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Behind
Enemy Lines: Pre-Match Chat With 2 Man Utd Fans |
Newcastle-Online.com caught up with two Manchester United fans, Chris
O'Brien the editor of ManUtdWeb.com a MUFC fan site and David
Redditch, a personal friend of Newcastle-online and a contributor
to various MUFC Fanzines, to get their views on NUFC, their club,
the game and other things ahead of Sunday's FA Cup Semi Final. This
what they had to say...
Filed: 16th April 2005
Q: Malcolm Glazer just won't go away, will the American get
his wicked way with Manchester United or will they rebuff his attempts
to buy the club? Your thoughts on the whole saga please.
Chris - At first, I was confident that a mass supporter
rebellion would be enough to rebuff a bid from Glazer. Frankly, who
wants to buy a company (although I'd argue that we're a Football Club
not a company) when the vast majority of loyal customers do not want
you in charge? However, in recent weeks I have become a little unsure
with Glazer seemingly not bothered by his mass unpopularity making
more and more tempting offers to the MUFC board. He has even started
delivering promises of transfer budgets and frozen ticket prices,
which were absent from earlier bids.
I am still confident the club and pressure groups like Shareholders
United can fight the bid. Although offers from the American are becoming
more and more attractive, even your average Scouser could work out
that he does not have the best interests of the club anywhere near
his faltering heart, and simply sees our pride and joy, Manchester
United, as a business venture having got bored with life in Tampa
Bay.
Sadly, it is a fact that if Glazer succeeds in his mission, the loyal
supporters may whittle away, form FC United, and rebel, but they can
easily be replaced as an estimated fanbase of 75,000,000 worldwide
will not simply whittle away. I do fear for football as a whole if
Glazer buys the club. Commercialization, franchising, and goodness
knows what else could ruin the beautiful game in Great Britain.
David - The poisonous Yank can go to hell. There
is no way he will buy out United. He can't afford it. His Business
plan is flawed for a start. A business attracts new customers not
chases them away. That's what would happen, most proper United fans
wouldn't step foot inside Old Trafford again. See how much he can
make in a half empty stadium.
Q: A hypothetical scenario: Can you spell out exactly, what kind of
club Man Utd would be in your opinion under Glazer control?
Chris - My fear is that Manchester United Football
Club would become Manchester Hot-Dog Eating Red Devil Buccaneers and
become highly commercialized. We would be in mammoth debt under Glazer's
plan who would do anything possible to get this money back. We would
become a club obsessed totally by money, and would be run by people
with big bucks at heart and not the true interests of the club. I
would rather be a Scouser than succumb to such a future.
David - No point, it won't happen.
Q: Do you fear for the future of your club, if so why?
Chris - If Glazer buys the club, loyal supporters
revolt, FC United is formed and our bums are replaced by glory-seekers
from all parts of Asia, then, in my mind, Manchester United will have
died. Perhaps this is a little extreme, but I do fear for the future
of the club. Still, at the moment I have an F.A Cup semi-final to
look forward to and hopefully we can retain the greatest competition
in the world for successive seasons!
David - Yes, I think all fans do. United will never
do a Leeds though if that's what you're getting at and we won't do
a Newcastle where we challenge and then fade away. Historically United
have always been up there and I see no reason why that won't continue.
I worry about not winning trophies and replacing SAF and Keano and
that's it.
Q: No English club could compete with Man Utd's buying power
and then a Russian billionaire came along, bought Chelsea and blew
a great big hole into the transfer market and with it the future prospects
of every competing club. How can Man Utd compete with the likes of
Chelsea?
Chris - I still believe Manchester United is a very
attractive option for even the world's greatest players. We have maintained
a place in Europe's premier competition for nearly a decade, have
the country's best ground and have achieved constant success and silverware
under Sir Alex Ferguson. It is clear though that there will now be
greater competition for signing players from Chelsea, who can flex
their financial muscle to lure practically anybody.
A clear example is how the Blues stole Robben from under our noses!
