Manchester United Banter Archive February 26 2013

26 Feb 2013 22:21:45
Rodriguez is a straight fight between City and Chelsea. We won't get into a bidding war so will go for a cheaper alternative. {Ed004's Note - And you know this how? And why wouldn't we bid against City? We did so for RVP?}

Man utd are the only team from premier league genuinely interested in rodriguez there hasn't been any interest from city in rodriguez
and becauz of introduction of fair play rules city and chelsea will have to monitor their spending
and moreover ED004 is ryt even if city enters the bidding why can't we

26 Feb 2013 21:56:01
Real Madrid have given a lesson in how to play an away game

If they play like this on Tuesday and show the same commitment it will be very difficult for us. It would make it vital for us to get the first goal.

If we don't concede early they will have to attack and will have the majority of the possession and that's fine with me. Their counter attacking was great today. But we are different than Barca and the game will be played differently

Even if we score 1st, it won't change the way Madrid play because they have to get a goal whether we score 1st or not

We will need to be aware of their pace on the break from DI Maria plus the brilliance of Ronaldo. If they score first we have to come out and that would expose us to their pace and Ronaldo on the break. I expect us to be better defensively than Barca but the first goal will be important. Whilst we only need nil nil the longer the game goes at that score it gets dangerous for us to be dealt a late knockout blow. First goal will be key.

No Name

Very true, Barca play very high up the pitch and press and you can counter them. We play a lot deeper and tend to allow for possession but bank on our team to defend in numbers around the box. They will find it harder to break against us.

I was one of the pessimistic guys when the draw came out and hope we can do it.

Shahram

We will be playing like the away team. So Ronaldo will not be able to break without there being four defenders to get past. Red Man, do you seriously see us going forward and leaving holes at the back? We will play like we did at the Bernabeu, if we don't play that way we will lose.

Sydney!

As we know, Real Madrid need space to counter attack at speed. And since Barcelona's defense play very high up the field, Real knew what to do. The most important thing is not allowing Real Madrid to have any space to counter attack. I think we'll be fine.

Sydney

We will not go gung ho but with Ronaldo they are always likely to score at some point. Do you want to rely on them not scoring because if it is nil all with 15 mins to go I for one would fear for our chances

Red Man, we created several good chances at the Bernabeu whilst sitting back and defending well. I just hoe we are more clinical this time round and bury the chances we get.

Sydney!

Mick, exactly mate. I suspect RM will score, but I think we can score more just like we should have done in Spain. We need to be secure as a defensive unit and we need to be clinical upfront.

The way Barcelona play makes it easy for a team Like RM to get behind them, they will not get behind us because we will not play the high line. This is also the exact same way to stop Bale playing.

If there is no space for Ronaldo to run into he will be forced to take players on and that is when they lose possession and we break. It's risky as Ronaldo could go past our players, but it's also risky for RM.

If we played this way against Barcelona in both finals we just may have won one of them. This tactic has meulensteen written all over it.

Sydney!

Sydney hoes we are more clynical

26 Feb 2013 20:47:08
On this Bale Rooney question, I would simply play Bale left, Kags centrally and Ronaldo right of a CAM 3 with RVP up top and let Rooney get fat on someone else's wage bill.

Quite simple really ;-) {Ed004's Note - So how we going to buy Ronaldo and Bale? Sell Old Trafford haha? Wouldn't say no to it though}

Haha was just following the pipe dream stuff on here ed.

Look reality is the Ronny stuff MAY repeat MAY have a story in it but still very unlikely and we have as much chance of getting even the same price as other big teams for Bale as I do of playing CF instead of RVP!

Both IMO are as I said pipe dreams.

Look at our last signing for example.

RW we were looking at Hazard then Moura and settle for Zaha?

We may well be linked with both till the cows come home but likely we will get a younger guy with potential who is early 20's.

Bit cynical maybe but being a tad more realistic than most haha

Wow, are we signing Ronaldo?

But if we have bale and Ronaldo, where are we going to fit messi in?

