He's played is best football centrally though. Not on either of the wings.
Everton Vs Manchester United
- Thread starter Solius
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In the latest episode of the United Hour Podcast, Nik (@Rood) is joined by CEO Duncan Drasdo and Financial Director Andy Green from the Manchester United Supporters Trust for a special episode on all things behind the scenes at Old Trafford including a brief history of MUST and their aims today, views on INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe so far, and the Old Trafford regeneration.
He's played is best football centrally though. Not on either of the wings.
VDS
Neville Rio Vidic Evra
Fletcher Anderson Giggs
Ronaldo Rooney
Berbatov
Neville Rio Vidic Evra
Fletcher Anderson Giggs
Ronaldo Rooney
Berbatov
O'Shea for Evra if he isnt fit and Evans for Rio if he's not fit.
I will miss 15-20 minutes between around the 60th and the 80th minute because I have to lie in bed taking ECGs and blood samples. I'm fecking furious! 
I really hope we'll kill the game off before that, otherwise I will punch some innocent nurse in the face from frustration.
Nani showed some grit and determination against Celtic, and is probably on his way to become less selfish. As should Ronaldo. Pick either of them off for Park if they fail to produce. Berbatov in at the hour mark to change things if necessary.
I really hope we'll kill the game off before that, otherwise I will punch some innocent nurse in the face from frustration.
Van der Sar
Neville Ferdinand Vidic Evra
Ronaldo Anderson Carrick Nani
Rooney Tevez
Neville Ferdinand Vidic Evra
Ronaldo Anderson Carrick Nani
Rooney Tevez
Nani showed some grit and determination against Celtic, and is probably on his way to become less selfish. As should Ronaldo. Pick either of them off for Park if they fail to produce. Berbatov in at the hour mark to change things if necessary.
This could be seen as a "must-win" game for us, I think so anyway. As Chelsea play Liverpool at Stamford Bridge, normally I'd like to see Chelsea beat Liverpool. But this time I'm really begging for a draw, and providing we beat Everton (and win our game in hand against Fulham) we'll be a single point behind both Chelsea and Liverpool (and they both have to come to Old Trafford yet).
Anyway, worst case scenario team:
------------------- Van der Sar ----------------
Neville ------ Evans -------- Vidic ------ O'Shea
---------- Fletcher --------- Anderson ---------
Ronaldo ------------ Rooney -------------- Park
------------------- Berbatov -------------------
Subs: Foster, Brown, Rafael, Giggs, Nani, Tévez & Manucho
That's obviously providing that Ferdinand, Evra, Carrick & Hargreaves are all still injured.
Neville seems to be preferred at Right Back (at the moment) so I can see him getting another start, though I'd prefer Brown to start. Evans seems to be preferred over Brown at Centre Back now, so I'd expect him to start again if Rio doesn't. O'Shea is our only other suitable Left Back, bar Fábio who to my knowledge is still injured. We're lacking Central Midfielders at the moment, but the two most natural are Fletcher and Anderson, which is why I've predicted them to start. Though it's a toss-up between Anderson and Giggs, with Giggs being rested for the whole Celtic game, he could well start. Ronaldo seemed up for it against Celtic, doesn't look to be too unfit (though he's obviously not back into a rhythm yet) so I'd just keep starting him. Nani played the majority of the Celtic game, so I don't see why Park shouldn't start this one. But again, it's basically a toss-up between those two. Berbatov's scored 5 in 4, Rooney's scored something like 8 in 6 for club and country. With both of them in form, it's hard not to play either of them, feel a bit sorry for Tévez but this is what it's like at a big club.
The story writes itself, though:
Everton 0-1 Manchester United
Wayne Rooney makes his return to Goodison Park, to score his 100th Career Club Goal and take 3 points back to Old Trafford.
Anyway, worst case scenario team:
------------------- Van der Sar ----------------
Neville ------ Evans -------- Vidic ------ O'Shea
---------- Fletcher --------- Anderson ---------
Ronaldo ------------ Rooney -------------- Park
------------------- Berbatov -------------------
Subs: Foster, Brown, Rafael, Giggs, Nani, Tévez & Manucho
That's obviously providing that Ferdinand, Evra, Carrick & Hargreaves are all still injured.
