The Ongoing Serie A, La Liga, All English Football, Champions League Thread - Part 8

[Thread Manager]

This is a continuation thread, the old thread is [split]369035[/split]

 

[Thread Manager]

This is a continuation thread, the old thread is [split]361827[/split]

 

[Darthphere]

you're a united fan who supports celtic over rangers? well theres a first for everything i guess

I wouldn't say I support Celtic as much as I'm a sucker for green and white stripes.

 

[Dr Lee]

Henry set for Arsenal return

Interesting...

 

[Dr. Evil]

Henry set for Arsenal return

Interesting...

The moment he signed with MLS, I knew that if he played well in MLS that he was going to return to Europe on loan. MLS is going through a very interesting offseason. Henry and Landon Donovan are on loan in the EPL (Donovan at Everton) until the start of the MLS season in March. David Beckham looks like he's headed to Paris Saint Germain and Los Angeles is looking to replace Beckham with rumored names such as Ronaldinho, Didier Drogba or Michael Ballack.

FC Dallas has two players in George John and Brek Shea who have received European interest. In fact, John almost left this past summer to Blackburn. Any young up and coming MLS talent who has never played in Europe except for friendlies, will likely receive interest from Europe.

 

[Dr Lee]

Seeing reports (though no one is tweeting links atm) that suggest that Chris Smalling will be out for at least 3 months with Glandular Fever. Bro had that a few years ago.... it ****ed him up bad.

 

[Darthphere]

The moment he signed with MLS, I knew that if he played well in MLS that he was going to return to Europe on loan. MLS is going through a very interesting offseason. Henry and Landon Donovan are on loan in the EPL (Donovan at Everton) until the start of the MLS season in March. David Beckham looks like he's headed to Paris Saint Germain and Los Angeles is looking to replace Beckham with rumored names such as Ronaldinho, Didier Drogba or Michael Ballack.

FC Dallas has two players in George John and Brek Shea who have received European interest. In fact, John almost left this past summer to Blackburn. Any young up and coming MLS talent who has never played in Europe except for friendlies, will likely receive interest from Europe.

Latest rumor has Frank Lampard coming to LA.

 

[Hunter Rider]

I think Valencia played at right back against CHelsea at the bridge in the CL last year, thats when I first noticed how good a job he could do because defensively you were great that day, So I mean he's had some big game experience. After watching the twins for a few years I doubt he could do alot worse.

True but Chelsea don't play with a lot of width in fairness, however he is so disciplined that I'd not be concerned if Valencia ended up there most of the rest of the season or even long term as he's as reliable as it gets, and with the injuries it may be something that turns out to be a blessing.

I'd say the squads poor compared to the others Fergie has had, it reminds me of that 2005 squad where there were the likes of Howard, Carroll, Smith, Bellion, Kleberson, Spector et al. I'd look at players like Gibson,Macheda, Diouf, Evans, the twins (don't think they'll ever live up to their early potential) even the guys out on loan like Bebe and wonder would they get into any of your rivals squads? In criticsing the squad though I also have to give them credit aswell as Fergie for winning games.

When getting to the bottom layers of the squad I'd agree but I think our ceiling is higher with this squad than back then, I mean even our starting line-up had some shaky looking people in it in 2005. The ones you list certainly wouldn't make most of our rivals but Evans may fulfill the last ditch role he fills here. The twins I remain hopeful for, they are injury prone but so talented, my view is Fergie will give them as long as he can before giving up and they are only 21.

What are your opinions on Berbatov? As a neutral I felt last season at times he wasn't treated particularly well, especially with being left out of the CL final. I think he has so much to offer this season, he seems to be playing for his future so there's been abit more Berbatov and alot less Berbasloth. At the moment it's almost like a new signing.

Well last season it has to be taken into account that he scored the bulk of his goals at OT and across 3 games when we squashed lower end sides, he went nearly a dozen games without scoring after the 5 against Rovers and as soon as that head drops he's useless. The other factor is Hernandez brought the best out of Rooney where as he and Berbatov don't gel and I think Owen got the CL nod because he'd be more likely to grab a desperate late goal than Berba who's off the bench record is woeful.

As for this season, I'd keep him until the end as he's a decent flat track bully, but I'd let him go in the summer and move onwards, he doesn't fit the energetic pass and move game we are trying to incorporate.

 

[Hunter Rider]

Chelsea boss insists THREE is the magic number

Andres Villas-Boas has insisted he needs THREE more major signings to rebuild Chelsea.

