ESPN Soccernet - Correspondents - Manchester United - Arsenal 1

Posted by Mark Payne on 05/07/2009

Heroes. Every single last one of them. Do not for a second underestimate the significance of this result. United are in only the fourth European Cup final of the club's history and what is more, we are there with a bit of swagger too.

Welcome back Cristiano Ronaldo, with this guy and Rooney in such blistering form I shouldn't imagine anybody wants to play us right now. Having lived so much of my life watching United not get this far, to be in a second final, in such quick succession, is simply dizzying.

Thankfully, the men on the pitch had no trouble keeping their heads. I have a tremendous amount of respect for the way Arsenal go about their football but they were embarrassingly limp. With the gritted-teeth exception of Steven Gerrard, the game seems to lack real characters at the moment.

Arsenal’s heads dropped as soon as the first goal went in and I couldn’t help but think this didn’t happen in the days of Tony Adams or Patrick Vieira. Certainly, Ronaldo was unplayable but Arsenal’s lack of fight left United pretty much untested.

It is truly awful for Fletcher. The guy has been outstanding for the last two years and with Hargreaves still injured I would have expected him to start the final. Find a bookmaker who offers odds on Anderson being in the starting 11 in Rome and take him up on the offer.

Compare Fletch’s reaction to that of the Chelsea players at their final whistle. Then look up the word dignity in a dictionary. I am sorry Chelsea fans, but if you cannot protect a lead against ten men then you don’t deserve to win. Conspiracy my pint glass.

After our month of doom I have stopped tearing my hair out and the team are striding confidently once more. I struggle to remember a time when United have been so consistently impressive across the board. When Ferguson said this was his best ever assembled squad eyebrows raised. More fool you now. We go marching on.

Thoughts on the Ribery bid:

In recent weeks it has emerged in the press that United have held talks with Kaka and lodged an official bid for one kersquillion pounds to buy Frank Ribery. Personally, I don’t buy it. Usually our transfer dealings have a whiff of subtlety about them and in my opinion, the Old Trafford hierarchy are trying to force the hand of one Mr. Cristiano Ronaldo.

After last Saturday’s clasico the boy wonder must surely know that the current Real Madrid team are rather pants. He should win more trophies with United but has made no secret of his desire to leave. I think Ferguson has had enough of last summer’s speculation and is getting his own version of it in early. The result, pleasingly, seems to be to motivate the player.

Whatever you say about Ronaldo the guy can respond positively to adversity and he can sure as hell play. At the moment he is majestic. If we want to sell him to Madrid they will, I am sure, pay the sum we ask for. Now it is simply a question of who blinks first. Good luck Cristiano, it is a matter of record that Ferguson has not blinked since 1987.

Comments

Posted by Akin Adesola on 05/07/2009

Whenever the gaffer lets slip that United are after someone like Ribery or Kaka, I have learnt that it is a smokescreen to go after someone else that no one else is paying attention to right now. And true, it has the kind of galvanizing effect it should have on Ronaldo. I suspect the boy would be around Old Trafford for a while to come. Better to win trophies than go into oblivion. I saw a certain Ronaldo in Corinthians shirt last night. A shadow to say the least.
By the way, I think United need to send out bids for a new trophy cabinet.

Posted by Anthony S Chilikhuma on 05/07/2009

Malawian Man United fan is me and to be truly honest we are team of the moment and breathing fire and i dont see the so called Barca standing the heat.Chelsea deserved to win yesterday but the refeeree decided otherwise very sad and unfair.Refeeres like that should be punished by UEFA.
The redcard given to D Fletcher was just so hush that the referee should shoulder the mistake and even though UEFA doesnt want to swallow their pride and reverse it, well let it be but they will be punished by the most HIGH.

HIT THE TRACK MAN U

Posted by Mridul on 05/07/2009

I think Utd. must invest as more as can and stop Ronaldo. No doubt Rooney,Tevez n Berbatov r no less but Christiano is unmatchable they must stop him at Old Trafford in any situation

Posted by Navin K on 05/07/2009

We are very near to snatch two more trophies. Keep this trend and concentrate on forthcoming matches. We only have to grab 2 wins and 1 draw out of our last 4 matches to equal the old record of Liverpool. SAF knows very well which are those where we need to win. The earlier we secure the tittle, the better will be for the whole team before we go at Rome. It is time to forget the Champions League final for these 10 days and let's hope we snatch the necessary points as from this Sunday.

Come on Man Utd.

Posted by jacky on 05/07/2009

yes i so agreed of ur opinion...chelsea is a team tat surely can win it not just from penalty...they have to get the second goal while barca left 10 player....i can say the referee is not tat good for this match but anyway chelsea should have kill the game long before...no complain of chelsea just try to get 1-0...they should have known the away goals rule...all the speculation is onli make by agents tat try to get the transfer going on coz of all the signing fees...we should have known the make living by this...if no transfer they cant make some profit..so let them be...SAF know how to deal with this..as i long said in here barca cant play with physical team..Man Utd can beat them like wat we did on Arsenal...we all can see clearly where all the through pass tat alwiz Arsenal playing...they cant n barca cant too playing with MAN UTD...man utd is alwiz the 1st club to be 1st in everything...we can be 1st to win 2 Champions league...

