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It is not possible to go into this game without acknowledging the fact that this is, well, kind of a big deal. Interestingly, our rivalry with Liverpool only started to get really ugly in the late 70s and early 80s. Prior to that, the mutual respect that should exist between the two clubs held sway. Now of course, it’s war. Pure and simple.
The Scousers will be giddy with excitement after their midweek win over the shadow of Real Madrid. Like smackheads with dole cheques they will be jittering their way to Old Trafford in the hope of one last hot shot at glory. It is our job to kill off these hopes at the pass.
To write one paragraph in cliches is a very simple affair. So, at the end of the day when saturday comes form goes out the window and it’s eleven players against eleven. Not forgetting of course, that fortune favours the brave etc.
Another way of saying that is. Their best players are fit, our best players are fit and both teams will take the field on the back of strong victories. Liverpool may well feel that they have removed their Indian sign by beating us at Anfield earlier in the season but I don’t think that is going to be enough for them.
They have blown it in the league and they know it. Chants of ‘Rafa’s cracking up’ will start in minute one and should United score an early goal an avalanche could take place. That is what I am hoping for, because in reality, in terms of the league, this match doesn’t mean anything like as much as it should do.
Comments
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Posted by Andy W on 03/14/2009
Mark, equating Scousers to "smackheads with dole cheques" is pretty damn low, even for a Manc. The typo in "smakcheads" makes you look even more the moron too.
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Posted by jon henry on 03/14/2009
Will Man U come out guns blazing? or will they sit back and wait?
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Posted by Mark Payne on 03/14/2009
Hi Andy,
I agree that the image is a low one. It is a pretty even handed piece though. Thank you for your pointed insults. Let's call it a draw.
I am also tremendously grateful that you are willing to help me out with my editing. Keep up the good work, you could save me a lot of time.
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Posted by Willow on 03/14/2009
Manchester United 1 - 4 Liverpool
:))
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Posted by Mathaeus on 03/14/2009
Its been some kind of bad luck but am sure we have to take d cup.
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Posted by emmanuel monaco on 03/14/2009
what a disgrace, any way, it's what it when all the terms will be resting man u will be involved
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Posted by fred on 03/14/2009
I think Liverpool deserves the win for they have shown big interest in winning unlike the home boys
who though their words will out play liverpool
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Posted by Bash Amien on 03/14/2009
Hi Mark
Umm...It turns out you were right about the avalance if United scored an early goal!
I'm actually quite eager to see if you're also right about Liverpool having blown it in the league...
You're probably right - after all, thus far your comments have been spot on!
Best of luck
Bash
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Posted by Amir on 03/14/2009
Thanks for that intelligent preview Mark, you were right on th eball with the avalanche bit weren't you clever boy
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Posted by khinmgkyaw on 03/14/2009
Oh! you must win because lost the liverpool
I'm very suprise!
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Posted by Smackhead with second doling! on 03/15/2009
Well they got their first goal:D
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Posted by Kewndo Opanga on 03/15/2009
It's hard not to resist any opening I have at taking a jab at Man Utd. At the end of the season, methinks that your article will only be spot-on in one section: "Chants of ‘Rafa’s cracking up’ will start in minute one and should United score an early goal an avalanche could take place."
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Posted by Snoi on 03/15/2009
Mark, got your early goal, and your avalanche... Here's hoping it carries you all the way down the hill, rather than buries you. There are some gentlemen at Old Trafford, and I can admire the club despite my love for Liverpool. There's no place for 'hate' in the game, unless it's just a label for youthful passion. It's nice once you mature enough to appreciate that winning is hollow without rivals at their best, and a hard-fought loss can be savoured too, when sport is at its best.
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Posted by Sammy on 03/15/2009
Hey Andy,
Did you mean Liverpool scoring an avalanche of goals after the early goal by Man U ?
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Posted by Rambo14 on 03/15/2009
United was as from the start very out of place .The mistakes of Vidic explains the mental strength of the group.Anyway it was an off day and should be forgotten quickly.I'm sure they will bounce back fiercel to silent all gossipping minds.
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Posted by strazzaque on 03/16/2009
Hi Mark,
I'm a Liverpool fan who is proud that we were able to make your wish for an avalanche come true, after your lot scored an early goal.
