Bleacher Report - Articles by Shaunte Renee

Cristiano Ronaldo Receives a Welcome Befitting a King at the Bernabeu

Shaunte Renee — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:54:40 -0400

It was expected to be a big extravagant event, but no one expected it to be what it was—the birth of a new breed of superstar.

Cristiano Ronaldo was welcomed to the Santiago Bernabeu by more than 80,000 fans, and thousands more that were eventually locked out had flocked to the stadium to see their new Galactico in the flesh.

The fans arrived two hours before the presentation was set to begin.

They never stopped screaming, chanting his name, or raising their signs filled with messages for the Portuguese star.

Every time a video montage of him was shown on the screens doing what he does best, the fans let out cheers of happiness in what they hope is yet to come.

The videos highlighted his lightning speed, fancy footwork, insane goals, and self-proclaimed swag that he had possessed at Manchester United. It let the fans know his unveiling was inching closer every minute that passed by.

Then, what they and he had been waiting three years for had finally come.

Cristiano Ronaldo emerged from the tunnel adorned in white with the famous No. 9 gracing his back.

He had arrived, and he was theirs.

He smiled, clapped, and gave the thumbs up.

Finally, he was home.

The crowd erupted, rising to their feet to greet their newfound hero.

The flashbulbs never stopped flickering, and he didn't want them to as he made his way to the main stage to greet the man who had made his dream possible. He hugged Perez and waited nervously as Perez gave a speech about "one of the greatest footballers of all time."

He had already dazzled the crowd without murmuring a word.

Then it was time for Ronaldo to address the Real Madrid faithful, to tell them what they had been longing to hear.

He walked up to the podium adjusted the microphone, looked up in awe of what was before him, and stood for what seemed like forever as a smile crept across his face. It seemed as though he was planning to do that—to soak in the moment.

A rapturous roar teemed from the fans in anticipation of his next move.

His speech was only about a minute or so long, ending it in a chant of "Hala Madrid!" that the droves of fans poignantly echoed from the rafters at the request of their new King.

If he hadn't spoken throughout the entire ceremony, no one would've cared, but to hear him speak cemented the moment for many as one they will never forget.

I've never seen him smile so much, and he actually looked like he was enjoying himself.

While he performed tricks (some unsuccessful), signed a ball for a young boy and kissed him on the forehead, and signed a jersey and posed for a photo with another boy before being paraded around the stadium, he looked genuinely happy.

He was taking his walk along the green carpet, which looked like something out of the Wizard of Oz—a path that would lead him to greatness, to his destiny.

He clapped, waved, kicked signed balls into the stands, and kissed his badge, something Manchester United had rarely if ever seen him do.

He posed with Real Madrid's nine European trophies as though they were old friends.

Fans watched in awe of the spectacle they were witnessing.

Some fans were so overjoyed they broke the barricades, stormed the field, and tried to evade security in an attempt to see the man of the hour up close and personal.

The sight of him just wasn't enough.

While others were being tackled by security and police, one fan managed to make it to Ronaldo. Ronaldo hugged him, signed his jersey, and hugged him again before the young man was escorted off by security.

It was so much of a frenzy that security had to rush Ronaldo prematurely off the pitch into the tunnel after fans came running towards him.

And just like that, he was out of sight. The ceremony was over.

For many, it was back to reality. Back to the heat, back to work, back to life.

But for most, it was three hours of magic that will never be forgotten.

No one knows what the future holds for CR9 and Real Madrid.

No one knows if he'll succeed so mightily as many expect.

No one knows if chemistry will form between Kaka and himself.

No one knows if money can buy trophies.

No one knows if Ronaldo is the savior that Real Madrid has so desperately yearned for.

One thing is known though: For one night only, Cristiano Ronaldo was more than a man, more than an athlete, more than a diva.

He was all smiles, all sparkle.

He was a superstar, a King, a Galactico indeed.

The Wonder Kid Strikes Again for Manchester United

Shaunte Renee — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 17:32:18 -0400

Oops, I did it again.

It's a popular Britney Spears hit from before she went crazy and those words describe exactly what the super-sub Macheda must be thinking. Except for the "oops" part.

The 17 year old is living a dream he doesn't want to wake up from and for good reason.

Kiko Macheda was called off the bench into the game in the 75th minute for Dimitar Berbatov, and not even a minute had passed before he was celebrating another goal and put the pressure back onto Liverpool, and Chelsea.

It wasn't as spectacular as the miracle goal against Aston Villa, but it still felt so sweet and it couldn't have come at a better time. Sunderland had equalised and United had to respond.

Respond they did, by bringing on Kiko instead of an experienced vet like Giggs, Sir Alex put his faith in the towering 17 year old Italian and he proved he could be counted on.

Redirecting a shot by Michael Carrick into the bottom right corner of the Sunderland goal.

United go top of the League with 71 points, one ahead of Liverpool with a game in hand.

Now United will have three days to get ready for their Champions League clash with Porto.

