Of course United can't do it the easy way. They have to make us suffer. Still it has been an exciting and win or lose I am proud to call myself a Red after the effort the side has put forth. As Fergie stated this is going to be the beggest Derby many people have witnessed at United. After last night's result at the Camp Nou, I don't know how much more drama I can take. Chelse gave an absolute historic performance and truly deserved to advance. Monday will most likely prove to be just as dramatic. Let's just hope that it is Fergie's side that makes the dramatic win and not the neigbors.
Essentially this match will decide who title holder will be. United definitely have the quality to beat City at their own ground. The question is whether they will or not. I think if Fergie can get the defensive situation sorted out, United will do OK. Rafael did not play well against Everton and was involved in some of their goals. Johnny Evans, who has been fantastic for most of the season, seemed a bit off too. I am sure Sir Alex will have them back in shape for the derby. Offensively, the Reds looked great against Everton. Valencia, Nani, Rooney, Welbeck and Scholes all had a good game. Nani's return brought some unpredictability back into the United side. As well as the Toffees played they had a hard time dealing with him out on the left. The same goes for Valecia out on the right.
This season has seemed longer and more stressful than normal. But, I trust that United and Fergie will come through in the end. Its going to be a tough match on Monday and I have to say I will be stressed untill the whistle blows. Its going to be one hell of a start to the week! BELIEVE
Glory Glory Man United
-C
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Vital Win
Yesterdays match against Blackburn left me feeling relieved to say the least. United needed that win to increase the distance between City and themselves in the league. It was not that United played particularly bad. I just felt that their resources could have been used more wisely. If I am right and Ferguson is working to implement a faster style of play (sadly this is why Berba has been left out of the squad so often of late), then I feel like his formation yesterday did not achieve this so well.
First lets start with the forward. I like Hernandez quite a bit and this is nothing against his quality. However, he is not the type of striker to played up top by himself. I don't feel he can create space for himself or hold posession untill the wings provide support. He is great in the box and can make wonderful penetrating runs! Still, he has seemed less effective in a lone striker position. Players like Rooney or Berba are better suited for this role. They are able to controll the pace of the game better. They can create space for themselves as well as find and create opportunities.
There were times when this formation was successful. During the first half we created a few chances where I thought we could have scored but we didn't. I really don't like when Rooney is played out wide. I know he can play the position but, he is one of our best players and needs more time on the ball. He is better suited in a central attacking position. When played out wide he is isolated and has too much trouble getting involved. Valencia on the other side was fantastic as usual. He is one of our most consistent players as long as he is fit. Hopefully he will continue this form to the end of the season.
David De Gea has continued his good form with some fantastic saves. It was only a few months ago that he struggled against the Rovers and now he is making game changing saves. His improvement has been truly impressive. Johnny Evans and Rafael looked good at the back and had no problem helping move the ball up towards goal. As soon as Fergie started making changes our team began to look better. Once Giggs was on the field everything became more organized. Giggs does not even have to be involved in the play. His mere presence inspires great soccer.
Even though this was not one of our better performances, Valencia's goal was long coming. Some may call the circumstances of this match very fortuitous but I would disagree. Often, great teams create their own luck. While this may not have been a vintage United performance, the side worked very hard to get a result. The possession stats alone show that United were determined to press toward goal. They continually worked their way into the oposing half and won corner after corner. in this type of situation eventually you are going to earn yourself a goal. It may not be from beautiful play but it will come. Young's goal minutes after being subbed on was superb. I personally would have liked to see him start but as with all my complaints about this match I am sure Fergie has his reasons.
United showed patience and determination in yesterday's match and it paid off. This victory was paramount in the title race and I hope we can continue to see results like this to the end of the season. If we do there is no reason why United will not be lifting a 20th title this May! Lets hope Arsenal sticks it to city next week!
