I can't stand this bloke like most United fans. I am all for constructive criticism and all that but the way the guy disrepects SAF is simply annoying. You need to watch him on Sunday Supplement to get what I mean.
However, credit where it is due as he has said something that almost everybody in the media has refused to say in the aftermath of our remarkable showing at the Barnebeau. The key statement for me is 'After last night’s masterpiece at the Bernabeu, it is time to stop underrating Ferguson’s latest squad' (see link to the entire piece http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/sport-comment/patrick-barclay-with-fledglings-like-these-its-no-time-for-sir-alex-ferguson-to-fly-nest-8494507.html ).
Believe me, this present United squad, while not the finished article and not very flashy, is one of the best that I have seen. I recall saying that we will not get a hiding at Madrid because the team can adapt easily to whatever situation they meet there. In fact, I can go as far as saying that the few loses we have had this season were probably down to wrong team selection (notably against Norwich & Spurs). I also believe that the team still has an extra gear or two to move to when needed. Considering the fact that most of our youngsters have been introduced into a lot of big games this season, I can see another period of total dominance on the horizon for us. This is what Fergie is the absolute master at doing - winning while building a new team. See Wenger (very brilliant manager, I must say) for proof that rebuilding a team and still winning is a very difficult thing to do.
Patrick Barclay - credits
posted on 15/2/13
Phil Jones will man mark the entire Barca midfield out of the game! We have them sussed now.
posted on 15/2/13
The_Red,
surprised you even read a Barclay's article while having dinner. You risked ruining your apetitie The guy puts me off big time.
I only saw the article in the Evening standard on my way from work yesterday and my first reaction was 'Not another SAF bashing' only to finish reading and realize that he was actually complimentary. I understand he has carried a grudge with Fergie since he refused to acknowledge his autobiography.
posted on 15/2/13
We're jumping the gun a little here. Madrid still very much in this tie.
However, our best chance against Barca is over two legs. Last time we had them over two legs we beat them and they didn't even score. In a one off game on a big pitch like Wembley, we'll get beat again.
Assuming both United and Barca get through. I'm hoping they get Bayern, Juve or Dortmund in the next round as I reckon all 3 of those teams have the tools to cope much better with Barca.
If we get past Madrid, we'll have the winner of Galatasary and Schalke or Porto vs Malaga.
posted on 15/2/13
I disagree SE85. Our best chance of beating Barca is over a single match not two legs.
Our last victory over them was a masterclass in tactics but it was not the same Barca team and certainly not the same United team.
Over two legs, they have more of a chance to turn it on! Over a single leg, we are more than capable of a smash-and-grab.
posted on 15/2/13
Not at Wembley we wouldn't. It's one of the biggest pitches in Europe. They'd do the same to us as they did in 2011.
posted on 15/2/13
comment by Stretford_Ender85 (U10955)
posted 7 minutes ago
Not at Wembley we wouldn't. It's one of the biggest pitches in Europe
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No, it isn't.
The Nou Camp and Old Trafford are bigger than New Wembley.
New Wembley is massive in the context of spectator numbers ( i believe the second highest in Europe) but size of the pitch is pretty ordinary.
posted on 15/2/13
The Red Cognosscente
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I seem to remember Fergie saying that the Wembley pitch is bigger than ours. I stand to be corrected on that one.
Recent history doesn't back you up mate.Barcelona win finals. Inter, United and Chelsea have all got the better of them in two legged semi finals since 2008.
There goes your theory.
posted on 15/2/13
Hoping for a miracle from AC Milan and Arsenal to get rid of Bayern and Barca
posted on 15/2/13
Hoping for a miracle from AC Milan and Arsenal to get rid of Bayern and Barca
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I don't hold much hope for either. Both second legs are at Bayern and Barca which doesn't help matters for Arsenal and Milan.
Would be nice if they drew each other in the next round if they get through.
Barca vs Bayern & Dortmund vs Juventus would be nice in quarter finals.
posted on 15/2/13
Ruiney that would be great