I do, however, think this question is giving Chelsea a little too
much credit. Players still want to come to Manchester United, and
I do not think we're struggling to compete. The extra competition
is simply going to mean we need to be more wise on the transfer market,
attracting players who will benefit the club rather than making risky
buys such as Kleberson, Djemba-Djemba and Bellion. A combined triple
signing of nearly £15million that was simply ineffective.
David - Of course United can't compete with them
but who can? That doesn't mean we'll play second fiddle though. Chelski
don't have the name or history that we do. Their star will burn out.
United's never will.
Q: Would you welcome a buy-out of Man Utd, Chelsea style?
Chris - Personally, and this is not bitter at all,
if I were a Chelsea fan I would not exactly be proud of my team's
achievements. Of course, winning their first Premiership title in
half a century is great, and League Cup success to boot plus a chance
in Europe, but having battled near the top of the Premiership to no
avail for so long, they are now simply buying honours with a team
of world stars that is, at times, unbeatable. It just isn't what association
football is all about. However, it would be nice to be certain who
the club's owner actually is! The instability at Old Trafford is astonishing,
with three groups of people in the 20% region of stake. Something
has got to give, and I just hope that something doesn't come in the
form of a rather hairy American tycoon.
Dave - No, never, ever! Unlike Chelski United have
done it all before without the billions and we'll do it again.
Q: Sir Alex Ferguson has came in for some stick from certain
sections of Old Trafford this season and many believe it's time for
a change. Was he right to stay on? Is he the right man now, given
the emergence of Chelsea, Liverpool and the bright future in which
Arsenal have? Do you have faith in him to keep Man Utd challenging
for the Premiership and Champions League?
Chris - From Alex Ferguson's perspective, my own
belief is that he should have stood down after the 1999 Treble triumph.
That was perhaps the greatest footballing achievement from a British
club, and it is almost without doubt that it was never going to be
equaled by Fergie in his remaining years. I now fear that a legacy
lasting nearly two decades, where the club has come from struggling
in the old First Division to reaching the pinnacle of world football,
may be hampered due to prolonged retirement.
From a MUFC view, I am glad he stayed. There was no clear replacement
at the time. Steve McClaren is far too inexperienced, Martin O'Neill
is not ready yet, nobody stood out and the club had nobody in line.
We have won two Premiership titles and an F.A Cup since then, but
it pains me to say that I no longer think Ferguson has the desire
to build a team that can challenge big-spending Chelsea despite his
clear devotion to the club. In fairness, the stress of battling it
out with the charismatic Jose Mourinho would hardly appeal to me aged
63.
I still have faith in Sir Alex to keep up challenging, but I cannot
see him ever repeating the glorious seasons of 1999 or even the league
and cup doubles of the 90's. Still, I cannot see anybody out there
who could replace him in the dugout, and it looks like the club may
have to take a step backward to take a bigger step forward. Roy Keane?
Carlos Quieroz? Eric Cantona? I don't know who is next, but nobody
will be able to achieve what Sir Alex Ferguson has done over the past
18 years and I'm sure every Red will join me in thanking him for an
amazing career at the helm of our fine football club.
David - Faith in the man who has won so much and
put United back on the map, absolutely. If SAF had Mourinho's cheque
book we'd walk the League and would be contesting for the Champions
League. We have the name and history Chelski don't and never will.
Competition is good. We've had it too good for years and we've become
complacent as fans and as a team and we are paying for it now. We'll
be back though. It's not as if United are struggling. Anyone who calls
for SAF to be sacked can fuck off!
Q: IMUSA's fuss over the FA Cup Semi venue - embarrassing
or a legitimate reason to complain?
Chris - It is not the traveling distance I have such
a big issue with, it is the fact the semi-finals are being played
at such a ridiculous venue. I was lucky enough to be amongst 17,000
Reds at Villa Park for last season's semi-final against the 'unbeatable'
Arsenal and perhaps witnessed the best atmosphere at a football match
I have ever experienced. I cannot see such a scenario at the Millennium
Stadium, because fans will have the feeling the game is in the shadow
of the final.
