Mcfc V Mufc Wembley Fa Cup Semi-Final

[MrRed]

Just thought i would start a thread for the semis as it such an important match for the Manchester area and its followers

So are City bricking it?

Will they miss Tevez?

Are they good enough to chalenge United in this game?

Is Mancini scared?

Is Bellotolli a bell end?

Do City fans know how to get to or even where Wembley is?

Is this the start of a new era for City?

And is the distraction of the Champions league qualifacation fight going to hinder there chances....excuse wise

Oh i forgot one......

Is ther any City fans out there who feel confident in beating the RED MACHINE?

[carmine]

You mancs and man yoo fans really are a desperate lot

[spud1]

I would give my right arm to beat the scum if only to put plastics like yourself in their place.

COME ON YOU BLUES.

[MrRed]

Plastics?

come on then Bertie? Give your right arm sounds like desperation to me

Tell me all about your plastic club and your plastic players?

Another Stockport Blue i suppose either that or from Stoke

Are you scared.....big day out for you an all that

[spud1]

<deleted> Stoke? I'll have some of what you're smokin.And yes it will be a big day trip out, same has those that frequent Stretford on match days.

[MrRed]

No we are still in Old Trafford mate,it is your lot that moved recently

[smokie36]

Balotelli is key for Citeh in this one.....wind him up right manure and sit back and enjoy the fun!

[MSingh]

Not that i'm one to stoke any kind of fire but..........................

http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/news/s/1417797_national-express-fill-nine-fa-cup-coaches-with-manchester-city-fans---and-just-one-with-united-supporters?rss=yes

National Express staff arranging special FA Cup semi-final services from Manchester to Wembley on Saturday have received bookings to fill NINE coaches for City fans - and just ONE coach for United supporters.

The company asked fans to say which club they supported before they reserved seats on services from the Chorlton Street station in Manchester.

Bosses were left stunned when they were inundated with requests from City fans – but received less than 50 from their cross-town rivals.

You can still get tickets for Saturday's big game at Wembley. We have teamed with National Express to offer five pairs of tickets for the FA Cup semi-final - pick up a copy of today's Manchester Evening News or click here to find out how to win them.

As a result, the single United coach will leave on Saturday morning.

But 30 minutes later a fleet of nine City coaches will follow suit.

A National Express source joked: “I suppose you could say it's 9-1 to City.

“We had a laugh about it in the office and everybody was saying it was because United fans weren't from Manchester.”

But the source admitted that there was another reason for United's poor turnout.

She said: “To be honest we find this a lot with United games. They are used to big occasions and the club are really efficient at organising trips so I think it's because a lot of their fans do that instead of travelling with us.”

Both clubs have sold out their 32,500 allocations and fans are making feverish preparations for the historic day.

For Blues fans without tickets, City are beaming back the action on a big screen to Eastlands.

Club bosses are opening the City Square complex at 3pm for the 5.15pm kick off.

They are charging fans £5 and under 16s £1 to take in the action and say the bar and café will be open.

The match is the first time the clubs have met at Wembley and the winner will meet the victor of the Bolton v Stoke semi which takes place at the same venue on Sunday.

A huge security operation has been launched to prevent trouble.

Police in London revealed warning letters have been sent out to 196 people, currently on Football Banning Orders, reminding them that if they attempt to breach their orders they will be arrested.

You can still get tickets for Saturday's big game at Wembley. We have teamed with National Express to offer five pairs of tickets for the FA Cup semi-final - pick up a copy of today's Manchester Evening News or click here to find out how to win them.

<BR class=clear>

[MrRed]

I just hope he plays,be interesting who he picks now,he will go 4-4-2 i should think.

[smokie36]

No big screen at Old Trafford I see....maybe the Oval would be a better venue....

[MrRed]

Arise Sir Ryan

Papers: Arise Sir Ryan

Wayne Rooney wants Ryan Giggs to be knighted. Giggs set up all three goals in Manchester United's Champions League triumph over Chelsea. Roo said: "It won't be long before we call him Sir Ryan. For me he's a genius, incredible. What he has done at United, what he does for the younger players is absolutely fantastic. I don't know what he's eating or drinking but I'm going to ask him to give me some."

