The Manchester United thread 2005/06 - Way Past It's Sell-By Date

[Dutch Dave]

Once again:

Huntelaar will not go to Man Utd. He's just been at Ajax for 4 months and he'll most likely stay for at least 1 season.

Maybe Man Utd only have a chance if you're willing to pay 30 million euro's or something.

[ACou2000]

No chance.

Ours isn't even League 1 level so doubt he could have any relation to an international footballer

[player_65]

not after Ruud 'sells' the club to him during the WC. Then if we pay 40 million Euros we'd probably still have no chance

[player_65]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by ACou2000:

No chance.

Ours isn't even League 1 level so doubt he could have any relation to an international footballer </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Bulgaria > Chelsea tbh

[Mika]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> United weather Glazer storm

By Pete Oliver

MANCHESTER, England, May 11 (Reuters) - Twelve months on from the controversial takeover by Malcolm Glazer it is apparently business as usual at Manchester United.

The 800 million pounds ($1.49 billion) buy-out of the premier league club by the United States-based Glazer family on May 12 last year went down like a lead balloon with a large section of United's supporters.

Yet despite heated protests and violent clashes at Old Trafford last summer and talk of damaging boycotts of tickets and club merchandise, United seem to have weathered the storm.

"What the change of ownership has done is bring stability to the club," chief executive David Gill said in a recent interview.

"In terms of the owners, we're in a better shape than we were a year ago just from a shareholding perspective.

"A year ago we were a quoted company, but... we didn't have a lot of institutional shareholders.

"We had the Glazers owning just under 30 percent, the Irish investors owning just under 30 percent etc. The actual number of shares owned by normal city institutions was 10-15 percent.

"So we had all the exposure and associated costs of being a quoted company, but we didn't have any of the benefits because we effectively had a semi-private shareholding base.

"What we now have is greater clarity - we know who the owners are."

MEASURES QUERIED

With the Glazers having to borrow 540 million pounds to finance the United deal, critics have queried the measures that may be needed to make future repayments.

Gill said: "We've obviously got more debt than we had in the balance sheet a year ago.

"One of the concerns that the plc board had before the Glazers took over and the comments we made publicly was about the aggressiveness of their business plan and the level of the debt associated with that.

"It's quite interesting because that business plan is not the business plan we have today. For example, their business plan assumed that (shirt sponsors) Vodafone would continue at nine million pounds a year.

"Now that is clearly going to change next year. We are going to get 14 million versus nine million. Things change."

On the field United again had to settle for second place in the league behind Chelsea but as well as winning the League Cup they also secured automatic qualification for the lucrative Champions League next season.

Where United say they have felt the benefit of the Glazer ownership is in the recruitment of players.

WIPED OUT

The 30 million pounds signing of Wayne Rooney in August, 2004 wiped out the playing budget, imposed by the plc which previously ran the club, for 2005/06.

There was just enough left to recruit goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar as a replacement for Roy Carroll.

But during the January 2006 transfer-window Glazer and his sons Joel, Avi and Bryan sanctioned close to 12 million pounds worth of signings in defenders Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra.

Gill said: "Their experience in Tampa (Bay Buccaneers NFL team) means they understand the importance of success on the pitch to success off it. They want to support the manager."

This summer manager Alex Ferguson will be permitted to spend again, albeit helped, it would appear, by income from the likely sale of striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy.

The Glazers' other major coup this year came with the securing of a record sponsorship deal by United with insurers American International Group.

Vodafone's decision to end their shirt sponsorship deal looked like a major blow for United until they unveiled a four-year deal with AIG worth 56.5 million pounds.

That would doubtless cheer 78-year-old Malcolm Glazer as he continues his recovery from a stroke last month and the sons who all have seats on the United board.

VOCIFEROUS CAMPAIGN

Supporters groups campaigned vociferously against the takeover 12 months ago, worried that they would be hit in the pocket by rapidly rising ticket prices.

But so far United's attendances have not been affected, with 73,000 watching United's final home game against Charlton Athletic - a premier league record.

Average ticket prices have risen by 12.3 per cent but United insist they have retained a "sensible price policy" which ranks them in the middle of the premiership's price league.

With extra facilities in some newly developed areas of Old Trafford, United have also increased their match-day revenue from executive tickets from 37 to 46 per cent.

