No excuses are necessary for either the dirth of my posts recently or United's few performances this season. The causes for each are known, and I'll expound on the latter but stay schtum on the former. I've been thinking about a lot of things relating not only to United but the start of the domestic leagues in Italy and Spain so let's see what I can produce.
At the beginning of the season I made a claim that Scholes could score in the double-digits this year; let's just compromise to say that it was an opinion expressed more out of emotion than reason. That's not to say it won't happen, but little Scholesy's performances in the last few matches have been translucent. He has virtually no impact defensively and simply does not get forward enough to influence matches in the way United need him to. It was Anderson in a very useful position during United's goal against Liverpool, indeed his flick setup Berbatov's run, and Anderson immediately made his own run into the box, drawing both defenders and leaving Tevez open for the goal.
Bobby McMahon on Fox Sports Report made a few good points about Scholes last night. Firstly that he may occasionally be able to dominate lesser opponents, but against combative, top class midfielders, Scholes has not been able to measure up. I'm not going to write him off yet and say that he can't measure up, just simply that he hasn't. Second, McMahon offered the possibility of putting Rooney in that position, which is the first time I've ever heard a pundit suggest the notion that I have been trumpeting (?) for almost two years.
At this point in the season, you could dismiss Scholes' form as being "not yet match fit" or "working out the kinks" after the summer, but for a veteran player with his legs, it is more realistic to hope the beginning of the year is when his legs are freshest, not visa-versa. Granted, he does not have the benefit (?) of playing internationally anymore, which may have lengthened his club career and could help to justify his lack of form thus far.
To be fair, he did have a good first match in the community shield, after which I had the fanboy effrontery to suggest his 10 goal tally. I'm not taking it back, either! Not yet. However, after a few more months of these types of displays, which marred the last season as well, it will not be enough for pundits and commentators to marvel at how Scholes is "always in the right place" or "Look at that pass", here and there, when his overall effect on the game is lacking, and it's something most of us would prefer not to admit.
Carrick broke his foot, which is just as well, because his availability only obfuscates Ferguson's decision making when it comes to the central midfield. Carrick is a distraction; now Sir Alex can choose rightfully between Scholes, Anderson, and hopefully Hargreaves, and maybe even Rooney.
I still think Scholes and Anderson is the best combination, but if Scholesy can't turn his form over then Hargreaves should anchor the Brazilian, when his tendinitis permits.
With Berbatov questionable and Vidic out, United will be hard pressed against Chelsea. However, Ronaldo might simply just win the game for us. After last year, he gets plenty of credit for being brilliant; European Footballer of the Year, Premier League Player of the Year, and possibly World Player of the Year, in addition to the groveling of so many sports writers have all contributed to his enormous stature, and rightly. It takes great, imaginative leaps to inflate his ego any more than it deserves already, which Ronaldo manages to pull off, anyway.
I still think, though, the individual effect he had on so many games last year is under appreciated. He simply won games by himself, and did it often, sometimes in consecutive games, for three to four months of the last campaign. If I had to specify I'd say between November and March Ronaldo was virtually unstoppable. He had his plaudits, sure, in each match report, but not enough that he deserved. It doesn't mean I cherish him as a player, his whimsies every summer dreaming of greener grass in Madrid aren't deserving of any frenzied fandom when he shares a dressing room with stalwart paragons like Scholes or Neville, but you'll never hear me diminish just how fucking good Ronaldo is when he's flying on form. Ronaldo has improved every year at United (something quite outstanding by itself, I don't say flippantly), before all our eyes, and if there is room to improve this year, it would come in the bigger matches where he's known to be found wanting, so let's hope he marks this weekends occasion in London with the striking speed and dynamic swagger that sets him above all else, including Messi.
For the record, Van der Sar evokes little confidence. He can barely punt the ball straight while his footwork is suppose to be his trademark. He lacks the agility that he had in his younger years, and I wonder if he will grow into a liability. I am sure Sir Alex believes that Ben Foster's return to form from injury couldn't come long enough, as England and United's long-term number one is within his potential.
