The Manchester United Thread

[Sonick]

Football: As Ronaldinho looks set to leave Paris St Germain for a possible move to Old Trafford, the Brazilian tells Gabriele Marcotti why he would rather line up beside Ruud Van Nistelrooy than his hero Ronaldo


It would be so easy to sum up Ronaldinho as a stereotype: the supremely talented but inconsistent Latin player who is more trouble than he's worth, the mercurial genius who is unmanageable and who drives coaches and chairman insane with his petulant behaviour.
Certainly that's how a portion of the French press described him this season, a result of his frequent run-ins with Paris St Germain boss Luis Fernandez. But then, before he is written off as another fancy-dan Johnny Foreigner, remember they said the same things about a certain Eric Cantona.

And who was it who believed he could turn the star-crossed Frenchman into perhaps the greatest foreigner the Premiership has ever seen? Bingo. The same man who could well bring Ronaldinho to Old Trafford: Sir Alex Ferguson.

Some in France claim the deal is already done and will be announced after PSG conclude their season in the final of the French Cup next Sunday. Others suggest that Nike, who sponsor both United and Ronaldinho, is mediating the neg-otiations. Either way, Ronaldinho is very aware of the interest.

'Right now it's just speculation, right?' he says. 'But I'd be lying if I said that English football isn't one of my ambitions. And, the way things are looking right now, playing in the Premiership, at Manchester United in particular, is more than just a dream. It's a concrete possibility. But there is nothing more I can say today. First of all, because nothing has been agreed and, second, because I am a PSG player and I have three years left on my contract. If PSG and United reach an agreement and everyone is happy with it, I'll be very proud to come. At the same time, I'm proud to play for PSG, our season is not over and I want to respect the club, my teammates and the fans.'

He really couldn't say anything else at this stage. A disastrous season and a financial meltdown at the parent company, Vivendi, have left PSG on the brink of oblivion. The club's state has fuelled much of the speculation surrounding him, so has the fact that United are one of the few teams with the financial means of securing his services. And they also happen to need a striker who can partner Ruud Van Nistelrooy.

But Ronaldinho seems sincere when he talks about wanting to win the French Cup. 'If I do leave Paris, I want to leave them a trophy to remember me by,' he says. 'It's been tough for everyone at every level, but the fans always seem to take it the hardest. If it is to be my destiny that I leave this club, I want to go out with a bang. The fans deserve it after what they've been through.

'Only a liar or an idiot would say that everything is fine at the club, given the state of Vivendi. But the fans have been great, they've surpassed all of my expectations.'

The very same fans, no doubt, would be gutted at the prospect of losing Ronaldinho. Then again, even in this depressed transfer market, he would fetch £15-£20 million which could help keep the club afloat. Losing Ronaldinho would obviously be a softer blow than seeing PSG fold.

'What more can I say about Manchester United?' he says. 'Everyone knows how powerful and respected they are in every corner of the globe. It would be a tremendous honour to be the first Brazilian in history to play for them.

'I imagine it to be a lot like playing for Brazil: you are expected to dominate every game, everybody wants to beat you and you have to prove yourself every day. When I think what it would be like to work with and learn from a master like Ferguson, I get goose bumps. We'll see what the future brings. I want to win trophies and grow as a footballer and obviously playing in England would be a major stepping stone.'


The whispers linking him to Old Trafford are based on the fact that it would be the kind of move which would suit both parties. Ronaldinho -- the third 'R' after Ronaldo and Rivaldo in Brazil's World Cup-winning side -- would get his long overdue move to the big stage. He turned 23 in March and it's safe to say that, with the possible exception of Bayern Munich's Michael Ballack, he is the best footballer outside Europe's big three leagues.

He would fit nicely into Sir Alex's formation as well. Van Nistelrooy has long hinted that he could use a genuine partner up front. The Dutchman has had to perform either on his own or alongside a recycled midfielder such as Ryan Giggs or Paul Scholes. Ronaldinho's pace and creative ability may well make him an ideal match for Van Nistelrooy and he would provide that element of genius and unpredictability which has occasionally gone missing in recent years.

'I'll play anywhere in midfield or attack,' he says. 'But I think lining up as a second striker is my best position. I like to have the freedom to go wide -- right or left, it makes no difference to me -- and deliver crosses or take on defenders. Ideally I could play off of a strong centre forward.'

Those who have seen him on the ball, even just in those Nike adverts where he takes on the stickman figure, will realise that he's one of those players who makes everything look easy. His control is so close it's claustrophobic, and he is exceptionally quick over the first 10 yards.

'People say I'm naturally gifted, I say there is no such thing as natural gifts,' he says. 'You may have an aptitude for something but you have to work on it. And I've worked hard, but I realise I still have a lot to do. This season I've tried to eliminate the superfluous touches, tried to make my game simpler.

'I still love to entertain, but there is a time and a place for everything. I know I need to work on my heading. I jump quite well, but I'm not a particularly good header of the ball. And, in more general terms, I should be scoring more goals.'

The fact that Ronaldinho is so earnest in discussing his flaws and his willingness to improve is rather disarming. But when one considers his background, it becomes less of a revelation.

Ronaldinho grew up around the game, a result of a football-obsessed father who tried to educate his boys about the sport from a tender age. His older brother, Roberto Assis, who carved out a successful career at Gremio before moving to Japan, would spend long afternoons discussing the game with their father, with the young Ronaldinho listening attentively. Eleven years ago, when he was 12, he watched in horror as his father suffered a heart attack and died in the family swimming pool. From that day, his brother became his mentor and role model.

'We are very close,' Ronaldinho says. 'He is one of the most intelligent men I know, if I had his football brain I would be a far better player. But I'm learning and, one day, we'll get there together.'


For all the accolades he has received, apart from the World Cup, he's probably most famous for his television commercials. It's the price he paid for opting to begin his European adventure in France, just as PSG began their slide into anonymity.

And even in South Korea-Japan 2002, he was overshadowed by the likes of Rivaldo and Cafu, Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos. Yet in Brazil, conventional wisdom has it that he is the next in the sequence that links Pele to Rivelino to Zico to Ronaldo. Pele himself has said he will be Brazil's best player over the next 10 years.

'I know people say that and it's very flattering,' he says. 'But I don't think about it. When you come from Brazil to Europe, your first priority should be adapting and learning, so you can reap the benefits later. I don't have the magic of a Rivaldo, the artistry of a Zidane or the movement of a Raul for example. For me however, Ronaldo remains the greatest. On a good day, nobody can stop him. Maybe someone will say the same about me one day.'

It's probably no coincidence that when he speaks of Ronaldo, he does so in hushed terms. One of his prize possessions is a photograph taken when he was 13, with a then 17-year-old Ronaldo. The two sport identical grins and, if it weren't for the fact that, even then, Ronaldo was a bulging mass of muscle while Ronaldinho was just about as slight as the stick figure in the Nike ad, the two might look like brothers. A lot has happened since then.

'That was nearly 10 years ago,' he says. 'I still carry that photo with me, he was already a huge star, I was little more than a fan. My brother told me to keep the picture so I would know what a footballer looks like ... I was far too thin back then.'

Indeed, he has undergone quite a transformation. He grew out his hair, to help differentiate himself from the Phenom and he spent long hours strengthening his upper body.

'I laugh when I think at how scrawny I was back then,' he says. 'Some still say I'm still not strong enough to play in the Premiership. They're wrong. I can hold my own physically against anybody and it's all thanks to hard work.'

Inevitably, the subject returns to the Premiership and English football. Again, Ronaldinho has a few surprises. 'Most Brazilians prefer La Liga or Serie A, but I think the Premiership is the best league in Europe,' he says.

'Of course, Spain is perhaps more interesting because there are more contrasting styles and tactics, plus stars such as Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo, Luis Figo and Raul. But I don't think that, as a group, say, David Beckham, Michael Owen, Paul Scholes and Thierry Henry are that far behind in terms of talent.

'More importantly, English football has a spirit and a passion which is quite unique. There is a strong collective sense of unity, an identification with the fans, a purity to the game. I enjoy it because it's so different to the football played elsewhere.

'And I guess I'm attracted to it because few Brazilians have made their mark on English football. I talk to Gilberto Silva and Juninho often, they tell me about their life in the Premiership. And I think how wonderful it would be to be the first Brazilian to really become an important Premiership player.' It almost sounds like the contents of a job applicant's covering letter.

'I'll tell you more, I'd rather watch Manchester United play than Real Madrid,' he says. 'Real Madrid's superstars are fantastic, but they are individuals. The beauty is in the individual genius, they aren't necessarily a team.

'But when I look at Manchester United, I see a collective, a unit working towards the same goal. By playing within United's system, the players perform better than they would if they were individuals, like at Real. Beckham may be the most talented, Juan Veron the most creative, Ruud Van Nistelrooy the most effective, but no one stands out as an individual.

'In fact, you could argue that a Keane, or a Scholes, or a Solskjaer are all just as important as the three I mentioned before. That's what fascinates me. Anyone can put great players on the pitch, but not everyone can get them to perform together.'


With his long hair and tabloid kiss-and-tell past involving British ex-patriate lapdancers it is a bit of a shock to hear him talk earnestly about team spirit and collectives, while waxing poetic about the English game.

But Ronaldinho, under the influence of his brother, knows a good business deal when he sees one. And a good deal is one where all parties are satisfied: PSG, United and Ronaldinho himself.

Let Real have their legendary big-money signing sequence of Figo, Zidane, Ronaldo and, who knows, Beckham?

United may well counter with Van Nistelrooy, Veron, Rio Ferdinand and Ronaldinho.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Is it me or does he sound like "I am a Manchester United player already but I can't tell" type of quotes
:D

[Tob]

I would love to see him in the Prem, hope he moves.

[Tommo2002]

Originally posted by Tob
I would love to see him in the Prem, hope he moves.

