I'm well bored lads. I want to discuss my favourite United players ever.
It all started with Beckham and Yorke, as I've discussed before. I don't remember much about early experiences of watching football - they only really solidified as seasonal memories around 2000/01 - but I distinctly remember loving both when I was about 5/6, and was delighted when Yorke moved to United. I remember the CL final vaguely, I remember bits up until the aforementioned 00/01 season but that's when it really kicked in, with 02/03 the first season I remember following until the end, listening in on the radio at the end of the season as Mark Viduka scored that late winner vs Arse and celebrating by running around the garden.
Taking that into account, I missed the best part of people like Cole, Sheringham and Yorke's careers at United, only crystallised memories of the rock hard bastard that is Jaap Stam much later on, missed the best of Gary Neville and Denis Irwin, and of course wasn't even fucking watching for lads like Hughes and Cantona. God bless YouTube.
But Beckham was the constant through those early years. I warmed to him a lot more than I did Giggs and Scholes, and I'm still not really sure why I have never loved them as much as I should; maybe it's because they're the obvious choices and I'm subconsciously more contrarian than I'd like to let on. But Beckham was my first United hero.
Next came Ruud van Nistelrooy; scored goals like no one's business, celebrated with such passion, was the only really good player we had for two or three years and to this day is probably one of my top three United players. Will always regret the way his United career came to an end. That 02/03 season was absolute madness; just goal after goal after goal. Think he got over 40 that season, which was astonishing at the time, and would still be if it were not for Messi and Ronaldo making the extraordinary look ordinary.
The only other player I loved between Beckham's departure and the makings of our next great squad in around 05/06 was Keane, who was routinely the only player who evidently gave a fuck. I of course missed his peak as well, but for the few years he was about he solidifed himself in my eyes as a real example of a captain.
From 2006-13 I had plenty more heroes that found themselves a spot on my favourites list. Rio Ferdinand stepped up to become one of the very best defenders in the world, and had that extra touch of class and consistency that made me favour him over Vidic. Rafael was a mouthy little cunt who never really had the potential to be anything more than cult hero, but he just fucking got it. Ronaldo evolved into a dynamite talent, and despite all his goals nowadays, watching him between 2006-09 for us is some of the most fun I've ever had watching football. Park was an incredibly important player in our side, always doing a job, never complaining, never shirking responsibility. Players like Fletcher and O'Shea, Solskjaer and Larsson, Rooney (back then!), Tevez and Berbatov, Heinze and Carrick all played their part, but those guys were the ones that I really took to my heart.
There's been a dearth of loveable figures in recent times. Ander Herrera is the one that stands out, in true Rafael style. Loves the club, loves playing for us, loves everything about us. I had a brief flirtation with Shinji Kagawa and will always appreciate De Gea but ultimately Danny Welbeck's the one that got away. Just shit enough to make him endearing but just good enough to leave you with hope, van Gaal's selling of him genuinely made me sad and still does to this day.
And all I've left out is my favourite United player of all time. I don't even need to explain why. The man. The myth. The legend. Patrice Evra.
So, my favourite United team of all time:
please, if you find it in your hearts to alleviate me of boredom, fans from all clubs and countries, share with me your tales of your favourite ever players
It all started with Beckham and Yorke, as I've discussed before. I don't remember much about early experiences of watching football - they only really solidified as seasonal memories around 2000/01 - but I distinctly remember loving both when I was about 5/6, and was delighted when Yorke moved to United. I remember the CL final vaguely, I remember bits up until the aforementioned 00/01 season but that's when it really kicked in, with 02/03 the first season I remember following until the end, listening in on the radio at the end of the season as Mark Viduka scored that late winner vs Arse and celebrating by running around the garden.
Taking that into account, I missed the best part of people like Cole, Sheringham and Yorke's careers at United, only crystallised memories of the rock hard bastard that is Jaap Stam much later on, missed the best of Gary Neville and Denis Irwin, and of course wasn't even fucking watching for lads like Hughes and Cantona. God bless YouTube.
But Beckham was the constant through those early years. I warmed to him a lot more than I did Giggs and Scholes, and I'm still not really sure why I have never loved them as much as I should; maybe it's because they're the obvious choices and I'm subconsciously more contrarian than I'd like to let on. But Beckham was my first United hero.
