Bleacher Report - Articles by Red Army Manchester

Michael Owen Deal Or No Deal?

Red Army Manchester — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 05:18:47 -0400

When i first heard about this i let my heart rule my head and i was dead against it but in the cold light of day, it looks so different

Lets look at the facts about Michael Owen and try and give an unbiased view

1) he's a scouser
2) he's injury prone
3) he's 29 years old
4) he's a free agent

1) okay yep there's no denying he's a scouser but, has it is being wildly reported in the press, he actually supports Everton and hey the last scouser we got at United hasn't done so bad and now he's our adopted son (Wayne Rooney for those who have eaten extra dull mints)and more Manc than most would have dreamed of.

2) okay this next one's a toughie because lets face facts, he has had a few injuries along the way but has he had more injuries than " sick-note" Saha, yet we still took him into our hearts and also lets look at Owen Hargreaves, plagued with injury since he came to us and yet we still stand by him.

3) 29 years old, does that make him over the hill?
You just have to look at Becks and Sheringham to remove that as an issue, then add to that Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, still regulars and are much older, so is he really past his sell by date, i think not.

One thing going in his favour, the man still wants to win and succeed so where else could he get that chance to shine? We have the best deliverers of balls in the premier league, the service he would get would be second to none, so a great chance of plenty of goals,Micheal Owen is a poacher for goals, not unlike Ruud Van Nistelroy and that is how we play best, we live in the real world at United, banging em in from 30 yards is not us, we play through defences, that is our true game and our way, we have been spoilt by having Ronaldo in the side, so going back to what has made us great over the years, is the only way and Alex Ferguson knows that.

We have trusted Fergies judgement over many years and yes he has made a few mistakes but on the whole,his decisions were always based on what is right for Manchester United and personal feelings don't enter into that.

4) He's freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee for gods sake, apart from a normal salary, what has it cost us, just a little pride that is all, by letting the old rivalry of Man Utd - Liverpool get in the way, we let one scouser into our hearts and that has turned out wonderful, maybe we will be surprised a second time?

And hey if not, he will soon be shown the door and he knows that and that is why i truly think he will work so hard to prove to the world, that he hasn't finished just yet and that there is still a few goals left in him before he hangs up his boots.

As true United fans we can only hope and pray that some of those goals come right in front of the home crowd at that shitty little place called "Anfield" and that my friends would be the best end to this saga.

"Can you hear the scousers sing......NOOOO NOOOOO!!!"

Dont Cry For Me Man United, The Truth Is, I Never Wanted To Leave You

Red Army Manchester — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 08:02:03 -0400

The speculation regarding Carlos Tevez leaving Manchester United or not, seems to have taken a big step forward today.

Manchester United have said that Carlos will leave but are not sure where he will go just yet.

The sad part about all of this, it could have been easily avoided.

Yes Man Utd have offered him the deal he asked but sadly it all came too late and Carlos not only lost his patience but also his faith.

Wouldn't you leave, if treated this way?

Maybe United will say we had to wait for the Ronaldo deal to go through before we had the money to buy Carlos but shouldn't they have probably told him that or maybe he was just simply always going to leave anyway?

Sad loss, such a great talent, who is totally committed to the cause, should not be leaving but hey we are just fans what can we do about it uh?

Manchester United: Where Ego's Dare.

Red Army Manchester — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:11:20 -0400

Its been a whole year since i wrote here, mainly down to just lack of interest but this shit with Ronaldo leaving Manchester United to take his place (he feels to write his name in the annals of history)at Real Madrid, really has made me think.

Lots of United fans are really glad he has finally left, some because the constant speculations and rumours are finally over, which can damage a teams morale in my humble opinion.

I have to admit I am one of those, I just got so sick of his attitude, so it must end one way or the other, so to me this hopefully ends his reign with us all at Old Trafford and the possibility of him attaining legendary status because moving to Real Madrid, he wont get that, there he really is just another ego amongst an already cluttered changing room of players all fighting to be the best, so Cristiano will not stand out so much like he has here in the UK, will he get to play every game he wants? I don't think so and that's where he will follow his predecessor of the same name, down that same familiar route by becoming lazy,even more arrogant, thinking he still is untouchable, immortal even but legendary no Cristiano, you had that from us, its all downhill from here.

You helped us greatly, I grant you that but you should not have stabbed us that loved you and elevated you, to who you are today in the back, that is another big mistake, you have made, seems quite the norm for you right now uh?

Annals you might try to write but personally i think it will probably all just be anal.

Meanwhile back home at Old Trafford, you will still watch us doing what we do best, something Real Madrid are trying to achieve by throwing millions of pounds at trying to win a trophy, something it seems they like Liverpool, have forgotten how to do.

