A Certain Shade of Red - Manchester United

retired_rassoulis · 08-03-2007, 03:22 AM

The hounds are still sniffing around, although, for a change, and admittedly, a pleasant one, all the transfer

rumours have elements of truth in them, although, as is regrettable in the journalism industry, there's some

things people can't seem to agree on...

Quote:

The Sun - 21st August

Van der Sar being shown "Der Door"?

Man Utd manager Ross Delany could be about to cash in on Roma's interest in Edwin Van Der Sar to make money for

the signing of Mikel Arteta. Speaking on the subject, Delany said "Edwin is a quality keeper who would make a

difference to any club, no question." Delany then expanded on the subject by saying "Roma have enquired about his

availability, to which basically told the Roma management that they will have to meet my £8,000,000 valuation of

him, as he is the first choice 'keeper ad under contract for 2 more years,although, Tomasz (kuszczak, West Brom

'keeper, on loan at old trafford till full contract comes into effect) is, I fell, a more than able replacement

for Edwin should Roma table a bid equal to or above my valuation of the him." when asked if he had anybody lined

up in the event of Van Der Sar leaving, Delany responded in a manner which those who had met his while he was a

coach in the Sir Alex days would know about. "I do, but I'm not going to mention them in the media lest some less

imaginative managers working for clubs with more money than sense jump in with terms that we couldn't and wouldn't

wish to beat. However, lets leave it at me telling you that I'm looking in places that most clubs ignore..." Who

Delany was referring to is anyone's guess, however, it's doubtful he'll be receiving any christmas card from SW6

in the next few years...

Quote:

Daily Mirror - 21st august

Arteta interest cooled?

Despite rumours to the contrary, David Moyes has DENIED receiving any official offer or enquiry on the

availability of young spaniard, Mikel Arteta. "I have had no contact with Ross Delany of Manchester United in the

past week regarding the availability of Mikel. perhaps he has shifted his attention to other targets as he has the

smarts to know that you don't put all of, or even half of your eggs in a single basket, He may be young, but don't

forget, he worked with one of the greatest managerial minds in history, you don't work for Sir Alex without

picking some things up" Delany has been said to be looking to be looking instead at Per Ciljan Skjelbred of Rosenborg

Ahhh... Contradicting media at it's best

and finally, after saying my goodbyes...

Quote:

The Guardian - 21st August

Richardson goes Full Circle

Kieran Richardson returned to West Ham United for an undisclosed fee today. Richardson spoke to press after his Move saying " It feels incredible to be back here, while Man United is where I mastered my trade, West Ham feels like home." on the subject of United, Richardson said of his former manager "He is a brilliant tactitian who uses formations Sir Alex wouldn't have dreamed of, he's a nice person as well, when the offer came in from West Ham, he took me up to his office and asked me face to face if I wanted to agree terms with the club." when asked if he believed if Man United could win the premiership, despite what looks like a rather unassuming squad, Richardson replied "A wise man once told me We may not have as many big names as Chelsea or Liverpool, but that doesn't matter a jot if we work together as a unit.some of the best teams in the world were built around the basis of teamwork and unity, and less on individual skill, some players stood out, but they'd have been nothing without the strength around them; why should United be any different?""

Corluka's going to belgium for a few years, 2 times he got turned down for a work permit, but that's what EU feeder clubs are for...

Still assessing my squad. I think my Midfield is strong enough... well, it will be after I get cover on the right side. cover up front my main priority now, then, I can treat myself by delving into the hotpot that is youth scouting.

retired_rassoulis · 08-03-2007, 03:45 AM

The ECC group draw has given most clubs a pretty nasty time, there's not so much a s a "Group of death" amongst it all as a "Group of safety" in amongst some right hard jobs...

