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Some cracking games this week, Barca/City and Bayern/Arsenal. Can't see past Bayern and Barca wins. Pellegrini has said he'll attack Barca and I say do so at your peril. This may not be the Barca side from 2010-2012 but its still a very very good side with players in form currently, namely Fabregas, Sanchez and with a returning Messi back in the goals. There's a chance that if they go in with two strikers that they could get torn to pieces. I think against Barca you have to play a 5 man midfield. They keep the ball too well and will just pass their way through you.

I bet Man Utd are happy to be involved with someone who so blatantly breaches the confidentiality around transfer dealings. He sounds like a right gem.

Nothing on Rooney that hasn't broke to press unfortunately.

Other things he's said;

The Ronaldo deal was so close to going through, SAF retiring really did put the brakes on it and SAF still tried to be involved in bringing him back afterwards.

Before David Gill moved on from being Chief Exec he had a huge bust up with Patrice Evra on the day Utd went to Chester Races, Evra threatened to walk out of the club, stormed home and Gill ended up having to go there to thrash it out.

Dunno why we are sending video packages of our "vision". We aren't some new rich club we are Manchester United - players know what we are about.

Hero wrote:Nothing on Rooney that hasn't broke to press unfortunately.

Other things he's said;

The Ronaldo deal was so close to going through, SAF retiring really did put the brakes on it and SAF still tried to be involved in bringing him back afterwards.

Before David Gill moved on from being Chief Exec he had a huge bust up with Patrice Evra on the day Utd went to Chester Races, Evra threatened to walk out of the club, stormed home and Gill ended up having to go there to thrash it out.

Does your 'friend' know you're telling lies on his behalf?

mystiroakey wrote:"but lets face it even with 11 they never stood a chance of winning this tie. "


you needed to watch the game then mate- they were well in it

Yes maybe, but they were never going to win tie overall. Bayern are simply too good for them.

Ent wrote:Dunno why we are sending video packages of our "vision". We aren't some new rich club we are Manchester United - players know what we are about.

I'm not even sure what this means...

Did they send him a picture of an empty trophy cabinet and a 6th place finish?

Lumbering_Jack wrote:

Ent wrote:Dunno why we are sending video packages of our "vision". We aren't some new rich club we are Manchester United - players know what we are about.

I'm not even sure what this means...

Did they send him a picture of an empty trophy cabinet and a 6th place finish?

Very droll.

Why would I make it up? But thanks for accusing me of being a liar, don't let the door hit you on the way out if that continues.

Hero wrote:Why would I make it up? But thanks for accusing me of being a liar.

That's what I'm trying to figure out.

Why would your mate be happy with you blabbing on an Internet forum about what are presumably confidential matters.

We love you Hero, we do,
We love you Hero, we do,
We love you Hero, we do,
Oh Hero, we love you.

Just so you know that your effort is appreciated.

He's looking to move on very soon, he's fed up of having to fly of to Hong Kong etc at a moment's notice.

Hero wrote:He's looking to move on very soon, he's fed up of having to fly of to Hong Kong etc at a moment's notice.

What a way to impress a prospective employer. He's a man with a plan by the sounds of it.

Wait, whats your mates name Hero? Thats how we'll get him sacked. A mate of mine works at United though, im definitely gonna ask him about the pictures haha

Everything Hero says is correct.

Do you also have inside information then?

I'm not disputing that he's been told these things but I find it slightly odd that somebody who would have confidentiality clauses in his contract would be so frivolous with sensitive information.

Daily Mail creating a storm in a teacup tonight trying to claim Robben spat on Sagna even though it looks like sweat dripping from his chin.

Was surprised to see the "Lazy" Ozil had run the 3rd biggest distance after Flamini & Wilshere.

Might do, I never ask him. Hes been there two years, too junior to be on that level. Hes told me things that are really rather dull, he went out on the town with Danny Simpson a couple times for example and basically, Danny is a bit of a Tinkywinky.

You'll find they are at every club though. End of the day, youre dealing with humans who are also football fans. They'll obviously have friends who also care, maybe more than them, and they'll trust them not to name them ever (which is true on, for example, the biggest West Ham forum Kumb.com where "ITKs" or what have you then have sources verified by the owners of the site). Then its very very hard to prove anything, with a multitude of staff it could have come from, the fact rumours always start anyway and the fact you cant sack people on hearsay of hearsay.

Football clubs dont care, they can deny anything they want and most people will believe them.

