Following the Trawler...

25 Exceptional Years. Thank You.

2011-11-06T12:30:00.001Z

Images courtesty of www.whoateallthepies.tv

The Top 15 Career Defining Moments In Football, by FootballFanCast.com

2011-10-18T20:45:00.002+01:00

As I sit here bored out of my mind after a, well, unbelievably boring first half of European football in Bucharest vs. Otelul Galati* I thought I would revisit my much forgotten and largely ignored blogging fetish. And what a treat I stumbled onto, as I came across this great feature by Football Fancast on the 'Top 15 career defining moments in football'. Yes, it isn't solely a United related story, but pleasurable reading (especially after such a dull and disheartening 45 minutes) nonetheless.

*On a side note, are we really heading for our third victory-less result out of three in Europe. Well, errr, yes we are...

Inspiration...

2011-08-23T21:14:00.007+01:00

After 82 days - days spent contemplating the future of my club, as the joy of reaching the historic number 19 landmark was swiftly swept into insignificance as Europe's elite embarrassed our champions...and as, perhaps more significantly, our noisy, once disregarded neighbours were suddenly regarded as a threat - marching up the Stretford End, like a drunk climbing up some scaffolding at 3am - little idea of how he got there - and removing the '35 Years' banner. And as we prepared for the new campaign knowing City and their billions will strengthen, knowing Barcelona will undoubtedly (somehow) improve; we also knew we would be without the rock between the post who finally and convincingly replaced Schmeichel, as well as those fledglings that are finally and rather suddenly beginning to dismantle: Neville, O'Shea, Brown...and the greatest of all...

After 82 days - days spent witnessing the typical summer madness surrounding established marquee names from the world of football being associated with United; yet sitting back - helplessly - as they go to our rivals in Spain, West London...or M11 instead, while we opt for underwhelming, muted sparks instead of stars...

After 82 days - days resigning myself to thoughts of 'next season I'll just watch United rather than having to relive every high and low by spewing my emotional dribble all over my blog as well'...

Yet after 82 days - I now feel somewhat invigorated and inspired.

I sit down to watch United's first home game of the season, having watched fleeting moments of excellence during pre-season, an exciting and always pleasurable defeat of those noisy (and, unsurprisingly, richly enhanced) neighbours in the Community shield, and an encouraging United-esque fight-to-death victory at West Brom.

Against Tottenham, as has very much been the mantra for SAF this season, the line-up oozed inexperience and risk. And that in itself reminded me, after all this time that I have distanced myself from football, just why I love United so much.

Gone are the days where we fall back on the lazy approach: signing superstars and 'the most expensive...' in order to be the best. That might be the only means of success for the likes of City and Chelsea, but not for us. We have been spoilt of that in the past, yet as Ferguson enters the latter stages of his tenure as the greatest football manager of all time, he has gradually brought us back to basics as only he can so well; re-instilling the unit in United and reestablishing the mentality of winning as a team full of that famous blend of youth, experience and class.

The result? A consistent display of energy, hunger and desire that is frighteningly, if not eerily, similar to the what we witnessed at the beginning of the 1995/96 season. A new-wave of Fledglings that has rapidly drawn not only incredible comparisons (Cleverley with Scholes), however faith, in that these are the players to take Manchester United forward - not only to the European success that we missed out on last season, however forward through to the days when Ferguson will be eventually replaced.

Cleverley (22), Smalling (21), Jones (19) Welbeck (20) and Anderson (23) have all already excelled and given us the same confidence in their ability that Fergie has. Berbatov, Hernandez, Rooney, Giggs and Nani - our five best players from last season - are still involved and very much there to add the blend of experience and class that I mentioned; however the injection of youth that we now possess - that no other team in the league can boast and that has now already brushed aside City, West Brom and Tottenham - has invigorated our side and provided a stunning new dimension. One that perhaps was what was required against Barcelona. One that has instilled a new level of excitement within every United fan. And one that for this fan, has given an excuse to never leave his beloved football team, or diminish his passion, for such a long time again.

Paul Scholes: The Legend's Legend

2011-06-01T19:55:00.006+01:00

My toughest opponent? Scholes of Manchester. He is the complete midfielder. Scholes is undoubtedly the best midfielder of his generation.

Zinedine Zidane

In the last 15 to 20 years the best central midfielder that I have seen — the most complete — is Scholes. I have spoken with Xabi Alonso about this many times. Scholes is a spectacular player who has everything. He can play the final pass, he can score, he is strong, he never gets knocked off the ball and he doesn’t give possession away. If he had been Spanish then maybe he would have been valued more.

Xavi

Good enough to play for Brazil. I love to watch Scholes, to see him pass, the boy with the red hair and the red shirt.

Socrates

Out of everyone at Manchester United, I would pick out Scholes – he is the best midfielder of his generation. I would have loved to have played alongside him.

Pep Guardiola

I tell anyone who asks me – Scholes is the best English player.

Laurent Blanc

I have no hesitation in putting a name to the embodiment of all that I think is best about football. It’s Paul Scholes. Players like Denis Law and George Best who I enjoyed so much as team-mates and now, finally, players I have watched closely in the Alex Ferguson era. And in so many ways Scholes is my favourite. I love his nous and conviction that he will find a way to win, to make the killer pass or produce the decisive volley.

Sir Bobby Charlton

Paul Scholes would have been one of my first choices for putting together a great team – that goes to show how highly I have always rated him. He would have been one of the first players I’d have bought, given the chance.
Marcello Lippi

The player in the Premiership I admire most? Easy – Scholes.
Patrick Vieira

He is the one whose level I aspire to. He is the best player in the Premier League.
Cesc Fabregas

I wouldn’t swap Paul Scholes for anybody. He is quite simply the most complete footballer I have ever played with. He is the best.
Gary Neville

We won’t ever see another one like Paul Scholes. He is a legend and a real benchmark. He is not interested in the modern-day footballer’s life off the pitch, but he is a world-class player on it. He has probably never really got the true recognition he deserved outside of Manchester United because he never did the media. He didn’t do interviews and never put himself out for things like that. I cannot believe he has never been nominated for World, European or domestic individual honours because in his prime he was scoring 20 goals a season from midfield. It is astonishing he has never won a personal award, but given the choice of winning something and then having to get up and do the speech, I think he would rather not have won them!
Darren Fletcher

If you ask footballers to pick out the player they most admire, so many of them will pick Paul Scholes. He can tackle, and his passing and shooting is of the highest level. He’s the most consistent and naturally gifted player we’ve had for a long, long time.
Alan Shearer

Gary Neville was having a piss one day 45 yards away by a fence, Scholes got the ball and whacked him right in the arse...
Sir Alex Ferguson

Paul Scholes: Modern Football's Last Traditionalist

2011-05-31T20:12:00.000+01:00

Day’s after our Champions League defeat at the hands of Barcelona, we bid fair well to the greatest midfielder of his generation.

After 675 games and 19 major honours with United, Paul Scholes departs United as a legend: one of the modern era’s few true gentleman. One of the few players in this day and age of greed and over indulgence who famously walks in and out of contract negotiations within minutes. Who keeps himself to himself, staying out of the limelight and rarely performing interviews. Who simply goes to work, plays the game, get's showered, goes home.

The modern game has today lost its rugged romantic, its traditionalist, its loyalist, its perfectionist – the essence, in mind and spirit, of Sir Matt Busby's Babes.

Manchester United

1994 - 2011

Fairwell to a Legend

2011-05-30T02:13:00.002+01:00

Edwin van der Sar

Manchester United 2005-2011

265 appearances

Clean Sheet Record (1,311 minutes without conceding)

4 League Titles

1 Champions League

1 Club World Cup

1 League Cup

Champions League Final: United XI To Face Barca

2011-05-28T11:44:00.004+01:00

...The players who will make history...

So, the time is nearly among us. This has been probably the longest week of my life - unable to concentrate at work, encapsulating myself with every ounce of pre-match build-up I could find and reading the f**k out of every expert preview and patronising guide on 'how United can beat Barca'. But I'm not interested in that - because quite simply, we'll beat Barca if we don't allow them time on the ball and in turn minimise the impact of their attacking players. Play with assertion and confidence like we did against Chelsea in the Champions League, again against them in the title decider, or even against Schalke over both legs in the Semi's, and we will be Champions of Europe. Ultimately, if we play as a unit we can do it. And below are the chosen ones who can lead us to the promised land once again...

Goal

Van der Sar

Age: 40

Champions League Appearances 2010/11: 9

An absolute no brainer. One of the greatest 'keepers of all time, certainly the most coveted, plays his last ever game as a footballer. Calm, cool, clever and true class; many thought we had signed him too late when he came to United as a 34 year old and as a veteran with 15 years at the top behind him. But arguably we caught him at his peak. And it has truly been an honour.

Defence

Fabio Da Silva

Age: 20

Champions League Appearances 2010/11: 6

Champions League Goals: 0

The biggest risk selection for a number of reasons: the level of astute awareness that'll need to be held by the full backs (they do have to face Iniesta, Xavi, Pedro and Villa after all) and the overall pace Barcelona will want to set the game at will be a dreaded prospect to most. To say our full-backs will need to be on top of their game therefore is an understatement. And to say that 20 year old Fabio, who has lived in the shadows of his brother since the twins arrived to Old Trafford a year and a half ago, and who has arguably found himself out of position on the right, will need to step up, rise to the occasion and ignore all the expected pressure placed on his inexperienced shoulders is equally obvious. If he is selected, which you feel he will be given recent line-ups, then it is because the boss believes he is good enough to play in the biggest game of all. And if Sir Alex believes in you, there is no option but to deliver.

Ferdinand and Vidic

Age: 32 and 29

Champions League Appearances 2010/11: 6 and 9

Champions League Goal between them: 0

On their day, one of the greatest defencive partnerships the game has ever seen. The perfect blend of class and graft; artistry and industry; calm, cool, collected and 'never say die', the pair have it all and rarely fail in filling you with confidence when either clearing the ball out of harms way or making that last ditch, essential tackle. As is naturally the case, frailties have appeared in their game as the years of physical trauma take their cause. With Ferdinand it's the injuries that have kept him out of 45 (out of 76) league appearances in the last two seasons, and with Vida it is the sometimes worrying lack of pace and over-reliance on his brute force and power that have either got him into trouble this season, or should have! But as I said, on their day they are the best, and they're days are far from over.

Evra

Age: 30

Champions League Appearances 2010/11: 9

Champions League Goals: 0

Not his brightest season at United, especially on the back of such an accomplished campaign the season before. But his pace, vision, integrity and brilliant ability to link up with his winger - whether it be Park, Giggs or most effectively Nani - he always seems to perform and add an extra, vital attacking option when we need him.

Midfield

Valencia

Age: 25

Champions League Appearances 2010/11: 6

Champions League Goals: 1

If someone told me six months ago that Valencia would recover from that double leg break and return as one of our most important players in the title run-in and on the road to Wembley, I would never have believed it. Such has been his frighteningly vital impact and rapid return to form, his inclusion on the right was never in doubt - affectively reducing the performances of Nani (who I would argue is still United's most important player) to the bench. His pace on that flank (which is now back to its penetrative best), ability to protect his full-back, as well as his confidence to go out the defence will prove one of our strongest routes to goal and arguably our best attacking threat.

