www.red11.org DAILY NEWS
Date: Fri Oct 15 GMT+00:00 1999
Mail: barry@www.red11.org
This Issue:
1. Heroes and Villains - Personal Match Report by RED KELLY
2. Don't Believe What The Seagulls Say" - Personal Match Report by 'The Old Fart'
3. MEN - Manchester United News - Young guns misfire
4. Keane/May return boost ««
5. Reds await World Club opponents ««
6. Fergie takes the flak!! ««
7. McGUINNESS SLAMS BECKHAM FA RAP
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MANCHESTER UNITED DAILY NEWS Friday 15th Oct 1999:
Barry Comment:
The injury crisis could well be on the turn. Back this weekend Keano, May
and Giggs. Imminent could well be Gary Neville & Jesper Blomqvist.
Now for the start of another unbeaten run?!
Message from Graphics Designer Justin at http://www.red11.org
I've done a Fergie Years tribute wallpaper for the world to enjoy...Hope you
like.....and include in daily news as the timing for a tribute wallpaper is
updated with the testimonial: Now running at: http://www.red11.org/alex
or direct url -
http://www.red11.org/mufc/images/player/ferguson/fergie_years.jpg
Book Note from Pete - Thanks Buz!
I found myself in Bolton this afternoon (well someone has to - don't they?)
and decided to take Paul Buz's advice about the ECF video. Whilst I was in
there I noticed a book called 'The Unseen Archives - A photographic history
of Manchester United'. It is 384 pages of pictures (a few articles and
stats) and is quite excellent. It costs only (GBP) 9.99. An absolute
bargain. So thanks Buz.
Cheers, Pete http://www.cheswem.u-net.com/
ECL Group D ** Manchester United **
Olympique de Marseille * NK Croatia Zagreb * SK Sturm Graz
Manchester United FC Champions League Squad List
1 Mark John Bosnich 2 Gary Alexander Neville 3 Dennis Joseph Irwin
4 David May 6 Jakob Stam 7 David Robert J Beckham
8 Nicholas Butt 9 Andrew Alex. Cole 10 Edward Sheringham
11 Ryan Joseph Giggs 12 Philip Neville 14 Johan Jordi Cruyff
15 Lars Jesper Blomqvist 16 Roy Keane 17 Raimond RJH Van der Gouw
18 Paul Scholes 19 Dwight Yorke 20 Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
21 Henning Berg 23 Michael Jamie Clegg 25 José Quinton Fortune
26 Massimo Taibi 31 Nicholas James Culkin 33 Mark Antony Wilson
34 Jonathan Greening
Real Audio - Last weeks Daily News Sound Archive:
Click on INDEX at http://www.red11.org/sound
************************
99/2000 fixtures/match reports are at
http://www.red11.org/mufc/992000.htm
Mark Bosnich's Personal Details
http://www.red11.org/mufc/bosnich.htm
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
MANCHESTER UNITED STATS v ALL teams on the Web
http://www.red11.org/mufc/stats.htm
Previous News:
BSKYB Takeover news/pics at http://www.red11.org/mufc/bskyb.htm
Brian Kidd Press conference, pic, real audio
http://www.iol.ie/~redcafe/kidd.htm
Peter Schmeichel's last Season at United!
http://www.red11.org/mufc/news/schmeichel.htm
*** PREM FIXTURES ON 16/10/99 ***
Arsenal v Everton
Coventry City v Newcastle United
Derby County v Tottenham Hotspur
Leeds United v Sheffield Wednesday
Leicester City v Southampton
Liverpool v Chelsea
Manchester United v Watford
Wimbledon v Bradford City
*** FIXTURES ON 17/10/99 ***
Middlesbrough v West Ham United
*** CONDENSED LEAGUE TABLE AS AT 04/10/99 ***
Pos Team P W D L F A GD Pts
---------------------------------------------------------
1 Leeds United 10 7 1 2 19 12 7 22
2 Manchester United 10 6 3 1 23 15 8 21
3 Sunderland 10 6 2 2 18 8 10 20
4 Chelsea 8 6 1 1 15 3 12 19
5 Arsenal 10 6 1 3 13 9 4 19
6 Everton 10 5 2 3 16 10 6 17