Having rested the likes of Giggs, Ronaldo for majority of the game and possibly getting Rio Ferdinand back just in time, the Red Devils hope things can only get better for them.

They need to put in a good performance in the CL clash and come out with a much needed win to move on to the semi-finals, but just in case things get tight, Sir Alex will have the wonder kid to call upon and you know he would relish the opportunity.

Sir Alex Has a Lot to Think About While Manchester United Are Faltering

Shaunte Renee — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 19:08:12 -0400

After being embarrassed by Liverpool at home, shocked by Fulham, exhausted after Aston Villa, and now stunned by a quick and energetic Porto side, Manchester United have many problems that need to be fixed quickly.

There was no last gasp goal by a 17 year old unknown to save them from destruction this time and they can only blame themselves for the hole that they are in.

During the Porto game, United looked lost, confused and downright tired.

The fact is United have been on a downhill slope, especially defensively since their lack of concentration and carelessness in the win against Inter.

But it carried over into the Liverpool match. Everyone thought their uninspiring play would cease and they would return to former glory.

That didn't happen; it got worse and worse, week after week. And last night it came full circle and their lack of concentration, and commitment cost them.

United are imploding, and sinking fast.

So, let's get down to the problems that need to be fixed if they are to win anything else this season.

First of all, what is going on with the team selections over the past couple of games?

Especially with Carlos Tevez?

Why has he not started in games he's needed most? For, example I was sure he and Wayne Rooney would get the start up front against Fulham, especially after their dazzling display against them in the FA Cup. But no, they were both left on the bench to make way for Ronaldo and Berbatov up front. Huh? What was Sir Alex thinking?

Another example is the game against Porto. Tevez must have felt due to the injury to Berbatov that he would get the start. But, again he is left on the bench.

He scored the goal they so badly needed, and gave them the lead. That's evidence enough that he should've started.

I understand Sir Alex wanted to rest Tevez a bit after coming back jet-lagged after international duty and playing against Villa, but why not just bring him on at half time instead of waiting for the later stages of the game?

The next problem and probably their biggest is their depleted defense.

During the magnificent run of clean sheets they went on without conceding a goal, United looked like a brick wall out there, not allowing the opposing teams attack a glimpse at the goal. Now, it's like every time the opposing side has the ball, they look like they're going to score.

They seem to lack confidence at the back, especially when there are quick players coming at them.

Another problem is fatigue. Yes, they are professional athletes paid loads of money to play all of these games, but they are only human and humans get tired.

United looked so tired and out of it for majority of the first half against Porto.

Nobody could get any momentum going forward and when Porto stole possession of the ball, particularly from Ronaldo, Evans couldn't clear the ball and it caused them to concede rather easily.

Which leads to the next problem. What the hell is going on with Cristiano Ronaldo losing the ball and not tracking back?

Did he forget that defense is an important part of the game, as much as attacking?

That is unforgivable.

First against Aston Villa, which led to a goal and then against Porto which led to another goal. Make the mistake once; okay, we can look past it. Make it again; your ass is on the bench. It would be a bold move, but it would teach Ronaldo a lesson.

He needs to be disciplined for his lack of commitment to track back and play defense or it will happen again, and again.

One of my points could be injuries but all teams suffer from injuries, so that's a given.

My last point is probably one that will upset a lot of United fans, but I know they are all thinking it. It's probably time to let the Quintuple go.

I as much as the next United fan would love to see it be achieved but with the way they are playing, the injuries, and the fatigue; it's time to sacrifice something to give these players a rest. Which ones Sir Alex would like to go for and which ones he'd rather let go; only he knows the answer to.

Bottom line is that even though they are facing an uphill climb, nothing is impossible, they are still in every competition and that's saying something. Sir Alex has a lot to ponder, with games coming thick and fast, time is running out on the Red Devils hopes of Title and Cup glory.

Five Reasons the San Antonio Spurs Have a Chance of Winning the 2009 NBA Title

Shaunte Renee — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 14:38:24 -0400

I am a die-hard San Antonio Spurs fan and I believe they have a great shot at grabbing the NBA Championship once more. In fact I have five reasons why.

5. Luck of the Draw

The race in the West is starting to shape up and it looks like the Spurs could be facing the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round of the playoffs.

If the Spurs can hold onto the second spot and Portland the seventh spot, San Antonio will be very happy because not only will they have home-court advantage, but they will be facing a young and inexperienced team that hasn't been in the playoffs since 2003.

The Spurs will not take the Trail Blazers lightly because Portland has beaten them twice this season, but the playoffs are a different animal. Thus, you have to favor the Spurs’ chances.

I’m not saying that if they beat the Trail Blazers, the road to the Finals will be easier, but it's better for them than some of the other top teams who will have tougher opponents in the first round.

One of these teams is the Los Angeles Lakers, who could be facing the Dallas Mavericks.

Even though the Mavericks haven't played well in the playoffs, they will look forward to being the underdog with nothing to lose.

