Man Utd Thread:

David McKeown · August 07, 2009, 10:43:01 AM

I see BBC reporting the result against Valencia as a 4-0 win for Utd

EC Unique · August 07, 2009, 11:18:18 AM

QuoteManchester United defender Nemanja Vidic will miss the start of the new season after being ruled out for up to two weeks with a calf injury.

The 27-year-old Serb joins Gary Neville, Wes Brown and goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar on the sidelines.

"Vidic is another week or two away and Edwin's injury is a bad one," said United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

"He is out for 8-10 weeks, of course. So my first selection dilemma for Sunday is in goal."

Vidic will miss Sunday's Community Shield against Chelsea and also United's Premier League opener at home to newly-promoted Birmingham on Sunday 16 August.

He could also miss his side's trip to Burnley on Wednesday 19 August.

Fellow defender Neville will also sit out Sunday's match against Chelsea as he is struggling with a groin injury, while Ferguson says he expects Brown, who missed the majority of last season with a foot injury, to be fit for the start of their Premier League campaign.

"Neither Wes or Nemanja have long-term injuries. I would expect Wes to be fit for the game a week on Sunday," added Ferguson.

"As for Vidic, he pulled his calf in the warm-up in Munich (against Bayern Munich) and is two weeks away.

"Gary is doing a little bit of training and coming on fine but I do not think he will make Sunday."

With goalkeeper Van der Sar out for up to 10 weeks with broken fingers, Ferguson has to choose between Ben Foster and Tomasz Kuszczak against Chelsea.

Both played a half in the 2-0 friendly win against Valencia in midweek.

Not too worried as we have good enough cover. Evans in for a couple of weeks I guess.

magpie seanie · August 07, 2009, 11:00:38 PM

On De Laet - saw him playing for the reserves a couple of times last year anmust admit I wasn't that impressed. Tosic looks a skilful lad with good touch but lacking physically for the demands of the Prem I fear. Might be a good man for the last 20 when space opens up. Worried to hear bout Nani doing well. Think he is just too brain dead to ever make a top player. Gibson to me has potential and this will be hs make or break season. Valencia will be a good winger. He was never intended to be a Ronaldo replacement, he will be an orthodox United style winger. In time his goal return will improve - witness Ronaldo and Kanchelskis. Owen, if he stays fit, will get 12-15 goals in the Prem and you would have to hope for more from Berbatov. I would like to see another addition but United might actually be ok, probably because none of the other contenders have strengthened.

Norf Tyrone · August 07, 2009, 11:13:18 PM

Would you not consider Chelsea stronger this year Seanie? Sturridge will provide premier league experienced back up to Drogba and Anelka, and hopefully, Zhirkov can provide the flair that we badly lack at times.

In addition Essien, and Joe Cole are back fit(ish) again with both missing almost all of last season.

Or do you just not consider Chelsea as challangers?

Aghdavoyle · August 07, 2009, 11:26:03 PM

Ancelotti is emarking on a complete revamp of chelsea's style, with a diamond in midfield and maybe a lone striker for a lot of the time. wide players like cole and malouda will be defunct. it'll take a bit of time to get that change right and that could be vital weeks of draws which should be wins.

am i the only one who thinks city are a title threat?

mountainboii · August 07, 2009, 11:30:19 PM

You could hardly describe Sturridge as experienced, he's 19 and has only ever started 5 games in the Premier League.

Norf Tyrone · August 07, 2009, 11:31:27 PM

Quote from: Aghdavoyle on August 07, 2009, 11:26:03 PM

Ancelotti is emarking on a complete revamp of chelsea's style, with a diamond in midfield and maybe a lone striker for a lot of the time. wide players like cole and malouda will be defunct. it'll take a bit of time to get that change right and that could be vital weeks of draws which should be wins.

am i the only one who thinks city are a title threat?

I don't think he is going to completely overhaul their style if you read/listen to what he says, however so far (Unfortunately) he has favoured the diamond. However the diamond needs two up top.

I think City are a threat. Don't think they'll win it, but they could be in the mix.

Norf Tyrone · August 07, 2009, 11:32:35 PM

Quote from: AFS on August 07, 2009, 11:30:19 PM
You could hardly describe Sturridge as experienced, he's 19 and has only ever started 5 games in the Premier League.

Fair point. I didn't realise he'd played only 5 games. Thought it was in the 15 range. Still think he'd be more ready for it, than say Di Santo last year.

DennistheMenace · August 07, 2009, 11:38:19 PM

Wouldn't be hard really, isn't Di Santo loaned to Blackburn, not up to the standard and will have to develop alot to meet the grade.

Chelsea with Essien back is a massive boost.

Eastern_Pride · August 08, 2009, 12:09:11 AM

Ancelotti's diamond on sunday to start without zhirkov but malouda to provide efficient cover....shevchenko may make the bench.....mancienne to be considered.....
Chelsea 2-1 aet sturridge with the winner
I think this year's going to be a close on, going down to the wire but my blue-tinted glasses tell me carlo has the josé touch...

DennistheMenace · August 08, 2009, 12:50:12 AM

Carlo doesn't exactly have a great managerial league record though does it ?

Eastern_Pride · August 08, 2009, 01:00:41 AM

Quote from: DennistheMenace on August 08, 2009, 12:50:12 AM
Carlo doesn't exactly have a great managerial league record though does it ?

Ah yeah sure all he's won is...
Italian Cup
Serie A
Italian SuperCup
Champions League(2)
UEFA SuperCup
World Club Cup
He is a proven silverware winning manager so whats your argument?

Eastern_Pride · August 08, 2009, 01:02:12 AM

Quote from: cill_dara on August 08, 2009, 01:00:03 AM
Quote from: Eastern_Pride on August 08, 2009, 12:09:11 AM
Chelsea 2-1 aet sturridge with the winner

Hard when he signed for wigan on loan for abit. But id say it will go all the way to pens again!

Nope, thats scott sinclair.....

DennistheMenace · August 08, 2009, 10:54:17 AM

Quote from: Eastern_Pride on August 08, 2009, 01:00:41 AM
Quote from: DennistheMenace on August 08, 2009, 12:50:12 AM
Carlo doesn't exactly have a great managerial league record though does it ?
Ah yeah sure all he's won is...
Italian Cup
Serie A
Italian SuperCup
Champions League(2)
UEFA SuperCup
World Club Cup
He is a proven silverware winning manager so whats your argument?

Are you dumb ?

I said 'league' yet ou quote a load of knock-out competitions and one Serie A titles that he's won.

My point is, one domestic trophy in 8 seasons in charge of AC Milan is an atrocious return, yes he has won the CL but with the teams he had he should have won a lot more imo considering he had a team of players that included the likes of Kaka, Pirlo, Nesta, Maldini, Seedorf, Shevchenko, Pato, Gattuso, and Stam.

Obvisouly prioritises that CL which is probably the reason Roman brought him in.

magpie seanie · August 08, 2009, 12:57:29 PM

Norf - don't think Chelsea are much stronger but I think they are probably the team to beat for United. Chelsea were all over the place at times under Scolari but under Hiddink were good and will be at least the same again. city will gather a lot of points but I don't think they can win it. Usually need to have been in contention before to have enough experience of a run-in to win it.