The Red Report: Derbies, Ole, Carrick and a Geordie!
the round table discussion of all things Manchester United by your favourite United
blogs: The Busby Way, Stretford-End, Bangalore To Old
Trafford, ManUtd24 and Red Force Rising.
This week we look back at the Derby against Manchester City and explain what it
means to us; discuss Ole’s departure; praise Michael Carrick; and run the rule over
free-scoring Andy Carroll.
This emotionally charged week was dominated by a game at Eastlands against
City. With the ITV documentary about what the game means and with people questioning
City’s passion, we discuss what the derby means to us…
Chudi | The Busby Way: The derby with City has
taken on renewed importance with City’s sugar daddy but it will always be a massive
game. I remember losing 3-1, Gary Neville messed up and Goater scored then John
O’Shea missed a sitter near the end, it burned me but we have had some great wins
over them too with the 3-2 in 1993 (Cantona double) and all of our wins last season.
The tie will only get bigger as City continue to grow and we continue to succeed and
I expect many more epic games in the future too.
Doron | Stretford-End: The Derby is the game
with Man City. Liverpool are rivals because of their achievements but Man City are
our geographical enemies. Even so, I look forward to the Liverpool game more and I’m
not too sure why.
I think because City have never been a threat to United the Liverpool game became
the bigger of the two. However, since coming into money and after the four epic and
draining matches last year I have a new regenerated feeling for the game. Pride is
now once again on the line (or so Sky Sports’ montages tell me).
With the way Liverpool are going and the way City are going this game can only get
bigger.
Siddarth | Bangalore to Old Trafford: The
Manchester derby is one of the biggest fixture of the most important fixtures of the
year for me, and the only other fixture in which i look forward to a win as much as
i do here is when we play the Scousers.
This time’s derby turned out to be a drab affair, many thanks our noisy neighbours
who seemed to have forgotten to do the talking where it matters, on the pitch!!
No matter how much City spend or how much they try, there will be truly only one big
club in Manchester and that is us. They might be able to buy all the world class
players in the world but they should know that money will not win them fans and
respect! And beating their sorry faces gives me immense joy.
TG | ManUtd24: Over the past few years, the
derby has gained importance, if you like, what with the amount of money being poured
into Manchester Citeh and the fact that they look at team worthy of a top three
finish. Even our previous games have involved much drama, bar the one on Wednesday
night, of course. Who knows? In a few years time, this game might not just decide
who has bragging rights in the City, but instead, be a title decider. That would be
great for Manchester – but for the moment, the city is red in colour.
Alan | RedForceRising: The Manchester derby
might be contested on a more equal playing field nowadays, but it’s still not as
important to me as the matches against Liverpool…… or Chelsea. I want Manchester
United to be beat the biggest clubs and Al Ciddeh still are not in that elite group.
City are currently paying big money for good players, but fortunately have not been
able to sign great players, so can’t even buy success like Roman Abramovich did. And
try as they might, the bitters can’t even be as revolting as Liverpool fans, who
down the years have caused me emotional – and on two occasions – physical pain.
I also think the media hype has been very misleading. City have won against United
in recent times, so it’s not as if winning the Manchester derby equals silverware.
Especially not if you lose against Wolves and need luck to win against Blackpool.
Long may Bobby Manc’s reign continue at the Wastelands and when he finally gets the
boot, I hope they get Rafa Benitez. Amen.
Kyle | Stretford-End: Hating Citeh is just part
of being a United fan. There was one moment in my life that really pushed my hatred
over the edge. My first year of college we were randomly assigned roommates, and I
somehow managed to get paired with a City fan. I really liked him as a person, but
his ranting about City was intolerable. All I ever heard was about all of his
suffering as a City fan and complaining that United had bought all of their success.
Apparently he forgot about all the players we developed, but regardless, it was
enough to drive any United fan mad. My hatred for City easily doubled that year.
After all that, City is easily my most hated team and my favourite to beat. I think
the sheik has only made my hate worsen too. After all the “buying success” arguments
my room mate made about United, the fact that City are now trying to do exactly that
is even more infuriating. It’s a shame we only left with a point this time, but I
trust we can get three next time. Oh, and I just want to say how thrilled I was to
see Rafa show the same hatred I have against Tevez. That’s the spirit of the derby!
That’s passion for you, folks!
Molde FK unfortunately announced that Ole Gunnar Solskjær would be leaving
us to become their new manage in January. Here are our thoughts on his
departure:
Alan | RedForceRising: I wasn’t very emotional
on Tuesday. I had heard about Molde’s ambitions to give Ole his first pop at top
flight management a while back and by Monday was convinced the deal was as good as
done. The move seems completely logical and a perfect fit for the baby-faced
assassin. Having won the Barclay’s Reserves League, Ole simply had to take another
step up and his home town club is the best place to cut his managerial teeth without
biting off more than he can chew.
The upside for United is that the club will be able to loan young players to Molde
with the confidence that they will be getting good guidance and that the club will
receive accurate, quality reports on the youngsters’ progress.