7 Leicester City 10 5 2 3 17 13 4 17
8 Aston Villa 10 5 2 3 11 9 2 17
9 West Ham United 8 5 1 2 11 6 5 16
10 Tottenham Hotspur 9 4 2 3 16 14 2 14
11 Middlesbrough 10 4 0 6 11 15 -4 12
12 Liverpool 9 3 2 4 10 10 0 11
13 Southampton 9 3 2 4 16 19 -3 11
14 Coventry City 10 2 3 5 12 14 -2 9
15 Watford 10 3 0 7 6 11 -5 9
16 Derby County 10 2 3 5 10 18 -8 9
17 Wimbledon 10 1 5 4 14 23 -9 8
18 Bradford City 9 2 2 5 4 13 -9 8
19 Newcastle United 10 2 1 7 20 23 -3 7
20 Sheffield Wednesday 10 1 1 8 8 25 -17 4
---------------------------------------------------------------
NEXT MATCHES
---------------------------------------------------------------
16-OCT-1999 [15:00] Manchester Utd. vs Watford (FA Premier League, HOME)
19-OCT-1999 [19:45] Manchester Utd. vs Marseille (UEFA Champions League, AWAY)
24-OCT-1999 [15:00] Manchester Utd. vs Spurs (FA Premier League, AWAY)
27-OCT-1999 [19:45] Manchester Utd. vs NK Croatia (UEFA Champions League, AWAY)
The line-up for the testimonial game is:
Eric Cantona Peter Schmeichel
Zinedine Zidane Gabriel Batistuta
Paul Gascoigne Juninho
George Weah Alessandro Costacurta
Christian Ziege Lillian Thuram
Roberto Mancini John Collins
*** TEAM RESULTS - MANCHESTER UNITED -
UNITED Stats v All teams:
http://www.red11.org/mufc/stats/
ALL FIXTURES at: http://www.red11.org/mufc/fix992000.htm
First Team Fixtures 1999/2000
All dates/times subject to change
Dates of possible cup ties also shown
Date Opposition Score Pos. Attend.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
15/07/99 Melbourne Australia pre-season W 2-0 - 60,000
18/07/99 Sydney Australia pre-season W 1-0 - 78,000
21/07/99 Shanghai Shenhua pre-season W 2-0 - 80,000
24/07/99 Hong Kong South China pre-season W 2-0 - 40,000
1/08/99 Arsenal Wembley Charity Shield L 1-2 - 70,185
3/08/99 Omagh Town Omagh Bomb Fund W 9-0 - 7,000
4/08/99 Wigan Athletic friendly W 2-0 - 15,000
08/08/99 Everton Away PL D 1-1 10 39,141
11/08/99 Sheffield Wednesday Home PL W 4-0 3 54,941
14/08/99 Leeds United Home PL W 2-0 1 55,187
22/08/99 Arsenal Away PL W 2-1 1 38,147
25/08/99 Coventry City Away PL W 2-1 1 22,024
27/08/99 Monaco - Lazio ESC L 0-1 - 15,223
30/08/99 Newcastle United Home W 5-1 1 55,190
11/09/99 Liverpool Away W 3-2 1 44,929
14/09/99 Croatia Zagreb Home EC D 0-0 - 53,250
18/09/99 Wimbledon Home D 1-1 1 55,189
22/09/99 Sturm Graz Away EC W 3-0 - 16,480
25/09/99 Southampton Home D 3-3 1 55,249
29/09/99 Marseille Home EC W 2-1 - 54,276
3/10/99 Chelsea Away PL L 0-5 2 34,909
11/10/99 Sir Alex testimonial Home F L 2-4 [RED LEGENDS]
13/10/99 Aston Villa Away WC3 L 0-3 - 33,815
16/10/99 Watford Home PL 15.00
19/10/99 Marseille Away EC 19.45
23/10/99 Tottenham Hotspur Away PL 15.00
27/10/99 Croatia Zagreb Away EC 19.45
30/10/99 Aston Villa home PL 15.00
2/11/99 Sturm Graz Home EC 19.45
6/11/99 Leicester City Home PL 15.00
20/11/99 Derby County Away PL 15.00
24/11/99 ? EC
27/11/99 Sheffield Wednesday Away PL 15.00
30/11/99 Tokyo Palmeiras WCC 20.00
4/12/99 Everton Home PL 15.00
8/12/99 ? EC
11/12/99 FAC 3 Will not enter ...
18/12/99 West Ham United Away PL 15.00
26/12/99 Bradford City Home PL 15.00
28/12/99 Sunderland Away PL 20.00 "live on sky"
3/01/2000 Middlesborough Home PL 20.00
***** 5-14 /01/2000 Brazil WTC ***** [3-4 games]
* 8/01/2000 FAC 4 Will not enter ...
15/01/2000 Leeds United Away PL 15.00
22/01/2000 Arsenal Home PL 15.00
* 29/01/2000 FAC 5 Will not enter ...
5/02/2000 Coventry City Home PL 15.00
12/02/2000 Newcastle United Away PL 15.00
* 19/02/2000 FAC 6 Will not enter ...