Semi-finals at the final venue simply just don't work. That was proved
in the mid-90's when the Football Association messed about with the
idea. And I am horrified to find out that the New Wembley looks set
to host semi-finals for years to come. It takes the gloss away from
the final, and simply isn't a big enough game to warrant such a venue
or attendance. IMUSA did kick up a little bit too much of a fuss with
regard to traveling times, but most supporters seem to agree, for
different reasons, that the semi-final venue is wrong and therefore
must be admired for making a legitimate reason for complaining in
public.
David - Having been to Cardiff a few times now (not
gloating) I love the place and if I had a choice between Cardiff and
that dump Leeds call a ground, Cardiff gets my vote. I can see their
argument but yes, it was embarrassing because it made us look like
moaning minnies. IMUSA are only looking after fans' best interests
though and shouldn't be criticised for that.
Q: The stereotypical view of Man Utd fans in general is one
of arrogance, fickleness, glory hunting and with regards to the IMUSA,
above their station so to speak. Is this a fair portrayal? Does this
concern you as a Man Utd fan?
Chris - It depends what you call a fan. The emergence
of Chelsea as a world power in football in recent seasons has affected
the number of 'fans' MUFC has. Red shirts are turning blue, fewer
numbers of Megastore catalogues are being sent out, and a few less
'Ronaldo No.7' will be printed on the back of jerseys up and down
the country. This is not going to cause me any loss of sleep, and
in fact I will lay in bed a little happier as a result.
Sadly, we do have a lot of fickle fans who, despite wearing a nylon
shirt with Vodafone across the middle, show little in the way of passion
for the club. They know little about our history, don't even attempt
to get to games, and would drop the club like a stone if we missed
qualification for Europe. If you call this a supporter, then the stereotypical
portrayal is a fair one.
Arrogance is a problem with even our most loyal fans. I have always
been rather pessimistic and do not harbour particularly high expectation
levels. Other supporters would deem finishing 2nd, winning the F.A
Cup and enjoying League Cup and European runs as a disastrous season.
This is arrogance as we seem to feel we have some divine right to
win every year. Perhaps some fans should remember what we endured
pre-Ferguson.
IMUSA can get bothersome with their constant rants to the media, and
it could be said they are a little above their station and believe
in their own self importance. However, they are doing all they can
to fight off the Glazer bid, did well in the battle against Murdoch
and are a big voice for the supporters at a club dominated by big
businessman. I respect IMUSA greatly.
David - Proper United fans hate the hangers on and
the out of townies as much as you do because they have no allegiance
to the club and are taking up seats that proper fans should be sitting
in but that's the price all popular clubs, even your's, have to pay.
All that money doesn't just come from the hard core true fans. We
wouldn't have the turnover we do without the hangers on. IMUSA do
a top job and are the voice of the fans. We need them to speak up
on our behalf and they are doing a top job in the fight to keep the
club out of the hands of the Poisonous Yank.
Q: How will Man Utd line up (formation & personnel)? What are your
strengths and weaknesses? How will Man Utd approach the game?
Chris - We will approach the game like a Cup Final, and some of our
less intelligent players may think it is due to the venue! The F.A
Cup is all we have left to play for, and is now at the front of most
supporters minds ahead of finishing 2nd in the Premiership. After
all, this is the greatest cup competition in the world, no matter
what those at Highbury will have you believe. An attacking approach
can be expected against a beleaguered Newcastle side who have suffered
European heartbreak, infighting and the continuous misfortune of being
from the North East! We will be without Giggs and Saha, but Van Nistelrooy,
Smith, Rooney could all start the game. Sir Alex will have us raring
up for this one after being taught a bit of a lesson by Norwich City
last week. However, this season, a real weakness has been finishing
opportunities and playing with the kind of confidence that has seen
us win so much silverware over the past decade. Play at your very
best, and you will beat us.
David - SAF will go with 4-4-1-1 I think. The defence
picks itself. In midfield Rooney will play in a free role with Keano
and Scholesy anchoring. Ronaldo on the right and Ruud up top. We have
struggled for goals this season but against your defence our luck
could change...
