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Are Man Utd. the best team in the world atm?

245

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 48,606 ✭✭✭✭Mitch Connor


    Sqaull20 wrote: »
    lol good point..

    How long is Vidic out for?

    Last time yee missed one of Ferdinand/Vidic yee were slaughtered by Kaka...

    In fairness - Our defence for the Milan game was something like Fletcher, Henize, Silvestre, Evra... Evra the only first choice in his position. So it wasn't JUST that we were missing Vidic. Our midfield was down at the time too. Still, i'd want Vidic lining out against Barcelona should the match happen - we'd need a full strength side bang on form to get past them imo; Messi and Eto'o in particular scare the life out of me.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,687 ✭✭✭Dun laoire


    gosplan wrote: »
    LMAO at people saying the CL is 'theirs to lose now'.

    They do have perhaps the best squad in the world at the moment and it's a squad for the future too but that means little when it's 11 v 11 in the knockout stages.

    I'm not knocking them, just saying that whether they win the champions league or not, it doesn't really mean that they're the best team in the world. Look at liverpool vrs milan in last years final. Mediocre league teams.

    Yeah good points there. While it's a huge trophy to win you could still be knocked out and yet be the better team ie. luck on the night, one really bad decision by the officials etc.. In saying all that you can look at it this way. Of the 4 English clubs that entered the competition they all still remain and only one can definately be knocked out which could take 3 into the semi's. Right now Manchester United are looking good and we know either Arsenal or Liverpool will (barring a catastophe in OT) will join them. So basically what i'm saying is the English clubs are the most dominant in Europe and Manchester United are the most Dominant in England.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 697 ✭✭✭oobydooby


    ziggy wrote: »
    This post has been deleted.

    Yeah but Milan won the World Club Championships and so are the best in teh world by that measure.

    AS for the thread - probably yes. Don't see enough world football to judge it but they are certainly the best (right now) in the English-speaking world.

    As for winning stuff, while they'll probably win a double, they would still be the best IMO if they won nothing. I'd always say NZ are the best rugby team in the world, even if they bottle it in the world cup. At least as a Pol fan that's one thing I don't have to worry about, bottlers.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 15,399 ✭✭✭✭Thanx 4 The Fish


    No.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 48,606 ✭✭✭✭Mitch Connor


    So will Tevez, Rooney, Ronaldo, Scholes, Anderson etc


    Thats why its such a mouth watering prospect.

    On current form Anderson won't, and Tevez will be on the bench for most of the 2 matches. Rooney also can't finish for crap so unless he is gifted a chance even i could stick away he isn't going to trouble Valdes.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,488 ✭✭✭dc69


    speaking as a Liverpool fan,I think they are the best team in europe.They are probably the only team in the premier league bar maybe chelski that wont need to strengthen in the summer.They have amased a great first 11 and a great squad.their strength in depth in class and While teams like Liverpool need to build more and need more quality players,Arsenal waiting for youngsters to mature and improve,utd dont.
    They are imo at the moment the best team as they are complete,they need nothing whatsoever.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,283 ✭✭✭Smegball


    All I will say is, I am very proud to be a Manchester United supporter atm, and I believe we are one the best teams in the world certainly, the very best? Thats debateable, but I think we are :)


  • Moderators, Regional North East Moderators Posts: 12,742 Mod ✭✭✭✭cournioni


    deisedevil wrote: »
    Playing the best football right now, no doubt about it. Will mean nothing though if we win nothing.
    I agree with that, 100%. Trophies are everything.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,392 ✭✭✭d22ontour



    Rooney has had 2 good performances after months of mediocrity

    :eek:

    Watch football much ?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 8,983 ✭✭✭leninbenjamin


    it depends what you mean. In terms of ability? probably not, i think at times this season Arsenal have shown they are at least equal with united on this. In terms of mentality? no, United have bottled it too much in previous seasons. They won against Lyon but they didn't seem in the right frame of mind to be considered world beaters. even though they've been poor this season i still think Milan are the masters at this, their approach in the what i've seen in the CL at least has always been impeccable... in terms of consistency? at the moment based on the past two seasons i guess they win this hands down.

    these are just three aspects needed in a world class team that i can think of at the moment. i'm sure there's fecktons more i'm forgetting. basically no team has done enough recently to allow anyone to consider them the worlds best, United, Arsenal, Barca, Real, Milan, Inter (again jus off the top of me head) all have fundamental weaknesses that prevent anyone from pipping it in my eyes.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,046 ✭✭✭eZe^


    Jazzy wrote: »
    Barca atm are the only team that I think have the potential to be better but they havent had the best season so far.

    It pains me to say as a Barcelona fan I dont think they even come close to how good united have been. Maybe when their attack is at full strength it beats uniteds, but their defense is just too good. Definitely the best team in the world atm.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,097 ✭✭✭✭Tusky


    Probably...but a hell of a lot of once great teams are under performing at the moment.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,617 ✭✭✭✭PHB


    Rooney has performed all season, its just he hasn't got gpals? Is there a striker I'd prefer in the world? Nope.

