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Manchester United are champions of England for the nineteenth time and, like a broken pregnancy test kit, the city glowed both red and blue on Saturday night. One of my friends made the appalling decision to marry a City fan and neither of them can remember who trashed the house at the weekend. Who cares?
Let’s make one thing very clear, this victory is an astonishing achievement. I was very young when I was made aware of the statistics, at the time we may have been level with Aston Villa on league titles, and there were many who never though this day would come. It has arrived.
Football is a comparative exercise, for all the talk of concentrating on our own team and paying scant attention to our rivals, sport is competition. It is only when you face up to your opponents that you know how your work stacks up against the standard. Manchester United are now indisputably the top team in this country. The debate is over.
It would also be churlish to do anything other than congratulate City on their FA Cup triumph against a club with a hundredth of their budget. The dynamism and excitement of their play at Wembley reminded me of Brazil 1970. Not. There is talk of changing the Stretford End’s banner to one that reads ‘43’ (years since they won the league). We shall see.
Talking of banners, those brave souls who went to Anfield on Sunday to unfurl the ‘MUFC 19 Times’ slogan have my full respect. Perhaps the closest Red Mancs can get to being suicide bombers.
Against a backdrop of instability with the playing staff (Rooney’s petulance, VDS’s retirement) and massive discontentment with the club’s ownership, Alex Ferguson has delivered the goods again. Whatever happens over the next few days, weeks or even years, this is time to salute the greatest manager of them all.
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Posted by Paul G on 05/18/2011
Hi Mark,
yes indeed, SAF is the greatest manager, the world has ever seen! I don't think there was much of a debate, outside scouser-ville, at any rate, than MUFC is the best team in the country. 19-18. Also, 12-0!
I hope the lads bring their 'OT game' to Wembley and not their 'road-game'. I am sure SAF will get them into it. Wembley is more a home game for us, than it is for bar-c(heaters). If Kenny is king, SAF is god!
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Posted by Doug on 05/18/2011
Hope they change the Stretford banner to how many more major trophies we've won than City
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Posted by Patrice-Kigali on 05/18/2011
Very True Mark!
SAF is a genius. Bringing home a trophy with a team that I would rank below Chelsea, Mancity and Arsenal in quality and strength is unbelievable.
Little wonder Hughes believes that the gaffer would have won the title with any of the top four teams.
There was a big percentage of the United fans (me inclusive)who believed that without re-enforcing the midfield, it was almost an impossible task! Fortunately,how wrong were we!
Back to main focus (Barcelona in London on 28th), let me propose the team and formation assuming no injuries on the way:
Formation: 4:2:3:1
VDS, Rio,Vida, Fabio and Evra. Carrick and Fletcher(Infront of the defence). Park, Rooney and Valencia. Hernandez.
Subs: Lingaard, Nani, Giggs, Rafael/Smalling,Anderson and Oshea/Berba.
Giggs coming on for Parker when Barca is tired.
Anderson/Berba coming on later depending on the situation.
We would have a big chance against Barcelona.
Congs to SAF, Coaching staff, Players and enduring fans.
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Posted by Somnath Mallick on 05/18/2011
Hi Mark,
Congratulation to the team and everyone associated with the club to make this moment possible.
SAF has truly proved that he is "THE SPECIAL ONE" and not Jose!
The only landmark left for us now is Europe. May we conquer that and get our 4th UCL title.
We have to overcome Pool's 5 UCL trophies to have complete claim of the bragging rights! The day SAF does that, he would truly be content! Otherwise I don't see this guy stopping anytime soon!
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Posted by Kelvin on 05/18/2011
A salute to not sacking your manager every season or everytime things don't go your way....
A salute to developing young players and inculcating character to complement talent.....
A salute to fighting hard and not giving up.....
NINETEEN !!!!!!!
The past victory has PAST, the next challenge is NEXT.
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Posted by thetopgame on 05/18/2011
There is no way that Scholes will not play against Barca. One of SAF's greatest skills is his genuine compassion for his players. Scholesy was instrumental in getting ManU to the 1999 finals only to be harshly suspended and having to sit out of that game. Anyone who has some insight into this club under SAF understands that it is guaranteed that SAF will play Scholesy for some part of the final on May 28.
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Posted by Aegean1985 on 05/18/2011
I hope Blackpool allows Berbatov to score 5 goals. He deserves the Golden Boot at least.
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Posted by Kardajo on 05/18/2011
Well we beat the pool in everything that really matters, but I think the next stop would be to beat them in literally everything.... how many more champions leagues do we have to win to knock them off that perch? Hopefully the 28th will be another step in that direction.