26/02/2000 Wimbledon Away PL 15.00
1/03/2000 ? EC
4/03/2000 Liverpool Home PL 15.00
8/03/2000 ? EC
11/03/2000 Derby County Home PL 15.00
15/03/2000 ? EC
18/03/2000 Leicester City Away PL 15.00
22/03/2000 ? EC
25/03/2000 Bradford City Away PL 15.00
1/04/2000 West Ham United Home PL 15.00
5/04/2000 ? EC qf i
8/04/2000 Middlesborough Away PL 15.00
* 9/04/2000 FAC sf Will not enter ...
15/04/2000 Sunderland Home PL 15.00
19/04/2000 ? EC qf ii
22/04/2000 Southampton Away PL 15.00
24/04/2000 Chelsea Home PL 15.00
29/04/2000 West Ham United Away PL 15.00
3/05/2000 ? EC sf i
6/05/2000 Tottenham Hotspur Home PL 15.00
10/05/2000 ? EC sf ii
14/05/2000 Aston Villa Away PL 15.00
* 20/05/2000 Wembley FAC f Will not enter ...
24/05/2000 ? EC f
http://www.red11.org/mufc/match.htm
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| Click On pic - for latest interviews from OT |
Subject: Heroes and Villains - Personal Match Report by RED KELLY
When you buy a ticket for the Worthington Cup you know you
are going to be watching the reserves, that doesn't make
any difference to the opposition support though - they are
only too pleased to display their unbelievable small
mindedness and immeasurable delight in beating "Man U". So
it was at Villa Park last night when their fans showed
their true colours and the increasing gulf of class between
them and us, by screaming like the demented fools they have
become as their team bullied their way to a 3-0 win over a
bunch of kids, most of whom were 20 years of age or younger.
It was around 6 o'clock when I was picked up and taken to
one of the few 'local' games I get to in any one season and
an hour later we had negotiated the traffic jam on the M6
and were parked up and slurping down a couple of cans in
readiness. Twenty minutes later we were on our way to the
ground walking down the hill among over excited Villa fans
who were trying very hard to be humourous with their false
Cockney accents trying to take the piss out of "Man U".
Sorry chaps - it didn't quite work as the poor Brummie has
absolutely no chance of putting on any other accent other
than Brummie, but they still couldn't understand why we
were laughing at them.
Inside Villa Park it seemed as though United had eventually
sold all the seat allocation as we walked the length of our
bit searching for our seats which were on the very back
row. It seemed as though our seats had been double booked,
but everyone nudged along a bit and it really didn't matter
as we were all standing anyway. There was an announcement
suggesting, "would all Manchester United supporters please
sit down" but no-one did and that was the end of it. The
stewards were constantly parading up and down behind us but
none of them even tried to do anything about our anarchy.
There were a few kids by us and we were stood behind a lad
in one of those strange red and black hat thingys with
points on top that the daft Dane Leeming or Gumbie Roberts
might choose to wear - it was that daft! His father was
concerned that we could see as the lad was stood on his
seat - we told him he'd have to stand sideways so that we
could see through the points on top of his hat which made
him look like a rooster.
The teams came out with Ole leading the way. I can't think
of any other person who was more worthy of the captain's
armband than Ole except maybe Bosnich - just to wind up the
Villa fans! I don't think the honour did Ole any favours
though as he was too busy taking his responsibilities to
heart and looking after his charges, which left us light up
front. I assume Sheringham would have played had he not
suffered a knock on Monday and think if he had things just
might have ben different as his experience up front would
have helped take the pressure off Ole's shoulders.
The lads were very nervous at first and we feared the worst
as Villa attacked constantly. The main point of their
attacks seemed to be directly in front of us down the Villa
left where Michael Clegg went missing time after time. His
enthusiasm for going forward meant that if Villa lobbed the
ball over the top and out left the on-rushing attacker
would suddenly find himself in acres of space and United's
goal exposed.
Just as I thought we were getting it together Joachim
turned Curtis and curled a superb shot past Bozzy. Suddenly
you'd have thought they'd won the bloody European Cup as
they went berserk on and off the pitch. Taylor came
muscling into the goalmouth past Bosnich and blasted the
ball against the post and gestured towards us. Before then
we had accepted the fact we were watching the reserves, but
that changed everything for me. I felt and showed anger and
disgust at the pathetic show of ego and from then on viewed
the game from a different perspective.
The Holte End sang "Bozzy, Bozzy what's the score" and
"stand up if you hate Man U" and we sang "stand up if you
hate Man U". They don't get it do they!
The lads gave as good as they got for the rest of the half
and came very close to an equaliser as Greening and
Chadwick jinked their ways through the Villa defence. At
our end Bosnich showed his class and made a couple of
outstanding saves which endeared him to me at least. Every
time he took a goal kick there would be a crescendo of
noise - from them boos, and from us cheers. He coped with
their taunts of "you fat b.....d" and to be honest he'd
slimmed down considerably from his previous porkiness.