    Scholes said it in an interview tonight, 'right now they are a good team. If we win the trophies we are in, we'll be a great team.'
    IMO right now, they are the best team in the world. But 1month ago, Arsenal were, 4 months ago, Real were.... The final decider is at the end of the season.
    If we win one trophy (Premiership or CL) then we are a good team. Last year we were a good team. Two years before, Liverpool were a good team. Winning one trophy is not enough.
    If we win both trophies, then we'll be a great team.
    Do I think we can win both trophies? Well since I'm drunk, and the gods of karma don't punish you when you're drunk, I think we'll win the premiership, and the CL will be decided on the United Barca game. I think we'll beat Barca and win the CL this year. I think the player of the tourament will be Ferdinand, but he's a defender, won't get the plaudits, and the winner will be Ronaldo. Ronaldo will have a **** game in the final, but will pop up with the winning goal. The debate will go on about whether or not he's a great player :P

    Nonetheless, I'm a happy United fan right now, I couldn't ask for more. We're in a great position in the league, and we're in a great position in the CL, although I'd rather be on the other side of the draw. It's in our hands now, the team just has to take it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 41,077 ✭✭✭✭Xavi6


    They lost twice to City. Any team that does that is not the best in the world.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 27,856 ✭✭✭✭Dave!


    I'll reserve judgement til we find out if we actually win anything this year.....

    I'm very apprehensive about the probable Barce match, especially with Vida after getting injured today.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 27,365 ✭✭✭✭super_furry


    Manchester United are as much the best team in the world right now as Arsenal were before Christmas.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,467 ✭✭✭smemon


    I think the word 'team' is very important here. What you seen tonight was very much a handbrake performance.

    Utd had the horsepower in ronaldo and rooney, tevez etc... but they had the discipline and maturity to realise that at this level, you cannot take massive risks.

    It's like a ferrari ticking along at 80 km/hr behind a dawdler in a 100km/hr zone coming up to a series of dangerous bends. On paper and in reality the ferrari might have the power to nip ahead and back in without any danger, but the driver deems it too risky as he doesn't really know what's ahead.

    That's exactly what's happening in europe. In the league, it's boot to the floor as it's not as risky.

    Ronaldo and Vidic won the league for Utd last year imo. This season, Ferdinand, Evra, Ronaldo and Rooney stand out for me.

    Man for man, Utd are the best side in the world at the minute.

    They probably have 3 of the best defenders in the world - you wouldn't swap Evra, Vidic or Ferdinand for many.

    In midfield, there's Ronaldo and up front Rooney.

    I doubt many people would swap any of those 5. They've all been together now for 2 or 3 years so we're starting to see it all gel together nicely.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 17,065 ✭✭✭✭MisterAnarchy


    d22ontour wrote: »
    :eek:

    Watch football much ?

    Yes.Plenty.
    Rooney has been very hit and miss this season.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,467 ✭✭✭smemon


    Yes.Plenty.
    Rooney has been very hit and miss this season.

    I disagree, he's sacraficing himself for the team.

    In order for Ronaldo or Evra to roam free, they need cover and Rooney provides that, usually on the left flank.

    Take Rooney out of the side and you lose the communication down the left.

    It's a bit like Beckham/Neville partnership in the 90's. Without one, the other doesn't function properly.

    Rooney also sets a great example up front and together with Tevez, they must be a defenders nightmare as not only can they play football, but they're not afraid to throw themselves about plus they can tackle too.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 17,065 ✭✭✭✭MisterAnarchy


    smemon wrote: »
    I disagree, he's sacraficing himself for the team.

    In order for Ronaldo or Evra to roam free, they need cover and Rooney provides that, usually on the left flank.
    It shouldnt be part of his role to play left back.Its a waste of his attacking abilities especially with only one striker on the pitch like tonight.
    One of the holding midfielders should fill in on the left if needed.

    Rooney often plays in too deep a role and he is not a natural goalscorer.
    How much better would United be if they had bought an out and out striker in January to play alongside Rooney or Tevez ?

    Do not forget Rooney just came off a six game goal drought .
    He played well tonight and against Villa at the weekend where he had alot of space .
    However 2 games dont make a great season .
    He has had an average season and the guff RTE were spouting tonight was bull.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 41,077 ✭✭✭✭Xavi6


    United need an out and out goalscorer and a right back to be considered the best team in the world.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 16,658 ✭✭✭✭Peyton Manning


    Xavi6 wrote: »
    United need an out and out goalscorer and a right back to be considered the best team in the world.