Posted by steve uche on 05/07/2009

Congratulations to all MANU fans all over the world, is a matter of time and days when we will by his grace celebrate what we know how to do most;Winning trophies.
SAF should tell the boys to keep their heads and focus on the remainig assighments pls.Kudos to the world best,C RONALDO,EVRA BUS STOP,FEDINAND,VIDIC and the shot stopper EDWIN VAN D SARR.

Posted by Cameron on 05/07/2009

It is truly sad that Man U is going to be lacking Fletcher in the Barca final and i disagree with the referee's call completely but we can not be like chelsea and whine about it. We need to hold our heads high and show Chelsea how a real team acts. UEFA will not revoke the card and the ref called what he called. Whats done is done.

This Ribery fellow:
Sir Alex is using military tactics distracting us with one hand and using the other hand to snatch something else. I think he sees another better prize and hes using Ribery to draw attention away from it. Old Fergie is truly a master mind. Can anyone see what he is going to do next? no.

Allright if we played like we did on Tuesday and on Satudray against Barca there will be no stopping us we will have the title in the bag. Im looking forward to a strong performance by Rooney. Everyone is frantic by Ronaldo. He talks to the press too much, i think united will do good to see that we keep him in check. GOLORY MAN U

Posted by Cameron on 05/07/2009

Posted by sailous majoni on 05/07/2009

its majestic the way man u is playing.no wonder ferguson got the acolade sir. rooney is our godfather at the moment.taka mapfumo, allen hokonya and myself are on cloud nine coz of this man u team

Posted by Heron on 05/07/2009

Hope Man U can win this match...pity Owen Hargreaves can't play.

Posted by Abiy Wolde on 05/07/2009

Even if C.Ronaldo is now the best player we can afford to sale him out if he wants to united, because we have W.Rooney.

Abiy

Virginia,USA

Posted by SISAY ASSEFA on 05/07/2009

I THINK A WIN OVER THE NEXT TWO PL MACHES WILL SECURE THE PL; AND OUR PLAYERS WILL GET ENOUGH REST FOR THE FINAL IN ROME.

COME ON UNITED YOU CAN DO IT......

Posted by sintey on 05/07/2009

way to go way to go;;;;;;;;;;; dreams will come true with the number 7 critiano Ronaldo.... and rooney rocks..........it our title. foue titles in the hand and we are great

Posted by Ravi on 05/07/2009

The Ribery rumors in my opinion are just rubbish. It makes no sense to splash out the quoted 60 million to aquire him when it will take half the price to keep our Argentine bull dog running our opponents ragged week after week.

I feel gutted for Flecher, he has been working so hard to make a place for himself and in recent times has never failed to put up a fantstic performance in the big games. I hope the suspension is overturned and he gets an opportunity to play in the final.

That said there's another unsung hero of ours that might get a start at Rome now and its Three Lung Park.

Posted by Kurt on 05/07/2009

I don't entirely agree that fletch has been outstanding for the last two years. He has show flashes of being a great player but this year in particular he has started to come into his own as a player who is at the very least consistent, committed, and we're seeing a bit of fire in him that was missing only two years ago.

Posted by Jorge on 05/07/2009

United were head and shoulders above Arsenal throughout both legs. Liverpool are home left in astonishment knowing that they truley have no chance to make a run at the title now with how in form United are playing. But you cannot fault the official for Fletcher's red, at first sight I had no doubt it was the correct call. Super slow mo from a camera behind the net is the only way you can deem the ball was played first but it raises a larger question...up 4-0 on aggregate with 18 minutes left, why would you EVER make that challenge? I feel horrible for one of our most reliable players at the moment but it showed a lack of judgement.

Posted by Jeremy on 05/07/2009

Well done comparing Fletcher's reaction to the red with Ballack and the rest of that bunch of rent boys. The lad was shattered, he knew it was unjust but he took the long walk like a man. I'm personally glad we don't have to face that team of crybabies in the final yet again. They play crap football, always have and it seems always will. Barca don't scare me, they don't have the backbone. Messi can't do anything with Evra so no worries there.
I think Ronaldo will stay for now. He likes to win, something it will take Madrid a while to do looking at their squad. In the meantime, I'm glad it didn't take me 6 pints and a pack of smokes to get through the last couple ManU performances. Looking forward to 18 titles and being the first successful defenders in Europe under the new format. Cheers lads, beat city!

Posted by prabu on 05/07/2009

Ronaldo right now is irreplaceable. When he is motivated and concentrating, he covers a lot of ground and is a goal threat from wherever he plays - left wing/right wing or center-forward. And he is extremely convincing in those positions. Man Utd would have to pick up two very good players to make up for Ronaldo and he's younger than the rumor mill targets - he's only 24 whereas Kaka is 27 and Ribery is 26.

However, an unhappy, complaining Ronaldo would be even more detrimental for the team. I would say, unless his heart was really in it, he should be off-loaded to Real. We might not win the CL for a while, but better is having players motivated by the shirt!

Posted by Nick on 05/07/2009

If you had told me Man-U would be headed for a two-peat of last year's UEFA trophy, and league title I would have said you were out of your mind. The quality futbol displayed in the English Premier as of late is undisputably the finest in the world. Anybody who argues is obviously a fan of a team from a different league. The Reds wouldn't be where they're at though without the golden boy, cristiano! He truly has magical talent and speed that makes watch in awe! They can't rely on him to heavily though, as we saw last night Barca has quite a fight in them and their own golden boy in messi! Should be a game for the ages. As for the league title, I hope that is a little easier to attain!