Neville seems to be preferred at Right Back (at the moment) so I can see him getting another start, though I'd prefer Brown to start. Evans seems to be preferred over Brown at Centre Back now, so I'd expect him to start again if Rio doesn't. O'Shea is our only other suitable Left Back, bar Fábio who to my knowledge is still injured. We're lacking Central Midfielders at the moment, but the two most natural are Fletcher and Anderson, which is why I've predicted them to start. Though it's a toss-up between Anderson and Giggs, with Giggs being rested for the whole Celtic game, he could well start. Ronaldo seemed up for it against Celtic, doesn't look to be too unfit (though he's obviously not back into a rhythm yet) so I'd just keep starting him. Nani played the majority of the Celtic game, so I don't see why Park shouldn't start this one. But again, it's basically a toss-up between those two. Berbatov's scored 5 in 4, Rooney's scored something like 8 in 6 for club and country. With both of them in form, it's hard not to play either of them, feel a bit sorry for Tévez but this is what it's like at a big club.
The story writes itself, though:
Everton 0-1 Manchester United
Wayne Rooney makes his return to Goodison Park, to score his 100th Career Club Goal and take 3 points back to Old Trafford.
I'd like to see the same team that we saw against Celtic. With the obvious changes depending Rio's and Evra's fitness.
I know Everton are struggling bit they shouldn't (and won't) be under estimated. There'll see this game as one that can get them back on track and kick start their season.
With our form as it is, I still expect us to get a result.
I know Everton are struggling bit they shouldn't (and won't) be under estimated. There'll see this game as one that can get them back on track and kick start their season.
With our form as it is, I still expect us to get a result.
Hopefully Rooney to get his 100th club goal in competitive games.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/oct/23/premierleague-manchesterunited
Wayne Rooney is playing with such renewed drive and purpose that the Everton fans who feel obliged to boo him at Goodison Park on Saturday could be forgiven if, secretly, they are also consumed by trepidation. Rooney's burst of scoring has brought him to 99 goals in his club career and the England international is in the most prolific form of his professional life as he aims to make it a century against the club where it all started.
"It would be special to do it at Everton," the Manchester United forward volunteered yesterday. "It's always nice to get to 100 goals when you're a striker and, if I could do it back at Everton, the club where I started, that would be really pleasing for me. That would be a really sweet moment."
Rooney's goal against Celtic on Tuesday means he has now scored nine times in his last seven games, his most impressive scoring run since registering his first professional goal, at the age of 16 years and 342 days, in a Carling Cup tie at Wrexham in October 2002.
"The last six years have just flown by," Rooney, who will turn 23 tomorrow, reminisced. "I can remember when I first came into the Everton team, at the age of 16, and Alan Stubbs telling me to try to enjoy every moment. He said to me, 'It will go a lot quicker than you think, you know' and over the years I've realised he was right. So I just want to enjoy every game and every season and that's what I am doing right now - really enjoying my football."
Sir Alex Ferguson, the United manager, has been encouraging Rooney to curb his roaming instincts and concentrate more on being in the opposition penalty area, and the striker believes these subtle changes have been instrumental in his improved form.
"I'm starting to play a lot higher up the pitch and I'm attacking defenders a bit more than earlier in the season," he said. "I've always been allowed to do that. The manager has never stopped me trying to run at players and create things in the opposition half. But I'm trying to do it more and commit defenders a bit more. I want to be more consistent in terms of scoring goals."
The signing of Dimitar Berbatov and the extra competition it has brought has, by Rooney's own admission, also given him a jolt. "We've got a lot of top-class strikers here and you know you have to play at your very best to stay in the team," he said. "I've managed to do that and I would hope I can get to the 20-goal mark now [for the season]. The season before last I scored 23 but I went a bit down last year to 18. I'd be really disappointed if I didn't top that this season."
Injuries allowing, it would certainly be a surprise if he failed to reach his target, particularly considering the partnership he is developing with Berbatov. "I'm really enjoying playing with him," said Rooney. "He links up play really well, his touch is brilliant, he creates chances and he's clever - he moves into areas of the pitch that mean you have a bit more space on the ball. I think he's settled in really well and hopefully we can score a few more goals between us."