Carrick

Age: 29

Champions League Appearances 2010/11: 10

Champions League Goals: 0

Another who's inclusion in a Champions League final line-up may appear odd - surely Anderson, Scholes, Park and Fletcher are better equipped in the centre of our midfield? Well Anderson, as we learnt from Rome two years ago, is still not ready for the pressure and intensity of such a game; Scholes too may struggle with the pace; Park's pace and dogged nature sees him placed on the left, and Fletcher, who's exclusion was unlucky (and to our detriment) two years ago, may just miss out due to his recent injury. So that leaves Carrick to occupy arguably the most important and tricky area of the field. As a defensive, holding midfield, he must guide the ball out of defence, diffusing the inevitable Messi/Iniesta/Xavi infused pressure, while progressing the attacking flow of our game - linking with, and making sure he has the awareness to supply almost every player on the pitching. But to describe his inclusion as simply one out of default is insulting. Because of Fletcher's exclusion and the lack of impact made by others, he has made this position his own and thoroughly deserves to start.

Giggs

Age: 37

Champions League Appearances 2010/11: 7

Champions League Goals: 1

A player engrossed with superlatives. His impact and style has stood the test of time, and like his boss, he has nurtured, mentored and adapted to many a team-mate. At 37 years of age, and one game away from winning his 34th major honour at United, this is arguably his best ever season. Instead of frailing, he has developed the maturity and unrivalled experience to influence a game of this stature with every pass, darting run or a deft touch he produces. Simply unbelievable.

Ryan Giggs: the boy who played football like a man, is now truly the man who plays football like a boy.

Park

Age: 30

Champions League Appearances 2010/11: 8

Champions League Goals: 1

His dedication to the cause, energy levels and ability to create space will deservedly give Park his second start in this fixture in three years. I'm a massive advocate of Nani and his improving form and impact at United has led him to be one of our most influential players. But in a game like this where you have to think about the opposition and how we can work as a unit to defeat them, the strengths of the individual are not as important. Nani is class and can create chances, however so can Valencia, Giggs and Park. The way our front two line-up as well, one playing deeper than the other, someone like Park - who provides multiple options from wide positions as well as inside - complements his commitment to defending brilliantly.

Strikers

Hernandez and Rooney

Age: 22 and 25

Champions League Appearances 2010/11: 8 and 8

Champions League Goals between them: 7

This can be the front-two to make the difference and beat Barcelona with their goals, movement and astute awareness of one another. Berbatov's exclusion, after winning the Premier League golden boot, is nothing but credit to Hernandez and his rise up the ranks to now be considered United's biggest attacking threat, and the player who Barca fear the most. But to ignore Rooney's impact to Chico's rise to brilliance is naive. For the Mexican has been able to thrive with confidence in an attacking position while Rooney plays deep and controls the area between midfield and attack (similar to Carrick's role between defence and midfield). The two complement each other perfectly therefore, and where Barca's front three - Pedro, Messi and Villa - are out and out attack, the movement and connection between our front two could throw Barca's defence off; unable to deal with Chico's pace, Rooney's deep positioning, vision and passing, complemented by the creativity and threat of our accomplished midfield.

We can win. Not because we have magicians like those that glitter the Barca line-up, but because we graft; because we don't leave ourselves exposed with one dimensional football; and above all, because we have the belief, unity, strength and inert desire to win that is essential for any Champions. We have already overcome adversity this season - not once being considered good enough to retain the domestic title yet winning it with a nine point margin - and again, we find ourselves unfancied and disregarded. A strange position for the English Champions to find themselves in, but a desired one nonetheless. We will feed off the hatred and ignorance of others to simply concentrate on what we do best: play to win. We have the depth, we have the experience and we know what is our stake. So bet against us if you will, but whether we win or lose, one thing is for certain - as we take centre stage at Wembley, just as Best, Charlton and Busby did 42 years ago, we will rise to the occasion and give it our all. And maybe, just maybe, that will be enough.

BELIEVE

Glory Is Ours

2011-05-28T11:05:00.000+01:00

Nike Football

Champions League Final: Two Days To Go...

2011-05-26T22:16:00.001+01:00

My final reflective piece looking back at our final in Rome two years ago, is my overly emotional (but highly justified) piece the day after. 29th May 2009 was a dark day, full of disappointment and 'what if's' as we failed to rise to the occasion and in turn got taught a lesson by the best team in the world. Many people's perception this time round is that we'll all be feeling exactly the same on the 29th May 2011. But call it raw passion, loyalty or belief - I think it'll be different. Very different. Anyway. I know we'll step up this time round and avoid this...

the day after...

Posted by The Cockney Red
THURSDAY, 29 MAY 2009

I don’t really know where to begin. I don’t really know why I’m even bothering with this to be honest. But I’ve hidden away from it all day and as much as I thought it would help to mentally remove myself from the realities of last night, it really hasn’t. So here it is. It arrived, and then, somehow, we forgot how to play. Nothing happened, nothing went right, a performance didn't even occur; and then we lost. Convincingly.

Dethroned and embarassed. But it was all unquestionably our fault, and only our fault. I fully, completely and utterly deny any talk of Barca being ‘amazing’, ‘scintillating’, ‘incredible’ and ‘spell-binding’ (all words I’ve read describing them last night).

Barca were good, at best, but the big difference was that Manchester United were awful. That is why they looked good and that is why they are European Champions. Not because of Xavi’s passing or Iniesta’s outstanding vision and play-making, and certainly not due to Messi’s God-like football presence (NB: I've read all 3 of those players, along with the average-on-the-day Etoo, getting over 8 ratings by newspapers. What Bull shit). The fact Barca were up for this and generally solid and fluid helped. On top of that, to their credit, they were able to find an extra gear when needed; but that was only made possible due to our own short-comings. As soon as they knew they had the upper-hand, i.e. after 10 minutes, they sensed we were shell-shocked and immediately weaker. And we were.

From the first goal we were poor in every aspect of the field and so were rightly and deservedly punished for our lack of play. Our possession and use of the ball was most disappointing. For most of the night, the moment got the ball we gave it away, yet Barca – with their extra gear – were compentantly able to maintain, and of course once you have the ball, you can do anything. Well, they definitely didn’t do that, because they were NOT THAT GOOD (sorry, really need to drill that point home), but they made it look easier to progress up-field as we wernt allowed near the ball. The occasions we did win it back exposed their own sloppy nature, yet as soon as Anderson left the field – our only defensive, hard-tackling player protecting the defence – our holes and consequently errors in midfield were more evident, thus allowing them to keep posession in the centre so comfortably.

Did Ferguson get it wrong tactically? Maybe. The 4-3-3 has definitely been successful in punishing teams, especially in Europe, yet when Barca took the (slender) lead completely against the run of play, there should have been a change, as we were still in it. The half-time substitution definitely did bemuse us all however. Giggs would have been a more obvious, less panicky choice to go; not only was he ineffective in the 1st, but this would have allowed us to revert to a wing-attacking, yet still defence protecting 4-4-2, with Tevez and Rooney up-front, and Ronaldo and Park on the wings. Puyol – do NOT even get me started on that cheating c**t – was a complete attacking full-back (as well as a complete c**t. Sorry), often leaving his position exposed, so if we played a wider game in the 2nd, Ronaldo/Park could have played to that advantage and even cut inside to find Tevez and Rooney gasping for the ball.

As it was however, Rooney, Tevez, Ronaldo, Berbatov, Park, Giggs, Carrick, O’Shea, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra and Van der Saar were clueless. They just could not find a way. I have to say, they disappointed themselves, the fans and the badge. Edwards, Taylor, Best and, of course, Sir Matt would have looked down, shaken their heads and pointed to their chests to remind them what they are fighting for. Lets face it, it was clearly lost on our players on the occasion they needed to remember it the most. And so the months of effort, passion and beautiful football we provided in Europe over the season was reduced to that.

The build up and anticipation for the spectacle was flattened, squandered and wasted. And so our dreams came and went. Over, just like that. I will remember the 27th May with regret and disappointment for many reasons.

Along with the horrifying non-performance and possible explantations for it, I am a complete karma freak and so have been constantly blaming myself for the result. Had I worn my red socks…? Had I not gone to the toilet at half time...? Had I watched it with my Yasmine…? Had I at least spoken to her before the game…? And had I watched it at home…? Yet on that note, what I will remember most from a night of misery was the support and passion from the faithful…and I’m talking those in central London, I can't imagine how they would have been in Rome.

Whatever was lacking in desire and passion on the pitch (and I’m sorry Sir Alex, it really wasn’t there in any of them), it was well and truly evident through the noise and support of the fans. I read a blog on the official website titled ‘Defiance rules Despair’, and that sums it up perfectly. If I was proud about anything last night, it was being a red (on a night when pathetic Gooners and Scousers would ignorantly make you feel ashamed). The response of the fans around me was electric. Although constantly chanting throughout, there were understandably moments of uncontrolable anger, and sometimes confusion, oozing out of us all; yet at full-time, when it mattered the most, we were full of song and undying love for the cause. And that’s the way it should be.

My decision to not watch it at home is still slightly haunting me given that that location was my karma-induced idea on the back two successful (and home-watched) Champions League finals, but I know that had I been alone and not in the support of hundreds of reds, I would literally have found myself in a full state of depression at the final whistle. As it was, my fellow red-army troops saw me through the devastation, helping me to see the light and appreciate a message that should never be forgotten, especially in these times when it is most prevalent. That message was ‘we’ll never die, we’ll never die, we’ll never die, we’ll never die; we’ll keep the red flag flying high; because Man United will never die’.

Champions League Final: What the Papers Say...

2011-05-25T23:45:00.003+01:00

Jonathon Wilson, the Guardian, on how to stop the unstoppable, almighty, incredible, best team in the entire fucking Universe that is Barcelona.

The Telegraph's Henry Winter reckons Bob Paisley taught Fergie a thing or two

Soccerlens' match preview

Stretford End Arising analyses are best XI and how they can win us the Champions League

But according to Surreal Football, United haven't got a hope in help

Champions League Final: Three Days To Go...

2011-05-25T10:00:00.002+01:00

Part two of my build-up to Saturdays final looks back at my reaction to 2009's utterly controversial Semi-Final second leg clash between Chelsea and Barcelona at Stamford Bridge, where Barca edged the win and secured their place in the final against United...

Wasteful Chelsea, lucky Barca...'IT'S A F**KING DISGRACE!'

Posted by The Cockney Red
WEDNESDAY, 6 MAY 2009

Well there you have it: after about 75 clear-cut penalty shouts and 1 single, stinging shot on target for Barca, Chelsea are out. Am I happy that they lost? Definitely. Am I happy that we have Barca in the Final? Hmm. I celebrated like a psycho when Iniesta belted it into the top corner (an absolute beaut), but is this what I, and therefore Man United, actually wanted? At least the extra motivating agenda of 'Chelsea and John Terry getting revenge' is wiped out, but then Chelsea we know. As a result, we know that we can beat them. In terms of the way they line-up, they are almost identical to the team we annihilated at Old Trafford (minus Alex, who would have missed the final). But Barcelona can pull out all sorts of unexpected stops. They can pass, keep the ball and shoot better than anyone (2 out of 3 of those were proven over these 2 legs); but then again, so can we. It'll be interesting; probably not exciting, special or spectacular. Just interesting.