Yup yup that would rock, just what I wanna see happen.

[Pisces Iscariot]

Originally posted by Sonick
And I think how wonderful it would be to be the first Brazilian to really become an important Premiership player.'
I'm sure Juninho and Gilberto Silva will appreciate that comment. :lol:

I don't really see why United would have him as one of their first choice targets to be honest.

[nc]

Originally posted by Pisces Iscariot
I don't really see why United would have him as one of their first choice targets to be honest. A possible replacement for Beckham?

[Way_2_FAT]

I'd rather have Shevchenko, Duff or Kewell in my team than that Brazilian playboy :D

[Kronik]

Yea, I'd have thought if he'd have been signed he would be put in midfield as I dont think he would suite playing along side Ruud.

[monsnagga]

United need another player who can beat a man and deliver a product. Kewell, Duff or Ronaldho woulf be ideal.

[Listy]

He's a brilliant player & I'll be chuffed to bits if he comes to United :clap:

[RasTa]

same here and it i think the price might be around 12m
blackburn are after upping the asking price for duff to 20m

[Radiohead]

Not convinced he's got thw work ethic needed for the Premiership myself - and Fergie needs to spend the money on his defence.

[suicidedd]

I think our defense is pretty sorted - we could maybe do with adding one experienced defended like Lilian Thuram. But IMO we've got the best young defence in the Premiership.

I think Ronaldinho would be very well suited to the Premiership, I watch quite a lot of French football and he has suprisingly good work-rate IMO. And everyone knows about his skill and creativity

[insert keeper here]
O'Shea - Ferdinand - Keane- Silvestre
Beckham - Scholes - Veron - Giggs
Ronaldinho
Van Nistelrooy

Looks good to me

[bigd]

Yeah but keane do you really think he will want to be stuck in defence at hes age ?

I wouls love to see ronaldinho at man u he is a great creater and he score's man u will surly regain the title with that signing alone

[Way_2_FAT]

Sir Alex has spent enough money over these last two years and have become nothing more than CL QF rejects on an annual basis, winning the league alone next season simply just ain't good enough... :wave:

[nc]

The players we need are:

a goalkeeper
left and/or right winger - dependant on the futures of Giggs and Beckham
a forward to play with/ or behind Ruud

[bigd]

All you need is lucio and ronaldinho as ronny can play more or less anywhere and lucio is that rock in defence


I dont think beckhan and giggs are going anywere to be honest its all just publisity look look where man u

[Kronik]

Originally posted by suicidedd


[insert keeper here]
O'Shea - Ferdinand - Keane- Silvestre
Beckham - Scholes - Veron - Giggs
Ronaldinho
Van Nistelrooy



I dont know about that central midfield partnership, your defence wouldnt get good enough cover.

[Listy]

Originally posted by suicidedd
[insert keeper here]
O'Shea - Ferdinand - Keane- Silvestre
Beckham - Scholes - Veron - Giggs
Ronaldinho
Van Nistelrooy

Nah Veron is utter ***** mate, more like (basing this without a new defender or midfielder):

GK

Neville - Rio - Silvestre - O'Shea

Beckham - Keane - Scholes - Giggs

Ronaldinho

RVN

Deffo think we need some new defenders & midfielders though and get rid of that football genius Seba Veron :oh-hum: Plus if we get rid of Beckham aswell we could easily replace him with two quality young players for half the money & half his wages, such as van der Meyde & Quaresma (also not forgetting that we already have a mint young winger in Bojan Djordic but we never play him :( )

[Pisces Iscariot]

Originally posted by Listy
(also not forgetting that we already have a mint young winger in Bojan Djordic but we never play him :( )
Well last summer Djordjic was sent out on a year long loan to AGF in Denmark. I guess it's no make or break time for him as AGF are interested in signing him on a permanent deal and I have a feeling Fergie may let him go as Richardson has now leap-frogged him in the pecking order and Fortune has just extended his contract.

[nc]

Originally posted by Listy
Nah Veron is utter ***** mate It is so dull this constant slagging off of Seba. I guess you are another glory fan who has never been to OT:D
Several times this season Seba has produced top notch performances, and had it not been for his injuries, I'm sure he would have been a contender for player of the season.

[Way_2_FAT]

Veron was brought in to help United conquer europe, unless he helps United become "European kings" :lol: he will continue to be slagged off by others... :D

I have a feeling the CL crown will end up somewhere in England next season... :suspect:

[Listy]

and had it not been for his injuries, I'm sure he would have been a contender for player of the season.


Hahahahaaa good one :lol: Notice how we seemed to hit our good run towards the end of the season when he was out, big coincidence that one! He then had the hilarious opinion that Utd winning the title was a shot in the eye for his critics... WHAAA!!! Seba my old mucker you only played less than one half of football in that 18 match title winning unbeaten run :nuts: Face it chief he's a Turkey of massive proportions, the new Danny Wallace if you will :D

[ryonhilluk]

Originally posted by Way_2_FAT
Sir Alex has spent enough money over these last two years and have become nothing more than CL QF rejects on an annual basis, winning the league alone next season simply just ain't good enough... :wave:

Originally posted by Way_2_FAT
Veron was brought in to help United conquer europe, unless he helps United become "European kings" :lol: he will continue to be slagged off by others... :D

I have a feeling the CL crown will end up somewhere in England next season... :suspect:


Semi final last year, but then to laughably suggest that another english (or should that be french?) club apart from manchester united could win the champions league shows what an idiot you are.


Also, try watching veron play for manchester united in europe before you comment on him. He has been brilliant in europe this season.

[HenryKrinkle]

If you are seriously trying to suggest that Veron has been a success at United you are an utter fool my friend. He has been desperately disappointing when he plays, and I have to admit to a feeling of dread whenever his name is on the teamsheet!

...by the way, you guys discussing next seasons team...what the hell do you think you are doing leaving Gary Neville out of your selections?? He is one of the best defenders we have ever had! O'Shea is an absolutely brilliant prospect, Rio is still a bit shaky at times, but he will settle well I feel. Silvestre can be superb, but can also be a bit crap...on the whole good though. So don't discount Neville, his crosses are almost as good as Beckham's :thumbs:

...how much would we get for that lazy git Veron do you think??

[Way_2_FAT]

Originally posted by ryonhilluk
Semi final last year, but then to laughably suggest that another english (or should that be french?) club apart from manchester united could win the champions league shows what an idiot you are.

Arsenal at their best and on form can beat ANY team in Europe, you're as lame as **** to think United are the only English team that can win the CL... ;)

Originally posted by ryonhilluk
Also, try watching veron play for manchester united in europe before you comment on him. He has been brilliant in europe this season. [/B]

Where in this thread did I comment about Verons form?

I think you're mistaken me for a gunner, or worse a scouser :lol:

[nc]

Originally posted by Listy
Hahahahaaa good one :lol: Notice how we seemed to hit our good run towards the end of the season when he was out, big coincidence that one! He then had the hilarious opinion that Utd winning the title was a shot in the eye for his critics... WHAAA!!! Seba my old mucker you only played less than one half of football in that 18 match title winning unbeaten run :nuts: Face it chief he's a Turkey of massive proportions, the new Danny Wallace if you will :D I think you'll find me old mucker, that our good run started late November - apart from the Xmas losses to Blackburn and Middlesborough. Until you go to OT and watch Veron's performances, then you should stop making stupid comments.

[Listy]

I think you'll find me old mucker, that our good run started late November - apart from the Xmas losses to Blackburn and Middlesborough. Until you go to OT and watch Veron's performances, then you should stop making stupid comments.

Are you stoned? Read my post again, I said our UNBEATEN RUN which doesn't count the two losses does it you fool :brickwall I'm suprised you could see Veron play from the stand with your head jammed so far up your backside! :wave:

[HBK757]

Originally posted by Way_2_FAT
Arsenal at their best and on form can beat ANY team in Europe, you're as lame as **** to think United are the only English team that can win the CL... ;)
Arsenal probably have the team to win the Champions League, problem is, they don't have the squad to do it. Man Utd are the only Premier League club with a realistic chance of winning the Champions League at the moment.

As for Veron, I guess various people never watched him when he played for Sampdoria, Parma and Lazio. I don't know if the Premier League suits his style of play, European football is probably more suited to him.

[Pisces Iscariot]

http://www.manutd.com/news/features.sps?iType=784&icustompageid=6846

You have to wonder how United will fit all these players into OT let alone the squad. :lol:

[nc]

I rememberOriginally posted by Pisces Iscariot
http://www.manutd.com/news/features.sps?iType=784&icustompageid=6846

You have to wonder how United will fit all these players into OT let alone the squad. :lol: :lol: I remember it was the last summer. It makes you think how half these football writers get a job. You hear better rumours from a drunk at your local pub.

[Pisces Iscariot]

I thought Kahn for £15m was particularly amusing. :nuts:

[DarthPearce]

Originally posted by Pisces Iscariot
http://www.manutd.com/news/features.sps?iType=784&icustompageid=6846

You have to wonder how United will fit all these players into OT let alone the squad. :lol:

You'll need a team train rather than bus!!:lol:

[nc]

Originally posted by Pisces Iscariot
I thought Kahn for £15m was particularly amusing. :nuts: Yes, and Tim Howard from the New York Metro Stars.

[nc]

Originally posted by Listy
Are you stoned? Read my post again, I said our UNBEATEN RUN which doesn't count the two losses does it you fool :brickwall I'm suprised you could see Veron play from the stand with your head jammed so far up your backside! :wave: I think you've made it clear what a disturbed glory fan you are:lol: I'm not gonna bother sticking up for Veron anymore because clearly you know nothing about football and are a (begins with a d, ends with a d:D)
Yes, the supporters were very dissapointed with Seba in his first season, but the ones I have spoken to in the stands, are very impressed with his team performances this season, and think he will get better.