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">Holders - Barcelona| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | Levski (Sofia) | BUL | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | Inter | ITA | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | Celtic | SCO | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | CSKA Moscow | RUS | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | Slovan Liberec | CZE | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | Liverpool | ENG | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | Porto | POR | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Olympiakos | GRE | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | Bordeaux | FRA | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | Barcelona | ESP | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | Anderlecht | BEL | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Roma | ITA | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | Ajax | NED | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | Fenerbahçe | TUR | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | Arsenal | ENG | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Bremen | GER | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | Spartak Moscow | RUS | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | Milan | ITA | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | AEK | GRE | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Lyon | FRA | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | München | GER | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | Galatasaray | TUR | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | Man Utd | ENG | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Lille | FRA | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | Hamburg | GER | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | Benfica | POR | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | R. Madrid | ESP | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Chelsea | ENG | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | Shakhtar | UKR | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | Valencia | ESP | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | PSV | NED | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Sporting CP | POR | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre>

retired_rassoulis · 08-03-2007, 03:35 PM

Quote:

The Sun - 1st September early Edition

United's final flourish

Manchester have closed NINE transfer deals in the closing moments of the Summer transfer window last night. Signings include Striker Eddie Johnson for MLS side Kansas City Wizards, Brazilian 18 year old Defensive Midfielder Roberto from Atletico Paranaense and, in a surprise signing, 23 year old Scottish 'keeper, Craig Gordon, who is understood to have joined as competition and a possible replacement to 35 year old Dutch goalie, Edwin Van der Sar. Gordon's arrival could indicate the exit of Tomasz Kuszczak soon after he arrives on a pre-arranged, permanent deal. United have also secured the services of Man City's young striker Daniel Sturridge - starting in January- for an undisclosed fee, Sturridge has all the attributes of a young Gary Lineker and will surely make an impact. Moving out of old trafford is Scotland internationalist Darren Fletcher to AC Milan, Fletcher was rumoured as to having disagreements with Delany but neither Delany nor Fletcher has confirmed or denied this. Fletcher's move leaves Rooney as sole cover on the right hand side in the event of ronaldo being injured, however, United's forward line afte this trasfer wind is more than likely to be strong enough to allow Rooney to slip onto the wings.

First of all, there was no argument between Darren and I, I had done the same as I had done with Kieran Richardson and asked him if he wanted to go to Milan, his exact words were, "I would Boss, and, it would help me pass info on about a quarter of the national squad" said with a twinkle in his eye. Darren was very much Country first, Club second and both Sir Alex and myself had accepted that, the money from his deal went into the purchase of Danny Sturridge, who'll join us in January. roll on the rest of the season...

retired_rassoulis · 08-03-2007, 05:08 PM

There was nothing to do in the office after the Everton game, it had went better than I had planned, but everything was starting to get to me. Managerial pressure's not a nice thing at times, Sir alex once told me that he'd never had a decent night's sleep since he became a manager. I was beginnning to know how he felt, replaying moments from games in my head no matter how hard I tried, every waking moment being consumed by adjustments and re-adjustments to formations and squads. reconsidering the wisdom behind transfer deals, wondering if my new players wil be able to fit into the squad, fit into the english game, It doesn't even matter if I've had my team outplay the opposition, those thoughts are omnipresent.

"ach to hell with it, where's the remote?" I'd got Sky+ in the flat, just in case I wanted to watch Match of the Day, it was the way that I managed to calm myself down over the numerous worries whch kept me awake at night. " See if Moyesy has apologised for being an idiot, "Dent our chances" Aye right, pull the other one." David Moyes had went out in the media the day before, telling them that he was looking forward to putting a dent in our title chances. We had the last laugh though... I fell asleep round about 4AM, and I would have to get up soon, we had training for the game against Munich.

Quote:

Sky Sports News - Sat 9th August

Manchester United today beat Everton 3-0, outplaying them in the process, Everton were simply unable to cope with United slick passing play and the sheer pace of American debutant Eddie Johnson, who grabbed himself a goal, Everton were consistently split open by the precise passing of Micheal Carrick, Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo and this type of quick, precise passing created goals for Giggs and Ronaldo. The defense of Man Utd was more than able to diffuse any possible scoring opportunities created by Everton, and had enough ability to play cutting through balls to the wings, which eventually proved to be the main way in which Everton were dismantled by the Premiership second favourites

retired_rassoulis · 08-03-2007, 10:03 PM

"A JOKE! AN ABSOLUTE DISGRACE, I HAVE SEEN PUB TEAMS THAT PLAY BETTER THAN YOU DID TONIGHT!!! YOU SAT THERE AND LET THEM TEAR YOU APART!!! AT LEAST NEMANJA PLAYED WITH SOME PASSION!!"