The kids never stopped trying to play football whereas
Villa often resorted to bullying tactics they were assured
of succeeding with, as it was definitely men against boys.
Shotgun Gregory was patrolling the touchline sucking
furiously on his lollipop and barking out orders to his
bruiser boys as they were crashing into every blue shirt
that moved leaving several prostrate on the ground
clutching various parts of their bodies.
It was a wonder none of them got seriously hurt, but they
reached half time with their pride still in tact.
Throughout the first half and in fact the whole game
Bosnich encouraged and talked with his defence and as he
walked off the pitch at half time he had his arm around
John O'Shea while still egging him on.
We had arranged to meet the lap dancing Jon Leigh at half
time by the cafe at the entrance, but found a row of
stewards blocking our way through at the back. Undeterred
we made our way down the terracing by the pitch where we
found another line of stewards blocking our way. I haven't
got a clue why they'd decided to effectively halve the
stand and prevent anyone form crossing the line and I doubt
whether they had either.
I asked them if they would let us through but they
steadfastly refused so I told them I had to meet my wife at
the opposite corner and they relented and also allowed
Clive to follow me after I'd told them "he's with me". It
was all a lie of course and I'm not sure what they made of
Clive saying he had to meet my wife as well, but we were
through anyway and just then, along came Jon with Pete and
Hal in tow. We made our way over to the corner anyway when
Nigel appeared as well having bluffed his way through the
blockade. It seems these guys are easily fooled!!
We all agreed that none of the lads had let either us or
themselves down and that in particular Chadwick would make
the grade as soon as Fergie wanted him to. Nigel had
decided at half time that he could no longer stand to be in
the same quiet place he was for the first half so was
crammed into our space where he seemed a lot more content
as at least there was some singing going on.
At the start of the second half Ole was put through and
seemed to be about to make the scores level when he dallied
too long and a saving tackle was made. Ole stood there head
in hands and we wondered what might have been as soon
afterwards there was a mix up down the other end and Taylor
scored their second. Mass delirium followed and much Bozzy
baiting, but he was unmoved and even managed to wind up his
former fans.
The kids continued to hold their own. There were a couple
of substitutions one of which brought David Healy on and
with his first touch he very nearly scored after another
great passing move. The shape of the team looked better
with him on the right, Chadwick on the left and Greening
more central and between them they caused some considerable
alarm in the Villa defence. It was to their credit that
none of the lads let their heads drop but as the extra time
board showed two minutes we were hoping for a miracle.
Just as I was saying to the others how superb it would be
to see a goal, bloody Steve, bloody Stone went and scored
for them to make it three. I had meant a goal for us you
shithead. My dreams of a 2-2 scoreline, extra time, and a
last penalty saved by Bozzy were now mere dreams as the
final whistle blew and we stayed to applaud our boys off
the pitch.
They aren't the class of '92 but there are one or two or
maybe three or even four of these lads who wouldn't look
out of place in the Premiership. They need more experience
and more strength, but the likes of Luke Chadwick could
step up as Giggs' deputy right now. Young Healy impressed
too with good touch and balance - he looked a lot like Ben
Thornley and plays with the same promise before Ben's
injury ruined his United future. Both those lads are only
19.
Curtis (just 21) and O'Shea (only 18) did well in the
centre of defence against some over enthusiastic bruising
forwards. Ronnie Wallwork (just 22) looked good in midfield
and Greening (20) showed some great skill up front. And the
old man - captain Solskjaer - well what more can we say
about someone who won us the Holy Grail, he always has been
and always will be a special player for me and I suspect
for everyone else too.
We may have lost 3-0 last night but I enjoyed my rare
opportunity to see these lads play before they make the
first team and there was enough promise there to suggest
that one or two of them may be called up sooner rather than
later and then we'll see if the class of '99 can compete
with the class of '92.
As we left the stadium the results from elsewhere brought
the smiles back to our faces as we learned of the last
minute winner that beat the scouse and the Villagers from
Chelsea losing at home to Huddersfield. But one last thing
I'd like to mention is the Barca type bruising to the back
of my legs that's appeared this morning - now that takes me
back - again!!
Postscript:
At just after midday today there was due to be an unveiling
of a statue in Dudley market place to commemorate of one of
the most celebrated of young footballers ever to grace the
shirt of Manchester United - Duncan Edwards. If any of the
lads on view last night grow up to be half the footballer
Duncan was then I will be more than happy.