We didn't choose to get Zaha over the other two, Hazard chose Chelsea and Moura chose PSG. But we used that money to grab RVP, who is the reason we have a 12 point lead in the league. Can't get too upset about that. -KG

KG

The point is we went from shopping in the harrods of potential to the Lidl version. there are far more CAM/Wide forwards that would suit the replacement of Nani or bolster the first team now like Gaitan, Rodriguez etc but after SAF fails publicly in two targets we go to the opposite end and get younger potential under the guise of 'it is what we do'. SAF tends to not go for third/fourth choices but will happily stray far from the instant talent end and buy a potential star most of which never tend to come off.

Same applies to our CM. We have been bidding and either not bagging our man or bids rejected but instead of trying for another player in the same position (who is just as good) we turn to signing a youngster in Powell.

So the point stands that irrelivant of how much we didn't choose Zaha over Hazard or Moura we chose him over multiple other options who would instantly improve on our wingers this season in favour of 'potential'.

Stringer

Messi's on the bench mate ;)

Jono - How do you know there were 3rd or 4th choices available to the club. Perhaps just because you like the look of someone the club doesnt. Saying oh we could have got Gaitan, how do you know the club rates him that highly? How do you know Benfica would sell him for a reasonable price? Fergie is smart he doesn't go gun ho and sign whoever. You say we tend to buy young too much well if you ask me signing a Powell or Zaha type is very clever you beat top clubs too them and they can be great why run the risk of missing out for cheaper and then seeing them end up worth £40 million? At least the way United do things isn't a sugar daddy way.

26 Feb 2013 20:07:35
how many on here actually want nani to stay cause I do he's a player who can change a game on his own
paddy the irish man {Ed004's Note - I'm not sure haha}

Not me, he's infuriatingly inconsistent and somewhat childlike (sorry Perce)

I'm so undecided. On his day he is miles ahead of Young and Valencia - but those two are generally more consistent. In an ideal world we will go into next season with a consistent Nani. We can then have Nani and Zaha on the right with Young being backup to a new left winger - i'm going to hope for Ronaldo, but someone like Rodriguez would be sufficient.

Bye bye Nani, Nani bye bye, Nani bye bye Nani!

Fresh, stunning. A question about Nani and you couldn't help but mention Ronaldo. Lol.

26 Feb 2013 21:24:11
valencia more consistent? he hasn't played well once yet this season, consistently bad more like

Valencia is poor and more frustrating than nani, if he didn't have pace, he'd be worse than bebe.


TRUMORS

I'm split to be honest but I think he's off, I won't be too disappointed as he's had so many chances.

26 Feb 2013 19:17:09
So Ronaldos contract talks with Real have broken down.

Great. It's highly plausible we will sign him.

26 Feb 2013 18:24:34
Dear Anthill Mob, where is it all going to lead? It's going to lead to a 20th
League title and possibly a cup with continuing success in future years. In the meantime, you will sack your latest saviour and recruit the next big hope who will once again let you all down. No doubt your droll posts will continue and we will have to suffer your puerile attempts at humour. Ah well, we'll just keep counting the trophies.

26 Feb 2013 18:49:10
Gareth Bale. Yes he's a good player. But is he really all that? He does this every season and goes on a run where he destroys a few average teams and looks unstopable. But what big teams does he perform against? Its alright doing it to the likes of Norwich, West Brom and West Ham but let's see him do it to a big team. People are going off the deep end saying he's as good as Ronaldo and Messi! He isn't. He could be at a better team but he's not close now. And massively over priced. Would anyone seriously pay forty million and upwards? I suppose if Moura and Hazard are going for mid thirties then you can justify it but still over priced. And over fifty million your having a joke. {Ed004's Note - I'd happily pay between 30-35 million on both him and wilshere though. Both very good players in the making}

I agree, he is a good player and have to admit I like him in a more central role, but what he is doing now is what he does in bursts every season. Then he will fade again. If he can keep this form up then he could be very special. I do have my doubts that he can consistently play at this level. That is what separates Bale from Ronaldo & Messi. Some on here say I do not rate him or whatever, but if you check my dreamteam he is in my midfield.