Watch this space, no one man is greater than Manchester United, the clue is in the name UNITED WE STAND, now that your ego has left the building, maybe just maybe, a few other stars can now shine at Old Trafford, lets face it we still have a few, so don't write us off just yet.

When you have a Wayne Rooney in your side, anything and everything is possible.

Why Cristiano Ronaldo Has Manchester United Fans Talking

Red Army Manchester — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 20:52:04 -0400

Well, we go though all this hype every year. Rumours abound across the footballing world.

The press, like Christmas, get earlier each year with their speculations about who goes where and fuel the fire as much as possible with what they want to see happen. It goes on and on.

So this is I think, is what the fan in the street is actually saying today about Cristiano Ronaldo and his ego.

These are just a few quotes:

"I would let him rot on the bench rather than let him go to Real."

"No one player is bigger than Man United."

"He will never be as good for Real as he could be at United."

"Man United will survive long after he has gone."

"The growing legend that is Ronaldo will die at Real Madrid."

I wish nothing would change, but I am a realist. I know the damage has been done already and the arrogance of Ronaldo saying, if I stay and the fans don't like me, a few good goals and they will forget all that again.

Well, Ronnie, I am not so sure you will be forgiven that easily. These people turned you into a god and took you into their lives.

Go to Real if you must, but do it in the right way. Finish out your contract. Move on in the right way, and the fans will respect you much more.

You could have maintained your legendary status in our hearts and minds much longer.

Manchester United: Red Devils Burst a Few Bubbles against West Ham

Red Army Manchester — Sat, 03 May 2008 03:06:17 -0400

The game at Old Trafford started off in style with a Cristiano Ronaldo goal inside of three minutes.

From then on, it just got better for Manchester United when, Ronaldo got his second in the 23rd minute.

In the 25th minute, Carlos Tevez had a shot on goal very similar to Paul Scholes in his heyday and scored probably his best goal ever, pure class of a strike from him.

Then in the 28th minute, Dean Ashton got one goal back for West Ham and gave them hope.

Sadly, the immaturity of Nani reared its head when he head-butted the West Ham defender. Nani was promptly sent off.

Even though I am a Manchester United fan, he deserved the red card. Nani must learn this is not acceptable at any time. To do this when United needed the win is shocking.

In the 58th minute, Micheal Carrick went through on goal and took a shot that went flying into the net, giving United a 4-1 lead and no way back for West Ham.

Even with 10 men for most of the match, United were certainly a handful for West Ham, which had very little to offer in ways of scoring goals or causing problems.

So now United move on to Wigan for the final game of the season. With just one more win, the title is back at Old Trafford. Well, that is unless Newcastle can hold or beat Chelsea on Monday and do us a big favour before next week's match.

Big credit to the Old Trafford faithful, whose support was paramount today and they did not disappoint. The noise inside the ground was tremendous, with the highest turnout at Old Trafford this season of over 76.000 fans.

Did any West Ham fans turn? I didn't hear them.

Liverpool: A Bridge Too Far?

Red Army Manchester — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 10:30:08 -0400

Liverpool are out of the Champions League Final, after Chelsea have beaten them 3-2 on the night and 4-3 on aggregate.

Finally their luck has run out and we can look forward to a final in Moscow, Man Utd v Chelsea.

At least both teams know who they are up against and its going to be a highly charged affair, especially in light of what may happen over the next week, with both Man Utd and Chelsea chasing the Premier League crown as well.

It's going to be very interesting few weeks ahead.

Manchester United: Loss at Chelsea Only a Minor Setback

Red Army Manchester — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 11:26:50 -0400

Many times in the past people have written off Man United and lived to be proven wrong.

So yes, United lose in the silliest of ways at The Bridge, on a penalty of all things. That's football. Sometimes luck is with you and sometimes it isn't.

But the 2-1 loss doesn't categorically mean the title race is over yet. There are still two more games to go: West Ham at home and Wigan away.

I am not saying these are foregone conclusions, because anything can happen.

Chelsea won't have that easy a time away at Newcastle, either. The Toons seem to have found some form at last, so expect another close game.

This title race was always destined to go to the wire. Alex Ferguson got that right half way through the season.

But most thought it would be North London, not West, who would be closest this season. Not really sure why most thought that. We all know Arsenal lose their grip near the end, so nothing has changed there.

Chelsea, on the other hand, have been steadily gaining points, staying in the hunt for the Premiership Crown. The next couple of games will see their opponents decide who shall be the new champions for 2007/8.

