Bleacher Report - Articles by Ulrik Fredrik

The Carlos Tevez Affarir: Sensationalism or Journalism?

Ulrik Fredrik — Fri, 15 May 2009 22:34:53 -0400

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ulrik Fredrik also tries and mostly succeeds at blogging daily at Man Utd Musings (http://www.newmanutd.com)

A lot has been written about Tevez’s goal celebration after scoring United’s second goal during the Manchester derby. And I’m sure many would share the same opinion as I that some of the reporting were geared more towards sensationalism rather than facts. The writers probably weren’t lying but there were some margins for creative journalism, if you will.

Of course, entertaining your readers is vital in journalism, but to what extent?

Let me point you in the direction of one particular article from the Times Online,

Apparently,

"Carlos Tévez raced in the direction of the United manager and David Gill, the club’s chief executive, and cupped his hands to his ears after he had scored United’s second goal in their 2-0 victory over Manchester City…......"

I would think that the general train of thought after reading this is that there is a clear rift between the manager and the player.

BUT.

There are always two sides to a story (or picture).

The boss must be so pissed off as "Tevez raced in his direction" and puts this on him!

Or is he really? :D

You be the judge. :)

Of Sir Alex Ferguson and Cristiano Ronaldo

Ulrik Fredrik — Mon, 11 May 2009 09:55:11 -0400

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ulrik Fredrik also tries and mostly succeeds at blogging daily at Man Utd Musings (http://www.newmanutd.com)

So why did Sir Alex take Ronaldo off when it was a only a matter of time before Ronaldo would potentially net a second goal and add to his already impressive goal tally in the Premier League?

It’s quite simple really and the manager said it himself,

"It is great that he wanted to play on. It is fabulous. But I have to look at the big picture. He produced an incredible performance against Arsenal on Tuesday. He ran his socks off."

He added,

"Now I have Wednesday and Saturday to look after. There is no problem."

I must admit, even as a big fan of Ronaldo’s work, his display of frustration after being substituted for Paul Scholes with over 30 minutes to play was very much uncalled for. He was downright rude for that public display of temper.

No doubt about it, he should’ve handled his emotions much better than that. I am disappointed that his outburst will give sleazy tabloids and haters a field day and further stoke more lies relating to a certain Spanish football club that can’t stop losing as off late.

Lets, for just a minute, attempt to delve into the mind of Cristiano Ronaldo for a bit and understand his peculiar reaction shall we?

Why did he did he throw that little tantrum after being subbed off by the boss? We’ve read Sir Alex’s take above and you know what, I’m pretty sure Ronaldo’s explanation would be a mirror image of Fergie’s. The boy simply wanted to stay on and be involved in the derby for crying out loud.

What Ronaldo didn’t realize was that the gaffer needed to take him out to prop him up for any even more important fixture at the JJB Stadium on Wednesday. Happens to the best of us.

If we win against Wigan in midweek, I doubt Sir Alex will even start him against Arsenal to avoid risking his fitness ahead of Rome. I hope he will understand this, too.

Another possible reason for his early substitution was the simple fact that it wasn't just another match being played out but a fierce derby between two bitter rivals.

United were cruising to an easy victory and I ain’t pointing fingers now, but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to anticipate that with Ronaldo on the pitch and intent on turning up the tricks, people can start getting chopped down by ruffled defenders.

Sir Alex has been in the game for decades, he knows what he’s doing. Ronaldo knows this, too but emotions took over.

Rest assured, I’m very much open to agreeing that Ronaldo can be a prick at times, sure, but for all the goals he’s scored for us, have a little leeway will ya?

In contrast however, I’m encouraged to see a majority of fans starting to back Cristiano Ronaldo in comment boxes of articles such as the ones at Goal.com and also the Republik of Mancunia (this blog is insane, comments can reach up to hundreds on certain posts). Certainly a nice surprise and a very welcomed improvement.

I urge all United fans to be what we were born and bred to be, united.

Alas, I feel that my call will fall on deaf ears and there will still be many United fans who will continue to rip Ronaldo to shreds without a thought of his contribution to the club and further help scousers/blues/citizens/etc attack United’s and the players’ relevance in today’s game.

Again, Ronaldo’s actions should not and cannot be defended but at a time when we are within touching distance of closing out one of the best seasons that modern football has ever witnessed, an internal rife is the last thing we need. Sir Alex is cool and calm about it. I see no reason for us to blow our top either.

Ronaldo's Mother's Day Story

Ulrik Fredrik — Sun, 10 May 2009 00:16:25 -0400

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ulrik Fredrik also tries and mostly succeeds at blogging daily at Man Utd Musings (http://www.newmanutd.com)

I learnt of this short story from the Republik of Mancunia.

I’m sure quite sure many of you can recall the Villa match in which we won in spectacular fashion after Ronaldo and Macheda helmed the United comeback after going 2 -1 down with 10 minutes to play.

Two weeks later, another epic comeback was staged at Old Trafford again.

Anyway, there was an incident during the Villa match where Cristiano lost possession which ultimately led to a conceded goal. Naturally, a section of United fans started shouting and cursing at Ronaldo within earshot of Ronaldo’s mother who was at Old Trafford as well. Oh how hard it must’ve been to hear a bunch of bozos cursing your son!

But after Ronaldo made amends and slotted home the equalizer, Old Trafford boomed and emotions took over Ronaldo’s mum as she spun around and gave the the rowdy fans THE finger and shouted “F*ck you!“.

She sure does love her boy! LOL.

Happy Mother’s Day everyone!

UEFA Champions League Trophy Stolen From Old Trafford?

Ulrik Fredrik — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 03:04:19 -0400

28 APRIL 2009, TRAFFORD PARK, MANCHESTER - Ahead of Manchester United's Champions League clash with Arsenal this week, reports suggest that there has been a security breach at the home ground of the mighty Red Devils early this morning.