Next came Ruud van Nistelrooy; scored goals like no one's business, celebrated with such passion, was the only really good player we had for two or three years and to this day is probably one of my top three United players. Will always regret the way his United career came to an end. That 02/03 season was absolute madness; just goal after goal after goal. Think he got over 40 that season, which was astonishing at the time, and would still be if it were not for Messi and Ronaldo making the extraordinary look ordinary.
The only other player I loved between Beckham's departure and the makings of our next great squad in around 05/06 was Keane, who was routinely the only player who evidently gave a fuck. I of course missed his peak as well, but for the few years he was about he solidifed himself in my eyes as a real example of a captain.
From 2006-13 I had plenty more heroes that found themselves a spot on my favourites list. Rio Ferdinand stepped up to become one of the very best defenders in the world, and had that extra touch of class and consistency that made me favour him over Vidic. Rafael was a mouthy little cunt who never really had the potential to be anything more than cult hero, but he just fucking got it. Ronaldo evolved into a dynamite talent, and despite all his goals nowadays, watching him between 2006-09 for us is some of the most fun I've ever had watching football. Park was an incredibly important player in our side, always doing a job, never complaining, never shirking responsibility. Players like Fletcher and O'Shea, Solskjaer and Larsson, Rooney (back then!), Tevez and Berbatov, Heinze and Carrick all played their part, but those guys were the ones that I really took to my heart.
There's been a dearth of loveable figures in recent times. Ander Herrera is the one that stands out, in true Rafael style. Loves the club, loves playing for us, loves everything about us. I had a brief flirtation with Shinji Kagawa and will always appreciate De Gea but ultimately Danny Welbeck's the one that got away. Just shit enough to make him endearing but just good enough to leave you with hope, van Gaal's selling of him genuinely made me sad and still does to this day.
And all I've left out is my favourite United player of all time. I don't even need to explain why. The man. The myth. The legend. Patrice Evra.
So, my favourite United team of all time:
please, if you find it in your hearts to alleviate me of boredom, fans from all clubs and countries, share with me your tales of your favourite ever players
By FortuneFaded Go To PostSo were you too young to remember Coventry in the Premiership (as it was called then)?
who
By FortuneFaded Go To PostFound the perfect picture:His eyes. He knows.
By n8 dogg Go To Postwhopls
GK: Had to be Oggy. Legend
RB: Could play RB or CB. Was a beast. He gets sent off and concedes a penalty in the match that gets us relegated from the championship and he's given a standing ovation as he leaves the pitch because we knew he wasn't going to play for us again. If we had an 11 like him, we wouldn't have gotten relegated
CB: I went to quite a few matches the season after we got relegated from the Prem. These two were a great pairing. You could tell Davenport was a class above and Konjic was a madman who fought for every ball. When he thought the team weren't doing enough in attack he would randomly dribble the ball past the halfway line and join the offense.
LB: Christie was very much in the Keogh mould and deserved better than League One.
RM: Got into the England team right after we sold him to Blackburn. 'Nuff said.
CM: BIgi is a fantastic player who deserves to play much higher than L1/L2. Was possibly MOTM at Wembley.
CM: Legend
LM: Had to go with LIttle Shef. Possibly returning to us next season.
FWD: No justification needed for Dublin. I remember being pissed off he wasn't picked in the England team for '98 (Hoddle picked Ferdinand instead)
FWD: Underrated. Was part of the 97-99 time when we were at our best.
By Baconsaurus Go To PostHis eyes. He knows.Those eyes are going to next appear on n8's bowel movement he will inevitably post on Whatsapp. The human body struggles to digest them; much like sweetcorn.
So Everton could easily beat Arsenal, but very nervous about seeing a Lolerpool performance today. They should be able to take care of business against Middlesbrough but a Liverpool draw and and an Arsenal win would be disasterous. And it is entirely possible. Coutinho, Firmino, and Lallana are keys. Very nervous.
Yea!!!!!!!!!! Orsolini, Fav, and Mandragora start. Shame my boy Romagna is on the bench.
Bentancur starts for Uruguay.
Bentancur starts for Uruguay.