Copyright RED KELLY 1999
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| Click On pic - for all latest pics from OT |
Subject: "Don't Believe What The Seagulls Say" - Personal Match Report by 'The Old Fart'
- Personal Match Report by 'The Old Fart'
I don't write match reports for the first team simply
because SALFORD LASS and RED KELLY already do it - and do
it better. I've read some of the Daily Seagull match
reports this morning. In addition the team comprised the
reserve team (MY team - as far as reporting goes) so I feel
justified. Hope nobody minds me venturing into the first
team area for just this one match!
One of the problems which those Listees residing without
the UK have is that their main source of information is
seagull reports. (As it happens seagull reports underpin my
recent List difficulties). If any of you read the seagull
reports from last night's match the picture you will get
will bear NO relation to that which actually took place.
Last night I was PROUD to be a supporter of Manchester
United.
Before I was a 'thinking Red', (Sir) Matt staggered the
footballing world by playing a team consisting of boys. In
those days a player was not considered first team material
until he was in his early/middle twenties. (Sir) Matt
changed all that. Last night was simply a case of Sir Alex
the Wizard continuing that (successful) theme. Forget the
seagull bollocks about Manchester United showing
'disregard' for this most 'Worthless' of cup competitions,
this was Sir Alex taking a number, a large number, of young
boys up another level. Let me tell you that they did NOT
let either Sir Alex, Manchester United, the supporters of
Manchester United OR the memory of the wonderful Sir Matt
down, for one second. They were magnificent and a credit to
the Red shirt.
Aston Villa were a disgrace and so were their supporters. I
have always had a soft spot for Villa fans and, indeed, for
Villa Park, my favourite away ground. Villa fans have
always been dedicated, even during their very dark days
(and dark they were indeed) and have shown a reasonable
'balance' over the years. Not last night.
Aston Villa played a full strength side, comprising some
very, very experienced and seasoned professionals. Nothing
wrong with that at all. But then these (so called)
professional set about attempting to kick our young and
totally inexperienced boys out of the game. The worst
transgressor was Dion Dublin (he should, this morning, hang
his head in total shame) and Dion HAD to walk when he
struck a Manchester United player right at the end (his
second 'yellow' - the referee, as I predicted at the time,
choosing to take NO action, when he should have booked both
players and thus sent Dublin from the field - and there are
those on this List who call me paranoid - they have not got
a clue). Dublin put his studs down Higginbottom's thigh in
the first ten and later elbowed another lad. He was a thug
throughout and I was disgusted with him. Bosnich really did
lose his rag and was complaining to the referee constantly
about the Villa behaviour. The referee, as you would expect
(or as I would expect), did b......s all to protect our
boys. Indeed the first 'yellow' was to Curtis for a
non-challenge (paranoia?).
Before the match my dad said he felt we would lose and so
did I. After ten minutes dad said "We'll be lucky to get
away less than six" - I agreed. With twenty to go dad said
"Our kids look tired and the Villa strength should tell" -
he was right. Except both he and I were wrong! For the
fifteen minute spell from that point we were far and away
the stronger and better side. At that point a draw was NOT
beyond us. Their third was an outrage and totally
unmerited. That third was my only disappointment last night.
1. Bosnich - dad said "Has he lost a bit do you think?" and
I agreed. I think he's shed at least a stone (might not
miss another half) and he looks much better for it. For
those of you who have never played the game let me tell you
that lack of fitness (through being overweight) affects the
MIND just as much as it affects the body. For a keeper this
is a disaster situation because their's is a 'mind' role.
He had a good game last night. The no-mark, small time,
Villa fans baited him for the full ninety - he did not let
that affect him and made three quite excellent saves.
2. Clegg - I hate to say it but this lad is not going to
make it. The powers-that-be at Old Trafford think he will
so I'm bound to be wrong (as I always have been) but he
just doesn't demonstrate enough of the basics to suggest he
is up to it. His first touch is..... well it's
non-existent. Our Bert has a better first touch when I
throw him one of his toys. Simple as that.
3. Higginbottom - the last time we had seen him with the
big lads was at Barnsley and he had a cracker - last night
he was excellent again. He was on the receiving end of some
dreadful and totally unjustified thuggery and kept his
head. This kid, it is suggested (ie from Belgium), has a
suspect temperament and the Villa s**thouses 'tried him
out' - he passed the test with flying colours and I was
delighted both with, and for, him. He had to go off in the
second half when he was clattered for the umpteenth time. He
didn't complain - just got on with his work. Good lad this.
4. O'Shea - did NOTHING wrong. I said to dad beforehand
that he would be tested by Dublin's power in the air and
Joachim's pace - he was NOT found wanting in ANY
department. He was my man of the match - although every one
of the boys was a star.