Welsh wizard Giggs, 37, was awarded an OBE in 2007 and is on course for a 12th Premier League title at United. He played the full 90 minutes in both legs of their Champions League quarter-final 3-1 aggregate win over Chelsea. And after a club-record 870 appearances for the Red Devils, he shows no signs of slowing down. Giggs looks set to star in the Wembley FA Cup semi-final against City on Saturday.

Paul Jiggins, The Sun

Elsewhere, there's plenty of United in the papers. The Independent ponder whether Javier Hernandez is the "buy of the century" after the Mexican's goal set the Reds on the way to victory on Tuesday night.

In the Daily Star, Rio Ferdinand speaks of how United's team spirit is driving the Reds on to glory. He says: "We're not getting beaten that ­often, we've got a never-say-die ­attitude and all the championship-winning sides that I've played in have had that mark about them. This side has got that, too."

The David De Gea rumours rumble on, as well. Today, The Mail claim United have reached an agreement with Atletico Madrid to buy the goalkeeper on a five-year deal, although neither club has confirmed the move.

[mrbojangles]

Typical RAG. Red, the match is officially billed as Man City V Man United but you names the thread as Man U v Man C.

[MrRed]

Sorry Bertie my mistake,could you change it please

[carmine]

Arise Sir Ryan

Papers: Arise Sir Ryan

Wayne Rooney wants Ryan Giggs to be knighted. Giggs set up all three goals in Manchester United's Champions League triumph over Chelsea. Roo said: "It won't be long before we call him Sir Ryan. For me he's a genius, incredible. What he has done at United, what he does for the younger players is absolutely fantastic. I don't know what he's eating or drinking but I'm going to ask him to give me some."

Welsh wizard Giggs, 37, was awarded an OBE in 2007 and is on course for a 12th Premier League title at United. He played the full 90 minutes in both legs of their Champions League quarter-final 3-1 aggregate win over Chelsea. And after a club-record 870 appearances for the Red Devils, he shows no signs of slowing down. Giggs looks set to star in the Wembley FA Cup semi-final against City on Saturday.

Paul Jiggins, The Sun

Elsewhere, there's plenty of United in the papers. The Independent ponder whether Javier Hernandez is the "buy of the century" after the Mexican's goal set the Reds on the way to victory on Tuesday night.

In the Daily Star, Rio Ferdinand speaks of how United's team spirit is driving the Reds on to glory. He says: "We're not getting beaten that ­often, we've got a never-say-die ­attitude and all the championship-winning sides that I've played in have had that mark about them. This side has got that, too."

The David De Gea rumours rumble on, as well. Today, The Mail claim United have reached an agreement with Atletico Madrid to buy the goalkeeper on a five-year deal, although neither club has confirmed the move.

Well thats it then. If wazza wanys giggsy knighted then i suppose Her Majesty will just have to get on the case. Toss those war vets and charity workers to one side. &lt;deleted&gt;, self adoring footballers, and ofcourse one very much in particular thick pikey &lt;deleted&gt;. I really hope De Jong plays this weekend and gives him the most almighty kick in the &lt;deleted&gt;.

[spud1]

I don't know what he's eating or drinking but I'm going to ask him to give me some." Was Giggs advice you're only has young has you feel,so stop shagging grannies.

[mrbojangles]

Sorry Bertie my mistake,could you change it please

Topic title changed at the request of the Op.

[MrRed]

« Previous | Main

Trautmann hopes Man City's time has come again

Thursday, 14 April 2011

Bert Trautmann will be at his home near Valencia when his beloved Manchester City take on Manchester United in Saturday's FA Cup semi-final at Wembley. He would like to watch the game but won't be able to as he does not subscribe to any of the satellite TV channels showing the match in Spain.

But if City do beat the odds - and their red neighbours - to set up a return to Wembley for the final next month, then the spritely 87-year-old does not want to miss a thing.

For a man synonymous with FA Cup folklore, a return to the scene of his legendary triumph in 1956 is long overdue. The Nazi paratrooper turned prisoner of war turned heroic goalkeeper, who broke his neck in that year's final but famously played on, has not been back since the ground was rebuilt and, more poignantly, has never been invited to a major final by City since he retired in 1964.

