ESPN Soccernet - Correspondents - Manchester United

Posted by Mark Payne on 04/16/2012

It seemed as though the forces of darkness were at work this weekend. Not only did Manchester City crush plucky Norwich, but both Liverpool and Chelsea progressed to the FA Cup Final - thereby ensuring that at least one of the truly evil clubs will finish the season with a trophy. At least, by winning convincingly late on Sunday afternoon, United gave us light at the end of the tunnel.

Alas, the forces of darkness were involved with the early part of our victory. Despite the theatrics, it was the correct decision to award a penalty to Ashley Young. But unfortunately, this is the second week on the trot he has needed defending for the same reason.

My position as a United fan is that I do not approve of diving and it is not okay for a United player to be a serial offender. In the past, Nani and Ronaldo did a bit too much tumbling, but after a few stern chats from Fergie it was eradicated from their games. This is Young's first season at the club, I expect him to be staying on his feet more in the future. This week he is being pilloried a little too harshly, he will learn the lesson.

Our performance midweek against Wigan was severely lacking in class. On the field, and in the papers the next day, it seemed as though the lack of Paul Scholes was the thing that undid us. Perhaps, but I think the players were also knackered after a gruelling run of games. Wigan too were extremely good value for their victory and deserved the spoils.

However, I can't help but think that we would have stood a better chance if Dimitar Berbatov had been on the field. He is perhaps the most talented player in the division and has the skills necessary to unlock a defence on his own. It is now accepted that he is leaving at the end of the season, it would be nice to see him put away a few more goals before he rides off into the sunset.

As dusk approaches for the 2011/2012 season, United and City are destined to punch it out until the end. I expect it to be something of a heavyweight bout between now and the final afternoon, with both clubs landing heavy blows. It reminds me somewhat of the 2007 title season, the last against Mourinho, where two strong sides went blow for blow with each other.

Thankfully, the upper hand is ours right now. The strong victory over Villa ensures that it stays that way.

Come on you reds.

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Comments

Posted by Sean Adams on 04/16/2012

Nice post Mark, The dark forces seem to be very strong at the moment! Having to watch Terry or Daglish lifting a trophy makes me ill in many ways... Guess we will just have to march on towards number 20 to help ease the pain...would love to see Berba net one more goal in a united shirt, and i think it might just happen!Dont want to count chickens and all but has he got enough appearances for a winners medal?
Also i have been reading your blog for a while and have voted for u so best of luck and keep up good work :)
COME ON UNITED!!

Posted by James on 04/16/2012

"Berbatov perhaps the most talented player in the division".... you're an idiot. Everyone knows, especially United fans, that he's not even close to being that,. Currently Berbatov could'nt unlock a defence if they played 4 strikers at the back. Smarten up buddy. Your obvious lack of knowledge in regards to United is the primary factor for your poorly thought out drivel. Do everyone a favour and jus shut the fuck up..no more dumbass articles.

Posted by Diptish on 04/16/2012

To James. Please keep your ramblings and delusions to yourself. In terms of pure skill berba is masterclass. His laid back style may make him a target for many people but it does not hide his awesomeness. Few have his control of the ball and intelligence.

Posted by Martins on 04/16/2012

It is a big shame to see Young diving against his former club and he deserved to be banned at least for 3 matches

Posted by Zaxx on 04/16/2012

@James

You forgot last season? Even not played as regular starter, Berbatov still manage to be last season Premier League top goal scorer along with Tevez. Ahead of Rooney!

Posted by Gawaya Tegulle on 04/16/2012

Clearly from his remarks, James knows neither Mark Payne nor Dimitar Berbatov!! Maybe it is you James that should do himself and everyone a favour and shut up...no more dumbass comments.

Posted by Anthony on 04/16/2012

Seems ashley young is a bigger diver than even suarez

Posted by Rafa on 04/16/2012

it was shameful. the level of diving and acceptance of it in football has reached absurd levels. It's a shame on our beautiful game. Football fans should watch a Rugby or Hockey game every once and a while so they see what real men play like. Football players go flying to the ground with the slightest clip or a hand on their back. Only in football do people fall forward when getting a shirt tugged from behind. United always have divers. Jaap Stam said it himself That Sir Alex tells his players to go down if there is any contact. It really needs to get cleaned up. The women football players are tougher and more honorable than most of these men.

