game and was excited when the txt came through today about getting the tickets. Manchester United v Real Madrid, and I will be there, what's more exciting than that?

GDS

A double team of holly and fearne?

Maybe just ;-)

Jono

20 Dec 2012 19:44:04
So we have drawn Real Madrid

We have every right to be worried, they have a midfield and attack better than ours, they have pace, skill and can score at will. In Ronaldo they have a player who is exceptional, can win a game on his own, one of the two best players on the planet by some distance. If we looked purely on paper we would lose.

I recall 1984, we drew Barcelona who had Maradona and Schuster in the team and we duly lost 2 nil in the Nou Camp. However it was over two legs and one of the greatest football nights of my life was standing in the Stretford End for the return home leg and the total mayhem when Stapleton scored right in front of me to make it 3 nil.

In essence we have a chance, if our key players are fit and as long as Ferguson gets his tactics and personnel right. If Scholes or Giggs play that would be a serious problem and would likely lose our chance. However mentally all is not well in Madrid, the manager doesn't appear to have the control and support he should have. Their defence is vulnerable so we have a chance just like we did in the Barca tie in 1984.

Red Man

20 Dec 2012 19:05:06
Building on a point 'Ports' made further down...

Does anyone else think SAF has been playing Rooney off against RVP this season to try and anger/inspire him into playing better?

The manager lords all over RVP whenever he's asked about him; most recently comparing him to Cantona (in terms of influence). I think that's a message to Rooney - are you really going to let this newby overtake you as THE player at United? The manager has also come out and said Rooney needs to score more. He also played him against Cluj when the other stars were rested for City. And he made a point of 'resting' Rooney in one of RVP's first games (can't remember against who) which I believe was a subtle message to him.

I think SAF is trying to place a metaphoric firework up Rooney's ar$e to see if he can fire him back to his best level, or even above that.

I'm a big fan of SAF's motivational techniques and believe we are already beginning to see the benefit of his latest bit of psychological warfare. Let's hope Rooney really kicks on now into the new year because if both him and RVP keep firing then we could be in for a treat!

Gav

I wouldnt be surprised tbh. Ferguson is known for his mind games, but I think its unlikely.

Rooney has been dropping back because thats where he prefers to be, and he is really effective there, and since RVP is more effective spearheading the attack and Rooney is better creating chances and helping out the midfield, thats the reason Rooney is dropping slightly back.

Mick

"playing Rooney off against RVP"

Mick, I may have been unclear. I meant is SAF using RVP's impact as a psychological tool to make Rooney improve his game? I feel he is and it has had an impact. I understand why Rooney has dropped deeper, to have him play behind RVP is a top partnership. That's not what I meant. But I think the manager has tried to get Rooney to up his game generally through some of his comments and actions (mentioned in my OP)

Gav

Oh fair enough, I think you are spot on.

Ever since Ronaldo left, Rooney has been our talisman. It may have slightly affected his game, he became a bit more laid back and his overall game has not improved.

Then came RVP. Rooney is no longuer our only talisman and he has to up his game. Ferguson knows that, so in that brilliant mind of his, has been putting more and more pressure on Rooney to perform better by praising RVP.

And I also feel that our fans have a hand in that too. I guess that constantly hearing " OH Robin Van Perise ! " from the stands is making him push himself to new heights to please the fans and become their favourite, and United's true talisman.

Mick

Ps: in your op I thought you meant that ferguson has been playing Rooney deeper than RVP in order to make him up his game. Not sure how i was able to come up with such a conclusion.

Lol, no worries

Yeh that's how I see it too. I think Rooney feels he has something to prove once again. Can only be good for us

Gav

20 Dec 2012 18:47:30
I think , it's perfectly set up for Nani (given he isn't sold in jan).
He couldn't have set it up better himself, he has the chance , at the biggest stage of them all, at the biggest match of them all to show that he isn't the next Ronaldo, but the first Luis Nani.the lad has undoubted skill, I hope he finds that spark again and earn a new contract, all in front of his beloved mate Ronaldo. The guy loves the club, something (as kloot mentioned) Ronaldo never did, I hope he comes well and we keep him, he is class!
DJ

DJ

Spot on, he's been crap for years but lets trust him to turn it on in a big game. You're Percy using a different name aren't you?