    Agreed. Maybe it doesnt have to be a world class goalscorer - Manucho could prove to be the backup we need - but a world class right back and we are sorted. As for being the best club in the world - impossible to tell. Certainly, it would seem that we are playing the best and most attractive football in Europe, outside of that I dont know. Having said that though, every club has other clubs that they are completely ineffective against. For instace, whereas we beat Arsenal quite comfortably and they beat Milan quite comfortably, I still think Milan would beat us over a 2 legged tie just because of the fact that theyre team is the perfect foil for our relentless attack. Having said that, I do think its astounding that we are able to balance such a frightening attacking line up with such a strong defence, and I do enjoy the thought that we are possibly the best in the world :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 526 ✭✭✭LuckyCharms


    While we are playing some great football at the moment, our season totally hinges on rooney and ronaldo staying fit so currently , the best 11 on paper is prolly a tie up with barca and utd while the best squad in europe is currently without a doubt chelsea.

    People can say what they want about rooney being inconsistent and what not, the fact is rooney is probably the most important player at utd currently,he gets played out of position alot by fergie to in order to meet whatever the game requires,He isnt an out n out goalscorer but he was never meant to be,that is simply not his game.

    While Ronaldo is playing some great football, easily the most in form player in world football currently,rooney is the guy that makes utd tick.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 41,077 ✭✭✭✭Xavi6


    While Ronaldo is playing some great football, easily the most in form player in world football currently,rooney is the guy that makes utd thick.

    Fixed that for ya :p


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 48,606 ✭✭✭✭Mitch Connor


    Rooney the most on form player in the world? This the same rooney who has almost completely lost the ability to score all but the easiest of chances? He is working as hard for the team as he ever does, but he is well off his best form, both in a creative and goal-scoring sense.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 387 ✭✭hanton12


    I love this forum and how people exagerate how if you are the best in the Premiership, it means the best in Europe, which means the best in the world. There is a huge case for Utd to be classed as the best in Europe right now. I had doubts over their team last night and their ability to perform in latter stages of the competition (and in fariness, still do on that point. For the amount of times Utd have got to the knock outs, their record is very very poor for having such good teams). But last night was a huge result for them, and Ronaldo is justifying his acclaim right now (another over who I had doubts on his big game capabilities). He has scored in a good few games in a row now, and 2 of them against big games in Liverpool and Roma.

    But the thread title should be Europe, not the world. How can you compare how Utd would do against Estudiantes, River Plate, Boca Juniors, Flamengo, Fluminese, Botafogo or even the likes of Atlas, Quito and Cienciano who are doing really well right now in the Copa Libertadores?

    English teams have a poor record in World Club games, so to give Utd the best team in the world is a bit premature, especially as most wouldnt even consider any other leagues outside of Europe. Europe isnt the world, and the Premiership certainly isnt.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 41,926 ✭✭✭✭_blank_


    hanton12 wrote: »
    I love this forum and how people exagerate how if you are the best in the Premiership, it means the best in Europe, which means the best in the world. There is a huge case for Utd to be classed as the best in Europe right now. I had doubts over their team last night and their ability to perform in latter stages of the competition (and in fariness, still do on that point. For the amount of times Utd have got to the knock outs, their record is very very poor for having such good teams). But last night was a huge result for them, and Ronaldo is justifying his acclaim right now (another over who I had doubts on his big game capabilities). He has scored in a good few games in a row now, and 2 of them against big games in Liverpool and Roma.

    But the thread title should be Europe, not the world. How can you compare how Utd would do against Estudiantes, River Plate, Boca Juniors, Flamengo, Fluminese, Botafogo or even the likes of Atlas, Quito and Cienciano who are doing really well right now in the Copa Libertadores?

    English teams have a poor record in World Club games, so to give Utd the best team in the world is a bit premature, especially as most wouldnt even consider any other leagues outside of Europe. Europe isnt the world, and the Premiership certainly isnt.
    Best post in the thread.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 17,122 ✭✭✭✭Nalz


    DesF wrote: »
    Best post in the thread.
    yeah good post. DesF, can you shorten your feckin signature....its too fcukin long!
    Xavi6 wrote: »
    United need an out and out goalscorer and a right back to be considered the best team in the world.

    To be a complete team maybe! But ATM who is better then them and in better form? Also I don't think this question can be answered as its all about opinions...the fact that certain teams win major competitions doesnt even give them the right to say that...imo.

    I'd say they just shade it. Better team than Chelsea, Arsenal, Lyon, Inter, Munich, Shalke, Roma, Barca and Madrid if league form is anything to go by. Again, I think thats not the best criteria to compare such things


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 41,077 ✭✭✭✭Xavi6


    Trilla wrote: »
    But ATM who is better then them and in better form?
    Trilla wrote: »
    Also I don't think this question can be answered as its all about opinion

    Then why ask?!?! :p


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 41,926 ✭✭✭✭_blank_


    Trilla wrote: »
    DesF, can you shorten your feckin signature....its too fcukin long!
    Long width, or long height
    ?


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