If I had more money, I'd have bet a good sum on Chelsea owning Manchester City last weekend. The book would have been tilted in City's edge, probably by a lot of public money that bought into the concept of the Eastlanders suddenly being a title contender because they bought one overpriced winger. It takes a lot more than a little genius to create a consistently good team, here's two examples: a midfield and a defense. Anyways, having all the money in Dubai at your disposal won't prove a bad thing, but anyone in the know knew the hype was just that. McMahon said that it takes 4-5 years to make a club a top contender, which is strange because it took Chelsea one year to win the EPL after their dramatic makeover. I'll give City at least the same time before passing too much judgment. They do have a huge target on their chests, now; any team will be up for it, knowing they can beat City, and treat the victory like it was a "Top Four" result, in their minds.
I should follow with brief notes on Italy later today or in the next few days.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Monday, September 1, 2008
Transfer deadline
The wait is over.
United have finally signed Dmitar Berbatov from Tottenham after a tug-of-war for over a month between the two clubs.
United neighbors City also shocked world football by being bought outright by an Arabian consortium on the final day of the transfer deadline, bidding audaciously for four world-class players and sealing the signature of Brazliian Robinho from Real Madrid.
City gave Chelsea a taste of their own medicine, outbidding on the player highly sought by the London club and smashing the British transfer record for 33 million pounds.
The transfers of Wright-Phillips and Robinho are somewhat ostentacious from City, as they now enjoy a ridiculous surfeit of attacking options, with Elano, Petrov, Robinho and Shaun Wright-Phillips all rightfully vying for starts, none of them being true strikers.
The city of Manchester should be a highlight reel for wingers this season with Ronaldo scheduled to return early from injury later this month.
United did brilliantly to prevent a stale rehash of last year's memorable yet fortunate season by filling a huge void next to Carlos Tevez formerly named Wayne Rooney. Rooney should find himself third and last on the depth chart, with Campbell moving to Tottenham to get top-flight and European experience. I was afraid United would sign Berbatov without loaning Campbell, making him fourth on the depth chart which is a disservice to his potential. This is a great deal for both clubs, Campbell can partner well with Bent or Pavlyuchenko, while Berbatov and Tevez with Ronaldo ablaze and Rooney supporting will be full of class.
I still think Rooney should be slowly getting some time in an attacking midfield position, instead f attempting to strike traditionally, perhaps something similar to the role Scholes did supporting Van Nistelrooy before Rooney arrived. Rooney tries to make up for his lack of flair and confidence by chasing defenders fruitlessly and yelling obscenities at the ref with incredulous looks on his face. 'Wazza' might become more than a nickname if Rooney lets his potential go the way of the dodo like did Gasgiogne. If Rooney doesn't grow this year, and Campbell enjoys a storied year as he did with Hull, scoring more than 15 goals in seven months during their promotion campaign, I could see Rooney being transferred abroad, or to a lesser English side.
Rooney has marketing appeal, being somewhat of a poster boy, video-game famous and on Nike posters, but I don't think many people are truly passionate about the player who showed so much flair when he arrived with Everton and whirled downward since. He's a player you'd like to get behind but generally lets you down. Despite a goal tally which can fluctuate upwards, his form has never matched his potential.
Gotta still root for him though, if he only had more confidence when he was attacking players with the ball, and used more of the body fakes and shoulder-drops that he was growing a legend for in eluding defenders.
United have finally signed Dmitar Berbatov from Tottenham after a tug-of-war for over a month between the two clubs.
United neighbors City also shocked world football by being bought outright by an Arabian consortium on the final day of the transfer deadline, bidding audaciously for four world-class players and sealing the signature of Brazliian Robinho from Real Madrid.
City gave Chelsea a taste of their own medicine, outbidding on the player highly sought by the London club and smashing the British transfer record for 33 million pounds.
The transfers of Wright-Phillips and Robinho are somewhat ostentacious from City, as they now enjoy a ridiculous surfeit of attacking options, with Elano, Petrov, Robinho and Shaun Wright-Phillips all rightfully vying for starts, none of them being true strikers.