Like I mentioned with Ravel, theres a lot more going on with him at the moment than the papers report. Thats because either a) They dont know the whole story because theyre getting information from one camp in the argument b) they cant support what they have heard so don't report it. Actually, amongst many others, a notable c) They are happy to give one side of the argument from a certain party because it starts a beneficial relationship.

Main point though, people at football clubs are normal humans.

Fernando wrote:Daily Mail creating a storm in a teacup tonight trying to claim Robben spat on Sagna even though it looks like sweat dripping from his chin.

Was surprised to see the "Lazy" Ozil had run the 3rd biggest distance after Flamini & Wilshere.

Well, the Arsenal fans on twitter have kicked that up before the Mail.

And you can run a lot without putting the effort for the right cause. Just watch that full back go Mezut, as long as you jog back you'll still cover distance. Id agree with others, its not his job, but whilst hes having so little influence he might wanna work hard and not push Flamini because he had a word with him.

NickisBHAFC wrote:

mystiroakey wrote:"but lets face it even with 11 they never stood a chance of winning this tie. "


you needed to watch the game then mate- they were well in it

Yes maybe, but they were never going to win tie overall. Bayern are simply too good for them.

i really wouldnt say that mate.

i think at 1-0 down they could have got through.

2-0 seems impossible to beat a  team like bayern because they can tactically take arsernal out of the tie- but at 1-0 only it can get very cagey and doubts can creep in.

That late goal killed it.

Arsenal firstly needed to have scored when there were on the up. They over played in the box on about 3 occasions when they could have just had a pop at goal and they missed a pen..

Then well in fairness i dont blame Chesney at all for the sending off- only the defender that missed his man.

Bayern are the better team- but in exactly the same way as last night. there was no major class difference between the sides. at 11 v 11.

And now the PL's hopes rest on the one team that rarely make mistakes in cup football.. Chelsea.. They may not be the pritiest but they will be tough to beat.

Dolphin Ziggler wrote:

Fernando wrote:Daily Mail creating a storm in a teacup tonight trying to claim Robben spat on Sagna even though it looks like sweat dripping from his chin.

Was surprised to see the "Lazy" Ozil had run the 3rd biggest distance after Flamini & Wilshere.

Well, the Arsenal fans on twitter have kicked that up before the Mail.

And you can run a lot without putting the effort for the right cause. Just watch that full back go Mezut, as long as you jog back you'll still cover distance. Id agree with others, its not his job, but whilst hes having so little influence he might wanna work hard and not push Flamini because he had a word with him.

I hadn't seen that had a look at the DM site not sure why the fuss it's clear he didn't. Personally id have brought him for Rosicky & not Chamberlain when we're being pushed back like that.

Dolphin Ziggler wrote:

Fernando wrote:Daily Mail creating a storm in a teacup tonight trying to claim Robben spat on Sagna even though it looks like sweat dripping from his chin.

Was surprised to see the "Lazy" Ozil had run the 3rd biggest distance after Flamini & Wilshere.

Well, the Arsenal fans on twitter have kicked that up before the Mail.

And you can run a lot without putting the effort for the right cause. Just watch that full back go Mezut, as long as you jog back you'll still cover distance. Id agree with others, its not his job, but whilst hes having so little influence he might wanna work hard and not push Flamini because he had a word with him.

I am very surprised by that.

but then the problem for me was his distribution.

I am not surprised by wilshire as he fought his heart out and was MOTM for Arsernak

Hammersmith harrier wrote:Do you also have inside information then?

I'm not disputing that he's been told these things but I find it slightly odd that somebody who would have confidentiality clauses in his contract would be so frivolous with sensitive information.

Tbf HH it does happen. My stepdad works in the delivery industry, one of his drivers goes up the club, he found out that Lambert was leaving in the February, told me stepdad who told me, who in turn told Tooze and a lot of people I know.

Spread like wildfire these things, although obviously Nodge isn't on the scale of Utd

A journalist should take care to protect his sources - not giving their names to any tom dick or harry he meets in a pub or v2 thread.

Red killed both games really. Little bit disappointed in City, you can't open up vs Barca but they were a bit passive.

Thought Wenger got it spot on. Arsenal a tad unlucky and Bayerns quality told with an extra man

Fernando wrote:

Dolphin Ziggler wrote:

Fernando wrote:Daily Mail creating a storm in a teacup tonight trying to claim Robben spat on Sagna even though it looks like sweat dripping from his chin.