Bayern cruised past us 4-0, but in truth, we were lucky it wasn't closer to 14. The group we're in is far too tight for us to play like a pub team. we're a club with expectations of last 16, minimum. the skill is there, but we just can't play well enough, we're able to blow teams aside in the premiership, but europe seems to escape us; but it's not my fault they're playing badly

"NOW LISTEN UP! next european game is against Lille. we have to win it, or we're as good as out..."

They had to be told, 2 losses in this group was a death sentence. this group was going to go down to the wire, and I would be doing my most to make it all work.

"remember what I said at Wigan. Teamwork could do everything we need it to, and then some... I hold my hands up, we're all young for the most part... hell, this is my first post. But we have to help each other. ok?"

It struck me then, in that dressing room, it was only them annd I against the world, with the odds against us.

Come ahead!

retired_rassoulis · 08-06-2007, 08:51 AM

If I was looking for the guys to play like their lives depended on it at White Hart lane, I wouldn't have been disappointed. I decided that we looked pretty toothless up front with Rooney paying a Lone striker role, Mainly because the fact is that he's not really a brilliant striker if you put him up front on his own. Instead, He was up front With Louis Saha - Mainly because of his explosive pace - and young Jose Sosa Who I wanted to run the rule over in a competitive game. I wasn't really expecting much, apart from us not to lose. If we could just stop losing goals more often than the pope prays then everything else would follow; after all, you can score all you wand, but if your defense has got more holes bag full of polo mints, you're going to drop like a stone into the doldrums of the premiership, and that's not a nice place to be.

I'd picked apart the side who faced Bayern, then rebuilt,The only change to the backline was the addition of Heinze. The midfield got shuffled, with Brazilian DM Roberto being cut for being crap against Bayern, and Ronaldo being rested because he'd run his legs off against Bayern, I'd put him back in the line up for the game against Charlton, in amongst a mainly 2nd string squad, so my 1st squad will be fresh for the Champions League game against Lille. As I said before, Sosa, Rooney and Saha were up front

It worked... sort of. as per usual, my front-line, now consisting of 3 players, couldn't hit the broad side of Barnsley, never mind a barn, but the backline made Chuck Norris look weak, and on the rare occasion the defense slipped up, Vidic employed some rather... "strong" tackling, in truth, some of his tackles would have made NHL hockey players wince. Giggs proved that age was no barrier to his ability, setting up chance after chance, and Carrick dominated the middle third. unfortunately, due to our lack of attacking prowess, it remained 0-0 until the final whistle.

Charlton at the weekend would be tough if I had to rely on a shadow squad, but it gives the younger players a chance to show just what they are made of, Carlos thinks the idea has the same amount of sensibility as George Bush, but I disagree. I'd rather know what my reserves and youths can do in the situation that I need to call them up to the first team as cover. some call the idea madness, but Arsene Wenger's been doing it for years and nobody's batted an eyelid. My main aim at united after all is to make sure my youth system makes Arsenal's pale in comparison, it may take 2 years, it might take 20, but I'll do it.

retired_rassoulis · 08-07-2007, 01:45 AM

My planned exodus had begun. I had told Carlos Queiroz that in the first half of the season, pre-january, I may have to take a few trips to places here and there, The only top grade choaches at old trafford were Carlos Quieroz and myself. The rest of the coaches were, for the most part, overpaid, over-rated, and had far too high a self value. Eventually, when Carlos asked me what I was doing, I decided i had to tell him. "Carlos, we've got a coaching staff who I feel at times are unable to tie their own laces together, never mind train our players in their supposed field. The reason I've been all over europe recently is because i've been getting references and CVs from prospective new coaches, as well as trying to prise one of two away from their current club"

Carlos went deep red, A good colour for next year's strip I thought, trying to prepare myself for the inevitable misunderstanding

"YOU'RE REPLACING ME?! AFTER EVERYTHING I'VE DONE FOR THIS CLUB, FOR SIR ALEX, FOR YOU! AND YOU HAVE THE NERVE TO TELL ME THAT I'M BEING REPLACED BY SOME IDIOT WHO PROBABLY HAS NO IDEA ABOUT THE WORKINGS OF THE GAME!!!"