The city of Manchester should be a highlight reel for wingers this season with Ronaldo scheduled to return early from injury later this month.
United did brilliantly to prevent a stale rehash of last year's memorable yet fortunate season by filling a huge void next to Carlos Tevez formerly named Wayne Rooney. Rooney should find himself third and last on the depth chart, with Campbell moving to Tottenham to get top-flight and European experience. I was afraid United would sign Berbatov without loaning Campbell, making him fourth on the depth chart which is a disservice to his potential. This is a great deal for both clubs, Campbell can partner well with Bent or Pavlyuchenko, while Berbatov and Tevez with Ronaldo ablaze and Rooney supporting will be full of class.
I still think Rooney should be slowly getting some time in an attacking midfield position, instead f attempting to strike traditionally, perhaps something similar to the role Scholes did supporting Van Nistelrooy before Rooney arrived. Rooney tries to make up for his lack of flair and confidence by chasing defenders fruitlessly and yelling obscenities at the ref with incredulous looks on his face. 'Wazza' might become more than a nickname if Rooney lets his potential go the way of the dodo like did Gasgiogne. If Rooney doesn't grow this year, and Campbell enjoys a storied year as he did with Hull, scoring more than 15 goals in seven months during their promotion campaign, I could see Rooney being transferred abroad, or to a lesser English side.
Rooney has marketing appeal, being somewhat of a poster boy, video-game famous and on Nike posters, but I don't think many people are truly passionate about the player who showed so much flair when he arrived with Everton and whirled downward since. He's a player you'd like to get behind but generally lets you down. Despite a goal tally which can fluctuate upwards, his form has never matched his potential.
Gotta still root for him though, if he only had more confidence when he was attacking players with the ball, and used more of the body fakes and shoulder-drops that he was growing a legend for in eluding defenders.
Friday, August 29, 2008
United fall to Zenit
Zenit St. Petersburg owned Manchester United today in the Uefa Super Cup. The Russian side outclassed United, interchanging throughout midfield and attacking collectively and individually with real class. Carlos Tevez was the only bright spot for a dire United side that lacked width and flair.
United appear planning to rely on Ronaldo for another season, without cover for the player who single-handedly determined over a dozen contests for the team last term. United lack a left-sided winger, as Nani has not matured enough to finally (and mercifully) relieve Ryan Giggs. Giggs himself is injured and cannot meet the demand of the increasing quality found in the top teir of European football. Regardless of which side Ronaldo returns to play, United will have a void opposite him.
With players like Djibril Cisse and Shaun Wright-Phillips making transfer headlines, United are dormant thus far in the transfer market with only two days remaining. Chelsea are on the verge of signing Robinho, and United will need more than Berbatov to contend with the level of football in the premier league.
Berbatov himself would provide the presence and style in attack that United have lacked since selling Ruud Van Nistelrooy to Real Madrid two years ago. The Bulgarian would immediately become the most complementary partner to any of United's current three strikers, Tevez, Rooney, or Campbell. Without Ronaldo constantly counter-attacking and penetrating, United now rely on crosses from the wings and full-backs after belabored build-up, unsuited to a partnership between any of the 3 current strikers. Berbatov has great aeriel ability, with an intricate footwork style similar to french legend Zinedine Zidane.
Rooney could see his role change to central midfielder in a creative ploy to replace the aging Scholes, the former tending to play deep and spray passes much like his elder countrymen. It would be an imaginative tactical shift which could see Rooney supporting Berbatov and Tevez.
However, if Ferguson continues employing Rooney as a striker, Campbell might feel begrudged at being denied the opportunity he may be deserving of to better compete at the position. Rooney simply does not look the part yet this year as he did throughout most of last season.
Even with Berbatov, United will be relying heavily on heroics from Ronaldo to repeat his form from last season. Scoring 42 goals is unlikely, but it is not against his track record to be an improved player this year as he has in each new year at United.