Posted by hano on 05/07/2009

Sell Berba, buy Eto. MU can just about win another 3 seasons by doing just that.

Posted by John on 05/07/2009

Make no mistake about it, no player bullies Sir Alex Ferguson into selling him. If Ronaldo leaves Old Trafford, it will be with the blessing of Ferguson because he will already have a plan to replace him. Don't forget Beckham, Keane, Ruud, etc....The only player decision Sir Alex has admitted to making a mistake on was that sale of Jaap Stam. There is always a learning curve but mark my words...if United sell Ronaldo to Real Madrid, United will still win more trophies than Madrid with Ronaldo. Alex Furgeson is the best manager in the world over the last 20+ years because of his sustained success and ability to continually replace stars. There is no other manager even remotely close. If Ronaldo wants to truly be in the argument for greatest player in the world and in history, the trophies Man U are winning is a testament to where he should finish his career.

Posted by Abaadiko on 05/07/2009

The so called Messi, is at best a 'butterfly player'. He just flies and cannot compare with Christiano in any aspect of the game so let that comparison stop. He is not as concrete and confidence like Christiano exhibit when he is with the ball, and plus Christiano can play with both legs.

Posted by amin on 05/07/2009

for me wayne rooney has been our player of the seoson, the boy is such player he will cut his leg to win for united..we owe him alot. i thnk chelsea could have give us arun for our money though i still believ we(utd) could have won..but wit bercelona its classic. the best two beutiful teams around. we look forword to some spectacle..Rome hear we come.

Posted by PETER on 05/07/2009

TRUE, MU HAVE GOT OUTSTANDING CROP OF PLAYERS BUT THE MAN TO GIVE THE PRIME CREDIT TO IS THIS MAN, SIR ALEX FERGUSON, THE DON OF COACHES. HE IS EXCEPTIONAL. ALL HIS STRATEGIC COMMENTS HAVE COME TO PASS. HE SAID THE TWO LOSSES TO LP AND FUL WERE BLESSINGS. TRUE. HE WANTED A GOAL AGAINST GUNNERS WITHOUT CONCEDING. EXACT. HE PROMISED TO KILL THE GUNNERS ON COUNTERS. PRECISE.HE PREDICTED FINAL WITH BARCA. HE GOT IT.DON, PLEASE PREDICT FOR US A WIN AGAINST BARCA. WE SHALL GET IT. WE ARE PROUD OF YOU AND THESE PRECIOUS TEAM CALLED MANCHESTER UNITED. BLESS YOU

Posted by Bille on 05/07/2009

well done UNITED
we really deserve 2 be the England, European and World Champions...
Bravo Cristaino Ronaldo.

Posted by muf on 05/07/2009

Glory Man u We are in the final what a day it will be to watch tw favourites go head to head in rome.
As far as transfer talks are concerned I say sign Tevez,sell Berbatov and buy KaKa.
Then who can stop us for another 5-6 seasons,
Ronaldo(if dere),Rooney,Kaka,tevez,Wooooo mouth watering Wont it be.
Forget ribery we do not need any more wingers at the moment, Tosic and Nani will Mature and show their true class

Posted by Rahul on 05/07/2009

I think Ribery is a good player, but not worth the sum that is reported Man Utd is willing to splash out.... and he is a couple years older than ronaldo so in terms of longevity we would be losing something if we picked up ribery for ronaldo...on the other hand... tevez leaving is a sad thought to think about because he plays with so much passion and strength.. benzema i think is the only clear cut candidate to replace tevez IF he leaves...

Posted by EHI on 05/07/2009

CONGRATS MAN U.IN MY HONEST OPINION,THIS IS THE BEST TEAM EVER PUT TOGETHER BY ALEX FERGUSON.SURELY, MAN U IS GOING TO WIN IN ROME.AS FOR MESSI AND RONALDO,THERE IS NOTHING TO COMPARE HERE.RONALDO IS THE BEST PLAYER IN THE WORLD.I DON'T SEE MESSI SURVIVING IN THE PREMIERSHIP WHERE MOST TIMES YOU HAVE TRY AND SCORE FROM ANYWHERE.HE BELIEVE IN THE OLD SOUTH AMERICA TRADITION OF RUNNING WITH THE BALL INTO THE NET.THERE ARE SO MANY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THEM.MESSI IS NOT VERY GOOD IN THE AIR, YOU CAN'T RELY ON HIM TO SCORE FROM LONG RANGE AND HE IS BASICALLY USESLESS WHEN THE BALL IS ON HIS RIGHT LEG.I HAVE APIECE OF ADVICE FOR RONALDO.IF HE WANT REMAIN THE BEST,HE SHOULD NOT THINK OF GOING TO REAL MADRID TO START REBUILDING A TEAM FROM THE SCRATCH.ONCE AGAIN,CONGRATS SIR ALEX AND THE ENTIRE MAN U ORGANISATION.

Posted by mann on 05/08/2009

Greetings fellow manchester united supporters,

Just to share what I've learned all the years I've been supporting our team. We should call the team either manchester united, united, man utd, man united, the red devils even the reds. But not man u, this is what the abu* ppl normally call our team.
Its a fact! even the official man utd magazine states this (altho I think it has been more than 5 years since I read that article). Wanted to share so that we'll be on the same page ;-)

Oh before I forget, thanks Mark for the great write. Gloryx2 Man United!

abu = anything but united. refers to ppl who wants to see united fail whether other team supporters or even doesn't support a team but wants us to fail

Posted by mann on 05/08/2009

Sorry forget to add, if you read the official web site also they never refer to us as man u. Most importantly whenever the manager, coaches, players are interviewed I've never heard or read they mention man u. I might be wrong but maybe the club educates them on this.

