Hello,
Easy one for stats this time as United has only played Marseille once in the CL in 1999-2000.
United lost 1-0 away and 2-1 at home where William Gallas scored for Marseille.
Some other ties to look:
Arsenal against Barcelona - bye bye Arsenal. Wait, you know what Arsenal: you want to taken seriously as a top team then at least do not get blown away this time.
Chelsea against Copenhagen - as poor at the blues form is, I cannot see them not getting through Copenhagen.
Milan against Spurs - on paper anyway, Tottenham drew the worst team they could have. It will experience v. the high flying team from North London. Spurs need to learn how to close up shop away to have a chance in this one. In my opinion.
Inter against Bayern Munich – a repeat of last season’s final. Both teams struggling in their domestic leagues. I think Inter is in big trouble here.
See you in January for the FA Match against Liverpool.
Happy Holidays and thank you for reading.
Derek
Friday, December 17, 2010
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Anderson's First OT Goal = First Place in Group C (v. Valencia, 12.07.10)
Hello,
I was looking forward to this game for two reasons. First, I thought United played as close to a perfect away game in Spain in the first leg against Valencia. Second, with the 7-1 thumping of Blackburn and a week off, I thought United would come out flying. Well, the game turned out to be a mixed bag but the job was done. United has won the group and will advance against a 2nd place opponent in February, three possible opponents being from Italy.
First off, the real shock of the game was before it started seeing Ben Amos in net. Sir Alex does this a lot, giving young players a chance and his confidence was founded as while Amos did not a great game, he was solid enough. While United dominated possession in the first half, as usual, they allowed Valencia plenty of space. Then Carrick cost United a Champions League record by allowing Dominguez to steal the ball and helped Pablo Hernandez score the only goal United allowed during the group stage. It seemed like Carrick had a lifetime to make a decision but stood there. It was strange and Carrick's second CL blunder in less than a year that cost United (if you are counting; remember Bayern at OT).
Be sure to read club executive member BEN PIKE's article on Carrick on RED RANTS.
Within a couple of minutes, United had nearly produced the equaliser as Rooney hit the bar. I thought Rooney played very well and is beginning to look like the player he was last year. Leaner, faster and a huge threat. The team plays better when he is on the pitch. His vision and passing ability in this game, save a few loose passes, was outstanding. Park has also stepped up his game for the first time in as long as I can remember.
As mentioned on Facebook, Anderson had only scored one time before, away against Tottenham. He had the instinct to follow in Park's thunderbolt strike that the Valencia keeper Guaita was unable to hold on to and blast it in for the equalizer. Bit of sloppy play from United allowed two shots on Amos who handled them nicely at the end of the game.
Job done.
Hopefully Rio is ok.
My next post will be United's possible opponents. Stay tuned.
Thanks for reading,
Derek
I was looking forward to this game for two reasons. First, I thought United played as close to a perfect away game in Spain in the first leg against Valencia. Second, with the 7-1 thumping of Blackburn and a week off, I thought United would come out flying. Well, the game turned out to be a mixed bag but the job was done. United has won the group and will advance against a 2nd place opponent in February, three possible opponents being from Italy.
First off, the real shock of the game was before it started seeing Ben Amos in net. Sir Alex does this a lot, giving young players a chance and his confidence was founded as while Amos did not a great game, he was solid enough. While United dominated possession in the first half, as usual, they allowed Valencia plenty of space. Then Carrick cost United a Champions League record by allowing Dominguez to steal the ball and helped Pablo Hernandez score the only goal United allowed during the group stage. It seemed like Carrick had a lifetime to make a decision but stood there. It was strange and Carrick's second CL blunder in less than a year that cost United (if you are counting; remember Bayern at OT).
Be sure to read club executive member BEN PIKE's article on Carrick on RED RANTS.
Within a couple of minutes, United had nearly produced the equaliser as Rooney hit the bar. I thought Rooney played very well and is beginning to look like the player he was last year. Leaner, faster and a huge threat. The team plays better when he is on the pitch. His vision and passing ability in this game, save a few loose passes, was outstanding. Park has also stepped up his game for the first time in as long as I can remember.
As mentioned on Facebook, Anderson had only scored one time before, away against Tottenham. He had the instinct to follow in Park's thunderbolt strike that the Valencia keeper Guaita was unable to hold on to and blast it in for the equalizer. Bit of sloppy play from United allowed two shots on Amos who handled them nicely at the end of the game.
Job done.
Hopefully Rio is ok.
My next post will be United's possible opponents. Stay tuned.
Thanks for reading,
Derek
Thursday, December 2, 2010
United Dumped Out of Carling Cup (at West Ham, 11.30.10)
Hello,
Sorry about the late report but I only caught the first 30 minutes live. Had to watch it on Wednesday.