Last year, without Ronaldo, United were tenuous and often unconvincing. Expect more of the same until he returns. The effect he had on the team, despite all the praise he has received, is still underestimated. It will get better if Berbatov arrives, but each year our competition is improving and the squad must be full in order to contend, without voids in attack, on the wing, or on the bench.
The substitutions of O'shea and Park in the final today does not inspire belief in the strength and depth of a squad that will be hard-pressed to defend on two fronts this season.
United appear planning to rely on Ronaldo for another season, without cover for the player who single-handedly determined over a dozen contests for the team last term. United lack a left-sided winger, as Nani has not matured enough to finally (and mercifully) relieve Ryan Giggs. Giggs himself is injured and cannot meet the demand of the increasing quality found in the top teir of European football. Regardless of which side Ronaldo returns to play, United will have a void opposite him.
With players like Djibril Cisse and Shaun Wright-Phillips making transfer headlines, United are dormant thus far in the transfer market with only two days remaining. Chelsea are on the verge of signing Robinho, and United will need more than Berbatov to contend with the level of football in the premier league.
Berbatov himself would provide the presence and style in attack that United have lacked since selling Ruud Van Nistelrooy to Real Madrid two years ago. The Bulgarian would immediately become the most complementary partner to any of United's current three strikers, Tevez, Rooney, or Campbell. Without Ronaldo constantly counter-attacking and penetrating, United now rely on crosses from the wings and full-backs after belabored build-up, unsuited to a partnership between any of the 3 current strikers. Berbatov has great aeriel ability, with an intricate footwork style similar to french legend Zinedine Zidane.
Rooney could see his role change to central midfielder in a creative ploy to replace the aging Scholes, the former tending to play deep and spray passes much like his elder countrymen. It would be an imaginative tactical shift which could see Rooney supporting Berbatov and Tevez.
However, if Ferguson continues employing Rooney as a striker, Campbell might feel begrudged at being denied the opportunity he may be deserving of to better compete at the position. Rooney simply does not look the part yet this year as he did throughout most of last season.
Even with Berbatov, United will be relying heavily on heroics from Ronaldo to repeat his form from last season. Scoring 42 goals is unlikely, but it is not against his track record to be an improved player this year as he has in each new year at United.
Last year, without Ronaldo, United were tenuous and often unconvincing. Expect more of the same until he returns. The effect he had on the team, despite all the praise he has received, is still underestimated. It will get better if Berbatov arrives, but each year our competition is improving and the squad must be full in order to contend, without voids in attack, on the wing, or on the bench.
The substitutions of O'shea and Park in the final today does not inspire belief in the strength and depth of a squad that will be hard-pressed to defend on two fronts this season.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Weekend Notes 8/24/08
The first footballing week is over in England for this 2008/2009 campaign. The top flight should prove very interesting, as it has proven over the last decade in becoming the paragon for success, profit, and entertainment. There are already several interesting subplots developing.
Roy Keane made a real shrewd buy in Djibril Cisse. Before Cisse joined Liverpool in 2004 he had completely dominated in Ligue 1 and, at only 20, seemed like one of the best young players in the world. Of course, he broke his leg horrifically and had various other injuries since, but was relatively healthy last year playing for Marseille and could have very high reward. There is definite upside. Cisse, if healthy, will get 15+ goals in the English top flight, even for Sunderland. Coupled with the other shrewd buys Keane has made this year (Malbranque, Ferdinand) I like Sunderland to finish mid-table this season, for sure... if Cisse avoids injury.
Spurs are floundering a bit. They clearly need to offload Berbatov, moving Modric forward to partner Bent, with Huddlestone slotting in the midfield alongside Jenas. This time last year Spurs had too many strikers, but what a difference a year makes? Regardless, if Bent produces, and Bale, Woodgate and King stay healthy then Tottenham's quality should persevere and they should find themselves contending for Europe next spring, and likely failing.
United play later today against Portsmouth in their second match of the season, and I think we'd be lucky to win it, with our current depleted squad.
The muse aren't always kind, and I am not always interesting! Bear with!
