Blanc

Neil Thomson · Jun 26, 2002

From TeamTalk:
Laurent Blanc, who will be out of contract on July 1, has yet to decide whether to accept a new deal at Old Trafford or hang up his boots.
Officially the 36-year-old has until Sunday to decide whether to play on for a further year with United or retire from the game but Sir Alex Ferguson is willing to let the central defender have more time to make up his mind.
The legendary French star who moved to Old Trafford last season after the shock departure of Jaap Stam, made it clear on his switch from Italian football that he would quit as a player this summer.
However, he has enjoyed himself so much in the Premiership, and proved such a popular figure in the United squad, Ferguson has asked him to reconsider his future and offered him an extended contract which takes effect next Monday.
A Key factor in Blanc signing is the potential signing of Leeds United and England star Rio Ferdinand, with United ready to step up their efforts to land him when their new business year commences on July 1.
If the move comes off, Blanc may decide to call it a day and retire after a career which saw him lead France to the World Cup Final in 1998 and collect the European Championship trophy two years later.
Monday will also be decision day for United's other out of contract players.
Denis Irwin is being tipped to move to Birmingham City and link up with former team-mate Steve Bruce.
Meanwhile, defender Ronny Johnsen is another whose contract with United expires on Sunday.

He's had ages to think about this, and quite frankly it shouldn't take someone that long, because if their heart ain't all in it then they shouldn't even consider playing at such a high level. Alex wants hunger and desire most, clearly Blanc has very little of these left. United need more medal hungry players, too many are resting on their laurels.

Amir · Jun 26, 2002

Geesh, it's a typical teamtalk-we-have-nothing-to-write article. They've done a Blanc thing every three or four days now. It could very possibly be Blanc told Fergie one way or the other and either the club are waiting for him to return from the far east/holidays to sign the contract.

Or he decided not to stay and the club are keeping it quiet so we won't be under extra pressure from other clubs when wer'e trying to sign defenders.

Neil Thomson · Jun 26, 2002

Originally posted by Amir:
Geesh, it's a typical teamtalk-we-have-nothing-to-write article. They've done a Blanc thing every three or four days now. It could very possibly be Blanc told Fergie one way or the other and either the club are waiting for him to return from the far east/holidays to sign the contract.

Or he decided not to stay and the club are keeping it quiet so we won't be under extra pressure from other clubs when wer'e trying to sign defenders.<hr></blockquote>
Probably the latter. Do you remember at the end of the season Blanc said he would make his decision in one week?

Amir · Jun 26, 2002

Originally posted by Neil Thomson:

Probably the latter. Do you remember at the end of the season Blanc said he would make his decision in one week?<hr></blockquote>

I've had enough speculation really

We'll know soon. He did say he was leaning towards staying as well.

lchk · Jun 26, 2002

I sincerely hope he leaves.

Face the facts, despite his good performances last season, he's 37 and he ain't gonna get better.

Moreover, we need to create a fresh new central defensive partnership, not rely on blanc for one more season and then shop around again for someone new.

Amir · Jun 26, 2002

Originally posted by lchk:
Moreover, we need to create a fresh new central defensive partnership, not rely on blanc for one more season and then shop around again for someone new.<hr></blockquote>

Wesley Brown is the future.

I hope

So there won't be a need to shop around. Signing two center halves this summer and trying to create something totally new won't be so terrific.

lchk · Jun 26, 2002

Originally posted by Amir:


Wesley Brown is the future.

I hope

So there won't be a need to shop around. Signing two center halves this summer and trying to create something totally new won't be so terrific.<hr></blockquote>

At least brown has some years ahead of him to prove himself

We created the Bruce-Pallister partnership so what's the hesitancy in creating another one?

Neil Thomson · Jun 26, 2002

Originally posted by Amir:


Wesley Brown is the future.

I hope

So there won't be a need to shop around. Signing two center halves this summer and trying to create something totally new won't be so terrific.<hr></blockquote>
Wesley Brown is the now.
John O'Shea is the future.