Opposition remains, but Mark Longden, chairman of the Independent Manchester United Supporters Association said: "We have had to grin and bear it.

"Once it was actually a done deal there was very little we could do. We felt completely impotent.

"Under the surface there is an animosity towards the Glazers among most United fans, but the decision they have come to is that they are here now.

"There is nothing they (the fans) can do about it and they support the club through thick and thin and I respect that view.

"The only time you will see a return to open hostility is if things go seriously badly on the pitch, players can't be bought and we start getting usurped for players by Liverpool and Arsenal, and if they keep increasing ticket prices."

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

[Nick OGS20]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Mika:

Praising his range of passing

Judging by his quotes this morning he's pretty fired up at the min though, had to take it out on someone. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

He was fantastic. Yeah, he was amongst inferior players, playing in a friendly against a slightly under-strength Bulgaria side but he completely dominated midfield on his own - box-to-box, never stopped running, his use of the ball was class, he played a part in at least three of the goals and if McFadden wasn't such a greedy bas he'd have got a well-deserved goal at the end. At one point he charged through the centre of their midfield, beat a couple of players (!) and had to be hacked down as he broke clear

As well as that, he was a real leader for them and looked like he revelled in the responsibility. Anyone who can't understand why those of us who rate him do needs to watch a tape of that game.

[DeafParrot]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by H.O.V.I:

if defoe goes anywhere it will be liverpool </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

He'd better ****ing not. Dire player.

[SarfLondonSpur]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by DeafParrot:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by H.O.V.I:

if defoe goes anywhere it will be liverpool </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

He'd better ****ing not. Dire player. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Wouldny say he was dire, just lacking a hell of a lot of confidence.

I forsee a transfer request from him after the WC

[Mika]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Nick OGS20?:

At one point he charged through the centre of their midfield, beat a couple of players (!) and had to be hacked down as he broke clear

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

That was quality

[James07?]

I'm loving Mika dropping in the Fergie hate at every opportunity.

[Mika]

Highlighting Fletcher now

[Nick OGS20]

Fletch named Man of the Match

[Mika]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by James07?:

I'm loving Mika dropping in the Fergie hate at every opportunity. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'm just fickle

[alilaw]

Bloody fletch. I'd almost prefer it if he were shyte against Bulgaria because then we could all agree he was rubbish and ship him out pronto. But he has these occasions where he hints at having so much more about his game - the one that always springs to mind for me is the semi-final against Arsenal when he dominated Vieira. I just don't know why he's so inconsistent. We used to all think it was because Fergie would sporadically deploy him on the right wing, but he didn't do that for ages this season and fletch was still w@nk.

Grrr.

[Mika]

Fletch so underrated

[Scatter]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Mika:

Fletch so underrated </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

not by all.

dfifffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffb

[DeafParrot]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Scatter:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Mika:

Fletch so underrated </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

not by all.

dfifffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffb for Scotland. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

You seemed to miss a bit off there.

[mark g]

Before the liverpool cup game, Fletch was in very good form. It's almost like with both him and Ruud that a poor performance or attitude in that one game has completely switched Fergie's opinion of them. It does smack of making scapegoats, as there were other players that day who were equally poor, and Fergie's tactics were at least partially to blame as well.

[AndyPolack]

In your opinion was he right to stick O'Shea in the middle instead of Fletch?

[Nick OGS20]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">The agent of Atletico Madrid forward Fernando Torres has admitted the player is excited about the prospect of playing for Manchester United.

The 22-year-old striker is reportedly high on the wanted list of Reds boss Sir Alex Ferguson, who could use unsettled frontman Ruud van Nistelrooy as bait to land Torres.

Atletico directors have told Torres and his agent that they do not need to sell the player, but his representative - Martin Peton, has indicated his client may be keen on a move.

"If you offered any player of 22 years that they could leave to replace van Nistelrooy and £16million, surely that would be something everyone would be happy about?" said Peton.

"How could Atletico reject such an offer? How could the player?" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hmm, bit of a come-and-get-me plea there?

Irrelevant anyway, Ruud won't go to Atletico, we don't have the cash to buy him outright AFTER addressing the midfield issue so he'll go to Arsenal.

[mark g]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by AndyPolack:

In your opinion was he right to stick O'Shea in the middle instead of Fletch? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

God no. O'Shea didn't even play that well while we were on our good run.