So it could be Newcastle, Bolton, West Ham and Wigan who yet decide who gets the trophy. None of these clubs are just going to roll over and let the other win that easily.

England: Wayne Rooney Possible Captain for the Future

Red Army Manchester — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 09:42:30 -0400

The new England manager Fabio Capello, today acknowledged the possibility of Wayne Rooney becoming the England captain sometime in the future.

He believes that Rooney needs more time to mature just yet but reckons that Wayne is the best at everything in play and his manner on and off the pitch is constantly improving, the only things that seem to go against him at present, are his age and his rash temper but these will change as he grows and matures, in the next few years.

He seemed to like Rooney's leadership qualities, he also said that the captains role will be changing over the next few matches, even though Rio Ferdinand wore the skipper's armband last time, it doesn't mean he will next time, it seems to be a guessing game at the moment, most probably designed to keep most of the England squad on their toes and not get complacent, which let's face it, aint a bad thing really.

I said in a previously article, Wayne Rooney would make a good Captain for the national side and I hope in the fullness of time he will get that role but in the mean time, who will be captain?

Any ideas?

Manchester United Arsenal: A Long Way Back to the Emirates

Red Army Manchester — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 09:13:50 -0400

Today saw the battle of two sides, both fighting for the Premier League crown.

United were the title holders and Arsenal looked to dislodge the crown from Manchester United's vice-like grip.

It looked like Arsenal might do it in the first half with a few chances that thankfully were missed by Adebayor. When things like that happen, you think luck may be on your side.

Even though Arsenal did go ahead with a very contentious goal, scored by the hand of Adebayor, you just knew it wasn't going to end that way.

Then in the 53rd minute, a penalty was awarded to United and yep, that man Ronaldo, sunk it into the Arsenal net, marking his 38th goal in all competitions this season.

That tied the score at 1-1. The game was truly on.

Then 18 minutes from full time, a free kick was awarded to United. Owen Hargreaves took control and with an absolute blinder of a shot, he curved it over the wall and into the right hand side of Jens Lehman's net.

United were up 2-1, which is how it would stay right to the end with some great midfield defending.

Arsenal was not allowed much action in the United half.

At the final whistle, United were again six points clear of Chelsea and nine points clear of Arsenal. If United can win the next couple of games, the title is theirs yet again.

But I am sure Chelsea, who are waiting, will try and upset the party at Stamford Bridge, on April 26.

There are still a few twists and turns left, but isn't that what we like?

Manchester United: Wayne Rooney v Cristiano Ronaldo

Red Army Manchester — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 10:57:52 -0400

Cristiano Ronaldo, a man on a mission to break all records, his tally of goals this season is astounding, one of the highest scoring midfielders of possibly all time.

Fantastic footwork and free kick taking, his speed and aerial ability are great to watch.

But does this make him the best player at Manchester United right now?

Wayne Rooney, also a great star in his own right and seems to be at present, living in Ronaldo's shadow.

But is he really?

If you look at Wayne's work rate compared to Cristiano, its unbelievable, he just never seems to stop running, chasing dead balls, running back to defend and is usually in every attack situation as well.

His assists are second to none, the big difference is obviously the goal scoring but my question is, who is the better all round player?

I personally think they are both great players but if I had to choose, it would be Wayne Rooney right now, his commitment and determination for the team, takes some beating.

He is not after the glory, unlike Cristiano, he just wants to play football no matter who its against, in my eyes the man has a true passion for the game and possibly that's one of the main reason's he gets booked more for questioning decisions with referee's.

If their was ever a great man for the true captaincy at United, it should be Wayne, he leads from the front, constantly aware of what is going on around him and able to see dangers from all sides.

He leads most of the charges into enemy territory and is seldom left out in play, in fact he makes so much of it with his ability, skill and awareness, always a threat and most of all, he has unpredictibility and keeps the other side guessing what he will do next.

Most might not agree with this article but its only my personal thoughts and feelings but as ever any input, good or bad is welcomed, at least it allows for some discussion and isn't that why we are here for?

Manchester United: Skipper Gary Neville Ready to Return to First Team

Red Army Manchester — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 21:55:43 -0400

After 13 months away from Man United's first team with injury, skipper Neville is possibly set to return for the away game at Middlesboro on Sunday, (kick off 13.30 BST).

Although Gary is now 33 years old, he stills holds a vital role in the United line up, along with others of his generation, like Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs, all who have served their time at Manchester United throughout many years.

Wes Brown might be asked to move out of the squad, to give Neville back his rightful place, which seems a bit of a shame to be honest because Wes has really done well this season.

United need a good strong team to play the Boro, who have this season managed some great results against the top four clubs, all chasing the elusive Premier League crown yet again.