Cheers guys, hopefully we'll be having another 2 trophies in the bag come May 27!

Posted by bobo on 05/08/2009

its for sure United is presently the best team in the world and am sure nobody will disagree to that.. I think its wise we make Ronaldo stay in oldtraford but should he insist on a move, then he can go, we cash in on him fast and bring in Ribery(however the price we placed on him is way to much) and Kaka as well, who am very optimistic both will perform n fit in to our style of play.....
go go UNITED

Posted by Benard Madubike on 05/08/2009

Manchester United fan i will remain till enternity, the boys are doing the Job for me.

I bow to my father and master, Sir Alex Ferguson, i greet you sir.
I am proud of you, please keep the spirit alive in team alway..Team spirit is behind successes in clubs today, Cristiano Ronaldo should have a second thought, leaing United will ruin him for life, Unite is the best club for him..Others will abandon him when the going get tough or him...But United will always welcome and treat him like a son.......Please we all have to pray towards th Champions league final in Rome, i think UEFA is jealous of English teams always ding the right job..My fear is that he might wat t rob United...But i know my Mentor and Father Sir Alex has all it takes to break UEFA's heart......Forever United i will remain. If i die today, my corpsemust be taken to OLD TRAFORD for a brief stop over before my burial...KUDOS TO ALLUNITED FANS...WE REMAIN THE WORLD CHAMPIONS FOREVER.....

Posted by Prophet of Doom on 05/08/2009

What are we all complaining about?
We got a dream run to the final,
on the right side of the draw,
we don't have to play Chelsea,
a team that doesn't fear us,
and matches up well with us,
Barca are very suspect at the back,
their missing their full-backs,
our wingers destroyed Arsenal and should do the same to them,
Messi has never posed a threat to us,
If we had Fletcher or Hargeaves I'd be pencilling our name on the trophy.
Boo hoo, Chelsea had their chance and fluffed it.
We kept Barca at bay twice last year, and Chelsea almost did it this year.
I personally didn't want to play a Chelsea team with so much experience and coached by a tactical genius like Hiddink.
Remember, we haven't played them under Guus and I'd prefer to go up against an inexperienced manager like Pep who hasn't managed in a final and might not know what to do when the chips are down.
This team (and squad) are better than 99 because they have the ability to defend and that's why we'll win it!

Posted by Andrew on 05/08/2009

10 yrs ago MAN UNITED MADE HISTORY:)
10 yrs on we are going to do it again....

TO ALL MAN UNITED FANS: CHAMPIONE CHAMPIONE!!! WE ARE THE BEST!!!!!!

Posted by George ambayo on 05/08/2009

Hail Manchester United for being true role models, inspite of being unjustly punished with a dubious penalty award to Asengol( a word in my mother tongue for lame duck) oh nei Arsenal. Both Club and Fletcher kept their cool, what an example to upcoming youngsters.
Fletcher merits an award for exemplary discipline. I pray that UEFA takes another look at the vedio evidence and the maturity with which Manchetser United as a club handled the red card issue.
Best of luck Manchester United

Posted by gabriel olukwo on 05/08/2009

I TOTALLY AGREE WITH SAF. THIS IS THE BEST MAN UTD TEAM. WE ONLY MISS A TOUGH TACKLING MIDFIELDER IN THE MOULD OF ROY KEANE OR INCE. HEAGREAVES WILL BE BACK NEXT SEASON TO ADD MUSCLE TO OUR MIDFIELD.

MAN UTD FAN IN KENYA.

Posted by henzo on 05/08/2009

It is just a matter of doing simple mathematics, United team has been assembled for more than three years now, and has a good balance of age, the leaders in the team range from 37 to 28 and at any time t in the big games SAF put atleast five of those leaders, and young crop being six in numbers that make a well balanced of power, maturity,experience,ambition, and hunger,with that balance when our players wins individual battles which occurs almost in every game thats what the collective battles on our favour,like Evra lost walcot tottaly, fletcher lost song, ando lost fabregas, ronaldo lost the whole back four,rooney lost sagna, then make it collective!they are just lucky, they were supposed to be hited more than that!!All in all credit to SAF, for his futbol brain!he is a master of his own world when it comes to balancing the team!this team will be superior over gunners for the next five years unless wenger sees my point!it feels gud being a united fan!SAF philosophical killer!!

Posted by ken on 05/08/2009

Messi is amazing dribbler & can danced into dangerous situations, but compared to the current C Ron, he's got much to prove. Not until he produces a magical moment in a key encounter in European or WC wd Messi ever be compared to C Ron. Having said that, both of them are not yet even in the class of Diego, Zindane, Van Basten in the modern era.

Posted by Daddy Barca on 05/08/2009

Dont be madd when Barca wins later this month kids. Here's a re-cap of your daddy's stats going into your match...