Keeping calm, I turned round.

" Carlos, your knowledge of the defensive side of the game is second to nobody's. I Am absolutely sure of your coaching ability, which is why I kept you on when I was given the job. What I want you to do is give the new coaches a tour of Carrington when they arrive, and then I'll give them their duties. Oh, and we no longer have any youth coaches, the new coaches will take youth training as well, as will you and I, Carlos. and one more thing, don't worry about your words earlier, I had an idea you would get the wrong end of the stick at first..."

It was the 17th of September when the original staff were all sacked. United would have a new look coaching staff, 2 days later
<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">5th in English Premier DivisionStaff Out (September)| Date | Person (Occup) | To | Fee | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17.9.2006 | Phelan, Mike (Coach) | Free Transfer | Free | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17.9.2006 | McClair, Brian (Coach) | Free Transfer | Free | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17.9.2006 | Harrison, Eric (Coach) | Free Transfer | Free | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17.9.2006 | Coton, Tony (Coach) | Free Transfer | Free | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17.9.2006 | Di Salvo, Valter (Coach) | Free Transfer | Free | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17.9.2006 | Whelan, Tony (Coach) | Free Transfer | Free | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17.9.2006 | Welsh, Andy (Coach) | Free Transfer | Free | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17.9.2006 | Malvey, Éamonn (Coach) | Free Transfer | Free | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17.9.2006 | Dempsey, Mark (Coach) | Free Transfer | Free | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17.9.2006 | Meulensteen, René (Coach) | Free Transfer | Free | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | | Final Total | | £0 | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|</pre>

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">5th in English Premier DivisionStaff In (September)| Date | Person (Occup) | From | Fee | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18.9.2006 | Salsano, Fausto (Coach) | Inter | £230K | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18.9.2006 | Stovell, Adie (Coach) | Nottm Forest | £55K | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18.9.2006 | Baranowski, Ed (Coach) | Huddersfield | £30K | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18.9.2006 | Fulgoni, Ermes (Coach) | Free Transfer | Free | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18.9.2006 | Scholten, Piet (Coach) | Free Transfer | Free | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18.9.2006 | Abreu Freitas, Manu (Coach)| Sedan | £70K | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 19.9.2006 | Buijs, Pim (Coach) | Free Transfer | Free | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 19.9.2006 | Barbazza, Edoardo (Coach) | Piacenza | £160K | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | | Final Total | | £550K | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre>

retired_rassoulis · 08-07-2007, 07:03 AM

"Ross I'm just back from watching Charlton beat Nottingham Forest in the Carling Cup; and I'll tell you this, they shouldn't pose a problem"

It was Jimmy Ryan, one of the club's scouts, who was in charge of looking at our next opponents and describing their style of play and how it could be countered

"Any notable points from your trip Jim? a big win could be just what the boys need before we play Lille"

The truth was, Charlton was less important to me than the Lille game, we had to beat the french club - preferably beat them quite handsomely- to keep our European hopes alive, simply because Bayern were on a storming run and didn't look like they were going to be stopped by Galatasaray, who are hardly the generally accepted definition of "4th Seeds". No, Charlton was going to have to be a shadow sqaud to keep the boys fit for Tuesday.

"Well, they play a high tempo direct passing style in order to get it to their front line, usually utilising their wingers in the process. They're not a team that's blessed with speed in the defense, which is something we could maybe exploit to our advantage. Up front however, we're going to have to defend deep with someone on top of Darren Bent, the marker will need to have bace, because Bent has it in bagfuls"

"Mmhmm, and how would you expect them to line up Jimmy?"

"The most basic line up you can think of"

"4-4-2?"

"Exactly! hardly groundbreaking"

"Yes, but they could still be a problem"

"I wouldn't bank on it Ross, they only managed to scrape past Nottingham 3-2!"

"Thanks Jimmy, anything else?"