AJH

No I'm not, usually bond does that to advocate James McCarthy , not my cup of tea ;)
DJ

20 Dec 2012 18:20:12
what would people say to a double signing of fernandinho and willian?

I'd say why?

The Moon.

Cos there better than what we've got

20 Dec 2012 18:08:09
First time poster here but been reading for about a year! And one of the best websites on the net! just want to write about the draw against madrid. Why is everyone so negative about the game coming up. We have just as much of a chance to win as they do. you wouldnt of thought they would of lost 3 games this season but they have and they proved that there are beatable. city were 10 mins from beating them so why cant we beat them. anyone can win in knockout football look what chelsea did to barca. so just get behind the team and and stop being so negative because this what this site seems to have turned into. we lose a game and its get fergie out then we win a game and its here comes number 20! Make up your mind! haha

Ricky_pee

Absolutely agree. We have every chance of beating them. Come on u Reds
NoMidfield

20 Dec 2012 17:40:51
At last... got what I hoped for!
We play Read Madrid in CL.. whether we win or lose it will be an exciting game. i cannot wait :)

At least I hope we play our best and hope for the best...
BTW, welcome back Ronaldo! see you back at Old Trafford soon...
AJ

20 Dec 2012 17:15:14
Some of you guys are utterly pathetic, no way we would beat Chelsea at home, no way we would beat City at home, look what happened there?

We have Real Madrid, big deal? So you lot want Celtic for an easy win or maybe a very disappointing loss? The thing about having Real Madrid is that the team will step up, the players will play their hearts out and I am sure it will be a tight game.

Some of our fans are pathetic saying we have lost already, do you think the 7 teams that beat Madrid this season thought that? Did Celtic think "Oh Barcelona? lets give up" no they didn't they played their god damn hearts out and worked for the win.

Back the club, back the manager, back the players. We are United for goodness sake, Madrid should be shaking in their boots as well.

Looking forward to February!

-JakeW

Jake, I'm feeling a lot of man-love for you right now :)

StevieK

JakeW

Just because some of us are not as optimistic and bravado about the whole draw, it does not mean we are any less of a supporter.

I personally would have liked to have got an easier tie which allowed this team to gel better and get better and the likes of real later in the competition.

It also has quite a bit of financial ramifications getting knocked out early.

Our supposedly number one midfield target modric is not even in their first choice starting 11 and sits on the bench, so if you think that we are going to switch some light on and suddenly play at their level, that is your view.

Shahram

Oh Stevie you! ;)

Shahram, I know but some of these posts are ridiculous, "Don't bother buying a ticket to the game, we have lost already?" absolutely pathetic if you ask me, Madrid will be a massive team for us to beat, but people need to understand that if you don't back the team we won't get a result.

-JakeW

Well said, Jake. If we're going to win the tournament we have to beat all the best teams anyway! Let's just see how we shape up against on of Europe's top teams. I'm looking forward to it

Gav

Jake

How does believing we are not good enough to beat a certain team translate into not backing the team. What you think i want us to lose? get serious!!

Going along with a crowd is always easier than having a view that might not be the most popular. This is not a popularity contest and more than happy, actually delighted to take stick for it if we end up somehow winning the tie.

"Don't bother going to the game if you think we are going to lose" is ridiculous statement, I am going to both legs for your info and will be supporting the team. It will end up costing me 10K as I live in Dubai so how is that for supporting the team.

I am not sure if we are all watching the same teams, I have watched them and us all season. Whilst they are having a dip in form at the moment, which is due to quite a few injuries, but when their squad is healthy against a healthy squad of our, they are scary good and their pace is unbelievable.

People keep referring to the city game, on another night in any of those 2 games they could have had 5 or 6 goals.

Anyway all this banter is good as it will build up everyones anticipation for the game. It is a massive tie to prove how good our team is and hope much better than I think.

Shahram

20 Dec 2012 17:03:41
Lets get things right. Ronaldo was desperate to leave as he had always wanted to play for Real Madrid not United. He was brilliant when he played for us and is a very special player but I wish some of you little girls who are getting all excited about the sight of Ronaldo at OT should calm down. He has no love for us just some fond memories of winning things with us. I hope he gets a good reception when he first comes out but I hope the supporters get behind our own team rather than singing songs about a player who was desperate to leave us. I AM KLOOT

Gonna be singing your heart out for Rooney then?

