Man utd match thread sponsored by Fergies rolex

[Man Friday]

Sat in the hotel after the game, a tram ride to the wrong side of Manchester, and a disappointing lack of beers.

I thought we were great. The result wasn't there, and having seen the five minute ESPN highlights we looked dominated but I think that's unfair - the first five minutes were a fright, and Feds saved us a good few times, but there was only a small period where it felt like they were "turning the screw" whereas I'd have said we had (minus the first five minutes) the better first half, and a heartfelt finish.

First ever trip to OT, and of the big teams they were always my fave as a kid - obviously now my allegiance lays with Reading, but nonetheless I've never been anti-united... However!! I couldn't believe how oxf*rd a fair few of their players were, particularly Hernandez? And the support was dire.. I appreciate we're probably seen as a "chalk that one off the fixture list as a victory!" side to their fans, but it was eerily quiet for the majority of the game - when they got going it sounded incredible, but it was rare, and (although the vast majority of it is painfully juvenile and routine at every game) the back and forth between their fans in response to ours was dreadful - quiet in the library/fire drill/sing a song for you may be unspontanious and trite, but the lack of *anything* back was double as awkward. On a side note, it wasn't shown on the highlights I've seen but Van Persies 360 mid air back heel roundhouse showboat was unbelievable..

Regardless - we were a lucky touch away from what would be a point in a months time when we meet them again, came out unscathed and with dignity. We gave it a much better crack than many who are considered stronger opponents would have done, and if we carry on like that, will be playing at OT again next year regardless of the cup.

You say some sensible things here but I see things differently re the chanting...I don't blame them for not responding to the "chants". As you say yourself, they're painful, trite and routine (read predictable and boring) - Utd as one of the top teams in the world simply look down their noses at us. It's like you bumping into an oik down the street - chances are he'd get all "street talkie" with a few "innits" whereas you, feeling superior, would just try to move on as quickly as possible. By engaging with us, in their eyes they're lowering themselves to our level whereas they regard us as a minor irritant getting in the way of winning some serious silverware.

[The Real Sandhurst Royal]

Federici and Legs were both outstanding for the Royals as was Vidic for Man Utd.

If Vidic had not been there at the back we may well have got something out of this game.

Nani man of the match.... To all those Utd fans who voted you only see only one team and colours don't you!!!

[Snowball]

Not hating but McCleary for me is a good footballer trapped in a coward's body. Have some faith, son.

Great line, Mags

[RoyalBlue]

Sat in the hotel after the game, a tram ride to the wrong side of Manchester, and a disappointing lack of beers.

I thought we were great. The result wasn't there, and having seen the five minute ESPN highlights we looked dominated but I think that's unfair - the first five minutes were a fright, and Feds saved us a good few times, but there was only a small period where it felt like they were "turning the screw" whereas I'd have said we had (minus the first five minutes) the better first half, and a heartfelt finish.

First ever trip to OT, and of the big teams they were always my fave as a kid - obviously now my allegiance lays with Reading, but nonetheless I've never been anti-united... However!! I couldn't believe how oxf*rd a fair few of their players were, particularly Hernandez? And the support was dire.. I appreciate we're probably seen as a "chalk that one off the fixture list as a victory!" side to their fans, but it was eerily quiet for the majority of the game - when they got going it sounded incredible, but it was rare, and (although the vast majority of it is painfully juvenile and routine at every game) the back and forth between their fans in response to ours was dreadful - quiet in the library/fire drill/sing a song for you may be unspontanious and trite, but the lack of *anything* back was double as awkward. On a side note, it wasn't shown on the highlights I've seen but Van Persies 360 mid air back heel roundhouse showboat was unbelievable..

Regardless - we were a lucky touch away from what would be a point in a months time when we meet them again, came out unscathed and with dignity. We gave it a much better crack than many who are considered stronger opponents would have done, and if we carry on like that, will be playing at OT again next year regardless of the cup.