The Mavericks probably won't beat the Lakers but could give them a run for their money, which bodes well for the Spurs being that the Lakers remain their only real threat at making it back to the Finals.

4. It's 2009

Oh yes; it's an odd year and everyone knows what that means. It's the Spurs’ year.

With titles in 1999, 2003, 2005, and 2007, you just can't bet against them in an odd year.

Enough said.

3. Depth

Yes, the Spurs have been plagued with injuries all season long, but if they can get healthy, they have one of the deepest squads in the Western Conference.

With Manu Ginobili, Bruce Bowen, Drew Gooden, George Hill, and Kurt Thomas the team is loaded with depth. All of these guys can create great things for the Spurs coming off the bench. The best thing they will have in their favor is experience.

Most of these guys are veterans to the game and will help players like George Hill deal with the pressure of competing in the playoffs.

2. The Big Three

When these guys are healthy and on their game they are one of the best big three's in the league.

Tony Parker has had the most consistent season out of the three, leading in scoring with 21.9 points per game, seven assists per game, and has carried the team many times this season. A prime example is the Spurs’ victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday with 42 points and 10 assists.

If he can keep this up for the remainder of the season, expect his game to rise to another level come playoff time.

If Ginobili can get back to his old self before his ankle injury and Tim Duncan can get over his knee problem come May, everybody better watch out.

1. Experience

Experience helped the San Antonio Spurs overcome the New Orleans Hornets last year and expect them to put it to good use yet again.

The one thing about this team that I admire so much is that they don't buckle under great pressure. They have been there before so they know how to deal with it. Experience plays a role in that quality.

They know what it takes to win in the playoffs and their experience gives them a slight edge over their opponents.

Feel free to give some of your own reasons as to why the Spurs may prevail or fail to obtain another NBA title.

It's Do Or Die For Manchester United

Shaunte Renee — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 12:55:43 -0400

It's time for Manchester United to step up and respond, quickly. Or they could find themselves digging a hole they won't be able to climb out of.

With Liverpool convincingly beating Aston Villa 5-0, pulling themselves one point closer to Manchester United, the Red Devils have to be feeling the pressure.

All the Quintuple talk has gone to their heads even if they shoot down any claims that they are thinking about it.

It's natural. Who wouldn't think about making history but the possibility of it is getting the best of them.

They need to regroup and come together if they plan to raise the Premiere League title come May.

It's a MUST win game against Aston Villa to give themselves a little bit of much needed breathing room.

And hope that Fulham can carry the momentum they had against ManUtd into the Liverpool match and get a surprising upset to keep Liverpool at bay.

Because now is not the time to be complacent. When the squad returns from international duty, it'll be back to work and Sir Alex will be demanding a good result.

Aston Villa will still be carrying the sting from the loss against Liverpool and United need to pounce on their not so confident foes next Saturday.

There will be no Nemanja Vidic, no Rooney or Scholes. So what?

They shouldn't let the absence of the other players lower their confidence, they have the deepest squad in the league, and the much needed experience to deal with pressure.

They need to dig deep and pull out the confidence and fight needed to get a result.

Because if they don't, this could spell DOOMSDAY for United and Happy Day for Liverpool and Chelsea.

United do not want to give them any satisfaction.

Be Prepared for Manchester United To Attack with a Vengeance

Shaunte Renee — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 12:44:45 -0400

The Red Devils were thrashed by resurgent Liverpool, 4-1.

Fernando Torres ran rampant all over the pitch today, making Nemanja Vidic and Rio look like second-rate defenders.

Stevie Gerrard was calm and cool in leading his team to victory. Even though he did pull Vidic down with him, which resulted in a harsh red card and a suspension will follow.

So why should United still be walking with their tails wagging and not stuck between their legs?

Because this was exactly what they needed to get back on track. Now it’s feeding time.

After they won the Club World Cup in December, United have been virtually impossible to beat. But they had to crack sometime. And that sometime came this afternoon.

They were killed today. Everyone is to blame for this loss. The defenders were slow to react.

The attackers couldn't get control of the ball when in front of goal. In every aspect of the game, Liverpool was the better team.

They were quicker to the ball, smarter, more decisive and they wanted it more. A lot of credit should be given to Liverpool, they played hard and were rewarded for their efforts.

The United armor has been dented. But this isn't the first time this season we've seen this play from the Red Devils. In the game against Inter Milan I saw a change in Manchester United, after that first goal by Nemanja Vidic.

They ran about the pitch like they had already won. Giving away the ball cheaply, making bad and careless decisions. The only difference about this game than that game is that Liverpool capitalized on United's mistakes, Inter did not.

Ferguson had great concern about his team's mental toughness coming into this game.

They scored first, after a silly challenge by goalkeeper Reina. Then, after that they took their foot off the pedal, which cost them dearly.

Now, the match has been lit under United to bounce back from this horrible display at the Theatre of Dreams. They will be angry, determined, and downright pissed. So if I were Fulham I'd be a little intimidated for next week's match.

Because now the lion's been let out of the cage and is ready to devour anything that dare step in its path.