5. Curtis - as I said recently I think this lad is more
comfortable (in his mind) when he plays in the centre of
defence and not on the flank. In the centre you can see the
play slightly easier than when wide. He had a good game
last night and was very mobile across the back line. I
thought he did very well against Joachim - a player with
both guile and pace.
6. Wallwork - worked his socks off. Simple as that. This
lad has a good engine and really does compete for the
ninety.
7. Greening - ran the line very well and never stopped
running. It has to be said that little of what he did came
to much but then he was up against a good defence. His
mobility is excellent and he was constantly 'showing' for
the ball.
8. Twiss - like Ronnie he worked very hard indeed. The fact
that we 'contained' Villa is to his great credit. He was
tireless in midfield. He was on the receiving end of
dreadful treatment and had to go off in the second half as
a result. He also looked very, very tired, which is not a
surprise when you know how much work he got through.
9. Ole - a man (although he still looked the youngest on
the field!) amongst a lot of boys. Little Ole had a great
game, running the line with Greening and bringing others
into the game. Like Greening (and Cruyff) most of what he
did came to nought but that does not take anything away
from the lad's contribution. He should have scored right at
the start of the second half (which would have made the
score 1-1 and would have led to our winning the game) but
he delayed his shot and lost the chance. That was the only
disappointment.
10. Cruyf - like the other lad's he worked very, very hard.
Those of you who have been on the List for a while will
remember me commenting upon his performance in the
Worthless cup at Filbert Street a couple of years ago when
I reported that I would, that night, have paid his airfare
home myself (so disgusted, was I, with his lack of effort
in the Red shirt) - well last night was the complete
opposite of that. He ran his arse off and you can ask for
NO more of any player. He, once again, earned my respect
and went up in my admiration.
11. Chadwick - only a few days ago I asked (rhetorically)
if this kid might make the step up in the absence of Giggs
and Jesper. I did not think he was ready. I was wrong. For
forty-five last night he was absolutely excellent. He gave
us width and also supplied some excellent crosses. When
talking to dad recently I described Luke as "being like
Nobby Clarke", now most of you will never have heard of
Nobby Clarke but he was a winger for Manchester City in the
50's and ran with his head looking at his toes. Chadwick is
exactly the same and MUST learn to lift his head. But that
notwithstanding he made the big step up last night and
acquitted himself very, very well. He is ready in my
opinion. In the second half he tired a bit and that is
understandable. He was using physical and, more
significantly, mental energy and he had every right to be
knackered in the second half. He had a smashing game.
12. Healy - the crowd loved him. Firstly because he played
wide right and got in some great crosses and secondly
because they can chant "Heeeelee, Heeeelee, Heeeelee" a la
"Heuwzee, Heuwzee"!!! So if the boy makes it (I doubt it
though) he is set for hero status at OT. Let us all hope he
does.
13. Wellens - me old mate! If you read my reserve team
reports then you KNOW that I like this lad a great deal.
His is the 'never-say-die' attitude which I had meself.
He's a bit more skillful than I was (not much actually) but
he plays like a lion and I love to see that in any player.
Last night I thought he looked great in the centre of
midfield. It could just be that, in the better company, he
might make it. Oh, I DO hope so!!!
Just before the final whistle I said to dad "I wonder if
the Villa fans will write to the authorities and ask for
their money back as we have played the reserves - like the
sad b*****ds at Port Vale did a couple of years ago?". Well
bugger me if, as we walked away from the ground, this total
a**ehole said (assuming us to be Villa fans) "Don't you
object to paying twenty quid to see their reserves?". I
nearly fell on the sodding floor. I felt me dad grab me
arm!! I said "Which would you prefer (you a**ehole) to beat
our reserves 3-0 or to lose to our first team?" It will not
surprise you, I guess, to hear that he said nowt and just
buggered off. What a set of total knobheads?
Keep the faith Copyright 'The Old Fart'
No part of this work to be used without the author's permission
http://www.cheswem.u-net.com/
'The Old Fart' Reserve reports are here:
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Subject: MEN - Manchester United News - Young guns misfire
Aston Villa 3 Manchester United 0 John Prince reporting
Tough luck . . . Bosnich got an unpleasant reception from Villa fans, but
pulled off some fine saves
THERE isn't a lot of sympathy around for Sir Alex Ferguson's famous side,
but anyhone with a heart should have felt for his battling youngsters at
Villa Park last night.
Eight of the starters were 22 or younger and they faced up to a hugely
experienced Premiership side with strength and talent throughout. Yet until
Steve Stone's injury-time third goal, the Reds could at least have escaped
with a respectable defeat.
Nearly 34,000 turned up to watch, admittedly at reduced prices, knwoing in
advance that United were unlikely to field a star side. It was Villa's
second highest home gate this season, illustrating the attractiveness of
the treble winners.