You say some sensible things here but I see things differently re the chanting...I don't blame them for not responding to the "chants". As you say yourself, they're painful, trite and routine (read predictable and boring) - Utd as one of the top teams in the world simply look down their noses at us. It's like you bumping into an oik down the street - chances are he'd get all "street talkie" with a few "innits" whereas you, feeling superior, would just try to move on as quickly as possible. By engaging with us, in their eyes they're lowering themselves to our level whereas they regard us as a minor irritant getting in the way of winning some serious silverware.

Disagree. Far too many ManU 'supporters' are always happy to boast about their incredible support, which last night was worse than the quietest days at the Mad Stad. What's more supporters at clubs like Reading sometimes have good reason to go into a depressed silence, unlike those of the 'biggest and richest club in the world'!

It's not that that they didn't respond to our chants but that they didn't make any noise at all worth mentioning until an hour into the game, and then only at the request of one of their players! It was almost as though ESPN had no microphones on the crowd but that clearly wasn't the case as you could hear our small travelling support doing us proud throughout - I hope Bill Oddie heard his chant.

Federici and Legs were both outstanding for the Royals as was Vidic for Man Utd.

If Vidic had not been there at the back we may well have got something out of this game.

Nani man of the match.... To all those Utd fans who voted you only see only one team and colours don't you!!!

That's what happens when the b*astard TV companies make even more money by getting people to phone in. It was only ever going to go to a player in red. They could have all sat on their *rses for 90 minutes whilst we thumped them 8-0 and the MOM would still have gone to a Utd player! What's worse is that (IMO) the plastic idiots didn't even select their best player!

[Ian Royal]

We were massively improved on the ball over our earlier season efforts today, but it's still not enough to play 4-4-2 in this league.

To suggest we do so is madness. And this isn't Sparta.

I haven't suggested we do play 4-4-2 in the league from the start.

[creative_username_1]

went to OT to see Man U v Reading 0-0 (first game of the season). Was sat in the Utd end and could barely see the Reading
fans and didn't hear them once throughout the game. OT is almost 'too big'

[The Rouge]

I find it hard to believe anyone can be dissatisfied with the performance at OT last night.

- players gave everything, bloody honest bunch of lads, could have even nicked a 2-2 at the end
- many good performances
- suggested we could play 4-4-2 well against a lesser team
- good experience for some players

[Pardsme]

Did anyone noticed midway through second half, a young lad running round the perimeter giving out instructions to the ball boys? Can only assume either to do with giving the ball quickly or "geeing" up the support which was very quiet at times?

Other than that, awesome performance tonight. Last 5 minutes Man U were hanging on, barring their last kick of the game.

[RoyalBlue]

Interesting that the BBC claim this (which I don't think is even correct, as IIRC sub came on straight away for Jones)

With the home side temporarily reduced to 10 men after Jones went off, Le Fondre turned on the edge of the penalty area and hit a shot that De Gea held.

However, they make no mention of us having to play for quite some time on two occasions with just 10 men, as Hunt had to go off for treatment!

[southbank1871]

I'm a little bit at people moaning about that performance tbh. We were competitive against a United team who could afford the luxury of having RVP on the bench and we could have nicked a drawer on another day. Hunt and ALF in particularly must be shattered today as they ran themselves into the ground.

It was my first time at OT and has has been said previously, it was a pretty dreadful atmosphere, but that was to be expected for a game against us I guess. Some of our chants were moronic, "top of the league, you're 'avin a laugh" being the stand out, but the United fans to the right of us were also embarrassing. Reading fans were in pretty good voice, but I suspect we couldn't be heard on the TV due to the acoustics.

I strongly dislike our goal music, but the 20 minutes of Man Utd songs they play at OT before the game is one of shittest things I've ever heard.

[reading_fan]

Sat in the hotel after the game, a tram ride to the wrong side of Manchester, and a disappointing lack of beers.