[Way_2_FAT]

Originally posted by HBK757
Arsenal probably have the team to win the Champions League, problem is, they don't have the squad to do it. Man Utd are the only Premier League club with a realistic chance of winning the Champions League at the moment.

If you are talking about the size and quality of the entire squad then neither does United have the depth and strengh compared to squads like Juventus and Real Madrid etc, if United have say two injured first team midfield players then the cover list looks pretty thin, even Sir Alex pointed this weakness out after only marginally beaten a Juventus "semi-reserve" side at OT this season.
Even Liverpool has a stronger squad than United, well at least according to Sir Alex ;)

Arsenal didn't get pass the 2nd phase because they lacked another class finisher like Henry, I'm sure we all remember the sheer number of chances Arsenal have wasted against the likes of Roma and Valencia at home :eek: :nuts:

As for Veron, he is one of those bigtime players who performs at his best when playing on the biggest stage of world football (not the boring WC's :| ) which was why he was brought in for to help United conquer Europe, couldn't give a damn about his so called crappy league performances as United will win the league with or without him...

Rovers asking price for Duff is a bit OTT, Brazilian playboy it will be... :suspect:

[Listy]

I'm not gonna bother sticking up for Veron anymore because clearly you know nothing about football and are a (begins with a d, ends with a d)

Cheers for the compliment mate :thumbs: (although a bit fannyish seeing as you had to abbreviate the "nasty" word you called me :D )

[gingertom]

Veron. please stop making excuses. If he cost Utd £8m then he wouldn't get a mention. He just doesnt fit in the squad. Most Utd fans cant face up to the fact that we have wasted (£20 odd million) on a player who can only do it at certain times. If Ruud was performing like Veron would you defend him so easily!!

[nc]

Originally posted by gingertom
Veron. please stop making excuses. If he cost Utd £8m then he wouldn't get a mention. He just doesnt fit in the squad. Most Utd fans cant face up to the fact that we have wasted (£20 odd million) on a player who can only do it at certain times. If Ruud was performing like Veron would you defend him so easily!! Yes, Man Utd paid over the odds for Veron (and Ferdinand too!) Ruud was bought for £19m - he must be worth £50m now.
Getting back to Veron, the main target for Manchester United is the Champions League. And Veron was bought for that. And he's been outstanding in the CL this season. So question answered. Had he played against Real Madrid in both legs I'm sure we would have qualified - I said this at the time (you cannot count his performance in the second leg - he hadn't played for 6 weeks and was brought of a sickbed!) He was also starting to look the part in league games before his injuries. I'm not making excuses or defending him. If he was playing poor, I would want rid of him. But the simple truth is - he isn't!

[Legendary]

You already gor Ronaldinho but you sold him to Blackburn Rovers.

All he is Dwight Yorke with a wig of Benito Carbone's hair style. :D

[lorenzo]

Originally posted by nc
Getting back to Veron, the main target for Manchester United is the Champions League. And Veron was bought for that. And he's been outstanding in the CL this season.

:thumbs:

Agreed ... end of story really and whilst I am still not his biggest fan he has a future at OT.


Not at all convinced by Ronaldinho (and very worried as to how Ron Atkinson will pronounce his name :lol: ) but as someone said here before it may be more to do with Nike than AF and the board
:norty:

I for one would take both Duff and Dunn from Blackburn and give Carrol and some of our youngsters a try as well as more of a role for Ole GS, Butt and Phil Neville.

[Listy]

Yup David Dunn would be a must buy for me, especially for £5.5m as he has all the attributes needed to be a world class midfielder (can use both feet, can tackle, has an excellent shot and is an excellent passer of the ball).

[AndrewC]

David Dunn? :|

[AndrewC]

Originally posted by lorenzo
:thumbs:

Agreed ... end of story really and whilst I am still not his biggest fan he has a future at OT.


Not at all convinced by Ronaldinho (and very worried as to how Ron Atkinson will pronounce his name :lol: ) but as someone said here before it may be more to do with Nike than AF and the board
:norty:

I for one would take both Duff and Dunn from Blackburn and give Carrol and some of our youngsters a try as well as more of a role for Ole GS, Butt and Phil Neville.

Are you a Liverpool or Arsenal fan? :|

[nc]

Originally posted by AndrewC
Are you a Liverpool or Arsenal fan? :| The final paragraph is a bit of a joke. Ole has played more of a role in the past 18 months than the previous 5 years. Butt and Neville are good, but no more than squad players. Dunn would not even make the squad. Carroll is a good deputy, but his recent performance against Charlton showed why he will not be No.1

[lorenzo]

Originally posted by nc
The final paragraph is a bit of a joke. Ole has played more of a role in the past 18 months than the previous 5 years. Butt and Neville are good, but no more than squad players. Dunn would not even make the squad. Carroll is a good deputy, but his recent performance against Charlton showed why he will not be No.1

And you say my ideas were a joke :rolleyes:


I'm more than aware of Ole's role since his arrival at Utd but he has not been a regular starter. Both Butt and Neville played big parts in our mid-season and don't tell me that Nevilles contribution was just against the Arse at OT. Our best and most solid performances came when Keane, Veron and even Becks were out of the starting line up and that was turned our season around. I for one feel they all deserve more of a regular spot and would be well ****** off to be constantly considered a bit part of the squad by the fans. I for one think Butt is a must in the centre of midfield and was disappointed when he did not replace Scholes during his very poor form during the early and mid season.

You are probably one of those MU fans who want to see a 'name' in every position on the park. If Carroll went and had a great run at Villa, Blackburn etc then he'd probably be on your wanted list as would sevral other squad members. I am fed up with hearing who we should buy to replace so many players that have been truly loyal to us over the last 5-10 years.

Oh and by the way D Dunn is a top player - ask anyone who knows about football :brickwall

[lorenzo]

Originally posted by AndrewC
Are you a Liverpool or Arsenal fan? :|

:nono:

:clap:

Guess!

[nc]

Originally posted by lorenzo
And you say my ideas were a joke :rolleyes:


I'm more than aware of Ole's role since his arrival at Utd but he has not been a regular starter. Both Butt and Neville played big parts in our mid-season and don't tell me that Nevilles contribution was just against the Arse at OT. Our best and most solid performances came when Keane, Veron and even Becks were out of the starting line up and that was turned our season around. I for one feel they all deserve more of a regular spot and would be well ****** off to be constantly considered a bit part of the squad by the fans. I for one think Butt is a must in the centre of midfield and was disappointed when he did not replace Scholes during his very poor form during the early and mid season.

You are probably one of those MU fans who want to see a 'name' in every position on the park. If Carroll went and had a great run at Villa, Blackburn etc then he'd probably be on your wanted list as would sevral other squad members. I am fed up with hearing who we should buy to replace so many players that have been truly loyal to us over the last 5-10 years.

Oh and by the way D Dunn is a top player - ask anyone who knows about football :brickwall Our best performances came in the last 6 weeks - Keane was ever present.
Our best performances in Europe were when Veron played.
I'd agree about Becks - sell him for £40m!

I think you're being naive if all you think I want is a big name. The first name I'd want on my team sheet is John O'Shea - hardly a big name! Throughout the eighties and early nineties, Manchester United could bring through young and squad players -nowadays is different, Manchester United are the biggest club in the world. I have a lot of time for Nicky Butt and Phil Neville, but they are not world class.

Ole has been a regular for the past 2 seasons - he has played more games than not! Ole is my favorite player and he has become an even better player. He is the best finisher at United, but he would not make the team to make us the cream of Europe.

I know a lot about football and have probably seen Dunn play more than yourself. He is good, but nothing I've seen suggests he'd make it at OT. You do realise there's only 2 places in midfield? After Butt and P Neville, there'd be Keane, Scholes, Veron, Fortune, Richardson - and now Dunn?

Carroll probably would be great elsewhere, I'm not denying that. But United is a different story. Barthez, Bosnich, Taibi - all top keepers, but at United it is a different story - they cannot handle the pressure! Carroll has made a few blunders in goal this season, He has little CL experience and no world cup experience. It is essential that United find a keeper who is strong to the most extreme of pressures.

[Way_2_FAT]

Madrid said they don't want Beckham neither does Milan, for £35+ who would? :lol:

[nc]

Originally posted by Way_2_FAT
Madrid said they don't want Beckham neither does Milan, for £35+ who would? :lol: I'm sure Torquay would have him for £35.

[Way_2_FAT]

Originally posted by nc
I'm sure Torquay would have him for £35.

Are you sure?

His wage would kill the club within a week, or possibly within a day :D

[lorenzo]

Originally posted by nc
Our best performances came in the last 6 weeks - Keane was ever present.
Our best performances in Europe were when Veron played.
I'd agree about Becks - sell him for £40m!

We all know that and probably all agree.

No one would buy Becks for such stupid money and if you don't think we would miss his marketing ability then you're les of a bsiness man than I.

Originally posted by nc
I think you're being naive if all you think I want is a big name. The first name I'd want on my team sheet is John O'Shea - hardly a big name! Throughout the eighties and early nineties, Manchester United could bring through young and squad players -nowadays is different

John O'Shea is becoming a big name and undoubtedly a class act but would you have given him the run he has had (somewhat fortuitously I may add) if we had had the money for someone like Thuram or Nesta back when he was introduced to the team to cover injuries?


Originally posted by nc
Carroll probably would be great elsewhere, I'm not denying that. But United is a different story. Barthez, Bosnich, Taibi - all top keepers, but at United it is a different story - they cannot handle the pressure! Carroll has made a few blunders in goal this season, He has little CL experience and no world cup experience. It is essential that United find a keeper who is strong to the most extreme of pressures.

See above! I disagree that Bosnich and Taibi ever demonstrated class and Barthez has always been too small.

I do agree though that of all the positions a keeper with CL experience is a distinct advantage and you may well be right. Paul Robinson has been to the semi's with Leeds though so is that good enough?


