That tackle on Yakubu was amazing.
Vidic's interviews always come across well - never see him make a bad one.
Vidic's interviews always come across well - never see him make a bad one.
Rio Ferdinand
- Thread starter Logan!
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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.
I had some doubts that it might have been a penalty, but look at this, Wow, this is defending out of this world.
Just look at the color of the socks to help you appreciate what he did better.
Its incredible the way he timed his poke through the Yak's legs.
I'm actually pleasantly surprised with Rio this season...for a while there it looked like he was finished, and I for one thought he was gone by the time his 100k a week contract expired. But seems like he'll get that deserved one year extension. And frankly he deserves it for proving he's still got what it takes to make it at this level.
As long as he's fit he's always going to be an invaluable presence in the team, but his history with injuries in the last few years is a bit of a worry, he's also at that age where defenders tend to fall off very rapidly so I hope he can maintain this level of performance next season as well (especially since we'll have Vidic and Rio will probably not get as many games with Smalling / Jones / Evans competing for a spot).
As long as he's fit he's always going to be an invaluable presence in the team, but his history with injuries in the last few years is a bit of a worry, he's also at that age where defenders tend to fall off very rapidly so I hope he can maintain this level of performance next season as well (especially since we'll have Vidic and Rio will probably not get as many games with Smalling / Jones / Evans competing for a spot).
Rio Ferdinand wants to end on high at Manchester United
Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand says his focus is on finishing his career on a high as he nears a decade at Old Trafford.
Ferdinand, 33, admits that should United secure another Premier League title this year, it could be his last.
"You think to yourself this could be your last one, or two," he told BBC Radio Manchester.
"This could be my last one. I want to win something. I want to go out on a high note."
He added: "I don't think it would be good to finish your career on a loss. Losses now do my head in, thinking you might not be able to rectify it the season after because you retire or leave."
Ferdinand moved to Manchester United on 22 July 2002 from Leeds United for a £30m transfer fee which was a then British transfer record.
The then 23-year-old said he wanted to win silverware at his new club. Since joining, he has collected a Champions League winners medal, five Premier League titles, a Club World Cup and two Carling Cups.
His Premier League medals came in 2003, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011. United are currently eight points clear of second-placed Manchester City with both teams having six games remaining apiece this season.
When asked if he would be satisfied with a sixth domestic title in 10 years, Ferdinand replied: "No, because I still think about the titles we should've won.
"But I've had a great time here. I love this club. My association with the club will live forever with me.
"I've got great memories to take away from here when I eventually hang my boots up, but at the moment I'm really enjoying my football.
"The manager said to me the other day, not many players get to play for the same club for 10 years anymore. To do it at a club like Manchester United that are fighting for league titles and other trophies, it's good."
Ferdinand denied that he is considering retiring though, saying: "Oh no, I'm trying to play as long as I can.
"I've got another year after this (on my contract) and hopefully I can do another 10!"
Ferdinand in numbers
264 - Premier League appearances for United
390 - games for United in all competitions
8 - Champions League, Premier League and Carling Cup medal
Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand says his focus is on finishing his career on a high as he nears a decade at Old Trafford.
Ferdinand, 33, admits that should United secure another Premier League title this year, it could be his last.
"You think to yourself this could be your last one, or two," he told BBC Radio Manchester.
"This could be my last one. I want to win something. I want to go out on a high note."
He added: "I don't think it would be good to finish your career on a loss. Losses now do my head in, thinking you might not be able to rectify it the season after because you retire or leave."
Ferdinand moved to Manchester United on 22 July 2002 from Leeds United for a £30m transfer fee which was a then British transfer record.
The then 23-year-old said he wanted to win silverware at his new club. Since joining, he has collected a Champions League winners medal, five Premier League titles, a Club World Cup and two Carling Cups.
His Premier League medals came in 2003, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011. United are currently eight points clear of second-placed Manchester City with both teams having six games remaining apiece this season.
When asked if he would be satisfied with a sixth domestic title in 10 years, Ferdinand replied: "No, because I still think about the titles we should've won.
"But I've had a great time here. I love this club. My association with the club will live forever with me.