I thought we were great. The result wasn't there, and having seen the five minute ESPN highlights we looked dominated but I think that's unfair - the first five minutes were a fright, and Feds saved us a good few times, but there was only a small period where it felt like they were "turning the screw" whereas I'd have said we had (minus the first five minutes) the better first half, and a heartfelt finish.

First ever trip to OT, and of the big teams they were always my fave as a kid - obviously now my allegiance lays with Reading, but nonetheless I've never been anti-united... However!! I couldn't believe how oxf*rd a fair few of their players were, particularly Hernandez? And the support was dire.. I appreciate we're probably seen as a "chalk that one off the fixture list as a victory!" side to their fans, but it was eerily quiet for the majority of the game - when they got going it sounded incredible, but it was rare, and (although the vast majority of it is painfully juvenile and routine at every game) the back and forth between their fans in response to ours was dreadful - quiet in the library/fire drill/sing a song for you may be unspontanious and trite, but the lack of *anything* back was double as awkward. On a side note, it wasn't shown on the highlights I've seen but Van Persies 360 mid air back heel roundhouse showboat was unbelievable..

Regardless - we were a lucky touch away from what would be a point in a months time when we meet them again, came out unscathed and with dignity. We gave it a much better crack than many who are considered stronger opponents would have done, and if we carry on like that, will be playing at OT again next year regardless of the cup.

You say some sensible things here but I see things differently re the chanting...I don't blame them for not responding to the "chants". As you say yourself, they're painful, trite and routine (read predictable and boring) - Utd as one of the top teams in the world simply look down their noses at us. It's like you bumping into an oik down the street - chances are he'd get all "street talkie" with a few "innits" whereas you, feeling superior, would just try to move on as quickly as possible. By engaging with us, in their eyes they're lowering themselves to our level whereas they regard us as a minor irritant getting in the way of winning some serious silverware.

Disagree. Far too many ManU 'supporters' are always happy to boast about their incredible support, which last night was worse than the quietest days at the Mad Stad. What's more supporters at clubs like Reading sometimes have good reason to go into a depressed silence, unlike those of the 'biggest and richest club in the world'!

It's not that that they didn't respond to our chants but that they didn't make any noise at all worth mentioning until an hour into the game, and then only at the request of one of their players! It was almost as though ESPN had no microphones on the crowd but that clearly wasn't the case as you could hear our small travelling support doing us proud throughout - I hope Bill Oddie heard his chant.

To be fair to United, it's like that at all the big grounds - we're seen as little Reading so it's more difficult for the home fans to get excited about the game and make a bit of noise as the win is expected. It would probably equate to us playing a League One side at home in the cup (I would have used Sheff Utd as the example, but we've got a bit of history with them so probably a slightly better atmosphere), and how we struggle to get going and make an atmosphere at times at the Mad Stad.

[Royal91]

Last nights performance gives me confidence going into Saturday.

Thought we shifted the ball very well at times and against a lesser team with no Vidic it could have been a different result.

I'm normally first to rip into Hunt but he gave an excellent battling performance. Feds yes made a great double save but he needs to stop with all this camera save bollocks!

Le Fondre was excellent and was obviously told to drop deeper at times to get the ball. He really should be starting but 4-5-1 and the 'team' is more important.

[Z175]

I thought it was a great performance, a fluke away from being heroic.

I felt it was a great battle between two top managers. Ferguson Vidic, Jones and Smalling just did enough to stop us converting our chances, which lets face it we normally do.

At the other end they opened us up right at the start of the match but McDermotts tactic of closing them down in their own half put a stop to that. Have you ever seen United at home lose the ball in their own half so much?

ESPN seemed to think this tired us out - but our dominance of the last 10 mins would suggest differently. I think the tide of United pressure was always going to burst, and we were unfortunate to conceed again straight away, especially on the counter. If we'd kept it 1-0 it might have been different.

But as much as you take so many positives from that game, it exposed our centre midfield to me.