Was surprised to see the "Lazy" Ozil had run the 3rd biggest distance after Flamini & Wilshere.

Well, the Arsenal fans on twitter have kicked that up before the Mail.

And you can run a lot without putting the effort for the right cause. Just watch that full back go Mezut, as long as you jog back you'll still cover distance. Id agree with others, its not his job, but whilst hes having so little influence he might wanna work hard and not push Flamini because he had a word with him.

I hadn't seen that had a look at the DM site not sure why the fuss it's clear he didn't. Personally id have brought him for Rosicky & not Chamberlain when we're being pushed back like that.

Rosicky needs as many games as his body allows, since they managed him better hes been brilliant.

I watched the "spit" thing a few times and really couldnt see a) if it was spit b) if it even hit Sagna.

Twitter and tards are such a   

Atletico were very fortunate against a side who decided to reverse their league form and looked sharp in the first half. Courtois' return from injury was timely. He was badly missed in the return tie in the Copa del Rey against Real Madrid and the humiliation in Almeria.

Atleti are passing through a very rough patch. They showed glimpses of their short passing game but in recent times they've relied too much on aerial long passing to a heavily marked Costa.

The tie is far from over as an away goal and a clean sheet might encourage Simeone to close up shop, which is what he did in the away tie against Athletic de Bilbao and conceded a goal as a result. Only when Atleti pressed forward did they look more likely.

If they get into the quarters, they have the prospect of facing PSG, Bayern or Barcelona. Barcelona would be their best bet or they'd need to regain their form in the first quarter of the League. But they have beaten superior teams on the European stage before so there's always hope but I readily admit the probability is very low on their current form.

Agree GSC, both games ruined unfortunately. United will get to QF's & Arsenal & City won't, you have got to laugh. Yeah, enjoyed Giroud being dropped, really liked the movement & pacier option of Sanogo in the first twenty minutes, caused problems. That's what Ozil wants from a striker, someone he can pass a ball through too & weight a pass, instead he just looks up & sees a stationery Giroud. You don't pay £44m on a player to hit a stationery striker, any ordinary player can do that. Bayern in the the end were just too good with the extra man & killed off the tie, like Barcelona did. They didn't even have Muller starting, Bastian S, Ribery or Shaqiri.

Saw the Atletico game, expected a tight game as Milan usually up their game in the first legs in these second rounds, as we've seen against Arsenal & Barcelona in previous years. Nothing surprises me with Courtois, immense keeper, who I imagine will be back at Chelsea next season.

Nice to see you on this side Kia..


nothing to laugh about John.. Games were killed off. Both could and should have been classics..

even just 1-0 losses which on real reflection would have been fair... Citehs red was a red but awful reffing decision as it wasn't a pen. Not going to get into arsenals sending off put again a 1 goal deficit would have also made a cracking away tie.

if man u do get through they are going to get absolutely murdered..

all about Chelsea to fly the pl flag.

I wouldn't call it awful, he slides outside the box and then brings Messi down right on the edge, it's very close and at full speed mistakes can be easily made, i couldn't make my mind up until the fourth and fifth viewing!

Exactly, can't complain about either really, split second decision they have to make, mysti, even you would of had to of watched it repeated times to be sure.

Wenger claiming Robben dived was embarrassing, we all know what would of been said if Ozil had done the same thing. Pellegrini lambasting the ref was also embarrassing, especially about the clear Navas dive leading upto the penalty. Just admit it, EPL sides aren't good enough on this level as of yet. Barcelona & Bayern are the benchmark, yes, they were aided by red cards, however, both ties were always going to be uphill battles against these experienced european powerhouses.

I dont think there is one person that wont admit that Bayern, barca and Madrid are the top 3.

But i think its also pretty obvious that the next 9 comprise of 1 more spainish side , 1 more german(dortmund), one french and 6 pl clubs though.

It's not that obvious, there's a whole heap of teams who get through the group stages most stages that are below the top group, even as a shadow of them former selves Milan are still last 16 at least every season, Juventus despite being poor this year are every bit as good as a number of the English clubs! For me there's simply Bayern top tier, Barca,Madrid and then the rest who can pull off a shock but are all long shots to win the competition! Maybe with the exception of Chelsea, Dortmund and PSG who i like more and more!

mystiroakey wrote:I dont think there is one person that wont admit that Bayern, barca and Madrid are the top 3.

