"Rio has a sore back but should play, Wes Brown is back, although Jonny Evans is doubtful. Gary Neville could be used as a substitute. Nani and Ben Foster have both recovered from their injuries and should be fine. Nemanja Vidic returned to training today."
Manchester United vs. Birmingham City F.C.
- Thread starter VidaRed
- Start date
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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.
nice one. United’s defensive injury problems have subsided slightly ahead of Sunday’s season opener at Old Trafford against Birmingham.
Nemanja Vidic started training with the first team again on Friday after overcoming a calf problem, while Jonny Evans will miss Sunday’s match against Birmingham with an ankle injury, but should return for the trip to Burnley on Wednesday.
United are also without Edwin van der Sar (hand) and Rafael (shoulder), but Wes Brown is likely to partner Rio Ferdinand in the centre of defence, Ben Foster has recovered from a swollen knee which kept him out of England’s game against Holland as a precaution in midweek, while Gary Neville is over his groin problem and may make the bench.
“Jonny Evans picked up an injury against Chelsea, which resurfaced during training for Ireland,” Sir Alex confirmed on Friday afternoon. “He’s doubtful for Sunday, but it’s not serious and he should be ready for Wednesday against Burnley.
“Rio returned from international duty with a sore back, but we think he’ll be OK. Wes and Gary both trained with the first team this week. Wes is more advanced than Gary and he is in contention for Sunday. We might put Gary on the bench.”
http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid={C7DF7CEC-3BC3-4859-A3FD-FE4AAD215DD8}&newsid=6637843
Nemanja Vidic started training with the first team again on Friday after overcoming a calf problem, while Jonny Evans will miss Sunday’s match against Birmingham with an ankle injury, but should return for the trip to Burnley on Wednesday.
United are also without Edwin van der Sar (hand) and Rafael (shoulder), but Wes Brown is likely to partner Rio Ferdinand in the centre of defence, Ben Foster has recovered from a swollen knee which kept him out of England’s game against Holland as a precaution in midweek, while Gary Neville is over his groin problem and may make the bench.
“Jonny Evans picked up an injury against Chelsea, which resurfaced during training for Ireland,” Sir Alex confirmed on Friday afternoon. “He’s doubtful for Sunday, but it’s not serious and he should be ready for Wednesday against Burnley.
“Rio returned from international duty with a sore back, but we think he’ll be OK. Wes and Gary both trained with the first team this week. Wes is more advanced than Gary and he is in contention for Sunday. We might put Gary on the bench.”
http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid={C7DF7CEC-3BC3-4859-A3FD-FE4AAD215DD8}&newsid=6637843
Oh for feck's sake. I thought a summer's rest was gonna sort that out.
Coulr really do without another season of on-off back problems
As an aside, if Wes is only "in contention" for Saturday, that must mean there's a chance he won't play. Ditto Rio. Evans/Vidic and Nev are all definitely out.
This means our back four could quite possibly consist of Evra, Cathcart, O'Shea and Fabio.
Blimey!
This means our back four could quite possibly consist of Evra, Cathcart, O'Shea and Fabio.
Blimey!
But will probably be: Evra - Evans - Ferdinand - O'Shea.
We do have quite a few injury issues though!
Possible but unlikely.
Hearing that news i expect:
Fabio O'Shea Rio Evra.
I hope Wes isnt risked.
How likely is it that Fletch plays tomorrow? I have him in my fantasy team but I reckon Fergie could go with Carrick and Ando. Plus you don't get points on FF for being quite good. Only assists and goals and motm.
Is Fletcher likely to get goals, assists or MotM very often? I'd have thought there were far better choices, whether he plays on Sunday or not.
Read the news mate. Evans is definitely not taking part in the game against Birmingham. It's probably Wes or Fabio who's gonna replace him.
Oh for feck's sake. I thought a summer's rest was gonna sort that out.
Coulr really do without another season of on-off back problems
I've said it before.
Back injuries never go away.
This summer should have been spent finding the "next Rio".
Nice way to boost the team's morale...
McLeish: Birmingham not ready for Premier League
Birmingham City are not ready for the Premier League, says Alex McLeish
Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish has admitted his team are “not equipped” for the Premier League – a statement that will not come as music to the ears of Blues’ fans just a couple of days before they face a daunting trip to champions Manchester United on the opening day of the campaign.
City travel to Old Trafford on Sunday with a makeshift back-four due to a long injury list, while their pre-season results have been anything but impressive – with a win against Dagenham their only success in seven warm-up games during pre-season.
Consequently, McLeish is urging the club’s board to make more money available for much-needed reinforcements.
more: Birmingham City are not ready for the Premier League, says Alex McLeish | Give Me Football
McLeish: Birmingham not ready for Premier League
Birmingham City are not ready for the Premier League, says Alex McLeish
Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish has admitted his team are “not equipped” for the Premier League – a statement that will not come as music to the ears of Blues’ fans just a couple of days before they face a daunting trip to champions Manchester United on the opening day of the campaign.