Q: It's well documented that Alan Shearer turned down Man
Utd twice and while I recognise he isn't the most popular player amongst
Man Utd fans, there are many arguments claiming his lack of trophies
some how diminishes his status as one of the games greatest ever strikers.
Your thoughts?
Chris - Alan Shearer will go down as one of England's
greatest ever strikers. I am not a fan of his, but have to admire
his loyalty in turning down a move to United on two separate occasions.
I don't know the figures, but it would seem he favoured playing for
Newcastle to a bigger pay cheque and the likelihood of greater success
at Old Trafford. At least we got Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, anyway! His
lack of silverware should not affect his legacy as a great player.
His goalscoring record stands for itself, his consistency in front
of goal season after season is superb and it is obvious just how much
the England national team have missed him over the past 5 years. Still,
I hope he falls on his backside this Sunday!
David - I can see the argument but it's rubbish.
I don't like the bloke and will join in with all the United fans to
boo him on Sunday but there hasn't been a better centre-forward than
Shearer. In his prime, he and United would have been a force to be
reckoned with and I was gutted when he turned us down. I respect why
he chose his home town team though and begrudgingly admire him. He's
like Keano, a winner. Unlike your team ;)
Q: Which players on both sides will be the key men on Sunday
and why?
Chris - For us, Ruud Van Nistelrooy's performance will be
crucial. The Dutchman has been off form of late, despite a goal on
the international scene, but he looks likely to play up front against
you lot. If Ruud can find form, confidence and fitness, we will stand
a much better chance of victory, but if he has an off-day or isn't
deemed fit enough to play, it will be a huge boost for you barcodes!
I think you have to look at the forwards for Newcastle too. With the
defensive injury woes you seem to have, Shearer and Kluivert will
need to be on top form if you are to get a result. You will get chances,
no doubt, but the Jekyll and Hyde performances from your forwards
this season should be of concern to your fans.
David - For United Rooney who has been brilliant,
Scholesy who likes playing against you lot and Ronaldo. Ruud has lost
his touch and need more games. They will be the key men. For Newcastle,
Shearer and Robert.
Q: Which players (if any) from Newcastle would you have in
your side?
Chris - We lack stability between the sticks, so
it would be nice to have Shay Given who could offer us a consistent
choice as first-choice shot stopper. Given is a quality keeper and
with a strong back four in front of him, I have little doubt of his
ability to play amongst the world's elite. We might be able to find
a place in the reserves for Shearer too, if he fancies making it third
time lucky!
David - Take a guess... Shay Given. Howard and Carroll
cost us so many goals. I like the look of Boumsong but would need
to see more of him and Jenas looks a talent whenever I've watched
him. I like the look of Dyer too but he's more trouble than he's worth.
Q: Which Newcastle player (if any) do you fear the most?
Chris - Alan Shearer always seems to do well against
us, and thrives on the abuse he takes. He is a born leader and will
be well up for the semi-final, with an F.A Cup winners medal the missing
link in his excellent career. He is a key man for Newcastle on Sunday,
and his aerial threat and moments of magic against a club he despises
make him a fear for me on the weekend.
David - Shearer. He always seems to grab a goal against
us. He's still a great player. I don't think he made the right decision
to stay on though. We mustn't give away any free-kicks either to Robert,
he's a danger from set play.
Q: What are your thoughts (if you have any) on NUFC's Chairman
Freddy Shepherd?
Chris - He certainly cares about the club, and that
is becoming rare in football chairman these days. Outspoken, controversial
and passionate, you could certainly do a lot worse than Shepherd!
I lost a lot of respect for the man after bragging about the amount
of profit the made from the sale of replica football shirts, but he
has cleaned up his act in the past few seasons and I was quite impressed
with the way he dealt with the recent bust-up between Lee Bowyer and
Kieron Dyer. I know he has his critics in the North East though, and
I don't know enough to comment on this but selling Woodgate didn't
look a good move!