Fergie unusually watched the entire game from a stand seat and aftewards
was disappointed, but supportive of the kids' efforts.
``When they had the ball, they expressed themselves well, as you expect any
Man United player to do. At times they played quite well, but were not
strong enough, as we thought would be the case. And the defending was not
that great.
``No matter how young the players are, if you give away goals like that it
is going to be a difficult night.''
The large United following must have wished it were possible to haul on
Keane, Beckham, Scholes and the others to try to boss the talented Villa.
But the Reds' bench contained youngsters unheard of except by true United
fans.
It was, in that respect, disappointing for even the Villa fans, wishing as
they were for a more glorious victory, but the Claret and Blues are at
least on course for a route into Europe.
Fergie was unapologetic about his team.
``I picked it because I had to, and it was the best team to play,'' he said.
``There are a lot of first team players injured and we have a game on
Saturday and a big European tie next Tuesday. I cannot afford players
injured with Tuesday night in mind.
``I expected a result tonight and if we hadn't lost a goal after halt time
we might have done that.'
'Keeper Mark Bosnich, at 27, the oldest in the United side anticipated flak
from fans at his former club - and how he got it.
He was jeered and insulted, in words and music, from start to finish, and
showed his character by emerging as United's star man.
He stopped an effort from Villa's slippery Julian Joachim with his legs and
showed safe hands to hold a high cross from Gareth Barry. But he was
helpless for Villa's first as Joachim slipped past John Curtis and toed his
shot into the top corner.
When Joachim squirmed through the defence and hit a shot, Bosnich saved at
full stretch with his feet, and then held Barry's follow-up effort.
Former United striker Dion Dublin won Villa cheers when, after Bosnich held
on to Barry's cross, he bundled Bosnich and the ball into the net, but was
penalised. And the Aussie 'keeper, recently demoted to third spot at Old
Trafford behind Van Der Gouw and Taibi, made a great stretch to reach Ian
Taylor's header.
Solskjaer was in the dismal position of operating alone up front, with
Cruyff bolstering midfield. But United could make little impact faced with
the defensive strength of Ehiogu and Calderwood.
Ronnie Wallwork skied one over the top from 25 yards after a Lee Hendrie
error and Villa sub Steve Watson had to make a panic tackle on Solskjaer
after he had misjudged a high ball and let in the Norwegian striker.
United's defenders were lost when Villa's Mark Delaney hurled a long throw
into the box. Danny Higginbotham's headed clearance attempt was all wrong,
Jon Greening missed his bid to clear up the danger, and Taylor brought a
special cheer from the Bosnich-baiters as he volleyed the second.
United's England under-21 winger Luke Chadwick, 18, put in his exciting
sprints, but was closely covered by former United junior Mark Delaney.
Solskjaer showed great skill to put Greening through but the 20-year-old
bent the shot wide. And Reds sub David Healy, a real talent, hit a bending
shot from the edge of the box from which 'keeper Enckelman made a fine save.
Bosnich again shone when he touched over a Hendry volley and the United
goal escaped again when sub Darius Vassell placed a shot - just over
Bosnich's crossbar.
Stone's third goal for Villa came when, from close in, he hooked it past
Bosnich with the help of a deflection off John O'Shea.
Fergie gave due credit to Bosnich saying: ``He had a great game, made two
terrific saves in the first half and another in the second.''
But the manager's reflections on the game were realistic.
``In terms of sheer strength, it was always going to be a problem for my
young players. Probably there were just too many of the young ones tonight
- but we weren't outplayed.''
Villa boss John Gregory said: ``We lost it a little in the last 20 minutes.
They have good players and they kept the ball well. Bosnich made some good
saves and one very good stop with his feet. But we should have been 3-0 up
at half-time.
``Mark would have been expecting that reception here. I won't comment on
how United view the Worthington Cup, but for us it is still a major
tournament. They have bigger and better prizes to go for.''
Under-fire Fergie hits back
MANCHESTER United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has defended his selection
policy in the Worthington Cup despite being accused by former Old Trafford
boss Ron Atkinson of devaluing the competition.
Ferguson fielded a below strength team even by his standards in last
night's tie at Aston Villa - without a single member of his first choice
starting line-up in the 16 for a match where tickets cost up to £23.
After the game he bemoaned the fixture list facing his treble-winning team
and a long list of injuries.
But his outburst came just 48 hours after all of United's stars had played
some part in Ferguson's testimonial against a World XI which is expected to
net him around £1million from a 54,000 sell-out.
Atkinson said: ``I thought Alex was just warming them up on Monday for this
game. I knew a lot more of the players that played on Monday than last
night! I think that it needs to be looked at. It's okay to rotate your
squads but I don't think you can devalue competitions the way this
particular competition might be being devalued.''