Possession will prove key, so if we can maintain it, we know we can press; creating chances and producing progressive attacking play (just look at the counter-attacking last night...any chance to mention that stunning goal again! My mate Andy - Arsenal fan - saying, 'it reminded me of the invincibles'). Also its worth noting that they're without Abidal (unfairly sent-off tonight, but I'm not commenting after Fletcher last night), Marquez and Alvez, so hopefully Ronaldo and whoever’s on the left - Rooney, Park, Giggs - can confidently attack them on the wings, pressurising the full-backs and creating play that way. The other issue that no doubt will need Tabloid sorting is the 'best player in the world competition'. In my eyes, it’s Ronaldo. Always. Not just on the basis of the Semi-Final displays, but his runs and vision to pick out his man has developed and improved (arguably through the introduction of Berba as he now has a more creative, less attacking role). Messi might be able to run rings all day around Real and, umm... struggling to find another Spanish team worthy of a mention here, but the level of La Liga doesn't even compare to the Premiership.

Those niggly teams; I'm not talking Chelsea, Liverpool or Arsenal, but Everton, Villa, Portsmouth, and this year Fulham and Wigan, can ALWAYS be a threat to the 'big four', home or away. Spain just doesn't have that extra second/third-tier threat that we do. For that reason, Barca and sometimes even Real, have managed to stroll it (Barca are now on 100 goals in the league with 4 games remaining). Don't get me wrong, Barca are obviously class, and Messi is definitely in the top 3 best in the world, but my point is: who have Messi and Etoo and Henry and Iniesta and Xavi actually played this season to really prove their greatness? I know alot of football fans agree with me on this. Take them to a frosty Tuesday evening at Villa Park and see how they fair. I'm not saying that these teams could beat Barca necessarily, but they'll not roll over and probably won't let them play in the way they've become accustomed to this year.

OK, they held their own and probably just deserved to go through against Chelsea, but the free-flowing, confident, attacking football that they're so unbelievably, incredibly, astoundingly 'famous' for? Not a chance. And lets face it, if the Referee wasn't an absolute retard tonight, Chelsea could have won it 2/3-0. We can win it if we play with the absolute class and skill of last night, but we could easily fall short (only by the odd goal, mind) if we don't retain possession and are wasteful with our chances. Chelsea were dealt a killer blow tonight and will not let it go, I've no doubt about that. But we can learn from their mistakes, and for every completely wrong decision the Ref gave (as I said, at least 75), Chelsea should have killed it off. Drogba and Anelka both had good chances but they just didn't take them, then when Barca inevitably pressed with 2 minutes remaining...well, you know how these things work out.

Yes it was a disgrace at times; not only the performance of the who-gives-a-shit-what-your-name-is-you'll-never-ref-in-this-town-again Referee, but also by the petulant bottler himself. He was frustrating, selfish and spoilt tonight. Maybe sort your football out first son before you go around blasting UEFA and the higher powers. You're employed to make that difference and, you know, SCORE, so, umm, maybe, I dunno, actually try, instead of, umm, like, diving and pretending to be injured...? Just a thought.

Wasteful Chelsea, lucky Barca...'IT'S A F**KING DISGRACE!'

PICTURES: Gary Neville's Testimonial

2011-05-24T23:16:00.002+01:00

As the class of '92 come together for one last time, here are the images from Gazza's big night at Old Trafford (courtesy of ManUtd.com)

The Class of '92: Now and Then

Scholesy, Butt, Sir Alex and Beckham are joined by a familiar smile before the game

David Gill and Sir Alex present Gazza with his memorial shield

Looks earily normal seeing them wearing red standing side by side again, doesn't it?

'Gary Neville is a RED...'

Beckham and Del Piero: Peers and legend of the modern game

Giggsy and Rooney

Beckham, Neville P. and Butt applaud their former teammate and friend

Neville and Becks

Farewell Gazza - a true red, on the field and off it.

Champions League Final: Four Days To Go...

2011-05-24T18:35:00.003+01:00

In 'preperation' for Saturday's epic encounter against Barca, I thought I would reflect on the last time we were in this situation - exactly two years against the exact same opposition. Starting with my first ever post on this blog (aww), here is my reaction to the 3-1 Semi Final win at the Emirates...

You Stay Classy Manchester United...

Posted by The Cockney Red
WEDNESDAY, 6 MAY 2009

To quote my hero Ron Burgendy, I am in a glass cage of emotion. Although Burgendy was most definitely not referring to waking life as a Football and/or Manchester United fan, He is the worlds greatest prophet of life and wisdom; to question this absolute powerhouse of knowledge would therefore be foolish and ignorant beyond belief.

This divine being knows and can tell you EVERYTHING you ever need to know about everything: the ladies, diversity (a Spanish ship), San Diego(Def: a whales vagina), hair, sharp suits, scotch and jazz-flute. Football, you’d assume, has to come somewhere in the mix of it all; however after tonight, in fact, after a month of immensely proud, powerful and ridiculously determined performances by United, I feel the worlds greatest living philosopher has perhaps, only this once, maybe, just slightly, undermined the sheer magnitude of how this stunningly beautiful game is able to alter your emotions. (for those of you who are at this point thinking ‘who the hell is Ron Brigundary?’, FUCK YOU!).

We are, in the most magical, satisfying, spine-tingly exciting way that football could possibly offer, Champions League finalists for the second year running. Beating Arsenal at the Emirates, the first time we’ve ever done so, highlighted not only our own brilliant ability and belief to go all the way, however also the rather surprising bridge in quality between the two teams.

Arsenal were, if at times unlucky, completely outplayed, outthought and, even when they had the player advantage, outnumbered. On that note, the only downer of the night was Fletcher’s sending off. I’m not going to dwell though, because that’ll make me angry and have to deride the rules and often pointless systems of football. But that’s not what last night was about. He shouldn’t have ever been sent off, that’s a scientific fact (just as it is Anchorman not Anchorlady), but I am still grateful that that wasn’t Rio or Vidic (I suppose on that note you could raise the point of why Fletch was so far back in the first place…?). Enough of that, back to the tingly spine stuff.

Our football was solid yet mesmerising. It hasn’t been either of late, which made this encounter - on the back of a strong yet wasteful, and therefore slender, 1-0 lead at OT - potentially tight and too close to call. Arsenal were arguably on better form; effortlessly brushing aside team after team in the league, and 4 goals at Anfield? Scary...but no Arshavin in Europe? Still surprisingly scary.

Although we are currently on 5 league wins on the trot, that doesn’t tell half the story. To say we have been rocky and nervy of late is to sayLiverpool struggle somewhat without a certain angry, forward-hairlined scouser. With the resources we have, we should not, at any point, be battling out a 2-1 win away to Sunderland, or to be 2-0 down at half-time at home to Spurs. But we’ve made it, because that’s what we do. We want to, therefore we will, always win.

A ‘rocky spell’/‘iffy patch’/‘complete and utter bullshit lack of form’ is only ever that at United: a spell/a patch/a minor wave of shitness. They make you worry and doubt, then snatch those feelings away from you as rapidly as they unwelcomingly arrive. They make you fear that ‘its starting to get a tad nervy now’ and question ‘what the fuck has happened to my team?’ (REF: two defeats and an aggregate score of 1-6 in two weeks. United fans know what I‘m talking about).

But there was no worry tonight. Rooney is utterly, utterly special and can pretty much do anything on the pitch these days; Park is a diesel-powered speedboat on raw crack; Rio and Vidic are oh so happily back together again and display the kind of in-tune relationship you’d expect from an elderly couple still very much in love after all these years: they are solid, know everything about each other, are comfortable playing together and are always there for one another (aww).

As for Ronaldo. Oh sweet, glorious Ronaldo. Rest-assured, when the critics are joyfully abusing his arrogance that doesn’t quite match his talent, he shows that he CAN impact the big games and there should never be a doubt over his work rate (his second of the night by the way officially makes my top 3 greatest ever United goals). He therefore is, without a midget-Argentinean shadow of a doubt, the best player in the world…but we’ll have to wait to the final to fully see the result of that one!

So, to summarise (you have to forgive me: I have no idea how to structure these nifty little blog things; plus I am still in full on essay mode, so I‘m ALL about the summaries): tonight, my boys made me proud and happy and relieved and very very proud. At times they make me worry, but with displays like this, pride and confidence and joy ripple through me uncontrollably. I just hope that Tuesday night's superior level of football can maintain - rather the type that relies on a 17 year old unknown to save our season - when the ‘biggest’ team in Manchester come round ours on Sunday (oh that’s right, I still have the nerve to doubt them after everything I have just said. I just can‘t help it).

With some help from North London’s lightweight over-achievers of-course, the match underlined everything great, poor, thrilling and utterly-disappointing about football…glass-cage of emotion, Lord Ron, doesn’t even scratch the surface. Buonjiorno Roma…

Giggs. Legend.

2011-05-24T10:45:00.000+01:00

Yes, it's him. But nothing has changed.

He is ours, and we are his. We will never stop loving him and never forget what he has done for our club.

VIEW: United vs Blackpool. 4-2

2011-05-23T21:34:00.006+01:00

Reflections...

The Worst United Team in Years. The amount of shite this current crop has received this season for winning the league 9 points clear, scoring more goals than any other team, producing the league's top scorer, dropping two points at home all season, beating Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Citeh at Old Trafford, and losing only four games, is thoroughly deserved.

18 wins and 1 draw at home. Yes I have just made that point, but I think for those of you not quite so savvy on the maths front, I thought I would spell out exactly what dropping two points at home all season equated to.

Unlucky Blackpool. As a fan of one of the league's big dogs - well, THE big dog - who are owned by a bunch of greedy, sellfish wankers who couldn't give a f**k about the club, the fans or its heritage, it was somewhat poetic to see a team built out of such modesty and passion reach these dizzy heights. But unfortunately, it wasn't to be a fairy tail ending for the team who still make their players wash their own kit. Hopefully it won't be long until we have another Blackpool grace our cash hungry league to provide us with a hearty dose of reality. It certainly won't be happening next season though as replacing Blackpool is a team who's owners are the richest men in Britain.

Owen. He still has that big goal in him remember? Well a typically cynical finish from the lad might help his cause and indeed remind his manager of that fact come Saturday when we are seeking that Ole moment...

Final Thought. A swift little post this, such was the meaningless status placed on yesterday's match (on United's part anyway). But rest assured, this overly passionate fan will be completely overwhelming his blog with emotional dribble ahead of Saturday's match. But to the league, another congratulations to my boys - a side who were never, at any point of the season, regarded or acclaimed for their ability to win, fight to the death and completely utilise and benefit from the strength and variety of talent in our squad. There was no star performer, evident by the fact that when you try and single out a player you are immediately reminded on someone else equally worthy (Vidic...how about Nani...or Valencia and Rooney in the second half of the season...or Van der Sar...or Berbatov...or Sir Ryan Giggs...). Running through my red veins is pride and honour and sheer delight that my team is a team built on tradition and the desire to win. We weren't the most glamorous of sides, that is true, but we won because we were better and wanted it more than everyone else. And that is why we are Champ19ns.

'Little Pea, Little Pea...'

2011-05-22T11:27:00.000+01:00

Arguably the greatest thing I have ever seen in my life...

Nike Release Commemorative '19' T-Shirt

2011-05-21T20:50:00.001+01:00

Oh hi there readers. So I'm not sure if you've heard, but United won the league the other week. Oh you did? Well in that case maybe you heard a certain heightened level of noise relating to this particularly historic title victory...

