Manchester United Fan Blog: 2008

You may download Manchester United Video season 2007/08 here.
Thursday, February 21, 2008

doncaster rovers v manchester united 03.08.07 ssn match report.avi (5.09 MB)
0-1_eagels_v_dunfermline_by_ktn.avi (9.77 MB)
0-4_rooney_v_dunfermline_by_ktn.avi (5.11 MB)
0-2_giggs_v_dunfermline_by_ktn.avi (11.13 MB)
man_utd_v_dunfermline.avi (12.99 MB)
0-3_rooney_pen_v_dunfermline_by_ktn.avi (12.88 MB)
cr7 vs fc seoul by vol7age.wmv (31.9 MB)
man utd 1 - 0 fc seoul .wmv (2.6 MB)
man utd 2 - 0 fc seoul.wmv (1.58 MB)
man utd 3 - 0 fc seoul.wmv (2.36 MB)

Posted by gjoe 4:09 PM 0 comments

Ferguson hails “excellent” United

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has described his side’s 4-0 win at Sunderland as one of their best erformances of the season.

Despite missing some key players, including Carlos Tevez, Ryan Giggs and Anderson, the Red Devils made short work of their struggling opponents - establishing a 3-0 lead by half-time through Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Louis Saha.

A late Saha penalty put the icing on the cake for the Stadium of Light visitors, and afterwards Ferguson was full of praise for his players.

“It was an excellent performance, I thought the passing and movement was excellent,” Ferguson said.

“The first goal put us in the driving seat because we knew Sunderland were going through a bit of a sticky patch.

“It was a marvellous move for the first goal and after that, we did play well.”

Coupled with Arsenal’s goalless draw at Portsmouth, the victory moves defending champions United to the top of the Premier League table.

Meanwhile the Black Cats’ recent slump in form, which has seen them win just once in their last 13 matches, drops Roy Keane’s side to second-from-bottom in the division

Posted by gjoe 4:09 PM 0 comments

Ferguson: West Ham deserved win

A graceful Sir Alex Ferguson admitted West Ham deserved to beat his Manchester United team at Upton Park today.

The Hammers fell behind to an early Cristiano Ronaldo goal and the winger then missed a penalty before West Ham won the game late on through goals from Anton Ferdinand and Matthew Upson.

“We were beaten by a better team I think. I don’t think we measured up to our normal performance,” said Ferguson.

“When that happens, particularly when the team is motivated against you, you are going to get a hard day, and we had a hard day.

“I think we struggled today. They were very competitive and aggressive West Ham and they were always about us, tackling us everywhere.

“Getting the lead, and missing the penalty - that would have killed the game, but I couldn’t see it happening. If you are losing goals from set-pieces, you know you’re not at your best.”

Ferguson’s men are now two points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal, after the Gunners won 4-1 at Everton in the day’s late kickoff.

The United manager now hopes his players can bounce back with a win against Birmingham at Old Trafford on New Year’s Day.

He said: “They are human beings and you can’t expect them to be perfect all the time. We had a perfect performance in our last game at Sunderland and this was a disappointment today.

“It’s a great team I’ve got, but we just have to galvanise ourselves. A great reply if you always give a bad performance is to have a good one next time.”

Posted by gjoe 4:05 PM 0 comments

Owen Hargreaves a Bust?

Am I the only one that thinks Manchester United have not only over-paid for Owen Hargreaves, but that they have better options at the position? The Canadian born defensive mid-fielder has made 7 appearances in 14 league games and I can only think of one good game that he’s had — off the top of my head I cannot remember the opponent (perhaps someone can refresh my memory).

Aside from that one game that stood out to me, his performance has been shocking considering the money paid and the expectations coming into the season.

Some questions / things to consider:

* Does Carrick play better with Hargreaves on the bench? I was thinking today how much better Carrick played. He made some very effective passes, moved around well, made himself available, and was a big part of the game. Versus his performance last weekend at Bolton when he was paired with Hargreaves and entirely ineffective.
* Ronaldo has had only two more appearances. Can you say he’s as important to the team as Ronny? On the surface this sounds like an unfair comparison, but think in terms of work-rate and energy expended, and how the team around him plays. Consider his play in his position against any of the regular starters. Does he stack up?
* Does Manchester have a better option at the position? Certainly not Fletcher who was pathetic today, but Anderson would get my vote as a better alternative. A midfield of Ronaldo, Carrick, Anderson, and Giggs (spelled by Nani) would strike fear into most teams.