Where that leaves Carlos Tevez is another matter and Rooney admitted sympathising with a striker who has started only three out of the nine matches since Berbatov's signing from Tottenham Hotspur. "Of course," he replied, when asked if he felt sorry for the Argentinian. "He's a world-class player and I really enjoy playing with him too. Unfortunately for Carlos he hasn't started the last few games but he's a top player and I'm sure when he gets his chance he will take it."
Opening salvoes
Everton 2002-2004
Debut goal Although it was his long-distance missile to end Arsenal's 30-match unbeaten run which truly announced his arrival on the football stage, a 16-year-old Wayne Rooney in fact scored his first professional goal against Wrexham three weeks earlier in a League Cup tie at the Racecourse on October 1 2002. His second came seven minutes later as Everton secured a convincing 3-0 win.
Appearances 77
Goals 17 (League 15, League Cup 2)
Manchester United 2004-2008
Debut goal Again a single goal was not enough for Rooney when breaking his duck and at United he wasted no time in opening his account - netting his first on the 17th minute of his debut against Fenerbahce on September 28 2004 in the group stages of the Champions League. The 18-year-old scored his second 11 minutes later and completed his hat-trick in the second half as his new club ran riot against the Turkish champions, eventually winning 6-2.
Appearances 200
Goals 82 (League 56, FA Cup 10, League Cup 2, Europe 14)
Mikey Stafford
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2008/oct/23/premierleague-manchesterunited
Wayne Rooney is playing with such renewed drive and purpose that the Everton fans who feel obliged to boo him at Goodison Park on Saturday could be forgiven if, secretly, they are also consumed by trepidation. Rooney's burst of scoring has brought him to 99 goals in his club career and the England international is in the most prolific form of his professional life as he aims to make it a century against the club where it all started.
"It would be special to do it at Everton," the Manchester United forward volunteered yesterday. "It's always nice to get to 100 goals when you're a striker and, if I could do it back at Everton, the club where I started, that would be really pleasing for me. That would be a really sweet moment."
Rooney's goal against Celtic on Tuesday means he has now scored nine times in his last seven games, his most impressive scoring run since registering his first professional goal, at the age of 16 years and 342 days, in a Carling Cup tie at Wrexham in October 2002.
"The last six years have just flown by," Rooney, who will turn 23 tomorrow, reminisced. "I can remember when I first came into the Everton team, at the age of 16, and Alan Stubbs telling me to try to enjoy every moment. He said to me, 'It will go a lot quicker than you think, you know' and over the years I've realised he was right. So I just want to enjoy every game and every season and that's what I am doing right now - really enjoying my football."
Sir Alex Ferguson, the United manager, has been encouraging Rooney to curb his roaming instincts and concentrate more on being in the opposition penalty area, and the striker believes these subtle changes have been instrumental in his improved form.
"I'm starting to play a lot higher up the pitch and I'm attacking defenders a bit more than earlier in the season," he said. "I've always been allowed to do that. The manager has never stopped me trying to run at players and create things in the opposition half. But I'm trying to do it more and commit defenders a bit more. I want to be more consistent in terms of scoring goals."
The signing of Dimitar Berbatov and the extra competition it has brought has, by Rooney's own admission, also given him a jolt. "We've got a lot of top-class strikers here and you know you have to play at your very best to stay in the team," he said. "I've managed to do that and I would hope I can get to the 20-goal mark now [for the season]. The season before last I scored 23 but I went a bit down last year to 18. I'd be really disappointed if I didn't top that this season."
Injuries allowing, it would certainly be a surprise if he failed to reach his target, particularly considering the partnership he is developing with Berbatov. "I'm really enjoying playing with him," said Rooney. "He links up play really well, his touch is brilliant, he creates chances and he's clever - he moves into areas of the pitch that mean you have a bit more space on the ball. I think he's settled in really well and hopefully we can score a few more goals between us."
Where that leaves Carlos Tevez is another matter and Rooney admitted sympathising with a striker who has started only three out of the nine matches since Berbatov's signing from Tottenham Hotspur. "Of course," he replied, when asked if he felt sorry for the Argentinian. "He's a world-class player and I really enjoy playing with him too. Unfortunately for Carlos he hasn't started the last few games but he's a top player and I'm sure when he gets his chance he will take it."
