Manchester United IX - Quest for Treble Glory Continues....
- Thread starter melvin
- Start date
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The whole organisation of Man U are championship materials. That is why the owners nver interfere and they let the professionals to run the show.
Cos we got a Pro Manager! and our owners are Pro owners unlike most of them try to run the show!:bsmilie: :devil:
.Hack
Senior Member
The whole organisation of Man U are championship materials. That is why the owners nver interfere and they let the professionals to run the show.
Bro jeff, please do not use "Man U" or "Manu".
Its a word/term used by rival fans to insult us.
Use Man Utd, official short form for Manchester United.
.Hack
Senior Member
I will explain why it is an insult to use Man U.
Man U is not a term Manchester United fans refer to themselves as, if they know the history behind it.
The term is only used by other supporters as a complete and utter insult to our club.
The "U" is meant to be "You" by the rival fans.
An early example of its usage is this chant by West Brom fans:
"Duncan Edwards is manure, rotting in his grave.
Man... You are manure, rotting in your grave".
The origin of "Man U" is a song to insult the dead Duncan Edwards.
Liverpool and Leeds fans copied this with their own versions to insult all of the lads who died at Munich.
"Man U Man U went on a plane. Man U Man U never come back again"
and
"Man U Never Intended Coming Home" (if you combine the first letter of each word you get the word "MUNICH").
I hope this makes it clearer that saying Man U is an insult.
Particularly to the older supporters and to see United fans using it is shameful.
I hope a few might read this, understand and spread the word.
The reason for posting is due to a lot of United fans saying "Man U" or "ManU".
Man U is not a term Manchester United fans refer to themselves as, if they know the history behind it.
The term is only used by other supporters as a complete and utter insult to our club.
The "U" is meant to be "You" by the rival fans.
An early example of its usage is this chant by West Brom fans:
"Duncan Edwards is manure, rotting in his grave.
Man... You are manure, rotting in your grave".
The origin of "Man U" is a song to insult the dead Duncan Edwards.
Liverpool and Leeds fans copied this with their own versions to insult all of the lads who died at Munich.
"Man U Man U went on a plane. Man U Man U never come back again"
and
"Man U Never Intended Coming Home" (if you combine the first letter of each word you get the word "MUNICH").
I hope this makes it clearer that saying Man U is an insult.
Particularly to the older supporters and to see United fans using it is shameful.
I hope a few might read this, understand and spread the word.
The reason for posting is due to a lot of United fans saying "Man U" or "ManU".
Draw Specialist of the century!:bsmilie: They Always Draw Alone!:bsmilie:
hehe they are the team who draw the most for the past 3-4 seasons lol
不亏是绝顶的和气王! 哈哈
:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:
afbug
Senior Member
But no central defenders! Thats the big problem. Somemore Inter got 2 big strikers. Hope for a draw at least.
afbug
Senior Member
No la, they never draw alone cos a draw needs 2 teams to share the pts! :bsmilie:
Bo bian... most prob Evra n Rio will play in the center, Scholes mostly likely to be playing defensive midfield to help out with the defend.
Dun think SAF will be goin for a draw win and most impt to score an away goal!:bsmilie:
We will out score the goals we conceded this is what happen 2seasons ago when our defence was wiped out!:sweat:
Ibra warns United
Internazionale striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic feels the Serie A champions are in good enough form to overcome United in the Champions League.
Sir Alex Ferguson's cup holders visit the San Siro for a second round, first leg clash on Tuesday evening, and the sides will reconvene at Old Trafford 15 days later.
United could hardly have had a tougher draw in the last 16 and, having moved nine points clear at the head of Italy's top flight with victory in the Milan derby last weekend, Swedish star Ibrahimovic simply said: "If we play like this we will beat United."
Inter, who beat Bologna 2-1 on Saturday to maintain their advantage in the race for the Scudetto, won back-to-back Serie A titles under Roberto Mancini, but Ibrahimovic feels the influence of new boss Jose Mourinho is proving telling when it comes to important matches.
"He has changed our mentality a little bit," said the striker.