I am of course talking about number 19. And to commemorate the historic event of United being officially crowned the most successful side in English domestic football, those crafty people at Nike have released this awesome commemorative t-shirt. Get your limited edition piece of history at www.nikestore.com.

And something special from Mr. Rooney...

2011-05-16T21:19:00.003+01:00

CHAMP19NS

...What!? F**king WHAT!!?

Title Celebrations in Pictures

2011-05-16T21:15:00.002+01:00

Courtesy of ManUtd.com

VIEW: United vs Blackburn (a). 1-1

2011-05-16T21:09:00.002+01:00

Good.

Champions. For the 19th time, United are crowned champions of England. Officially the most successful side in England, we stand alone on our perch.

Bottle. A point I touched upon after the Chelsea game - the game that effectively won us the league and a performance built on balls of steel - but Wazza's ability to hold his nerve the way he did after stepping up to take that penalty was incredible. With the pressure an responsibility of earning the point that would reclaim the title, he stepped forward as the bravest man on the pitch and completely f**ked that ball up until it landed into that impossible region of hapless Robinson's goal. We just about deserved the point (although, performance wise, we were an embarrassing comparison to the side that turned out against Chelsea a week earlier). But in the greater scheme of things, it was a grafter result, the same way we grafted and thoroughly earnt this title. Number 19 wasn't the most glamorous, nor the most accomplished (no matter what the result against Blackpool on the final, this is our lowest points total of any title winning season). But it was ours and, after the heroics against Chelsea in the unofficial title decider, it was calling. And there was nothing - not even the shittest goalkeeping performance of the season by Kuszczak - going to stand in the way of that.

Controversy. Well, it's just a standard part of any United season really, isn't it? Something you feel our campaign can't live without. So even though Robinson 100% brought Hernandez down in the box, even though Robinson made an awful, foolish decision coming out to try and meet the ball considering Chico was so far away from goal, and even though their opener, let's remember, went completely out of play before Olsen crossed it back in to Emerton...the nationals on the day they should have heralded number 19 instead honed in the point that we relied on a 'controversial goal' to win the title. F**king brilliant.

Kit-Kat. Ta'ra pal. For another club in another league, it could have worked. But not at United and not when your behind Van der Sar in the pecking order - as you nicely reminded us on Saturday.

Bad.

Are you dumb? What was my first point above??

Congratulations United.

VIEW: United vs Chelsea. 2-1

2011-05-10T21:49:00.006+01:00

...or five reasons why we deserve to be Champions.

1. Not arrogant, just better. At times this season we've certainly shown that not to be the case. In fact, as a representation of our rather inconsistent season (in terms of performances), the past week is perfect. First up came the crucial encounter against Arsenal, where we completely failed to show up; not rising to the occasion and doing little to show the 'must need' status in a acheiving the win. Against Schalke in the week however, we fielded a weakened side (I'll get to that later) yet still managed to completely embarrass Ze Germans with some incredible, game controlling displays by largely disregarded players such as Gibson and Anderson. So which United were going to turn up days later against Chelsea, in the most important game of the season? Well, if there's one thing we love doing, that's dragging the fans through the most agonising of title run-ins, giving us the false sense of failure (as we did in title decider a) at the Emirates), only to pull through when it really, really matters. Against Chelsea, from as early as the 38th second, we made our intentions perfectly clear as to which way we wanted the title pendulum to swing. Brilliant, mature and wide-awake play from Giggs, feeding through Park, who finally played in goalscorer Hernandez, opened the scoring and caught sloppy Chelsea unaware. Still, they had 89 minutes to make a difference in a game they had to win. But unfortunately for them, the difference was that United wanted it so much more, and by the 23rd minute, when Giggs' cross - his fourth assist out of the five goals we have scored against them in the last three games - found the head of Vidic (if there is one player that really deserves to be on the scoresheet in such a vital game, it's him) it was game over.
We could have scored five more, had two penalties and played the majority of the game against 10 men, showing just how superior we were against a Chelsea side forced into making mistakes as the only means of stopping us. Every single player - from composed Ferdinand at the back, to the quiet, thoughtful, yet controlling Carrick in the centre, to the simply f**king superb Park, Giggs, Valencia, Chico and Rooney in the attacking third - we showed a truly incredible title winning performance; one full of class, composure and coherence. It hasn't always been the case this season, but when we do turn it on, it has everyone watching in full agreement of our position at the top and adoration of our football.

2. Bottle. Our tactics on the day could have gone one of two ways: contain a traditionally attack minded side, hitting them on the break and cancelling them out in a fierce battle of the midfield...in other words, playing for the draw. The other option would have been to hit them from the off. Hard. Shocking them into a state of confusion and utter discomfort as to our superiority, until they crumble. Unexpected, unconventional and rarely successful against a decent side. One uses common sense, the other uses balls. Guess which one we went for?

3. Fair, honest play. We didn't win by 're-signing Webb' or conning the officials with any sort of the pre-conceived, ignorant hatred that is usually spoken about and poured all over any high profile United victory; in fact it was us that was granted the far more typical biased refereeing decisions against Chelsea. Bust who cares. All everyone spoke about the day after was our majestic performance, fit enough to lift any 19th title.

4. The most underrated squad in world football. We showed it most prevalently last Wednesday against Schalke, as we boldly left out the likes of Hernandez, Rooney and Giggs and started with Smalling, Evans and Gibson. Yet the side that day played with the confidence and assurance of a mature side playing their 100th game together, not the immaturity and nervousness you might associate with such a youthful side going into a Champions League semi-final. And against Chelsea, after recalling our more renowned personnel, as well as giving Park and Valencia the freedom on the wings to completely dominate all creative and defensive duties on the flanks, we again played a dominant game against tough opposition. Our second assured performance, brimming with class and confidence, in a week. And this remember with virtually a completely different side (to put it into perspective: Valencia was the only outfield player to play both games. Amazing).

5. Ryan Giggs. Simply perfect. It was suggested, at the tender age of 38, that this his 21st season may be his best. As our most influential and arguably most creative player on the field in such a crucial, that could be right. For now, I will enjoy the success that he brought our team in the past, and seemingly will bring us yet again this season. But when my mind wonders and think about a time post-Giggsy, I am saddened. No one can ever replace him. And when this great player - a great man and great professional - has left our game for good, he will undoubtedly be regarded as one of the greatest.

GOALS: United 2-1 Chelsea

2011-05-09T18:59:00.006+01:00

United 2 Hernandez (1), Vidic (23)

Chelsea 1 Lampard (68)

Take A Bow, Manchester United

2011-05-09T18:37:00.001+01:00

4th May, 2011

After United had just beaten Chelsea convincingly to take themselves six points clear at the top of the table with only two games remaining, Sir Alex turns to the Stretford End and bows; thanking the United fans for their support during this long, difficult and often tortuous season, and applauding us for always sticking by through all the suffering our team puts us through. Our reward? Number 19...

BEL19VE

BEL19VE: My Thoughts Ahead of Today's Title Decider

2011-05-08T13:39:00.005+01:00

This is it...

The climax, the squeeky bum time, the months of agony, ecstasy, frustration and relief all rolled into one 90 minute slot. But while we prepare for the title decider this afternoon against Chelsea at Old Trafford, to ignore the incredible fact that we have even made it this far through such a flawed campaign is foolish.

If someone told me earlier in the season that we would only need four points in our final three games to win the title, after Chelsea looked to continue their free-scoring form from the previous campaign into this one as United bottled 3-1 leads to end up drawing 3-3 in the final moments, I would have laughed.

But we are here. Not down to our brilliance, however due to our ability to maintain composure and utilise our advantageous desire to win while others around us crumble.

If there's one thing this United side possess unrivalled levels of, it's self-belief and desire. This is our stage of the season. With our destiny very much in our own hands and only Chelsea - a side we demolished twice remember in the space of 6 days only a matter of weeks ago - standing in our way of glory, you feel now is the time to finally knock Liverpool off their f**king perch.

But my confidence and passion towards the game is perhaps only skin deep, and something I am reiterating only because in reality, I am completely bricking it.

What worries me going into the game is the advantage and confidence that must be currently possessed by Chelsea. We are of course on the back of Champions League semi-final victory and a brilliantly assured display that saw us progress into the final. Chelsea however, perhaps more relevantly, have that last minute, if completely illegal, win against Tottenham to spur them on: a victory that if they win the title will surely go down as the defining moment of their campaign, seeing as the day after we lost our game at the Emirates.

On that note, in complete contrast we displayed those exact detrimental flaws against Arsenal that you expected in the opening months of the campaign; not as we enter the most crucial stage where every mistake and error in judgement is scrutinised and punished.

So which United will turn up today? Last week's side, the same that also crumbled at Goodison Park, Craven Cottage and Molineux? Or the side brimming with confidence who love nothing more than to win?

Whichever way it ends, I honestly believe it will be a true, fair reflection of this ridiculous and, lets face it, rather shite season. A Chelsea win, presuming they go on and win their remaining games to retain the title, will not signify a stunning, determined comeback by them (after they were remember 15 points behind United) however a further signifying factor that no team strongly wants this league. And if United win, I am under no illusions that we have been exceptional to fight off the powerful challenge of Chelsea and Arsenal. Because we haven't, and there certainly hasn't been the sort of challenge you would normally expect.

If we win our final three games, we will reclaim the league on 83 points. Two points less than last season, when we finished second, and seven points less than the last time we won the title in 2009.

We clearly therefore haven't been good enough this season, not to win the league anyway, however the bottom line is that everyone else has essentially been worse. A best of a bad bunch will be how this years winners will be known.

An experienced Chelsea side with the right guidance and a strong, reliable squad would have never let their early advantage go to waste; and an Arsenal side with, well, the same, would not have bottled it the way they did towards the crucial final leg of the season. Manchester United however, whatever critics and fans alike have to say about the quality of the squad and in turn apparent inability to compete the way we used to, still possess the drive and desire to win.

So as I look around my room, nerves piling up and confidence slowly deteriorating as the reality of the event increases, I am reminded once again of the United mantra. Staring down upon me are icons such as Giggs, Best and Cantona; looking at me and almost whispering the word 'Believe' as I await this crunch tie. These are winners, and they have all been taught and nurtured in that way thanks to the winning notion and incredible will that has been instilled within the fabric of Manchester United; one that is thankfully passed down from team to team, and hopefully, as Sir Alex's seasons as boss slowly draw to a close, from manager to manager.

We are not merely a team who have been compiled with large sums of money and abide by the new-wave notion of 'money = success', nor are we a team that is embarrassingly heralded for their 'attractive style of football' as a way of disguising the fact that we are actually shit and our 'attractive style of football' has won us nothing in six seasons. We are winners. And for that reason, with number 19 in site and the prospect of that Liverpool-only perch being eradicated, we have to Believe that now is our time.

VIEW: United vs Schalke. 4-1

2011-05-07T16:34:00.003+01:00

Good.

Performance. When I first saw the line-up, heavily influenced by tomorrows league game - no Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra, Giggs, Rooney or Hernandez - I was confused. It looked as thought we were going into an insignificant 4th round Carling Cup game against second tier opposition, not a game that, if we overcame the opposition, would see us enter the most prestigious continental cup final in the world. However, as with in the first leg, the quality that our opposition lacked provided our largely inexperienced side with a surprisingly straight forward encounter. Schalke have been possibly the weakest, least challenging side we have ever faced in a Champions League semi-final, however our displays over both legs - the coherence we showed as a unit, our confidence and prowess in front of goal, and the solid defensive displays (even though two completely different sets of defenders were used for each game) - should not be ignored, nor disregarded due to the lack of ambition displayed by the opposition. On this form and with this enhanced level of desire, following on pertinently from our brilliance against Chelsea in the previous round, we thoroughly deserve to be where we are: entering our third Champions League final in four years.