Originally posted by nc
Ole has been a regular for the past 2 seasons - he has played more games than not! Ole is my favorite player and he has become an even better player.

More games than not does not = starter which is what I suggested. Quote his goals per game as a starter vs a sub all you like - the stats are flawed due to the number of games as a sub in his earlier career.


Originally posted by nc
He is the best finisher at United, but he would not make the team to make us the cream of Europe.

Most of Italy said the same about Inzaghi and guess what he has in his pocket after last night. Good CL this year but little else and misses more than Andy Cole.


Originally posted by nc
I know a lot about football and have probably seen Dunn play more than yourself. He is good, but nothing I've seen suggests he'd make it at OT. You do realise there's only 2 places in midfield? After Butt and P Neville, there'd be Keane, Scholes, Veron, Fortune, Richardson - and now Dunn?


:brickwall

There's me thinking it was 10!


Originally posted by nc
I know a lot about football and have probably seen Dunn play more than yourself.

:confused:

I'm sure you do ... did you know that my dad is on the board at Blackburn and that my son rarely misses a game? :lol:

[Way_2_FAT]

"A deal worth £60M including exchanging PK for Becks to Barca...."

http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/030529/21/e12cd.html

[Tob]

Originally posted by lorenzo
I'm sure you do ... did you know that my dad is on the board at Blackburn and that my son rarely misses a game? :lol:
:lol:

I like Dunn alot, he is a good player that could become a great player.

[nc]

Originally posted by Way_2_FAT
"A deal worth £60M including exchanging PK for Becks to Barca...."

http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/030529/21/e12cd.html Seems strange, given that Barca are deep in debt, and Beckham is £35m+ and PK is available for very little.

[evilsly]

Originally posted by nc
Seems strange, given that Barca are deep in debt, and Beckham is £35m+ and PK is available for very little.


1.5 million buyout clause (allegedly)
but those wages OUCH

[nc]

I'm totally lost, lorenzo:confused: You're a Blackburn fan and want Dunn to go to Man Utd?

[lorenzo]

Originally posted by nc
I'm totally lost, lorenzo:confused: You're a Blackburn fan and want Dunn to go to Man Utd?

I'm a Man Utd fan through and through - always have and always will ;)

[Listy]

I'm a Man Utd fan through and through - always have and always will ;)

Have you ever been to OT though, if not then apparently you are not allowed to have any views on the Man Utd players or their potential signings and are a "glory supporter" (although I have no idea if there's a time span on that :D )

[Sonick]

I think i'll rename the Thread

Man Utd Transfer Rumours:)
Considering how many players they are being linked with :nuts:

[lorenzo]

Originally posted by Listy
Have you ever been to OT though, if not then apparently you are not allowed to have any views on the Man Utd players or their potential signings and are a "glory supporter" (although I have no idea if there's a time span on that :D )

I went all the time as a lad and fairly regularly until 5-6 years ago when sadly work, marriage and parenthood took over my life ;)
We still get up there when we can though.

It's funny seeing Wolves go bvack up as I can remember seeing them at OT ages ago when we had big Gordon McQueen playing for us. I saw possibly his greatest foray into the other half when he made a 50-60 yard run down the left wing of all places only to trip himself up and lose the ball about 15 foot from me :lol: We won 3-1 though.

I can't abide this 'have you been to OT' and 'do you hold a season ticket' etc mentality that demands certain criteria for you to be a fan. Yes there are lots and lots of soft supporters but regardless of how often you go / have been to OT many of us still find our saturdays, our weeks and generaly our lives dedicated to following the team whether that is through TV, radio or in my case Ceefax :p most of the time. I know what makes me happy and sad and MU are pretty much near the top of the scale.

[nc]

Originally posted by lorenzo
I'm a Man Utd fan through and through - always have and always will ;) Just seems strange that your dad is on the blackburn board and your son is a loyal Blackburn supporter. The Blackburn player I'd like to get is Brad Friedel.

[madstu]

centre mid field is Utd's strongest position.

Definately need to buy either left back and move silvestre in to centre defence or centre half - that has to be priority.

Then striker, cus if Ruud is out then we are buggered, not sure is Buggs Bunny is the answer - if we buy him i think we need another striker still and cut our losses on Forlan, who Fergie does not have enough faith in, and i don't think he will ever be a top top class player.

Not sure about the goalkeeping situation - Barthez is still a good keeper, and i don't think there are many keepers who are available who are better than him.

And if Kewell is going cheaply - he'd be nice! way better than Duff, and may solve the second striker problem - with Giggs or Kewell playing that role, with the other on the wing.

[Listy]

I can't abide this 'have you been to OT' and 'do you hold a season ticket' etc mentality that demands certain criteria for you to be a fan. Yes there are lots and lots of soft supporters but regardless of how often you go / have been to OT many of us still find our saturdays, our weeks and generaly our lives dedicated to following the team whether that is through TV, radio or in my case Ceefax

Thank god for some sanity in this thread :clap: I have supported United for nearly 11 years (since I was 10) and I could literally rip peoples heads off when they call me a glory supporter, I mean FFS did I abandon them when they lost the title to Blackburn... did I edit and did I abandon them when they lost the title to the Arseheads TWICE... no edit way! I'm United through and through and I bet I'm more passionate than alot of the people who go to OT (or should I say "the Prawn Sandwich Brigade") who very thoughtfully and supportively BOOED AND JEERED our most loyal player in Ryan Giggs when he needed support... yeah nice one, bet he appreciated that :mad:

Sorry about the masked swearing :)

[david2002]

How come you only started supporting them 11 years ago:confused:

[mjb1975]

cos he is only 21 from what I can gather and 'chose' his team at the age of 10.

I can't say I really remember exactly when I started supporting Spurs, it just seems like I always have! I think I started when my uncle took me to WHL when I was about 6 or 7.

[nc]

Originally posted by david2002
How come you only started supporting them 11 years ago:confused: 11 years ago = glory fan.

[lorenzo]

Originally posted by nc
11 years ago = glory fan.

That just about sums your attitude up nc :nono:

He was 10 for Christs sake :oh-hum:

I should have added age of first interest <5 to my list of requirements to support Utd ;) (I do still qualify though :lol: )

Part of Utd's success is our general appeal and trust me the board are more than happy and indeed to some degree dependent upon prawn sandwich and token supporters. We all know that you can get tickets for OT and even season tickets if you want them hard enough so you cannot blame such followers for taking tickets etc.

Now Zoe Ball saying live on Radio 1 that she had a ticket for the Italy - England Euro qualifier but was too tired to get on the plane and that she likes MU because Beckham has nice legs is enough to make me flip Michael Douglas Falling Down style :p

Basically no one can tell anyone else they they are not a fan as you do not know what makes others tick. There is a difference however in the degree one goes to in supporting their team. Utd need a bit of everything otherwise we would only have 70 000 fans!

What is unacceptable is team swapping in relation to trophy success but that is a thing for the playground if we are honest.

[david2002]

United are in for Troare and Cheyrou from Liverpool:)

[blackslayer]

Originally posted by lorenzo
That just about sums your attitude up nc :nono:

He was 10 for Christs sake :oh-hum:

I should have added age of first interest <5 to my list of requirements to support Utd ;) (I do still qualify though :lol: )

Part of Utd's success is our general appeal and trust me the board are more than happy and indeed to some degree dependent upon prawn sandwich and token supporters. We all know that you can get tickets for OT and even season tickets if you want them hard enough so you cannot blame such followers for taking tickets etc.

Now Zoe Ball saying live on Radio 1 that she had a ticket for the Italy - England Euro qualifier but was too tired to get on the plane and that she likes MU because Beckham has nice legs is enough to make me flip Michael Douglas Falling Down style :p

Basically no one can tell anyone else they they are not a fan as you do not know what makes others tick. There is a difference however in the degree one goes to in supporting their team. Utd need a bit of everything otherwise we would only have 70 000 fans!

What is unacceptable is team swapping in relation to trophy success but that is a thing for the playground if we are honest.

the point is that when i was a young lad growing up it was tradition to support the team that your dad followed which i have done and so have my children,but these days it`s about let`s follow the best team which has for the last ten or so years been man untied and good luck to them not my team though:( ,the son`s and daughter`s of friends of mine support man utd it`s not the local team but the most popular,they wish to be associated with winners but please dont tell me they would have the following they have if they had not been winning titles and cups year in and year out.that would be stretching things a bit to far:nuts: ;)

[madstu]

[i]
What is unacceptable is team swapping in relation to trophy success but that is a thing for the playground if we are honest. [/B]

my mate used to support liverpool in the 80's and then started to support Aston Villa.

Now thats the opposite to being a Glory supporter.:nuts:

Each and every team has glory supporters - thats how it goes. Thats why so many 30-40 year olds support Liverpool, and don't tell me arsenal don't have more fans now, since they have had moderate success in the past few seasons?

[Davester]

I am a glory hunter. We won the intertoto a couple of years ago :nuts:

I thought this was a united - love in - transfer thread :D

[Mandrill]

Originally posted by madstu
my mate used to support liverpool in the 80's and then started to support Aston Villa.



When I moved back to Luton from Brum I encoutered the same thing people who were now Villa fans who had previously supported Liverpool...

Though the fact Villa came second in 89/90 and 92/93 probarly had something to do with it...

I support Villa has I moved to Brum when I was 8 and lived 2 minutes from Villa Park I used to play football in Aston Park across the road from the ground.

[ffc]

Originally posted by lorenzo
That just about sums your attitude up nc :nono:

He was 10 for Christs sake :oh-hum:

I should have added age of first interest <5 to my list of requirements to support Utd ;) (I do still qualify though :lol: )

Part of Utd's success is our general appeal and trust me the board are more than happy and indeed to some degree dependent upon prawn sandwich and token supporters. We all know that you can get tickets for OT and even season tickets if you want them hard enough so you cannot blame such followers for taking tickets etc.