Mexes is the future too I hope.
Add Rio to that list and the future is bright, the future is Red.

But for now we need Ayala.

Amir · Jun 26, 2002

Originally posted by Neil Thomson:

But for now we need Ayala.<hr></blockquote>

Yep, we'll get him and pray he fits in well with English football or we're in deep .... kaka.

Amir · Jun 26, 2002

Originally posted by lchk:
We created the Bruce-Pallister partnership so what's the hesitancy in creating another one?<hr></blockquote>

There isn't. But did we sign both of them at the same time? No, there a was a couple of years difference.

We have to think long term and short term. In the short term, Blanc would be fantastic to have another 12 months. I believe we saw an improvement with Silvestre and Gary Neville's defending and I think part of it can be attributed to Blanc.

I trust Laurent. If he feels he cannot hack another season of top class football he'll go, just when he knew exactly when to quit international football.

Neil Thomson · Jun 26, 2002

Originally posted by Amir:


Yep, we'll get him and pray he fits in well with English football or we're in deep .... kaka.<hr></blockquote>
Ayala has the exact kind of style that would suit the premiership imo - tough, great in the air, fast - only thing is he might get an awful lot of yellows and some red cards.

Amir · Jun 26, 2002

Originally posted by Neil Thomson:

Ayala has the exact kind of style that would suit the premiership imo - tough, great in the air, fast - only thing is he might get an awful lot of yellows and some red cards.<hr></blockquote>

Could well be - Although who knows for sure. Any import carries a risk. Ayala is also over the 28 age limit ..

ShAoLiN_ChRoNiC · Jun 26, 2002

Ayala isnt that good guys...

Blanc can still do a job for us, but it should be as a squad player, he should be here more for his presence at the club rather than for his performances on the pitch - but I cant see him accepting that. A 37 yr old playing 2 games a week for a whole season? Get real.

Silvestre and Gary have improved, but I dont think you can attribute that to Blanc in any way shape or form. Thats a pretty horrendous claim Amir for a guy who doesnt like speculation.

This year we should keep Blanc as a squad player. Sign one CB and one player who can play 2 positions, LB and CB, or RB and CB. Then next Summer get Mexes as Blanc leaves.

We've got our 2 reserve CBs as our only guaranteed CBs next year. We dont even have first team backup for our CBs. We only have two decent CBs for both our reserve team and our first team. Even with 3-4 CBs in the first team, we usually have back up CBs in our reserves - not anymore. Do you see? Having just Blanc, Brown, O'Shea and one more will be risky next year.

uranushk1 · Jun 26, 2002

Originally posted by ShAoLiN_ChRoNiC:
We've got our 2 reserve CBs as our only guaranteed CBs next year. We dont even have first team backup for our CBs. We only have two decent CBs for both our reserve team and our first team. Even with 3-4 CBs in the first team, we usually have back up CBs in our reserves - not anymore. Do you see? Having just Blanc, Brown, O'Shea and one more will be risky next year.<hr></blockquote>

I think the situation is not that bad. Gary and Micky can both become CB in case of injury crisis. But of course, I'll be happy if we buy two or even more defenders.

Neil Thomson · Jun 26, 2002

Originally posted by ShAoLiN_ChRoNiC:
Ayala isnt that good guys...

Blanc can still do a job for us, but it should be as a squad player, he should be here more for his presence at the club rather than for his performances on the pitch - but I cant see him accepting that. A 37 yr old playing 2 games a week for a whole season? Get real.

Silvestre and Gary have improved, but I dont think you can attribute that to Blanc in any way shape or form. Thats a pretty horrendous claim Amir for a guy who doesnt like speculation.

This year we should keep Blanc as a squad player. Sign one CB and one player who can play 2 positions, LB and CB, or RB and CB. Then next Summer get Mexes as Blanc leaves.