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Posted by Noel on 05/18/2011
I have to agree with the starting line up and formatation proposed by Patrice Kigali, in fact I sent this exact team and formation with one exception (Rafael for Fabio) to a bunch of people over the weekend. The Carrick, Fletcher deloyment in front of the back four would stifle Xavi, Iniesta and Messi and set a platform for the attacking midfielders. Barca's weakness is at the back and they will not be able to counter the movement and pace of Chicharito, Valencia, Park and Rooney. The big question is around Fletchers fitness, running out against Blackpool at the weekend hardly is good prep for Barca. So if he can't go I think Giggs will do a job, a different one than Fletcher but it could work out well. The biggest difference between last time and today is that we don't have to pander to the sulking and subsequent failure to follow tactics of Ronaldo whose only objective in the Rome final was to prove he was better than Messi. He killed our game plan. It will be different this time
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Posted by umaru on 05/18/2011
United is the best club in England so nor Arsanal nor LiverPool or Chelese will take that from them, because if you dont breake it you wont make it for Real
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Posted by Danny on 05/18/2011
Spot on.
Nineteen and that's a fact.
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Posted by busbybabe58 on 05/18/2011
Spent all season reading negative and hate comments re MU.Held return fire while waiting for boys to bring home title as all true fans hoped for.Now,HOOOOOWWW GOOD IS THIS!!!!!!!!!
Though can understand why all you scousers and others spend so much of your time on MU sites.With all the crap your teams dish up you can at least be around WINNERS.
Remember,there are only 2 types of football supporters in this world.MU FANS AND THOSE THAT WISH THEY WERE.
Read it and weep suckers.THERES ONLY 1 MANUTD.1 MANUTD,THERES ONLY 1 MANUTD.
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Posted by David Smith on 05/18/2011
Got that, Bin Dippers? Manchester United...the greatest of them all. 19 and counting and perhaps this was the most unexpected of them all, which makes it even sweeter. Being the biggest club in the world, we have to put up with how awful this year's Champions' are, even though we've finished ahead of Chelsea, Citeh, Arsenal and Liverpool and have a date at Wembley on the 28th.
I love Hernandez, he's been the jewel of the Premiership this season, but I wouldn't start him against Barcelona. He's been a non-factor in more than one big match this campaign, therefore I'd pair Berbatov with Rooney. I think we'd get a rejuvinated and effective Dimitar with his surprise inclusion; if not, Chicharito can come on in the second half and do the biz. Keep Nani away from the bloody pitch as well.
Congratulations to the lads who managed to unhurl the United banner at Anfield. According to the Guardian, they had a get-away car waiting outside! Classic!
Well done Sir Alex! Briliant job.
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Posted by Marc on 05/18/2011
This is a tremendous achievement by SAF. This is a good team but nowhere near previous incarnations.
When the Rooney saga broke early in the season and we were also stumbling on the field and Chelsea running riot, I don't think anyone would have predicted us winning the title.
The fact remains is that we got a massive amount of "help" from the other clubs - Chelsea's form hit a very rough patch, Arsenal let games slip away from them (allowing Newcastle to tie them 4-4 was astounding), Liverpool never got out of the gate with Roy Hodgson and Man City were not quite ready yet to challenge for the title.
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Posted by Marc on 05/18/2011
Possible targets - Ashley Young, Defour, Douglas Costa, Kakula, Laas Diarra, Stekelenburg. Gareth Bale is too expensive and Sneijder's salary may be too high.
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Posted by Kevin on 05/18/2011
1 league title difference over 100 years hardly makes you the "indisputably" top team in this country. The debate is certainely not over.
We stil have on more trophies then you and big ears sits at Anfield forever...that score still reads 5-3.
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Posted by jeff on 05/18/2011
could you be any more pro man united?
i mean give some other opponents some respect instead of blabbing on talking about only man utd
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Posted by enoch darko on 05/18/2011
SAF is the best n the most expensive couch the world has ever have.the world can testify if challenge is today.u know wat,this r al happening as a result of the motto of our club.UNITED 4 EVA!!!becos unity is strengh.n i do have faith strongly that this trophy is ours.LONG LIFE SAF,LONG LIFE THE TEAM N MANAGER TO SUPPORTERS,LONG LIFE MAN UNITED.
4RM ENOCH DARKO.
GHANA WEST AFRICA
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Posted by AndrewH on 05/19/2011
Hi Mark.
I have enjoyed your stuff this year thanks a lot. Keep up the good work.