Ports

Exactly my thoughts Kloot.He didn't want to stay with utd so lets forget about him & move on unless he comes out & says he wants to come back.Lets have it right though,i think if city offered him £500,000 a week he'd be off in a shot.Great player but not a utd fan so everybody get over it.
Blackpool Red

20 Dec 2012 16:37:02
What games do some people watch saying evra vs ronaldo when last time ron played right wing .. I personally think we have best rb in Rafael to keep Ron.quite he tenacious and brave and pacey I don't think Ron.will enjoy RAF kicking at him ..can't wait see how it unfolds I'm quite confident
TGOD

Plus Valencia tracking back, Ronnie will have a hard game, against city all he had was clichy, who always attacked.

-JakeW

Tgod he drifts from one side to another and i can assure you he will like playing right wing against our left back.

Shahram

Sorry bro I have disagree its been a long while since I seen Ron pop up on right he likes to come central if anything .. but from the right I can't see it and haven seen it in ages
Tgod

This is a good point IMO. There isn't a better right hand side I would pick over Rafael + Valencia to do a job on Ronaldo. Let's hope Rooney and RVP stay fit so they can cause problems at the other end too

Gav

Any one of Di Maria, Ozil, Ronaldo, Modric, Callejon (who looks to be turning into an excellent player) could be played against Evra, and I am scared whichever. I believe our right side is sorted, but its who they play on the right that is going to be important.

Jaxer

Fair point Jaxer. Would it be too left field to play Jones at RB and Rafael at LB? Just against Real. That may be a bit overboard though

Gav

20 Dec 2012 16:19:27
looking forward to watching you get smashed by madrid, you will be lucky to lose 3-0 but you all know it will be a lot more! A merry christmas from a happy liverpool fan:)

20 Dec 2012 16:33:27
Don't see much for you to be happy about!

Jamie9

Liverpool fans always make me smile wit how tick they can be ..... Who did you get in the draw ..... Oops .... My bad..... Wel at least they can't take Christmas away from ya..

CAIN

Talking of getting smashed, don't make him angry, you won't like him when he's angry! Relax, it's not Benteke!

Good luck on Channel 5, Merry Christmas x

Ports

You will probably get smashed by some run of the mill europe league team! While barely scraping into the top half of the bpl table by the end of the season

Chazza

20 Dec 2012 16:43:59
Methink, u shud be praying for luck against ur europa league opponent. Wish u a luck broda.

Stanod

I guess your manager wont be talking about finishing in the top 2, your team is worthless, how did losing 3-1 at home to Villa feel like, enjoy the rest of your pathetic season.

Haha, how can a liverpool fan be happy? I just hope brenda rodgers stays with you for a long time.

Duggo

He's only merry, cos he nicked some poor granny's christmas money.

20 Dec 2012 18:15:46
thanks enjoy getting stuffed by zenit by five to nothing. Enjoy your relegation battle. Enjoy rat boy's transfer request in six months. Merry christmas.

20 Dec 2012 18:24:30
Typical scouser. Zenit would be happier with u. They'll send u to ur misery, which is where u belong.

That's still more respectable than losing 3-1 at home to A Villa, nameless buffoon!

I guess you thought we'd get 'smashed' by City too the other day?

Gav

At least with Brenda at the helm, they have a ready made championship manager for next season.

Mufc Parkie

20 Dec 2012 15:43:01
Surprised no one has metioned this on here sorry if ya have i just havn't seen it.

With Rio Ferdinand's contract is up at the end of the season i'm sure Man Utd have already lined up his replacement and he is Kurt Zouma the french 18 year old currently playing for Saint-Etienne.

Kurt Zouma in my opinion will be signed next summer as Sir Alex has had him scouted heavily for the past 2 seasons and even invited him over to watch the Manchester Derby and visit the club's facilities he would cost us £9 Million.
Andy H

Totally agree with you - he would be my pick.

Fresh!

20 Dec 2012 16:18:26
Sir Alex is also looking at Ogbonna...

The guys a monster!

Caolán.

20 Dec 2012 16:36:15
thanks enjoy getting smashed by zenit you know it'll be five nil. Also enjoy your relegation battle.