David - I laughed out loud when I read his comments
about the running of United. I don't like him. Too arrogant and when
he said that about Newcastle fans that just showed you what type of
man he is. He does back the managers I'll give him that but he's a
joke really.
Q: What are your honest opinions of Newcastle United as a
football club and Newcastle fans in general?
Chris - I think you need to make some big changes
at Newcastle and clear evidence of this is your domestic performances
this season. Your fans expect so much more than a lower mid-table
battle, and with even more hard luck, you could have had a relegation
worry this term. You should be challenging at the top end of the division,
and I feel some big player cutbacks are needed. Keep the faith in
Souness for another season yet, though. I get sick and tired of hearing
how fantastic Newcastle United fans are, and how St. James' Park is
always rocking to the beat of 55,000 Tynesiders and how Old Trafford
is packed full of prawn sandwich eating glory hunting foreigners!
Only a decade ago you were getting pitiful crowds in what is now the
Championship, and black seats are on show almost every game in cup
competitions.
David - Newcastle fans are loyal and I love your
City as I have relatives there and it's a top weekend. Geordies are
OK but I don't buy this best fans image the media have you down as.
Top fans for sticking with you team for all these years and St. James'
Park used to be the best place to go for a match (I've been a few
times when visiting relatives who are all Newcastle fans) but you
can be a fickle lot. Your club has lots of potential and a while ago
Newcastle looked the only team who would be able to match United.
I remember those years, they were great. Since then what's happened?
Not a lot. You seem to make the wrong choices of managers and buy
the wrong players. Get that right and you have everything else. Graeme
Souness? Even Liverpool fans hate him.
Q: Nicky Butt in the main, has been very disappointing since
we signed him and although he has had niggly injuries, his last few
performances indicate a lack of commitment and desire. Does this surprise
you?
Chris - A lack of commitment and desire may be a
little harsh. Nicky Butt has great seasons and he has seasons where
he is nothing more than a fringe player. It will take time for him
to settle with the Toon having spent his entire career at Old Trafford,
and he is probably not yet comfortable with a new club. A few months
away from injury and a run in the first-team, and I am pretty sure
you will get a good return from Butt. He was a bargain signing and
will do a job in your midfield, given the chance. He'll get a cheer
from me on Sunday in any case!
David - Not really! He was like that towards the
end of his United career too. I've never rated him highly to be honest
with you. His passing is rubbish. I thought he'd do well at Newcastle
though as you lacked a defensive player in the middle but he'll always
be an average player. I'll cheer him onto the pitch at Cardiff though
for his achievements in the red shirt.
Q: There is talk of Alan Smith moving to Newcastle in the Summer,
what are your thoughts on that particular rumour?
Chris - Smith's agent has publicly confirmed this
rumour is false, although we can't take anything those parasites say
seriously! I was never a big fan of the Smith signing to be honest,
most United fans seem to have forgotten his scathing comments against
the club whilst Leeds were still challenging at the top of the Premiership.
Still, both his passion and desire have impressed me since his move
across the Pennines. The link to the Magpies is not surprising. Smith
has not got the first-team opportunities he would have liked at United,
but I can't see us looking to move too many players about and unsettle
the squad over the summer, and Smith is considered one of our brightest
prospects. Certainly not a move that will happen in the foreseeable
future.
David - I read those rumours. Can't see it happening
to be honest with you. With Saha always injured we need him and SAF
loves him and so do United fans who he has won over in style with
his performances. He took a lot of crap from Leeds fans over the move
and to leave a year later just wouldn't make sense. Then again I never
thought he'd wear the red of United. I wouldn't build your hopes up
though.
Q: Sky Sports; the saviour of football or the disease that's
destroying it?
Chris - Morally, I feel I should be saying the disease
that is destroying it. The death of 3 o'clock kick-off, the constant
disturbance of fixtures and the knock-on affect on attendances lower
down the league are all things the game could do without, and it could
be argued are pulling the heart out of British football. However,
that would be hypocritical, with Sky Sports my saviour from the stress
of life on numerous occasions, and my campaign to get Jeff Stelling
knighted rumbles on. It is a fact that Sky unleashed new life into
English football when the Premiership was born in 1992.