But I think it's time we stopped focussing on Liverpool and that number 19. Let's face it they are yet to win the league in the Premier League era and I'm bemused that we should even worry about spending so much time and effort focussing on a team that had it's glory days over a quarter of a century ago. Ancient history. All this focus is kind of like paying homage to their earlier success. Let's instead focus on the here and now and let them start to worry about how they can knock us of our f - - - - g perch and catch up to us in the EPL era! I'm not holding my breath. For the record it's 12-zip!
Bring on Barca.....let's learn from 2009 and take the game to them this time! Andrew.
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Posted by Jingko Biloba on 05/19/2011
Great blog! Man Utd is indeed the greatest of them all. Ever since the premiership era began, we have dominated. I have basically grown up watching Giggsy tear opponents apart. Kudos to SAF and the team for winning it's 19th league title. Now lets go conquer Europe!
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Posted by Prateek Raje on 05/19/2011
MUFC 19 times....this united team has great commitment and dedication to its style of play.. SAF has inhibited in them the winning mentality which every MANU player should have..these players are young and they can only get better from here. I am quite intrested in tactical aspect considering SAF must have a plan to counter the xavi, iniesta and messi...I cant wait for the final. I personally feel this united team doesnt have the flair and the panache of the previous teams but it surely makes up for the desire to win games with SAF surely behind them that makes them a potent force to surely beat barca.. I was born to support MANCHESTER UNITED...CMON UNITED....CONQUER EUROPE NOW...!
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Posted by Jerry Johnson on 05/19/2011
Please! A verry good welldone to SAF and all the boys and the fans too for believing.Yet re-building esp in the midfield must be inevitable if we are to do it next year may be with a bit ease and avoid out played again in that region as it was in the begining of the season.HURAY WE ARE 9TEEN.
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Posted by Andrew on 05/19/2011
@ jeff - He is the Manchester United correspondent. It is his job to write about Man Utd, and he is not supposed to be objective nor unbiased.
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Posted by Mithil Shetty on 05/19/2011
Have loved your blogs throughout this season, specially the An Open Letter to Wayne Rooney.
I think he must have read it before realizing what we are and stand for.
Respect to our brave lads on unvieling "19" at the home of our nemesis. SAF has finally taken the dig by saying, he wished he had taken the banner to Anfield.
Lastly basking in the glory of our historic achievement, we stand on the edge of yet another monumental task of beating the so called best team on the planet. It is our destiny to take em down @ wembley - this is where we hold them..this is where we fight and this is where we finally put the best to rest!!
GGMU
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Posted by krontekag on 05/19/2011
Yes!!!! Well done you Red Devils...
But that quip about the suicide bombers was a bit off Mark, although I know you certainly didn't mean to tie the concept of "respect" for the Anfield commandos to murderous psychotics.
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Posted by Mahanzu T.B on 05/19/2011
Indeed Man Utd is the best club in England surpassing pool record was fantastic. l hope SAF will again do us proud by winning the big one on May 28. According to me SAF is the best among the rest, and Man U are the best in the world. lets support our team lads.
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Posted by Strike on 05/19/2011
I'm a bit surprised at those who want to leave Nani out. He's been one of our best players all season and jnust missed the cut for the PFA Player's Trophy. He has more combined goals/assists than almost anyone. Some seem to forget how he tore Bayern Munich apart last year with his brilliant 2 goals until defensive errors let us down. Nani is definitely a big game player and I would have him in the starting line-up or as sub at latest 60 minutes if things aren't going so well.
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Posted by Seth Taylor on 05/19/2011
@jeff - Mark is a Man U fan, writing a Man U blogg, so wot exactly did u expect? Now i am fighting hard not to be too sarcastic with you - but anyway, f**k off back to the LiverPOO blog!
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Posted by Jason on 05/19/2011
It's Sir Alex Ferguson, not Alex Ferguson. Show some respect please.
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Posted by Tomm on 05/19/2011
@Kevin
Not only does United have the most league titles but also the most FA cups and the most Community Shields (albeit not that important) but we also have more Club World Cups than any other English team and we are the only English team to complete the true treble and with all our trophies together we have 59 while Liverpool has only 58
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Posted by Tiyo Busiri on 05/20/2011
Sir Alex Ferguson is without a doubt can be named as the greatest manager. congratz on winning our nineteen title which such an amazing achievement. this season has been different , we have our ups and down, some big losses but evetually much more important wins. berba scored plenty crucial goals but hernandez really becoming much more effective lately.