TG | ManUtd24: I was swept up and felt
emotional when I first heard the news, tweeting various pieces of tributes to the
great man. When he retired as a player – that felt like the end of Ole and United.
He came back and did a great job with the reserves and so we must thanks him, and
wish him luck at Molde. He may never return, but that doesn’t matter because he’s
already left his legacy at the club. You’ll see soon when a couple of these reserve
players make the step up.
Siddarth | Bangalore to Old Trafford: I was
gutted to hear he was leaving us, Ole has to be one of the most loved players at
United over the past decade, he’s done so much for the club over the years and
continuing his excellent work in coaching too. Ole’s professionalism and dedication
to United is a example for every United youngster to follow.
He’s been pretty successful with the reserves and turned out to be a very good
manager, and a move back to his Old club seems a logical step in his progression
into management. Hopefully this is only the beginning of a very successful career in
management for him and maybe one day we’ll see him at the helm at Old Trafford.
Doron | Stretford-End: It is for Ole a good
time to move on. He was never going to be able to say no to Molde this time round.
I’m sure he will go on to take Molde back closer to the good times, just don’t take
any of our young stars!!!
I made my feelings for Ole clear earlier this week in an article for SE –
we all wish Ole the best of luck and I’m sure he’ll be back.
Kyle | Stretford-End: Obviously I’m sad to see
Ole leave, but honestly what United fan isn’t? In January his 14 years association
with United will come to an end, and I’m young enough that I really can’t remember a
time when Ole wasn’t around Old Trafford in some capacity. It’s a whole mixed bag of
emotions, but it won’t really hit home until January. It seems so surreal that Ole
won’t be around.
There are two sides to everything, though, and I am thrilled for him to be taking
this big step forward in his management career. Obviously the United reserves were
not going to be the end of the line for him. Molde is a great next step for him and
it’s a club that has special meaning for him. There seems to be an overwhelming
belief that Jose Mourinho will be the next manager of United, which I think is the
most likely scenario. Mourinho will be no Sir Alex though; he won’t be there
forever. There’s no guarantees that Ole will return, but if he is successful at
Molde he could certainly find himself back with United someday.
Chudi | The Busby Way: I looked at Ole’s
departure logically, whilst I was sad to see him leave he had to go to get the
necessary experience if he was to ever return and manage the club. He had said
previously that he couldn’t manage the reserves forever and after nearly 15 years at
the club he has every right to go out and try his hand elsewhere. I think he has the
necessary attributes to succeed and I look forward to his return.
A mish-mash of feelings, thoughts and emotions…who put the ball in the German’s net?
Click here to read the second part of this week’s Red Report.
has returned from injury and become an important part of the midfield again as his
form has returned. He is rejuvenated…
Kyle | Stretford-End: Michael Carrick has
managed to rediscover his form just in time. A month ago I honestly thought his
United career was drawing to a close, but he’s stepped up his performances to a
whole other level and he is starting to look like the Carrick we all used to know
and love. Against City he was arguably one of our best performers and his passing
that game is exactly what this team has been in need of. I don’t want to get carried
away though. He’s had a couple of really good games now, but for all we know it may
just be a fluke. I think we was headed for the exit door, but if his performances
remain consistent at this level then I think he’ll still have a future here.
It isn’t all about his future, but also what his rejuvenation will bring to the
squad. I don’t think it was any coincidence that we won the Premier League three
years in a row after Carrick’s arrival in 2006. When Carrick is in form, he is an
incredible passing threat in midfield. He has the ability to unlock a defence with
his passes, and that is something we’ve been in need of this season. He can’t run at
a defence, he isn’t particular creative, he lacks any sense of flair, but he will
pass his opponent to death. Now that he’s starting to rediscover his form I think
his ability to create goals will be crucial moving forward this season.
Chudi | The Busby Way: Michael Carrick’s return
to form has been long overdue when on top of his game he is a huge asset to the team
as he showed this past week. It was painful to watch some of his performances last
term especially against Bayern Munich but if he can put that behind him and return
to giving us the level of performances that he has previously he will go a long way
to wipe away those memories.
Doron | Stretford-End: It’s a real bonus to
have Carrick playing well again. He struggled to adapt to a formation change last
year and although he produced a brilliant performance in the Carling Cup 2nd leg in
a 4-5-1, generally the three man midfield didn’t suit him.
Carrick is best sitting deep, doing exactly what Scholes does. However it’s good to
see he’s worked hard to be able to play a bit further forward. We all know his ball
retention is excellent and he’s a superb passer. What I think would be nice now
would be a few more goals. However it’s no coincidence that the side’s return to
winning has coincided with his return to form.
Siddarth | Bangalore to Old Trafford: For me
it’s too early to say Carrick has rediscovered his form, he may have done well in
the previous few games, but i think he;s needs to be consistent over a longer period
of time before he convinces me that he’s back to his best.