Now don’t get me wrong, I believe he provides great depth and is a useful player on the roster. My point is that he should not be considered part of the “best 11″ for United and should be utilized as a substitute instead of a starter. What do you think?

Posted by gjoe 4:03 PM 0 comments

Wes Brown: On his way out?

Is Wes Brown at the end of his career or is going to be relieved of his contract with Manchester United. Sir Alex has told media that they are yet to agree on a new deal with the Old Trafford club.

The defender’s contract is due to expire at the end of the season but Ferguson says Brown has rejected one offer already. Brown has joined United in 1996 as a trainee and signed professional papers four months later.

With the contract expiring he will be free to sign with other clubs and would even be allowed to sign a pre-contract agreement with a club outside the Premier League.

Ferguson said: “Nothing has been agreed and that’s entirely up to Wes.

“We’ve had several meetings with his agent and that is difficult as you can imagine - some agents are difficult.”

United would also be faced with the prospect of losing the player, who originally joined the club as a trainee, on a free transfer.

Ferguson the prospect of Brown not being at the club next season is getting closer to becoming a reality. Wes Brown has become the second choice as midfield defender since Vidic made a strong claim on the midfield position.

He said: “It’s a possibility and that would be a disappointment.

“He’s rejected one offer and we feel we’ve made him a good final offer and it really is up to him now. We won’t be going back.”

Although he has found opportunities to play in his favoured position of centre-back limited Brown has made over 270 appearances for United and is currently deputising for the injured Gary Neville at right-back.

Despite not being a first choice player at Old Trafford Brown is unlikely to be short of offers if he decides to leave the club.

Posted by gjoe 4:03 PM 0 comments

Rooney makes wedding plans

With England not playing in next year’s European Championship, Wayne Rooney is planning a honeymoon instead.

The England striker intends to use the involuntary break in June to wed his longtime girlfriend Coleen McLoughlin.

“For a while we couldn’t make any plans because I didn’t know whether I would be playing in Euro 2008,” said the Manchester United star, who has been dating McLoughlin for five years. “But when we failed to qualify, as devastating as that was, we were able to come up with some firm dates.

“Had England got through to the tournament then we would have married later on in the summer but that meant we wouldn’t have had a honeymoon. So I guess there is some upside to it.”

The couple are yet to set a date but has looked at potential venues in Italy, France, Ireland and England.

Posted by gjoe 4:02 PM 0 comments

Rape suspect held after United party.

Police have arrested a 19-year-old man who is suspected of raping a woman at a party thrown for Manchester United players.

Investigations into the Christmas party at Great John Street hotel in the centre of Manchester began yesterday when police revealed they were looking into an incident of alleged sexual assault.

A spokeswoman for Greater Manchester police said the suspect had turned himself in for questioning and was still in police custody.

Previously it was reported that the entire first team was present at the party except for winger Cristiano Ronaldo. Media sources have reported that the football club’s stars had attended the party after hitting the town in the afternoon.

After visiting a casino earlier in the day, they went to the Old Grapes pub before some of the stars came to the party at the fashionable hotel.

Last night, police revealed that they had been called to the hotel at 04:15 GMT after receiving reports that a 26-year-old had allegedly been raped

Posted by gjoe 4:02 PM 0 comments

Ferguson fines United players

Alex Ferguson has warned his Manchester United players they face the axe if they step out of line again in the aftermath of their Christmas party. United have been at the centre of a series of lurid tabloid headlines since the party and Ferguson says such articles are undermining their efforts to win the Premier League title.

The Scot claims the club is built on foundations of togetherness and that anyone who threatens that could be asked to leave. Rumors are flying high that Sir Alex has imposed a 1 million pound fine to all the players that was involved in the Christmas Party. Man, I love his Scotsman, he’s got balls and I agree with what he has done 100%.He said: “Football has changed but you cannot lose your control. That is why we make changes here at Manchester United when we see anyone interfering with this sense of control.”

With the January transfer window just days away Ferguson could have the opportunity to sell any of those players he thinks are causing trouble. Sir Alex Ferguson has been known to be hard on all his players and have never hesitated to sell his stars, because of ill discipline.

“When we see this, then it’s time for them to go because this club is based on everyone being together,” said the United boss.

“When we start going off at tangents you have to assess it - definitely.”