We've got our 2 reserve CBs as our only guaranteed CBs next year. We dont even have first team backup for our CBs. We only have two decent CBs for both our reserve team and our first team. Even with 3-4 CBs in the first team, we usually have back up CBs in our reserves - not anymore. Do you see? Having just Blanc, Brown, O'Shea and one more will be risky next year.<hr></blockquote>
Ayala is that good, but you're right about us needing some reserve CB's. I think Bramble would be a good choice for this.

MancFanFromManc · Jun 26, 2002

Originally posted by lchk:


At least brown has some years ahead of him to prove himself

We created the Bruce-Pallister partnership so what's the hesitancy in creating another one?<hr></blockquote>

Pallister was a then record signing. 2.3m and Bruce was caption of Norwich(!). So it's not quite like bringing them through the young programme is it
<img src="graemlins/nono.gif" border="0" alt="[No No]" />

Amir · Jun 26, 2002

Originally posted by ShAoLiN_ChRoNiC:
Ayala isnt that good guys...
A 37 yr old playing 2 games a week for a whole season? Get real. Silvestre and Gary have improved, but I dont think you can attribute that to Blanc in any way shape or form. Thats a pretty horrendous claim Amir for a guy who doesnt like speculation.<hr></blockquote>

a 36 year old playing 2 games a week for a whole season? Oh boy, it actually happened... Blanc didn't need more rest than, say, David Beckham. He missed a couple of matches through injury and illness and was given a couple more off late in the season. So why will the 12 months turn him from super fit to can't take the heat?

As for my Neville and Silvestre comment, when Fergie broughth Blanc he said he was certain other players in our backline would enjoy his experience and learn from it. Alright, so my comment wasn't 'educated', but we keep on claiming our coaches aren't good enough and our players aren't progressing, yet Neville and Silvestre did. Hmm, coinsidence?

Maybe. Maybe not.

As for players who can play two positions, yes. I said before that if we can get a CB and another player who can play CB and FB (preferably Left back, I think we've got enough cover on the right) it would be terrific. But how many like those exist?

MancFanFromManc · Jun 26, 2002

Originally posted by MancFanFromManc:


Pallister was a then record signing. 2.3m and Bruce was caption of Norwich(!). So it's not quite like bringing them through the young programme is it
<img src="graemlins/nono.gif" border="0" alt="[No No]" /> <hr></blockquote>

"Caption" of Norwich - what am I on ???

ShAoLiN_ChRoNiC · Jun 26, 2002

Originally posted by Amir:


a 36 year old playing 2 games a week for a whole season? Oh boy, it actually happened... Blanc didn't need more rest than, say, David Beckham. He missed a couple of matches through injury and illness and was given a couple more off late in the season. So why will the 12 months turn him from super fit to can't take the heat?

As for my Neville and Silvestre comment, when Fergie broughth Blanc he said he was certain other players in our backline would enjoy his experience and learn from it. Alright, so my comment wasn't 'educated', but we keep on claiming our coaches aren't good enough and our players aren't progressing, yet Neville and Silvestre did. Hmm, coinsidence?

Maybe. Maybe not.

<hr></blockquote>

Blanc didnt exactly light up our world you know. We got by, but we weren't in the FA Cup for very long were we? More games this year? You have to understand that players do deteriorate, look at Irwin. He has been going down for awhile, and last year was the last dance. Next year will only see him stretch further away from world class.

He is 37 and we cannot say "We wont need any more backup cos mr 37 yr old here will last all season no problem cos he did last year".

Being 37 is a fact we will have to consider, and we should do something about it. He will not be as good, he may not have the heart or desire anymore. Will he perform? There are many factors that you simply ignore and brush off as if you are so sure Blanc will be fine this year. We dont even know if he will be here.

Then we have to look at our defence as a whole, a 37 yr old who's contract is expiring as our number one choice? Doesnt inspire confidence.

Silvestre improves every year - who would you say improved him before Blanc came?