"I've got great memories to take away from here when I eventually hang my boots up, but at the moment I'm really enjoying my football.
"The manager said to me the other day, not many players get to play for the same club for 10 years anymore. To do it at a club like Manchester United that are fighting for league titles and other trophies, it's good."
Ferdinand denied that he is considering retiring though, saying: "Oh no, I'm trying to play as long as I can.
"I've got another year after this (on my contract) and hopefully I can do another 10!"
Ferdinand in numbers
264 - Premier League appearances for United
390 - games for United in all competitions
8 - Champions League, Premier League and Carling Cup medal
A lot of people were saying it was over for him after an injury plagued campaign last year and then an embarring capitulation in the 1-6 vs City. Myself included. But along with the effective management of his back condition and a slight reinvention of his game, he has shown that he is still a world class defender. If he hadn't stayed fit we would not be in anything like the position we are in now.
Probably the best defender I have seen, up there with the all time greats for me he is just superb.
I love Rio. Would, and possibly should, have been United Captain for the past 6 or 7 years. Unfortunatly circumstances have conspired against it happening. Ho hum.
He's still a rock at the back...although watching him run is a little painful at times
He's still a rock at the back...although watching him run is a little painful at times
Watching his early days for us, the thing that stands out most when you compare him to now is the mentality. He has gone from being a flash, silk-but-no-steel kinda guy to being an archetypal United character. He is possibly the best example of what being around good habits and proper pros can do for a player's development and also of why it pays to have him around; the likes of Evans must really benefit from experiencing that intensity and determination.
The 1-6 game is a great example. Evra and Ferdinand were tortured by the end; look at them in any of our last 12 games or so and you'd find no trace or wounds. I feel like I may be overdoing the praise, but I reckon Rio doesn't get enough credit for his contribution to the team's morale and confidence.
The 1-6 game is a great example. Evra and Ferdinand were tortured by the end; look at them in any of our last 12 games or so and you'd find no trace or wounds. I feel like I may be overdoing the praise, but I reckon Rio doesn't get enough credit for his contribution to the team's morale and confidence.
In trying to think of which player should be player of the season, my mind starts with Rooney. But then I think about what the defense has done without Vidic and that seems like the story of the season. So my mind goes to Evans, but really I think Evans has struggled when he hasn't had Rio next to him. I'd say Rio is definitely still the better defender, so I could see a lot of votes for Rio as player of the year.
Fantastic again, our best defender.
I love his interviews.He's such an intelligent footballer.
Sir Alex said a while back that it takes time to adjust your game when you lose pace. I think Rio has done that sublimely.
"I couldn't care less," said Ferdinand.
"As long as we can win and we get the trophy, I couldn't care less where we win it.
"The fans would love it, but as long as you get you hands on the trophy you would take it in the back garden."
Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/s...ss-ferguson-16145421.html?r=RSS#ixzz1sBxB0vUS
"As long as we can win and we get the trophy, I couldn't care less where we win it.
"The fans would love it, but as long as you get you hands on the trophy you would take it in the back garden."
Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/s...ss-ferguson-16145421.html?r=RSS#ixzz1sBxB0vUS
A very unfortunate choice of words there.
Looked like it was his back again at the end of the game which probably rules him out for next week, was there any word after the game?
Apparently both he and Smalling pulled their groin, no news on next week yet understandably.
Evans or Carrick and Jones it is then at centreback next week. Don't really matter though
If we have to play Jones at centre back against Sunderland then QPR pulling off a miracle against City won't change anything.
I'd actually like to see Jones finally get a game in central defense, to be honest.
Fergie said he expects both Smalling and Rio to be fit for Sunderland.
I must praise Rio for his performances through the season, I think he had very good season overall, he was probably one of our best players this season. He had good season in terms of injuries too, since he made more appearances this season than he did in last two years, it's especially good considering we were knocked out of CL and other cup competitions in early stages.
I hope will be starter for England at Euro.
I must praise Rio for his performances through the season, I think he had very good season overall, he was probably one of our best players this season. He had good season in terms of injuries too, since he made more appearances this season than he did in last two years, it's especially good considering we were knocked out of CL and other cup competitions in early stages.
