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The Official Manchester United Thread [2006/2007]
- Thread starter Stotty
- Start date
- Status
VanTheMan said:
Friendlies are different to competitive games regardless of experience. In friendlies, players tend not to risk being injured and thus play below their ability.
Dazmania said:Its a PRE-SEASON FRIENDLY FFS. These guys aren't half the way near to being completely match fit.
Yeah, I can't see why people are making such a big deal about it. It's not as if it's the Champions League final or whatizit.
Another persective on the recent friendlies by the Guardian Unlimited
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United's kids lose out but win new friends
[font=Geneva,Arial,sans-serif]Telford Vice
Sunday July 23, 2006
The Observer
[/font]
For South Africans who count themselves among Manchester United's 75 million supporters, football came home 10 days ago. That is when the Premiership giants arrived in South Africa and even their defeat on penalties to Kaizer Chiefs in Pretoria failed to dampen the spirits of their loyal fans. Despite the absence of World Cup players like Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ruud van Nistelrooy, United rarely looked in danger of losing any of the three games they played against the willing but outgunned Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.
Then, after 90 minutes of scoreless play yesterday in which United at times seemed static in front of goal, Ben Foster and Chris Eagles missed their spot-kicks to hand Chiefs a victory that was celebrated with giddy abandon.
However, winning meaningless games was not what United came to South Africa for. They came, instead, to gauge the form of young players like Foster, Giuseppe Rossi, Phil Bardsley and Fangzhuo Dong.
Foster kept goal immaculately and the Chinese striker Dong, who should be granted a work permit by early next year, scored in United's 1-0 over Chiefs in Cape Town. However, the 18-year-old also wasted several chances yesterday. Still, Rossi, just 19, and defender Bardsley passed the tests set for them.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer returned from two years out through injury to score twice in United's 4-0 triumph over Pirates in Durban. Paul Scholes seems to have overcome the blurred vision that troubled him last season, while Ryan Giggs was as solid and as organised as ever.
Off the field United's visit has been an even bigger triumph. The English Premiership consumes vast chunks of space and time in the South African media and United are by far the most visibly supported club.
Sir Alex Ferguson and his players have used their time in South Africa to wish Nelson Mandela a happy eighty-eighth birthday, visit an orphanage and a children's hospital and generally put themselves at the disposal of the great unwashed. Their public, it would seem, has been satisfied.
'The fact that there are only a few senior players here doesn't really matter because we're also interested in seeing some of the newer players, like Rossi,' said Ethel Sleith, who is the vice-chairperson of the South African branch of United's supporters' club.
'We were at a dinner with Fergie the other night, and he said even Liverpool supporters would understand that United has an attraction that no other club has,' she added.
Each of United's matches drew large crowds despite being broadcast live on television and the fact that tickets to the games cost far more than those for a top domestic fixture.
On a pitch strewn with female dancers and beaming government officials, a bemused Sir Bobby Charlton took in the scene like a man who had gone out for a pint and happened upon a troupe of performing seals.
United's visit was part of a bigger picture that is already focused on the 2010 World Cup, which will be played in South Africa.
'This is not about bringing Manchester United over for one year, it's about bringing a top European team to South Africa for the next few years,' said Brad Jansen, a spokesperson for sponsors Vodacom. 'The World Cup will be a big challenge for South Africa, but it's such a good country and there is so much enthusiasm that I think it will all work well,' Ferguson said. Jansen added that the matches marked the first time in South African football that stadiums had used a seating plan to allocate seats.
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http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,1827081,00.html
</FONT>
========================================================
United's kids lose out but win new friends
[font=Geneva,Arial,sans-serif]Telford Vice
Sunday July 23, 2006
The Observer
[/font]
For South Africans who count themselves among Manchester United's 75 million supporters, football came home 10 days ago. That is when the Premiership giants arrived in South Africa and even their defeat on penalties to Kaizer Chiefs in Pretoria failed to dampen the spirits of their loyal fans. Despite the absence of World Cup players like Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ruud van Nistelrooy, United rarely looked in danger of losing any of the three games they played against the willing but outgunned Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.