Among things reported missing from the historical stadium include Cristiano Ronaldo’s left football boot and his unused NikePro suit (as seen in the commercial). A horde of the Portuguese winger’s fans were seen crying a river outside the stadium when word spread that even his firm-hold hair gel has been found stolen as well.

Other United players around the scene of the crime, too, seem deeply affected by Cristiano Ronaldo’s bleak hair-styling future, with Nani being on the brink of breaking down at the thought of the tragedy that has befallen his countryman. Concerns in regards to Cristiano's performance on the pitch trailing from this mishap seems to be on the rise among the coaching staff in Manchester.

Further to that, Wayne Rooney has come forward and claimed that three pairs of his game-day underwear have been burgled as well, much to his distress and annoyance. It is certainly hoped that the culprit who’s pinched the Englishman’s undies never gets caught by the man himself. It is almost a given that Rooney would be issued more than a red card for what he’ll do to the underwear bandit.

Our reporters also noted that Dimitar Berbatov was spotted walking back and forth restlessly in the background of police siren lights when news broke out about the possibility that he may have had his hairband stolen as well in this morning’s incident.

His teammates were seen giving him words of support during this difficult time. Well, all of them except Carlos Tevez who seemed particularly emotionless even though his fellow striker’s footballing destiny has been cast into a shadow of uncertainty now that he has lost his hairband. We wonder why.

However, most crucial of all, although the Barclay's Premier League trophy is safe and sound underneath Sir Alex’s desk in his office, insiders have passed on news to the media that the European Champions League trophy has gone missing!

Our sources have an unconfirmed sighting of the culprit being detained by the authorities a few miles from Old Trafford just before he was about to cross the county border.

The morning was still dark when the our photographers managed to take a snapshot of police nabbing the rogue and we are still unable to identify the culprit at the moment.

Below is the mentioned photo and we strongly urge any of our readers who may know the mystery identity of this person to come forward and assist police efforts in putting this case to rest and returning United’s Champion’s League trophy back where it belongs.

Disclaimer: This story is not true at all. Gerrard did not steal the Champions League trophy. None of the United player’s belongings were stolen. The Premier League trophy is kept in a high-security level area and not under the boss’ desk. Berbatov did not lose his hairband (phew!!!).

But the part where Rooney would totally pulverize someone whom he catches taking his belongings could possibly be true. This story was made up because I found this funny picture of Gerrard on the Internet while I was stuck in the office overnight (long story) one night and decided to write a funny story to entertain myself.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ulrik Fredrik also tries and mostly succeeds at blogging daily at Man Utd Musings (http://www.newmanutd.com)

5 Goals In 22 Minutes: Only Manchester United

Ulrik Fredrik — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 01:31:13 -0400

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ulrik Fredrik also tries and mostly succeeds at blogging daily at Man Utd Musings (http://www.newmanutd.com)

What a remarkable game it was last night.

At half time, we looked dead and hope was drying up fast. Two goals down against a resilient Tottenham.

It’s anybody’s guess at what sort of a hairdryer treatment the lads got from the boss after heading back into the tunnel at half-time.

And what a half-time chat it was.

The Red Devils came out guns ablazing. Five goals in 22 minutes. Only United.

Ronaldo provided the catalyst, the goal that said, “We’re only one back now. All to play for.” A perfect ball from Rooney enabled Carrick to make his run and as he touched his ball to the left, Gomes made contact and a penalty was given.

Whilst the award of the penalty was deemed controversial by many quarters, the execution of the spot kick itself was class. You could clearly see the immense pressure visible on Cristiano’s face. The matchwinner against Porto definitely felt the heat. He takes a deep breath, eyes closed, gets into in his stride and calmly places the ball right down the middle. One behind, bring it.

About 10 minuts later on 67 minutes, the yet another equalizer came courtesy of United’s heart and soul. The build-up to the goal in midfield was simply exquisite. Ronaldo got hold of the ball in the middle of the park, slides it to Tevez. The Argentinian then links up with Berbatov and plays a neat one two, the Bulgarian releasing his team-mate further upfield. Tevez with the ball at his feet, senses an umarked Wayne Rooney making his run down his left and threads the ball into the path of the Englishman.

The job was far from done. Rooney still had Corluka and Gomes standing between him and glory. Then again, it IS Wazza on the ball. Four quick touches and a strike later, United’s equalizer materialized.

Only a minute later, United managed to complete a dream comeback not witnessed before in a very, very long time. Brilliant play by Evra on the left as he feeds Rooney the ball. Wazza neatly creates some space for himself by using this outside foot to halt the ball and sends in a tantalizing cross into the box for Ronaldo to head the ball home on the stretch. Whoa. You can’t script events like this. It just overwhelms beyond belief.

Three minutes after leading for the first time in the match, it was Ronaldo returning the favour to Rooney, with a floated ball from the right to the latter, completely unmarked. Rooney’s trademark first touch did him well although he could’ve have placed his shot much better as Woodgate managed to get something on the ball as it headed for goal. Power was, however, on Wazza’s side as Woodgate failed to keep it out, gifting a comfortable lead for the home side.

I read that Berbatov was booed as he entered the pitch at the start of the match against Portsmouth in midweek. Whilst I’m not the biggest fan of his work, I strongly condemn this stupid act by the foolish fans.

The Bulgarian today fortunately managed to leave a mark on this match a further two minutes after Roon’s second. The boy wonder ONCE AGAIN turned provider and floated in another perfert cross straight to Berbatov’s head. The initial head also could’ve been more clinical but the No. 9 still somehow managed to bundle the ball across the goal line.

And…scene. It’s a wrap. Three points. A boosted morale and momentum back at Old Trafford.