Now Zoe Ball saying live on Radio 1 that she had a ticket for the Italy - England Euro qualifier but was too tired to get on the plane and that she likes MU because Beckham has nice legs is enough to make me flip Michael Douglas Falling Down style :p

Basically no one can tell anyone else they they are not a fan as you do not know what makes others tick. There is a difference however in the degree one goes to in supporting their team. Utd need a bit of everything otherwise we would only have 70 000 fans!

What is unacceptable is team swapping in relation to trophy success but that is a thing for the playground if we are honest.

Why didn't you pick, Stockport, Oldham, Bolton, Rochdale or one of the other teams in the area? Maybe you chose Utd because they win things?

[andybhoy]

Originally posted by nc
11 years ago = glory fan.

Thanks to all those "glory fans" Utd have the biggest fan base of any club, and they put millions into the club.

It's bad enough when opposition fans do it, without Utd fans getting arrogant.

[andybhoy]

Originally posted by blackslayer
the point is that when i was a young lad growing up it was tradition to support the team that your dad followed which i have done and so have my children,but these days it`s about let`s follow the best team which has for the last ten or so years been man untied and good luck to them not my team though:( ,the son`s and daughter`s of friends of mine support man utd it`s not the local team but the most popular,they wish to be associated with winners but please dont tell me they would have the following they have if they had not been winning titles and cups year in and year out.that would be stretching things a bit to far:nuts: ;)

That is absolute nonsense; it's NEVER been a new phenomenon. I remember the liverpool shirts all over when they were good. Success attracts children (as this lad was) and they grow up to be genuine fans.

The important thing, is that these people STAY with the club for life. And most of them do.

I've never met an adult who changed his team in adulthood. It just doesn't happen. The simple fact is that ABUs and some Utd "fans" like to claim they have some sort of superiority when they don't. The saddest thign being that it's people like nc who give the ABUs all the ammunition they need.

And as for supporting your local team; we no longer live in a country where everyone stays where they're born. Half the country have moved away, so no longer support their "local" team - should they stop?

On top of that, many claim to support their local team, but what they actually mean is they support their local big team (most of Gateshead supports either Newcastle Or Sunderland, despite Gateshead having their own team).

Support who you want; stick with them, and never let idiots tell you you don't have the right. or that they're better than you.

[Tob]

Originally posted by lorenzo
I can't abide this 'have you been to OT' and 'do you hold a season ticket' etc mentality that demands certain criteria for you to be a fan. Yes there are lots and lots of soft supporters but regardless of how often you go / have been to OT many of us still find our saturdays, our weeks and generaly our lives dedicated to following the team whether that is through TV, radio or in my case Ceefax :p most of the time. I know what makes me happy and sad and MU are pretty much near the top of the scale.

Thats what all the glory hunters say! :lol:

[andybhoy]

Originally posted by ffc
Why didn't you pick, Stockport, Oldham, Bolton, Rochdale or one of the other teams in the area? Maybe you chose Utd because they win things?

He was 10 years old. Why should he have to defend a decision made as a child, when over half his life ago? The truth is, he doesn't have to defend himself; he can support whoever he wants.

[Tob]

Originally posted by andybhoy
Support who you want; stick with them, and never let idiots tell you you don't have the right. or that they're better than you.

Fair enough, but don't come and sit in the home section of the crowd when Man Utd are playing in London, that is taking the pee.

[Listy]

Cheers for the support lorenzo & andybhoy :thumbs:

[nc]

Originally posted by andybhoy
Thanks to all those "glory fans" Utd have the biggest fan base of any club, and they put millions into the club.

It's bad enough when opposition fans do it, without Utd fans getting arrogant. True - but it's those fans that give Manchester United supporters such a bad name.

[nc]

Originally posted by ffc
Why didn't you pick, Stockport, Oldham, Bolton, Rochdale or one of the other teams in the area? Maybe you chose Utd because they win things? Exactly. I was born in Manchester, but have lived down south for 20 years. Support your local club and stick to it. But it annoys me when other Manchester United fans who have only supported the club recently and come from places such as Middlesbrough have a go at me. Need I say more?

[Citysmith]

I could literally rip peoples heads off when they call me a glory supporter, I mean FFS did I abandon them when they lost the title to Blackburn
This is the best Glory Hunting line, I have ever heard!!!!:clap:

BOOED AND JEERED our most loyal player in Ryan Giggs when he needed support It was the kick up the backside he needed, notice, how he played better after, he realised he wasn't beyond critism.

Good Good I'm starting to agree with nc :thumbs:

PS How do you figure Giggs as the most loyal player, what was criteria for his selection?

[andybhoy]

I just had another look at the thread; you had a go at the guy from Middlesboro first, and he defended himself. And he's been a fan since a kid.

Maybe I should support my local team? Of course, the first town I lived in, I was only in for 8 days - am I supposed to support whatever team is there? Or the next town I lived in? (I lived in about a dozen places, all over the world, until I was around 4). This nonsense about supporting your local team is just that, nonsense. Someone said you should support the team your dad supports; but what if he moved to another town, how do you chose?

Geography and biology are the two worst possible reasons for supporting a club. Love of the club, and a passion for what they stand for, are far greater reasons to support them.

[Citysmith]

Exactly. I was born in Manchester
Shouldn't that make you a Manchester City fan :p

[andybhoy]

Originally posted by Citysmith
Shouldn't that make you a Manchester City fan :p

:lol:

[Listy]

Right then I'll let this thread be & congratulate all the big headed mono-brows on their fantastic team, keep up the silence fellas :thumbs:

[Citysmith]

Geography and biology are the two worst possible reasons for supporting a club.
Born in Manchester, educated in Manchester, live near Manchetser, proud to be a Mancunian.

I love Manchester, and missed it badly when I had to live down south, Geography is exactly why I support City. City put a lot effort in the local community, because local schools are important to the community. Just as most clubs do, put time and effort into local schools, hospitals, charities etc...

Manchester United & Manchester City have the word MANCHESTER in it for a reason :thumbs:

Geography is the reason, I'm proud of my local club

[andybhoy]

Originally posted by Citysmith


Manchester United & Manchester City have the word MANCHESTER in it for a reason :thumbs:



It's that sort of insular thinking that keeps "massive" clubs so small.... :thumbs:

[unrealnils]

Someone clear up what prawn sandwhich brigade is as i been hearing it all over the sport boards :confused:

[andybhoy]

Keano blasted the fans for not singing, so all the abus jumped on the bandwagon. They're not exactly the bastion of originality.

[Citysmith]

Originally posted by andybhoy
It's that sort of insular thinking that keeps "massive" clubs so small.... :thumbs:
I'm just giving you my reasons for why I went for MY local club, City are in my blood, I could hear the crowds from my house. I was taken along at a young age, why would I want to support another club :confused:

City are a big club, crowds, tradition, standing in the league, superb new stadium, big name players, not the same league as United, but who is?

[andybhoy]

Originally posted by Citysmith
I'm just giving you my reasons for why I went for MY local club, City are in my blood, I could hear the crowds from my house. I was taken along at a young age, why would I want to support another club :confused:

City are a big club, crowds, tradition, standing in the league, superb new stadium, big name players, not the same league as United, but who is?

Apparrantly banter is a one way system in citysmithland.... :nuts:

[nc]

Originally posted by Citysmith
Shouldn't that make you a Manchester City fan :p Maybe, but my uncle who lives in Salford made me a red:D

[lorenzo]

Originally posted by andybhoy
That is absolute nonsense; it's NEVER been a new phenomenon. I remember the liverpool shirts all over when they were good.

I was 5 when I started supporting Man Utd which was about a day after I got into footy. My grandad, who played for Liverpool reserves prior to the war, was a lifelong Liverpool fan and desparately wanted me to follow them. All of my mates at school then and over the next few years supported Liverpool. I am 34 so Liverpool were winning everything and Utd had the odd FA Cup appearance. I could have easily chosen Liverpool over Utd or even leeds who were doing well but I didn't.

I could however, as someone pointed out, chosen Oldham, Roachdale or similar and admit there has to be some trophy related bias in chosing your team. My home team were Shrewsbury and I have seen them more than I have Utd. Twas a funny season indeed to have my clubs at the top :) and bottom :( of the league this year. I would have chosen Shrewsbury to stay up if I had the choice betwen the two but we have looked like going down for 4-5 seasons now so fingers crossed for a re-build.

I have also, in true Fever Pitch style, become obsessed with other teams regardless of their success over my years and spent many saturdays at the old Den when I lived in Detford.




Originally posted by andybhoy
The important thing, is that these people STAY with the club for life. And most of them do.


30 years for me! Was a long wait for the title as well :)

[david080664]

So where are the transfer rumours, or is this thread all about people changing the team they support depending on trophies won?:brickwall

[puddleduck]

Radio Five Live are reporting that Beckham will sign for Barcelona for £30m.... they are quoting a Mirror or Express article though...

BTW I'm not a ManU or even a football fan - just pop in here for the amusing petty bickering!

;)

[njwd]

yeah it's in the "news of the screws" too, saying that there has been a verbal agreement. (Not that it means anything!)

They also say: Xabi Alonso from Real Sociedad as a replacement for £20m

Could help with Kluivert too.

[unrealnils]

Looks like Milan might in the hunt for Beckham (http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/jun1b.html) now with there CL winning money :norty:

[swanny]

Originally posted by Citysmith
Born in Manchester, educated in Manchester, live near Manchetser, proud to be a Mancunian.



You poor *******.


























;)

[andybhoy]

Originally posted by david080664
So where are the transfer rumours, or is this thread all about people changing the team they support depending on trophies won?:brickwall

Feel free to post rumours too because I fail to see what complaining about the thread content adds to the thread any more than a brief argument.

Now Roma are supposedly after Beckham (according to sportinglife.com)

[evilsly]

another non starter

Roma just won't have the money as they aren't in the CL

[Sonick]

Who is this Xabi Guy in the news of the world?