Posted by A Different James on 04/16/2012

I don't agree with James' histrionics, but I do agree with him that Berba is done. I loved him in his first few years with United and he is still talented - but is now too slow to beat Premier league defenses. Last season he got all his goals against weak sides after they were opened up. At this point I would rather see anyone other than Berba.

I don't understand what the Scot sees in Rafael. He can't defend and always looks likely to be sent off. Does he even have a clue when it is reasonable to make a challenge and when it is better to retreat? Clearly not. And now Fabio is to be sent out while Rafael plays? I don't get it.

Posted by Patrick on 04/16/2012

@James, curlish, sadistic comments like yours that make the rest of us Red Devils look like morons. True, Berba has never truly "fit" Fergie's designs on the field, but to deny his obvious quality is ridiculous. At Spurs the team was built AROUND him; not so at OT.

Back to comments on the post: I thought Wigan were full value for their victory, we just weren't up to it. I would much rather face midtable sides with nothing to play for at this stage of the season than relegation candidates. They bossed the match and should have had at least one more goal. After we went behind, I struggle to remember one clear opportunity we created to get back into the match. This goes to show how desperately we need another playmaker in the middle of the park; someone to serve as the bridge between Scholes and Cleverly.

Glad Villa dropped the three points off yesterday! I agree Mark, Ashley will learn in time. He is a fantastic footballer who needs this year under his belt. GLORY GLORY!!!

Posted by YNWA on 04/16/2012

You mancs have always had divers and always will while Fergie manages your club. When he leaves your run will end. YNWA

Posted by mark Find on 04/16/2012

Ashley please stop diving
I don't like to win games that way. It is not the Manunited way

Posted by maxitaxi on 04/16/2012

I think both games we would have won without the penalties but it's the refs who decide not the players! I do hope Ashley stops though, as did Nani and Renaldo who are both better players for it.

I think Fergie should have played Scholes for the Wigan game, it seemed a lot trickier than a home game against Villa, especially how Wigan has been playing lately.

I have a horrible feeling it might bite us on the bum, especially as we have Everton, always a dodgy fixture and City have Wolves.

I also agree about Berbatov, he needs to sell himself if he’s not already assigned to someone, look at Tevez, he's off apparently and he's just helped qualify his value, twat.

What's with James, how did a scouser get in!!

All City's games look winnable, except against us of course but we have a tricky end game at Sunderland, could be a draw so hope we don't need the points or goals!

Voted for you and keep up the good work, win or lose, we'll always be Red from birth to the grave.

Posted by Sam on 04/16/2012

Mate, I wish you could have come out and said it was clear dive. He plays for the penalty, aims to hit the defenders foot and makes an absolute mockery of the tumble. It was an embarrassment. Adding to that it was a second time in two games AND he did it against his old team, how classless is that. As a United supporter, a club with a beautiful history, how can you defend that. This bull about 'contact' is a front for these cheats to get away with their actions. If a penalty is given for contact then there should be one for almost every corner and free kick. It was a joke penalty and a shameful display.
I support Arsenal and I am appalled at some of the dives our players do, you should be too.
I watch the PL for power, skill and fairness. I watch La Liga for cheats. All you apologists get off it and stand up for what makes the PL great. Ashley Young should be ashamed and United supporters should be ashamed at what he is turning your club into.

Posted by Ife Duyile on 04/16/2012

Hi Mark,
What a week, had an 8point lead cut down to 2 and then restored to 5.
I consider it as part of d game when players go down easily when challenged in a dangerous position of play. However, I find diving disgusting and dishonourable. Young is becoming reknown for this, a negative blot on his character. He should do better.
Against Wigan, d team played as if there was nothing @stake, in a sharp contrast to Wigan. They sure deserved the win. As Berbatov, him making a difference in that game was only a 50:50 chance. Sad to say, Scholes's absence was sorely felt.
We've got 4 games left, each a potential final, Everton's up next, a win is d only acceptable result.
In order for us to go into d Manchester derby with a comfortable point cushion.
Glory, glory Man United.