"No, but just so you know Alexandre Song got suspended in that match, so I think Matt Holland might play in his place"

"Ok, Thanks Jimmy"

"No problem"

That was music to my ears "they shouldn't pose a problem, they only managed to scrape past Nottingham 3-2!". If they had trouble dispatching Nottingham, then I could maybe bank on playing a relatively young squad, with some experience at the back,

Making sure to keep the defense relatively strong, I picked my squad. there was experience on the bench if I needed it, but i doubted I would

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">5th in English Premier Division| Pkd | Inf | Name | Position | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | GK | Wnt | Edwin van der Sar | GK | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | SW | | Nemanja Vidic | D C | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | DR | | Vedran Corluka | D RC | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | DL | Wnt | Gareth Bale | D L | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | DC | | Rio Ferdinand | D C | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | DMC | | Roberto | DM | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | MC | | Ritchie Jones | M C | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | AMR | Wnt | Cristiano Ronaldo | AM RL | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | AML | | Ryan Giggs | AM LC | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | FC | | Eddie Johnson | ST | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | FC | Wnt | José Sosa | AM/F C | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | S1 | | Craig Gordon | GK | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | S2 | | Wes Brown | D RC | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | S3 | | Michael Carrick | M C | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | S4 | | Wayne Rooney | AM/F C | | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | S5 | | Gary Neville | D RC, WB R | | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Van Der Sar------------------------ GK................................................ .................................................. .................................................. ...................................-----------------------------Vidic--------------------------- SW................................................ .................................................. .................................................. ...................................----Bale-------------------Ferdinand---------------Corluka--- D................................................. .................................................. .................................................. ..................................----------------------------Roberto-------------------------- DM/WB................................................ .................................................. .................................................. ...................................-----------------------------Jones--------------------------- M...............................|................. ...........................................|...... .................................................. ....V............................................. .............................................---Ronaldo------------------------------------------Giggs---- AM...........\.................................... ..../....................\............................. ........./......................\........................... ........./....................... \................................../...........-----------------------Johnson-------Sosa-------------------- ST</pre>

Unless God comes to me in a dream, or unless we lose awfully, I'll stick with this tactic for a while

__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ _____
Authors Note: From now on, I'll do this kind of formation diagram for Important matches.

retired_abermea1441 · 08-07-2007, 10:41 PM

I've just actually started using that tactic with Wist 'Am and first game won 5-2! Great Story here mate.

retired_rassoulis · 08-08-2007, 03:56 AM

We won 2-1. it wasn't the prettiest of games, Charlton knew that our sole intention would be to break them down with fast, continuous passing, something which began with Fergie, and has been carried on, and if I could be so bold, improved by myself. The passing element wasn't as good as I had hoped, but having 3 debutants who weren't use to our passing style could explain that; however, they won't have a chance to build upon that until we play watford, as the next few games are games which I will need the maximum in terms of my squad's skill; however, The Charlton match alleviated my fears over what I would do in the events of injuries simply because it revealed the extent of the depth that my squad has, strong enough to allow me to play a largely second string team against a full strength Charlton team in a competitive match (Charlton it may have been, but it could always have been a loss). As well as that, My matchday squad for the Champions League match against Lille would now be fresh as daisies, and in a good position to provide a sound hammering (I hope)

"Good job lads, If we play like that, with that sort of fluidity in our passing movement, I can see us getting 1st place, bear in mind though, I'd rather have a gread run in europe than win the Premiership, and to do that, we've go a game against Lille on Tuesday, it won't be easy, Lille are an underestimated force in the french game how can quite easily turn a game if you give them the opportunities, But we won't be giving them any. just as a note as well, I want the following players to wait behind in the dressing room for a private meeting:" I tried to make myself not sound like a High School headmaster keeping a badly behaved class behind. "... Edwin, Gareth, Rio, Cris, Ryan, Eddie, Micheal, Wayne and Gary. The rest of you, go clean up and then go wherever you need to go." Everyone whose name hadn't been said went to get washed up

"Ross, we getting transfer listed of somethin'?" It was Gary Neville, who had taken to being voice of the changing room

"No Gary, what I'm going to be doing, is going over the tactics for Tuesday... you're all in the squad for definate... Should we get started?"

A Certain Shade of Red - Manchester United

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A Certain Shade of Red - Manchester United