Relegation has already been determined, the PL champs have already been determined. The only drama is between Arsenal and Liverpool for top 4. Kind of a sad last day, but it has me unnerved.
childhood favourite madrid players:
Raul: one of my favourite madrid academy players of all time, only ronaldo and messi could come along and break his champions league record goals
Redondo: one of the best madrid defensive mids with a high IQ
Ronaldo: he wasn't at his prime with us towards the end but still one of the greatest strikers of all time
Zidane: blessed by allah is he, the one who descended from the heavens to smite the haramis
Hierro: rock at the back with great goalscoring talent, under-appreciated
Roberto Carlos: i tried to imitate him all the time in street football and on my school's football team
non-madrid:
batistuta: carried totti to his only serie a win
Raul: one of my favourite madrid academy players of all time, only ronaldo and messi could come along and break his champions league record goals
Redondo: one of the best madrid defensive mids with a high IQ
Ronaldo: he wasn't at his prime with us towards the end but still one of the greatest strikers of all time
Zidane: blessed by allah is he, the one who descended from the heavens to smite the haramis
Hierro: rock at the back with great goalscoring talent, under-appreciated
Roberto Carlos: i tried to imitate him all the time in street football and on my school's football team
non-madrid:
batistuta: carried totti to his only serie a win
Only starting to become a serious fan since 2009, I did include Zola because I do remember him from before since he was my dad's favourite player when we were young and at a time we still could get EPL coverage over here. We still can but at outragious prices.
Starting from the top, I had to include Drogba. The man he got us through so many matches, beautiful goals, always searching and even defending in his later years. I'll never forget the day he scored in the CL final and saved football.
Costa: Come on, how could I forget ma boy Diego Costa. A cunt of a player in the best and worst way, winding everybody up but backing up his shit with great goals and serious grinta. I hope he stays next year but if he goes, he'll always be well remembered.
Hazard: A kind of a hate love relationship started when he became a regular in the Belgian first XI. Sure he has great moments on the pitch but he was often lazy and flopped easily. Fast Forward to his transfer to Chelsea and Mou molded him into the world class player he his. A true hero even though I could've shot him last year multiple times.
Lampard: Come on, do I even need to type anything here? The ultimate midfielder in many ways.
Zola: Like I said, I recall watching him in world cups and in his Chelsea run whenever my dad was watching but I don't remember much. Watching him afterwards on best of montages etc.. makes me kinda sad. A remarkable and likeable player like so many heroes of other clubs.
Oscar: Might not be everyone's pick but I do think this guy was special. His on and off again form made him not the best value for his money but the moments he showed his ability were amazing. I'll never forget the day he merked Buffon twice.
Mata: A terrific talent and part of the great Hazard - Mata - Oscar trio, still love his work in his United career and shows what kind of a player he is when I don't resent him seeking a transfer when playtime was not on the cards anymore.
Cole: Another dynamite player and truly a leftback which I would easily place next to Marcelo, Evra and Alaba for world's greatest leftback.
Luiz: Ahh David Luiz, being our rock in defence and providing some frustratings lols aswell, went off to PSG for glory but ultimately came back to where the glory is. Love his rocket freekicks and seeing that hair repel balls.
Azpilicueta: Consistently one of our best players every season and a player who absolutely loves the club. Gave it his all during our darkest year and shines to bright when we're winning. Wouldn't trade him if I had a say in it.
Cech: A great keeper who can still go with the best. I do regret trading him for Courtois, even though he was going on in years and losing that quickness. Another one of the Dream of 11-12 CL Campaign and possibly the reason we won it. Can't even sum up how many times he bailed us out.
I thought it was impossible being wrong here, because you know, favorite player is completely subjective.
But seeing Oscar in that list, made me realize it is possible.
But seeing Oscar in that list, made me realize it is possible.
By WoodenPapangu Go To PostI thought it was impossible being wrong here, because you know, favorite player is completely subjective.It was a tie between him and Essien but Oscar's highs stood out more. In statistics Essien would probably win out.
But seeing Oscar in that list, made me realize it is possible.
By FlutterPuffs Go To PostThere's a difference between Real and Monaco though.
At Real you are expecting to win every game, and get every cups. The pressure is immense. You are expected to win games against great clubs like Celta Vigo and Malaga, no matter how much of an underdog you are in the matches.