Sydney! {Ed004's Note - Sydney quick question. What formation would we play with Bale in it? I can't see him playing central as Rooney and kagawa are there and the club need a rm as both Nani and Valencia have been terrible (Nani's case inconsistent) personally rm is more of a concern so were would bale play here? I'd happily sell Nani and Valencia/young if we could sign a rw and lw but I can't see that many signings and what rw are there available. My guess is Rodriguez will be signed so I can't see room for bale. Unless drastic changes are made this season and in a dream world something like Gotze and bale are signed but no way is the money available for that}

Syd, stop with the comparisons. Right now, Bale is the best player in the EPL without question. Ronaldo and Messi are freaks, the comparison is pointless. I get he might not be as good, but given the chance, he would improve our team

The moneys therre but it wount be spent in quick succesion

Ed004, a year ago I would have loved him to play left wing-back for us with Rafael/Valencia as right wing-back. But we would have needed a Wanyama/Jones to sit in midfield for that to happen. I did plenty of 3-5-2 formations with Bale as left wing-back if you remember. Other prefered Coentrao. However after watching him play more central due to Spurs needing a striker, I have been far more impressed than I ever was when he played wide left. I think he could do a job in Rooney's position, but for the left I would prefer someone like Rodriguez.

Sydney! {Ed004's Note - Do you not reckon he would be more suited to be given a free role to drift in from the left? Ie if you had an attacking left back such as Baines who can provide the width, thats why Bales partnership with Ekotto was a lot better than with Naughton behind him. By having a quality left back it will allow Bale to only go out wide when he see's a two on one situation, this would make it very difficult to double mark him. The only reason I can see this move happening is if Rooney is sold along with Nani and the club sign two replacements. Bale in along with someone like Gotze and play a fluid front four (with Kagawa central) or if Fergie has a large budget and signs two players while letting two of Young, Nani, Valencia and possibly Welbeck go. I still feel left back and cm along with a Nani replacement is necessary.}

Bale is NOT the best player in the EPL, aguero, RvP, Toure, silva, rooney (he's only having a little slump) are all better than bale, he is imo an overated player in a small pond who wouldn't cope with playing second fiddle to a ronaldo, messi or RVP

Ashley Purdy

Bale was playing a more central role under harry it's nothing new

Ashley, you need to watch a few more games. You seriously think Rooney and Toure are currently playing better than Bale? Have you banged your head? Seriously, RVP was brilliant earlier this year but right now, Bale is the best player

AJH, I was replying to the OP. He mentioned Messi & Ronaldo.

Sydney!

Lol Syd, If he can 'consistently play at this level' he would be one of the best players in the world! I'd be happy with a bit less personally. If he keeps improving as he has over the last year or 2 I think he's going to be a top player and whoever ends up buying him will be in for a treat.

Silva, Toure and Rooney would not even get a consideration at the moment in terms of being the best in EPL. Based on performance and not reputation I would have 1. Bale 2. RVP 3. Suarez (i know I hate it) 4. Aguero

shahram

He is worth 40 million easily. If Rodriguez is being talked about at 36 mill then bale has a 10 million premium to rodriguez any day of the week.

Would love to see us focusing on getting him in the summer but levy is d. k and it will never happen.

Add Bender and Cabaye and a proper left back and we should be set.

Shahram

26 Feb 2013 17:30:46
Just had a great day of university. Got to visit Southend United for a business talk and tour of the stadium. While there I sat on the same bench used by Rooney, Giggs and Ronaldo. Great present for my birthday on Thursday. I finally got some joy that defeat.

MEF

26 Feb 2013 16:45:39
Hi evreyone I was wondering if all these ronaldo rumours are true does anyone have any info on ronnies situation? also is there any chance that we will buy hummels, subotic or shaw

THE HEMMINATOR

Apparently, it's highly plausible we will sign him

Plausible in the sense that, if he's for sale then anything is possibe! however, likely? I don't think so in my opinion! all the prices for players being thrown around when nobody really has a clue who will cost what or even who our targets for the summer actually are! Surely if we were to sign Ronaldo though, that would blow our entire budget for the summer! or would it? I don't know! Personally I'd love Rodriguez and Lars Bender to be signed!

