Manchester United 2008-2009 Season Thread

[jeepers]

LOLOL.

Taibi. Van Der Gouw. Culkin.

I still lub cheuu, Paul Ruchubka!

 

[Dime]

Squad numbers registered

United's squad numbers for the 2008/09 campaign have been registered with the Premier League and there are some notable inclusions, especially for the younger members of the Reds' playing staff.

Brazilian twins Fabio and Rafael have been handed the number 20 and 21 shirts respectively, while young strikers Danny Welbeck and Federico Macheda will wear no.19 and no.41 if and when they are used this term.

1.Van der Sar
2.Neville
3.Evra
4.Hargreaves
5.Ferdinand
6.Brown
7.Ronaldo
8.Anderson
9.Saha
10.Rooney
11.Giggs
12.Foster
13.Park
15.Vidic,
16.Carrick
17.Nani
18.Scholes
19.Welbeck
20.Fabio
21.Rafael
22.O'Shea
23.Evans
24.Fletcher
26.Manucho
27.Silvestre
28.Gibson
29.Kuszczak
31.Campbell
32.Tevez
33.Hewson
34.Possebon
35.Cleverley
36.Gray
37.Cathcart
38.Zieler
39.Chester
40.Amos
41.Macheda

 

[Dime]

Rooney fit for season opener

Rooney fit for season opener

Wayne Rooney has shaken off the effects of a virus and could start against Newcastle on Sunday at Old Trafford.

The striker fell ill during the club's pre-season visit to Nigeria at the end of last month and it was feared that Sunday's big kick-off would come too soon for the 22-year-old. But after a solid week's training, Rooney is fit and ready to take on the Magpies.

“Wayne Rooney is fit and he will play on Sunday, which is good news for us," Sir Alex said at his pre-match press conference on Friday.

"He’s trained all week and has done very well. He even trained last Sunday on the morning of the Community Shield. From then on he has been progressing really well."

Rooney's return is a major boost for United, who are already without Cristiano Ronaldo and Louis Saha in attacking positions, and midfielders Owen Hargreaves, Anderson, Nani and Ji-sung Park.

“Nani is suspended so he is out," added the boss. "And Hargreaves, Ronaldo, Park and Saha are all still injured and Anderson is at the Olympics. So in terms of attacking options, we're down to the bare bones."

However, Sir Alex feels his squad still has the strength to overcome Kevin Keegan's men at Old Trafford on Sunday. “The backbone will be the midfielders and defenders we have available," he said. "We have a good variety there.

"Hopefully that’s enough to get us over this first hurdle against Newcastle, which is always a good, exciting game. Newcastle always come and have a go, so it should be an open type of match."

 

[zullio]

Man Utd trip to come too soon for Owen - Kev

Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan admitted his side's Premier League against Manchester United is likely to come soon for striker Michael Owen.

The Magpies captain has not featured in any of the club's pre-season fixtures because of a calf problem.

Owen has now returned to training but Keegan confirmed he has no intention of rushing the 28-year-old back before he was ready.

'Michael is back in training but I think to be honest Manchester United will come a bit early,' Keegan told the club's offical website.

'It's no good trying to kid people. He just need a week in with the group doing all the things he needs to do and we're not going into that into him now so I think it's very, very doubtful.

'It would be crazy on our part to try and short cut it because it's Michael Owen. We treat him the same any player.'


so it seems their captain wont play as well.

 

[Dime]

tonight is the game between United vs Newcastle.

what do you guys think will be the match highlights?

be reminded that United are without Ronaldo,Hargreaves,Park through injury and Anderson isnt available as he is on International Duty at the Beijing Olympics.but Rooney is available and fit for tonight along with Carrick who were both struck with virus during pre-season tour.

I predict a 2-0 win for United.what are your predictions?

 

[Dime]

FA Barclays Premier League
Old Trafford
Sun 17 August,Football Channel 27 11:00 PM

Match Pack: Newcastle

The new Barclays Premier League season is finally here, and it begins with the Champions hosting Kevin Keegan's Newcastle United on Sunday...

Form guide: United procured the first silverware of the season in last weekend's penalty shoot-out victory over Portsmouth, and notched a seventh clean sheet in nine pre-season outings. Newcastle staged a late comeback to overcome Valencia 2-1 last weekend, and this week warmed up the Reds with an open training session at St James' Park.

Ins and outs: Newcastle have injury doubts over Michael Owen, Obafemi Martins, Abdoualye Faye and Shola Ameobi, and will definitely be without Mark Viduka and Andy Carroll. Summer signing Jonas Gutierrez is also a doubt, as it is unclear whether he has international clearance to make his debut at Old Trafford. Wayne Rooney may return from a virus in time to feature, but Louis Saha, Ji-sung Park, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ben Foster definitely miss out through injury. Nani is suspended and Anderson is on Olympic duty.