By FlutterPuffs Go To PostI dont get what you mean. 11th place Malaga and 13th place Celta are top teams. Madridistas told me so.:0
You just moved into my top 6 posters list
By JuveFan Go To Post:0
You just moved into my top 6 posters list
Hahahaha
I fell in love with Chelsea because of Zola, I really have never loved a footballer more than him. He was just so much fun to watch and I legitimately feel honored to say I saw him play multiple times live. After that the closest i've come to is Hazard but it doesn't come close. Will always love Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Gudjohnson too, having those guys upfront was great.
By Lupercal Go To PostIt was a tie between him and Essien but Oscar's highs stood out more. In statistics Essien would probably win out.I don't post here enough but wat. How the fuck can anyone pick Oscar above Essien, Essien was incredible for 2/3 seasons whereas Oscar was incredible for a game or two.
Jesper Grønkjær is the player that really got me to watch football. He was an artist. Injuries got the better of him, and he can probably only blame himself, as he smoked all the way through his career and generally just lived fairly unhealthy. Of course he played for Chelsea (and scored some very important goals, like the one that eventually decided Roman buying the club), while I started liking Chelsea then, I didn't really follow them all that closely. But I was never happier than when he signed for Copenhagen. He wasn't 1 level above anyone else in the league, not 2, but at least 3. Was fantastic watching him every week toying with the other teams, and then proving himself in Champions league.
The phowah
The way he could just keep hold of the ball even against the very best, so good
His goal in the last match for us before retiring
What a player.
Other favorites includes of varying quality, many that got me to follow a team closely starting with Copenhagen ones. Linderoth, Allback, Wendt, Zuma, Pospech, Ragnar Sigursson, N'Doye, Essien, Cech, Terry, Carvalho, Lampard, Drogba, Costa, Cavani, Vazquez, Illicic, Pastore, Miccoli, Dybala, Balzaretti.
The phowah
The way he could just keep hold of the ball even against the very best, so good
His goal in the last match for us before retiring
What a player.
Other favorites includes of varying quality, many that got me to follow a team closely starting with Copenhagen ones. Linderoth, Allback, Wendt, Zuma, Pospech, Ragnar Sigursson, N'Doye, Essien, Cech, Terry, Carvalho, Lampard, Drogba, Costa, Cavani, Vazquez, Illicic, Pastore, Miccoli, Dybala, Balzaretti.
By Cleff Go To Post9 years to the day since United beat Chelsea in the CL Final.John Terry vodka; made in England, bottled in Russia
By Baconsaurus Go To Postfuck that is beautiful
can't stop watching this
By Shanks D Zoro Go To PostMiccoli was such a quality player for Palermo. Too bad he enjoyed the southern food too much.
By southern food, do you mean cocaine and mafia daughters?
What a player
By WoodenPapangu Go To PostBy southern food, do you mean cocaine and mafia daughters?
What a player
Is there a story behind that? His waist line got noticeably llarger when he moved to Palermo lol
I don't know if we can win against Crystal Palace tonight guys.
Don't let their standings in EPL fool you, Crystal Palace is a good team that has managed to take points away from Chelsea, Liverpool, and Chelsea. We barely managed to win against them the last time with a 2-1 victory.
So remember, if United loses tonight it's not Mou's fault, or that our players are underperforming.
It's just that Crystal Palace is a good team.
Don't let their standings in EPL fool you, Crystal Palace is a good team that has managed to take points away from Chelsea, Liverpool, and Chelsea. We barely managed to win against them the last time with a 2-1 victory.
So remember, if United loses tonight it's not Mou's fault, or that our players are underperforming.
It's just that Crystal Palace is a good team.