Gibson. A coming of age performance? Perhaps. Sandwiched in a midfield consisting of his idol and mentor, Paul Scholes, as well as his far more popular, energetic peer, Anderson, it was going to take something special from Gibbo to shine in that line-up. But as with all great prospects and players deemed good enough to make the grade at United, he stepped and performed brilliantly. The opposition, as has been discussed in some detail, were shoddy but his dominance in the centre of the field and maturity in front of goal, rewarded with the scoring of the second, deserves some credit.

Schalke: a team so bad, Anderson scores twice. Arguably the most popular acquisition of recent seasons due to his energy and undoubted natural talent, Ando's hardly been the most potent in front of goal (even though he was bought as an attacking midfielder), scoring only twice in 127 appearances. That tally was doubled after Wednesday's game, with two thoroughly deserved goals against the best 'keeper in the world. Brilliant performance all round from the Brazilian, who is really stepping up when we need him to in this vital stage of the season.

Bad.

Champions League finalists? Really? There was a strangely and disappointingly subdued nature to proceedings going into Wednesday's game. This was undoubtedly down to any one, or a combination of, the following factors:
- The tie was effectively done and dusted in Germany last week as we took a 2-0 advantage into the second leg;
- Our starting line-up therefore didn't scream excitement or a sense of occasion, did it?
- And the opposition, compared to Arsenal in the Semi's two season's ago, or Barca the season before, again failed to maximise or at least match the level of excitement attached to such a game.
A shame, of course, however we're there. We have made it, even though we're supposed to be sh*t. And undoubtedly, in the build-up to the 28th May, our fluctuating moods - a blend of euphoria that we are so nearly there, and fleeting sensations of nausea every time the thought of Wembley enters your head - will remind us of just how important it is. Even if Schalke failed to do so.

Player Ratings.

Van der Sar 6; Rafael 7, Smalling 8, Evans 7, O'Shea 7; Valencia 8, Gibson 8, Scholes 7, Anderson 8; Berbatov 6

VIEW: United vs Arsenal (a). 0-1

2011-05-03T20:46:00.005+01:00

I Heard 'Em Say*...

Henry Winter, the Telegraph

Mayday, Mayday, Mayday. A distress signal lit up Manchester United’s efforts to inch towards the finishing line of the great Premier League race on Sunday.

The leaders deservedly lost to Arsenal, giving Chelsea the chance of overtaking them when the top two meet at Old Trafford next weekend. Call it Summit Sunday.

Only three points adrift, Chelsea can rest up all week or work in training on sorting out their attack. United are otherwise engaged, focusing first on the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against Schalke.

Leading 2-0, United are expected to rotate with Sir Alex Ferguson indicating that Paul Scholes, Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen would start on Wednesday.
Ferguson certainly needs his main men like Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, Antonio Valencia and Javier Hernandez fit and firing for Chelsea’s epic visit. Absent with flu, Giggs’ supreme use of the ball was badly missed against Jack Wilshere and company...

Kevin McCarra, the Guardian
Arsenal have overcome Manchester United at last, just when it seemed that the reliability of Sir Alex Ferguson's side was beyond dispute. They had not been beaten by the Gunners in a span of seven games, spread over two-and-a-half years in all competitions. United have now faltered just when a great deal is at stake. The lead over Chelsea in the Premier League is down to three points because of Aaron Ramsey's goal.

For the first time, the manager and players must sense jeopardy on this front. They will, indeed, be particularly glad now of the 2-0 victory against Schalke in Gelsenkirchen that relieves the return in the Champions League semi-final on Wednesday of nearly all of its strain. Energy and concentration should be conserved for the arrival at Old Trafford next Sunday of Chelsea, who will head the table on goal difference if they can win there.The prizes are still within reach of United, even if the anticipated Champions League final with Barcelona at Wembley will be a severe challenge.

The Republik of Mancunia
1. For the past few years, we’ve beaten Arsenal pretty much every time we’ve played them, whether that be in the league, the European Cup or the FA Cup. Since the last time they beat us back in 2008, the only time we didn’t beat them was the draw penultimate game of the 08-09, when we only needed a point to win the league. We have employed the same tactics for pretty much every game and it has worked, with Arsene Wenger bizarrely not coming up with a Plan B when facing us, given that Plan A didn’t work. So, why did we change things? Why did we play like only a point would do, knowing that a win would more or less win us the league and that playing for a draw meant we were taking a big risk?
2. As has been the problem in every away game, our midfield didn’t get enough of a say. Whilst Michael Carrick has been great in our recent European games against Schalke and Chelsea, he did little to impose himself on the game. Despite his new deeper role, he only made one tackle all game and was guilty of the sideways/backwards passing which has started to limit before yesterday. If Carrick was bad, Anderson was horrendous. At least Carrick was receiving the ball and passing it on, which is more than can be said of Anderson, who was on the pitch for almost an hour and attempted just 17 passes. Compare that with Ramsey (62 passes), Song (58 passes) and Wilshere (53 passes) and you see just how atrocious that is. He shits on Fabregas? Well, Arsenal’s captain wasn’t on the park and Ando didn’t even come a close 2nd to the younger replacement.
3. For my criticism of our tactics and midfield, we would have got away with the point if not for a momentary lapse which came after the substitution of Anderson. Antonio Valencia came on to play on the right, Nani would switch to the left, which would leave Park coming in from the left to play a central role alongside Carrick. There were just 49 seconds between Anderson going off and Arsenal scoring, with Park failing to track the run. Arsenal created nothing other than this one chance but in playing for a draw, we took the risk of one lapse of concentration costing us the game.

*or how I can't be f**ked to reflect on such a shit, detrimental result without causing serious damage to both my body and laptop.

Rooney: How Wrong Was I?

2011-04-28T10:37:00.005+01:00

October 2010

Rooney: “I met with David Gill last week and he did not give me any of the assurances I was seeking about the future squad. I then told him that I would not be signing a new contract.”

“For me its all about winning trophies – as the club has always done under Sir Alex. Because of that I think the questions I was asking were justified.

April 2011 (United need only 7 points out of 12 to clinch title number 19, and are on the verge of playing in their 3rd Champions League final in 4 years)

Rooney: “When I look back at it now, how wrong was I?”

“Obviously, I understand I made a mistake. I admitted that and I apologised for that. I’ve wanted to try to prove myself all over again to the United fans. I feel I’m doing that now. Hopefully, now I’m helping this team to be successful. It would be a great end to the season to be in a Champions League Final and to win the title. I’m very grateful to the fans for supporting me and I’m delighted with my form again. I hope that I’m proving myself through my displays. I’m 100 per cent committed to this club.”

VIEW: United vs Schalke (a). 2-0

2011-04-27T11:07:00.010+01:00

Prior to the game, all the talk was understandably about United's poor form against, and failure to overcome, German opposition in the Champions League. So as the tabloids so delighted in reminding us: first came Borrusia Dortmund in 1996/97 - our first memorable appearance in the competition - where our heroic 4-0 performance against Porto in the Quarter Final was reduced to mere memories (firmly securing it's status in the now classic genre of 'great European nights at Old Trafford'). Fast forward to 2001 and it was Bayern's turn to do us and in turn seek revenge for '99 and all that. It was then the unfancied and underestimated Leverkusen the season after that, going through on away goals, and finally we look back just over 12 months ago to Bayern's second pop at destroying us in the Quarter Finals, although this time round it was that bit more painful.

It's fair to say therefore that the German's have a given us a good hiding over the years, delighting in the fact that they have prevented Ze English from progressing in Europe's premier competition.

So yesterday, with Schalke having won all of their previous home games in the competition - including the 2-1 victory over Inter in the Quarter Finals that completed their 7-3 demolition of the holders - as well as the German jinx that we had been instilled within the pre-match build-up, I was a tad sceptical of our chances of reaching a third final in four years.

However, what was witnessed yesterday was simply beautiful and baring in mind the above, slightly unexpected.

As I watched my United side dominate with 66% possession and 18 attempts on goal, embarrassing them on their home soil and disregarding the performance of every one of their players bar their 'keeper (did Raul even play??), I had failed to consider two things. Firstly, Schalke's impressive form in the competition is completely overshadowed by their awful domestic form, with their woeful show yesterday proving that they are 10th in the league for a reason.

And secondly, at this stage of the season, United's desire to win and overcome adversity in order to succeed is simply overwhelming, and too much for most teams to absorb.

We utterly dominated the game from start to finish, making the home side look like they had ridden their luck to make it this far. A case of one team who had everything to play for against a team who were simply 'happy to be here'.

Even when we saw one of our endless flows of attack either broken down or end up in an incredible save, Schalke wasted every chance they got - granting the ball back to United or being forced to shoot from distance, such was the intimidating nature of our performance. From Rio and Vidic at the back (their best performance as a pair of the season), to the energetic Park and Valencia and the composed, commanding Carrick in the centre, we completely dominated all over the field. As for our attacking trio of Giggs, Rooney and Hernandez? They each should have had a goal by half-time to reward their pressure and prowess in front of goal.

However at the break we shockingly found ourselves going in at 0-0. But beneath the surface and all-square appearance of the scoreline was an outstanding, match-saving performance from their number 1. Whoever Fergie has in line to replace Van der sar, he'll do well to find anyone better in the world right now than Neuer. In one-on-ones, coming out on corners and in his general, imposing appearance in the box - at one point as he made himself 'look big' I swear I saw a certain Mr. Schmeichel in their goal? - he did all he could to keep his poor side undeservedly in it and prove that the hype surrounding Bayern bound Neuer is warranted.

But he couldn't do it all on his own, as our constant pressure and harassment of their defence had to eventually take its toll. And after Giggs' opener on 67 minutes (now the oldest ever scorer in the Champions League), Rooney finished the game - and potentially the tie - two minutes later to take a thoroughly deserved and fair result back to Old Trafford.

Did Schalke play badly? Yes. But you need to ask the question why. Why did this team, so accomplished this season already in Europe appear lost in this competition, let alone this stage of the competition. The reason is because they couldn't even contemplate dealing with an experienced United side in this mood. We were dominant, desperate to win and in turn we produced a performance capable, and worthy, of winning the competition itself.

Full credit to Schalke for reaching their first ever Champions League Semi Final, but the excitement after their Quarter Final victory is now over. Yesterday, and unlucky for them again in seven days time, they faced up to real contenders: up against a side serious about success, serious about being Europe's best, and serious about eradicating German's out of European competitions. Especially if a place in the final is up for grabs.

Goals.