20 Dec 2012 16:38:13
whilst i would like to see us sign him he wouldn't be rio's replacement. We already have him and his name is smalling

20 Dec 2012 15:32:57
Some people were saying in the summer hector Herrera was a stick on signing for Jan, this a possibility still? How's he been getting on?

Sanshine

His club president has said he will leave in the summer there is 3 offers one from an English club
jred

20 Dec 2012 15:11:27
This might be a bit 'out there' but I actually think that Nani will perform against Real Madrid, simply because Ronaldo is there. Pretty sure that we will keep him until summer as there is very little point in selling him in January unless we plan to reinvest the cash. I think its going to be a quiet January but a very busy summer.

Fresh!

There is many more reasons for selling him in January as opposed to the summer. January is still in this year's financial year so will make the finances look very healthy if sold in January. Nani will have more time on his contract so he will cost more IE more cash for the club, it would get him off the wage bill for half a season saving the club cash.

There is every chance he will not be sold in January as a club needs to want him, make an acceptable offer to the club and Nani has to agree to move there, so many things to be agreed in so little time. But the club would certainly want to sell him in January and will do their best to do so.

I wouldn't be too disappointed if he stayed til the summer though as Nani is a top player on his day and I think it's unlikely we would sign his replacement in January.

Sydney!

20 Dec 2012 14:46:32
I just placed a bet. Manchester United V Barca C/L final @ Wembley with it being SAF's last match. It's the ultimate footy script.

20 Dec 2012 14:25:07
It's ironic that if we didnt win our group we would have got a more favorable draw. Eventually, you have to beat the best to win this thing, just wish it would have been in the later stages. The one positive I see is that we should have a completely healthy squad by that time. Let's see how we measure up vs very good side.

20 Dec 2012 13:41:55
What a great draw, cannot wait!

Can't wait to see Ronaldo back at Old Trafford to, he is quite an emotional individual and I think he will be overwhelmed by the reception he receives from the fans, not enough for him to play badly obviously but enough to make him realise that we love and appreciate him a whole lot more then the Madrid fans. Maybe he will realise what he walked away from, I've never thought it was impossible for him to return and with his reported issues at Madrid, maybe coming ''home'' will tug on his heart strings, we can all wish can't we?

I also think we have a great chance against them, on paper their squad is probably better but we are showing again this season a togetherness which sometimes is more important than having bundles of talent but no unity which I think is the situation at Madrid.

I think Rooney will be bang up for it to prove that he is top dog now at United and I think RVP will want to show there is a new hero at the club and SAF will want to confirm he's still top dog in the Managers game.

This could be a classic chaps!

Ports

P.s - With all that said, probably be two borefests 0-0 and 1-0!

Your hopes for Roaldo reflect mine.

Fresh!

20 Dec 2012 13:12:37
I think we need a powerful CM midfielder but I don't where all this hype around wanyama has come from? He's half decent but no world class player like most are making out. He plays in a low class league so loos good @ times and had 1 brilliant game against barca? Dnt get me wrong if we sign him I'll support him and hope 2 eat my words but I think there's better and more talented options out there, especially for the money Celtic are talking?

I was talking to a Dutch friend yesterday and I was asking what the Dutch thought of RVP and he was telling me they think he's a god and he also mentioned that the player they are all raving about is Strootman and that United MUST go out and sign him. There's high hopes for this lad in Holland. I think he's what we need.

Ports

TBF to many posters - Wanyama has been talked about for around 12 months on this site before that Barca game, so they must see something in him. I've only seen him a couple times personally so won't judge

Gav

20 Dec 2012 12:38:50
Knew we would get Madrid. Should be 2 massive matches. There's no reason we can't get a result against them over there. We need to watch for ronnie but we should do well against them! Keep scholes and Giggs away and we'll be ok. C'mon united!

Bryn Mez

20 Dec 2012 12:28:00
oh dear what do you expect to happen when SAF starts scholes and giggs at the bernebeau? I think ronny might just give us a hiding! Not a good draw us at all!

Us? Who is us?

You didn't leave a name. As most of the people have said below it is a pretty good draw for us actually.

We get to see Ronaldo back at Old Trafford (and any real United fan would be so excited about this), and we get to put our team up against some world class players. Do you know what happened last time we played the top teams we could play?