Posted by Oddey on 04/16/2012

you guys may not have ever played football. when you are in motion and there is an obstruction , u r going to fall. Young is not a diver, but made the most of the contacts as a professional.

Posted by lurker on 04/16/2012

i think players lobbying for cards has gone too far and should carry a stern fine from the league. every time a player hits the turf he tosses up a hand. couple it with diving and you have a pandemic of disrespect.

Posted by Marvin on 04/16/2012

We are always up and ready for the run in. There will be games like wigan were not even Berbatov will be able to do anything. The whole team was off and they looked dis-interested to say the least. Berbatov is a class act but he's not always that effective as most United fans will attest. He was given his chance and he blew hot and cold. I wish him all the best though n i'll always be a fan.

Posted by KV on 04/16/2012

"Despite the theatrics, it was the correct decision to award a penalty to Ashley Young"

Really, how so?

Posted by Blassen on 04/16/2012

Well written piece. However, Young's dive was never a penalty. He steps on Clark's foot!

Posted by feygooner on 04/16/2012

"Despite the theatrics, it was the correct decision to award a penalty to Ashley Young."

You HAVE to be joking. Who in their right mind could possibly think that Ciaran Clark fouled Young?

Berbatov is extremely talented no doubt, but to claim that he is "perhaps the most talented player in the division" is shamefully hyperbolic.

ESPN should get a less biased blog writer. I doubt even ROM is claiming that Young was fouled.

Posted by imran on 04/16/2012

i m united fan ..but team is not good enough for europe n for competing city n for cups.......we need to throw evra out n we need a central defender like vidic (1 more).......n please give scholes and giggs some rest ......they cannt match rm, barca, bayern, city ........they should be playing in fa/carling cup only n against some teams in epl......please get hold of outstanding midfielder........(we need 3x midfielders)...........yes give de gea, young, wellback, smalling, young, celevry a chance ...they r promising.......may be get 65 million by selling rooney n buy all what i said ....although fergie has wasted rooney by playing him deep....has he be playing closer to edge he would have scored 40 plus like ronaldo n messi......

Posted by Jay on 04/16/2012

Mark, while I think you're excuse for Young is garbage, I have been reading your blog for weeks now and greatly enjoy it.
You bring a biased--yet, slightly objective--viewpoint to the upper class of the Premier League.
Now you just need a counter-part for the rest of the 15 clubs or so.
Keep up the good work, and jump on board with Wenger. He's right. Diving should be AT LEAST a 3 match ban. This is a bigger detriment to our game than goal-line technology and comical offisides calls.

Posted by REDMAN on 04/16/2012

@JAMES.
BY NOW U SHOULD HAVE REALISED THAT URE THE IDIOT HERE. BERBATOV IS A TOP PLAYER AND HE DESERVES A MEDAL THIS SEASON. BROUGHT US BACK INTO THE GAME AGAINST BLACKBURN LAST YEAR WHEN EVERYONE ELSE WAS SWITCHED OFF. U OBVIOUSLY DO NOT APPRECIATE FOOTBALL

Posted by Nick on 04/16/2012

The reason diving is as common as it is is because it works. If Referees were either better at spotting it (which is unfair because when EVERYONE exaggerates contact it's hard to tell what is going on), or they had more resources with which to deal with that sort of thing (video replay, or the FA taking action and suspending offenders without pay) that would deter this sort of garbage real fast.

Ashley Young did receive too much criticism, but only because people acted like he was the only one doing it.

Posted by feygooner on 04/16/2012

"Despite the theatrics, it was the correct decision to award a penalty to Ashley Young."

You HAVE to be joking. Who in their right mind could possibly think that Ciaran Clark fouled Young?

Berbatov is extremely talented no doubt, but to claim that he is "perhaps the most talented player in the division" is shamefully hyperbolic.

ESPN should get a less biased blog writer. I doubt even ROM is claiming that Young was fouled.