In fairness, there have been no opportunities in the 30 years since City's last FA Cup final, against Spurs in 1981, but City's visits to Wembley for showpiece games in the late 1960s and 1970s were a lot more frequent.

Like many other Blues fans, Trautmann is hopeful Saturday will be the first of many more but he is not overly optimistic about City's prospects this weekend.

Trautmann broke his neck diving at the feet of Birmingham forward Peter Murphy. Photo: Getty

The talent in City's squad is not in doubt but their resolve is. Anyone who witnessed the abject collapse at Anfield on Monday would recognise that manager Roberto Mancini is lacking men like the German in his squad, players that would literally put their neck on the line for their club.

"When I have seen City this season, they are always missing passion," Trautmann told me. "Their players should be dying for the game, dying for Manchester and dying for the club. That is what they are missing.

"Saturday is a derby, so it will be full of tension but when I came off the field I wanted to be half-dead, absolutely drained of everything. I don't think that is the case anymore."

Those cracked vertebrae from 55 years ago are the reason Trautmann can talk with much more authority than any pundit or journalist when it comes to questioning commitment and bravery. He was knocked out by the collision with Birmingham forward Peter Murphy's knee but, when he came round, saw out the final 16 minutes, making some superb late saves to ensure City triumphed.

Perhaps someone should show Mario Balotelli and co the Pathe News footage of that incident and tell the whole squad the extraordinary tale of Trautmann's earlier life, which took him from Hitler Youth to the Luftwaffe and the atrocities of the Eastern Front, where he won an Iron Cross. It is some story, brilliantly told in Catrine Clay's biography,which was released last year.

I knew from reading that book that Trautmann likes to tell it how it is, even if his honesty, whether it be about his involvement in the war or some of his relationships in England afterwards, does not always paint himself in a favourable light.

An affable and engaging interviewee, he is just as forthright when we discuss City's current side, although he does have some sympathy for Mancini.

"It is a difficult position because City are measured by the money they have available," Trautmann said. "Then they have to buy players with inflated prices and wages. Some of them can hardly run and I am told they are on more than £200,000 a week.

"Today, on that sort of money, I couldn't tell you if I would have been the same player. It is very different. You could say it is more difficult to score goals today because teams are more defensive-minded and they don't want to lose games. But in our day we earned £10 a week and we went out to win games because we depended on the £2 bonus."

So what are City lacking? "I don't want to want to criticise the manager," Trautmann said with a laugh, knowing he was about to do just that. "But there is one thing this City team really needs and that is a schemer. There is no Don Revie, nobody in their midfield demanding the ball and making things happen.

"With the calibre of players in their side, they should be doing better. Compare them to United, who are always good for goals. United attack all the time and they get their reward. Look at their win at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League as an example."

In the absence of the injured Carlos Tevez at the weekend, City might be relying on the fragile temperament of 20-year-old Balotelli against United. Providing he cuts out his petulance, Trautmann thinks the young Italian can still come good.

"I know Balotelli is one of the 'bad boys' but there is nothing wrong with that," he explained. "We had one or two players who had a bit of a temper, like Ivor Broadis. I think all really good players have a bit of an edge. Wayne Rooney has got it, too, although he can be stupid sometimes. But you do need to have that desire."

Trautmann is helped off the field after his 1956 FA Cup final triumph. Photo: Getty

Trautmann's talk about City's prospects is peppered with mentions of players from the club's past - ex-team-mates like Broadis or Revie, who would go on to be a controversial England manager but at Wembley 55 years ago was a somewhat revolutionary deep-lying centre-forward operating in what we would now call 'the hole'.

Trautmann's memories of that game are a snapshot of a top footballer's life in that era. He recalls that his pre-match routine for the final involved a meal of poached egg on toast and an early night, "which meant that in my head I had already played the game on Friday night", and that his neck, which was not discovered to have been broken until three days after the game, ruined his night out afterwards.

"I was not in any state to celebrate after the game," he told me. "I just sat there with a bit of a headache and I was not very happy."