3-2 Chelsea Away
3-2 City Away

They should be on their forums saying 'Argh RVP and Rooney will rip Pepe a new one'. If we lose then we lose and have more time to concentrate on the league. If we win we send a message to the whole of Europe that we are back and ready.

GDS

Ronaldo is the difference IMO, with him on our team we would be favourites.

Sydney!

GDS
You like some other people on here seem to be more excited about the fact that Ronaldo is playing at OT.
Get a grip he's gone and won't be coming back.

20 Dec 2012 12:16:31
Well seen as I'm always the optimist the 2 glaring positives are

1 we only have 2 more games in Europe do no big advantages to city or Chelsea.

2 we don't need to worry about potential signings in jan being cup tied ;-)

Jono

Yeh cuz RM are flying in La Liga - only 16 points behind Barca, have already lost 6 games this season and Jose and the players leaking stuff to the press about dressing room disagrements. Glad to see you getting behind your team though.

IrishRed

You gotts trust your team more Jono. We are, at worst, a team capable of giving real madrid a difficult couple of matches. A more optimistic point if view is that, without the injuries, we are just as good.

Mick

So you have written us off Jono?

How about Rafael, Vidic, Kagawa, Rooney, RVP, on form Valencia? Do you not think any of them are relishing playing one of the top teams in the world?

Lets get behind the lads and forget all this negative nonsense!

Come on you reds!

GDS

They will beat us home and away and i agree with Jono. Financially not a good draw as it will effect our ability come the summer transfer market.

Shahram

Love all the Bravado, sounds like boxers back in the early 90's when they were going to fight Tyson:)

The positives from this is if we get a hiding the manager will have no excuses come the next transfer window.

We are a couple of months away from the tie and what makes you guys think we will even have a full squads any injury to a midfielder will leave us like swiss cheese.

I am not denying it will be close at OT if we have our best 11 available, but will not get a result in Madrid. Anything less than best 11, we will get truly humped on both ties.

I know, I am going to get some stick for this view, but so be it.

Shahram

Haha come on guys it's called tongue in cheek.

Over two legs do I think we will best them? No but what we should see is a top two end to end games with hopefully both teams concentrating on scoring. At least then I'll be happy if we go out having given it a real go instead of getting spanked without as much as a whimper v barca.

Irish

2 months is a long time and even if they were still miles behind in their league they still have the team capable o ripping anyone to pieces. League positions can be very deceptive....look at ours ;-)

GDS

Not written us off mate I think it's better to have a realistic view of what we can take from defeat IF that happens. Am I positive about our chances of winning? No. As on paper we can match their def and attack but we are so far behind in the usual areas it's hard to look past them.

If Ronny is fit against Evra should be erm interesting!

Jono

GDS,

Being optimistic is good, but I suggest you take some time to remember the years 2005-2009 and what the best player in the world did to the best of defenses in Europe. Also, take into account the fact that when we play him, our back four will include an inexperienced RB, a past it LB and Rio Ferdinand.

We could have all our attacking players have the games of their lives. Stopping Ronaldo is what will win us this tie.

We will have more money than last season, we are further in the cup now, an think of the ticked that will be sold for Ronnie's return, I'm feeling a new attendance record!

Jono

I'm surprised you are so resigned to us losing! I actually think we will play better against such a top team than we would have if we'd got a more comfortable draw (see this season's performnces so far). We will go all out against Real

Don't get me wrong, I make them favourites. But I think it could go either way depending on our away result

Also, Ronaldo plays on the left doesn't he? Whenever I watch them he does and I thought it was because he demands to play there. If so, he should be up against Rafael/Valencia which will be a good battle IMO

Gav

Gav

The tactics will be set up by mourinho and all he will need to do is show any utd game to ronny for him to realise he will almost have a free reign in behind Pat. He may not even set up there but I'm sure if he is not in the middle he will appear in the free grass around the LB slot.

Thing is though although I don't rate Di Maria he will have a field day in behind as well. With Jose so switched on in tactics I can see a solid 2 with a third supporting CM to over run and out work us and focus on Evra the key ingredients that most teams have dominated us on.