Barca, finalist and winner for this years King's Cup 09'
Barca, Winner of League Cup 09'sealed!
Messi, 8+ goals this championship, Henry 5 goals, where is Ronaldo? Guess who is getting the golden cleats kids?
Barca, future Champions Cup winner 09'

This is not gonna be a walk in the park boys, you should check the stats on the other team before you put retarded comments. Must be hard being a hoolugun! Hope you all suck it easy from now until the 27th... Peace!

Posted by farai nigel chinyani on 05/08/2009

GO MANCHESTER GO!

LIVE WENGER, AND FIGHT ANOTHER DAY.

Posted by Jjnigeria on 05/08/2009

I might be wrong,which I doubt, the best and the most calculative manager in the game of futball today is SIR ALEX FERGUSON. My respect and admiration for the man cannot be measured. His ability to analyse and study opponents and come up with a matching squad is awesome. His ability to manage pressure is what the likes of Rafa and Arsene are lacking. Watch out for the squad the gaffer with present against barca in the final.

CR7 is a more complete player than Messi. His strenghts and abilities to make the difference when motivated is second to none.

United for Live!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by naftali on 05/08/2009

Barca are excellent moving forward, but are retarded defending. and in the finals they will have 2 defenders, which to me means that all the utd wingers will be free. they are also not a tactically disciplined team and tend to move forward alot leaving spaces behind, and in my opinion Valdes is not so outstanding. Utd are a tough team, excellently balanced and on their day are very tough t beat.Cristiano is a more complete player than Messi, but Messi brings the other players into play, just like Rooney does. of all of the 3, Rooney is the most inteligent and the toughest to dael with because at times he is usually unmarkable.Tevez should play in the final, i am sure he would run Barca defense rugged.it is going to be a frentic 90mins, but i have a feeling that United will come out on tops, especially if they can contain Messis movement.he is the biggest challenge, and i dunno hav a clue as to how Barca are gonna hold cristiano and Rooney in their current form.

Posted by Richard on 05/08/2009

The Manchester vs. Barcelona final has all the promise of a remarkable match, with Man. Utd. being slight favorites heading into Rome (Barca fan since '87). Whoever Barca inserts into fullback should be solid, however, without Abidal, Alves, Marquez, and Milito, the team loses the continuity that has carried them to Rome. One can't expect a new defensive lineup to be congruous in thought and action. Barca's best defense is controlling the ball, and they will need to maintain, if not expand, on that ability, otherwise the pressure Rooney, Tevez, and Ronaldo have displayed as a unit, will be too much to withstand. With regard to ball control, United's defense does a masterful job, it's midfield is solid but not spectacular, and the front line is uneven. If Rooney and Tevez consistently pressure the ball and win possession, that should unhinge Barca's back line and set Ronaldo free. Now that Barca's has played against Chelsea's defensive wall, can it crack another English fortification?

Posted by WaZza on 05/08/2009

Messi is a brilliant youngster in barca but there is an extreme danger WHEN THEY FIGHT AGAINST THE EUROPEAN champions..There is still more to come..Messi was unstoppable at La Liga,but against the Premier lge champions onli henry will be the danger..Manchester united are the DEFENDING CHAMPIONS they will defend till the end and retain their champions lge trophy once agin with four cups this season...With Cristiano Ronaldo and wayne rooney being on form defensive trio Vidic,evra and ferdinand are now ready for anythng dangerous..With the team in form and ready to retain their champions lge tittle sir alex fergie's tactics would amaze all fans and we are reaching GLORY..ManUtd will meet barca with NO FEAR!!

FrOM:
Cristiano,

Posted by John Aballo Ongom on 05/08/2009

Bravo!Manu. We are already with the trophy. Just waiting for confirmation and being handed the trophy. The Manu guns are fantastic and firing on all fronts. Which team in the world does not fear Manu? Ask Arsenal, they have very fresh memory. Manu OYEEE! Ronaldo, Rooney, Vidic, Ferdi, Evra,O'shea... Barca is in the biggest trouble. MEET YOU IN ROME ON 27/5/09.

Posted by shikwetepo on 05/08/2009

i'm a man u fan, we all know ronaldo is good, in fact he's very good but i sometimes feel that he needs to appreciate his team-mates more as well. there is no i in football cos his team-mates contribute to how good he plays and he contributes to how good his team-mates play as well.

ronaldo leaving this summer for madrid would be suicidle cos the current crop of players at madrid are nowhere as near as good his man u team-mates but if he was to leave, ribery would be the best candidate to feel his position but for a lower price of course.
as for tevez i think his fate probably lies in us winning the premiership and champions league but to be honest i would prefer that we let him go and sign benzema cos he will cost the same as tevez, besides in rooney we have tevez and prefer rooney.

good luck to man u and march on to rome!!!

Posted by Joe F. on 05/08/2009

I think that all of this talk of Ronaldo leaving for RM is crazy. United are not Tottenham, they sell players when the CLUB is ready to sell them. Anyone seeking evidence of this should call David Beckham, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Jaap Stam, Andy Cole, or any of the rest that SAF has let go when the CLUB was ready. The more relevant question is, evidence from last summer's drama aside, why would Ronaldo want to leave OT when he's clearly with the best club on Earth? He has said many times this season that United are the club for him. If he stays he knows he will win truckloads of medals. The RM team is a wreck and if NEITHER side had Ronaldo they'd be blown off the pitch by United. I'm surprised that this sensational discussion hasn't moved into the background already. If form holds, United will make Ronaldo the Premier League's highest paid player and put all this talk to bed pre-emptively...that is a move that would be vintage Ferguson.