Gary was always a good defender, and is now back to his best. Its natural for good players (and good teams) to come out of a bad patch. To say Blanc is to thank is daft. He played his part, but he had little to do with the others doing their part.

I could easily say that their improvement is down to Barthez's errors making them play more determinedly to protect Barthez more - its pure nonsensical speculation and daydreaming.

Brown went down, is that Blancs fault too? You say G.Nev and Silvestre improved and Blanc was great - so why was our defence pathetic? It was worse than most teams. Bottom line is the team improved as you'd expect from that disaster. But did it ever get as good as last year or the year before? All this means is that even with Blanc, our defence was not good enough and that means Blanc is not the man you make him out to be. Super fit for his age perhaps, but not in the top drawer is he?

You talk a load of tosh Amir. You make fun of others who read papers and form opinions based on rumours and speculation etc, but your opinions seem to just come out of thin air which you twist around to somehow be fact.

Cigar · Jun 26, 2002

Originally posted by ShAoLiN_ChRoNiC:
[QB]Ayala isnt that good guys...

I would have to disagree with you there, i watched valencia very closely this season along with the rest of the teams in the spanish league and ayala was easily the best best centre back in spanish football, last season - agression, aerial ability, determination, grit, tackling ability, presence, the guy is all that you would want from a centre back - indeed what were missing last season aka no nonsense defending

Amir · Jun 26, 2002

Originally posted by ShAoLiN_ChRoNiC:
You talk a load of tosh Amir. You make fun of others who read papers and form opinions based on rumours and speculation etc, but your opinions seem to just come out of thin air which you twist around to somehow be fact.<hr></blockquote>

It's called 'opinion'. And it isn't based on rumours such as idea like 'Ruud is leaving, Keane is retiring'. I base my opinions on what my eyes see. Neville has been fleeting in medioceracy for a couple of years, while Silvestre's true big jump was in the second half of the season.

And obviously a certain manager has a similar appreciation for Blanc as I have, as he's offered him a new contract. And you can bet it's not as a backup player.

Part of the things I say are based upon reality - if Blanc stays we won't sign two center halves. Whether we need two or not is a different opinion. A 37 year old player could prove to be the best in the team, while a stunningly talented 23 year old could break his leg and end his career. Football isn't an exact sport, but I don't see a reason to Rule out Blanc's class just because he'll be 37 during next season.

Blanc is a class defender. Don't like it? Sack the manager.

PhillipVIII · Jun 26, 2002

Ayala is an awesome defender, and still got about 5 years of good stuff left in him.

Blanc is good, but he's no Ayala.

Amir · Jun 26, 2002

This is all Sir Alex's fault. If he had just signed the players he wants we'd be talking about how to place them rather than who the hell to place.

We just haven't a clue really <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" />

lchk · Jun 27, 2002

Originally posted by Amir:


There isn't. But did we sign both of them at the same time? No, there a was a couple of years difference.

We have to think long term and short term. In the short term, Blanc would be fantastic to have another 12 months. I believe we saw an improvement with Silvestre and Gary Neville's defending and I think part of it can be attributed to Blanc.

I trust Laurent. If he feels he cannot hack another season of top class football he'll go, just when he knew exactly when to quit international football.<hr></blockquote>

Silvestre and Gary improved?

You gotta be kidding....

G Neville improved when he was moved to the centre of defence and frankly I would prefer him to stay there together with a new central defender, gary was cocking it up time and again at right-back

lchk · Jun 27, 2002

Originally posted by MancFanFromManc:


Pallister was a then record signing. 2.3m and Bruce was caption of Norwich(!). So it's not quite like bringing them through the young programme is it
<img src="graemlins/nono.gif" border="0" alt="[No No]" /> <hr></blockquote>

What does this have to do with a youth program?

<img src="confused.gif" border="0">

lchk · Jun 27, 2002

Originally posted by Amir:


a 36 year old playing 2 games a week for a whole season? Oh boy, it actually happened... Blanc didn't need more rest than, say, David Beckham. He missed a couple of matches through injury and illness and was given a couple more off late in the season. So why will the 12 months turn him from super fit to can't take the heat?