Schalke vs United - PREVIEW

2011-04-25T13:15:00.000+01:00

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI-FINAL FIRST LEG

Venue: Veltins-Arena

Date: Tuesday 26 April

Kick-off: 1945 BST

Schalke 04

Bundesliga:

		Games	W	D	L	GD	Pts
9	TSG Hoffenheim	31	10	10	11	2	40
10	Schalke 04	31	11	7	13	0	40
11	Werder Bremen	31	9	11	11	-14	38

League form:

L D W W L W

Last game (23rd April, 2011):

Schalke 04 0-1 Kaiserslautern (12th)

Top Scorer:

Raul – 12 (18 in total)

United

Premier League:

		Games	W	D	L	GD	Pts
1	Manchester United	34	21	10	3	39	73
2	Chelsea	34	20	7	7	37	67
3	Arsenal	34	18	10	6	31	64

League form:

W D L W W W

Last game (24th April, 2011):

United 1-0 Everton (7th)

Top Scorer:

Berbatov – 21 (22 in total)

VIEW: United vs Everton. 1-0

2011-04-24T12:48:00.003+01:00

Good.

Passion. From the proud British stalwarts in the side, Rooney and Ferdinand, to the newer continental members, Fabio, Valencia and Hernandez, I was so unbelievably proud with the levels of commitment and passion we showed yesterday. There is no denying that as the minutes ticked away and yet another golden chance went begging, frustration and lethargy naturally began to kick in. But with this United side, unique to any other, the sense of desire and undying will to win is overpowering. Van der sar, at the spritely age of 40 made the sort of save you'd expect from a 'keeper 10 years younger - instead it was made by one of the greatest the game has ever seen, and one who knew that his side's title challenge was in the balance had he not stretched for his life and pushed Rodwell's deflected effort away. Rooney was dominating the game, wherever on the pitch he roamed, and gave his team-mates a bollocking when he felt the desire was lacking. Ferdinand, captain on the day, showed the same incredible passion that he always does whenever slipping on the red of United (#stayonyourfeet Cahill!) and impressively mentored his partner, Evans, throughout the game, ensuring he had a confident, composed game alongside the legend.

As for the winner, Antonio Valencia's masterful closing down of Distin regained his team possession, getting the ever-present Anderson involved in the process, and finally one of Tony's crosses were successfully converted by the little man. The scenes that followed can be summed up by one word: relief. Ferdinand's trademark jumping on top the huddle celebration, Ferguson uncharacteristically hugging Phelan and then proceeding to encourage the crowd to 'COME ON!', and the overall reaction from the faithful informed the watching world, as if they didn't already know, that United are so so nearly there.

Viva Hernandez. '...call him Little Pea, he shits on Wayne Rooney, Viva Hernandez'. Surprisingly, this chant composed amidst the Rooney saga in October didn't quite catch on. But Chico's form and reputation as one of the world's best strikers that didn't cost £50million has gone from strength to strength. Just like Ole, the United legend, and bargain, that he is inevitably compared with, Hernandez has scored match winning goals and saved United far more than he should of as a 22 year old in his first season in the Premier League. And yesterday, with the game moulding itself into an equally frustrating encounter to the Newcastle game days earlier, we needed a goal and a saviour more than ever. Credit to Everton for their resilience, but even though part of me felt like it was going to be one of those days, my less pragmatic side knew that 13 shots on target and 62% possession will amount to something. It simply had to.

Anderson. One of the best performances of the season. His passion and commitment to the cause, combined with his skilful, elegant passing and vision that contributed to nearly every meaningful United chance, epitomised United on the day. We had to win and needed the three points, and at the centre of our desire to conquer Everton was Anderson.

Bad.

Frustration. As with St James' Park on Tuesday, we struggled to convert the chances and do anything productive with

Overuse of our resources. Ferguson's team selection had Schalke next week in mind, as Vidic, Evra, Giggs and Carrick were all left out. This decision nearly backfired as we were facing a detrimental draw with less than 10 minutes to go. And because of that, we were indeed forced to enhance the strength of the weary looking starting XI. Owen's, Giggs' and especially Evra's introduction were indeed beneficial and enabled us to seek the victory we needed, but at what cost? Rooney, Hernandez, Anderson, Valencia and Ferdinand, with his injury record, were made to play the full 90 minutes. Not ideal preparation for a Champions League semi final...

Player Ratings.

Van der sar 8; Fabio 7, Ferdinand 6, Evans 7, O'Shea 6; Valencia 7, Anderson 9, Gibson 6, Nani 7; Rooney 8, Hernandez 8.

It's Chico Time!

2011-04-23T15:02:00.003+01:00

84th minute...

United 1* (Hernandez)

Everton 0

* 7 points to win the title. A victory in each of our next two games (against Arsenal and Chelsea) and we'll be crowned champions.

VIEW: United vs Newcastle (a). 0-0

2011-04-23T12:04:00.001+01:00

I Heard 'Em Say...

Henry Winter, the Telegraph

Seven-up but no champagne. Manchester United stretched their lead to seven points over Arsenal, and still remain favourites for a record 19th title, but this was another case of more travails on their travels.

So imperious at home, where they have dropped only two points from 48, Sir Alex Ferguson’s team have now taken only 24 points from a possible 51 on the road. They will be pleased to get back to their Old Trafford fastness for Saturday’s game with Everton. Their mood will also be lifted if Tottenham Hotspur thwart Arsenal on Wednesday evening.

Kevin McCarra, the Guardian

The match never quite veered away from deadlock and even its sole controversy lacked substance. In stoppage time Javier Hernández moved across the Newcastle United right-back Danny Simpson but it was hard to tell if there was significant contact to leave the Mexican on the turf. The referee, Lee Probert, was confident of his own penalty area interpretation and booked the Manchester United attacker.

Despite that this was not an evening for controversy or, for that matter, surprise. It was a typical outcome for Sir Alex Ferguson's side, who have now drawn nine of their 17 away matches in the Premier League. There is a lack of verve in that record but the challenge to Arsenal in pursuit is still a stern one. Arsène Wenger's team will have to record a victory at White Hart Lane to move to within four points of the leaders.

All in all, stalemate at St James' Park was a useful outcome. When Newcastle had called for a penalty of their own after an hour Probert was entitled to be unimpressed by the readiness of Peter Lovenkrands to go to ground, although there might have been a trace of contact from Anderson. Nothing came to fruition. The one notable aspect lay in the jaded look of the United side. They had also been flat when beaten in the FA Cup semi-final as Manchester City took command after half an hour and never relinquished it again. The likeliest conclusion must be that United will take the title but only by grinding their way towards it.

Stretford-End.com

Match Conclusion

Manchester United failed to capitalise on Arsenal losing two points against Liverpool on Sunday in a 0-0 draw with Newcastle United. As stated, United haven’t failed to score at St James’ Park since the 1999/2000 season, where Duncan Ferguson volleyed passed a helpless Mark Bosnich. Javier Hernandez and Wayne Rooney both could have opened the scoring for United in the first half, whilst Ryan Giggs had a glorious opportunity in the second half to hit the back of the net from eight yards, but blasted wide. Sir Alex Ferguson will be disappointed with the result, however United have been here before and will know what pressures lie ahead. To get some perspective, in 95/96 United dropped three points in the last six games with a 3-1 loss away to Southampton (before going onto win a league and cup double), dropped six points in 98/99 with away draws against Leeds United, Liverpool and Blackburn Rovers (before winning a historic treble) and lastly in 2007/08 United dropped seven points in the last six games – drawing 2-2 away at Middlesbrough 1-1 away at Blackburn Rovers and losing 2-1 away at Chelsea (before winning the league and European Cup).

There will be many twists and turns ahead in the final five games, but Ferguson and United have been here before and will no doubt be ready for the challenges. Newcastle United performed very well first half and are now on 40 points, which should mean safety for next season. It will be interesting to see how United bounce back against Everton, who have been in good form of late, on Saturday and of course whether Dimitar Berbatov will play or not. His omission from the side drew similar comparisons with Ruud van Nistelrooy’s exclusion from the League Cup final in 2006 (even though the Dutchman actually made the bench that afternoon). Ruud was soon on his way in May, I have not idea whether or not the same fate lies for Berbatov.

VIEW: United vs City (Cup). 0-1

2011-04-20T23:18:00.003+01:00

'...so THAT's how you take a bib off...?'

Yes it's a delayed report (as is becoming a trend of mine), but on the plus side it has well and truly allowed me to absorb and reflect any adverse emotions that I shouldn't, but would have, shared with you on my blog.

So now boys and girls, I can safely say that, after a messy night on Saturday and a Sunday spent ignoring-slash-digesting the above image that was splattered all over the back pages: I am over it. Over the result, over the disappointment, over the embarrassment of having to face it all while being sat literally metres away from the blue end of Wembley, and over the fact that they'll more than likely break the 35 year drought without a trophy.

Why? Because all we care about is number 1 - not whether Citeh get the bragging rights for one measly victory over us while we have been spoilt with glorious last-second wins and stunning overhead kicks against them in recent years. Nor whether we may have to finally take down 'that' banner at the Stretford End. But instead, we care about winning and proving to the world that we are the best. And for United, with the FA Cup firmly holding its position as third priority for about 15 years now, we have to simply reflect on being knocked out and instead thank God that we got through the Chelsea Champions League quarter final days earlier, as well as being firmly in control of the League (a special mention to our friend Eboue at this point, for doing all he could the day after to make sure his Arsenal team pose as little threat to United as possible in the remaining few games...)

My point is peeps, that the FA Cup doesn't matter any more. Let's face it. And if we had to lose to City in one of the remaining competitions we were involved in - and I mean simply had to lose - then everyone would agree that this would be the chosen one. For a defeat against them in the closing stages of the season that would see us lose out on the title, or God forbid meeting them in the Champions League semi finals and losing (might happen one day...) would be sickening and unforgivable.

As for the game itself, it genuinely never took off; yet another reason - the close nature and equally average performances by either team - that helped brush it aside the result.

It was a typical 'each team cancels each other out' sort of game which was inevitably defined and decided by a number of errors: firstly 22 goal Berbatov's sitter that he missed in the first half, and secondly the comedy of errors that lead to Toure's winner. We missed Rooney. Alot. And Ferguson's decision to leave out Hernandez and play a 4-5-1, leaving Giggs out and starting the legendary liability that is Paul Scholes (who completely deserved his red card against Zabaleta) in the process was another contributing error to our defeat.

They could still lose against Stoke - who did put five past an alright Bolton side - and thus enhance the seasons climax even further (assuming we do still win a trophy this season). But for now, let us concentrate on what's truly important: the Premier League and Champions League. Two competitions that truly determine which team rules domestically and on the content (respectively), two competitions whereby everyone involved wants to win, as to win defines greatness...and two competitions that those f**king blue c**nting Bertie bastards have never even come close to competing in. Show THAT to our fans Baltelli you mug.

3-1 and you f**ked it up...

2011-04-20T22:52:00.001+01:00

...AGAIN!

Spurs - 3

Arsenal - 3*

* = 10 points and we are crowned Champions.

VIEW: United vs Chelsea. 2-1

2011-04-14T21:20:00.001+01:00

Good.

You're joking, right? For it to be a truly memorable European night at Old Trafford, three things need to be met and assured: a great performance, the right result and a sense of occasion. Well a United v Chelsea fixture in the Champions League was always going to be a momentous occasion, and the majority of us 'BELIEVE' inspired United fans thought we would have made it through when the draw was made. But did anyone genuinely think we'd perform this well over the two legs? Really? If the first leg was all about getting the goal and doing all we could to hold onto the advantage, this game was about killing the tie off by any means possible. But out-classing and dominating against a team that boasts a £50million striker, unjustified levels of arrogance and a pathetic hangover from an overachieving season in 2009/10 was simply poetic. The performances from Rooney and Giggs over both legs, as well as seeing Park and Chico slot in idealistically (combined cost = £11million) will be remembered forever.