City travel to Old Trafford on Sunday with a makeshift back-four due to a long injury list, while their pre-season results have been anything but impressive – with a win against Dagenham their only success in seven warm-up games during pre-season.
Consequently, McLeish is urging the club’s board to make more money available for much-needed reinforcements.
more: Birmingham City are not ready for the Premier League, says Alex McLeish | Give Me Football
Our scouts are always looking for the next Rio, next Ronaldo, next Rooney. It's not something you just decide 'oh, I'll do it now'. Rio's still here. We've got Vidic, we've got Evans, Wes, O'Shea. We're well covered.
Can't wait for this game. We need a good strong start to the season, especially with some of the injuries and departures we have had. We really need Owen and Valencia to hit the ground running.
Who's going to start in goal?
I need to know for my fantasy team if I should go with Foster of PIG. Any ideas?
I need to know for my fantasy team if I should go with Foster of PIG. Any ideas?
Bound to be Foster.
Why do you say that?
As he isn't going to drop him on the back of one game. I just can't see it being Kuszczak, although I would play him.
Shit, thought this was on today (Saturday).
vs.
Old Trafford, Manchester
Sunday 16th August 2009
KO - 13:30 BST
Is the design on the top Brum FC ball supposed to be spaghetti junction? Which is the city's only claim to fame other than Cadbury's.
Foster
O'Shea
Rio
Evra
another defender, depending on who is fit
Fletcher
Carrick
Valencia
Roon
Berb
Nani
Looking for a solid start to the season, a real statement....hopefully three points up on the scouse by the end of the day
That's not "the news" though. I watched Fergie's press conference yesterday and h said he's a doubt. He may well not play, and probably won't, but according to Fergie he has a chance.
3-0 Rooney(2) Nani , Barry Ferguson to see red.
------------------------Foster---------------------------
--Fabio---------Sheasy-----------Rio---------------Evra--
--Park---------Carrick---------Fletcher-----------Nani---
-------------------Rooney-------Berbatov-----------------
Subs: Kuszack, Anderson, Scholes, Giggs, Neville, Owen, Valencia
Prediction:2-1 Sloppy uncconving victory. Goals from Rooney and Owen
--Fabio---------Sheasy-----------Rio---------------Evra--
--Park---------Carrick---------Fletcher-----------Nani---
-------------------Rooney-------Berbatov-----------------
Subs: Kuszack, Anderson, Scholes, Giggs, Neville, Owen, Valencia
Prediction:2-1 Sloppy uncconving victory. Goals from Rooney and Owen
I think Brown will play would like to see Fabio start but doubt that will happen.
We will probably line-up this way
But I would rather we have this line-up instead
Foster
O Shea Ferdinand Evans Evra
Valencia Carrick Fletcher Park
Rooney Berbatov
O Shea Ferdinand Evans Evra
Valencia Carrick Fletcher Park
Rooney Berbatov
But I would rather we have this line-up instead
Foster
Fabio Ferdinand Evans Evra
Valencia Carrick Fletcher Rooney
Owen Berbatov
Fabio Ferdinand Evans Evra
Valencia Carrick Fletcher Rooney
Owen Berbatov
Noooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
I'd rather have the first line-up as the second one has Rooney on the left and that for me is a big no-no. SAF has to keep good on his word this season and play Rooney in his best position in front of goal, not shunted out on the left.
Well maybe its just me but I think Rooney will get us goals on the left anyway, whereas Berbatov and Owen up front would offer more than any other combination we've got.
I'd like to see Nani and Valencia play against Brum.
Me too Alwyn, really hoping we start with both of them and Rooney & Berba up top.
Rooney cannot stamp his authority on the match in the way we know he can if he's put out on the left. He works best in the middle of the action, in his best position.
---------------Foster--------------
O'Shea -- Ferdinand -- Evans -- Evra
Valencia -- Carrick -- Scholes -- Park
---------Owen -----Berbatov ------
O'Shea -- Ferdinand -- Evans -- Evra
Valencia -- Carrick -- Scholes -- Park
---------Owen -----Berbatov ------
Who on earth leaves Rooney on the bench!
Why would we leave Rooney out?
Kuszczak
O'Shea Ferdinand Brown Evra
Valencia Carrick Fletcher Nani
Rooney Berbatov
O'Shea Ferdinand Brown Evra
Valencia Carrick Fletcher Nani
Rooney Berbatov
but Foster will play.
Complete nutter leave out our best player
Foster
O'Shea
Rio
Evans
Evra
Valencia
Giggs
Carrick (save Fletcher for the away in mid week)
Nani
Rooney
Berbatov
I seen Fergie said Evans is doubtful for this match though, probably brown partner rio in central defence.
This.
Foster
O'Shea Rio Brown Evra
Valencia Fletcher Carrick Nani
Rooney Berbatov
O'Shea Rio Brown Evra
Valencia Fletcher Carrick Nani
Rooney Berbatov