Jamal

Jamal, lol, keep up. Sarcasm mate, sarcasm

I know signing ronaldo would blow our budget for summer unless we sell a few in the summer just wanted to know if we had an interest in hummels, subotic or shaw also I think fergie needs to play mats daheli in the 1st team as he is a great player and we don't want to lose another great youth player like we did with pogba, morrison and that defender that went to belgium now bin signed by spurs can't remember his name

THE HEMMINATOR

26 Feb 2013 12:08:21
Some suggest Bale likes being a big fish in a small pond but that just seems rediculous to me. He's class and improving, who has he got to contend with on the wing atm? The only player in the whole team that has more ability then him is RVP and he plays in a different position, so why wouldn't he (as i've heard suggested) get as much time on the ball, if anything he'd get as much but have more space to rip teams apart as we have other big players that need constant marking.

He has been quoted saying he has always been attracted by a move abroad. But maybe, just maybe if we beat Madrid and Barcelona/ Bayern Munich and get our hands on the treble he will think differently.

Bale-----------RVP---------Rooney
--------------Kagawa--------------
-------Cleverley--Carrick----------
Baines---Vidic--Smalling---Rafael
--------------DDG------------------

Bench: Lindegaard, Strootman, Young, Hernandez, Jones, Evans, Zaha

Then we'd still have other squad players: Powell, Giggs, Valencia, Fabio, Welbeck (if not sold), Henriquez, Ferdinand.

Bale - 38m
Strootman - 17m
Baines - 13-15m

Being realistic with these prices, can't see any of these players coming for less. Around 70m spent. Hopefully make 15-20m on Nani. I would sell Anderson to make room for Powell 10m would be great. Maybe Welbeck leaving for 1st team football at least 12-15m for him. It'd be very difficult to make these in and outs happen in one summer but IMO not completely impossible.

I just don't see Bale here at all. He wants a move to Madrid and I'm sure that's what he'll get. Levy would play hell with us anyway like he did with Modric. It just isn't happening.

Fresh!

Cleverley ahead of Strootman, have you seen Strootman play?
Cleverley has still got a long way to go before he gets anywhere near Strootmans level.
Im still not convinced about Cleverley but he does have a lot of potential, only time will tell.

Simmo

I find the fact that people compare Bale to Ronaldo and Messi rather insulting to them both as they are a level or two above anyone else on the planet.

Although I do believe that Bale can become a world class player, he has all the attributes to succeed in doing so, the winner against West Ham was trually ridicilous - roy of the rovers - last min blinder from 30 yards, it'll be interesting too see how Spurs doing in keeping him at the club.

If it is ever poosible to get ronaldo back -he's a must but Bale wouldn't be a bad alternative.
How about 30m plus Young (Spurs were interested in young when we went in for him weren't they?

I can't see anyone paying 50m+ for him especially when the money fair play comes in, unfort I can see him signing for City in the future but could be worth a punt for our left side.

I agree with your first point - I don't buy into this theory that Bale will go anomonous in a top team. I think he would be immense at United.

Unfortunately I can't see us splashing enough cash to get Bale but if I were in charge I'd do my best to get him. The 3 INS you named would be close to my ideal summer. To make it more realistic I'd even be willing to forego Baines and go with Evra/Fabio/Buttner for one more year. I feel Strootman & Bale would improve our team no end.

Agree with Gav, I think Bale would be incredible for us but also agree its unlikely.

I agree, mate, but insulting is a bit much. Although, I appreciate the hyperbole. The thing is:people consider Ronaldo and Messi to be world class;this is not true. To label them as world class instantly relegates any other extremely talented player as just a top/great player. This would be an incredible injustice to the likes of Xavi, Hummels and company.

Ronaldo and Messi are special players who have made a joke of the saying "a once in a generation player".