Allot of people are comparing players saying this and that about who will play and how we can match up but with the wrong tactics or should I say without any variation in tactics specifically in game we could lose it before we start off. Jose is almost a master at adapting in game whereas SAF lacks in the tactics area massively. I think that alone puts us at a massive disadvantage.

But we do have the players to do it, by no means am I saying we have absolutely no chance. As I said 2 months is a long time.

Jono {Ed004's Note - I think if Ferguson is to make a very important and intelligent move this January he should try to sign Leighton Baines, it will help us immediately and if the money is there and Witsel wants to leave I would go for him as he would be allowed to play in Europe.}

20 Dec 2012 11:56:55
People writing us off already. Madrid aren't having the best of seasons. To close to call this match. We are Manchester United, write us off and you'll be proved wrong again

GD

Write us off at your peril! We always come up with the big result!

Caolán.

Just not in the last two finals though yeah, third time lucky v the big Spanish 2?

Jono

They score 5? Well we will score 6!

Jono

We had to win lot's of games just to get to those finals remember. I'm sure we were written off in a few of those!

Gav

Gav in 10-11 we had the easiest run to the final I think I have seen but still had to do it and in 08-09 our biggest hurdle was the Inter last 16 with Jose. All other games we would have been considered favourites IMO.

This seasons a different kettle of fish though.

Jono

20 Dec 2012 11:54:15
Now we've got Madrid we MUST make signings(preferably signing someone from RM). If we signed CR7, I make us favourites. Even if there is some squad rule that means he can't play, he also wouldn't be able to play for Madrid. Also de gea has to play, scholes and Giggs must not, and we have to hope Vidic stays fully fit.
Please fergie, PLEASE sign someone
Campian

If we signed a strong CM in jan i would be fully confident that we would beat Real Madrid.

20 Dec 2012 11:40:59
why Madrid? WHY MADRID? This always happens! Even if we beat them, chances are we'll get bayern or barca in the next round!
Nov00

How does this ALWAYS happen? In recent years we've been one of the luckier teams when it comes to the draw for the knockout stages. So what if we got Madrid? If you thrive on these ties as a fan then there's something wrong. Yes it'll be a tough tie but we are Manchester United, this is what we do. Adversity will bring out our best.


TK-Red

If you want to win the top competition in European football you need to beat the best teams in Europe. I thought that would be a pretty standard assumption?

Personally I'm happy that we have to face Madrid at this stage. We haven't faced a top European side since the CL final of 2011, so this will give us a good indicator of how good we are. Plus Madrid have looked pretty average at times this year, and are definitely beatable.

Danny Pughnited

To be the best you got to beat the best?
i rather us win the cl by beating tough opponenents and not getting easy ties.

TRUMORS

20 Dec 2012 11:28:58
Arsenal fan here wanting to wish you the best of luck against Real Madrid.

You lot are going to need it to prevent a cricket score, turning up with the likes of Carrick, Cleverley and Anderson you will embarrass English football.

Leave it to Arsenal and their admired European style of football to keep the flag flying.

(Start a petition and ask Fergie to play 10 men behind the ball and lump it to RVP every chance you get)

Arsenal are doing a liverpool. Pathethic team that is going nowhere and struggling against league 2 sides. What brings you on the united page?

Mick

The same arsenal that never get to finals/semi finals..
you are going to get smashed by Bayern.

United are a better team than arsenal and munich are a better team than madrid
you boys are in a lot of trouble
jred

I garuntee we defeat Madrid.

Caolán.

Mick, Bradford are no Bayern Munich mate.

Sydney!

The same Anderson, Cleverley and Carrick that destroyed Arsenal 8.2 last season and the same midfielders that should have beaten Arsenal 8.1 this season. Never seen such a one-sided game.

Sydney!

Is that the same admired european football thats never won you the european cup?

phil

The only one-sided draw in my eyes is Arsenal v Bayern. Theyre going to destroy you! Come back on this page if you win that and I will congratulate your team for pulling off the best win since they were a decent side 7 years ago

snakey

Grow up not even Bradford admire you even Torquay united with a man sent off can play better than you how long has it been since you won a trophy and how many champions leagues have you won? You came second to Schalke who we beat 4-1 and bayern will thrash you. The odds of us winning the UCL are 14/1, the odds of you winning itare 33/1. you will need not just luck, but an outright miracle. At least we stand a chance.
Nov000

You have to feel for Arsenal though. They're struggling against rubbish teams and now they have to face one of the best sides on the planet.