"We were good when he came but he’s teaching us something new. We have become stronger and better and are hungry for the big games."
Last sat they struggle to beat Bologna!:devil:
Internazionale striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic feels the Serie A champions are in good enough form to overcome United in the Champions League.
Sir Alex Ferguson's cup holders visit the San Siro for a second round, first leg clash on Tuesday evening, and the sides will reconvene at Old Trafford 15 days later.
United could hardly have had a tougher draw in the last 16 and, having moved nine points clear at the head of Italy's top flight with victory in the Milan derby last weekend, Swedish star Ibrahimovic simply said: "If we play like this we will beat United."
Inter, who beat Bologna 2-1 on Saturday to maintain their advantage in the race for the Scudetto, won back-to-back Serie A titles under Roberto Mancini, but Ibrahimovic feels the influence of new boss Jose Mourinho is proving telling when it comes to important matches.
"He has changed our mentality a little bit," said the striker.
"We were good when he came but he’s teaching us something new. We have become stronger and better and are hungry for the big games."
Last sat they struggle to beat Bologna!:devil:
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Late fitness tests for duo
John OShea and Jonny Evans face late fitness tests ahead of Uniteds Champions League last 16 tie against Inter Milan on Tuesday.
OShea (heel) seems the likelier of the two to make the match, while and Evans (ankle) is a major doubt for the match. If neither were passed fit, Sir Alex would be left with only four fit defenders; two of them, Fabio and Richard Eckersley, still only teenagers and yet to appear in the Champions League.
Darren Fletcher could be asked to play at right-back alongside Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra, the other defenders in an otherwise fully fit squad.
We wont know until Tuesday on the fitness of OShea and Evans, Sir Alex said at his San Siro press conference before the team trained on the pitch. OShea is doing a light session on his own, but Jonny is unable to train.
"If neither of them make it then it will be time to panic. They are both big concerns for me but we have to accept that one or both might be missing and get on with it."
Its a testing scenario, but Sir Alex feels that the occasion will help lift his players. The challenge of playing in this stadium in front of a big crowd will help my players, he said. "We have come a long way since a couple of years ago [when the Reds lost to AC Milan].
:devil:
John OShea and Jonny Evans face late fitness tests ahead of Uniteds Champions League last 16 tie against Inter Milan on Tuesday.
OShea (heel) seems the likelier of the two to make the match, while and Evans (ankle) is a major doubt for the match. If neither were passed fit, Sir Alex would be left with only four fit defenders; two of them, Fabio and Richard Eckersley, still only teenagers and yet to appear in the Champions League.
Darren Fletcher could be asked to play at right-back alongside Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra, the other defenders in an otherwise fully fit squad.
We wont know until Tuesday on the fitness of OShea and Evans, Sir Alex said at his San Siro press conference before the team trained on the pitch. OShea is doing a light session on his own, but Jonny is unable to train.
"If neither of them make it then it will be time to panic. They are both big concerns for me but we have to accept that one or both might be missing and get on with it."
Its a testing scenario, but Sir Alex feels that the occasion will help lift his players. The challenge of playing in this stadium in front of a big crowd will help my players, he said. "We have come a long way since a couple of years ago [when the Reds lost to AC Milan].
:devil:
United's Inter mission
As United take on Jose Mourinhos Inter Milan in the Champions League, we give you the lowdown on the latest instalment of Sir Alex v the Special One...
It had to be Jose. No-one of a Red persuasion will quickly forget their first Mourinho moment, the Portuguese flapping like a big grey bird up the Old Trafford touchline as Porto knocked us out on the way to taking the Champions League in 2004. Now, after two Premier League titles for Chelsea followed by two for United, battle lines are to be drawn again, this time as the Reds take on the leaders of Serie A.
Reaction to the draw
As usual the gaffer had his own individual take on matters at UEFA HQ, preferring to concentrate less on the Italian qualities of Inter and more on their imported stars.
They have a lot of experience in their team, including quite a few South Americans, Sir Alex said. In fact I think they have only got two Italians in their team. That in itself represents a tough challenge because you know South American players are always very tough and resilient defensively.
