Manchester United

[mrtoad]

Dissapointin to say the least, but congrats to Liverpool for doing the double (it's the nearest they'll get to a real one). Didn't think the scoreline reflected the game, although taking chances is what really counts. Vidic had a shocker yesterday, really looked off the pace from early on, and it was no surprise to see him haul down Gerrard when he did. Didn't give the ref much option. If United had made the possesion and pressurecount then it would have been a very different result. For me, a draw would have actually been a fair resut, but take nothing away from Liverpool they have done the business. Hopefully will give United a kick up the ass for the final run in.

[samuibeachcomber]

i wonder how different it might have been had fergie played giggs,scholes and berbatov from the beginning.man u. looked flat footed,and out of sorts.

[LeungKen]

The result was the wake-up call that had to happen if United are to seriously challenge for the 3 remaining trophies this season.

Can you imagine the hair drier treatment come Monday morning at Carrington.

I have to agree with most of what has been said, Vidic had a shocker (But what a great season) Evra has been below par of late and Anderson is not able to reproduce his early form that showed so much promise.

Liverpool took their chances and all credit to them.

But if I was Fergie I'd be giving the lads a right bollocking come the next training session along the lines of "Stand up and be counted", there are (IMO) a few too many like Nani, Anderson, Carrick, Berbatov not earning the fantastic wages.

Here's hoping the hunger returns.

[rixalex]

there are (IMO) a few too many like Nani, Anderson, Carrick, Berbatov not earning the fantastic wages.

Here's hoping the hunger returns.

Not sure i would be singling out the likes of Carrick and Berba - for me they've both had good seasons - perhaps could have contributed a few more goals but they've given so much else.

For me i'm afraid to say that Tevez invariably frustrates me and i just don't think his finishing is good enough. I know he's loved because of his worth ethic and i can't question that side of his game - just wish he was more clinical and didn't require so many chances. I personally think he'll be moving on quite soon - it'll cost more than it's worth to keep him.

As for Nani - yeah i think he's been quite disappointing really. Keep waiting for him to have a blinder, but hasn't happened. Oh well.

[Macclad]

Uniteds defence was shocking....O'Shea and Evra poor and Vidic had a stinker.

The midfield was overrun.....United lacked a holding player like Hargreaves.Carrick is a luxury player who tends to disappear when the going gets tough.

Ronaldo.....again on the periphary of things without getting involved too much.

Everytime Liverpool ran at Uniteds midfield or defence they struggled to cope.

But as Ken says,this should be the wake up call United need if they are to attain more success this season.

Despite the 4-1 defeat things could be worse.United should still win the Premiership and just think if this 4-1 reverse had been in the home first leg of a Champions League semi-final ?

[MiG16]

Liverpool 4 Utd 1

even I stayed up to watch that one

[LeungKen]

Liverpool 4 Utd 1

even I stayed up to watch that one

Could you show a little moderation with the emoticons please Miggsy ?

[MiG16]

well I aint showing any over the top ecstasy, jumping up with joy am I

not that it really matters who of the 2 lose. as I have often said on such occasions, I prefer if both teams lose but more so if Chelsea does

(now will I be told off for flaming? luckily jockstar is away for a bit)

[rixalex]

Liverpool 4 Utd 1

even I stayed up to watch that one

Stayed up???!!!

Is 8 p.m. past your bedtime Mig?

[Sparkles]

there are (IMO) a few too many like Nani, Anderson, Carrick, Berbatov not earning the fantastic wages.

Here's hoping the hunger returns.

Not sure i would be singling out the likes of Carrick and Berba - for me they've both had good seasons - perhaps could have contributed a few more goals but they've given so much else.

For me i'm afraid to say that Tevez invariably frustrates me and i just don't think his finishing is good enough. I know he's loved because of his worth ethic and i can't question that side of his game - just wish he was more clinical and didn't require so many chances. I personally think he'll be moving on quite soon - it'll cost more than it's worth to keep him.

As for Nani - yeah i think he's been quite disappointing really. Keep waiting for him to have a blinder, but hasn't happened. Oh well.

It was quite depressing watching that game if you were a United fan as I really dont think the scoreline was an indication of the game. United had far more possession but did little with it. For all Tevez's energy they needed Berbatov to hold the ball up and make the telling passes. Playing at 200 miles per hour is not always the solution, you need to mix it up.On reflection this morning I feel that maybe its the shake up United needed. Winning runs, or not losing runs, often have a habit of imploding and it did, big time.I have never shared the view that United were past the post this season. I will wait until its mathematically imposssible for them to lose which hopefully will be before the last game so I can enjoy it.