Posted by Oscar on 05/08/2009

Manchester is united even one can leave the club or not.Let Ronaldo Make a Choice but i think he enjoy play at Old traffold.

MAN UNT IS UNITED FOEREVER.

Posted by parjo on 05/08/2009

I'll cross my finger and hope that Barca won't change its playing style. We saw they did it twice at 2 semi matches. Without change of style, surely Papa Fergie will find any solutions to counter this kind of style.

BTW, can't wait to watch United game in Indonesia.. when United came to Indonesia, I was merely a baby... :)

Posted by philip ngare on 05/08/2009

its really true that the current MAN U squad is a bee,ready to fire but will man u until you release the ball. Success is all about team work. The Chineese boy who chose to play the ball than make cars is just the right "Arsenal" when you have him around the ball is attracted to him, gud in passing and vigorous with the ball. As for Chris " u r tough men" those kicks are Ak 47's for any goalkeeper to combat. For every successful Ronaldo there is a Wayne Rooney behind it. the lads controll for the ball and accurate passing is fantastic,he is "Lemie die in the Army" man u would want to have.what about a Ronaldo Rooney Tevez and Giggs combination.AAAH the net will just blow of.For " THE MAN" Vidic ride high u r gud enough,Rio u r the father of the club and for Van de Sar u r the judge. Evra u r " the Schumacher" and no defence can hold u off. will ride with u and lets take these Trophies home..."Glen Washington would be happy".KUDOS MEN AND LIVE LONG Giggs.

Posted by Gibril Conteh on 05/08/2009

Thank's to sir Alex Ferguson and the boy's of the red army for the wonderfull parformance over these pass year's.Now i belive's that Alex's boy's should be thinking about retainting the premiership,champion league,this time super cup and the club wold cup agian.I'm every please with my team parformance and i belives that my manunited will do it.And one more thint CR7 is still the best player in wold.

Posted by Theophilus A Bonney on 05/08/2009

Ilove Manchester United players

Posted by Ben.Otto on 05/08/2009

United should pull this off come May 27th in Rome. Sir Alex is just a master piece at being the first in everything good in the beautiful game! Chelsea was pushed out by Platini, ovrebo and co in the most cruelest of ways, but i wouldnt have loved to face them again anyway. Barca should present a much easier test to the Red Devils as their defence is a suspect!

Ron and Messi??? Are you kidding me guys? Remember last season semi finals both at the Nou camp and Old Trafford! How about the the Chelsea-Barca semis of this season? Can any one tell me anything outstanding Messi has done at the biggest stage in football? Well, may be May 27th will settle this obvious debate! Ronaldo is a more complete player, no doubt about it.

Go united, all the way, we are proud of you here in Uganda (My Rome probable lineup: Edwin, O'shea, Evra, Rio, Vidic, carrick, Ronaldo, Anderson, Tevez, Rooney, Park.)

Posted by Fab on 05/08/2009

It looks like they are more of Man U fans on this blog..anyway me being more of a Madrid fan and Chelsea in EPL.

Firstly, it is good to see that the 2 best teams in Europe are playing in UCL finals. For any soccer fan, this is an acheivement. Yes Chelsea did not have any luck at all, but I think u make your luck and Chelsea did not play the beautiful game.

Secondly, very wrong to judge Messi the best player by far at the moment...CR looks flashy and by all means is great player in is own right..but messi is more valuable to a team than CR is..does messi dive or cry the way CR does..no way..professionalism even though he is only 21!!

Sir Alex has build the best team in Europe and yes they are favorites to defend their title which is an incredible feat!

Posted by andrew on 05/08/2009

i have a penis

Posted by Banton on 05/09/2009

OK Fab, Leo is a great player but you will never see Messi score from 35-40 yards out. They are to different players, people only dislike Cristiano because he is media material and he knows this why you think all the styles are there.

The man is the best player in the world right now and that's just the way it is. Away from all that i was very impressed with the way Fletcher handled his red card very mature and the way any manager would want to see his players behave.

Rooney has come to the fore and it was noticed since the start of the season, just keep cool and next season he will be the EPL highest scorer, i really want to see Tevez stay, he was made to play for ManU.

Vidic has been wonderful so as Park, i think Carrick can still reach the beautiful form he had earlier in the season.

My team for our final would read (Ferdinand, Vidic, Oshea, Evera/ Park, Tevez, Anderson, Carrick/ Rooney and Ronaldo.

Posted by Banton on 05/09/2009

How poor of me not to mention Edwin and his unfailing strength to hold onto those which are scoring and deny those with potential to score.

When i saw his name on the flight list traveling on Virgin Atlantic last year, i raced onto the plane to have a prized autograph of a legend an it still remains in immaculate condition, well done Edwin.

Posted by Jerry Emanuel on 05/09/2009

I'm Manu fan. I think, May 27 will answer all the questions and speculations about Ronaldo and Messi. Messi may be a valuable player for his team. But Ronaldo is always the best. He's not only skillful but dont't forget he is attractive player. That's always make him at ease to many.

Posted by SiNiSTeRuNiTeD on 05/09/2009

Question: Why does Real Madrid keeps on snatching Good ManU players? Such as Van Listeroy and David Backham (when they were still at their prime) and now, C.Ronaldo. Can't they discover their own talents? Who will be the next player Real Madrid will steal from ManU? Perhaps Nani when he gets to be better than he is right now and play like C.Ronaldo?