Mind games about Inters attacking ambitions? Possibly, but Mourinho was bullish before and after the balls were drawn (though Inter directors and some supporters seemed less content). He'd as good as called for a tie against United, saying: Our group was too easy, so we lost concentration. We deserve to draw the very best and I hope that we will.
And, given his wish, his reaction to the draw was equally ebullient: I didnt say I was happy to face them (United) because it would be easy or Im certain of winning. Im not a complete idiot. It will make my job a lot easier, though. Therell be no need to motivate the players or fans. The Italian media was cautiously optimistic, the Gazzetto dello Sport reasoning that you need to beat the best to win the competition, so no time is like the present.
Talking tactics
Those who managed to stay awake during the 2007 FA Cup final will hope the two-legged nature of this encounter encourages a more progressive approach from Mourinho, but dont hold your breath Inters new nickname in Italy is the tank.
As at Chelsea, Jose implemented a 4-3-3 when he first arrived in Milan, but the failures of summer signings Quaresma and Mancini forced him into a reshuffle to 4-4-2. The manager refused to be drawn on this tie, but hinted that he might return to narrow ways: I can't say how Ill play against United, but to control their wide men and maintain balance it is important to have the 4-3-3 up our sleeves.
The Nerazzuri are well known for their physicality and effectiveness from set plays, so United should avoid giving away free kicks in the final third if possible.
Record against Inter... and other Italian outfits
United have played only two competitive games against Inter, in the quarter-final in 1999, but that heroic draw in the second leg was the only time the Reds have left the San Siro positively in five attempts. Indeed, our European campaigns in 1958, 1969, 2005 and 2007 were all ended (or in 1969s case irretrievably holed) at the San Siro by Inters neighbours Milan, so there is certainly a bogey ground element to this tie.
At home, by contrast, United have a fine record against the Milanese and Italian sides in general. Against Inter its played one, won one the game, you may recall, being the much-hyped rematch between Diego Simeone and David Beckham following the latters sending off in St Etienne at France 98.
In total the Reds have won 11, drawn two and lost only two against Italians at Old Trafford, and with a record unbeaten European run at home to protect, will be confident, barring a shocker in Milan, of progressing to the next round.
Head-to-Head Battles
Attack
While it may not be a head-to-head on the pitch, between them Ronaldo and Ibrahimovic could well determine the outcome of this tie. If one or other can stamp their undoubted class on the game, the respective defences will be in for a couple of very busy nights.
Midfield
Inter have a rock-solid centre that protects the defence and surges forward on rapid counters, exemplified by Argentinian international Esteban Cambiasso. Sir Alex may choose to match like with like with the energy and drive of Fletcher, or plump for the finesse of the Carrick/Scholes axis that proved so effective in the latter stages of last seasons competition.
Defence
It'll be a cracking duel between Patrice Evra and Douglas Maicon, widely considered to be the best right-back in the world at the moment. Maicon has been the stand-out figure of Inters season with his marauding runs and pinpoint crosses. Hes even matched his career best tally of five Serie A goals already this term.
:devil:
As United take on Jose Mourinhos Inter Milan in the Champions League, we give you the lowdown on the latest instalment of Sir Alex v the Special One...
It had to be Jose. No-one of a Red persuasion will quickly forget their first Mourinho moment, the Portuguese flapping like a big grey bird up the Old Trafford touchline as Porto knocked us out on the way to taking the Champions League in 2004. Now, after two Premier League titles for Chelsea followed by two for United, battle lines are to be drawn again, this time as the Reds take on the leaders of Serie A.
Reaction to the draw
As usual the gaffer had his own individual take on matters at UEFA HQ, preferring to concentrate less on the Italian qualities of Inter and more on their imported stars.
They have a lot of experience in their team, including quite a few South Americans, Sir Alex said. In fact I think they have only got two Italians in their team. That in itself represents a tough challenge because you know South American players are always very tough and resilient defensively.
Mind games about Inters attacking ambitions? Possibly, but Mourinho was bullish before and after the balls were drawn (though Inter directors and some supporters seemed less content). He'd as good as called for a tie against United, saying: Our group was too easy, so we lost concentration. We deserve to draw the very best and I hope that we will.