Roy Keane made a real shrewd buy in Djibril Cisse. Before Cisse joined Liverpool in 2004 he had completely dominated in Ligue 1 and, at only 20, seemed like one of the best young players in the world. Of course, he broke his leg horrifically and had various other injuries since, but was relatively healthy last year playing for Marseille and could have very high reward. There is definite upside. Cisse, if healthy, will get 15+ goals in the English top flight, even for Sunderland. Coupled with the other shrewd buys Keane has made this year (Malbranque, Ferdinand) I like Sunderland to finish mid-table this season, for sure... if Cisse avoids injury.
Spurs are floundering a bit. They clearly need to offload Berbatov, moving Modric forward to partner Bent, with Huddlestone slotting in the midfield alongside Jenas. This time last year Spurs had too many strikers, but what a difference a year makes? Regardless, if Bent produces, and Bale, Woodgate and King stay healthy then Tottenham's quality should persevere and they should find themselves contending for Europe next spring, and likely failing.
United play later today against Portsmouth in their second match of the season, and I think we'd be lucky to win it, with our current depleted squad.
The muse aren't always kind, and I am not always interesting! Bear with!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
2008 English Premier League Preview.. etc
The year is new, and despite not entirely having i dei inspiring me to write lately, I gotta preview the new season briefly to prove how brilliant I was in hindsight. The timing couldn't be better for the start of the new European campaigns as my fantasy baseball season is almost over. I will transfer my latently homo affection from Braun to Scholes as United mix it up in an English Premier League campaign which should be highly contested.
Manchester United
United have perhaps stagnated during the off-season, hampered both by the very real distraction of Ronaldo's world wishes and the afterglow of such a successful season.
The club has been passive in transfer dealings, sadly selling the potent Chris Eagles, but retaining Frazier Campbell from another year of loan duty. Campbell will need him to announce himself on the top flight as United seem short of striking force. An injury to Rooney or Tevez would slot Saha in, or worse, Giggs in as supporting striker.
Hopefully Berbatov completes his signing; he is a player pursued over the last year from club and fan/blogger alike. His ball-skill and aerial acumen means he can work all manner of through-balls onto the knifing runs of Rooney or Tevez. Although the Bulgarian is not a top-class finisher, his ball-skills are of that ilk, and he has extensive European experience while being in his physical prime (aged 27).
Scholes: Paul Scholes has looked good in pre-season. He has two years left at the top level before he goes probably goes Oldham, the small club he passionately supports. Look for him to score 8+ goals this year, and be sure to savior every one.
Chelsea
Chelsea are likely the greatest threat to usurp United at the top of the EPL. Whether midfield transfer Deco or new boss Scolari has a greater effect will be determined, with either able to stake an earnest claim already merely on reputation.
Similar to most Barcelona players, Deco spent last year disgruntled, but over the last 4 years has shown himself to be top class in the center of the park. I liken him to Riquelme in his prime, although Deco has his own style outright. He can niftily turn past people, shoot from distance, though his real forte is an immense passing range and great attacking intelligence.
Scolari will not be outclassed or intimidated by United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, I wouldn't be surprised if Chelsea take the title with Scolari winning the psychological battle.
Lampard should have gone to Inter Milan and avoided the conflict, and possible disappointment, of battling Deco and Ballack (and Essien) for center midfield. More British players should play abroad, and the number 8 man had a chance to re-unite with his everyones favorite manager in Mourinho but decided not to challenge himself or his sterotype and to stay away at Chelsea, instead growing fat with bags of pounds.
Ballack: After a disappointing first season at Chelsea but an individually successful World Cup, Michel Ballack should have a much better year for the blues. If Lampard goes down with injury at any time expect a partnership of Ballack and Deco to really blossom.
Arsenal and Liverpool
I think both are teams still on a second teir. This teir is lower than the other teir. Rafael Benitez will never win the Barclays English Premier League, his mind is too small, his Spanish vision too parochial. Arsenal will finish third, buoyed by Nasri and the return of Rosicky, whose unfortunate injury last year delayed him from announcing his "rosickness" to the world. Tomas Rosicky will replace Hlebs effect and add much to it if he can avoid woe in 2008. Also look for Bentdner to have a good year!