Sir Alex Ferguson made 10 changes to the side that hammered Blackburn on the weekend with only Anderson starting. There were some experienced players on the pitcher in the form of Ryan Giggs, Darren Fletcher and John O'Shea but it did not prove enough against the West Ham onslaught.
Defensive mistakes from Smalling and especially Evans cost United this game. While a year ago, a game like this from Evans would have been slightly shocking, today, it does not and that cannot bold well of Evan's future should he continue to under perform. As fans, we might never know the real reason why. Could the injuries he has suffered over the last two seasons taken their toll? Are the injuries taking its toll not only physically but mentally as well? Time will tell but time may not be on Evans side.
Another big surprise, especially for this ELP preview writer, is the state of West Ham. More specifically, I am surprised that Manager Avram Grant has not found a way out of relegation yet however I still feel they will not go down.
Denied a goal just moments earlier, Spector nodded West Ham ahead. Obinna supplied an exquisite chip that Spector, having crept inside Fletcher, headed into the net. Still, center backs mistakes really to allow Obinna to approach so close. Fabio slipped attempting to block Obinna's shot instead fell into the path of Spector who blasted home from close range. From there, Cole went on to score two, both, again, defensive blunders.
My other comments will be pointed at Babe, Herdandez and Mechada. First, I cannot understand how Babe gets the start over Mechada. His last few starts, especially the last one, were dreadful. He looked way out of his comfort zone and has a lot to learn about life in the EPL. For me, find a warm spot on the bench as you will not see action for a long time. Second, Herdandez did very little. Now, many fans bought up his jerseys and said outragous comments like: "we do not need Rooney, we have Herdandez". I laughed out loud. I hope some of these angry and new football fans have paid attention in the last few weeks. Yes, I agree, Hernandez is talented and could be a great goal scorer...in the future. The idea that he could lead United to a league and European title this season is laughable. Third, Machada. Now, he started on the bench and is still very young. I will give him a pass on the last couple games as I think he is talented. With United playing Arsenal, Chelsea and then Liverpool in their first FA Cup Round, I have a tough time seeing any of the these players, especially Babe, getting a start. During the Christmas matches, I can see Hernandez getting some time.
All credit to West Ham.
United out of the Carling Cup.
Thanks,
Derek
Sorry about the late report but I only caught the first 30 minutes live. Had to watch it on Wednesday.
Sir Alex Ferguson made 10 changes to the side that hammered Blackburn on the weekend with only Anderson starting. There were some experienced players on the pitcher in the form of Ryan Giggs, Darren Fletcher and John O'Shea but it did not prove enough against the West Ham onslaught.
Defensive mistakes from Smalling and especially Evans cost United this game. While a year ago, a game like this from Evans would have been slightly shocking, today, it does not and that cannot bold well of Evan's future should he continue to under perform. As fans, we might never know the real reason why. Could the injuries he has suffered over the last two seasons taken their toll? Are the injuries taking its toll not only physically but mentally as well? Time will tell but time may not be on Evans side.
Another big surprise, especially for this ELP preview writer, is the state of West Ham. More specifically, I am surprised that Manager Avram Grant has not found a way out of relegation yet however I still feel they will not go down.
Denied a goal just moments earlier, Spector nodded West Ham ahead. Obinna supplied an exquisite chip that Spector, having crept inside Fletcher, headed into the net. Still, center backs mistakes really to allow Obinna to approach so close. Fabio slipped attempting to block Obinna's shot instead fell into the path of Spector who blasted home from close range. From there, Cole went on to score two, both, again, defensive blunders.
My other comments will be pointed at Babe, Herdandez and Mechada. First, I cannot understand how Babe gets the start over Mechada. His last few starts, especially the last one, were dreadful. He looked way out of his comfort zone and has a lot to learn about life in the EPL. For me, find a warm spot on the bench as you will not see action for a long time. Second, Herdandez did very little. Now, many fans bought up his jerseys and said outragous comments like: "we do not need Rooney, we have Herdandez". I laughed out loud. I hope some of these angry and new football fans have paid attention in the last few weeks. Yes, I agree, Hernandez is talented and could be a great goal scorer...in the future. The idea that he could lead United to a league and European title this season is laughable. Third, Machada. Now, he started on the bench and is still very young. I will give him a pass on the last couple games as I think he is talented. With United playing Arsenal, Chelsea and then Liverpool in their first FA Cup Round, I have a tough time seeing any of the these players, especially Babe, getting a start. During the Christmas matches, I can see Hernandez getting some time.
All credit to West Ham.
United out of the Carling Cup.
Thanks,
Derek
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