On the 28th United are going to face Barca , the catalans pro cheater club. I believe we can defeat them. if i may propose for the lineup will be :
VDS,Rio,Vidic,Evra,Fabio and put carrick and scholes in front of them , frontline giggs,nani rooney and chicharito
subs : berba, valencia, park, smalling and evans
perhaps when giggs tired park can subs him and if nani didnt find a way through valencia can try and so does berba on hernandez.
Good Luck on UCL Final..
Manchester United 4Life !!!
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Posted by Kartik on 05/20/2011
Hey Mark,
Being a late joiner to United fan list I missed the journey for United league success from 1993 to 1998. Can you please for benefit of all the readers summarize all the 12 title wins in a blog?
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Posted by David Smith on 05/20/2011
Strike, no need to be surprised that some of us want Nani left out. He's not only very overrated, but a soft ponce who couldn't put a decent corner over if his life depended on it. His theatrics and diving are shameful; he often holds on to the ball far too long; frustrates Rooney to no-end; constantly dribbles into trouble and/or gets dispossessed and often can't hit a barn door from inside the box.
A big game player? Sir Alex has left him on the bench for several of United's biggest matches the past month. Enough said. As far as what he did last year against the Germans....so what. Chelsea won the Double last year; now look at them.
United have performed just fine without the Michael Jackson look-alike and the club would do well to cash-in on him in the summer. Goals and assists are great, but there are plenty of professionals capable of coming to United and doing the numbers business. 19.
Giggs has been United's player of the season followed closely by Hernandez.
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Posted by Turjo on 05/20/2011
Hey Mark, how about this as our NEW BANNER:
"35 years. 500 millions spent. One trophy bought. Yeap, small club."
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Posted by theJepit on 05/20/2011
dear all,
Where are those so called supporters who asked for Sir Alex to be axed?..
My prediction was slightly off, we got our 19th in early May.
Next up, Barca at our second home..
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Posted by David Smith on 05/20/2011
My contribution to the banner debate:
"Welcome to Greater Manchester....Greater Club, Greater History, Greater Success"
There's so much material to work with when it comes to Citeh. I understand the "35 Years" banner coming down, but in light of the Bitters ridiculous spending and success buying a trophy, the entire Stretford End should now be dedicated to putting the Noisy Neighbours firmly in their place. They rule Stockport for crying out loud.
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Posted by Ahmad Fakhzan on 05/20/2011
next season man utd can make the treble.
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Posted by glf on 05/20/2011
Definitely an unlikely title, which makes it all the more sweeter. Although a good squad of players, it was SAF who made the difference for sure.
Barca game i think may be a goal draw and VDS the hero in a shoot-out victory, would be a perfect send off for him. Would like to see a starting team of: VDS; Vidic, Rio, Evra, Rafa; Valencia, Park, Giggs, Fletcher/Anderson; Rooney; Hernandez.
I fear Carrick looking like a deer in the headlights against the Barca midfield again and Nani playing for personal glory; also Scholes' red mist. Park to drift in from the left like against Chelsea and Rooney sticking close to Xavi/Busquets. Somehow i think Anderson has the energy to track Messi and the strength to keep up with him on the dribble (crazy, i know), but if he can just slow him down without malicious booking-worthy tackles, that would be enough. Hopefully.
Can't wait for the match, will stay up till 2:45am my time to watch it
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Posted by Frodo on 05/20/2011
Hmmm - so you now hold a record... Try holding it for 20+ years before you can claim to be the best ever!!
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Posted by Otim Thomas Rays on 05/20/2011
The 9teenth had to come to OT coz L/Pool never had the chance to play Chelsea this time round.Remember last season?.Well done & thanks to SAF and the boys. Take with you the MANU Vs CHELSEA last game spirit to Wembley on the 28th and Barca will never know what has hit them. One other thing, do not get sucked into playing the Barca game but yours, the high ball, fast counter attacking coupled with clinical finishing before they start diving. Above all, never lose cite of the Barca trio,Messi,Xavi & Inesta.Out here in Uganda it is MANU Vs The rest of the world.They will rot in the hottest part of hell!!!!
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Posted by ian on 05/20/2011
boy.. sure lots of Man U fanatics in here. SAF won it with his mouth.. constant whining, complaining.. the referees fear him. 19th?! Again, they won it cos SAF's a whiner.. "God".. yeah, right!
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Posted by johanzul on 05/20/2011
Glory glory Man united, As the reds go marching on on on! Marching on with our 19th! The debate is certainly over for domestic, fans and rivals can view by their own perspectives. One can see that this season MU is the best team surpassing other teams in England regardless whether we won it due to other teams not performing or we won it because we were better than others. For me, as for now, doesn't matter, a win is still a win. Winning is always a better feeling. Next season is going to be a new open book. Next season, all these season comments shall be put into archives in Mark's blog. New comments shall came in, fans and rivals shall once again...debate!