Ferguson also said he does not like the way modern-day footballers feel they must steal the limelight away from their team-mates, insisting no individual is bigger than the team.

“What annoys me about some players today is this personal glory thing. It’s ugly seeing these kind of celebrations.”

But Ferguson maintains he has no intention of walking away from Old Trafford himself, claiming his current squad is the best he has ever worked with.

Posted by gjoe 4:01 PM 0 comments

Rooney wants to be United’s captain one day!

Well now what do you know off-ankle Wayne Rooney wants to be Manchester United’s captain. He needs to sort out his ankle problems first, what good is a captain on the injury list?

It is not surprising when the 22-year-old, who has been an Old Trafford boy for three years, says he would like to be seen in the same light as Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville. I feel he needs another two years to prove his leadership capabilities. It is one thing to play well, but quite another to be leading your club on the pitch.

“But, as I say, there are still a few people there now who would probably be likely captains so you never know.
“I love playing at United and hopefully one day, if I got chosen to be captain, then it would be a great honour,” he told Sport magazine.

“If I got the chance to be captain of United then I would be delighted with that.” Rooney said.

“I think you play football to win things, to make people happy and to make history,” he continued. “If I can have half of the success that the Busby Babes did at United then I’d be delighted with that. You definitely want to be remembered and not forgotten, so I suppose everybody wants to be a part of history.” Rooney closed off.

Rooney was also heard saying that he wants to be a legend one day that people will remember long after he has gone. He is playing very well this season and if he carries on then he will indeed be revered one day as a true United hero.

Posted by gjoe 3:57 PM 0 comments

FA quater Finals Draw

Manchester United v Portsmouth

Bristol Rovers v West Brom

Barnsley v Chelsea

United have drawn against Portsmouth again.Its all co-incidence but we keep drawing against Portsmouth.However,considering with other teams we usually draw against A premier team.The last 16 match we had to face Arsenal comparing to what Liverpool and Chelsea managed to get.Though Liverpool didn’t make any rewards out of their game and got themselves out.I am expecting to see Middlesbrough win against Sheffield United.

Apart for this,after giving an inspirational play against Arsenal,Wayne Rooney has been nominated for FA cup awards including Cardiff striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Portsmouth keeper David James, Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney and Barnsley keeper Luke Steele.

We are surely winning this one and registering our place in Semi’s.Lets hope Chelsea fails to deliver what every ones expecting.Matches are going to be played 8th and 9 th of the march.

Posted by gjoe 3:56 PM 0 comments

1-1 Just good enough for United

Lyon 1 - 1 Manchester United

Goals Lyon : Benzema 52
Manchester United : Tevez 87(sub)

Far late result to a UFEA night.I am keen with United winning from back in UFEA matches.I still get those goosebumps that AC milan gave us and we hardly had any chances to recover.Thank God it wasnt going to be that night.

The formation was something that was unusual.A 4-5-1 kinda play(the one we used against the Gunners).Fergie opted for playing with Rooney as a lone striker and 5 midfields.The defense remained unchanged with Brown,Vida,Ferdi and Evra.No big deals in the first half and i was yawning while watching the game.The ground didnt have enough lights or may be the crowd was too placid.Anyways,first half went untouched with a few threats from Benzema and also Rooney giving a few.

Second half was all pumped up for United.The pace and passes went on beautifully in mid-field and a goal for us was expected.Ronaldo had free-kick but was wasted in search hitting ball beneath the wall.Just as we were pressing more on Lyon, it all turned other way round.With a low pass to Benzema at the edge of the box,his visious strike made it through from Van De Sar’s hand and made Lyon’s first goal.It was hard understand how he managed to score with such tight angle and crowded defense.That was gem and a tough goal considering with the scenario.One goal up and hardly 30 minutes left to the game.

Losing here was going to make things bad at home,with threats of Benzema too.If he could have injured himself it still could have been better,but damn he was substituted on 83 minute.Before that Nani,Hargreaves and Tevez were brought in with a desperate search for the late. United gave their whole heart and every little game plan they had in their head.The constant attack was making vulnerable for the Lyon wall and then it finally payed off.The cross delievered by Nani was deflected in by Fred and guided to Tevez, who with acres of spaces guided the ball into the nets.

United sneaked pass through a tough test.A defeat could have spoiled the place in quarters.OT has been United successful venue in UFEA games so that wont bother us.

Posted by gjoe 3:52 PM 0 comments