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We probably all feel like Chilean miners on the day of release this week but, frankly, my nerves are still in tatters. The game I saw involved us being outplayed until Fabio scored, second best until the second goal and never in control till their lad was injured. I really should have more faith in Sir Alex Ferguson.
If Edwin Van Der Sar finishes proceedings as Man of the Match then all cannot have gone according to plan, no matter how it looked at the final whistle. Again we were set up to basically play defensively at Old Trafford, whatever next? The team strip to be changed to sky blue? If it works, it works I suppose.
There are though, positives to draw from this spirit-shredding period. Chris Smalling is already looking like top class centre-half and also seems to be building a strong understanding with the captain in the heart of our backline. Considering Rio often does know if all his body parts are attached nowadays this can only be a good thing.
It has been evident all season that Rafael is a delight to watch and Fabio is coming along very nicely too. Although probably forced on Fergie it was a brilliant move to play them both in midfield. Their pace is basically what did for Arsenal in my opinion.
What is more is that Hernandez looks deadlier by the week. It is wonderful for us to see a genuinely two-footed striker who can head the ball as well as Denis in the side at the moment. On the subject of strikers, has anybody else noticed that Rooney has scored something like six or so in the last eight games? That isn’t too far off his stats from last season. Keep it to yourself.
However, the best thing about this week is that it is not last week. My central nervous system has only a couple of days to start healing itself before we take on Marseille in a Champion’s League tie shaped like a giant banana-skin. At least I am happy today.
Allez les rouges.
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Comments
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Posted by Red in NZ on 03/14/2011
With reference to SAF's classic "squeaky bum time" quote, my rear end has definitely let out a chirp or two in the last week!
Here's hoping the lads find their second wind!
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Posted by leftfootlance on 03/14/2011
I think the key to us winning the league will be down to the number of games VDS and Vidic plays. When they play, the team looks assured in defence and the forwards will have the confidence to inflict maximum damage without worrying about much defending. As long as Vidic stays injury and red-card free, we'll overcome Arsenal and Chelsea in the coming fixtures.
Fergie pls do not play Scholes and Carrick together!
Allez les Rouges!
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Posted by Rohan on 03/14/2011
Allez les Rouges!!
When will we the fans stop doubting Sir Alex? We are so spoiled by the success of this team that we fail to realize that over the course of a season, a two-game losing streak, especially against top four teams, can happen to the best of the best.
This team has played like crap at times, been scintillating at others, and has proven it can beat the big teams. Old Trafford is once again a fortress. We are no longer a one-man team with Rooney, Chicharito and Berba all carrying the scoring weight between them.
We could use a good DM and CAM this summer but the future is definitely United Red.
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Posted by Raizzen on 03/14/2011
Your forgot to mention Valencia's return Mark!
That is one thing to be happy about too.
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Posted by antivirus on 03/14/2011
the gunners might have outplayed us until fabio scored, but in my humble opinion the team on sat showed energy, pace and willingness to win, which was something we lacked in the previous games this season. i suspect saf didn't intend to field "7" defenders if others weren't injured, but i would much rather watch rafael/fabio than carrick, scholes and some others.
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Posted by Tapiwa Mubonderi on 03/14/2011
This squad is now facing the real test, losing some of the ties is part of the game. Our team is only comparable to the best and I think the ECL will be won by either Man United, Chelsea or Barcalona.
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Posted by Red on 03/14/2011
Horray for united for winning against arsenal. Now we should focus against Marseille. Valencia has already recovered, while Nani are already starting training ahead the match. I hope Mu can win the tremble as we did on 1999. We have not loss in Old Trafford for nearly a year. Rooney has regain his form, Vidic plays well, Van Der Sar plays well. I heard that Mu already agreed terms with Everton about Jack Rodwell. I hope we can buy him, he is such a good player at midfield. I hope Berbatov can keep scoring, he has not score after scoring twice against Balckpool.
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Posted by Kelvin on 03/14/2011
When a man has spent more than 20 years managing the same team and watching the young players over a long period of time, he will know them well and know how much to ask of each of them. All Hail the Gaffer.
The lineup looked really weird and the TV pundits had a field day commenting on how SAF lost the plot....but letting Arsenal attack...having the confidence to absorb and then hit on the counter...won us the game with the personnel available.
In Fergie we trust!! Domestic double please Sir......although the Champion's League..looks a little beyond us..but who knows??? On the right day.....
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Posted by David Smith on 03/14/2011
A good week overall. Liverpool and Citeh get beat in "Europe," United beat Arsenal with 7 defenders, Antonio makes his return and does well and the United Youth come storming back at Anfield to beat the Bin Dippers in the Cup Quarterfinal.
Not so sure about playing Citeh in the semi's though. Would much rather beat them in the final.