[Pisces Iscariot]

Originally posted by Sonick
Who is this Xabi Guy in the news of the world?
Xabi Alonso is a midfielder at Real Sociedad and he has been one of the best players in La Liga this season. If you want to seem him play then you could watch the Sociedad-Valencia match tonight on Sky Sports 3 (KO at 8.)

[Mandrill]

Originally posted by Pisces Iscariot
Xabi Alonso is a midfielder at Real Sociedad and he has been one of the best players in La Liga this season. If you want to seem him play then you could watch the Sociedad-Valencia match tonight on Sky Sports 3 (KO at 8.)

Would united buy both him and Ronaldinho???

Would Alonso be a threat to Veron's place ?

[Pisces Iscariot]

Originally posted by Mandrill
Would united buy both him and Ronaldinho???

Would Alonso be a threat to Veron's place ?
Well Xabi Alonso is a hardworking, midfield playmaker and Ronaldinho is a creative striker (and also a winger) so United could sign both. Yes Alonso would be a threat to Veron's place assuming he has one.

[Mandrill]

Originally posted by Pisces Iscariot
Well Xabi Alonso is a hardworking, midfield playmaker and Ronaldinho is a creative striker (and also a winger) so United could sign both. Yes Alonso would be a threat to Veron's place assuming he has one.

The thing with Veron is that you wont get back what you paid as the club's in Italy just don't have the cash.

Veron IMO has only been effective in the champs league.In the faster Prem league he doesnt get the time on the ball and is far less effective.

[nc]

It'd be quite interesting to see Alonso and Ronaldhino at OT if Beckham is sold. I think he will be, and have done for a couple of months. Although there has been so much drivel in the tabloids today.
The reasons I think we will sell him are:
- Alex is getting sick of his showbiz lifestyle
- he has 2 years on his contract. And I don't think he'd extend it - not due to David, but that manipulative bitch of a wife. She'll be touting him around Europe.

However, even if Beckham does go, I'd rather we only signed one of the above. I think the priority is a striker.

[andybhoy]

I'm almost certain Becks is going. It's getting to the point where every single top club is being touted.

I think he'd do better in Italy (AC), but I have a suspicion that he's off to Barca.

And we're not going to get as much as some people think (I reckon 22 mil or so, maybe with Kluivert in the other direction).

[Davester]

Originally posted by andybhoy
I'm almost certain Becks is going. It's getting to the point where every single top club is being touted.

I think he'd do better in Italy (AC), but I have a suspicion that he's off to Barca.

And we're not going to get as much as some people think (I reckon 22 mil or so, maybe with Kluivert in the other direction). Why would he want to go to barca. They are second best in Spain, and are likely to remain so with Madrid being bankrolled by teh government. With that said they are probably a bigger club. Even so i would have thought he would want to go somewhere with a good chance of winning the CL. Real, AC, Juve, Inter,

[andybhoy]

Originally posted by Davester
Why would he want to go to barca. They are second best in Spain, and are likely to remain so with Madrid being bankrolled by teh government. With that said they are probably a bigger club. Even so i would have thought he would want to go somewhere with a good chance of winning the CL. Real, AC, Juve, Inter,


As I said, the smart move would be AC (or Juve) but I just feel that if Fergie decided he's to go, he'll A) decide WHERE he's going (as best he can), and B) make sure it's to his advantage (PK as a makeweight). Of course PK has just been papertalk, but Fergie has rated him since he was in his mid teens.

We could all be wrong though; he could stay at Utd till he retires, but I just can't see it.

[madstu]

Originally posted by Davester
Why would he want to go to barca. They are second best in Spain, and are likely to remain so with Madrid being bankrolled by teh government. With that said they are probably a bigger club. Even so i would have thought he would want to go somewhere with a good chance of winning the CL. Real, AC, Juve, Inter,

thought Barca were about 7th best?:nono:

i'm sure he wouldn't go to Barca. Its not aggogant - but that would be a step down from Man Utd - just for the fact that they are in the Intertoto Cup next year, and Utd are in the CL.

If he goes, then it would have to be a team in the CL. and that IF

[nc]

Originally posted by andybhoy
And we're not going to get as much as some people think (I reckon 22 mil or so, maybe with Kluivert in the other direction). Beckham is footballs biggest name in commercial terms. He's worth at least £10m per season to wherever he goes, if he does. I'd be surpised if Man Utd sol him for less than £30m.

[Davester]

Originally posted by madstu
thought Barca were about 7th best?:nono:

i'm sure he wouldn't go to Barca. Its not aggogant - but that would be a step down from Man Utd - just for the fact that they are in the Intertoto Cup next year, and Utd are in the CL.

If he goes, then it would have to be a team in the CL. and that IF But barca have a big history, and are certainly a name synominous with football.

[Way_2_FAT]

Originally posted by nc
Beckham is footballs biggest name in commercial terms. He's worth at least £10m per season to wherever he goes, if he does. I'd be surpised if Man Utd sol him for less than £30m.

Yep it was reported that if Madrid bought Beckham the money generated from the publicity and sponsors (etc...) alone in the first year could top £20m! :eek:

[david2002]

In the paper's today that United have accepted a verbal offer for Beckham from Barca. But, Barca cannot make a formal offer until after their presidential election on June 15th.

I think Utd will sell him if they are offered 30 million by any team.:wave:

[Sammy]

I still think Beckham will be at OT come the new season, all this speculation in the paper is just that, he has said he doesn't want to leave and Utd has said they want to keep him. I am sure he will be linked to every club in Europe by the time the new season starts, as his name on the back pages sells papers. Its been the same for the last few years but each season he remains at Utd.






Now that I have said that expect him to sign for a new club tomorrow :D

[Grandmaster]

The problem is that Beckham is now, what, 28, and presumably at his peak? In terms of a potential transfer fee for Man Utd, this really is the best time to sell him.

That £30m could certainly help create a team more capable of winning the Champions League.

[Grandmaster]

Originally posted by nc
Although there has been so much drivel in the tabloids today.

.... *snip*

- he has 2 years on his contract. And I don't think he'd extend it - not due to David, but that manipulative bitch of a wife. She'll be touting him around Europe.


OK, obviously Mrs Beckham will have some influence over her husband, but surely your perception of her as a "bitch" is based mostly on the "drivel" in the tabloids?

[nc]

Originally posted by Grandmaster
OK, obviously Mrs Beckham will have some influence over her husband, but surely your perception of her as a "bitch" is based mostly on the "drivel" in the tabloids? Errr no, and I'm sure many other United fans hate her. She's far worse than a bitch, but I don't want to break the T&C's.

[Barracuda]

Originally posted by Pisces Iscariot
Well Xabi Alonso is a hardworking, midfield playmaker and Ronaldinho is a creative striker (and also a winger) so United could sign both. Yes Alonso would be a threat to Veron's place assuming he has one.


Dont forget Keno will be in defence next season Alonso will replace him, plus im pretty sure Becks is off.

Which i dont mind as long as Utd replace him with a decent midfielder!!
:)

[suicidedd]

According to Radio 5 Live, the Ronaldinho deal is done. As is the deal for Tim Howard. Just the medicals to be done now

[The 3 little pigs]

I'm also in the 'Beckham is going to be flogged to the highest bidder' camp (i still think Real). He hasnt had the greatest of seasons and if someone offers over £30m then I think United would be daft to turn it down, especially as he is 28 and can walk away for free in two years.

I wouldnt be suprised if there was talks in the background to the effect of:-

MUFC: 'Sign an extended contract this summer'
DB: 'Errmmmm'
MUFC: 'Right then, off you pop'

Also I dont think its any secret that Sir Alex is more than a little annoyed with the ridiculous roadshow that seems to follow Beckham about. Something that Beckham actively encourages with his Hollywood apearances, stupid new haircuts, etc.

[nc]

Originally posted by suicidedd
According to Radio 5 Live, the Ronaldinho deal is done. As is the deal for Tim Howard. Just the medicals to be done now Ehhh??? Absolute nonsense!
Radio 5 are getting as bad as tabloid newspaoers.

[nc]

Originally posted by Barracuda
Dont forget Keno will be in defence next season Alonso will replace him, plus im pretty sure Becks is off.

Which i dont mind as long as Utd replace him with a decent midfielder!!
:) I'm also one who would like to see Roy as a permanent fixture in defence. If he was, the European Cup would be ours. But I didn't know it had been confirmed he will play in defence next season?

[nc]

Originally posted by The 3 little pigs
Also I dont think its any secret that Sir Alex is more than a little annoyed with the ridiculous roadshow that seems to follow Beckham about. Something that Beckham actively encourages with his Hollywood apearances, stupid new haircuts, etc. Exactly - and yet another reason I think he'll go:
He has a book out this summer - I'm sure he'll spill the beans! The rift then would be unrepairable!

[Sammy]

Why has Beckham price now dropped to £30M, not that many weeks ago it was speculated that he would cost any team wanting to buy him £40-£45M. :confused:

[nc]

Originally posted by Sammy
Why has Beckham price now dropped to £30M, not that many weeks ago it was speculated that he would cost any team wanting to buy him £40-£45M. :confused: You read too many tabloid newspapers.:lol: I don't think there's been a bid yet - it's all speculation. Hell, he may even go for £50m! His commercial value to a team is enormous, and then he's a pretty good footballer. If he is worth £10m+ a year to a team, do you think Manchester United would let him go for less than £30m. I would guess that Manchester United have laid down a £30m starting price, and then highest bidder wins! Maybe I should be a football writer for the tabloids, as that seems more believable than most of the crap in the tabloids.

[suicidedd]

Originally posted by nc
Ehhh??? Absolute nonsense!
Radio 5 are getting as bad as tabloid newspaoers.

