RedsUnite: a man utd blog

Well what do we have for you today?

Fabio Capello’s tenure at the helm of the English national team is certainly off to an interesting start. He was hardly greeted with open arms by the 86,000 who filled Wembley Stadium to see England defeat Switzerland 2-1 in a friendly. While there was second-guessing of his side selections and tactics, the most interesting storyline to this United supporter is his defiance of Sir Alex Ferguson and other EPL bosses. Rio Ferdinand and Wes Brown played the full 90 and Wayne Rooney saw 86 minutes, which, if continued, is certain to draw the ire of Ferguson. With United’s busy schedule in the run-in, the last thing Ferguson needs is Capello running his players in the ground to insure a 7-1 victory over Faroe Islands in an exhibition. While we shouldn’t assume that Capello will continue to play our men in such large minutes, Capello hasn’t shown himself to be the most agreeable fellow since his arrival to England. His stature in the game gives him the strength to stand up to Ferguson and others in a manner that certainly Sven Goran Eriksson and Steve McClaren could not. I expect both men to do what is best for their sides, with little regard for the others plight. That leaves me to wonder, what kind of impact will Capello’s reign have on our efforts this year?

Cristiano Ronaldo has, again, discussed his desire to move to Spain one day. The Portuguese winger had this to say:

“I would like to play in Spain one day. I also would like to play in Portugal [again] and Italy, but much more in Spain.”

This, obviously, is old news. Of course Cristiano wants to play in Spain one day. He, quite clearly, is an egomaniac. Egomaniac’s, by nature, must continue to feed their egos. This is the reason for his greatness. He will not leave soon, for he has not accomplished all their is to accomplish in England. But the moment United achieve some pinnacle of success, whether it be a double or–knock on wood–a treble, he will be on the next plane out of England. I, for one, will not blame him. He is a talent of rare quality and he has every right to pursue greatness on other fields outside of Old Trafford.

While I would love to wed myself to some romantic notion of him staying in Manchester red his whole career, I refuse to allow myself to be so disappointed. Players seldom play their entire career with one club these days. The ones who do are usually native to the country who’s league they play in. Make no mistake, he wants to be the best player in the history of the world. A player cannot rightly make a claim to that throne without testing his pedigree against the best players in several countries, not just England.

I just consider myself lucky to be able to watch Ronaldo while he still brightens the hallowed pitch of Old Trafford. We must savor his presence here while it lasts, for his tenure will only be as long as their are still things to accomplish. With my opinion stated, how long do you fancy Ronaldo will stay at Old Trafford?

(Just as an aside, Tribal Football, that reputable source, claims Ronaldo wants to stay at Manchester for “10 to 20″ years. How do they get away with such blatant fraudulence in reporting? They really are comical in their headlines.)

United has added another Brazilian starlet to its ranks, 18-year old midfielder Rodrigo Possebon. I literally know nothing about the boy beyond his name, nationality and some vague knowledge of his reputation, so I will allow United academy director and reserve boss Brian McClair sing his praises:

Rodrigo is a tall, elegant midfielder who fits into the idea of a modern footballer. He has very good ability and is a box-to-box player rather than your silky tricky midfielder. He’s very steady. Our scout in Brazil John Calvert-Toulmin, who recommended our Brazilian full back twins Fabio and Rafael Silva, spotted Rodrigo and we have been impressed. His father is of Italian descent and so Rodrigo had an Italian passport. Because of that he is effectively European so all the paper work was sorted out easily. Rodrigo also speaks very good English which has helped him. That makes a big difference.”

Rumor has it he is a holding midfielder in the mold of Gilberto Silva. Here’s hoping that he works out. Do any of you know anything more about the boy?

Louis Saha is set to return to action shortly, nearing full fitness following a mean hangnail that has kept him sidelined for months. I kid the Frenchman. His return, while undoubtedly short in interval, will be a welcome addition to the side. He adds another dimension to the United attack that is sorely missed when he is hurt. Sadly, however, he is almost never healthy and is rumored to be shopped this summer. I, for one, will be happy to see him leave. Not that I think he is of poor quality–when healthy I think he is an ideal focal striker–but his policy of only playing when 100% fit is too frustrating to endure. It’s one thing to be oft-injured, it’s another to be a pansy, but to be both requires your removal from the side.

News of Dubious Veracity or Importance

• Mourinho thinks Manucho is rubbish.
• Ronaldo is our January player of the month. Sorry, Fletch.
• Manchester United’s Under-18’s aren’t looking too good. 5-0 loss to City.
• Roma’s Vucinic to United?

Blog Report

• Capello: “I am not the Messiah and will not put up with naughty boys…” (A Kick In The Grass)
• We Feared No One After Munich (Republik of Mancunia)
• When The News Broke: Reaction to Munich (Republik of Mancunia)
• Munich: Roger Byrne (United on Fire)
• Premier League to play matches abroad (Caught Offside)