Tonight we came up against a side who played better than any side I've seen us face in Europe. Athletic Bilbao's performance tonight, eclipses that of Barcelona's at Wembley in May IMO.
I don't think we've been outplayed like that since we were beaten 4-0 by Barcelona in 1994 at a time when the "three foreigner rule" was in place. That was a harsh lesson for the team and our youngsters who played that night, and tonight and last Thursday was the same for our current crop.
I have to say that Athletic have gained my full respect tonight, not just for the way they played, but how their fans behaved, in giving Ryan Giggs a standing ovation when he was going off, applauding Wayne Rooney and Rafael when they got up after it looked like they were both injured. And I'm actually just hearing that there were apparently around 1500 Athletic supporters waiting outside the United supporters entrance when they came out. Where they looking for trouble? No. They were there to applaud the United supporters, to shake their hands and give them their scarves. That was an incredible gesture and an amazing sight to behold I'm sure.
Athletic Bilbao
posted on 15/3/12
He's on a French website pretending to be an Olympique Lyonnais fan.
posted on 15/3/12
posted on 15/3/12
comment by Arab of Manchester (U11781)
posted 4 seconds ago
comment by itsonlyagame - my team is bigger than your team (U6426)
Good because I'd hate for you to generalise our fans because of idiots like him. I hope you win the champions league though, 2 batterings by Barca in the past few years has really wound me up.
---
I don't do that. You are not who you support.
Thanks for the best wishes, but comparing how they play in Europe and how we do, it's going to be an uphill task.
posted on 15/3/12
I just don't want them being the first team to defend the champions league trophy, it'd get the media creaming all over them and it's bad enough right now always banging on about how great they are. I'm sure Mourinho this time will have Pep caught out, one can hope!
posted on 15/3/12
Hafijur, give it a rest.
You are way behind Bilbao just admit it.
We also are, I don't mind admitting that.
posted on 15/3/12
I just don't want them being the first team to defend the champions league trophy, it'd get the media creaming all over them and it's bad enough right now always banging on about how great they are.
---
You'll appreciate it in time. Like I appreciate the Milan side who drubbed us 5-0 back in 88 or 89.
I don't have any resentment towards Barça, they've succeeded playing such unique football that it'd be a pity not to be able to enjoy it just because my dad brainwashed me as a kid.
posted on 15/3/12
Don't get me wrong, they've got quality players and they really represent the meaning of teamwork. I enjoy watching their football too but fecking hell the media don't half drone on about them, ah well..
posted on 15/3/12
The media here only ever go on about one out of two teams anywa.
You know Abidal's got to go through a liver transplant op? Tough news, wish him well.
Anyway, 'night lads, been fun.
posted on 15/3/12
Yeah I heard, he'd only recovered from liver cancer last season right? Poor guy, wish him the best of luck in his operation. Goodnight mate.
posted on 15/3/12
http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/athletic-bilbao-home-football-shirt-clearance-now-only-12-99-2-99-p-p-classicfootballshirts-1169684
Man U want one of these at this price !!!!
................
Lmao