I thought so as well but it seems as if they were right. Tim Howard is just waiting on a decision from the Home Office. But he'll definitley get a work permit because he's got a Hungarian passport.

And Man Utd officials said they were in advanced stages over the Ronaldinho deal.

So Tim Howard is as good as done, and Ronaldinho still has a bit to go.

[evilsly]

according to the bbc,

Man United have opened talks with Barcelona over the transfer of David Beckham



details to follow .....

[Listy]

Aye: http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/030604/80/e1i1w.html

[andybhoy]

Anyone heard the very funny rumour that Lorenzo Amoruso has been putting out? He claims that Man Utd and Arsenal are after him. :lol:

[andybhoy]

http://www.planetfootball.com/article.asp?id=149416&clid=1&cpid=8&title=United+join+Kallstrom+hunt

Apparently we're after Kim Kallstrom. Supposed to be pretty decent, and top scorer in Sweden (not bad for a midfielder). Not sure he'd get in the first team for a while though; so he may go to a small team like Villa or Liverpool.

[HBK757]

Originally posted by evilsly
Man United have opened talks with Barcelona over the transfer of David Beckham
That is a huge development. The media frenzy will get out of control if it's confirmed they want to sell him.

If they do sell Beckham, it's clear for all to see that Ronaldinho would be signed without any doubt.

[The 3 little pigs]

:wave: Goodbye David.

£30m plus £100,000p/w off the wage bill? The board would be daft not to accept, and as a side note we'd be shut of the circus that follows him and that slapper he drags around with him.

[horseflesh]

I'm not a united fan, but I agree they'd be mad not to cash in on Beckham right now. A nice lump of cash in the bank (I personally wouldn't buy Ronaldinho myself) and all that hassle gone.
Bit unfair to call his wife a "slapper" though pigs, none of us here have ever met the woman, don't believe the hype. To be honest I'd imagine she'd be nice enough (and him too), although maybe a bit of a primadonna.

[evilsly]

Originally posted by andybhoy
http://www.planetfootball.com/article.asp?id=149416&clid=1&cpid=8&title=United+join+Kallstrom+hunt

Apparently we're after Kim Kallstrom. Supposed to be pretty decent, and top scorer in Sweden (not bad for a midfielder). Not sure he'd get in the first team for a while though; so he may go to a small team like Villa or Liverpool.


Fantastic player for me in CM 99

:dork:

[Listy]

Anyone heard the very funny rumour that Lorenzo Amoruso has been putting out? He claims that Man Utd and Arsenal are after him :lol:

Yep I read that the other day, very funny indeed :D It's even funnier if you think about the defenders we could sign with his name next to them: Hofland, Ayala, Mexes, Lucio... erm Amoruso :nuts:

[Way_2_FAT]

Amoruso probably has as much of a chance playing for Man Utd as I do :lol:

[Borofan]

Originally posted by The 3 little pigs
:wave: Goodbye David.

£30m plus £100,000p/w off the wage bill? The board would be daft not to accept, and as a side note we'd be shut of the circus that follows him and that slapper he drags around with him.

I think the opposite. The bloke is a goldmine for United, or any team he plays for. Barca (or whoever) will recoup their money in no time.
And how do you get another player who can cross a ball and take a free kick as well as he can?

[Sonick]

The mirror reports fergie is trying to convinced Larry White back out of retirement:mad: :suspect: :oh-hum: :nuts:

[barthez]

all hype about beckham once again. He will NOT be leaving man utd, (they will just get him to sign a contract extension)

i'll eat my words if i'm wrong, but i won't be!

[Sammy]

Originally posted by suicidedd
According to Radio 5 Live, the Ronaldinho deal is done.

Sky Sports are now reporting that the deal has been done £9M the fee.

http://msn.skysports.com/skysports/article/0,,1860-1093040,00.html4

[unrealnils]

Any news on the goal keeping situation ? :suspect:

[HBK757]

Planetfootball say no deal for Ronaldinho, as everyone is reporting, is done yet. PSG remain adamant they will not sell him.

[nc]

Does anybody know the odds of Beckham staying or going and at which bookmaker? I think I may have a flutter:D

[nc]

Originally posted by unrealnils
Any news on the goal keeping situation ? :suspect: I would have thought u would have been more bothered about your own clubs goalkeeping situation? However, I've heard nothing yet - oh yeah, one of the tabloids said Kahn for £15m, so that must be true:D

[Kronik]

Ronaldinho for £9M would be a great bargain. Its just a shame he'll be playing in the confederations cup, so he'll be tired next season. :D

[Grandmaster]

Originally posted by nc
Does anybody know the odds of Beckham staying or going and at which bookmaker? I think I may have a flutter:D

Yeah I'd put a fairly serious wager on Beckham joining Real. What are the odds?

When it comes to Old Trafford, Ferguson has shown time and time again that he will not tolerate any kind of dig at his own monstrous ego. Stam didn't get away with it (and that in itself is evidence that Fergie will put his ego before the good of the team) and neither will Beckham.

[The 3 little pigs]

Originally posted by Grandmaster
When it comes to Old Trafford, Ferguson has shown time and time again that he will not tolerate any kind of dig at his own monstrous ego. Stam didn't get away with it (and that in itself is evidence that Fergie will put his ego before the good of the team) and neither will Beckham.

Fergie can do what he likes as far as I'm concerned, as preserving his 'monstrous ego' seems to have by-product of numerous items of silverware.

[suicidedd]

Originally posted by HBK757
Planetfootball say no deal for Ronaldinho, as everyone is reporting, is done yet. PSG remain adamant they will not sell him.

They're just trying to bump the price up:nono:

Ronnie's agent(brother) said the move was definitley happening as well.

[evilsly]

sorry but these digs about fergie and ego are crap

look at what he did with Cantona

and the way he has stood by Keane, and even the way he stood by Beckham in the wake of the 1998 red card debacle

[Davester]

Originally posted by suicidedd


Ronnie's agent(brother) said the move was definitley happening as well. And so did a another brazilians father (but talking of villa here). I wouldn't believe anything until he actually signs.

[RasTa]

nice player to have for 9 million,but whos spot is he going to take? we have enough midfielders allready
keep beckham and get rid of veron

[Listy]

Well apparently Fergie's now negotiating with Sporting to sign Quaresma as Beckhams replacement, although I think van der Meyde of Ajax would be a better prospect on the right wing.

[suicidedd]

Originally posted by RasTa
nice player to have for 9 million,but whos spot is he going to take? we have enough midfielders allready
keep beckham and get rid of veron

Ronaldinho would play in the hole just behind Ruud.

A wild guess at next season's team for me, assuming Becks is sold:(.

Howard


O'Shea Ferdinand Lucio Silvestre


Quaresma Keano Scholes Giggs


Ronaldinho


Ruud

[horseflesh]

Originally posted by suicidedd
Ronaldinho would play in the hole just behind Ruud.

A wild guess at next season's team for me, assuming Becks is sold:(.

Howard


O'Shea Ferdinand Lucio Silvestre


Quaresma Keano Scholes Giggs


Ronaldinho


Ruud


What about the Nevilles? (I know they're *****, bit I've know that for years)
And poor Solksjaer gets shoved aside again??

[The 3 little pigs]

Originally posted by horseflesh
What about the Nevilles? (I know they're *****, bit I've know that for years)

Nonsense.

[suicidedd]

Originally posted by horseflesh
What about the Nevilles? (I know they're *****, bit I've know that for years)
And poor Solksjaer gets shoved aside again??

I was thinking about Gary Neville. But I think one of his main strengths is how well he links up with Becks. And without Becks there then I'd feel more comfortable with Sheasy.

And Solskjaer would figure quite often because I doubt Quaresma could really cope with a full season of playing 90 minutes, being only 19 and coming from the Portugese league.

And then there's Veron.......

[Kronik]

Lucio at Man Utd? Have I missed something? :confused:

[Sonick]

Originally posted by Listy
Well apparently Fergie's now negotiating with Sporting to sign Quaresma as Beckhams replacement, although I think van der Meyde of Ajax would be a better prospect on the right wing.


Quaresma is going to be much better than Van Der Meyde

If there was an Ajax player i would want Van Der Vaart

Joaquin of Real Betis would be the best one to replace becks

[Muddy Mudskipper]

Originally posted by Kronik
Lucio at Man Utd? Have I missed something? :confused:

Ananova:

United want Lucio

Manchester United want to sign Brazilian defender Lucio, according to The Daily Mirror.

Sir Alex Ferguson is hoping to strengthen his defence for another crack at the Champions League and the Bayer Leverkusen centre-back fits the bill.

Lucio was valued at £20million by the German club, but agents have told United that he will be available at a fraction of the cost after Leverkusen narrowly avoided relegation this season.

[moggie]

Originally posted by Grandmaster
Yeah I'd put a fairly serious wager on Beckham joining Real. What are the odds?


9/2 with Paddy Power ;)

[Grandmaster]

Originally posted by evilsly
sorry but these digs about fergie and ego are crap

look at what he did with Cantona

and the way he has stood by Keane, and even the way he stood by Beckham in the wake of the 1998 red card debacle

Er... did I say that Ferguson didn't stick up for his players? No. My point was that Ferguson sees himself (quite rightly it can be argued) as the #1 at Old Trafford. More important than any player. And to the best of my knowledge, neither Cantona nor Keane have ever criticised him so I don't see what bringing them into it proves.

Stam offended Ferguson's ego in his book and look what happened - he was booted out and replaced by Laurent Blanc, not exactly the most inspired choice :nuts: Beckham hasn't publicly done the same, but the amount of chicanery he's done with the press must surely have Fergie riled up something chronic.

My point is this - Ferguson is #1 at OT, if he's had enough of Beckham's antics, he'll be out of the door regardless of his worth to the team (see: Stam) or his worth to Man Utd as a commercial asset.