Glory Glory Man United
-C
First lets start with the forward. I like Hernandez quite a bit and this is nothing against his quality. However, he is not the type of striker to played up top by himself. I don't feel he can create space for himself or hold posession untill the wings provide support. He is great in the box and can make wonderful penetrating runs! Still, he has seemed less effective in a lone striker position. Players like Rooney or Berba are better suited for this role. They are able to controll the pace of the game better. They can create space for themselves as well as find and create opportunities.
There were times when this formation was successful. During the first half we created a few chances where I thought we could have scored but we didn't. I really don't like when Rooney is played out wide. I know he can play the position but, he is one of our best players and needs more time on the ball. He is better suited in a central attacking position. When played out wide he is isolated and has too much trouble getting involved. Valencia on the other side was fantastic as usual. He is one of our most consistent players as long as he is fit. Hopefully he will continue this form to the end of the season.
David De Gea has continued his good form with some fantastic saves. It was only a few months ago that he struggled against the Rovers and now he is making game changing saves. His improvement has been truly impressive. Johnny Evans and Rafael looked good at the back and had no problem helping move the ball up towards goal. As soon as Fergie started making changes our team began to look better. Once Giggs was on the field everything became more organized. Giggs does not even have to be involved in the play. His mere presence inspires great soccer.
Even though this was not one of our better performances, Valencia's goal was long coming. Some may call the circumstances of this match very fortuitous but I would disagree. Often, great teams create their own luck. While this may not have been a vintage United performance, the side worked very hard to get a result. The possession stats alone show that United were determined to press toward goal. They continually worked their way into the oposing half and won corner after corner. in this type of situation eventually you are going to earn yourself a goal. It may not be from beautiful play but it will come. Young's goal minutes after being subbed on was superb. I personally would have liked to see him start but as with all my complaints about this match I am sure Fergie has his reasons.
United showed patience and determination in yesterday's match and it paid off. This victory was paramount in the title race and I hope we can continue to see results like this to the end of the season. If we do there is no reason why United will not be lifting a 20th title this May! Lets hope Arsenal sticks it to city next week!
Glory Glory Man United
-C
Friday, March 30, 2012
The Grind
One thing Fergie knows how to do is grind out results. I don't think Monday's match against Fulham was as negative as most of the media is proclaiming but, that is what I have come to expect from the footbal media. This has been quite a season in the EPl and it isn't over yet. More likely than not there are more surprises to come this season. Hopefully these surprisses will come in the form of City losses.
I have said all season that this team's experience in winning trophys will really give them the edge in this title race. Sure enough, United is now three points ahead of city. Now that we have the lead,the only way to give it up would be to lose to City next month. Personally I am keeping my fingers crossed that they pick up a loss against Arsenal or the Black Cats. United will not be counting on that. So it is paramount they win every match untill the end of the season.
Patrick Veira's comments in the media have been extremely amusing lately. First saything that bringing back Scholes shows our weaknesses then that we get byas decisions by referees. He then went on to suggest that City deserve the title because they have played the most atractive football. This is far from true. After United's fantastic run of form at the beginning of the season, City may have had a few months of GREAT form. However the football City has been playing this season is not exactly what I would call "the beautiful game". With the exception of David Silva, most of their play has seemed much like the italian antifootball. It can be effective but it is no where near the creative play teams such as Barca use. As usual this is just some idiot talking and Fergie responded in his usual way by stating that he can bring back Keane to make it more intreresting! I am still trying to figure out where the heck this guy is coming from? He was always this die hard Arsenal player. Basically Roy Keanes foil. Now he is all gung ho about Manchester City, who he only played for breifly. I wonder if the gunners still like him? Regardless his comments are laughable and he can continue to run his mouth if only for our entertainment.
The title really is still up in the air. I truly believe United have the quality and experience to earn their 20th. It won't be easy. City will want their first title in who knows how many years. still their draw with Stoke shows their lack of experience in this stage of a tight title race. As I have said all along, that is what it will come down to. I know when it comes down to the line United have the stones to handle the pressure. The question is do city?