Posted by JOHN DRAGON on 04/16/2012

The refree was correct to give the penalty? Mark, it is either u have only watched football for a week since u was born, or u are a pure nerdy with thick spectacles coz u cant see ashley young is the one who clip his leg to the defender and do the theatrics? sorry but i have to say ur article is very poor.i feel totally annoyed to read this no-brain article. Read more marko. Anyway,i agree with berba,he got the zidane-like ball control..do u know zidane? Lol cheers bro,just a comment.

Posted by Jeff on 04/16/2012

Doesn't it hurt watching welbeck and hernandez play? it certainly does for me. welbeck is a headless chicken whose goal record is far from convincing and he just isn't clinical. hernandez on the other hand has lost his element of surprise this season and has been found out by many defences this term. his overall game is just woeful. personally i'm sad that berbatov has been marginalised because SAF is looking to the future. against the so called smaller teams last season they were scoring for fun with berbatov and rooney playing together. anyhow, i do hope never to see welbeck or hernandez play as a lone striker again.

Posted by joshie on 04/16/2012

Ha, typical delusional United fan. Worst blog writer on this website, maybe just better than the Sunderland crackpot.

Posted by bash on 04/16/2012

What a self-centered post. How could any rationale football fan justify the PK awarded to Young?! Take off the red tinted Man U spectles Mark...

Posted by Mike on 04/16/2012

you already watched Dalglish lift a trophy, lol

Posted by cas cas on 04/16/2012

Come on ashley u can do it with a bit of class not to make it so obvious. U r taking diving to another level mate and that not on please. @rafa, jaap stam is as dum as they come, he looks like he cannot tell his head from his backside.
Come on you red devils and continue taking more points till final victory.

Posted by chris friesen on 04/16/2012

I call this the blue card system. If after a game the replay shows that someone dove and wasn't penalized they should get a blue card in which multiple infractions would result in suspension for a match. Repeat offenders would face stiffer penalties such as multiple match bans.

Posted by d on 04/16/2012

Not to cry over spilled milk, but when smalling "brought" down yuri jerk-off in the box at the bridge last season, didn't the media label him "young" and that it was a lesson he needed to learn? why all the madness about a united player tripping over an opponent.

Posted by Onyibo on 04/16/2012

James, please do us all a favour and don't write on this blog again. Great article, Mark, you captured what I feel perfectly, especially about Berbatov. I can understand that he just doesn't fit into our style of play, but I feel he's been really hard done by by Fergie, and he's been really dignified about his situation. The least Fergie can do is to give him a run out in some of our remaining games, so the fans can say goodbye.

Posted by Sullivan on 04/16/2012

I am shocked to see that anyone could claim that the pk's have been legit. Man U may have won the games anyway but they need to earn wins. Those last two were handed to them.

Posted by Cordova on 04/16/2012

Ashley Young Dived with contact he instigated, nothing more. Ban him for 1 to 3 matches retroactively. Ban all others that dive retroactively. I don't care who wins but as an objective observer I want to see a good game. You are regurgitating supportive rubbish.

In any game, the team that scores first gets the wind in their sails once that first goal is scored. Whether the team is ManU, City, Liverpool, or Arsenal, etc..., without such a goal, the stronger team gets tense and may make mistakes.

To good football, retroactive discipline, and video technology. And, I would like to see Berba play some more.

Posted by Anu on 04/16/2012

Nice article Mark - But I think you may have had your Bulgarian hat on a little too long... Berba the most talented player in the league? Not even the most talented forward in our team! Yes he has great talent in certain aspects of his game (close control, vision etc) but he is sorely lacking in other areas. I, for one, am glad to see him go! Now if we can just find a creative midfielder... hmmmmmmm

Posted by SH on 04/16/2012

Mark
I am amazed at your comments. This season man
Utd has had at least five points courtesy of the
Mib (men in black). The qpr game and against fulham when
The pk was clear cut!
For you or fergie to say that this current episode warranted
A pk is hypocritical! Suarez so called dives have not been as clear as those of young! He should be ashamed and so should you!
Utd may win the league but at what cost? Systematic cheats????