The Rest
Elsewhere in the top flight, it will be interesting to see how Sunderland manage, and are managed. Also, I think Stoke and Hull are going right back down, their uniforms are shabby like a first division club. David Bentley is a good buy for Tottenham, and they have a few interesting creative midfielders, but their defense will not hold them, again, and they'll finish sixth or so, again, similar to several other years in the past decade.
For me?
After a quiet summer, I am moving into the heart of the city to study radio and television. I expect to contribute weekly to my blog, if only i dei allow.
Manchester United
United have perhaps stagnated during the off-season, hampered both by the very real distraction of Ronaldo's world wishes and the afterglow of such a successful season.
The club has been passive in transfer dealings, sadly selling the potent Chris Eagles, but retaining Frazier Campbell from another year of loan duty. Campbell will need him to announce himself on the top flight as United seem short of striking force. An injury to Rooney or Tevez would slot Saha in, or worse, Giggs in as supporting striker.
Hopefully Berbatov completes his signing; he is a player pursued over the last year from club and fan/blogger alike. His ball-skill and aerial acumen means he can work all manner of through-balls onto the knifing runs of Rooney or Tevez. Although the Bulgarian is not a top-class finisher, his ball-skills are of that ilk, and he has extensive European experience while being in his physical prime (aged 27).
This is a very big year for Rooney. Mutterings throughout the seedy football back-channels that I frequent question his real quality--if his endorsements and entitled stature are justified by his performance and his true ability. Rooney played better, albeit more naively, when he was with Everton. Now he is comfortable in his routine and no longer challenges himself to improve. He has become a striker who doesn't use his left-foot, doesn't attack players head-on and can't cut left across his body, getting most his goals from niggling into the right position rather than earning the tallies through great skill and class. He finds less shots from outside as he cannot create space for himself anymore. He tries to compensate by chasing defenders up and down their back-line, but it is mostly a futile attempt to mask his at his primary duty. You have to be better if you are going to be on the Nike commercials, the cover of FIFA Soccer, and the overall poster boy of English footy. He might realize it, having stated the importance this year has on his reputation and career, although the verbiage is similar to what every other player says this time of year, in anticipation of personal and club success for the new season, naturally.
Scholes: Paul Scholes has looked good in pre-season. He has two years left at the top level before he goes probably goes Oldham, the small club he passionately supports. Look for him to score 8+ goals this year, and be sure to savior every one.
Chelsea
Chelsea are likely the greatest threat to usurp United at the top of the EPL. Whether midfield transfer Deco or new boss Scolari has a greater effect will be determined, with either able to stake an earnest claim already merely on reputation.
Similar to most Barcelona players, Deco spent last year disgruntled, but over the last 4 years has shown himself to be top class in the center of the park. I liken him to Riquelme in his prime, although Deco has his own style outright. He can niftily turn past people, shoot from distance, though his real forte is an immense passing range and great attacking intelligence.
Scolari will not be outclassed or intimidated by United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, I wouldn't be surprised if Chelsea take the title with Scolari winning the psychological battle.
Lampard should have gone to Inter Milan and avoided the conflict, and possible disappointment, of battling Deco and Ballack (and Essien) for center midfield. More British players should play abroad, and the number 8 man had a chance to re-unite with his everyones favorite manager in Mourinho but decided not to challenge himself or his sterotype and to stay away at Chelsea, instead growing fat with bags of pounds.
Ballack: After a disappointing first season at Chelsea but an individually successful World Cup, Michel Ballack should have a much better year for the blues. If Lampard goes down with injury at any time expect a partnership of Ballack and Deco to really blossom.