Glory Glory Man United
-C
I have said all season that this team's experience in winning trophys will really give them the edge in this title race. Sure enough, United is now three points ahead of city. Now that we have the lead,the only way to give it up would be to lose to City next month. Personally I am keeping my fingers crossed that they pick up a loss against Arsenal or the Black Cats. United will not be counting on that. So it is paramount they win every match untill the end of the season.
Patrick Veira's comments in the media have been extremely amusing lately. First saything that bringing back Scholes shows our weaknesses then that we get byas decisions by referees. He then went on to suggest that City deserve the title because they have played the most atractive football. This is far from true. After United's fantastic run of form at the beginning of the season, City may have had a few months of GREAT form. However the football City has been playing this season is not exactly what I would call "the beautiful game". With the exception of David Silva, most of their play has seemed much like the italian antifootball. It can be effective but it is no where near the creative play teams such as Barca use. As usual this is just some idiot talking and Fergie responded in his usual way by stating that he can bring back Keane to make it more intreresting! I am still trying to figure out where the heck this guy is coming from? He was always this die hard Arsenal player. Basically Roy Keanes foil. Now he is all gung ho about Manchester City, who he only played for breifly. I wonder if the gunners still like him? Regardless his comments are laughable and he can continue to run his mouth if only for our entertainment.
The title really is still up in the air. I truly believe United have the quality and experience to earn their 20th. It won't be easy. City will want their first title in who knows how many years. still their draw with Stoke shows their lack of experience in this stage of a tight title race. As I have said all along, that is what it will come down to. I know when it comes down to the line United have the stones to handle the pressure. The question is do city?
Glory Glory Man United
-C
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Numquam Moribimur
Numquam Moribimur means We'll never die and is Manchester United's motto.
We can be sure of several things. United had an absolutely dismal loss on Sunday to bitter rivals Manchester City. Ferguson in his side must look to improve imediately if they want to see their title aspirations become a reality. We can also stand assured that this is not a shift in power. One match does not constitute a historical decline. While it was a massive loss for the Red, it is still early in the campaign. We have yet to come to those long winter months cluttered with cup, league as well as European matches. This will be Manchester City's first venture into that teritory where as United do it every season.
The Scoreline of the match on Sunday does not reflect the circumstances of the game. I am not trying find some excuse about how United could have won etc. However, it was definitely a much closer match than the score suggests. No one could argue that the first half was not dominated by Sir Alex's side. Obviously the major catylist was Johnny Evans' sending off. He is still very young and it was a mistake of inexperience. Let's just hope he learned from the mistake and will not have a repeat offense! For any team to play an entire half is a feat unto its own. The Red's continued to dominate play for another 10 minutes pushing up the field and possessing the ball around the box. Unfortunately an clear opportunity was never produced. instead of stepping up and provided pressure we gave space which gifts opporunities and well there you go.
Now I am more interested in what is next. It looks like Tom Cleverly is finally back in the line up against Aldershot. Hopefully we will have him back as regular very soon. The match against Aldershot went just as expected with a comfortable 3-0 win. It was good to see the likes of Owen, Berba and Valencia get game time. The Everton fixture at the weekend should be a good match. Hopefully United will come out firing on all cylinders. Im sure Fergie had quite the haird dryer treatment waiting for the players following the match. I have no doubt that this team has the quality to succeed in this campaign but, they have yet to stride. (even with their exciting form at the start of the season) Usually that does not happen untill December or january anyway so no worries yet.
The papers have been litered with artcicles advertising "the ten players that could help United". Im not so easily swayed from trusting in Sir Alex's side. After a loss like this, the media is of course screaming buy buy buy. Im not sure that is the answer. Although, I am not sure that Fergie wont make another purchase in January. It definitely wouldnt surprise me. However, a spending spree is unlikely and not what we need. If they were to make a purchase in January, I would look for a holding/defensive midfielder. It would give us a shield for the back four basically giving us added security. Other than that I really hope to see players like Owen and Berba given a few more opportunities. They have shown their quality and that they are ready to play. Hopefully we will see them on the pitch soon.
