RickG16

I think it was more that as he got older he became a 'normal' centre forward that relies on others for service more. Not so much selfish, just a victim of his previous ability in many ways

Why do the media report on him a lot...let me see. Because he's one of the most famous people in the world? Nobody is forcing you to read / watch it

I'm not saying it's the be all and end all I'm saying it's a big feature of how the game is played in regions like South America. And I explained why If you can't accept that it's you who is burying your head in the sand

That's fine, but it's up to the officials to clamp down. It's the commentators / pundits job to call the game as they see it. They aren't to blame for how the next generation plays football. As long as there are footballers from poor countries, the sport will be played with a 'win at all costs' mentality. These players started playing that way to drag themselves and their families up from the gutter. Not for the entertainment of Champers and NE1 sat at home nursing a can of Leo And you are forgetting a valuable lesson kids can learn from watching real world top level football - life isn't fair

Why wouldn't you name them? I think I know which country you are referring to

It's not their job to make moral judgements. They called it clever because it is, it's more clever than it ever was to fool officials with VAR around. One of the reasons we like sport is because it reflects life. Some players cheat a bit and others play fair. The ones who cheat are running the risk of getting caught and punished. Anyone who says it doesn't add to the drama are not in tune with their own thoughts.

But the commentators job is to call it as it is. And deceit helps to win football matches. It's the referees' and authorities' job to clamp down.

The point is related to your problem with the commentators' comment. If players are successfully gaining an advantage by deceiving the referee, why shouldn't they say they are good at it? They are good at it, whether it's lawful or not, and whether you like it or not.

Name the unnamed country

The commentators are calling it how they see it. Shall we just bury our heads in the sand and pretend that gamesmanship and simulation aren't part of football at the highest level? Those South Americans are quite good at football aren't they? How many times have they won the World Cup? 9 off the top of my head..... In those countries trying to win fouls is completely normal, so is deception, trickery, winding players up etc etc. I believe it's known as 'the dark arts'. South Americans come from a dog eat dog type of football that require you to win at all costs It's part of the game. But of course the best at practicing the dark arts are cute about it. So please mate, give yourself a reality check!

I don't think he's among the worst divers by a long way. Wayne Rooney knew how to manufacture a penalty. Would you be happy to strike off all the goals he scored for United?

He's a beast

We are best rid of him because he wins penalties?

The Ten Hag 'response' quotes somebody posted up previously weren't real. I think they were from Facebook

What do we think about the United players in the tournament so far? Pellistri was pretty anonymous for Uruguay. Malacia not playing for Holland and Antony on the bench for Brazil. I wonder if Lisandro Martinez will start the next game for ARG

Me too. Will be interesting to see how he does. Martinez didn't get off to the best start! But I believe he came on as sub so can't be entirely blamed.

Giving the 7 to Garnacho would be a huge call. But I guess he's not that much younger than Ron was when he got it. Wish Ronaldo all the best. And wouldn't be surprised if he had a great world cup

Feels weird saying this but I completely agree

Yup he's definitely lost half a yard, or more like 2!

Normal "supporters of the good game" can put their own opinions forward without pretending to be someone else

You're missing the point. Those quotes aren't real.

That was an element but I genuinely think we bought him for football (and commercial) reasons too

Think this might be fake news....

Where did you get this from? Can't find it anywhere

He was our top scorer last season. I think that's a pretty good asset. Unfortunately since we bought him he's had some personal problems, and is now 2 years older. He was never going to be a long term solution.