And, given his wish, his reaction to the draw was equally ebullient: I didnt say I was happy to face them (United) because it would be easy or Im certain of winning. Im not a complete idiot. It will make my job a lot easier, though. Therell be no need to motivate the players or fans. The Italian media was cautiously optimistic, the Gazzetto dello Sport reasoning that you need to beat the best to win the competition, so no time is like the present.
Talking tactics
Those who managed to stay awake during the 2007 FA Cup final will hope the two-legged nature of this encounter encourages a more progressive approach from Mourinho, but dont hold your breath Inters new nickname in Italy is the tank.
As at Chelsea, Jose implemented a 4-3-3 when he first arrived in Milan, but the failures of summer signings Quaresma and Mancini forced him into a reshuffle to 4-4-2. The manager refused to be drawn on this tie, but hinted that he might return to narrow ways: I can't say how Ill play against United, but to control their wide men and maintain balance it is important to have the 4-3-3 up our sleeves.
The Nerazzuri are well known for their physicality and effectiveness from set plays, so United should avoid giving away free kicks in the final third if possible.
Record against Inter... and other Italian outfits
United have played only two competitive games against Inter, in the quarter-final in 1999, but that heroic draw in the second leg was the only time the Reds have left the San Siro positively in five attempts. Indeed, our European campaigns in 1958, 1969, 2005 and 2007 were all ended (or in 1969s case irretrievably holed) at the San Siro by Inters neighbours Milan, so there is certainly a bogey ground element to this tie.
At home, by contrast, United have a fine record against the Milanese and Italian sides in general. Against Inter its played one, won one the game, you may recall, being the much-hyped rematch between Diego Simeone and David Beckham following the latters sending off in St Etienne at France 98.
In total the Reds have won 11, drawn two and lost only two against Italians at Old Trafford, and with a record unbeaten European run at home to protect, will be confident, barring a shocker in Milan, of progressing to the next round.
Head-to-Head Battles
Attack
While it may not be a head-to-head on the pitch, between them Ronaldo and Ibrahimovic could well determine the outcome of this tie. If one or other can stamp their undoubted class on the game, the respective defences will be in for a couple of very busy nights.
Midfield
Inter have a rock-solid centre that protects the defence and surges forward on rapid counters, exemplified by Argentinian international Esteban Cambiasso. Sir Alex may choose to match like with like with the energy and drive of Fletcher, or plump for the finesse of the Carrick/Scholes axis that proved so effective in the latter stages of last seasons competition.
Defence
It'll be a cracking duel between Patrice Evra and Douglas Maicon, widely considered to be the best right-back in the world at the moment. Maicon has been the stand-out figure of Inters season with his marauding runs and pinpoint crosses. Hes even matched his career best tally of five Serie A goals already this term.
:devil:
Berba's Euro dream
Dimitar Berbatov is confident of fulfilling his dream of winning the Champions League, despite United being up against one of the best teams in the competition.
The Reds face Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan in their last 16 tie, the first leg of which takes place at the San Siro on Tuesday night.
Like United, Inter are currently riding high in their domestic league and remain on course for a fourth successive Serie A title.
Berbatov is relishing the chance to pit his wits against the Italian champions as he aims to move a step closer to realising his European dream.
"I came here to win the Champions League," he told reporters at the pre-match press conference.
"Manchester United are capable of doing that again. We have the team and the players.
"We are facing a very good team on Tuesday. But we have good players as well. It will be a great game to watch and hopefully we can take a good result back to Old Trafford for the second leg."
:devil:
Dimitar Berbatov is confident of fulfilling his dream of winning the Champions League, despite United being up against one of the best teams in the competition.
The Reds face Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan in their last 16 tie, the first leg of which takes place at the San Siro on Tuesday night.
Like United, Inter are currently riding high in their domestic league and remain on course for a fourth successive Serie A title.
Berbatov is relishing the chance to pit his wits against the Italian champions as he aims to move a step closer to realising his European dream.
"I came here to win the Champions League," he told reporters at the pre-match press conference.