After a tough weekend, all the Reds can do is look to the next match and not make the same mistakes. As long as the team shows the same spirit as they did during the nightmare of a game and keep fighting, we will be fine.
Numquam Moribimur!
We can be sure of several things. United had an absolutely dismal loss on Sunday to bitter rivals Manchester City. Ferguson in his side must look to improve imediately if they want to see their title aspirations become a reality. We can also stand assured that this is not a shift in power. One match does not constitute a historical decline. While it was a massive loss for the Red, it is still early in the campaign. We have yet to come to those long winter months cluttered with cup, league as well as European matches. This will be Manchester City's first venture into that teritory where as United do it every season.
The Scoreline of the match on Sunday does not reflect the circumstances of the game. I am not trying find some excuse about how United could have won etc. However, it was definitely a much closer match than the score suggests. No one could argue that the first half was not dominated by Sir Alex's side. Obviously the major catylist was Johnny Evans' sending off. He is still very young and it was a mistake of inexperience. Let's just hope he learned from the mistake and will not have a repeat offense! For any team to play an entire half is a feat unto its own. The Red's continued to dominate play for another 10 minutes pushing up the field and possessing the ball around the box. Unfortunately an clear opportunity was never produced. instead of stepping up and provided pressure we gave space which gifts opporunities and well there you go.
Now I am more interested in what is next. It looks like Tom Cleverly is finally back in the line up against Aldershot. Hopefully we will have him back as regular very soon. The match against Aldershot went just as expected with a comfortable 3-0 win. It was good to see the likes of Owen, Berba and Valencia get game time. The Everton fixture at the weekend should be a good match. Hopefully United will come out firing on all cylinders. Im sure Fergie had quite the haird dryer treatment waiting for the players following the match. I have no doubt that this team has the quality to succeed in this campaign but, they have yet to stride. (even with their exciting form at the start of the season) Usually that does not happen untill December or january anyway so no worries yet.
The papers have been litered with artcicles advertising "the ten players that could help United". Im not so easily swayed from trusting in Sir Alex's side. After a loss like this, the media is of course screaming buy buy buy. Im not sure that is the answer. Although, I am not sure that Fergie wont make another purchase in January. It definitely wouldnt surprise me. However, a spending spree is unlikely and not what we need. If they were to make a purchase in January, I would look for a holding/defensive midfielder. It would give us a shield for the back four basically giving us added security. Other than that I really hope to see players like Owen and Berba given a few more opportunities. They have shown their quality and that they are ready to play. Hopefully we will see them on the pitch soon.
After a tough weekend, all the Reds can do is look to the next match and not make the same mistakes. As long as the team shows the same spirit as they did during the nightmare of a game and keep fighting, we will be fine.
Numquam Moribimur!
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Braving The Weather
The last few weeks have been tough. We have not seen the exciting form United was in in the first few matches of this season. Some of this could be due largely to injuries. Then comes the ever frustrating tie with the Scousers. United have not been getting great results there lately so the draw on Saturday might be sufficient for the time being. The red's to the field with an unusual side. The commentators were saying that if United were to not perform that Fergie's choices would come into question and criticism. Well I am pretty sure SIR Alex Ferguson does not have to answer to any critic much less a commentator. If he chose a different side, he had reason to do so.
As for the match, United did not play particularly well but not particularly badly either. Liverpool showed up strong and were particularly effective defensively. Every play United made into the attacking third was met with at leas four Liverpool players already back and ready to defend. It was a pretty dificult game but United earned the point they got. The one player that shone through the grey was Patrice Evra. He is beggining to look like the player from season before last in which he was our most capped player. He definitely looks more confident on the ball as well asin making attacking runs. He also was strong in defending at the back. Overall he was definitely our best player. There was definite lack in creativity. Both Nani and Rooney's absences were glaring problems. It shows how much Nani has improved to say that his impact on the game was that sorely missed.