I hope will be starter for England at Euro.
Why would you want to see that?
He has the look of a player who is mentally drained after his first season at Manchester United and needs a long break. He definitely shouldn't go to the Euros.
What impressed me with Rio against Swansea was his pace - he showed glimpses of his old self on a couple of occasions going forward accelerating like there was no tomorrow - perhaps that's what hurt his back?
I really think this "lost all his pace" argument is a bit ridiculous tbh. He's still fairly quick, just not lightning like he once was, when he actually outpaced Eto'o! He's also a terrific reader of the game, and he is a great passer. Still a class act and I think Smalling is arguably his best partner with Vidic out due to Smalling's pace and physical prowess.
I really think this "lost all his pace" argument is a bit ridiculous tbh. He's still fairly quick, just not lightning like he once was, when he actually outpaced Eto'o! He's also a terrific reader of the game, and he is a great passer. Still a class act and I think Smalling is arguably his best partner with Vidic out due to Smalling's pace and physical prowess.
28 league starts this year, more than any season since 07/08, and the 4th highest in the team. Certainly up there as one of our players of the season this year, for me. Delighted about that more than anything else this season.
Absolutely! To me, he has been our best defender - even better than Evans. Imo, Ferguson praising Evans over Rio is a tactic to boost Evans' confidence. He is such a leader on the pitch as well, I think.
Easily the best defender I've seen.
This may be senseless, but the current Rio for me, since he doesn't push up due to his loss of acceleration means the defense no longer maintains as high a line as it used. It is OK with oppositions bringing the ball to the United third and is confident of nicking possession in and around the penalty area. This disallows the usual space for counters and makes it harder for the midfield to regain possession due to the increased gap between defence and midfield. He's still better than any of the emerging pack due to his sheer superiority in positioning and decision making, but just feel the United defence which would sniff out attacks before oppositions could even get to set one up will no longer be a feature.
This may be senseless, but the current Rio for me, since he doesn't push up due to his loss of acceleration means the defense no longer maintains as high a line as it used. It is OK with oppositions bringing the ball to the United third and is confident of nicking possession in and around the penalty area. This disallows the usual space for counters and makes it harder for the midfield to regain possession due to the increased gap between defence and midfield. He's still better than any of the emerging pack due to his sheer superiority in positioning and decision making, but just feel the United defence which would sniff out attacks before oppositions could even get to set one up will no longer be a feature.
I was shocked when I realised that he's been here 10 years already. It really doesn't seem that long to me. He's a cut above is Rio; classy to watch on the field and very classy guy off it.
Reports say he's not been chosen for the Euro.
In the squad at all?
Heard similar though not sure y...
That would be stupid.
It's the Guardian's sport front page on tomorrow.
If true, great decision to leave England's best defender at home
If true, great decision to leave England's best defender at home
Not confirmed, but if true I feel sorry for Rio.
Terry bastard.
Terry bastard.
Saying it's over doubts about his fitness, which is a load of bollocks considering he's coming off his longest stretch of good luck with injury in the past 2 years.
Hope Terry gets done and thrown in jail.
Hope Terry gets done and thrown in jail.
Terry and Rio wont be in the same squad.
If Hodgson has picked Terry over Rio, he is an idiot.
If Hodgson has picked Terry over Rio, he is an idiot.
Usually be disappointed for any United player that missed out on a big tournament. With Rio's dodgy back, though, I'd have to say a summer on the beach is great news. He's been class this season and needs/deserves some lengthy R&R.
fecking stupid decision, mind you. Leave England's best central defender at home. Genius.
fecking stupid decision, mind you. Leave England's best central defender at home. Genius.
At least it should make him retire from Internationals and give him a rest over the summer.
How can you be axed from something you've not been a part of for a while. I imagine discussions were held and it's probably down to the fact that Rio might struggle to play every 4 days whereas Terry won't. I don't think you can choose both. I'm selfish anyway, I'm more than happy for the younger players to go and get experience but the older lot need rest.