"Manchester United are capable of doing that again. We have the team and the players.
"We are facing a very good team on Tuesday. But we have good players as well. It will be a great game to watch and hopefully we can take a good result back to Old Trafford for the second leg."
:devil:
Countdown Tomorrow 3.45am:devil:
San Siro clash is key
Sir Alex Ferguson fully expects his players to rise to the considerably tough challenge in front of them at the San Siro, believing Tuesday night's result will be key to the overall outcome of the tie.
While a patched-up Reds defence will be doing their utmost to keep Ibrahimovic and co. quiet, the United boss believes it's vital his side make the most of any opportunities that come their way in the attacking third with an away goal being top of the priority list.
"You're always intent in Europe to get that goal that means something really big when you get back to your own ground," he explained at his pre-match press conference.
"We still have the opportunity to take Inter back to Old Trafford with a good result. If we score an away goal it will give us a great chance."
After highlighting the importance of putting the ball in the net at one end, Sir Alex remains mindful of the need to limit the threat posed by Inter's main man at the other.
"Without question, [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic is their star player," he insisted. "I have watched him for many years now. He has developed and is at an age now where you expect a bit of maturity and that's what we're seeing. He is getting all the praise he deserves. I just hope my players have a better night than Inter's!"
Inter boss Jose Mourinho is predicting a cagey encounter and reckons the Reds will play it safe during the 90 minutes. Sir Alex has other ideas.
"I'm sure Jose has seen us enough to know that we very seldom go into a game not trying to win," insisted the United boss, before adding: "At this moment in time you cannot split the teams.
"Inter have won Serie A three times in a row and are going to win it for a fourth time. They have great experience, an outstanding manager and some terrific players. So it's a really big game all round.
"My team are mature enough to go and play on Tuesday night and hopefully we can express ourselves the way we normally do when we have the ball."
Boss eyes vital strike
"You're always intent in Europe to get that goal that means something really big when you get back to your own ground. We still have the opportunity to take Inter back to Old Trafford with a good result. If we score an away goal it will give us a great chance."
- Sir Alex Ferguson
San Siro clash is key
Sir Alex Ferguson fully expects his players to rise to the considerably tough challenge in front of them at the San Siro, believing Tuesday night's result will be key to the overall outcome of the tie.
While a patched-up Reds defence will be doing their utmost to keep Ibrahimovic and co. quiet, the United boss believes it's vital his side make the most of any opportunities that come their way in the attacking third with an away goal being top of the priority list.
"You're always intent in Europe to get that goal that means something really big when you get back to your own ground," he explained at his pre-match press conference.
"We still have the opportunity to take Inter back to Old Trafford with a good result. If we score an away goal it will give us a great chance."
After highlighting the importance of putting the ball in the net at one end, Sir Alex remains mindful of the need to limit the threat posed by Inter's main man at the other.
"Without question, [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic is their star player," he insisted. "I have watched him for many years now. He has developed and is at an age now where you expect a bit of maturity and that's what we're seeing. He is getting all the praise he deserves. I just hope my players have a better night than Inter's!"
Inter boss Jose Mourinho is predicting a cagey encounter and reckons the Reds will play it safe during the 90 minutes. Sir Alex has other ideas.
"I'm sure Jose has seen us enough to know that we very seldom go into a game not trying to win," insisted the United boss, before adding: "At this moment in time you cannot split the teams.
"Inter have won Serie A three times in a row and are going to win it for a fourth time. They have great experience, an outstanding manager and some terrific players. So it's a really big game all round.
"My team are mature enough to go and play on Tuesday night and hopefully we can express ourselves the way we normally do when we have the ball."
Boss eyes vital strike
"You're always intent in Europe to get that goal that means something really big when you get back to your own ground. We still have the opportunity to take Inter back to Old Trafford with a good result. If we score an away goal it will give us a great chance."
- Sir Alex Ferguson
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Exclusive: David Beckham Q&A
United were watched by a familiar face on Monday as preparations for the clash with Inter Milan continued with a training session at the San Siro.