If Bale keeps going the way he is, he will no doubt be labeled World class. But I have my doubts that he will ever reach the level of those two.

To put it into context: he will have to climb Mount Everest and then set up a ladder.

26 Feb 2013 11:34:43
Assuming Ronaldo is going out of Madrid this summer who is "that" player they need to buy to satisfy fans (or whoever).
options are:
1. Messi
Although impossible but talent wise only person available.
2. Iniesta and Xavi (Impossible)
3. Neymar, possible
4. Bale. possible, but he is no where near Ronaldo level only upcoming.
5. May be a bunch a stars, with Bale in it.

Even if we sign Bale this summer and he plays great football,
Then in two years we may hear "Playing for Real Madrid is my childhood dream".

Although this post seems to be a Madrid related one, I want to know even if United sign Bale he will be the next Ryan Giggs in terms of service to the club?

He had his chance in my opinion SAF will never go for him again

Signing Bale is somewhat pointless as you are right, he will leave to Madrid in a couple of years. I prefer signing players once they get Madrid out of their system.

No one will be the next ryan giggs in terms of service, scholes comes closest, but that is it.

There will never be another in terms of service

26 Feb 2013 10:21:15
26 Feb 2013 07:15:43
Yes he did GDS, but he wanted Spain, they didn't want him and hey presto the little boy in him said 5h1t I'll go to Utd then, add to that the £250k and there you have him. Don't get so bitter mate.
Stoner

----------

Other than the fact we aren't paying him 250k a week, can you appreciate the irony of your last sentence after the one before it? What the hell do I have to be bitter about?

Your banter gets worse by the day, even kloot is ripping you apart and he's as bad as you half the time!

26 Feb 2013 11:47:50
GDS,

KLOOT ripping me apart, your are desperate and so uptight mate. You need to breath and relax, it'll help you get over yourself.

There's every chance you'll win something this year so just chill and read my reply to KLOOT it's very relevant to you more than most.

Arsenal fans are becoming the new liverpool fans, bitter and twisted, the top players want top wages and trophys something which liverpool and arsenal cannot offer anymore, clubs like chelsea and city have ruined clubs like these with their ridiculous spending, only the true giants of football like our fortunate selfs can compete with these sugar daddy clubs, if I was an arsenal supporter i'd dislike rvp if he had chosen a sugar daddy club as they are your downfall, praise be to arsene wenger for helping turn rvp into a decent morally correct young man which helped guide him into choosing a truely great european giant, joeyored

Stoner,

You're coming across as desperate now. What are you so desperatre about? Are you trying to make up for Arsenal's inadequacies by trying to 'get one over' United fans on the internet? If so, you should act in a way that is more befitting ofd your years IMO.

RVP is far from on £250k, so there's that point invalidated. Moreover - who cares how much he's on? Is it me, GDS or you paying his wages? I'd be more worried that your club is run by a manager who not only has failed to win anything in 8 years but earns more than he was willing for RVP to earn! People moan about the wages of City player's but Wenger's wage must be the most extortionate in world football, lol.

Lastly - who knows exactly what RVP wanted - but I do know where he ended up! Where and why did Fabregas, Clichy, Nasri, Toure, Adebayor etc. all end up?

Hbadger

I am guessing you mean when you said:

"a lot of you, well not you KLOOT, come across as knowledgeable intelligent people. "

That is the bit that is relevant to me? Cheers mate ;)

I'd 8-2 be an Arsenal fan bless them

26 Feb 2013 08:18:26
It's been a long time since I posted on here, mainly due to me dropping my phone and being unable to get down to it from my very high horse, but I am back now and ready to take the apologies of the posters who scoffed at me two years ago when I suggested we should sign Bale and that he would become world class within two to three years.

Hopefully some of those faces are still around here and will now be able to see I didn't just love him because I myself am Welsh (we love sheep and nothing else).

I'm jumping back on my horse now but I will keep an eye on the apologies guys. No need to be too lengthy, short simple apologies will be accepted.