Then, after 90 minutes of scoreless play yesterday in which United at times seemed static in front of goal, Ben Foster and Chris Eagles missed their spot-kicks to hand Chiefs a victory that was celebrated with giddy abandon.
However, winning meaningless games was not what United came to South Africa for. They came, instead, to gauge the form of young players like Foster, Giuseppe Rossi, Phil Bardsley and Fangzhuo Dong.
Foster kept goal immaculately and the Chinese striker Dong, who should be granted a work permit by early next year, scored in United's 1-0 over Chiefs in Cape Town. However, the 18-year-old also wasted several chances yesterday. Still, Rossi, just 19, and defender Bardsley passed the tests set for them.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer returned from two years out through injury to score twice in United's 4-0 triumph over Pirates in Durban. Paul Scholes seems to have overcome the blurred vision that troubled him last season, while Ryan Giggs was as solid and as organised as ever.
Off the field United's visit has been an even bigger triumph. The English Premiership consumes vast chunks of space and time in the South African media and United are by far the most visibly supported club.
Sir Alex Ferguson and his players have used their time in South Africa to wish Nelson Mandela a happy eighty-eighth birthday, visit an orphanage and a children's hospital and generally put themselves at the disposal of the great unwashed. Their public, it would seem, has been satisfied.
'The fact that there are only a few senior players here doesn't really matter because we're also interested in seeing some of the newer players, like Rossi,' said Ethel Sleith, who is the vice-chairperson of the South African branch of United's supporters' club.
'We were at a dinner with Fergie the other night, and he said even Liverpool supporters would understand that United has an attraction that no other club has,' she added.
Each of United's matches drew large crowds despite being broadcast live on television and the fact that tickets to the games cost far more than those for a top domestic fixture.
On a pitch strewn with female dancers and beaming government officials, a bemused Sir Bobby Charlton took in the scene like a man who had gone out for a pint and happened upon a troupe of performing seals.
United's visit was part of a bigger picture that is already focused on the 2010 World Cup, which will be played in South Africa.
'This is not about bringing Manchester United over for one year, it's about bringing a top European team to South Africa for the next few years,' said Brad Jansen, a spokesperson for sponsors Vodacom. 'The World Cup will be a big challenge for South Africa, but it's such a good country and there is so much enthusiasm that I think it will all work well,' Ferguson said. Jansen added that the matches marked the first time in South African football that stadiums had used a seating plan to allocate seats.
===================================================
http://football.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/0,,1827081,00.html
</FONT>
SAF's talking again;
http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1778_1357573,00.html
It seems that he is trying to sign a few players, but it could be politics aswell
Other news: Ruud has asked for his third transfer request. He wrote a letter to SAF. I am starting to accept Ruuds department, this has been going on for a year now and I understand why he was benched, the moment Saha was available SAF benched Ruud, I think he was already working on the future
http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1778_1357573,00.html
It seems that he is trying to sign a few players, but it could be politics aswell
Other news: Ruud has asked for his third transfer request. He wrote a letter to SAF. I am starting to accept Ruuds department, this has been going on for a year now and I understand why he was benched, the moment Saha was available SAF benched Ruud, I think he was already working on the future
PaPaGeorGeo
Fan Favourite
Marca says alot of sh*t
Usual media fodder from SAF
Ok, injuries can hurt the drive towards a premiership medal, but you can't tell me that was the reason why we didn't catch Russian Mafia FC errr...Chelsea
And, as far as Giggs in central midfield alongside O'shea, it might work against lower - mid table clubs. But, against top teams in the Premiership and Europe, well....See: United vs. Chelsea, April 29, 2006
Ok, injuries can hurt the drive towards a premiership medal, but you can't tell me that was the reason why we didn't catch Russian Mafia FC errr...Chelsea
And, as far as Giggs in central midfield alongside O'shea, it might work against lower - mid table clubs. But, against top teams in the Premiership and Europe, well....See: United vs. Chelsea, April 29, 2006
mufc_daddy
Starting XI
It kinda suprised me that we sold Spector to Pressed Ham. Fergie rated him and I thought he would gradually take Silvestre's position. What everyone else think?