Posted by Se7en on 04/17/2012

Hmmm, a Man Utd blog, biased towards Man Utd.

Tell me, how is this wrong again? Or is pointing out the obvious something new to you guys?

Or has your team blog not been updated lately, or your team has been crap in the league, so you feel the need to lash out?

@SH - Suarez's 'so-called' dives? really? 'so-called'? and you say YOU'RE amazed?

And oh, www.debatabledecisions.com. Go and read.

@joshie - why are you here?

@YNWA - see above.

@James - I sincerely doubt that you're a Man Utd supporter. If so, see above.

Mark, Young has been a diver since day 1. In his Villa days, he was as floppy as a tub of jelly. He really needs to stop doing that crap.

I get annoyed when anyone dives or makes a meal of challenges, even if its not in the penalty area. Theatrics only goes to show that you're Broadway material.

Here's to hoping that Young can cure himself of his playacting, and for United to retain the Premier League throne.

GGMU.

Posted by Aegean1985 on 04/17/2012

To all the non-utd fans here, stop acting like a saint and pretending that you're all for FIFA Fair Play. As a supporter of any football club, you are already a hypocrite. You only wish what's best for your club.

To all the Utd fans bitching about Young, would you be happier if he got sent off and Utd drew or lost the game at this point of the season? Would you prefer if we visit the Etihad with a 2 point lead? C'mon man! Are you really a Utd fan?

Posted by Mo Darus on 04/17/2012

I say 3 points is still 3 points. Eventhough i hate it when players dive for a penalty, if a defender makes contact with a forward/winger it is still a penalty. I'm just still happy that we still have a 5 point lead at the top of the table.
For all the other readers of this blog who isn't a Man Utd fan, please leave us alone. We don't comment on you blog, so don't comment on ours. Especially is you don't have anything good say about our players.

Posted by Robert on 04/17/2012

As with Nani (and when he was with us, Ronaldo) I recognise Young's value as a player, yet can't help but feel embarrassed by his gamesmanship. Go ahead, say I'm not a genuine fan, I can live with it.

There is also a very pragmatic reason to avoid diving: it is counterproductive. Refs are not immune to a perception that certain players have a tendency to go down easy. I would not be surprised if in the next few games it is easier than usual to get away with fouls against Young.

As for Berbatov, he has appeared a bit of square peg in a round hole in the few appearances he has made this season. I find it puzzling that Fergie has not been able get more out of a player of such skill. Even lack of speed (or the reluctance to use it) is not necessarily a problem. I remember a certain Teddy who never had any, but was nevertheless very useful.

Posted by David Smith on 04/17/2012

To all you dickhead ABU's, whinging YET AGAIN about anything and everything to do with Manchester United, kindly fuck off until we've won the league and really give you something to moan about. Face it pets: United are the only club who's players dive; the only club who get awarded penalties when they shouldn't and the only club....blah, blah, fucking blah. The sooner you miserable lot understand this, the less time you'll spend wasting on here. Number 20 awaits and it's dedicated to you. Muah!

Posted by aussiered on 04/17/2012

OOUH David you are awful but i like it!!
Honestly where the F--- do all these guys crawl out from when United get a dodgy decision. I dont recall them offering condolences when drogba scored whilst clearly offside a couple of seasons ago or when Scholes goal against Porto (SF E.C moons ago) was deemed offside when it was clearly not. So get over yourselves and choke on the vingar your beer turns to when we win num 20.

Believe in United.

Posted by PPM on 04/18/2012

David & Aussiered - TOO RIGHT GUYS!!
all these idiots who have nothing to read on their own clubs' blog sites, just pi** me off. Like their players never dive, cry me a river. People coming out from everywhere bitching about the penalties we had. How about the one Newcastle got at Old Trafford? No one said anything then. What a load of crap. you win some and loose some with these decisions. I'm not supporting divers and yound will get dealt with by SAF just like Ronaldo did.
@Aegean - You're absolutely right.