Word to all you mothers
Mecha 'Back Again' Godzeala

Dude its been 2 years, move on with your life

You'd fit right in on the scouse page.

I see the banter is still poor around here then.
It's been two years Mick you are correct, but my prediction included those two years so I couldn't come back until it came to fruition. When I make a claim I see it through to the end. I'm like George Osborne in that respect, just without the whole killing the poor angle.

I know you've all missed me really, if Sydney is still about I'm sure he will be ready to lead the welcome back parade!

Peace Out
Mecha 'Never Forgets' Godzeala

You've been riding a horse for 2 years? Your knackers must be knackered!

HBadger

Just read some of your posts from 2 years ago and you seem like you just wanted to come on and argue with Sydney.

Fair play for coming back to prove you were right all along. Maybe ask yourself why you have had to wait 2 years to do so though? Yes Bale is in a great run of form, but didn't he have one of them when he ripped Inter Milan apart and then the run dropped again. You have come on now because he is playing well, but most players have a good 10-20 game spell in their career so if you waited 2 years you are always going to find some form in any player.

If he carries this form on for another 2 years and plays at this level then come back and we will all bow down to you and accept you are correct.

Best you make another similar prediction then so we are safe in the knowledge that we don't have to read any more of your drivel for 2 years.

TK-Red

Friendly bunch on here aren't we. I appreciate the banter page doesn't seem to be a place for banter but if we all sat around being nice and pleasant then we'd have to rename it the pleasant lounge and that won't do!
We all need a bad guy, I'm here to fill that role.
Mecha 'you love him really' Godzeala

26 Feb 2013 07:36:40
Qatar Airways are being linked with the new £100 million sponsorship of Manchester United's training kit.

Does anyone know if Qatar Airways are our new 8 year sponsorship partner, and is this figure correct?

thanks

Could be true, but it's not much bigger than the DHL sponsorship of £10m a year, so perhaps the sponsor is correct, but the figures are wrong. Who knows?

Sydney!

Quite plausible as living out here there is a real sh. t fight between emirates and qatar airways in terms of global marketing and branding. Emirates is a lot more older and established but QA is loaded with backing from the right people to grow. I would think it would be a bigger number. I was told and posted this some months ago that a potential 150 mill deal over 8 -10 years is in the works.

Shahram

26 Feb 2013 01:15:36
From now on I will restrain myself from watching Tottenham and Arsenal playing. Every time I see those 2 teams, I just think about how Bale and Wilshere are so darn good, and yet bringing them to Old Trafford seems less likely than Rooney becoming skinny.

So you will not watch 2 great players because of some weird kind of jealousy?

I am sure they would improve us and maybe finish the jigsaw but they aren't available, sometimes other clubs are allowed to have the good players. It's like saying you won't watch Barcelona because messi and iniesta play for them.

Maybe you didn't mean it to but your post comes across like you are not grateful for supporting the greatest football club in the world. We are having one of our greatest seasons in years, more points than we have ever had and still in the cups, but people still keep insisting we aren't very good and we need this player and that player, why can't we just enjoy how lucky we are?

Wow gds, that's a bit serious mate. I'm pretty sure that he was just having a bit of a joke and paying a compliment to the players!

Lighten up a bit mate, all this seriousness ain't good for you ;-))

Karllap

I did write that reply at about 5am and I think I was half asleep, it does come across a bit serious didn't mean to offend, my point still stands that I find people can't just be happy with supporting united and the players we have. Maybe I just wrote it in the wrong way and on the wrong post. Apologies mick if my post seems harsh.

No worries GDS, I posted mine around 2 am after a couple of drinks. As Karllap said, I was only making a compliment to the players.

I am proud to call myself a united fan, and I always was. doesn't mean I can't contemplate the " forbidden fruits " that are Bale and Wilshere.

I know mate, I took my frustration of some other posters on here out on you. Our team would be perfect with bale and Wilshere added, they are the two best British players outside of united at this current time, that's for sure.

So excited for the upcoming games, this time next week I will be like a kid on Christmas Day waiting to open his presents!