I think it was the substituion of Leigertwood that opened a path for them. As soon as he went off we were torn apart for 10 minutes and conceeded twice, without his presence. In that time the appallingly lightweight Guthrie flittered around as United walked straight through our middle, for the first time since the opening 5 mins.

However, that decent last 10 minutes owed a lot to Guthries influence, his vision and passing came into play and set up the start of numerous attacking moves. Guthries a massive dilemma I think, but its suicidal to play him in 4-4-2 as he not only doesnt tackle, he gets shrugged off so easily when in possession. But even in 4-5-1, he gets no where near the striker.

So I think his best position is with Leigertwood behind him and a more attacking midfielder ahead of him. But Leigertwoods comical ability to retain the ball after winning it means he needs an agile player like Karacan/Akpan close to him - which means no room for Guthrie.

So in short we have to build our team around Leigertwood or we'll get destroyed, but his flaws mean limiting our midfield play. Clearly Carrico could be the answer, but he wasn't brought on yesterday was he?

[Maguire]

I'm a little bit at people moaning about that performance tbh.

Can't believe anybody would complain about that. Mental.

we could have nicked a drawer on another day

Not unless the lads swung by IKEA on the way home

[BR2]

I'm a little bit at people moaning about that performance tbh.

Can't believe anybody would complain about that. Mental.

we could have nicked a drawer on another day

Not unless the lads swung by IKEA on the way home

Not sure why southbank is complaining as nearly everybody on here has been quite positive and far from moaning about the performance.
Maguire's comments about McCleary getting stuck in-the same applies to Jobi and HRK.
Having said that,on the rare occasion that Jobi has tackled anyone he crocked him-well done Jobi more of that please and if you go in hard you are less likely to get hurt.

The game was quite entertaining with the almost inevitable result.
Our record there is not too bad even though the ESPN commentator said we haven't beaten them since 1927 but of course we have hardly ever played them.
The 0-0 and 1-1 results there were excellent (as well as the 1-1 at home when Ronaldo scored).
A good performance all round and probably the result Brian wanted-not embarrassed and big league games coming up where the players will have to work just as hard to get any points.

From performances last night:-
Feds excellent
The back 4 as good as could be expected with Shorey showing yet again that he is our best left-back.
Jobi-see what happens when you stay on your feet.
Smalling is not good enough to get anywhere near an England place
Fernandes has yet to learn the offside rule
Nani,on his day,is a very good player.

[Royal With Cheese]

Not hating but McCleary for me is a good footballer trapped in a coward's body. Have some faith, son.

Yes, all the passion and commitment of Charles Hawtrey last night.

[melonhead]

gr8 stuff from the boys. undone by two flashes of quality.
kept them very quiet first half(for 5 aside) and had some cvhances ourselves. there were countless other promising moves that we oxf*rd up, or blasted a shit shot at the end of, that could easily have made the difference.
second half we defended brilliantly, but the pressure built up, and ledge going off let them control the middle of the park(one in the eye for the h8ers)
jobi, nhunt, marriappa, morrison, federici, kelly all had very good games


onwards and upwards, saturday is where its at

[ZacNaloen]

Shoreys poor defending contributed to at least one of the goals, can't say he showed himself to be our best left back...

[LoyalRoyalFan]

Shorey showing yet again that he is our best left-back.

He's better than Harte, I'll grant you that, but he was at fault last night.

Let's the United player ran at him, no closing down at all, they put a ball into the box and score.

[RoyalTank]

Shorey showing yet again that he is our best left-back.

He's better than Harte, I'll grant you that, but he was at fault last night.

Let's the United player ran at him, no closing down at all, they put a ball into the box and score.

I dont know if you were watching a different player but shorey was awful second half.

I am glad i went atmosphere from the reading fans was ok, but the united fans were very quiet. When one of their fans tried to get something going he was quickley told by the stewards to sit down and be quiet.

All in all a good solid performance and if we play like that for the rest of the season we should just scrape survival.