And the Blues owner Roman Abramovich has promised to back his manager with an incredible £150million transfer budget.

Villas-Boas (right) has already landed Gary Cahill from Bolton and the England defender will join in a £7m deal after the transfer window opens in the new year.

Villas-Boas will then target a midfielder, a right-back and a striker – and the money will be made available to him just as soon as he needs it.

Chelsea have still got Tottenham playmaker Luka Modric in their sights for the summer although Porto’s Joao Moutinho could be a more *realistic option.

Ajax right-back Gregory van der Wiel has been on Chelsea’s radar while Porto striker Hulk has made it clear that he wants to link up with Villas-Boas again.

But while Chelsea weigh up their targets now and for the summer, Villas-Boas will clearly feel it is a sign that he will be allowed time to rebuild.

Chelsea are also clearing the decks with Nicolas Anelka off to China.

Florent Malouda wants out while Brazilian defender Alex has also been transfer-listed and is a target for Juventus.

The Italians are in a strong bargaining position despite their £2.5m offer falling short of the £4m Chelsea are seeking as they already know that Alex has requested a move.

Swansea want midfielder Josh McEachran, 18, on loan but Aston Villa are also keen.

Villa are set for talks about McEachran after their match at Chelsea on Saturday.

 

[Darthphere]

Well last season it has to be taken into account that he scored the bulk of his goals at OT and across 3 games when we squashed lower end sides, he went nearly a dozen games without scoring after the 5 against Rovers and as soon as that head drops he's useless. The other factor is Hernandez brought the best out of Rooney where as he and Berbatov don't gel and I think Owen got the CL nod because he'd be more likely to grab a desperate late goal than Berba who's off the bench record is woeful.

As for this season, I'd keep him until the end as he's a decent flat track bully, but I'd let him go in the summer and move onwards, he doesn't fit the energetic pass and move game we are trying to incorporate.

I'm a huge Berbatov fan. I think he's highly under appreciated. Yeah, he's not the most energetic guy on the pitch and when he gets in his moods he's not effective but the CL final snub puzzled me. While I think United would have lost regardless of who played, I think against Barcelona someone of Berbatov's skill and ability would have been more useful. Someone who could hold the ball and not waste possession. Hindsight being 20/20 Chicharito had probably his worst game in the season but I would've liked to have seen Berba start that game.

 

[spidey-dude]

now you know how we MUFC fans felt with the FA's actions over Rooney's swearing...

see I view that differently as Rooney actively swore into the camera which eh knows is viewed by millions worldwide

Suarez just swore at the fans, and it go tcaught on camera, much the same as frimpong, ballotelli, rooney, merieles, torres etc within the last 12 months who never even had it mentioned after the match despite there being pictures of it

 

[kit1982]

True but Chelsea don't play with a lot of width in fairness, however he is so disciplined that I'd not be concerned if Valencia ended up there most of the rest of the season or even long term as he's as reliable as it gets, and with the injuries it may be something that turns out to be a blessing.



When getting to the bottom layers of the squad I'd agree but I think our ceiling is higher with this squad than back then, I mean even our starting line-up had some shaky looking people in it in 2005. The ones you list certainly wouldn't make most of our rivals but Evans may fulfill the last ditch role he fills here. The twins I remain hopeful for, they are injury prone but so talented, my view is Fergie will give them as long as he can before giving up and they are only 21.



Well last season it has to be taken into account that he scored the bulk of his goals at OT and across 3 games when we squashed lower end sides, he went nearly a dozen games without scoring after the 5 against Rovers and as soon as that head drops he's useless. The other factor is Hernandez brought the best out of Rooney where as he and Berbatov don't gel and I think Owen got the CL nod because he'd be more likely to grab a desperate late goal than Berba who's off the bench record is woeful.

As for this season, I'd keep him until the end as he's a decent flat track bully, but I'd let him go in the summer and move onwards, he doesn't fit the energetic pass and move game we are trying to incorporate.

Haha flat track bully I like it! It's a fair point aswell, although he must surely be the first United player in a while to score a hat trick against Liverpool and still not win over the fans! I'd agree with Hernandez being the huge factor, I don't think even Fergie thought he'd have quite the impact in his first season that he did, just an awesome player.

Oh agree in the main that the starting XI this year is better than '05 I just wonder with the key injuries you seem to be sustaining on a weekly basis leave me woondering how many of the first XI will actually start games this season? Those dreg ends will surely become more important players as we go on.