[MiG16]

Stayed up???!!!

Is 8 p.m. past your bedtime Mig?

well...... my curfew is shorter than Cinderella's

so yeah.....

am not allowed out much

[bkkjames]

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson doesn’t rate Rafa Benitez

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has dismissed the possibility of winning the quintuple, does not rate Rafa Benitez as one of the top managers in the Premier League and regrets selling Jaap Stam.

By Steve Wilson

Last Updated: 10:58AM GMT 19 Mar 2009

Ferguson, who believes rival Arsene Wenger, Martin O’Neill and David Moyes are more worthy of praise than Benitez, has revealed some of his innermost thoughts in an interview with Alistair Campbell, the man who engineered Tony Blair’s 1997 election victory, in the latest issue of the New Statesman.

The United manager was clear that selling Stam to Lazio in 2001 was his “biggest mistake”, while also expressing his regret that he never managed to sign Paul Gascoigne – “a fabulous footballer who would have done brilliantly here".

Ferguson on the best managers in the Premier League:

You’d have to say Arsene Wenger, David Moyes and Martin O’Neill.

Ferguson on Benitez’s rant (earlier in the season):

Weird. I really don’t know what he was talking about. I’d be amazed if his staff or his players thought it was a good idea.

Ferguson on former managers and players turning pundits:

Some of the ex-player, ex-manager pundits are the worst. It's a disgrace the way they sit there criticising guys they used to play with, just to make a bit of an impact. I couldn't do that.

Ferguson on retirement:

Not for a while. I’m 67 now. My health’s good. I still have the drive and the energy. I’ve been here more than 22 years, but I still get a buzz arriving at the training ground. I still get that tingle of excitement when the team bus draws up at an away ground before a big match. Or I see some of the young kids coming through, like the young Brazilian twins [Rafael and Fabio da Silva, of United] . . [in two years time?] That kind of area. We’ll see.

Ferguson on who might replace him:

United is a family club and I know they will want me to stay involved as an ambassador of some sort. If I’m asked my view I’ll give it, but I won’t be a back-seat driver. I’m not gone yet.

Ferguson on coaching a British team at London 2012:

We’ll see. I certainly support the idea of an Olympic team in principle, provided there is no danger at all to the individual identities of the smaller countries.

Ferguson on a dream United XI from his time in charge:

“My problem is I have had so many great players that I can’t do one dream team. I ask myself who were the players you could not leave out. Roy Keane, Scholes, Giggs — never, ever leave him out if I was playing my best team. Ronaldo and Cantona are both ‘never leave out’ players. You’d have Beckham knocking on the door. As for Rooney, if I left him out, I’d have to do it by email or I’d never hear the end of it. God, when you go through it like that, I have been blessed with terrific players.”

Ferguson on footballers’ fame and fortune:

Well, some footballers it might [change them for the worse], but look at [Manchester United’s] Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville, model professionals who have also handled the celebrity status well. So then the younger ones look up to them, too. And the job of the manager is to get the best out of them, and always be looking to the future as well.

Ferguson on changes since he joined United:

The thing is, I have been here while all these changes have gone on and I’ve managed to adapt and help players adapt. I was here before agent power, before freedom of contract, before the really big money from TV kicked in. Part of my job is to make sure these lads keep their feet on the ground. I hammer it into them that the work ethic is what got them through the door here in the first place and they must never lose it.

Ferguson on the best players he ever saw:

Pelé, [Alfredo] Di Stefano, [Diego] Maradona, [Johan] Cruyff.

Ferguson on greatest achievement at United:

The treble [Premiership, FA Cup and Champions League] in 1999, and in particular the comeback at Barcelona against Bayern.

Ferguson on best goal his team have scored:

Giggs against Arsenal at Villa Park [in the 1999 FA Cup semi-final]. Out of this world.

Ferguson on his biggest mistake:

Letting go of Jaap Stam. No question.

Ferguson on his biggest disappointment:

Not getting Gazza. He was a fabulous footballer and he would have done brilliantly here.

Ferguson on achieving the quintuple this season:

No. The thing about cup football is you need to be the best, but you also need a lot of luck and I think it’s asking too much for all the games to go your way. The one thing I will say is, this squad is the best I have ever had. Every game we play, I feel confident. At the moment, every attack fears our defence and every defence fears our midfield and attack. That gives you confidence, but it is too tough a call.