Carrick at his best is an asset to any team in the, he’s a key player in the team
and hopefully he does regain his form. But if he doesn’t i think it’s time we look
at other options to improve our midfield. we can’t wait forever for Carrick to
rediscover his form. I’ll just wait and watch for now.
TG | ManUtd24: Carrick has long been my
favourite player, so it was more than a minor irritant watching him play last
season. It wasn’t exactly dreadful, but I know he’s a better player than that – he
was the inspiring figure behind our challenges for past silverware. Hopefully, the
old Carrick has returned.
Alan | RedForceRising: I’m fairly satisfied
with Carrick’s recent performances, but he has a lot to make up for. Michael Carrick
has been completely below par since the Champions League final in Rome where
Barcelona had their way with United. In some games last season, Carrick was totally
abysmal and while he seems to have found some form recently, he still hasn’t hit the
highs from his debut season.
It has been good to see Michael actually pass the ball forward for a change and show
some semblance of determination, but he owes it to himself, his team mates and the
fans to kick on from here. On his day, Michael Carrick is one of the best passers of
the ball and he needs to start showing his quality, as well as determination to do
everything for the United cause.
As frustrating as it’s been to watch a player out of form for so long, he’s a
big asset to United when he’s fit, something we can all agree on.
As per usual we decided to look at a non-United topic. All the chatter at
the moment seems to be about Andy Carroll – on the pitch, off the pitch, for
England…what do we think about him:
Chudi | The Busby Way: I like Andy Carroll, he
gave us trouble at the start of the season and that should have set alarm bells
ringing for the rest of the league as he has gone about scoring goals for newly
promoted Newcastle. I had a friendly bet with my pal’s step dad over how many goals
he would get this season, he is well on his way to the 15 target with 7 already.
Some people are worried about his off field antics but despite his stature, he is
just 21 an age where mixing fame and money will inevitably lead to some problems but
he isn’t too far gone and if kept on a leash it shouldn’t affect his playing career.
Doron | Stretford-End: I’ve made it clear
before that I’m not really that bothered by England. Yes I’ll cheer them at summer
tournaments but Man United is my true love. However, I do get angry when in form
players are not selected for their country. Andy Carroll’s form merits not only a
call up but high praise. He’s been a real handful for opposition defences and with
the help of his team mates he has propelled Newcastle to 5th.
He’s a young kid who’s made mistakes of the pitch. He’s not the kind of guy I’d want
to be mates with!!!! Whilst I hope he grows up, I accept that he’s a footballer and
should judge him by his on the pitch form.
Siddarth | Bangalore to Old Trafford: Don’t let
Andy Carroll’s pony tail fool you, he’s a classic English Center forward, Physical,
good in the air and a pretty good finisher. He’s been pivotal to Newcastle’s
excellent start to the season so far. His Off-field antics though have been widely
publicized but I think it’s best I leave it at that much.
England could do with a striker like him, he’s a better option for England than the
likes of Crouch or Heskey. and he fully deserves a call up to the national team.
Newcastle won’t be able to keep hold of him much longer I think, he’s surely
destined for a bigger club soon.
Kyle | Stretford-End: Being from the United
States, I’m not really too concerned by his impending call up to the England squad,
but I do have to give credit where credit is due. It’s easy to get caught up in all
of his off-the-field antics, but the same can be said of a certain striker that we
signed from Everton. On the pitch, Andy Carroll has been magnificent and has played
a major role in all of Newcastle’s early season successes. Seven goals in thirteen
appearances this season is certainly a great return from a young striker. I may not
be an England supporter, but it will be nice to see Carroll rewarded for his form
this season.
TG | ManUtd24: He’s an English star in the
making. Why? Plenty of goals on the pitch, plenty of controversy off it. Perfect!
What I would say is that he should continue doing what he’s doing (on the pitch,
that is) and he’ll soon reap the rewards for it. And, like I did Wayne Rooney and
various other player, I’ll only judge him on what he does on the football pitch.
Alan | RedForceRising: Andy Carroll likes girls
and McDonald’s breakfasts. He also likes to score goals. He’s also pretty good to
have in your fantasy football team.He’s also gotten rid of the dodgy corn rows, so
I’m finding it difficult to dislike this archetypal English centre forward. Carroll
has been called up to England’s squad to face France and although he probably won’t
receive playing time, it’s still nice to see players getting picked on form and not
reputation.
If Danny Welbeck can develop into 90% of the player Carroll is, I would be quite
chuffed.
Future star in the making?
————
Best of the blogs:
The Busby Way | Just A Blue Moon In A Red Sky
Stretford-End | Stretty Rant Exclusive : More Than Just A
Game
Bangalore to Old Trafford | Young Devils On Brink
ManUtd24 | The Key To United’s Challenge Lies At The Back
RedForceRising | Loan Watch: Welbeck Impresses, Drinkwater Back
From Injury
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That concludes another Red Report for the week. Hopefully this edition keeps you
entertained until next Monday. Were always open to hear from you so you can catch us
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————
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