After such a tough match, United would have been looking for a big (and much needed) win in the Champions League on Tuesday. Unfortunately the match against the Hungarian side proved just as difficult as the one at the weekend. Once again the Reds were thrust into slow and gritty battle where few oportunities were created. With attackers Nani and Rooney back in the squad, United looked a tad bit more aggressive and creative. However the team still left much to be wanted in front of goal. The major talking point for yesterday's game is of course Vida's sending off. It looked like it should have been only a caution to me. It was a fairly aggressive and rought tackle but I dont think it warranted a red. Carrick had a decent display with one really awful miss in front of goal. For a player with such a beautiful shot it was an absolutely horrible miss. Carick did make up for this mistake somewhat as serving as one of our more competent creators as we moved up the pictchOnce again our stand out player was Patrice Evra. A solid as he was defensively on Saturday, he was just as effective attacking on Tuesday. He made several very impressive runs into the box and looked supremely confident on the ball. Its good to have the old Pat back!
Saturday we face those noisy blue neighbors. While these are usually my favorite fixtures of the campaign, I would be lying I said I wasn't just a little anxious about Sunday. I have complete faith in this team but, with the shakiness of the last few matches, I just hope this derby proves just as exciting as the las few have! I am glad that we play them at home. Hopefully the Stretford End will inspire the side to a big win! It will be an important match and a win would do a lot for us. The injuries still seem to be quite hindering and I will be happy to see the likes of Cleverly and Vidic permanently back in the squad.
PS We should hear some interesting Banter and chants about old Carlos this weekend!!!
Glory Glory Man United!
Chris
As for the match, United did not play particularly well but not particularly badly either. Liverpool showed up strong and were particularly effective defensively. Every play United made into the attacking third was met with at leas four Liverpool players already back and ready to defend. It was a pretty dificult game but United earned the point they got. The one player that shone through the grey was Patrice Evra. He is beggining to look like the player from season before last in which he was our most capped player. He definitely looks more confident on the ball as well asin making attacking runs. He also was strong in defending at the back. Overall he was definitely our best player. There was definite lack in creativity. Both Nani and Rooney's absences were glaring problems. It shows how much Nani has improved to say that his impact on the game was that sorely missed.
After such a tough match, United would have been looking for a big (and much needed) win in the Champions League on Tuesday. Unfortunately the match against the Hungarian side proved just as difficult as the one at the weekend. Once again the Reds were thrust into slow and gritty battle where few oportunities were created. With attackers Nani and Rooney back in the squad, United looked a tad bit more aggressive and creative. However the team still left much to be wanted in front of goal. The major talking point for yesterday's game is of course Vida's sending off. It looked like it should have been only a caution to me. It was a fairly aggressive and rought tackle but I dont think it warranted a red. Carrick had a decent display with one really awful miss in front of goal. For a player with such a beautiful shot it was an absolutely horrible miss. Carick did make up for this mistake somewhat as serving as one of our more competent creators as we moved up the pictchOnce again our stand out player was Patrice Evra. A solid as he was defensively on Saturday, he was just as effective attacking on Tuesday. He made several very impressive runs into the box and looked supremely confident on the ball. Its good to have the old Pat back!
Saturday we face those noisy blue neighbors. While these are usually my favorite fixtures of the campaign, I would be lying I said I wasn't just a little anxious about Sunday. I have complete faith in this team but, with the shakiness of the last few matches, I just hope this derby proves just as exciting as the las few have! I am glad that we play them at home. Hopefully the Stretford End will inspire the side to a big win! It will be an important match and a win would do a lot for us. The injuries still seem to be quite hindering and I will be happy to see the likes of Cleverly and Vidic permanently back in the squad.
PS We should hear some interesting Banter and chants about old Carlos this weekend!!!
Glory Glory Man United!