[The 3 little pigs]

Originally posted by Grandmaster
Stam offended Ferguson's ego in his book and look what happened - he was booted out and replaced by Laurent Blanc, not exactly the most inspired choice :nuts: Beckham hasn't publicly done the same, but the amount of chicanery he's done with the press must surely have Fergie riled up something chronic.

Fergie got rid of Stam because he was offered £16.5m for a 29 yr old centre half who he didnt feel was the same player before his injury. Good business IMO, though let down by his choice of replacement.

Originally posted by Grandmaster
My point is this - Ferguson is #1 at OT, if he's had enough of Beckham's antics, he'll be out of the door regardless of his worth to the team (see: Stam) or his worth to Man Utd as a commercial asset.

£30m+ for a 28yr old who could walk away for free in 2yrs, who hasn't exactly been on fire this season, IMO is also excellent business.

Some things to consider, add Beckham & Barthez's (potential) fees to this off the weekly wage bill:-

Blanc £70,000 p/w
Beckham £100,000p/w
May £17,000p/w
Barthez £50,000p/w

Almost £240,000p/w per week off the wage bill & (possibly) £35m+ in the bank at a time when wages & transfer fees are plummeting, is a very strong position to be in. Especially as United are one of the few clubs to be reporting a profit. If the Beckham fee is spent
as follows:

Ronaldinho £9m + (reported) £60,000p/w
Tim Howard £1.8m + £17,000p/w (at the most)

Then that leaves at least £20m+ to spend on a forward & an experienced defender, which, with the current financial situation, is ample.

EDIT: Re-jigged my crap maths.

[The 3 little pigs]

Ooops - Double post. :(

[Kronik]

Surely Fergi got rid of Stam because of his comments rather then because he wanted the money. ;)

[Listy]

If there was an Ajax player i would want Van Der Vaart

Yeah but he plays left wing & the left wing isn't a priority for replacement at the moment, but I agree that van der Vaart is going to be a very good player (actually he already is). Also I think Gattuso would also be an excellent signing as he was fantastic in the Champs League final. Speaking of teams this would be my pick for the team next year (if we sign who I hope we sign)

Robinson

O'Shea - Rio - Lucio - Silvestre

Ronaldinho - Keane - Gattuso - Giggs

Scholes

RVN

The reason I've put Ronnie on the right is cos I was impressed with Solskjaer last season when he made runs inside the left backs from right wing and I reckon Ronnie could do an even better job given his pace and ball distibution. Also the midfield looks well solid with the two battlers in the middle.

[david2002]

Do you think United will sell RVN if Barca come in and offer 30 million plus??

[suicidedd]

Originally posted by david2002
Do you think United will sell RVN if Barca come in and offer 30 million plus??

No





:nuts: :nuts: :nuts: :nuts:

[Pisces Iscariot]

Originally posted by Listy
Rio - Lucio
:lol:

[nc]

Originally posted by david2002
Do you think United will sell RVN if Barca come in and offer 30 million plus?? Are you :nuts: If any player in club football would not be sold, it would be RVN. I would seriously hope that Manchester United would not even ssell Ruud for £100m. It would be a very black day for the club if they did sell him.

[Listy]

Pisces Iscariot, explain the :lol: cos I don't get it :confused:

[nc]

Originally posted by Kronik
Surely Fergi got rid of Stam because of his comments rather then because he wanted the money. ;) £16.5m for a 28 year old defender says it all. I'm sure the book caused a lot of aggro, but Stam never looked the same player since an op a year before he left.

[evilsly]

the chances of ruud being sold are about the same as Raul being sold to barca


theoretically possible, but statistically staggeringly unlikely

[Pisces Iscariot]

Originally posted by Listy
Pisces Iscariot, explain the :lol: cos I don't get it :confused:
A defensive partnership comprised of one player who doesn't seem to have the faintest idea about holding a line and the other is a clumsy oaf who often takes off on charges upfield which is sometimes effective but more often than not he falls over his own feet. Sounds ideal…

[Listy]

A defensive partnership comprised of one player who doesn't seem to have the faintest idea about holding a line and the other is a clumsy oaf who often takes off on charges upfield which is sometimes effective but more often than not he falls over his own feet. Sounds ideal…

So who would you have as Utd's backline then?

[Muddy Mudskipper]

Lucio is hardly an 'oaf.'

[The 3 little pigs]

The M.E.N are reporting that United are bringing forward Beckhams contract negotiations to this summer. Sounds like a wise move from the club if you ask me.

[nc]

Originally posted by The 3 little pigs
The M.E.N are reporting that United are bringing forward Beckhams contract negotiations to this summer. Sounds like a wise move from the club if you ask me. Yes, the only way I can see him staying is if he signs a 4 or 5 year contract. Otherwise he's off.

[Way_2_FAT]

According to the spanish press, Real Mardied could be making a late move to snatch Ronaldinho away from United...

http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/030606/318/e1pla.html :suspect:

[Pisces Iscariot]

Originally posted by Listy
So who would you have as Utd's backline then?
To be honest I haven't really thought about defenders as I'd just assumed that Fergie would stick with what he's got and use Keane in defence more often. Fergie's comments after the Madrid game did give the impression that he thinks he has the defenders to take United forward and they just need experience so I'm guessing United will just buy a replacement for Blanc. No way I'd chose Lucio though as there's lots of potentially great defenders in their early or mid twenties who could do a better job for United like Chivu, Mexes, Kehl, Caceres, van Buyten etc.

Originally posted by Muddy Mudskipper
Lucio is hardly an 'oaf.'
Then you're either blind or you don't understand the meaning of the word. :p

He makes Heskey look graceful. :D

[nsb]

I see a Ronaldhino lob over Seaman in a Manchester Derby next season :|

[Listy]

No way I'd chose Lucio though as there's lots of potentially great defenders in their early or mid twenties who could do a better job for United like Chivu, Mexes, Kehl, Caceres, van Buyten etc.

Fair enough and I have to say that I was highly impressed with Mexes' performances in the CL last season. Bit surprised that Utd's interest in Kevin Hofland has gone off the boil as he looks like a very good prospect aswell. Also heard good things about Holland's John Heitinga (Ajax).

[nc]

I too think that defence is one of the area's that doesn't really need strengthening. O'Shea must be a regular next season and Roy will be moved there for the big games. However, we do need a GK, and maybe a centre back (depending on how long Wes is out.)

[Muddy Mudskipper]

Originally posted by Pisces Iscariot
Then you're either blind or you don't understand the meaning of the word. :p

He makes Heskey look graceful. :D

I'd play Lucio upfront over Heskey anyday, he scores the old goal for starters. :D

[Way_2_FAT]

Originally posted by nsb
I see a Ronaldhino lob over Seaman in a Manchester Derby next season :|

So can I... :D

[nc]

Originally posted by Way_2_FAT
According to the spanish press, Real Mardied could be making a late move to snatch Ronaldinho away from United...

http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/030606/318/e1pla.html :suspect: So, who would he play instead of? :D

[Way_2_FAT]

Originally posted by nc
So, who would he play instead of? :D

Probably take over that ex scousers bench place :D

Edit: Doesn't really matter, it's just to:

a) Deny Man Utd of another "world class" player
b) Add to their extending number of super subs/reserves

and lastly:

c) To really **** Sir Alex off :nuts:

[HBK757]

Ronaldinho? No dice. Not for sale.

Source - http://www.ananova.com/sport/story/sm_788195.html?menu=

[evilsly]

the manager says he's not for sale ?

I'll bet the accountants disagree

Goofy will NOT be playing for PSG next season

that seems certain

[WiggyWog]

Theres not a cats chance in hell that Ronaldinho will be a PSG player next season.

[nc]

Nice bit under your name, wiggywog.

But 'United 8 - Liverpool 0' is better!

[Listy]

Hasn't Ronnie got an agreement with the PSG board that he can leave in the summer?

[Way_2_FAT]

How about Liverpool 4 - United 2 ;)

[Sonick]

Southgate being link a lot lately, i would prefer him to to partner Rio

Howard
Neville Rio Southgate O'shea
Quaresma Keane Scholes Giggs
Ronaldinho
RVN

[nc]

Originally posted by Sonick
Southgate being link a lot lately, i would prefer him to to partner Rio

Howard
Neville Rio Southgate O'shea
Quaresma Keane Scholes Giggs
Ronaldinho
RVN Why is everyone so desperate for a centre back? Obviously you're forgetting Silvestre who is a lot better than Southgate. Ditto with Wes Brown. And Roy Keane. Butt, Veron or (if we get him) Alonso would go in midfield. Another thing - an inexperienced goalkeeper will not be first choice.

[andybhoy]

Originally posted by nc
Why is everyone so desperate for a centre back?

Because two have just left and another one is injured again.

[nc]

Originally posted by andybhoy
Because two have just left and another one is injured again. I forgot that David May and Laurent Blanc were regulars. Sod Silvestre and Keane, lets get another centre back:brickwall

[suicidedd]

Originally posted by nc
I forgot that David May and Laurent Blanc were regulars. Sod Silvestre and Keane, lets get another centre back:brickwall

But with Wes out we have no experienced cover if Silvestre or Rio got injured. And look at what happened to Arsenal :norty:

Anyway personally I think we need an older head at the back, Keano would be perfect IMO, then buying Baraja or Gatusso to take the central midfield dynamo job. But it seems like Fergie wants to buy in a defender

[madstu]

Originally posted by Sonick
Southgate being link a lot lately, i would prefer him to to partner Rio

Howard
Neville Rio Southgate O'shea
Quaresma Keane Scholes Giggs
Ronaldinho
RVN

Have you even seen Howard or Quaresma or are you just going on reputation or Champ Man?

[suicidedd]

Originally posted by madstu
Have you even seen Howard or Quaresma or are you just going on reputation or Champ Man?

He might have seen him on Channel 5. I confess I've only seen Tim Howard play 3 times. Put in a good performance each time, in one of the games h