Looks like the ponce Nani will play some part tomorrow. If SAF brings him on midway through the second half, perhaps we'll finally get to see the boy finish a match strong. God only knows why he usually vanishes for the last 45 minutes.
Wanted to say well done to VDS though. He's playing really well at the moment and a few more performances like this in the league and we should get over the finish line ahead of the Nutty Professor and Co. Speaking of Arsenil, what a mess they are at the moment. You expect a second rate club like Citeh to go 35 years without a trophy, but for the Arsenal to go 6, well, that's a strange one to get your head 'round.
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Posted by Ola on 03/14/2011
sup mark,
well you said it all. the game against gooners wasn't comfortable by any means but we got the job done. the da silva twins seem to be better wingers than obertan or bebe (remeber them?). rooney has rediscovered his scoring touch, chicharito is our super sub and berbs is the leading scorer in epl. if we can have VDS, Vidic and smalling fit we will win epl.
as for UCL, we should be able to beat marseille anything else is a bonus. oh how could i forget, lets beat those cityzens in the semi's....they aint ready yet
United 4 life!!!!!
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Posted by Kartik Vashisth on 03/14/2011
Know what Mark... any sighs we might give over Obertan and Bebe are pacified by these three young lads, the Silva Brothers and Smalling. The clinical striker or finisher as one may say had all but truly vanished from the world of football, especially after decline of Van Nistelrooy and emergence of multi skilled winger --strikers like Messi, Ronaldo etc. Seems Javier is the only one in the current crop around the world, and we might see a rebirth of the same if only in United.
I always fight with my brother over the best keeper in the world. And even if I were not a United fan I would admit to the fact that Van Der Sar is the next best goal keeper after Peter Schmeichel. Not blunders, the likes of Casillas or Valdes, no exceptional performances on exceptional days. Great performance week in week out. Any World Cup winning team would love to have him in the goal.
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Posted by Ty Patrice on 03/14/2011
Max Payne , sumtimes you just focus on negative things, grow up man!
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Posted by Aegean on 03/15/2011
So many things to look forward to:
Valencia back
Nani recovering quick
Park should be recovering
Hernandez ramping up
VDS giving the best performances of his career
Rooney picking up (so good in midfield)
If only we can get Rio and Scholes back.
What happened to Berbatov?
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Posted by David Smith on 03/15/2011
So, Nani wants to go to Serie A does he?
Need a ride, mate?
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Posted by Siu Pak on 03/16/2011
What a stroke of genius by SAF. 7 "defenders" maybe, but even though the da Silva brothers are full backs by trade, their speed and confidence on the ball make them perfect substitute wingers when your regular ones are injured. JOS22 also played in midfield (one of his many positions) before for MU so there you have 7 "defenders" in the team. For the life of me I wouldn't have imagined SAF to come up with such a team, but the man did it and the rest, as they say, is history.
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Posted by OZ on 03/16/2011
@ david smith about nani
David, if his comments are true, then I can kick in a few pounds towards petrol money. At least his diving would be appreciated in that boring league
how could he claim to have proven himself in the Prem league? one half decent season does not prove anything. He still needs to be more consistent and make better decisions- he still a long way off Ronaldo's achievemnets
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Posted by oz on 03/16/2011
@Ty Patrice- if you want to have a go at someone- at least get there name right!!!
I agree with Mark that arsenal had the better of us for much of the game- what was all the long balls in the first 20 minutes, no keeping the ball, just boot it forward and hope for the best. They were even playing long balls to an isolated fabio, he is to short to win most of them and if he did win there was no one to flick it on to most of the time anyway?
the positive to come out of the game was that rooney looked sharper.
and scholes despite trying his best to get sent off, really improved the attacking thrust with some excellent passes when he came on
the title and the FA cup are in our grasp- but we have no chance in the CL this year, so I hope SAF concentrates on winning the league as the priority
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Posted by Urmstonian on 03/16/2011
I don't think Ole Gunnar Solskjaer actually went back to Norway. I think he fixed up a meeting with Doctor who, stepped into the Doctor's time machine and emerged as a 22 year old Mexican.
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Posted by David Smith on 03/17/2011
So, it's a five match ban for Fergie then. No real surprise there. The F.A. love sticking it to the Red Devils whenever they can. Unlike most sides, however, our lads won't drop a gear or two just 'cause the gaffer's up in the stands with his feet up. The Treble looms large and these United players know what they have to do.
I see Nani is denying he wants to leave Old Trafford.
Citeh dumped out of "Europe" tonight! Lovely! Nothing another quarter billion won't fix though. What a joke club. Can't wait to stuff them in the cup. Any Bitters on here need directions to Wembley?
Sorry to see O'Shea and Rafael out for a bit with bad hammies. Looks like the international break is coming at a great time for United.