Star men: Damien Duff and central defender Steven Taylor have been in fine form for the Magpies during pre-season, but a fit Michael Owen would be the biggest plus for Keegan's side, as they bid to avenge last season's six-goal thumping at Old Trafford. With eight goals in nine appearances against Newcastle, Wayne Rooney's presence would be welcomed, but the Reds' watertight defence should provide the platform for success.

What are the odds? 5/1 United to win 2-0

 

[zullio]

so it seems both teams are short of attacking players. even with rooney back, i think he still might lack the sharpness.

but man utd still to edge out thanks to defence.

 

[ruixist]

with arsenal and liverpool etc getting off to winning starts, we have to as well! haha. this newcastle side has potential but given our good pre-season form, (save for last week's dry encounter) we should be able to see them off

 

[Dime]

Barclays Premier League
Old Trafford, Sat 17 August 2008

MANCHESTER UNITED 1
Fletcher 24

NEWCASTLE UNITED 1
Martins 22

United start with a scrap to their title defence.With little options available to Sir Alex, there wasnt much dominance in the line-up with Carlos Tevez not available for selection due to family matters, its was youthful Campbell to start for United at the front.

Despite a depleted squad, the passion was still there to win the match.Hope their next match against Portsmouth away will yield better results.

 

[zullio]

hmm. all i've got to say, newcastle is a different side this season. they were really fighting and they've got the team spirit. the jonas bugger was good, but vidic is better. (referring to vida's tackle in the penalty box)

taking nothing from newcastle, they deserved the draw.

 

[Dime]

taking nothing from newcastle, they deserved the draw.

except the lucky save by Shay Given with his head.one lucky bugger.

 

[zullio]

keepers like given, friedel and that former bolton keeper always like extra on form when playing against man utd.

 

[Dime]

Silvestre seals Gunners move

Mikael Silvestre has completed a transfer to Arsenal for an undisclosed fee, bringing down the curtain on a nine-year Manchester United career.

The French defender, who joined from Internazionale in September 1999, made 361 appearances for the Reds, scoring 10 goals and winning 10 major honours.

Speaking after Silvestre had completed the formalities of his move, Sir Alex Ferguson told ManUtd.com: “Mikael was a great servant and a wonderful professional. We wish him all the best at his new club and thank him for his service.”

Silvestre performed in the centre or left side of defence for the Reds, but was hit by serious back-to-back injuries in his United career, suffering a dislocated shoulder and cruciate knee ligament damage in 2007.

With Patrice Evra established as United’s first-choice left back, and the central partnership of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand seemingly set in stone, Mikael was unlikely to find regular first team football at Old Trafford this season.

Arsenal have swooped to add Silvestre’s international experience to their backline, and the popular Frenchman joins compatriots William Gallas, Gael Clichy, Bacary Sagna, Abou Diaby, Armand Traore and Samir Nasri at the Emirates Stadium.

Mikael has penned a two-year deal and will wear the number 18 shirt for the Gunners.

 

[Dime]

Wes has faith in strike pair

Wes Brown is backing Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez to fire the goals United have been missing in recent weeks when the pair are reunited against Portsmouth on Monday.

Rooney returned against Newcastle after virus disrupted his pre-season, but Tevez missed the match to fly home following a family bereavement. However, United could have both players fit and firing to face Portsmouth at Fratton Park.

"We've not scored too many goals recently,” admits Wes Brown.

“But we've had quite a few injuries so I'm not too concerned. Wayne has not played much and any side would miss him. But I'm sure we'll fine [with him back in the team]."

Rooney looked slightly short of match fitness against the Magpies, but 90 minutes of action can only aid his sharpness. Meanwhile, Tevez looked like a man possessed during pre-season, and will look to pick up where he left off when he returns to Manchester.

"Carlos [Tevez] was incredible on his own up front in pre-season," adds Wes. "He's looked really sharp and hungry - I don't know where he gets his energy from."

The 1-1 draw against Newcastle on the opening day was not the ideal start to United’s title defence. But with three Premier League away games in a row against Portsmouth, Liverpool (Sat 13 Sept) and Chelsea (Sun 21 Sept), the Reds must quickly move on.

Brown knows not to underestimate the challenge ahead of retaining the English and European crowns. “There’s a buzz around the place after last season’s success,” he says. “But it’s going to be tough to retain the two trophies, or even win more.”

 

[loldude333]

Wah straight matches against top 4...........better hope Ronaldo's back by then or judging by this showing they'll be easier to beat.

 

[Xypher]

So is berbatov coming or not? Its getting very draggy, just like the ronaldo saga

 

[Dime]

no news about any deal falling into place yet.SAF just quit on berba and get Henry!

 

[fgl]

aahahaaI doubt Henry will consider moving to man U ... on the oter hand ..

WE GOT SILVESTRE! woooo hooooo :mrgreen:

 

[Xypher]

I would love to see Henry back in the bpl.. Doesnt matter which club. Hull city also can haha

 

[GrimRiffer]

Tonight we fight the FA cup champions! We can do it guys!