Opening salvoes
Everton 2002-2004
Debut goal Although it was his long-distance missile to end Arsenal's 30-match unbeaten run which truly announced his arrival on the football stage, a 16-year-old Wayne Rooney in fact scored his first professional goal against Wrexham three weeks earlier in a League Cup tie at the Racecourse on October 1 2002. His second came seven minutes later as Everton secured a convincing 3-0 win.
Appearances 77
Goals 17 (League 15, League Cup 2)
Manchester United 2004-2008
Debut goal Again a single goal was not enough for Rooney when breaking his duck and at United he wasted no time in opening his account - netting his first on the 17th minute of his debut against Fenerbahce on September 28 2004 in the group stages of the Champions League. The 18-year-old scored his second 11 minutes later and completed his hat-trick in the second half as his new club ran riot against the Turkish champions, eventually winning 6-2.
Appearances 200
Goals 82 (League 56, FA Cup 10, League Cup 2, Europe 14)
Mikey Stafford
United have accumulated more points (79), won more matches (25), and scored more goals (67) against Everton than against any other club in the Premier League.
Any news on the squad? is carrick in, hargreaves, ferdinand, evra?
hope we win
Not quite as daunting a fixture as it used to be. We'll win.
Should me and the "wife" go sit in the home end?
We could just as easy drop points here than Liverpool / Chelsea will. A win is imperative
Jacob's prediction
Line-up:
-------------------------VDS---------------------
Brown-------Ferdinand-------Vidic---------Evra
Ronaldo--------Giggs-------Fletcher--------Park
----------------Rooney------Berbatov------------
Score: Everton 1 - 2 Manchester United
Goals: Rooney, Ronaldo
Player to watch: Rooney
Line-up:
-------------------------VDS---------------------
Brown-------Ferdinand-------Vidic---------Evra
Ronaldo--------Giggs-------Fletcher--------Park
----------------Rooney------Berbatov------------
Score: Everton 1 - 2 Manchester United
Goals: Rooney, Ronaldo
Player to watch: Rooney
Is Hargreaves back for the game ?
----------------VDS-----------------
Nev--------Rio--------Vidic-----Evra
Ronaldo---Fletch-----Giggs-----Park
-----------Rooney-----Berbatov------
1-0 Rooney to score
Nev--------Rio--------Vidic-----Evra
Ronaldo---Fletch-----Giggs-----Park
-----------Rooney-----Berbatov------
1-0 Rooney to score
Carrick is fit but won't be considered for this game, but will for the West Ham game. Evra and Ferdinand have recovered from the respective knocks according to Sky Sports.
Sir Alex as mention on a few occasions now that he sees Giggs as a central player (either in midfield or further forward) so I'd be very surprised if he was to play where you have him on your prediction. Either Nani or Park to start on the left wing for me. With Nani being my preferred choice.
The rest I agree with, with maybe the exception of Brown in for Neville. Brown extra physicality will be useful for this fixture.
I think the thing with Jacob's line up is it can easily switch to a 4-5-1/4-3-3 if need be with Giggs tucking in adding some composure on the ball in the middle of the park.
To be fair Everton's left hand side is pretty weak with most of the play down that side coming from the full back so i'd rather have Neville in who offers much more going forward.
Fergie confirmed that both Evra and Rio are fit and will play but Carrick will play against West Ham.
Remember how I predicted Evans to start last game and got the score right, before you laughed at my prediction?
In fairness though you had Evans in for Vidic just for the sake of giving him a game. That's what TS commented at. As did i.
As it turned out there was an injury to Rio making Evans favourite to start.
It's on TV here.
Yup, but Fergie could've given Brown the nod as CB and use either Neville or Rafael on the right.
have a feeling, ronnie will be on bench. Tevez should get a start but who would he rest.
VDS
Brown Rio Vidic Evra
Fletcher - Giggs
Then I have no idea really. I think Giggs will start after being rested against Celtic. Rooney and Berbatov will start. Tevez? Park? Ronaldo? Anderson? It's not easy decisions for Fergie to make.
Brown Rio Vidic Evra
Fletcher - Giggs
Then I have no idea really. I think Giggs will start after being rested against Celtic. Rooney and Berbatov will start. Tevez? Park? Ronaldo? Anderson? It's not easy decisions for Fergie to make.
I think his decision at the bridge was a clear indication Evans was the first choice back up in that department. Especially as he had a bloody good game that day too.