Should be a good game, it usually is and also lots of drama thrown in to mix it up a little.

Manchester United-Roma: United Beat Roma 2-0 on Home Turf

Red Army Manchester — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 08:56:51 -0400

Last nights game against Roma, was no great classic but to play at the Stadio Olimpico, with a hostile home crowd to cheer their team on, the odds were certainly against United getting any kind of result.

Then after a great ball back into the Roma penalty area from Paul Scholes, Cristiano Ronaldo (yes that man again) jumps and heads the ball into the back of the net with such force, the keeper had no chance at all, just what was needed and at the right time (39 minutes) not long before half time.

After the break Roma started quickly and pressed United, thankfully the defence withstood the onslaught from Roma and Rio Ferdinand played an absolute blinder in defence.

Then in the 66th minute, the other man you always want to score, Wayne Rooney, was there to put the ball in the back of the net after a mix up in the Roma penalty area.

United lead 2-0 away from home and that very same noisy Roma crowd were silenced finally, so with a second leg at home in Manchester, you have to favour United to go through to the semi finals but this old Champions League always has a few surprises, so you just never know.

Roma v Manchester United: Away fans warned to be careful.

Red Army Manchester — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 09:45:31 -0400

Sir Alex Ferguson has made a plea to travelling Manchester United fans to take great care when visiting Rome for Tuesday's first leg Champions League clash with AS Roma.

He didn't want to see a repeat of the violent scenes, that marred last years tie, when 18 United fans needed hospital treatment, five of them from stab wounds.

The Police in Roma didn't help the volatile situation, with discriminate beatings to fans, which enraged the United fans into retaliation.

Although in December things went a lot more smoothly, when the two teams clashed again in the Champions League, sadly some United fans did throw missiles at Roma fans who visited Old Trafford for the second leg but on the whole the security was far better than previously.

Coaches have been laid on for visiting United fans on Tuesday and all fans have been advised to use the transportation provided, so they can be safely taken to and from the game, with the help of Police security.

I personally think that the press, does have a responsibility of not playing this up too much because in the past, it has been a well known fact that the press have created and sometimes incited fights and riots when English fans travel abroad, to further their sales in newspapers.

So let's hope a good game of football ensues, rather than bad headlines of someone getting seriously hurt yet again.

Manchester United-Aston Villa: Red Devils Dominate

Red Army Manchester — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 11:57:08 -0400

Today showed the raw talent of a great Manchester United side.

Cristiano Ronaldo started the onslaught with a very cheeky goal in the 16th minute, back heeling the ball through a Martin Laursen's legs and into the goal, the goal keeper had no chance, this sent Ronaldo to 35 goals scored in one season, still chasing Denis Law's record of 42 in any one season, with a few matches yet to play, its still possible to beat that long term record.

Ronaldo then went on to cross a great ball into the penalty area, where Carlos Tevez was waiting and managed to head it,straight into the Villa net in the 32nd minute.

United went in at half time, two goals to the good.

After the break it took only seven minutes, before Wayne Rooney,scoring his first goal in ages, when he fired the ball in the back of the net, in the 52nd minute,giving United a great three goal cushion.

It was not long before Wayne went on to get a second goal in the 69th minute, there was no way back for Aston Villa, in truth this game was over at 2-0.

The scoreline could well have been a lot more like 7-0 rather than what it was.

For those who went to Old Trafford today, saw a true exhibition of how a team plays together as a unit, today it rained all through the match but did it dampen the spirit of the Old Trafford faithful,with over 75.000 fans at the match, not a chance, the support for this club is sometimes just too hard to put into words, it just knows no bounds and is totally umatched by any other club of its kind.

France 1-0 England

Red Army Manchester — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:55:04 -0400

I’ve never been so bored watching a match since I last sat and watched a Liverpool - Arsenal game.

Not really sure what Capello is trying to work out by playing who is he has so far.

Just as well England are not going to the Euro's this summer, they wouldn't stand a chance playing like the bunch of spastics they are tonight.

Watching this farce doesn't make me very patriotic, I guess I expect more from our national side, yeah I know we have to give Capello time to try things but come on guys, we are a great football nation but always fail on the International stage.

Okay it’s officially a friendly, who cares right?

All the England fans of course who travelled to Paris, in the hope of seeing a new revitalized England, only to yet witness the same old crap they saw last time again.

Some of the players, who have been called up this time, wouldn't get a look in on a Sunday afternoon in the local park, never mind playing for England.

There seems to be no sense of togetherness, maybe they need more time to actually play as a team but the trouble with that is: Who is the team?

Oh yeah David Beckham gets his 100th cap, something to celebrate I guess.