A lot has changed since then. In those days, the nation stopped to follow the final. This year, even the Premier League will continue, with at least three top-flight games taking place on 14 May. The diminishing status of the FA Cup is something that Trautmann regrets but can understand.

"I think we are talking about money now," he said. "That is what it boils down to. How much do you get for reaching the Cup final at Wembley and how much do you get for being in the Champions League? It is nowhere near as much for reaching the Cup final. If you asked any chairman, then they might say they prefer Wembley. But, being honest, they would go for the Champions League, wouldn't they?

"It's sad because, for me, football is about glory and winning things. That is not the case so much for others anymore. It is all about the money."

During the course of my blogs on the FA Cup this season, I have tried to cover many of the aspects that I think made the competition great during Trautmann's time - some of which still hold true in the present day.

Through the tears of FC United fans when their side reached the first round proper for the first time, I saw the emotional power the Cup still has for many people, while Leyton Orient's exploits demonstrated the huge financial impact the competition can have on a club in the lower leagues.

I have written about the magic that rejuvenated Dover's former Arsenal striker Adam Birchall and the romance that keeps Torquay keeper Scott Bevan dreaming of a career-defining moment Sadly, he did not manage it this season, missing out on a trip to Old Trafford despite saving two penalties in the fourth round.

There are always going to be disagreements about the future of the competition - as I found out before the quarter-finals - but you cannot dispute its rich history. Inspirational tales like Trautmann's should remind all players, pampered or otherwise, that the Cup is something worth fighting for.

Who will prevail in Saturday's battle? We have to wait and see. But the nostalgic amongst you might be siding with Trautmann. United fans eyeing a second treble in 12 years will disagree but I think it would be fitting if one of the greatest FA Cup heroes of the 20th century gets to see his side compete in their first final of the 21st century.

Does Trautmann think City will book an instant Wembley return? Possibly. "You always need a little bit of luck in the Cup - and City will need a lot against United," he said. "But, being a Blue, I hope they will be in the final - and that I will be going, too."

[MSingh]

Typical RAG. Red, the match is officially billed as Man City V Man United but you names the thread as Man U v Man C.

It's called ignorance BJ..

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/457787-tottenham-vs-real-madrid/

[MrRed]

Typical RAG. Red, the match is officially billed as Man City V Man United but you names the thread as Man U v Man C.

It's called ignorance BJ..

http://www.thaivisa....vs-real-madrid/

Yep ignorance is bliss

[MSingh]

Typical RAG. Red, the match is officially billed as Man City V Man United but you names the thread as Man U v Man C.

It's called ignorance BJ..

http://www.thaivisa....vs-real-madrid/

Yep ignorance is bliss

It is for them, you only have to spend 20 mins looking at their Thread & the Schalke Thread & the past few Posts..

[SantiSuk]

I don't mind who wins as long as it is a great football match and it's well refereed. Preferably also as long as it is long - how long can it be? 90 mins plus 30 plus penalty kicks or can there be a replay?

Yours, Arsenal (but could be Chelsea or Spurs or Pool) fan. Well I couldn't, but you know what I mean.

I just read that again - sounds like that bloke Stanley Unwin, if you were around in the 60s. Well, actually it sounds like Stanley Unwin, whether you were around in the 60s or not.

I think I had better go to bed.

[MrRed]

Yes Santi i also hope it is as long as it can be without penalties.

Preferably we will score in injury time of extra time :jap: then the tears of blue will be seen at wembley and it wil leave a lasting impression on the bitters and obviously Mr Bojangles and his assistant manager Mr Mannciti

Wemberley! wemberley we are the famous man united and were off to wemberley again

[MrRed]

Scholes aims swipe at City

United midfielder questions City's belief

Scholes: Derby day veteran relishing Wembley semi-final

Paul Scholes has stoked the fires ahead of the Manchester derby FA Cup semi-final by claiming City are not even one of United's main rivals.

The Red Devils lock horns with their neighbours at Wembley in one of the most eagerly-awaited FA Cup semi-finals of recent years.

City are aiming to take a step closer to ending their 35-year wait for major silverware, while United are looking to keep their Treble bid on course.

Scholes, who is a veteran of derby day after making his debut against City in 1994, claims he does not regard the blue half of Manchester as major rivals and he will not change his view until they win a major trophy.