Arsenal and Liverpool
I think both are teams still on a second teir. This teir is lower than the other teir. Rafael Benitez will never win the Barclays English Premier League, his mind is too small, his Spanish vision too parochial. Arsenal will finish third, buoyed by Nasri and the return of Rosicky, whose unfortunate injury last year delayed him from announcing his "rosickness" to the world. Tomas Rosicky will replace Hlebs effect and add much to it if he can avoid woe in 2008. Also look for Bentdner to have a good year!
The Rest
Elsewhere in the top flight, it will be interesting to see how Sunderland manage, and are managed. Also, I think Stoke and Hull are going right back down, their uniforms are shabby like a first division club. David Bentley is a good buy for Tottenham, and they have a few interesting creative midfielders, but their defense will not hold them, again, and they'll finish sixth or so, again, similar to several other years in the past decade.
For me?
After a quiet summer, I am moving into the heart of the city to study radio and television. I expect to contribute weekly to my blog, if only i dei allow.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
The Real Ronaldo
Back from hiatus.
Just sell Ronaldo.
He's like me when I'm dating a girl and summer rolls around; filled with romantic notions about leaving and doing better elsewhere. This is the third of fourth year on the trot that Ronaldo has put himself above the club during this time of the year. He's a great player, but if he doesn't value his contract, or respect the quality of the team that won the Double, or treasure the experience, he can ship off and never win it again elsewhere.
It is natural for Ronaldo to have a let-down year after winning the Double and scoring the copious amount of goals he did. In fact, the rest of his career might be a letdown for a player so inclined to let his accomplishments contribute to his arrogance.
United existed a long time before him and will exist a long time after. Ronaldo's attempt to hold the club hostage indicates his level of immaturity and meglomania, and his tendency to whine and dive are probably more fitted to the Spanish game.
Wesly Sneijder might have more class than him, anyways, and would be the perfect replacement for our Scholes; they each share the same ability to shoot from distance, while Sneijder has a better left foot and is much quicker and more mobile at his young age. Scholes probably has better vision but that will continue to come to Sneijder as he gets older. Sneijder probably has the better pug nose of the two, as well. I feel like I could easily grow to have a fond heterosexual attraction to the Dutch international in the same vein as my obsession with little Scholesy, who, in all his glory, is definitely beginning to play older. Wesley has the class to become a dutch master in the vein of so many Dutchmen who have gone before him.
Soccernet.com reports today that Madrid are prepared to give United 60m quid and Sneijder for Ronaldo, and although Ronaldo has much more marketing appeal, and will sell many more jerseys, our club should become a better footballing club without the selfish winger.
Just sell Ronaldo.
He's like me when I'm dating a girl and summer rolls around; filled with romantic notions about leaving and doing better elsewhere. This is the third of fourth year on the trot that Ronaldo has put himself above the club during this time of the year. He's a great player, but if he doesn't value his contract, or respect the quality of the team that won the Double, or treasure the experience, he can ship off and never win it again elsewhere.
It is natural for Ronaldo to have a let-down year after winning the Double and scoring the copious amount of goals he did. In fact, the rest of his career might be a letdown for a player so inclined to let his accomplishments contribute to his arrogance.
United existed a long time before him and will exist a long time after. Ronaldo's attempt to hold the club hostage indicates his level of immaturity and meglomania, and his tendency to whine and dive are probably more fitted to the Spanish game.
Wesly Sneijder might have more class than him, anyways, and would be the perfect replacement for our Scholes; they each share the same ability to shoot from distance, while Sneijder has a better left foot and is much quicker and more mobile at his young age. Scholes probably has better vision but that will continue to come to Sneijder as he gets older. Sneijder probably has the better pug nose of the two, as well. I feel like I could easily grow to have a fond heterosexual attraction to the Dutch international in the same vein as my obsession with little Scholesy, who, in all his glory, is definitely beginning to play older. Wesley has the class to become a dutch master in the vein of so many Dutchmen who have gone before him.
Soccernet.com reports today that Madrid are prepared to give United 60m quid and Sneijder for Ronaldo, and although Ronaldo has much more marketing appeal, and will sell many more jerseys, our club should become a better footballing club without the selfish winger.
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