[MSingh]

Interesting about Staam..

Mind you with how Vidic shaped up last week, i reckon he could still do a job..

[StevieH]

it is refreshing to see that shipyard unionist and great socialist 'sir' alex ferguson keeping in touch with the working classes via a pompous magazine which refuses to even recognise the existence of the NUJ. while pallying up with one of the nastiest pieces of work to come out of britain in the past thirty years.

[bkkjames]

it is refreshing to see that shipyard unionist and great socialist 'sir' alex ferguson keeping in touch with the working classes via a pompous magazine which refuses to even recognise the existence of the NUJ. while pallying up with one of the nastiest pieces of work to come out of britain in the past thirty years.

was expecting this kind of retort from the usual LP broken record. journalist (inteviewer in question) doesn't meet stevies standard unlike the latest piece by Oli.

[StevieH]

it is refreshing to see that shipyard unionist and great socialist 'sir' alex ferguson keeping in touch with the working classes via a pompous magazine which refuses to even recognise the existence of the NUJ. while pallying up with one of the nastiest pieces of work to come out of britain in the past thirty years.

was expecting this kind of retort from the usual LP broken record. journalist (inteviewer in question) doesn't meet stevies standard unlike the latest piece by Oli.

you've no idea who alastair campbell is, have you james?

[bkkjames]

it is refreshing to see that shipyard unionist and great socialist 'sir' alex ferguson keeping in touch with the working classes via a pompous magazine which refuses to even recognise the existence of the NUJ. while pallying up with one of the nastiest pieces of work to come out of britain in the past thirty years.

was expecting this kind of retort from the usual LP broken record. journalist (inteviewer in question) doesn't meet stevies standard unlike the latest piece by Oli.

you've no idea who alastair campbell is, have you james?

what the f_uck does he have to do with SAF's answers to these questions?

[StevieH]

it is refreshing to see that shipyard unionist and great socialist 'sir' alex ferguson keeping in touch with the working classes via a pompous magazine which refuses to even recognise the existence of the NUJ. while pallying up with one of the nastiest pieces of work to come out of britain in the past thirty years.

was expecting this kind of retort from the usual LP broken record. journalist (inteviewer in question) doesn't meet stevies standard unlike the latest piece by Oli.

you've no idea who alastair campbell is, have you james?

what the f_uck does he have to do with SAF's answers to these questions?

i find it somewhat hypocritical of man-of-the-people and alleged socialist 'sir' ferguson to be speaking to someone of campbell's ilk. the man's a virus. but then of course 'sir' fergie considers himself above speaking to normal journalists these days doesn't he?

[mrtoad]

it is refreshing to see that shipyard unionist and great socialist 'sir' alex ferguson keeping in touch with the working classes via a pompous magazine which refuses to even recognise the existence of the NUJ. while pallying up with one of the nastiest pieces of work to come out of britain in the past thirty years.

was expecting this kind of retort from the usual LP broken record. journalist (inteviewer in question) doesn't meet stevies standard unlike the latest piece by Oli.

you've no idea who alastair campbell is, have you james?

what the f_uck does he have to do with SAF's answers to these questions?

The answers are interesting, however it is dissapointing that the <deleted> coackroach Campbell was the interviewer. People like him are like a cancer on the honest working man in the UK. If they were lining people up against the wall, I reckon Campbell would be near the front of the line.

[LeungKen]

All is looking good for Gary Neville's return - it would be great to see him run into some good form as we enter the serious end of the season.

[BIGTOE3]

Another BAD day at the office hope thats the last one

Only good thing is Chelski got beat too

BT

[LeungKen]

'

BUGGER !

.. .. .

[technocracy]

HA HA HA HO HO HO HE HE HE

Finally a referee with balls! Should of been down to 9 men at our place however the referee was the usual spineless turd.

Well done Fulham!

[StevieH]

you lot need to start playing with a real holding midfielder by the way, particularly away from home. there's a great big hole between your centrebacks and centremids and fulham exploited it on saturday just as we did the week before. rafa's guidebook works.

[Devil]

you lot need to start playing with a real holding midfielder by the way, particularly away from home. there's a great big hole between your centrebacks and centremids and fulham exploited it on saturday just as we did the week before. rafa's guidebook works.

Ronaldo doesn't look like he has any fight in him, what happened?