I only have one thing to say towards Real Madrid, "Grow some balls and invest on a coal and turn it into a diamond and not just buy someone else's diamonds. Maybe it'll show that you can also do it like Ferguson and get credit in doing such in the process!"

Posted by AA on 05/09/2009

Never let this victory over the below average Arsenal team (ability and age that is)disguise the fact that Man U never played that well in Europe remember Porto, Barcelona last year, and all the campaigns from 1999. Nevertheless it will be a great final and I expect (and I guess everybody agrees with me) a great football match. The comment by Akin Adesola about a certain Ronaldo in a Corinthians shirt..... you Sir must be joking... The brazilian Ronaldo has reached heights in football that only the current (less skilled) Ronaldo cannot even dream of. A player with such skill, speed and intelligence the world has never and will never witness again. He was another class... the best striker football has ever seen. So please be objective when making such comparisons. Good luck to both teams in the final and may the best team win.

Posted by BryanTheo on 05/09/2009

Utd are playing now in the CL like no team I have seen for a long time.They have this aura when they face any team in Europe.They now have mastered the art of the counter attack like no other team I have seen. It is truly one of the great sights in Sport to see utd score in this fashion.Power,speed,skill used to destroy teams with deadly efficiency.Rio and Vid arguably the two best centre backs in the World, are on another level to Piquet and Puyol. Piquet,while at united was not good enough to make the bench on most occassions.Is now said to be Barca's best defender. Mmm..Evra for me is slowly becoming the best left back in the world.OShea ever improving will do Utd proud at right back.Anderson starting to play like Michael Essien every time I see him. Carrick as good a passer as any midfilder in Europe.Park just like Tevez is born to play for United.What can you say about CR7 & WR10. Without question the best attacking duo in the game. As for CR7 or Messi,ha WR is better then Messi

Posted by charles Akelo-Kenya(Kakamega) on 05/09/2009

mancity prepare for the worst. it would be a complete walkover.

Posted by andy r on 05/09/2009

Hey mark on behalf of all chelsea fans when abidal got sent off we were still playing against 11 men.. the idiot with the whistle was better for barca than abidal was.. lets see how you guys go when ronaldo heads off to madrid.....

Posted by long time Man Utd fan on 05/09/2009

let's not get carried away. we shld just look at barca vs man utd, not barca vs other teams or man utd vs other teams.

With largely the same team, man utd struggled hugely over 2 legs last season vs a barca in decline under Rijkaard and with Messi's thigh heavily injured.

Many pple seem to 4get that Xavi, Iniesta, and Messi all hardly ever get dispossesed. They're that good. Even CR7 loses the ball more often than them.

All in all, Man Utd still have more experience, & tactical savviness, + Barca 3/4 regular defenders are out. These will make the difference, not individual matchups - not CR7 vs Leo, not Eto'o vs Fer/Vid, not WR10 vs Piquet, and not Anderson vs Xavi.

Honestly, even as a man utd fan, I'm so impressed with Barca's skill & character that I'm just looking to a gd match. A Man Utd win wld be glorious, but a Barca win wld be just as deserved.

Posted by Milan on 05/09/2009

Wigan would have got to the final on that side of the draw, relax united, you arent that great. Barcelona will demolish you unless you play an ugly game like chelsea

Posted by Stuart R on 05/09/2009

What a complete Moron this homer is. How you can compare Flet's behaviour to that of the Chelsea players defies belief. If ManU were weren't in a winning situation, I'm sure a good number of ManU players would have been equally outraged - it not, then they wouldn't be worthy of wearing the red colours.

As for teams being scared of playing ManU: Don't flatter yourself. While Barca may be sweating themselves, I suspect Chelsea would have been rubbing their hands with glee at the thought of exacting revenge.

I tell you. The people soccernet 'employ' to come up with this drivel.

Posted by gokes_in_zar on 05/09/2009

Utd must just take 1 game at a time and I'm sure we will win the EPL & CL. The greatest enemy now is complacency but I'm sure SAF is too wise for that. 3 points against City is the best way to get going.

Posted by Kevin on 05/09/2009

honest;y, i think the bid for ribery is ridiculous. but utd will be able to get him for 30 mill EUROS, not pounds and tevez will leave, that way, united will be able to play ronny up front more.

Posted by ryan on 05/09/2009

First off. Let's be serious. Barca has so much star power and walks ALL over La Liga. But when they face REAL premier league squad (Chelsea) they don't only look mortal. They quite frankly look awful. Chelsea SHOULD have had 3 penalty calls. That game should have been 4-0.
Now through and through I am all Man Utd and I'm for one glad we're not playing Chelsea. They (through the two legs vs. barca) looked like MUCH the better team. If you stop barca's petty dribbling (which they did) they are nothing. I am very excited to play them in the final. AND CRUSH THEM.