I said you'd have 2 mistakes in your line up though, and you did
Well done on getting the scores right though, you should have had a bet on!
Maybe in a not so distant future, people will use my "Jacob's prediction" as template for betting. Here's hoping
I reckon this is a key game for the next few weeks, if (and I fear it's a big if, they're going to give us a tough fight) we beat Everton we'll have done very, very well at the start of the season, at least if we look back and consider we already played Chelsea, Liverpool, Blackburn, Everton and Pompey away from home (and getting 10/15 points). Good to see Everton's lack of form (especially their defence) and Cahill missing this game, but we need to raise our game to take all three points there. An early goal would certainly help the case, but I expect us to start with a more cautious approach to the game and try to break them on the counter.
We need to play our strongest XI (Fletcher and Anderson in the middle, Carrick on the bench, Wes at right-back), no experiments for this one please. If we get away with a win we should have enough confidence to beat West Ham and Hull at home as well (making it six league wins in a row) before we need to go to the Emirates on November 8th.
We need to play our strongest XI (Fletcher and Anderson in the middle, Carrick on the bench, Wes at right-back), no experiments for this one please. If we get away with a win we should have enough confidence to beat West Ham and Hull at home as well (making it six league wins in a row) before we need to go to the Emirates on November 8th.
----------------VDS-------------------
Brown------Rio------Vida----------Evra
---Fletch------Anderson--------Park---
-----------Rooney-----Tevez----------
----------------Berbatov--------------
Or play both Rooney & Tevez either side of Berba instead of just behind him. Either way, I'd start with the three of them
Subs: PIG, Nev, Evans, O'Shea, Giggs, Nani, Ronaldo.
Brown------Rio------Vida----------Evra
---Fletch------Anderson--------Park---
-----------Rooney-----Tevez----------
----------------Berbatov--------------
Or play both Rooney & Tevez either side of Berba instead of just behind him. Either way, I'd start with the three of them
Subs: PIG, Nev, Evans, O'Shea, Giggs, Nani, Ronaldo.
Yes. I do. However as cw1984 quite rightly stated you suggested that Vidic would replaced for no reason what so ever. Evans came in for an injury as he looks like the obvious backup for the central defense position.
The score was pot luck
I realise that Everton's left side isn't the strongest but I'd still prefer the much more physical presence of Brown for this fixture.
So this game isnt even on setanta?
Anyone know if we will be able to get a decent stream on sopcast?
Anyone know if we will be able to get a decent stream on sopcast?
We probably won't know until 7am tomorrow morning, but I think it's safe to say that there will be quite a few more than decent streams available. Pretty much every TV station outside the UK will show this game, so don't worry.
Where has all this talk of it not being available on streams come from...just because its not being shown in the UK? So f*cking what.
The Japanese are our friends, and are always good to us, they'll sort us out
The Japanese are our friends, and are always good to us, they'll sort us out
btw: If we win this, and the bin dippers and chelsea draw, and we win our game in hand against Fulham, we will be 2 points behind chelsea.
not bad considering the world was ending for United a few weeks back
not bad considering the world was ending for United a few weeks back
If they draw we'll only be one point behind either Chelsea and Liverpool. Let's do our work first though.
Most of the streams are shit
ok..... its a tough one but here we go!
Fergies Formula
------------ Van Der Sar ------------
- Brown - Ferdinand - Vidic - Evra -
Park - Fletcher - Anderson - Ronaldo
---------- Rooney - Tevez ----------
I would have gone with nani, but it think ferguson will mix it up a bit and will look for a bit of defensive stability at goodison. Tevez to get a start.
Fergies Formula
------------ Van Der Sar ------------
- Brown - Ferdinand - Vidic - Evra -
Park - Fletcher - Anderson - Ronaldo
---------- Rooney - Tevez ----------
I would have gone with nani, but it think ferguson will mix it up a bit and will look for a bit of defensive stability at goodison. Tevez to get a start.
If we do win our match tomorrow and they draw on Sunday, we win our game in hand and it'll only be one point behind them, not two. But the question is, when will our game in hand happen? We do need to win tomorrow though first, which I'm confident we can do. Yes, it isn't bad considering a month ago people once again were writing us off, honestly you'd think they would learn by now that you never, EVER write Manchester United off