Response of Champions. Drogba took his equaliser on 77 minutes well, but our response within a minute was incredible. The stuff of Champions. By all means criticise the Chelsea defence who didn't reorganise themselves, but the determination and commitment we showed after realising that Chelsea were back in it was simply magic. Straight from the centre, we bombarded their lazy defence, unaware of the ambition United have shown in recent weeks. And deservedly, they were punished. A perfect response, with Giggs (of course) playing his part and Park finishing off the move beautifully...inspiring this classic from the Sun:

John O'Shea is a football genius. I didn't think much of him on the night to be honest. I was sitting low down in the North Stand and had a good view of his movement up and down the flank. He was a little slow for Malouda and Cole and often struggled without the support of a stable winger, with Nani and Giggs roaming and switching sides regularly. But then it happened. Out of nowhere, like a stroke of Canton-esque genius that you don't expect, even though you should. Receiving Giggsy's cheeky lay-off, surrounded by two defenders, he had the vision, touch and sublime intuition to find the wanting Giggs...who duly delivered his second out of three assists during the Quarter Final tie.

Ryan Giggs is a football genius. He architected and guided his team to a fourth Champions League semi-final in five years. Three goals; three assists. The man is 38 for fucks sake!! It's surely illegal to still be this good!?

YSB! Yes, of course I am referring to the ever worsening - and only female footballer playing in the men's game - Fernando Torres. He ended the first leg firmly inside the pocket of Rio Ferdinand, and although he didn't even finish this one, he didn't even receive or attempt to receive enough of the ball to get anywhere near to Rio's pocket. It was embarrassing...I was actually embarrassed watching his display. And when he was subbed off at half-time for Drogba, a move that I knew would instantly revitalise Chelsea, the crowd simply erupted. £50million to win the Champions League, as Sir Alex rightly observed, and he could'nt even get near a back two consisting of the most inconsistent, injury prone (although brilliant) centre back of the last few years, and his old friend Vidic, who he's supposed to enjoy playing against apparently. He didn't even get a 5 out of 10 rating from the Star. Everyone get's at least a 5!

Bad.

...the first 30 minutes? Obviously I'm digging deep here, as we were inevitably the ones that ended that half in the ascendency (it should have in fact been two, with Chico unfairly flagged off after his diving header found the net). But they could have and really should put away an effort or two seeing as they had about 70% possession in the first 30mins.

Hobbling Ferdinand. Remember that inconsistent, injury prone defender from earlier? Well mid-way through the match he was caught rubbing his knee and grimacing as though he had just received a stiff one up the bum. Whatever it is that bothered him, I will put money that he doesn't start in the Cup semi-final on Saturday, such is the sensitive nature of our deputy.

Noticed.

'Viva John Terry' Flag. Never gonna get old.

Red mist. A proper European night isn't complete without it.

Player Ratings.

Van der sar 7; O'Shea 7, Vidic 7, Ferdinand 7, Evra 7; Nani 7, Carrick 7, Park 8, Giggs 9; Rooney 9, Hernandez 7

VIEW: United vs Fulham. 2-0

2011-04-11T11:15:00.001+01:00

1. Rooney who? I can guarantee that, aside from the ridiculousness of the whole Rooney ban, no United fan was genuinely annoyed at losing Wazza for two games. Yes, he's finally hit form and become essential in this run-in...but has that been at the expense of the League's best striker? Rooney and Berbatov haven't started a game together since the Liverpool defeat - hardly a game we'll remember for the great work of our men up-front - and that was the last time Berbs started a game full stop. Since the 4-0 Wigan win in February, Rooney has started all eight games (until the Chelsea game last Wednesday) and has hit an awesome seven goals in the process. Whereas poor Berbatov has only started that one and has managed the one goal, coming off the bench to win it against Bolton a couple of weeks ago. But he has proven this season, even coming off the bench as he has had to in the past few games, to be a truly class act. And thankfully by the looks of things his absence from the starting line-up has left him frustrated and gagging to get back on the scoresheet, notching up number 21.

2. Nani. An unbelievable performance from our, and arguably the Leagues, best player. On Saturday his composure, balance and rapid movement through the Fulham defence - who were completely encapsulating him - created room to link-up with Ando, to then slot it through to Berbatov to open the scoring. For the second, he again found space and took Schwarzer out of the game with his pace, simply crossing it cheekily into the path of Valencia to nod it home. Those two assists pump him further up the top of the chart with 18 in his 28 games this season. If we win number 19 in May, it'll be massively down to this finely nurtured talent.

3. Valencia. Awesome seeing him back to scoring ways and enjoying his first goal since his comeback in the most subtle, modest of ways we love. Jonathon Northcroft wrote a lovely little intro to the match report in yesterday's Sunday Times, stating his impact in recent games and the quality of the player in that he has simply blended back into the side with minimal readjustment...

'Antonio Valencia is noted within the Manchester United dressing room for his shyness. He only ever speaks to journalists when it is to apologise, in a quiet voice, that he cannot be interviewed because of his English, He celebrates his goals modestly and does not wear coloured boots.

'He could not be more contrasting to the player he replaced but there is more than one way to make a difference. Valencia is no Cristiano Ronaldo; yet, just like the Portuguese, he is becoming a United talisman. At the start of March Sir Alex Ferguson and his squad were vulnerable after consecutive defeats to Chelsea and Liverpool. They have since won six important games in a row and these coincide with Valencia's return from a six-month absence with a broken ankle. He was introduced at half-time in the first match of that run, the FA Cup win over Arsenal, looked like he had never been away and has grown in impact with every display'.

4. Ticking them off. As Shearer put it on Saturday's MOTD, this was one a performance where United - acting as Champions in waiting - simply did the job they went out to do, ticking off yet another victory on the road to title number 19. This sort of arrogance at such a delicate stage of the season, and with the deficit reduced back to seven points after Arsenal's win over Blackpool, is exactly what Ferguson doesn't want; dismissing the ease of victory (not that he was watching, with What A Friend taking over his attention) instead calling the display 'casual' and 'lackadaisical'. But this was exactly that. A casual, lackadaisical win - win being the only important word. And as long as we are able to do so, in whatever unglamorous manner we chose to do so, the Championship will be ours again.

Player Ratings.

Kuszczak 6; O'Shea 6, Smalling 7, Vidic 7, Evra 7; Valencia 8, Scholes 6, Gibson 6, Anderson 6, Nani 9; Berbatov 7.

VIEW: United vs Chelsea (a). 1-0

2011-04-10T23:05:00.005+01:00

*LATE MATCH REPORT PART II*

'Shhh...'

Good.

Revenge…sweet fucking revenge. Evra’s blatant tug on Rameires was the first time in seven years, according to Ferguson, that we had a decision going in our favour at the Bridge. I don’t know about that (although I would obviously NEVER argue with SAF), but all I know is that our last two away games/defeats have been marred by controversy and, more so, unjustified referee bias towards the home side. Terry’s winner back in November 2009 should never have been allowed, as Drogba was in an offside position...or even scored for that matter; as Lampard’s free-kick that set-up the goal should never have been given in the first placed. Fast forward nearly a year and a half later and somehow, they have yet again conned the referee (see picture above) into unjust decisions.

As I mentioned, Evra’s challenge on Rameires was worthy of a penalty, but the fact it wasn’t given, bearing in mind how much we were owed that decision as well as the fact that we were the better side on the day, gives me minimal guilt in noting it as one of the highlights of a well earnt win Champions League win.

Ferdinand. The central defensive partnership of Vidic and Ferdinand seems to have gained mythical status in recent times; discussed only in the past tense and referenced in ‘good ol’ days’ terms whenever United seem to be hitting a spot of bother at the back. But they were reunited, much to the delight (and slight confusion) of many United fans. And quite frankly, they looked as though they had never played a part. Vidic was as imperious as always, holding off any minor threat Chelsea offered him, and Rio – understandably under far more scrutiny due to the fact that he hadn’t played a game since the Villa win on the 1st Feb – was dominant, clearly missing being away from the action. His absolute ‘merkage’ of pretty boy Torres was also delightful to behold: from the pushing and shoving every time he went down easily in the box, to Nando’s general positioning in Rio’s back pocket, this was a game that the £50million pile of shite would probably want to forget.

Et al. I could do a 'Good' spot on pretty much every player on the night. Carrick was sensational - his pass to Giggs for the goal was unbelievable; the vision to pick out the wanting Giggsy and the delivery, both world class. Ryan himself for that stunning first touch and the assist. Rooney kept his head down after the weekend's controversy and played brilliantly, taking his goal well. Park, his first game since Boxing day, was ruthless and energetic as always, reminding us how essential he is to our squad as games begin to come thick and thin. Van der sar for that beautiful save, denying Torres his first for Chelsea. Evra for his last ditch save on the line, again preventing Chelsea and Nando a goal. We were, quite simply (and in the cheesiest way possible) United!

Bad.

Missed chances. Yes the performance was assured and should will give us little to worry about when hosting them at OT the following Tuesday, but we had chances to extend the advantage that could potentially cost us. Only time will tell.

Player Ratings.

Van der sar 8; Rafael 7, Vidic 7, Ferdinand 8, Evra 6; Valencia 7, Carrick 7, Giggs 8, Park 7; Rooney 7, Hernandez 6.

VIEW: United vs West Ham (a). 4-2

2011-04-10T20:29:00.007+01:00

*LATE MATCH REPORT PART I*

#whatfuckingwhat

April 28^th, 2007.

Everton 2…..........Stubbs 12, Fernandes 50

United 4…............O’Shea 61, P.Neville og 68, Rooney 79, Eagles 90

5^th April, 2009.
United 3…..............Ronaldo 14, 80, Macheda 90

Aston Villa 2…………Carew 30, Agbonlahor 58

25^th April, 2009.
United 5…...........…Ronaldo 57, 68, Rooney 67, 71, Berbatov 79

Tottenham 2………Bent 29, Modric 32

In order to win, there needs to be that extra level of desire.

But in the season that demands an extra surge of inspiration from those games at the tail end, where you feel pressure mounting as the demands of the season naturally take their toll; every final reserve, from the physical abilities of the team to the undying passion and ability to succeed, have to be utilized.

We have done it plenty of times before (see above) and even when it looks as though we are out, and those ignorant haters who clearly haven’t understood the United way begin to shout their mouths off about fragile United ‘losing it’, we continue to do it time and time again and prove everyone wrong.

At Upton Park on the 2nd April, in a similar yet more dramatic mold to the Blackpool victory in January, we found ourselves struggling. The demands on our season – a season that has seen us play below our potential yet has also seen us enter April still competing strongly in three competitions – had taken its toll and as usual, we gave ourselves an agonizing and unnecessarily complex afternoon in East London. But we never gave up, and as a United fan growing up firmly in the Ferguson ‘never say die’ era, I knew what was coming and daren’t panic. Well, sort of.

When West Ham went 1-0 up, through a Mark Noble penalty that was fairly awarded through Evra’s ridiculous handball; I had no doubts whatsoever we would get back into it. We were the better team and the home side, struggling at the bottom, were shocking (remember the incident where Robert Green kicked the ball directly to Valencia who was unmarked 30 yards out moments before their penalty?). However after their second – another pen, another goal however this time slightly more contentious – I had that same realistic feeling I felt after we went 2-0 down at half-time against Tottenham two years ago, and 2-1 at home to Villa with 10 minutes remaining: ‘we are actually going to lose this’.