Former Reds midfielder David Beckham popped along to watch the hour-long session and catch up with some of his old team-mates. Currently plying his trade with Inter's city rivals AC Milan, he took time out to speak exclusively to ManUtd.com ahead of the last 16 tie...
How much are you looking forward to Tuesday's game?
I can't wait... I haven't been to many United games since I left so as soon as this match was announced I looked to see if I was still going to be in Milan when it would be played. I'm so excited about it, but it's also a great opportunity to see the likes of Rio, Wazza and, of course, Giggsy and Scholesy who I haven't seen for a while.
What kind of match are you expecting?
It's a match between two of the biggest clubs in the world and two great teams who are both in top form, so it's got the makings of a fantastic game. Both managers are so experienced technically and tactically and I'm sure it'll be a very tight contest.
Is stopping Ibrahimovic and Adriano the key for United?
Inter have got top players throughout their team, but, yes, the two forwards are the players who can cause the most problems. But United have got great defenders and don't forget, Inter will also be worried about the players United have got in attack.
Do you still keep a close eye on how United are doing?
Oh yes, I've been a United fan all my life and always will be. I've still got friends in the team who I played with at Old Trafford and still play with for England. So I always follow how they're doing.
United are well placed in four competitions... how far do you think they can go this season?
I really hope they'll win every one of them. It would be amazing if they could. It was a fantastic achievement when we won the Treble in '99 and for them to be involved in four competitions this season is brilliant - as a player there's nothing better than that. Hopefully they can do it.
Is this as good a squad since the Treble team?
Yes definitely. It's so strong all the way through from the goalkeeper to the strikers. It's an amazing squad of players and I'm sure they'll go on to achieve great things.
:think::devil:
United were watched by a familiar face on Monday as preparations for the clash with Inter Milan continued with a training session at the San Siro.
Former Reds midfielder David Beckham popped along to watch the hour-long session and catch up with some of his old team-mates. Currently plying his trade with Inter's city rivals AC Milan, he took time out to speak exclusively to ManUtd.com ahead of the last 16 tie...
How much are you looking forward to Tuesday's game?
I can't wait... I haven't been to many United games since I left so as soon as this match was announced I looked to see if I was still going to be in Milan when it would be played. I'm so excited about it, but it's also a great opportunity to see the likes of Rio, Wazza and, of course, Giggsy and Scholesy who I haven't seen for a while.
What kind of match are you expecting?
It's a match between two of the biggest clubs in the world and two great teams who are both in top form, so it's got the makings of a fantastic game. Both managers are so experienced technically and tactically and I'm sure it'll be a very tight contest.
Is stopping Ibrahimovic and Adriano the key for United?
Inter have got top players throughout their team, but, yes, the two forwards are the players who can cause the most problems. But United have got great defenders and don't forget, Inter will also be worried about the players United have got in attack.
Do you still keep a close eye on how United are doing?
Oh yes, I've been a United fan all my life and always will be. I've still got friends in the team who I played with at Old Trafford and still play with for England. So I always follow how they're doing.
United are well placed in four competitions... how far do you think they can go this season?
I really hope they'll win every one of them. It would be amazing if they could. It was a fantastic achievement when we won the Treble in '99 and for them to be involved in four competitions this season is brilliant - as a player there's nothing better than that. Hopefully they can do it.
Is this as good a squad since the Treble team?
Yes definitely. It's so strong all the way through from the goalkeeper to the strikers. It's an amazing squad of players and I'm sure they'll go on to achieve great things.
:think::devil:
afbug
Senior Member
Saw some pics over at hwz...Becks in Milan to watch the game.
Scholes looks like he is introducing Rooney to Becks but need to intro? Afterall, Becks was England captain during Euro 04 and WC 06.
I think the girls will like this pic!
My head is red and I'm angry! U want another boot to your other eye?!
An audience with Captain Marvel
Hi Rio!
Scholes looks like he is introducing Rooney to Becks but need to intro? Afterall, Becks was England captain during Euro 04 and WC 06.
I think the girls will like this pic!
My head is red and I'm angry! U want another boot to your other eye?!
An audience with Captain Marvel
Hi Rio!
- Status
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