Ferguson, however, was unrepentant after his side's 3-0 reversal and
reacted angrily to a question about the side he had picked.
He said: ``That's a stupid question. It was the best team to play. Just
look at our fixture list. I've got 11 players injured at the moment.''
DELIGHTED Huddersfield boss Steve Bruce said nothing should be taken away
from his players because they beat a weakened Chelsea side 1-0 in the
Worthington Cup last night.
Kenny Irons's goal after 77 minutes sealed victory for the Yorkshire side,
who now play hosts to Wimbledon in the fourth round.
Bruce said: ``That's a great result for us and it's not often a club like
ours can come and win at Chelsea.
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Subject: Keane/May return boost ««
Light is appearing at the end of the injury tunnel which has hit United's
start to the season.
Keane: Set to return
With Ryan Giggs already fit again, Roy Keane will be the next to join the
first team squad after his lay off, and David May will follow close behind.
May has not played this season after pulling up half way through the
Charity Shield on August 1, with a thigh injury.
David May has been pencilled in for a return next Thursday when United
Reserves face Bolton Wanderers Reserves at the Reebok Stadium and could
play his way into contention for the second group stage of the Champions'
League should United qualify.
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Subject: Reds await World Club opponents ««
United will know who their opening round opponents are later today when the
draw for the World Club Championship is made in Rio de Janeiro.
They have already been told that it will not be Real Madrid with Europe's
entrants being kept apart in the early stages but there will be plenty of
tough opposition from South America where Corinthians, Rayos del Necaxa,
and Clube Regatas Vasco da Gama, are joined by Al-Nassr, and Australian
Champions South Melbourne.
The African Champions' League winners will also be included group once that
competition is decided in December.
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Subject: Fergie takes the flak!! ««
Sir Alex Ferguson is unmoved by criticism of Manchester United's apparent
lack of interest in the Worthington Cup, and next season will stick to the
same policy of using the competition to give his young players a taste of
senior football.
United's sides have steadily become less experienced since going out to
York City in 1995, and the team which lost 3-0 at Aston Villa was hardly
recognisable as one from Old Trafford.
As TEAMtalk forecast earlier this week, Sir Alex gave debuts to two of his
rising stars, central defender John O'Shea and forward Luke Chadwick, with
the rest of the line-up, apart from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Mark Bosnich and
Jordi Cruyff, coming from the reserve ranks.
O'Shea and Chadwick are both 18 years of age and have bright futures
according to the United coaching staff, but they could do little to hold
off a full strength Villa side.
Sir Alex was unmoved by comments about his selection, and the Football
League and sponsors Worthington, know they are on dangerous ground if they
get too critical.
United, Arsenal and Chelsea would all support complete withdrawal from the
competition, seeing it as an unnecessary inclusion on an already full
fixture list.
Chelsea also went out last night after making eleven changes to the side
which beat United last week.
In the last four seasons United have gone out in the early stages at
Leicester, Ipswich, Tottenham and Aston Villa and on each occasion fielded
an under strength side.
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Subject: McGUINNESS SLAMS BECKHAM FA RAP
By David Anderson, PA Sport
David Beckham is being unfairly singled out by the Football Association
because of who he is, according to former Manchester United manager Wilf
McGuinness.
The FA this week spoke to Beckham after a series of acts of petulance
perpetrated by him.
But McGuinness feels there are several other players who have committed
worse misdemeanours than the United midfielder this season.
McGuinness picked out Dennis Wise's tackle and follow-up on Nicky Butt
during Chelsea's 5-0 win over United as an example of this inconsistency
and he believes Beckham is being targeted because he is such a high-profile
figure.
"I could name a whole team of players who should be up before the FA before
David Beckham," he said.
"You look at Dennis Wise - and Eric Cantona got banned for nine months for
a similar kung-fu attack.
"I'm joking a little, but you get my point.
"I think this is wrong, and it's just because of who David Beckham is and
who he plays for.
"He also seems to be in with a shout for the European footballer of the
year, and the FA don't want him to be suspended if he wins that.
"In general David Beckham cannot win. A year or so ago he was being
criticised for diving or staying down injured.
"Now he is gesturing or retaliating in a certain way, and although it's not
violent he's being pulled up for this sort of thing.
"Whatever he does he is scrutinised and he still gets a tremendous amount
of abuse, whereas certain other high-profile people can get away with other
things."
McGuinness claims Beckham is just the latest victim of a trend which goes
back to George Best.
"I think it's always been this way that the FA have tried to look at
high-profile players and tried to run them," he said.
"George Best was just the same, and I remember when George got a four-week
suspension for knocking the ball out of the referee's hands.
"High-profile or not, there's got to be a quieter way of dealing with
players like this."
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