Gut feeling tells me we're getting Barcelona in the quarters. Even this year's United side is capable of beating any team in the world at Old Trafford and our away form in recent years in the Champions' League has been very good. Not as daunting as most would predict.
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Posted by David Smith on 03/18/2011
So much for MY gut feeling. Chelsea it is then! I'll take it. Over two legs, we should progress as we're the better side. There won't be a Premier League referee at the Bridge to tie our hands either, so that in itself is a big plus. Obviously, we can beat any side in the world at home, so I'm confident of overcoming the Rent Boys. We just need a slice of fortune as far as injuries are concerned; the next fortnight is very important in terms of getting some key players back and in game shape. The timely return of Valencia could well turn out to be United's saving grace. Vidic, Park, Rafael, Anderson, Fletch....get well soon lads.
Bad night last night for British teams in Europe - great night for United fans. Citeh, Liverpool and Rangers all bowed out of Europe's second tier competition. Super Mario? What an absolute tit this chump is. It was often mentioned on here what a joke club Liverpool has become. The noisy neighbours are top of that league! See Bitters, your first trophy!
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Posted by johanzul on 03/21/2011
1. Congrat to SAF, staff and players. Was it pretty? The answer is no. Did we get the result we needed? The answer is yes. A huge risks by our dear SAF having 7 defenders on the field but with that kind of lineup and strategy had put Arsenal in a limbo to mark players.
2. The twins had put pressure from left and right flanks with Rooney dropping in the middle (midfield) providing accurate passes to striker, in this case Hernandez. Thanks Hernandez, for a striker, you had done superbly well, 39 shots 10 were goals! Less chances shot on goals but higher % scored. Even SAF was not expecting such performance from him. Always work hard, push to excel and keep it simple. Need not fancy goals, just put the damn ball in the net for upcoming games.
3. Hopefully for next CL game with Chelsea, SAF has more "joker" cards to play as he had already used one for this game. Another Rooney in midfield? Would Rooney be the next Cantona? Would be great for MU but not for England I presume.
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Posted by Eddie G. on 03/22/2011
David Smith talked about the FA slapping the ban on Fergie, and I think it's really a huge talking point.
I really think that the FA have become more and more impudent with each passing season. It's just absolutely ridiculous. People always say stuff about United getting away with poor refereeing decisions, and that this 5 match ban (stemming from poor refereeing) is just karma. But at the end of the day there still lies the common denominator - poor refereeing!
Managers who turn in poor performances have to answer to the Board and the fans. Players who make a hash of things (see also: Almunia) come under heavy scrutiny. So why should it be any different that referees who botch things up (and we're talking about high profile screw-ups here) can go scot free. Football refereeing has begun to lose its accountability of late. I for one am beginning to welcome the idea of machines taking over.
At least there will be less room for human error human error human error human error...
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Posted by Ekine on 03/22/2011
Congratulations to all MANU faithfulls.But SAF, should realise that injuries to the team could be the bane to this 19thEPL cup expectation. SAF, should not store pounds not naira in his wallet, but should release them to get good players. Manchester is not ASERNAL ,UNITED needs qaulity players.Can i get this question answered by any one,Where is STRENGHTpacked ANDERSON?
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Posted by JJ on 03/23/2011
Ekine-
I may not know where Anderson is, but I believe he is on the injury list. I also concur with you Anderson is full of strength. when he plays I feel comfortable cause the Midfield is stable. Again yes - the pounds must splash out to get good players. The time MU take to buy players should see them buy gem players everytime they buy. But they have waited, waited and waited only to get players that will either sit on the bench or end up being loaned out. I do not know where the problem lies. I disagree that it is lack of cash. Glaziers or No Glaziers, MU just do not buy players that fit in properly. MU seem to buy players to learn from the older players first, and not players to fit in first time. One position SAF is passionate about is Goalkeeper - guaranted: he beleives in and buys Very Good Goalkeepers. MU at their level must, while bringing up young players, buy quality players. The size of the club and level at which they compete requires balance btwn developing and buying
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Posted by Patrice-Kigali on 03/25/2011
Mark!
We all know that the current United side is NOT comparable to the earlier united teams, and we knew it from the beginning of the season and was confirmed in January when no player was bought.
The recent entire Liverpool game and second half of Chelsea game demonstrated that the current united midfield is the weakest of the top five current competitors.
To be honest, I am scared of this coming month(Month)though. It might be a month where United remain with only a chance of wining one title.
On good note; Smalling, J.Hanandez, da silva twins, welbeck and cleverly give us hope that United still has a bright future.
I will not forget Chelsea nicking EPL trophy from us at OT last season and Steven Gerald cementing the fete by that intended back pass for DD to score(Never wanted Untied to win the 19th Title and knock them off the Perch!). Sadly, this season threatens NOT be any different.
Believe, Believe and Believe.
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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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