[StevieH]

you lot need to start playing with a real holding midfielder by the way, particularly away from home. there's a great big hole between your centrebacks and centremids and fulham exploited it on saturday just as we did the week before. rafa's guidebook works.

Ronaldo doesn't look like he has any fight in him, what happened?

he's an effete, preening, self-adoring ponce who plays solely for himself and not for the team?

[bkkjames]

you lot need to start playing with a real holding midfielder by the way, particularly away from home. there's a great big hole between your centrebacks and centremids and fulham exploited it on saturday just as we did the week before. rafa's guidebook works.

Ronaldo doesn't look like he has any fight in him, what happened?

he's an effete, preening, self-adoring ponce who plays solely for himself and not for the team?

is that a statement or a question stevie? Glad to see you and devil are feeling confident these days. Nice change from the typical 'garbage' like the above the comes spewing out of you gobs all the time.

what's really funny is that Friday 630pm you pretty much conceded the season and now you are talking about a double.

[StevieH]

you lot need to start playing with a real holding midfielder by the way, particularly away from home. there's a great big hole between your centrebacks and centremids and fulham exploited it on saturday just as we did the week before. rafa's guidebook works.

Ronaldo doesn't look like he has any fight in him, what happened?

he's an effete, preening, self-adoring ponce who plays solely for himself and not for the team?

is that a statement or a question stevie? Glad to see you and devil are feeling confident these days. Nice change from the typical 'garbage' like the above the comes spewing out of you gobs all the time.

what's really funny is that Friday 630pm you pretty much conceded the season and now you are talking about a double.

it was a question, james. as is, 'were you as a united fan pleased or embarrassed with ronaldo against fulham?'

i'm not talking about a double at all. i've said at least three times already today that it's still very much in united's hands.

[Devil]

you lot need to start playing with a real holding midfielder by the way, particularly away from home. there's a great big hole between your centrebacks and centremids and fulham exploited it on saturday just as we did the week before. rafa's guidebook works.

Ronaldo doesn't look like he has any fight in him, what happened?

he's an effete, preening, self-adoring ponce who plays solely for himself and not for the team?

is that a statement or a question stevie? Glad to see you and devil are feeling confident these days. Nice change from the typical 'garbage' like the above the comes spewing out of you gobs all the time.

what's really funny is that Friday 630pm you pretty much conceded the season and now you are talking about a double.

So the question again... to Ronaldo's sudden drop in form? but most obvious he hasn't looked energetic or up for the last few games considering its the business end of the season. Where as Stevie G looks to have found another level and looks like he is doing everything in his power to win.

I have been saying opposite to Stevie and most LFC fans for that matter about our chances of clawing back the league.I still think LFC we will win the League... there I have said it again

Most LFC fans and neutrals have been saying it is near impossible to conceive that Utd will drop points and that we blew our chance earlier when we was ahead.

Personally just an observation and not having a Utd rant... I though Utd have flattered to deceive in many games this season The cracks have started to show at the worst time for you.

And interesting that Fergie has been talking about Raffa a lot of late, which shows Raffa has certainly stirred up Fergie. Funny how no one questions Fergie's unusual choice's of team selection and tactics for some crucial games of late and very surprising to me.

A bigger question I have... is are you lot still so sure you have won the Title already? ??

[bkkjames]

So the question again... to Ronaldo's sudden drop in form? but most obvious he hasn't looked energetic or up for the last few games considering its the business end of the season. Where as Stevie G looks to have found another level and looks like he is doing everything in his power to win.

I have been saying opposite to Stevie and most LFC fans for that matter about our chances of clawing back the league.I still think LFC we will win the League... there I have said it again

Most LFC fans and neutrals have been saying it is near impossible to conceive that Utd will drop points and that we blew our chance earlier when we was ahead.

Personally just an observation and not having a Utd rant... I though Utd have flattered to deceive in many games this season The cracks have started to show at the worst time for you.

And interesting that Fergie has been talking about Raffa a lot of late, which shows Raffa has certainly stirred up Fergie. Funny how no one questions Fergie's unusual choice's of team selection and tactics for some crucial games of late and very surprising to me.

A bigger question I have... is are you lot still so sure you have won the Title already? ??

did you watch the fulham game devil? ronaldo didn't score 2x because the goalie robbed him and his 2nd header went right at him.

to show how big of an impact he Ronaldo has had, most games he gets double teamed when he crosses the half way line, meaning the rooneys, berba and tevez crowd need to do more with the openings than they currently are.

how many goals has torres got this year? 33 (oh i forgot, he was hurt).