As for my Neville and Silvestre comment, when Fergie broughth Blanc he said he was certain other players in our backline would enjoy his experience and learn from it. Alright, so my comment wasn't 'educated', but we keep on claiming our coaches aren't good enough and our players aren't progressing, yet Neville and Silvestre did. Hmm, coinsidence?

Maybe. Maybe not.

As for players who can play two positions, yes. I said before that if we can get a CB and another player who can play CB and FB (preferably Left back, I think we've got enough cover on the right) it would be terrific. But how many like those exist?<hr></blockquote>

So Blanc is better than ayala? Yes or no?

If Blanc was such a great defender, why did our defence struggle throughout the season?

Bottom line is Blanc is good but certainly not GREAT and more importantly is NOT going to improve next season, in all probability he will slow down and get worse ala denis irwin

lchk · Jun 27, 2002

Originally posted by Amir:


It's called 'opinion'. And it isn't based on rumours such as idea like 'Ruud is leaving, Keane is retiring'. I base my opinions on what my eyes see. Neville has been fleeting in medioceracy for a couple of years, while Silvestre's true big jump was in the second half of the season.

And obviously a certain manager has a similar appreciation for Blanc as I have, as he's offered him a new contract. And you can bet it's not as a backup player.

Part of the things I say are based upon reality - if Blanc stays we won't sign two center halves. Whether we need two or not is a different opinion. A 37 year old player could prove to be the best in the team, while a stunningly talented 23 year old could break his leg and end his career. Football isn't an exact sport, but I don't see a reason to Rule out Blanc's class just because he'll be 37 during next season.

Blanc is a class defender. Don't like it? Sack the manager.<hr></blockquote>

So you are placing your faith in us winning trophies with a declining 37 year old as our first choice centre-back?

jedi master yoda · Jun 27, 2002

greetings jedi.....jedi lchk, think jedi master owes you an apology concerning the Corea thead, did't want to apologize there, coz did not want to bring the thread up again, did jedi master....still think it's stupid, but you were right, so jedi master apologizes eh.........anyways, would you quit going on & on about blanc...the man's a legend, and righfully so....wouldn't at all mind him staying on.....so sod off will you

lchk · Jun 27, 2002

Originally posted by jedi master yoda:
greetings jedi.....jedi lchk, think jedi master owes you an apology concerning the Corea thead, did't want to apologize there, coz did not want to bring the thread up again, did jedi master....still think it's stupid, but you were right, so jedi master apologizes eh.........anyways, would you quit going on & on about blanc...the man's a legend, and righfully so....wouldn't at all mind him staying on.....so sod off will you <hr></blockquote>

Apology accepted

How is Blanc a legend?

And even legends quit when their time is up

If he steps down on July 1, he will remain a "legend"

If he sticks around as first choice centre-half for another season, he might well be regarded as overstaying his welcome ala irwin

Can you give me some compelling reasons why Blanc should stay as first choice centre back?

dicko · Jun 27, 2002

Originally posted by lchk:
If he sticks around as first choice centre-half for another season, he might well be regarded as overstaying his welcome ala irwin<hr></blockquote>

Denis did not overstay his welcome.

He played more in 2000/01 than last year and we won the league easily. Last year he became cover and only played a few games. If he cost us trophies you could complain but if he's not playing it's a bit harsh blaming him.

It is now time for him to move on after years of great service to the club. Thanks for the memories (and trophies) Denis.

Raoul · Jun 27, 2002

Stop slandering Silvestre Ichk. He has improved significantly in each of his three years with us.

Gazza · Jun 27, 2002

lchk, let's put it this way, which young LB with Premiership experience who will only get better would you prefer in place of Silvestre ?

