RedHarvest

Agree with this, the way we've been defending lately. I'd be very very surprised if we started out with a shock and awe gameplan ala the Chelsea semis. We're gonna sit and soak with Masch taking care of Fabregas, and try to hit them on the break as everyone has predicted. Problem is I dont see them not scoring - we're going to have to beat them tonight.

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Cole and Walcott - wishful thinking. I'd be happy if it was Ashley Young, doubt it though.

Gerrard Kuyt Skirtl

Yeah, thought it was weird at first but at least you know where he stands, there's no thinly veiled attempts at partiality. It was pretty funny hearing his voice go up a few registers protesting the Hleb peno incident.

What a player. Towers is faster than Batigol though.

This fact alone should be an extra incentive for us - who else is gonna stop em? I dont trust Chelsea to.

The exception that proves the rule.

Scored a decent amont of goals for a CB too. Legend

True. Alonso's still not 100% but class is permanent, he'll prove his doubters wrong with a few more games under his belt,..unlike Kewell, Crouch or Pennant.

Boyhood (De la) Red?

Surely we can get more than 2m for Beans on head! I meant we pay 7 or 8 for Bentley..I dont think he's worth more than that but there's the English player tax to consider.

I could see them slapping a 12 - 14m tag on him. Is he worth that? Riise plus 7m would be a result.

I agree. But Blackburn will be asking stupid money and Hughes will be doing everthing he can to hang onto him.

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The baldy c***

Sammy has the experience and the club in his heart and if the reports about Rafa wanting him in are right his appointment next season would be an excellent call imo.

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All that is moot - the biggest factor in Masch's sending off was the timing of the fixture re: the Cole incident last week.

If that's true that Rafa wanted Sammy Lee I think it would be the perfect solution. Hopefully it will happen next season.

It's true that "big teams" get favoured by refs. It's true that refs can be weak, cowardly and operate double standards. It's true that United players have got away with murder in the past. It's totally and completely pointless to weigh up individual incidents against each other in a game or over a season. We need to look at ourselves, get realistic. This game was lost before we played them and that reflects badly on Rafa. I definitely want him to stay - provided he gets in a number 2 man who can inspire and encourage our players because it seems obvious to me that there is only self belief separating the two sets of players - we have it in Europe because of Rafas record just as Ferguson draws on thier premier league dominance for years. I don't blame Masch at all for yesterday, his passion is a great asset to his game and our team.

The climate since Cole incident + MunU Vs Us + Bennett + Pre match exchanges between Rafa and Ferguson = sending off a certainty. I reckon ginsoak prepared his players better, won the psychological battle and hence the match and now, probably, the title. I actually think Benitez didn't help things going into this fixture and is ultimately at fault for the way we approached this game...we always looked put upon and lacking in belief. It's a f***ing shame considering we went into the game in the best form of this season. This is Rafas loss for his man management deficiencies.

I've no kids but it's a no brainer, Xabi is right and entitled to be present at the birth of his kid. If there's any tension between him and Rafa this isn't the root of it.

It was always just going to be a matter of time/games for Xabi. I cant believe some on here still doubt him.

Torres Sami Masch