Posted by David Smith on 04/18/2012

PHONY ABU OUTRAGE ALERT!!! Bayern Munich's first goal against Real Madrid quite clearly should of been ruled out for offside. Just another case of a referee bottling it, afraid to make a call against one of the Big Boys.
EVEN MORE PHONY ABU OUTRAGE ALERT!!! Bayern Munich denied an obvious penalty in the dying minutes against Real Madrid. Just another case of a referee bottling it, afraid to make a call against one of the Big Boys.

Which moan above are you dickhead ABU's gonna adopt?

Posted by Aaron Mark Hendrix on 04/19/2012

Sifting through the crap here's my two cents
Wigan were well and truly deserving winners.We played terrible and that contributed as well.But I've seen to many seasons to know that points will be dropped by all and the winners will be those who drop the least amount of points.Not really rocket science now ehh?
Villa will feel hard done by the pen,but they never were(or woulda been)in the game with those tactics.4-0 was really falttering to Villa,Given once again making me wonder why we didnt scoop him up last summer(or was it jan?)Still,United not firing on all cylinders,but at this point of the season,what matters is 3 points,and that's exactly what we got.
Young dived again for the 2nd week running.It's a shame,but then again,it's not somethin exclusively man united really.I'd prefer to see united not have divers,but sadly,they exist in many a team.Still,it's all about being honest I guess?But far be it from me to be the moral guardian of football.If you cant beat em',join em?!

Posted by David Smth on 04/19/2012

Manchester United named richest club in the world for the eighth year in a row thanks to Ashley Young's cheating ways, the Men In Black and Dimitar Berbatov, perhaps the most talented player in the division.

Oh, you idiotic ABU's will be pulling your hair out right about now!!!

Posted by Efon on 04/19/2012

Mark, what's going on with the Manchester City Blog? a new blogger needs to take over from Walace Poulter cause he isn't doing his job! he comes on after a couple of months but i guess people are already angry with him and wouldn't respond cause he has been out for so long,please Mark you guys at ESPN should find us another Manchester City blogger, thanks

Posted by David Smith on 04/20/2012

What's going on with the Manchester City blog? Same as their trophy haul this season....nothing. Even Poulter got sick and tired of bleating on about tactics and the "diamond formation". What a fucking yawn of a read that fella is. 7 months of pointless, self-serving drivel, only to see Citeh lose the plot during "squeaky bum town". Classic. His last contribution, a month ago, is titled, "Milner not in starting lineup". Milner's not playing because he's too busy trying to convince the football world that Citeh are a "team" and that their title challenge is back on track after beating doormats West Brom and Norwich City. When the manager says the title is staying at Old Trafford, don't contradict him or you'll never get a game. Leave the public bollocks statements to Mr. Citeh, Paddy Vieira. Anyway, back to my point, why would Mark give a toss about the Citeh blog, you div.

Posted by maxitaxi on 04/20/2012

I noticed the City blog hadn't been updated for yonks but put it down to the fact most of them are illiterate!

Screw the rest, Young is not the first diver, a fat t**t called Francis Lee comes to mind. Better if he desists though or we might lose a genuine call when we really need it.

Also, all those bitter blues and racist reds of Anfield, we were denied clearer penalties in the recent past. 65mins in against Aston Villa, Baker clearly handles the ball in the area in front of Halsey and he waves it away; also the one against Wigan's Figueroa, which could have changed the game, was denied us.

So as Fergie famously said, end of the season it usually balances out.

Wonder if Mancini will play his son Balotelli against us, let's hope so and he gets sent off again. That shot of him trying to get the ball off Kolarov who wouldn't give it to him for the free kick against Arsenal, was priceless!

Good luck against the Toffees lads and lets bring this ship home!

Posted by cas cas on 04/22/2012

Oh boy just when i thought we have the points in the bag they throw away the match. Even wayne rooney was shouting at his teammates not to just stand at the back instead of attacking the ball and continue pressing. What do the stupid idiots do ,start nack padlling and giving the opponents (everton) room to do what they want and we paid for it dearly. Not good guys. The match is not over until the final whistle. You know that. Now citeh have a chance because beating them at etihad is going to be a miracle , they are playing better than us.

Posted by Kou on 05/11/2012

Ho ho, who wuolda thunk it, right?

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