"When they are fourth or fifth, I don't think they can be classed as a main rival."

Paul Scholes on Man City rivalry Quotes of the week

"When they are fourth or fifth, I don't think they can be classed as a main rival," he said.

Rivals

"Our main rivals are obviously Arsenal and Chelsea.I think City are just a rival because of where they are (geographically). Liverpool is the same."

Scholes also questioned City's belief, feeling they do not have the same winning mentality as Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

"With them getting the money, it has probably helped us and spurred us on a bit more when we have played them," added Scholes.

"There has been nothing to choose between us in the last five or six games. They will obviously be p***** off that they have only managed to beat us once [under Sheikh Mansour's ownership] and that game was a Carling Cup semi-final first leg, with us having another game to make up for it.

"We have nicked the games with goals in the last minutes. I've done it, Michael Owen's done it and Wayne Rooney did it last season. That's maybe the difference between the two teams.

"We have a belief that we can beat anybody, but if City have that, I'm not too sure."

Paul Scholes Quotes of the week

"We have a belief that we can beat anybody, but if City have that, I'm not too sure. But their spending is not our problem is it?"

Scholes is relishing the first Wembley Manchester derby and he is keen to avoid City winning any bragging rights.

Painful

"It is painful. I remember going to Maine Road and losing 3-1 and it's horrible," continued Scholes. "You hate losing against anybody, but City? But it just makes you more determined.

"I have family who are Blue and there are Reds everywhere too, so the desire to win is massive.

"It's an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley. It's massive.

"It's the biggest game we've had against City for a while. "hoever loses will be devastated.

[carmine]

I think MrRed is bored.

[MrRed]

I can understand that comment from you! You have not got a game today have you?

I wonder why? oh you got knocked out of the cup again

Semi-Final AT Wembley against the bitters,how coould one be bored?

[mrbojangles]

Rivals

"Our main rivals are obviously Arsenal and Chelsea.I think City are just a rival because of where they are (geographically). Liverpool is the same."

So even Scholes has admitted that you are located so far out of Manchester that liverpool are just as near

[smokie36]

Rivals

"Our main rivals are obviously Arsenal and Chelsea.I think City are just a rival because of where they are (geographically). Liverpool is the same."

So even Scholes has admitted that you are located so far out of Manchester that liverpool are just as near

Ah yes over time they will come to be known as Surrey Quays United.....

[MrRed]

Distance to Piccadilly check it out ....we are closer

[SantiSuk]

Yes Santi i also hope it is as long as it can be without penalties.

Preferably we will score in injury time of extra time :jap: then the tears of blue will be seen at wembley and it wil leave a lasting impression on the bitters and obviously Mr Bojangles and his assistant manager Mr Mannciti

Wemberley! wemberley we are the famous man united and were off to wemberley again

I am also looking forward to two games this weekend that are equally likely to give attractive football (maybe more so; Man C have no Tevez and I expect them to focus on their league-leading defence and for the game to be a bit cagey). No - not Arsenal v Liverpool - though that is intriguing enough as a prospect with Carroll and Suarez against our team that still needs to find the collective form that Fab/RvP,Nasri/Theo warrant. Both these other two mega line-ups are the equivalent of Man U playing Arsenal at the top of the table with the number 2 team having to win to have a realistic shot of overtaking the leader (sounds familiar?):

Real Madrid v Barcelona (Probably on live overnight on Channel 3 or 7, but showing Sunday TSP1 11:30am)

Bayern Munich v Bayer Leverkeusen (live TSP3 20:30)

One of the best weekends of football I can recall in prospect. 4 exciting games (including us v Pool) and 2 more interesting ones - West Brom (newly rejuvenated and slaughterers of Arsenal) v Chelsea (are they completely f***ed?) and Birmingham v Sunderland (expect a kicking fest!)

[nev]

Distance to Piccadilly check it out ....we are closer

Mate don't spoil it for them it is all they have to hang on too,by there theory no team plays in london itself they all play outside central london,and united was formed in manchester unlike city formed in west gorton at that time not in manchester!

One team putting manchester on the map and you know who that is.