MrBurns · Jun 27, 2002

Drop Keane into the back 4.

jedi master yoda · Jun 27, 2002

Originally posted by lchk:

Can you give me some compelling reasons why Blanc should stay as first choice centre back?<hr></blockquote>

compelling eh?...well the man looks damn intimidating with his socks down to his ankles no.... <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" /> <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" /> seriously, never did jedi master say he should stay on as first choice centre back....but even at his age & pace, he's still a defender and a half compared to 95% of the CBs in the Premiership.....he'll bring on Wes and O'Shea brilliantly and Rio too would definitely benefit from the man we definitely need at least one new CB but Blanc staying has also to be a priority.....also g. nev produced his best form in quite some time, that definitely has to be down to a commanding figure in the centre, of course that's not the main reason, but its also a factor......as for Silvestre, well if he keeps bleating about playing in the centre, jedi master say off with his head......he should realise he's playing for the great Red shirt, not some sleazy anfield outfit

lchk · Jun 27, 2002

Originally posted by dicko:


Denis did not overstay his welcome.

He played more in 2000/01 than last year and we won the league easily. Last year he became cover and only played a few games. If he cost us trophies you could complain but if he's not playing it's a bit harsh blaming him.

It is now time for him to move on after years of great service to the club. Thanks for the memories (and trophies) Denis.<hr></blockquote>

If Blanc wants to avoid overstaying his welcome, he should accept a squad player role

I think he wants a first team regular spot

lchk · Jun 27, 2002

Originally posted by Raoul:
Stop slandering Silvestre Ichk. He has improved significantly in each of his three years with us.<hr></blockquote>

We'll stick to blanc in this thread then

lchk · Jun 27, 2002

Originally posted by Gazza:
lchk, let's put it this way, which young LB with Premiership experience who will only get better would you prefer in place of Silvestre ? <hr></blockquote>

I have no idea - got any suggestions?

lchk · Jun 27, 2002

Originally posted by jedi master yoda:


compelling eh?...well the man looks damn intimidating with his socks down to his ankles no.... <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" /> <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" /> seriously, never did jedi master say he should stay on as first choice centre back....but even at his age & pace, he's still a defender and a half compared to 95% of the CBs in the Premiership.....he'll bring on Wes and O'Shea brilliantly and Rio too would definitely benefit from the man we definitely need at least one new CB but Blanc staying has also to be a priority.....also g. nev produced his best form in quite some time, that definitely has to be down to a commanding figure in the centre, of course that's not the main reason, but its also a factor......as for Silvestre, well if he keeps bleating about playing in the centre, jedi master say off with his head......he should realise he's playing for the great Red shirt, not some sleazy anfield outfit <hr></blockquote>

How does Blanc "bring on" Brown and O'Shea?
Brown actually suffered a dip in form when Blanc was brought onboard - please explain this paradox.

Gary Neville always had the ability and I feel that his organizational skills are better deployed at centre-half rather than full-back which is why I would want him to be one half of a new central defensive partnership for us. His return to form does NOT hinge on Blanc's "commanding influence", hell the Frenchman doesn't even talk much on the field and doesn't even look commanding so can that be?

Yes I am all for Blanc staying if he remains in a squad player/mentor role but I seriously doubt he will accept anything less than a first team spot which would surely put pay to our efforts next season if his wish is granted. Those 37-year-old legs can only last so long.

As for Silvestre, if he doesn't sign an extension to his contract by July 31, it's time to flog him off right away then.

Amir · Jun 27, 2002

Originally posted by lchk:

Yes I am all for Blanc staying if he remains in a squad player/mentor role but I seriously doubt he will accept anything less than a first team spot <hr></blockquote>

So do you think Fergie has offered him a new contract and told him it would be as back up?

Because I don't...

lchk · Jun 27, 2002

Originally posted by Amir:


So do you think Fergie has offered him a new contract and told him it would be as back up?

Because I don't...<hr></blockquote>

I think that's a mistake which could well backfire on us as the season goes on

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