My hope is that this is the blueprint of how our results will go from now on, rather than uninspiring football, which is what Liverpool have shown all too often.
I'm interested to know, have you thought of writing a piece on what happens when Ferguson retires?
Cheers,
strazzaque
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Posted by Bishoy E on 03/16/2009
"should United score an early goal an avalanche could take place."
Lol.
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Posted by Vance on 03/16/2009
you were right about the avalanche...
if only we could play you every week
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Posted by Bob Bonus on 03/16/2009
aaaaaaaaah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Posted by HI on 03/16/2009
Even the private excitement of writing this with such a superior and certain tone must have waned after the total annihilation. Looks like the victory at Anfield was a well founded one. As you said both teams were fully fit (unless of course you count some late exclusions from Liverpool). Another cliché for you: “there are no excuses; they were the better team on the day”.
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Posted by sammy njenga on 03/16/2009
Its with big respect that I salute the great prayers in Man u. I wish at the moment to stand by Vidic despite what happened on saturday. He still remains my prayer of the year and his contribution to manu can not be ignored. Its one of those moments when everything goes wrong and we need to learn from those experince. Its time to look forward with confidence knowing that all is possible. Time not to think about liverpool and press forward for the games to come. I wish to welcome Vidic to come to Bahamas for vacation and see the best nature the world can offer. Otherwise go man u. YES WE CAN MAKE IT.
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Posted by Andy W on 03/16/2009
Mark, thanks for the reply. I won't gloat after the victory because we all know how wonderful hindsight is. I agree that your piece was otherwise pretty even-handed, but I don't really think the word "smackheads" should really feature in any piece that is supposed to be about football... especially when you yourself mention the mutual respect that "should" exist between our two big clubs.
Anyway you knew that's what I meant the first time. Let's hope for an exciting run-in.
Cheers.
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Posted by Mitch on 03/17/2009
Hey Andy
Just wondering - and trying to keep this as impartial as possible - if you agree with Ferguson's comments after the match that Manchester were the better team despite the scoreline? Yes, I'm a boyhood Liverpool fan, and I'm interested to hear what someone such as yourself has to say on the matter without the conversation descending into the usual rants and insults.
Cheers
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Posted by Steve Henshall on 03/17/2009
I am an 'Avid' Manchester United fan. Living in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, I do not get to see anything like as many games as I would like to.
Regarding United's sad loss to Liverpool this past saturday, March 14 2009. All I have to say is.....I did not see the game. But, I can tell you, my mood, following the result that I found on the internet really did upset me. Did Liverpool really play that good? or did united simple throw good chances away? I would really like to know! If there is any way I could obtain a video or C.D. of the game ,I would 'Go for it'! I beleive very strongly that Manchester United are the greatest team in the world. Of course, I'm biast! Please reply to this e-mail and let me have your comments.
Sincerely,
Steve Henshall
33383, Whidden Ave, Mission, B.C., Canada V2V 4Z6
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Posted by Haji Hafidz on 03/17/2009
Despite the lost we always believe in you devils! Go for glory man utd! .... Keep up the good work
Posted by w00t77 on 03/18/2009
Liverpool were really lucky 4 times, thats all..they weren't that good...Just give them the 3 points, 4 points ahead, with a game in hand..still united's league to win...united need to worry about Chelsea more if anything,they have Hiddink there, Rafa and Liv will end up at 3rd or 4th as usual,because they is where they should be
Posted by Samiam on 03/18/2009
Dont worry, their will be a rematch! liverpool we will see you in the champions league!
Glory 2 Man U
Posted by B on 03/19/2009
Attention Liverpool fans, WE WILL WIN MORE TROPHIES THIS YEAR THAN YOU HAVE IN THE PAST 5 YEARS!
I'd rather walk alone...
Posted by kim johnson on 03/19/2009
worry not MAN UNITED,as united as the strong supporters.you know we make things happen.
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About
Mark Payne writes about football for a variety of media outlets. He reported on the 2010 World Cup for Australia’s ABC network and worked at one of the FIFA fan sites. He has been ESPN’s Manchester United correspondent for four years. His writing attracts a worldwide following and in 2011 this blog was nominated for an award. To contact Mark for football discussion e-mail him on markpayne.editor@hotmail.com at any time. He wears lucky socks on match days.
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