fact: we have no decent dm!
opinion: zokora was good and cheap.
fact: ruud is off!
opinion: we are going to struggle to replace him.
fact: fletcher is **** and can't hold down a regular first-team place!
opinion: fergie is going to persist with him no matter what.
fact: we have let many good potenital signings go by without competition!
opinion: fergie is waiting for ruud's transfer fee to go and blow it on carrick who is worth 17mill when we can get diarra by adding 8m to that. (25m)
opinion: zokora was good and cheap.
fact: ruud is off!
opinion: we are going to struggle to replace him.
fact: fletcher is **** and can't hold down a regular first-team place!
opinion: fergie is going to persist with him no matter what.
fact: we have let many good potenital signings go by without competition!
opinion: fergie is waiting for ruud's transfer fee to go and blow it on carrick who is worth 17mill when we can get diarra by adding 8m to that. (25m)
"I am not unhappy with my squad as it is," said Ferguson.
Well that says it all doesn't it
I'm sure Ruud won't show up at training today, gonna cost him two weeks wages so what! He misses out on some money that he has plenty of already so that's no real punishment for him.
He will not be there at the training to make sure he'll get a transfer out one of these days to Real or BM cause one of these clubs are going to get him that's for sure!
Replacing him will be real hard, someone who makes as many goals as he did in one season is very hard to find.
And why let Quinton Fortune go to Bolton when you need someone in MF??
Does SAF really think that MU can win the title with the squad as it is now??
Compare this team to the Chelskiside, not a chance I'm afraid to say.
Chelski with Ballack and Sheva, two of the best players in football today and I'm not even naming Robben, Crespo and the others.
It's admirable that guys here still put their trust in SAF and I hope they're right..only the future will tell but right now I only see valuable players leaving and nothing in return.
Well that says it all doesn't it
I'm sure Ruud won't show up at training today, gonna cost him two weeks wages so what! He misses out on some money that he has plenty of already so that's no real punishment for him.
He will not be there at the training to make sure he'll get a transfer out one of these days to Real or BM cause one of these clubs are going to get him that's for sure!
Replacing him will be real hard, someone who makes as many goals as he did in one season is very hard to find.
And why let Quinton Fortune go to Bolton when you need someone in MF??
Does SAF really think that MU can win the title with the squad as it is now??
Compare this team to the Chelskiside, not a chance I'm afraid to say.
Chelski with Ballack and Sheva, two of the best players in football today and I'm not even naming Robben, Crespo and the others.
It's admirable that guys here still put their trust in SAF and I hope they're right..only the future will tell but right now I only see valuable players leaving and nothing in return.
i seriously think he sud have retired in 2002 where atleast he wud have left with dignity and respect, right now he is feeling the pressure from us, the man utd fans. btw why is he so keen to sign that wba keeper?
edit: just read on sky jol wants atleast 20m for carrick! that is utter bull!
also ruud returns to united training, atleast he is commited.
edit: just read on sky jol wants atleast 20m for carrick! that is utter bull!
also ruud returns to united training, atleast he is commited.
AlienSeafood
Senior Squad
rhizome17 said:
english please
That's the sportsman he is, I'm actually surprised that he did show up but I guess it won't be for long
It's commendable on Ruud's part that's for sure
If i was SAF I would beg him to stay cause who will make all the goals now, Wayne, CR, Scholes, Ole they are not nearly as productive than him but I guess it'll have to do... no other alternatives really..
It's commendable on Ruud's part that's for sure
If i was SAF I would beg him to stay cause who will make all the goals now, Wayne, CR, Scholes, Ole they are not nearly as productive than him but I guess it'll have to do... no other alternatives really..
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