[Mika]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by AndyPolack:

In your opinion was he right to stick O'Shea in the middle instead of Fletch? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I guess judging by the multiple match winning streak afterwards we can't really argue with it...

[Mika]

Conflict \o/

[alilaw]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Mika:

Fletch so underrated </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Like I said, I think he's got the quality within him to be a very good player. He just doesn't show it on a consistent basis.

Why this is I don't know. Part of me still thinks he might suffer from other players at United knocking his confidence (this is just a hunch rather than being based on anything like).

[AndyPolack]

Well thats what i thought, good results, but no-one was particularly impressed with him from what i remember reading.

[Mika]

I think he did a lot better after Keane went, but playing alongside O'Shea hardly helped him after Scholes dropped out of the team.

[alilaw]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by AndyPolack:

In your opinion was he right to stick O'Shea in the middle instead of Fletch? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Most definately. jo'sifffffffffbbbb.

[Mika]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by alilaw:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by AndyPolack:

In your opinion was he right to stick O'Shea in the middle instead of Fletch? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Most definately. jo'sifffffffffbbbb. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

*gets straightjacket*

[alilaw]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Mika:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by alilaw:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by AndyPolack:

In your opinion was he right to stick O'Shea in the middle instead of Fletch? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Most definately. jo'sifffffffffbbbb. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

*gets straightjacket* </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'm still blinded by that first season. He could steal my girlfriend and I'd still love him.

[Mika]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> United have been told their automatic place in next season’s Champions League group stages is safe — even if Arsenal become European champions next week.

United secured runners-up spot in the Premiership — and England’s second guaranteed passport into the group stages — by beating Charlton 4-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday.

But despite finishing fourth, Arsenal will automatically become top seeds and go straight into next season’s lucrative group stages if they beat Barcelona in the Champions League final in Paris next Wednesday

Liverpool were forced to begin the defence of their European title in the qualifiers last season, but UEFA have since changed the rules to allow the holders to go straight into the group stages.

An FA spokesman said: “Chelsea and Manchester United will represent England in the Champions League group stages next season.

“Should Arsenal win the Champions League, they will also go into the group stages — but not at the expense of Manchester United.

“Having finished fourth in the Premiership, Arsenal will play in the final qualifying round if they do not become European champions this season </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

[mark g]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by alilaw:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Mika:

Fletch so underrated </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Like I said, I think he's got the quality within him to be a very good player. He just doesn't show it on a consistent basis.

Why this is I don't know. Part of me still thinks he might suffer from other players at United knocking his confidence (this is just a hunch rather than being based on anything like). </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Perhaps it's connected to the fact that he's still only 22, and also missed more than a year of his development through serious injury?

[Mika]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> Fortune favouring cross-Manchester move?

Quinton Fortune could join Manchester City on a free transfer this summer according to reports

The versatile 28-year-old has been released by Manchester United after seven years at Old Trafford, with his final year blighted by injuries that prevented him making an appearance.

City boss Stuart Pearce has already begun his planning for next season by releasing ten players, and a move for Fortune could give him cover in a number of positions without blowing a hole in his transfer budget. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Don't do it Quinton

[mark g]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Mika:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> United have been told their automatic place in next season’s Champions League group stages is safe — even if Arsenal become European champions next week.

United secured runners-up spot in the Premiership — and England’s second guaranteed passport into the group stages — by beating Charlton 4-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday.

But despite finishing fourth, Arsenal will automatically become top seeds and go straight into next season’s lucrative group stages if they beat Barcelona in the Champions League final in Paris next Wednesday

Liverpool were forced to begin the defence of their European title in the qualifiers last season, but UEFA have since changed the rules to allow the holders to go straight into the group stages.

An FA spokesman said: “Chelsea and Manchester United will represent England in the Champions League group stages next season.

“Should Arsenal win the Champions League, they will also go into the group stages — but not at the expense of Manchester United.

“Having finished fourth in the Premiership, Arsenal will play in the final qualifying round if they do not become European champions this season </div></BLOCKQUOTE> </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I thought that was decided weeks ago, and that it was Celtic who would have to go into the qualifiers in that case?