But, the debate is still open for Europe of course. Hopefully we can close that debate with a win in which certainly a double for the fans to continue celebrating.
Whatever it is, thank you SAF, management, players and Mark too for your blog posting and do keep posting for latest news on MU especially on new signings, etc.
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Posted by Surendran.K on 05/20/2011
First of all Congrats to Man Utd.
But i have one small sad feeling that we let Man City win the FA cup. Man Utd did not play well against City in the FA cup semi-final,had they played well we could have definetly won the treble this season itself. Next season winning the double or treble will be tough, where by winning Carling cup or Community Sheild itself will be enough or big priority as the number of clubs challenging for trophies is more.
By allowing City to win the FA cup we let them play community sheild also.In case they win the Community Sheild their noise will be more and will be jarring to the ears. So i think United also contributed to City's success. They could have made to continue the banner for 36yrs if they won the FA cup semi-final.
My banner COntribution
"1 trophy after 35 years so 19 trophies will take (19*35 = 665) years"
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Posted by David Smith on 05/21/2011
"Boy, sure lots of United fanatics in here."
And one dickhead. Congrats Ian. Your observation of the bleedin' obvious is worthy of a Mastermind.
19 and counting....Sir Alex is a god.
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Posted by ANDREW CHINAKE on 05/21/2011
Yeah....this team has shown the world that a winning mentality will surely get you what you want.
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Posted by lfc on 05/21/2011
Liverpool are much better - anyday!
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Posted by ned waitt on 05/22/2011
it has been a topsy turvy season not one of uniteds best. i have seen all 12 titles both european victories many f.a. cup battles. I have been faithful for years. Some of the displays this left salt in my mouth i questioned the resolve of the team and manager Ferguson did well in signing chicharito it is sad to see the end of brilliant careers the ginger prince has been in my heart for years i saw ryan giggs make his debut in 1991. I bleed red devil red and i will absoulutely hit the floor if we beat barca scholes and giggs deserve no better of filling. long live sir alex and my red devils it was his vision and the players that helped me see futbol at its best as a coach now i live the dream day in to day out. I believe in the sacredness of veterans but the hearts and spirit the fledglings bring. Number 19 is sweet i hope fergie gets his 20th and then walks away at the top like the king did. Hopefully ole and the king will take the reigns and lead us to a new era of english glory
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Posted by Akinbinu Akintunde Oluyolemi on 05/22/2011
Glory,Glory man united, Glory Glory man united in strenght shall you gooooooo. what an astonish overthrown of the pool. who says we are not d champions. yeahhhhhhhh. if you can beat them then, join them.: the winning team. 28 barca we see something diff. up Veteran Giggs,up chicharito,up Rooney up SAF. I love united
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Posted by Kelvin on 05/23/2011
many idiots still come to this blog and whine about pro MANU posts.....for the last time..whadya expect a**holes? Its a MAN UTD blog!!!!
For the first time ever, I went over and looked at the 'pool blog. Its certain that their fans get a bigger kick throwing stones on this blog, than trying to get a forum going about their many issues on their own blog.
19! Its done, lets get on to the next one.
Nani....(sigh)..he's a good player...but he is not Ronaldo yet (except in his mind). I was not a big fan of CR7, because he came with too much baggage (big ego, selfishness, tantrums etc)..I'd rather take the O'sheas,Parks, Scholes, and Valencias anyday. Even if they are arguably not as gifted.
A good team has artists as well as sturdy workmen, and they all should play for each other. You bet SAF knows this....thats why Nani is not on the team sheet more often. If Nani learns this, he'll be a better man on and off the field. If not, good luck in your new team (soon).
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Posted by RedDevilsFan on 05/23/2011
Nothing to get us pumped for the 28th my friend??? Ive made it a tradition to read your blog pre-big game.... Come on mark!! Share us words of inspiration!!!!!!
19 and im pretty sure we;re not done yet... Liverfool better off watching the History Channel!
GGMU
Bring on Barca!
Posted by Anonymous on 08/01/2011
I want to shout out to all of you Man U fans out there...I love Manchester United! If you would like to vote for your favorite team in a poll, then please go to www.soccerskillsandstats.blogspot.com. Take the poll in the bottom left corner. You have to hurry, though. Time is running out to submit your answer! You can also find great soccer advice there! Go Man U!!!! :)
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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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