It would be fun to see the likes of Robben and Ribbery toring apart arsenal's runnish defense. They have one the most formidable attacks in the world.

Mick

20 Dec 2012 11:24:18
Ok, we got Madrid, can't say I'm not scared, but I'm exited aswell, but I think we underestimate our team a lot , we have beaten city , Chelsea and Liverpool away, arsenal at home and I do not see any reason why we can't beat Real Madrid. We have perhaps the best manger ever, 2 great strikers and more over, we have the heart of a team , unlike those costly assembled fantasy parts. We Will Win! Believe
DJ

20 Dec 2012 11:10:02
Madrid next round ....... Expect signings to take the edge off

CAIN

20 Dec 2012 11:00:22
Madrid it is then
Definitely the most fascinating tie of the round
UNITEDABHISHEK

20 Dec 2012 10:56:48
Sydney or anyone

What is the monetary value of each round of the CL to the club both in terms of gate receipts and prize money?

Shahram

3.9m euros for getting through to the next round and gate receipts we will still receive whether we lose or win.

Semi-finals - 4.9m euros
losing finalist - 6.5m euros
winners - 10.5m euros

United have already improved on last year significantly by getting past the group stages.

Sydney!

You get nothing mate for getting beat in both legs ;-)

Jono

I meant what are the gate receipts from each round given we get a home game. I assume 3.9 for quarters and probably around 3.5 million pounds gate receipts. So getting knocked out will cost us around 10 mill euros.

Shahram

20 Dec 2012 10:54:22
So.... Madrid it is!! We didnt see that one coming from a mile off ;) Hopefully we can give a decent account of ourselves in both legs but I am not expecting much ....

20 Dec 2012 10:52:44
Arsenal got Bayern and they can now concentrate on the FA cup i guess.

Shahram

Ha ha, funny mate, Arsenal have no chance of winning the fa cup...

snakey

Snakey, Sarcasm mate. Bayern are my pick to win it all.

Shahram

20 Dec 2012 10:51:40
Viva Ronaldo!

Once he sets foot inside Old Trafford he will want to come home.

Jamesmack8

I hope your right!

19-20 MUFC

20 Dec 2012 10:50:16
utd facing madrid
sid

20 Dec 2012 10:37:35
Galatasaray away & Cluj beat us at OT. I know we played our squad players & top place was never in doubt. Thing is it shows our squad isn't as good as it has been in the past.
We should never of lost these games on paper.

So I hope we play the likes of Real Madrid to show Europe WE ARE A MIGHTY FORCE ONCE AGAIN. You gotta play the best to win this competition at some point. There are no easy games now. People saying AC Milan, Shakter Donetsk, Valencia, Porto & Celtic will be a shoe in to the next round. Do you really believe that?

It seems our squad will be at it's strongest when the games are played so they'll be no excuses.

Vidic should be 100%, Kagawa, Evans & Anderson will be back. Fletcher is at full training & is nursing his illness well. Even Carrick starts playing his best football after Christmas. Are Rio, Scholes & Giggs ready to give ALL THEY GOT for maybe there last season with us? THESE ARE PROMISING SIGNS WE COULD CLINCH THE EUROPEAN CUP.

Or we could get knocked out against Celtic.
Nothing against our Northern neighbours but how would you feel if Celtic did knock us out??????????

TJ

Your wish is fullfiled

And Madrid it is :)

I think it might be good for us as we show if we are good enough or get knocked out...one more thing is that it might help us in bringing CR7 back as the crowd will show him what it means to be playing in front of the Old Trafford faithful who I imagine would still be singing his name.

Devil For Life!

20 Dec 2012 09:32:16
any chance of kagawa playing tomorrow

No cause we play sunday

Nope, maybe Sunday ;-)

TJ

We dont play friday either

Se-Utd

20 Dec 2012 07:41:48
so champions league is today which team would you like utd to face i would go for porto...... though real madrid would be a mouthwatering match with return on ronaldo but real is betr thn us and i wouldnt want to face them early in the competition... may be utd vs real final at wembley would be awsome.. do comment which club you guys would like to face......
sid

I am not too fussed. I think we will get RM, but would prefer any other team. Probably Celtic. Less traveling and we could get a good look at Wanyama.