But i think its also pretty obvious that the next 9 comprise of 1 more spainish side , 1 more german(dortmund), one french and 6 pl clubs though.

ahem

Chelsea probally have a great case for being no 4 in europe though mate!

anyway. I cant believe it. I agree 100% with Platini's view on all this red card BS.

He is suggesting a sin bin type ruling like in Rugby. Exactly what i think is the way forward..

Miracles do happen!

well we've won the CL more recently than Barca and much more recently than Madrid. Pushed the current European Champions all the way earlier this year (only losing on pens), so you could say we're n°2

Joking of course, but reallistically I would give us a decent chance of beating anyone except Bayern in this year's CL, they looked rather good (though I missed the first 20 minutes where they were under the cosh). Barca didn't really impress me much, City were just poor (and got their tactics all wrong).

I think you have a decent chance of beating anyone. and i would deffo put you as 4th favs this year..

You are possibly the best value odds out there - you can get 14/1, which compared to PSG and Athleticos 10/1 it seems like a steal.(the reason the following two are lower is only because they have won there first legs and chelsea are yet to play- come next week you will be down to 10/1- 8/1... as long as you win off course)

Bayern are 2/1

That is unheard of odds at this stage in the competition

No team has retained it for a reason, despite how good bayern look it is a cup competition and I could see them coming a cropper somewhere along the line.

Both games ruined yes, but its hardly the ref's fault. Both were stonewall penalty's and red card decisions. Has to give them, doesn't matter for those watching in the stadium and those watching in the pub. Demechiles and Monreal to blame. I thought Monreal completely stitched Chesney up.

"Both were stonewall penalty's"




Well one wasnt a penalty . so......


"I thought Monreal completely stitched Chesney up."


agree.

kiakahaaotearoa wrote:Atletico were very fortunate against a side who decided to reverse their league form and looked sharp in the first half. Courtois' return from injury was timely. He was badly missed in the return tie in the Copa del Rey against Real Madrid and the humiliation in Almeria.

Atleti are passing through a very rough patch. They showed glimpses of their short passing game but in recent times they've relied too much on aerial long passing to a heavily marked Costa.

The tie is far from over as an away goal and a clean sheet might encourage Simeone to close up shop, which is what he did in the away tie against Athletic de Bilbao and conceded a goal as a result. Only when Atleti pressed forward did they look more likely.

If they get into the quarters, they have the prospect of facing PSG, Bayern or Barcelona. Barcelona would be their best bet or they'd need to regain their form in the first quarter of the League. But they have beaten superior teams on the European stage before so there's always hope but I readily admit the probability is very low on their current form.

As well as Atleti, played I somehow never seriously thought they would outlast RM or Barca for the league title or would win the Champion's League. They have strong players but lack the depth of superstar talent of the teams that could win this tournament and to win la liga. Costa was on a ridiculous goal score streak that at some point was going to dry up and predictably it did. I could see them beating PSG, as great as they have looked they just have yet to be tested this entire season and play in a rather weak league.

Mad for Chelsea wrote:well we've won the CL more recently than Barca and much more recently than Madrid. Pushed the current European Champions all the way earlier this year (only losing on pens), so you could say we're n°2

Joking of course, but reallistically I would give us a decent chance of beating anyone except Bayern in this year's CL, they looked rather good (though I missed the first 20 minutes where they were under the cosh). Barca didn't really impress me much, City were just poor (and got their tactics all wrong).

I would make Chelsea as 4th favorite after Bayern, Barca, and Real Madrid. Madrid are in great form this year and Bale finally is starting to get a regular run of good games and health. Di Maria and Benzema have also been spectacular this season. Bayern to me are the most well rounded, and experienced team of the bunch and a heavy favorite. But Jose knows how to win big matches and this Chelsea side have enough players to compete with anyone in the world. I can't see them bottling a big match against one of the heavyweights like Man City did.

Some game, this. socal hasn't seen a truly bad ref until he's watched Willie Collum in action.

Brussia smashed Zenit in. That Toe is over..

Come on United- . The only time I get to support moyesball. Dont let me down. Lets see some mata,rooney, tom 'xavi' cleverly magic!

Mata is cup tied Mysti.

Oh yes thats right.

Does it matter when you have Tom 'Xavi' Cleverly though?

God Ferdinand has just fallen off a cliff this season

What the Frak was that, Smalling?

Man u look out of there depth. What is with the basic errors..

I bet even the Utd fans are booing Young

Ok back on it.. Rooney with some nice touches and the defence has woken up