Chris
Thursday, October 13, 2011
What the future holds
I usually write about Manchester United, but I want to mention something else that is important to me. I am from the United States, so the state of the sport here is something I am always concerned about. Big things are happening for the US men's team as well as soccer in general in this country. Klinsmen has been appointed the team's manager and of course has big plans for US soccer. Klinsmens appointment could and should mean big things for the US. We can all still see the effects of his leadership with the German national team. The Germans played some of the best soccer in the world cup in 2010. So its very exciting to think about the changes that could be made here. Some changes can already be seen in the few games the US have played since his appointment. We have always relied on counter attacks and short spurts of possesion for our goal scoring opportunities. Now we look to be holding possession for longer periods of time as well as moving the ball around better. I for one like the look of it.
I am hearing a lot of grumbling about how we are not winning games and scoring goals. To be honest, I think Klinsmen is looking at the bigger picture. He is not planning for the next match or the one after that. He is preparing this to be serious competitors for the next world cup. That is no easy task. Many things need to change in the world of US Soccer. Everything from youth development to the strategy the national team. This is something that will not happen over night. However, the fact that the team's style of play has changed this noticeably is miraculous. There are of course positional problems that must be faced. The most glaring problem being the fact that the team does not posses a world class forward. Some people may think the world of Jozy Altidore, but I for one am exhausted of his belief that that he is as good as Messi or Ronaldo and his endless attempts to play that way. I don't mean to take any credit away from Landon Donovan or Clint Dempsey. They are great players. They are midfielders though and it is unfair to place the responsibility of scoring every goal on them. The emergence of of Brek Shea (maybe a little early to tell) could bring more goals as well as talent to this team. He looks great out wide and unlike many American players doesn't have that vexing need to run the ball up the field himself. He is strong, fast and and a decent passer of the ball. Hopefully we will see big things from him in the future.
So to those of you complaining about not enough goals and a loss to Ecuador, I say try to look at the big picture. Try to imagine what can happen if this development is successful and we see a team emerge that is world class. If Klinsmen does succeed, we could see the US become a major threat at every world cup. It all depends on the kind of support the German manager receives. So far so good!
Lets hope United come out on top against Liverpool on Saturday.
We all love United!
Chris Sandbach
I am hearing a lot of grumbling about how we are not winning games and scoring goals. To be honest, I think Klinsmen is looking at the bigger picture. He is not planning for the next match or the one after that. He is preparing this to be serious competitors for the next world cup. That is no easy task. Many things need to change in the world of US Soccer. Everything from youth development to the strategy the national team. This is something that will not happen over night. However, the fact that the team's style of play has changed this noticeably is miraculous. There are of course positional problems that must be faced. The most glaring problem being the fact that the team does not posses a world class forward. Some people may think the world of Jozy Altidore, but I for one am exhausted of his belief that that he is as good as Messi or Ronaldo and his endless attempts to play that way. I don't mean to take any credit away from Landon Donovan or Clint Dempsey. They are great players. They are midfielders though and it is unfair to place the responsibility of scoring every goal on them. The emergence of of Brek Shea (maybe a little early to tell) could bring more goals as well as talent to this team. He looks great out wide and unlike many American players doesn't have that vexing need to run the ball up the field himself. He is strong, fast and and a decent passer of the ball. Hopefully we will see big things from him in the future.
So to those of you complaining about not enough goals and a loss to Ecuador, I say try to look at the big picture. Try to imagine what can happen if this development is successful and we see a team emerge that is world class. If Klinsmen does succeed, we could see the US become a major threat at every world cup. It all depends on the kind of support the German manager receives. So far so good!
Lets hope United come out on top against Liverpool on Saturday.
We all love United!
Chris Sandbach
Monday, October 10, 2011
Red Commentary
Is anyone else stoked that Gary Neville is commentating. I am! Not only because he is a a former United player but because he is such a hard ass and has no problem telling it how it is. He was all over some of United's players in the match against FC Basel. He also provides some really interesting insight into the Reds' dressing room and Sir Alex's methods of management. Hopefully we will hear him on a lot of United matches!
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