Posted by Ramlee, in Singapore on 05/10/2009

YES, WE ARE ALL EXCITED AGAIN THIS SEASONS WITH 2 MORE TROPHIES TO RETAIN, WE ARE PROUD TO BE MAN UNITED AS WE GOT A VERY GOOD MANAGER SIR ALEX TO HANDLE OUR PLAYERS ON AND OFF THE PITCH BUT TO MY CONCERNED IF C.RONALDO MOVE AWAY FROM OLD TRAFFORD, WE ARE ALREADY HAD A VERY GOOD TEAM THAT ALREADY CROWN THE WORLD CHAMPION. I REALLY HOPE THAT C.RONALDO TO BE THE TRUE LEGEND IN MAN UNITED HISTORY LIKES G.BEST, SIR BOBBY, GIGGS AND THE REST OF THE LADS THAT HAD IN THEIR HEART "NOTHING BUT MAN UNITED". I KNOW WAYNE WILL NEVER MOVED AWAY FROM US EVEN THOUGH HE STILL AN EVERTON FAN.

C.RONALDO IF YOU READ THIS :
YOU'RE ALREADY IN THE BEST CLUB IN THE WORLD THATS WHY YOU'RE THE WORLD CHAMPION, YOU'RE THE BEST PLAYER IN THE WORLD THATS WHY YOU'RE FIFA WORLD PLAYER OF THE YEAR AND WITH THE PRESENT SQUAD OF PLAYERS, MANCHESTER UNITED WILL MAKE THE WOLRD HISTORY IN FOOTBALL TO RETAIN THE WORLD CHAMPION TROPHY FOR SO MANY YEARS.
SIR ALEX IS THE BEST MANAGER THAT YOU EVER HAD IN YOUR CAREER.

Posted by Manchester United Rockz!!:) on 05/10/2009

I wish ethier Ronaldo or Rooney could be the captain.I also wish that Sir Alex will not sell them away!!Manchester United!!!Must be the CAMPION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:) :) :) :)

Posted by Dudewhere'smyronaldo on 05/10/2009

I don't know why CR7 would want to leave. Spanish football be damned, he's already at one of the top two clubs in the world. Unless he were to move to Barcalona, anywhere else would just be a step down. And people need to stop whining about if he leaves or not. Man Utd isn't a club built around one player. I agree that CR7 is arguably the best player in the world, but there is alot of quality on their side of the pitch outside of his ability.

Posted by Deo on 05/10/2009

I will rather go for Agueiro of Argentina than Ribery, Though Ribery is an inspirational player but I would rather get an Aqueiro, Big ups Man Utd, Do your thing, Bring in the Trophy and Instead of buying more players, lets get a bigger trophy cabinet. lol

God Bless Man Utd.

Posted by xingronw on 05/10/2009

Ronaldo is more than unplayable.. when he is fit n fresh.. he provides the penetration any team needs to break down a defense. n tht guy can keep dashing.. so its fine if he doesnt defend or track back..our rio n vidic willl prevent the goals..

Posted by steven woon on 05/11/2009

MUFC is my club forever .Partly due to the air tragedy cause and how we reessemble a new team and moving forward. To all the staff, coach and players of MUFC , kindly make known that this club won millions of fans through out the world because of our fighting spirit and well manage club. Ever any player know how and why some event in the match, we manage the spirit of never give up till the last seconds? Well maybe that is believe or some external force was behind us.The greats that involve in the air disaster have not complete their dream as MUFC player.Whomever our current players wearing the shirts shall make know sometime the extra energy and push was there to make the result speak. In due respect for all MUFC players." you only deserve to be MUFC players with the believe that we are really special and the FORCE was behind us and never allow your personnal glory override your achievement." So to speak what have happen to our ex players like D. Beckham,V.Nisterooi,P.Ince .no where

Posted by long time Man Utd fan on 05/11/2009

I'd really welcome any reasonable replacement for CR7, whether Ribery or Kaka or Benzema, or even throw Nani into the deepend & hope he blooms like CR7 did.

Did anyone see what CR7 did while waiting to be substituted, when substituted, and and going to sit on the bench, and futher when he was on he bench?

The boy sure stinks of petulance - sorry, I meant the Man (he's already 24). Grow up.

While he's clearly a match winner, and Title/Championship winner, he is by no means indispensible. If he doesn't score or create (which he rarely does nowadays, the selfish bloke), WR10, RG11, PS18, DB9, MC16 etc. are more than able to step up in his absence.

If you're after personal accolades, u can take your 'service', an especially attitude elsewhere, just like Becks. At least Keano & RVN were more dignified - they simply spoke out of wanting to improve the team - out of line but still nothing personal & selfish there at all.

I'm a Man Utd fan, sulky individuals can bugger off.

Posted by abhi "man utd fanatic" nandan on 05/11/2009

i hope cristiano is sold. its always been the case taht man utd hav been called a one man club cos of him. i think a player of ribery or kaka's calibre could bring variations...and more glory would go to the best player in the united shirt-wayne rooney. he is truly a managers delight. cry baby ronaldo, all due respect isn't a loyal customer. united need loyalties. not guys who just want to earn fame and move on. with arjen robben uyp for sale , we cud consider two buys, considering robben would take good care of his fragile legs

Posted by Aaron on 05/13/2009

I hate to see "nobody wants to play us now". I love ManU, but I remember not long ago Walcott saying the same thing about Arsenal. Since then they lost to ManU(2), Chelsea (2) and tied Liverpool.
Today's result at Wigan should be a reminder that every game is tough. Barca will be no exception, regardless of how they got to the finals.

Posted by haucy on 06/25/2009

i love man united.mind you you will always be the top winner.

Posted by m3e3 tits tj9y on 07/03/2011

Arsenal_1_3_united.. Awful :)

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