Sydney!

I would like arsenal but that isn't gonna happen so yes, I'd have to go with Porto.
Nov00

AC milan please, then Celtics.

Shahram

I think we will get Porto.

Jono

Also think it will be Arsenal-PSG and Celtic-Juve.

Jono

20 Dec 2012 00:14:09
There seems to be a constant theme atm about the future manager of our great club. This is hardly suprising given our managers age and the fact that he can't go on forever.

I have a couple of points to add to the debate.

The first is this idea that we give managers more time than other clubs. Well this sacking a manager after 18 months malarky has only been about the last ten years or so, in which time we've had one of the most successful managers of all time at the helm, possibly the only man in football who is unsackable. So to say we give managers more time to prove themselves and to then point to Sir Alex as proof is ridiculas to say the least.

If the new manager hasn't won anything in the first couple of years then i would expect them to be fired. We are a club that demands success, Sir Alex has only been given the courtesy of having a few barren seasons due to his excellent credit in the bank. A new manager will not have this luxuary. We live in a time when failure cannot be excepted, and success is a minimal requirement.

There will never be a manager like Sir Alex again. If you look at the other teams in the prem who have had the same manager for ten years or more you only have Wenger and Moyes, both are good managers but both teams are average if were honest. This is what sticking by a manager who is failing to bring success brings.

So if we look at the situation without this delusion that the next manager will be given years to bed in and bring success. And that whoever takes the job will be following the possibly the greatest manager ever. Then you start to realise the egnormity of the task.

Pep is a good manager but not a great one. He managed a great team, and there in lies the differance. Yes he helped implament the style of Barca's play but he was also very one dimentional. If Barca couldn't win playing the Barca way then there was no plan B, no tactical know how on how or what to change. Then there will always be the question of can he handle the pressure, due mainly down to how he left Barca. I seriously doubt Pep would be given the time it would take him to implement his style of football at our club. And that is failing to even consider if that style would work with our players or in the more physical Prem.

Personally i think we need a manager who could manage the club for 3/4 years tops who can act as a buffer between the future of our club and the looming shadow of Sir Alex.

For me there is two options.

First we go for the best, we bring in Mourinho and see what he can do. He will win things and will be easier to replace in a few years than Sir Alex. But would our youth get a chance, would Mourinho rip apart and build his own team and would Mourinho be able to keep out of trouble.

My second choice is Laurent Blanc, he knows the club and what we are about. He has experiance, and would build happily on what Sir Alex leaves behind. If it didn't work out then he would be the kind of person who would graciously step aside, and whoever takes over after him wouldn't have such a tough act to follow.

Long term i'd love to see Ole get the job, but he is a few years away from being ready for such a tough job. So maybe Mourinho or Blanc would be the best stop gap.

Shappy

Good post Shappy, however I think you've overlooked Jurgen Klopp. He's built a great team through wise transfers and good development. He's my number one to replace Sir Alex. I would definitely love to see Ole get the job one day, but as you rightly say...he's not quite there yet.

Andy!

20 Dec 2012 07:48:01
I hadn't forgotten/over looked Klopp, he has said recently that he isn't as interested in moving to england as he once was. Due to the fact that he feels the bundesliga is at least on a par with the Prem atm. He has found a club where he is happy and settled, I honestly think he has no interest in leaving Dortmund atm. As such I think its probably best we rule him out of the running. Also he has only really had success with Dortmund, i'd like to see him do well somewhere else before i'm convinced he is all that.

Shappy

Shappy
whats blanc really done to warrant the united job, one title at Boardeaux and not a lot with france.

jred

Shappy

When the United Job comes up they will all be interested. The opportunity will be available when SAF decides and no one knows when (the average supporter I mean) he wants to retire and none of these guys will openly come out say they want it.

Shahram

Whilst I agree that any new manager will face the sack if he goes too long without success, I am still firmly of the opinion that the club will be looking for a target they can see wanting to stick around and build a legacy. Which is why I'm not sure Mourinho is our man. His record is 2nd to none so obviously I wouldn't be too unhappy. Would prefer Klopp though

Gav