It is easy to forget that a recession in the 1980's and the continuing
trouble of football hooliganism dented attendances dramatically and
the league was entering steady decline, so it is impossible to judge
where we would be without Sky's money and investment in football.
Sadly, Sky is increasing the number of armchair supporters, praying
on their flexibility but at the same time providing major inconvenience
to the true fans who deserve to take the most out of the game. This
is perhaps the price we pay for mass funding from the higher regions
of the non-league right up to the Premier League.
The decline of ITV Sport is evident of how good Sky has been for football
and the game would face financial disaster without lucrative television
contracts. Perhaps over reliance, but it's the way things are now.
In my view, the positives outweigh the negatives. Without trying to
sound like something straight out of Communist Russia, better distribution
of football's television wealth would give clubs lower down the league
pyramid more of a chance to compete, and greater conformity and understanding
with supporters is needed. Nevertheless, Sky is here to stay and I
love it! Now, where's the remote?
David - Interesting question. I haven't gave it any
thought to be honest with you. Sky have done a lot of good for the
game, their money has allowed teams to bring in top players and an
improvement to grounds but the downside of all that is higher ticket
prices and spoilt footballers. Also fans have become armchair critics
now which contributes to all the moaning minnies at grounds.
Q: On every club message board or fan site there seems to
be a big debate brewing over seating and standing and the standard
of atmosphere's up and down the country. Every stadium has had their
atmosphere effected in some way or another, Newcastle and Man Utd
included, what can fans and football do to improve things, to bring
back some kind of life to grounds? Your thoughts on this subject.
Chris - Manchester United's atmosphere, to be quite
honest, is embarrassing at times. I remember the wonderful days when
the ground was rocking, but now the typical Red has come to expect
success. When we score, a brief cheer will be heard and other than
a few in the Stretford End, chanting at your 'unattractive' games
is muted. We can still roll up big atmospheres and our away support
and support in Cup semi-finals and similar is second to none, but
at home most of our fans sit in silence. If you cheer, they stare
at you, if you throw deserved abuse; you get a look of disgust. These
poster pin-ups running around the pitch never put a foot wrong, and
they're expected to win - it makes me sick. I want the return of terracing
- end of story.
Hillsborough and similar tragedies were very sad and should always
be remembered with sorrow, but under the new strict ticketing policies
in England's top flight, I honestly cannot see any sort of problem
with bringing back standing options at all Premiership grounds. Not
only would it bloat capacities, it would bring back better atmospheres,
make for happier true supporters and put a stop to the horrible spaceship
style stadiums that are taking over the game in England, Scotland
and Wales. For now though, this doesn't look like it's going to happen.
I am pleased to see pressure groups and campaigns looking to reintroduce
either terrace or the less favourable option of safe standing, and
this must continue. The game of football is for the supporters, and
we should get what we want. Therefore it is important that fans write
to their clubs, local MP's and the Government if they want a change
to the current set-up. Fans have the power to make the atmosphere
better too. Sing your hearts out for your club, be proud and keep
the flags flying high.
David - This is a big issue. United fans have been
partially successful at Old Trafford in our attempts to raise the
level of noise so there is definitely a market out there for fans
who do want to sing (and stand) along with those who don't of course.
It needs looked into properly. An independent report into safe standing
is a must. I like to stand and there should be standing areas to compliment
sitting.
Q: Finally, a prediction for the match?
Chris - I am not confident, but I don't think it's
possible to be when you're going into a cup tie, especially such a
huge match. We should beat you boys with what is going on at Newcastle
at the moment, and you were shocking in Lisbon in the final 45 minutes.
However, could this motivate you further? This one could go either
way, but I'm going to have to say a 1-0 win for the Red Devils! Heart
over head, quite possibly, but it promises to be a superb encounter.
David - I don't like doing predictions as they usually
come back to haunt you. In the back of my mind I do wonder if this
is going to be Newcastle's year but I think our experience and overall
strength will prove too much. I predict a United win... Manchester
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