But low and behold, the moment I or any other United fan begins to lose a modicum of faith (although we never really do), we show the world how hungry and determined we really are when it comes to winning.

On 65 minutes, the seeminly impossible happened: we scored directly from a free-kick. Rooney’s beautifully placed shot was the first of it's kind since Ronaldo left, which when you think of who we had in line to take over – Nani, Giggs and Rooney himself – was shocking. But the duck was finally broken, as was United's scoring in the game. And from then on, despite West Ham’s resilience, there was no turning back.

Eight minutes later, after some great work from the ever improving Valencia, Rooney collected the ball in the area, took out the West Ham defence with a single touch, and scored from a powerful, precision shot with the second.

And when Fabio’s skillful dribble was ‘rewarded’ with a penalty six minutes later – his ball meeting the arm of Scott Parker – there was obviously only one person to take it.

3-2...when less that 15 minutes earlier we were staring defeat in the face. Rooney’s overly passionate reaction to his hattrick has overshadowed his perfect, match-winning display (a pathetically unjustified two-match ban was the result - the same that one receives when delivering a violent, malicious elbow to the face...). But regardless of his no-show at the Cup semi-final next week, he truly was sensational. And although my excitable Tweet at the time stating how Rooney has now well and truly won over the fans was a perhaps premature (remember he could still f**k us over and leave for Citeh in the summer) it was nonetheless the sort of performance we had been yearning following his controversial contract extension. As for that reaction? I would rather our players scream 'FUCKIN' WHAT!?' down a Sky camera in those circumstances than trudge away as if they couldn't give a shit any day.

Chico, coming on and scoring his 11th in League, topped off an amazing second half display with the fourth - with left back Ryan Giggs(!) popping up brilliantly to set him up - to finish off a real 'BELIEVE' style victory for title-chasing United.

The whole event, from the first half disappointment to the hilarious and embarrassingly old-fashioned 'Rooney the disgrace' aftermath was just electric. Traumatic, exhausting and highly emotional........but would you ever have it any other way? And after Blackburn held Arsenal 0-0 later in the day, number 19 at this point, with only seven games to go, has never felt closer.

Captain Marvel: A Career In Photos

2011-03-22T21:30:00.006Z

I know it's late, but after news six days ago revealing one of United's and England's greatest ever players, Bryan Robson, is battling throat cancer, I thought it's never too late to reminisce his greatness.

Captain Marvel: Making a tackle in his first visit to Wembley...

FA Cup 1983: ...and trophy at United.

FA Cup 1985: Another Cup win, this time under Big Ron; this time defeating Everton 1-0 with Norman Whiteside's stunning goal.

World Cup 1986: Robson was injured during the '86 World Cup, his first as captain of his country, aggravating a shoulder injury in the group game against Morocco.

FA Cup 1990: Leading Ferguson's United to their first trophy.

Premier League 1992/93: After 26 long years, United finally win the title in the Premier League's first season; with Robbo as captain.

Double 1993/94: Leading United to our second title in a row, as well as the FA Cup to this incredible double-winning season. The side - consisting of Schmeichel, Bruce (pictured), Pallister, Parker, Irwin, Giggs, Ince, Kanchelskis, Hughes, Cantona and Robson - is widely regarded as the greatest United team of all time.

Promotion with Middlesbrough 1994/95: In his debut managerial season, he guided Middlesbrough to Premier League promotion for the first time.

Captain Marvel: Now aged 54, Robson has returned to United as an Ambassador of the club; working alongside other United legend Sir Bobby Charlton.

VIEW: United vs Arsenal. 2-0

2011-03-22T21:03:00.001Z

Media Reaction: United 2-0 Arsenal, 12th March 2011

Paul Wilson, the Guardian

Manchester United are still on for a treble, while in under a fortnight Arsenal have gone from fighting on four fronts to concentrating on the league, if that hoariest of euphemisms may be permitted. If Arsène Wenger's players concentrate really hard they still have an excellent chance of denying United the title, though this FA Cup defeat was an immense psychological blow. Not only did United win as if the blip of the past couple of weeks had merely been a bad dream, they did so with a much-changed, almost unrecognisable side...

Oliver Brown, the Telegraph

It is an absurd garment, far too large for him, and on the loneliness of the Old Trafford touchline last night he seemed to be retreating deeper into his consoling warmth as Arsenal’s season folded around him.

For Arsenal to tumble out of one competition out of the four they once contested might be passed off as an accident. To slip from two in nine days was unfortunate. But to lose in three in the space of a fortnight looks like carelessness.

If you were an investor, you would never put your shares in Wenger, so dramatically does his stock fluctuate. But as of this morning, they are in freefall. Bookmakers are already offering odds of 9-2 that he will not be at the Emirates next season.

Barely two weeks ago, the Frenchman had allowed Arsenal’s disciples to dream of an unprecedented quadruple. To have frittered away three-quarters of that possibility so quickly invites suspicion that his work in progress, his fabled faith in youth development, may never reach fruition.

Birmingham, Barcelona and now Manchester United: they form an unlikely trinity in the dismantling of Arsenal’s dream, but Wenger’s side, just like their predecessors across five silver-bare years, showed that they have more than one susceptibility...

Quick Reaction, Republik of Mancunia

1. I was fuming when I heard the line-up. I’ve tried to limit knee jerk reactions to the team news given the amount of times Sir Alex Ferguson has made me look a knob head for doing so but I couldn’t hold back today. I was furious. Hearing that Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher were now also injured allowed it to make more sense but I couldn’t understand having Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes on the bench when we were playing a midfield like that. At this rate, we were going out of the FA Cup and who was to say our players would then show up against Marseille. Fabio, who hardly ever plays, and when he does, has been put on the left wing maybe once. John O’Shea, who has been used mostly at right back was the better half of the central midfield alongside Darron Gibson. Then Rafael, who again, is not a winger. This was obviously before I knew that Wayne Rooney was going to be sitting back with the midfield. Still, to play that 4 against a passing team seemed to be like total suicide.
2. The Twins are good are getting forward from their full-back positions and today we saw their value as wingers. The two combined 15 minutes in when Fabio put it on a plate for Rafael to score, but his header was high. It was a taster of what was to come though. Fabio raced forward then played through a great ball to his brother with the outside of his boot. Rafael then passed it back to Fabio outside the box, who tapped it to Rooney, who played in a great ball to Chicharito. A fantastically placed header from the Mexican lead to a great save from Almunia, before Fabio tapped in the rebound. I love those twins.
3. Whilst those two lads were definitely a highlight, there are several positives to focus on today, most important of those, Antonio Valencia’s return. Wow. I was expecting when he did come back, whenever that might have been, it would take him a while to settle, and that would be fair enough. It was like he had never been away. The second goal was all about him. There were just 17 seconds between Van der Sar rolling the ball out to him and Rooney making it 2-0. We’ve got a winger again! Nani has done a great job down that flank this season and the idea of him and Valencia being available for our last few games should fill us all with massive hope. It was great to see him out there again.

VIEW: United vs Bolton. 1-0

2011-03-20T11:56:00.002Z

Good.

Super super Dimi. His first United league goal coming off the bench may well be his most important. The hattricks, stunning over-head kicks and five-in-a-game performances mean nothing if they don't contribute to a successful season, arguably evident in the fact that our 20 goal man has had to watch on from the bench as the Rooney-Hernandez partnership has flourished in recent games. However on a day that we were being increasingly frustrated by a resilient Bolton team and Arsenal were held by West Brom (they drew and lost two points. Remember that. So any reports you read suggesting it was a great Arsenal fight back are lies), Berbs' scrambled goal in the 87th minute was simply perfect. Our previous two league defeats on the trot were horrible and could have been utterly detrimental to our season, however thanks to legendary Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson's West Brom side playing for their lives against the Gooners, coupled with the dramatic finale to our game, those results have found themselves resigned to mere stat status as we are able to move on and concentrate on the last eight games. It's what we can do now that matters.

Valencia. His first 90 minutes since September was accomplished and comfortable, with know fresh knocks to report. He slotted back into his favoured roll on the right, occasionally switching flanks with Nani, and caused the Bolton full-backs problems all afternoon with his pace and passing. Just the way we love him.

Bad.

Evans. An undisputed red card that thankfully didn't impact on our performance too muchl, even though we did look noticeably thin at the back in the final 15 minutes, and had Taylor converted his free header when it was still 0-0 (you assume Evans would have had him covered if he was still on the pitch) then things could have been very different. The biggest negative aspect of the awful (yet 50-50) challenge on Holden is the three match ban Evans will have to serve. With no Vidic, Rio and now Brown (who came off at half-time with a knock) we are left with Michael Carrick filling in at centre-back. Fuck.

Player Ratings.

Van der sar 6; Brown 6, Evans 6, Smalling 7, Evra 7; Valencia 7, Carrick 6, Giggs 7, Nani 7; Hernandez 7, Rooney 7.

On Such Days, Title's Are Won And Lost...

2011-03-19T17:40:00.004Z

United (Berbatov, 87) 1-0 Bolton

“Losers live in the past. Winners learn from the past and enjoy working in the present toward the future.”

Bryan Moseley

West Brom 2-2 Arsenal

Following the Trawler...

25 Exceptional Years. Thank You.

The Top 15 Career Defining Moments In Football, by FootballFanCast.com

Inspiration...

Paul Scholes: The Legend's Legend

Paul Scholes: Modern Football's Last Traditionalist

Fairwell to a Legend

Champions League Final: United XI To Face Barca

Glory Is Ours

Champions League Final: Two Days To Go...

the day after... Posted by The Cockney RedTHURSDAY, 29 MAY 2009

the day after...

Champions League Final: What the Papers Say...

Champions League Final: Three Days To Go...

Wasteful Chelsea, lucky Barca...'IT'S A F**KING DISGRACE!'

Wasteful Chelsea, lucky Barca...'IT'S A F**KING DISGRACE!'

PICTURES: Gary Neville's Testimonial

Champions League Final: Four Days To Go...

You Stay Classy Manchester United...

Giggs. Legend.

VIEW: United vs Blackpool. 4-2

'Little Pea, Little Pea...'

Nike Release Commemorative '19' T-Shirt

And something special from Mr. Rooney...

Title Celebrations in Pictures

VIEW: United vs Blackburn (a). 1-1

VIEW: United vs Chelsea. 2-1

GOALS: United 2-1 Chelsea

Take A Bow, Manchester United

BEL19VE: My Thoughts Ahead of Today's Title Decider

VIEW: United vs Schalke. 4-1

VIEW: United vs Arsenal (a). 0-1

Rooney: How Wrong Was I?

VIEW: United vs Schalke (a). 2-0

Schalke vs United - PREVIEW

VIEW: United vs Everton. 1-0

It's Chico Time!

VIEW: United vs Newcastle (a). 0-0

VIEW: United vs City (Cup). 0-1

3-1 and you f**ked it up...

VIEW: United vs Chelsea. 2-1

VIEW: United vs Fulham. 2-0

VIEW: United vs Chelsea (a). 1-0

VIEW: United vs West Ham (a). 4-2

Captain Marvel: A Career In Photos

VIEW: United vs Arsenal. 2-0

VIEW: United vs Bolton. 1-0

On Such Days, Title's Are Won And Lost...

the day after...

Posted by The Cockney Red
THURSDAY, 29 MAY 2009