One thing thats peeved me this season, has noone else noticed that Grant Holt in his last 2 games has deliberatley elbowed 2 players? He elbowed Fellaini (who the FA have been happy to charge for the same offence) and Assou-Ekotto, yet noones, not even pundits have condemed him for it. It's just been swept under the carpet. I just wonder had Fellaini whacked him would he have got away with it?
It just shows if you can be a smaller team in vogue, you can get away with all sorts.

 

[bapi]

Chelsea boss insists THREE is the magic number

Highly doubt that they will sign Van Der Wiel cause Bosingwa, Ferreira, Luiz and Ivanovic, they all can play RB. Cahill looks 100% and Krasic could be next. And then Hulk or Soldado, I'd bet.

 

[bapi]

And it's great to see King Thierry back!

 

[chamber-music]

My friend is half scottish/half english and he supports Celtic and Manchester United.

Good to see Henry and Landon Donavon back in the EPL

 

[Dr. Evil]

David Beckham update:

http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/69/t...ms-potential-move-to-psg-in-doubt-leaving-the

 

[Darthphere]

So United extend Berba's contract.

 

[kit1982]

Good result for Liverpool tonight, obviously Gerrard coming back was a big plus and he played very well, but I do hate the *insert English players name* love in Martin Tyler and Alan Smith always seem to have. I mean they were trying to credit Gerrard during Bellamy's 2nd goal which he played 0 part in! I thought Charlie Adam was unlucky to be subbed, he seemed to be the only centre mid trying to make something happen, he's really suprised me this season, he looks a top end player.

 

[Darthphere]

Yeah, I would have subbed out Jordan Henderson who's been nothing short of disappointing so far.

 

[Hunter Rider]

Haha flat track bully I like it! It's a fair point aswell, although he must surely be the first United player in a while to score a hat trick against Liverpool and still not win over the fans! I'd agree with Hernandez being the huge factor, I don't think even Fergie thought he'd have quite the impact in his first season that he did, just an awesome player.

Oh agree in the main that the starting XI this year is better than '05 I just wonder with the key injuries you seem to be sustaining on a weekly basis leave me woondering how many of the first XI will actually start games this season? Those dreg ends will surely become more important players as we go on.

Berbatov's hat-trick bought him some time but there was also the feeling that it was about time he did something big given the amount we paid for him and the two average seasons he had prior. The thing was he didn't really follow it up and was woeful against City in the FA Cup semi, it's basically been 1 step forward, 2 steps back his whole time at United.

Hernandez surprised us all I think and his style and whole personality endeared him to the faithful in record time, plus while Rooney scored more the season before, he looked happier playing in the #10 role and scoring less as he likes to be involved in the play and up top alone was not a favoured role.

You make a good point, I mean no disrespect to Rovers but I'm glad it's them at home tomorrow as defensively we are down to the last ration so to speak, and when the bigger games come I think the loss of Vidic will really be felt, of all the injuries he was the one that we could least afford.

 

[Hunter Rider]

I'm a huge Berbatov fan. I think he's highly under appreciated. Yeah, he's not the most energetic guy on the pitch and when he gets in his moods he's not effective but the CL final snub puzzled me. While I think United would have lost regardless of who played, I think against Barcelona someone of Berbatov's skill and ability would have been more useful. Someone who could hold the ball and not waste possession. Hindsight being 20/20 Chicharito had probably his worst game in the season but I would've liked to have seen Berba start that game.

I think we overestimated our chances in the final, we were lucky to get to half time with the score at 1-1. Fergie should have immediately took Hernandez and Giggs off and put Anderson and Nani on to try and hold the fort in midfield, as there is no way to play with two strikers against Barca. Berba's problem would have been how slow he is off the mark, Barca's harrying midgets would have pressed him into errors IMO.

 

[Darthphere]

I think we overestimated our chances in the final, we were lucky to get to half time with the score at 1-1. Fergie should have immediately took Hernandez and Giggs off and put Anderson and Nani on to try and hold the fort in midfield, as there is no way to play with two strikers against Barca. Berba's problem would have been how slow he is off the mark, Barca's harrying midgets would have pressed him into errors IMO.

Like I said, we were never going to win. I think Nani would have made a difference though. Maybe it would have been 3-2 instead.

 

[kit1982]

Darth, your Robins have done you proud

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16312545.stm

Also Milijas' red card not being rescinded is an absolute disgrace.

 

[chelo248]

I bet De Gea is not going to be the titular goalkeeper anymore in Manchester Utd...

 

[Darthphere]

Until he learns how to handle crosses and corners at least.