Here's my favourite Arsenal team, given that I only really watched Arsenal from our Invincibles season onward:
With the exception of Ljungberg for Sanchez, that team had everything. Pace and power with players that could change games in an instant. It's Wenger's last great Arsenal team imo, he came close in 08/09 (we were 9 points clear iirc and then that infamous Birmingham game fucked it all up :()
Loved watching Cole, Pires and Henry bomb down that left wing, fluidity and one/two touch football. It was beautiful <3
Wish I watched the 97/98 and 01/02 teams too, but i wasnt into football then lol
With the exception of Ljungberg for Sanchez, that team had everything. Pace and power with players that could change games in an instant. It's Wenger's last great Arsenal team imo, he came close in 08/09 (we were 9 points clear iirc and then that infamous Birmingham game fucked it all up :()
Loved watching Cole, Pires and Henry bomb down that left wing, fluidity and one/two touch football. It was beautiful <3
Wish I watched the 97/98 and 01/02 teams too, but i wasnt into football then lol
By Shanks D Zoro Go To PostIs there a story behind that? His waist line got noticeably llarger when he moved to Palermo lol
Haha not cocaine, other than you know... The people he was hanging out with. He was obviously heavily involved with the local mafia family, which is what eventually forced him out of the club. IIRC the details right he was very good friends with a mafia boss (Antonino Lauricella, who was missing) son, and the police investigation opened after he had texted him stuff like "the pigs are here", when the police were at their training ground/warning for him not to appear there, got him booted off the team. :(
Reina
Clyne
Aurelio
Carra
Hyypia
Mascherano
Alonso
Coutinho
Gerrard
Suarez
Torres
-
Cacking it for today. The slip game still pains me, and I wouldn't be surprised if we draw today, expect a win tho.
Clyne
Aurelio
Carra
Hyypia
Mascherano
Alonso
Coutinho
Gerrard
Suarez
Torres
-
Cacking it for today. The slip game still pains me, and I wouldn't be surprised if we draw today, expect a win tho.
Zidane has received widespread praise from his players for his management of the squad throughout the season but he was keen to refocus that attention onto his players.
"The most important thing is that all of the players have contributed. As I said from day one, the squad is spectacular and I want everyone to feel important," he added.
"Everyone has done just as well as each other. When you have 60 games a year, it is tough physically, but we come to the last game with the spirit and physicality of a motherfucker.
5 yellow cards, red card to Cristiano and Zidane sent to the stands for headbutting a ref.
By Shanks D Zoro Go To PostGattuso says the only way Italian clubs can compete in Europe is maybe through foreign ownership.Tbf, he also said "What Juve have done should be followed as if it were the gospel."
Juve say hi.
Best Chelsea players are Drogba, Essien and Costa. Also had a soft spot for Ballack and Carvalho.
Arsenal - Henry, Pires. Fuck Reyes. Cunt.
Liverpool - Alonso is the only one I'll allow to live.
Arsenal - Henry, Pires. Fuck Reyes. Cunt.
Liverpool - Alonso is the only one I'll allow to live.
By Ciaran Go To PostTbf, he also said "What Juve have done should be followed as if it were the gospel."
I never finished reading lol
By WoodenPapangu Go To PostI will never like Ballack after what he did to Milch.Oh god I remembered that. Poor Milch.
By Punished Go To PostReinaThat's pretty much mine, preferred Arbeloa then to Clyne now
Clyne
Aurelio
Carra
Hyypia
Mascherano
Alonso
Coutinho
Gerrard
Suarez
Torres
-
Cacking it for today. The slip game still pains me, and I wouldn't be surprised if we draw today, expect a win tho.
Only really got into football in 06. We've won a league cup since then.
By n8 dogg Go To PostBest Chelsea players are Drogba, Essien and Costa. Also had a soft spot for Ballack and Carvalho.I thought everyone loved a bit of Zola :(
Arsenal - Henry, Pires. Fuck Reyes. Cunt.
Liverpool - Alonso is the only one I'll allow to live.
Mine would be
Cech
Dave
Terry
Carvalho
Ivanovic
Essien
Makelele
Lampard
Cole
Drogba
Zola
You lads are fucking disgusting, needs more BRITISHNESS
GORDON
MAKIN
BOULD
MENSAH
GRAY
SESS
CATTERMOLE
SCHWARZ
STEEED
PHILLIPS
QUINN
Goals, steel, graft, guile. BRITISHNESS. AFRICANNESS. NORDICNESS.
GORDON
MAKIN
BOULD
MENSAH
GRAY
SESS
CATTERMOLE
SCHWARZ
STEEED
PHILLIPS
QUINN
Goals, steel, graft, guile. BRITISHNESS. AFRICANNESS. NORDICNESS.
I fucking loved Ivan. But that last one to two seasons really soured me on him. He was so fucking bad.