[Nick OGS20]

Don't even think about it Quinny

Regarding that CL news snippet thing above - apparently we just cling on to a place in the top-seeded group, while Chelsea are in pot 2 \o/

[alilaw]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by mark g:

Perhaps it's connected to the fact that he's still only 22, and also missed more than a year of his development through serious injury? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

OK, so at present he's young and hasn't reached his full potential. How do we help him reach that potential? Through playing him and giving him experience, obviously. But here's where the problem is - if he's turning in mediocre, average or poor performances on a regular basis (which he was) then the team can't afford to 'carry' him. Central midfield is such a crucial position that you need top performers in there, which he just isn't at the moment. We can't keep playing him until he becomes more consistent.

[Mika]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Nick OGS20?:

Don't even think about it Quinny

Regarding that CL news snippet thing above - apparently we just cling on to a place in the top-seeded group, while Chelsea are in pot 2 \o/ </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

We'll be screwed the year after though /o\

[DeafParrot]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Nick OGS20?:

Don't even think about it Quinny

Regarding that CL news snippet thing above - apparently we just cling on to a place in the top-seeded group, while Chelsea are in pot 2 \o/ </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

They are? Brilliant.

What about Liverpool? I think our treble season doesn't count anymore, so are we in pot 1 or 2?

[Nick OGS20]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Mika:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Nick OGS20?:

Don't even think about it Quinny

Regarding that CL news snippet thing above - apparently we just cling on to a place in the top-seeded group, while Chelsea are in pot 2 \o/ </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

We'll be screwed the year after though /o\ </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Unless we win it next season ofc

ok, /o\ was apt

[Nick OGS20]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by DeafParrot:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Nick OGS20?:

Don't even think about it Quinny

Regarding that CL news snippet thing above - apparently we just cling on to a place in the top-seeded group, while Chelsea are in pot 2 \o/ </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

They are? Brilliant.

What about Liverpool? I think our treble season doesn't count anymore, so are we in pot 1 or 2? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Us, you and Arsenal are in pot 1, Chelsea in pot 2

[DeafParrot]

Super

[Coldberg]

I fail to believe Fletcher played so well after seeing him look totally out of his depth in the reserve playoff the other week against Tottenham.

It's all a big conspiracy by Nick & Mika.

[Nick OGS20]

Fletch wasn't bad in that playoff

Gibson was better, admittedly. Still, Fletch clearly a big game player

ps do your votes ffs

[Guest]

I'm waiting for Taz to come in now and show your all wrong about Fletcher and in fact he is **** and tday was just someone who had the same name

I do think there is more to his game than meets the eye. Just need to get him to do it on a consistant basis. And maybe having someone like Gattuso (not nessasarily (sp wrong I know) him) then I really think he could come out of himself then.

[ACou2000]

Does that mean we could be in Chelsea's group for the CL next year? :/

[Nick OGS20]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by ACou2000:

Does that mean we could be in Chelsea's group for the CL next year? :/ </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Nah, English teams are kept apart until the quarters.

[ACou2000]

Weren't Liverpool and Chelsea in the same group.. wait was that because of the dodgy Liverpool entry to the competition... probably was... I'll still post this though

[JonTheGTFCFan]

UEFA Rankings.

So yeah, Liverpool Arsenal and United all guaranteed top seeds.

[JonTheGTFCFan]

@Acou2000 - yeah - one of the conditions of Liverpools entry into the Champions League was no "country protection".

So a 1 in 5 chance of the Blues drawn in the same group as Barcelona then

[Nick OGS20]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by ACou2000:

Weren't Liverpool and Chelsea in the same group.. wait was that because of the dodgy Liverpool entry to the competition... probably was... I'll still post this though </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Liverpool were effectively representing Scouseland rather than England last season, so could be drawn against English teams at any stage.

[fazpac]

talking to a co-worker yesterday about how the big teams wont take chances with young, english players . Im talking about how United could have taken both Lennon and Carrick for about £3-4 million.

Why is that? Fergie knew that we needed a holding midfielder and for the amount he cost he wasnt a huge gamble. If he doesnt pay off, they could have shipped Carrick off and would have received the same amount back maybe even more. The same with Lennon, £1m is nothing really, hes willing to fork out 4/5 times that on overseas players.

I guess Chelsea have taken a gamble with Lampard,Cole, Johnson, Bridge, parker but they havent all worked out. Arsenal with Theo and i guess with have with Lee Martin and Ben Foster. Thoughts chums?