Manchester United Football Club vs Maccabi Haifa

Dans

Correctly predicted Portugal to win Euro 2016
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I thought we could do with another one although I'd like to stress that this is not an official thread.
 
I prefer this one.

It doesn't claim to be something it's not.
 
So is the other one official because it don't say it is. $uckdik will do the official one i guess ;)
 
I'm sure the other one will become an 'official' one by seven o'clock tomorrow.

Me. I'm sticking to this.

Fetch the logos Dans...
 
We're not a FC anymore <img src="graemlins/nono.gif" border="0" alt="[No No]" /> :( <img src="graemlins/nono.gif" border="0" alt="[No No]" /> <img src="graemlins/smirk.gif" border="0" alt="[Smirk]" />
 
The first eleven players listed in the squad on the BBC are Bartez, P Neville, Ferdinand, Blanc, Silvestre, Beckham, Veron, Giggs, Solksjaar, Van Nistelrooy and Forlan. Does this mean 433? I like the idea of 442 with Diego on the wing and Becks in CM. We should win regardless (I hope!) so it might be a chance to try Diego on the wing, or at least give him a start.

Rest of squad:- Ricardo, G Neville, May, O'Shea, Tierney, Chadwick and Pugh.
 
Fergie will not name his starting 11 until about 1 hour before kick off
 
this is the team

Barthez; O'Shea, Ferdinand, Blanc, Silvestre; Beckham, Veron, P Neville, Giggs; Van Nistelrooy, Solskjaer.


defo offical
 
Isn't Butt in the squad?

<img src="graemlins/nervous.gif" border="0" alt="[Nervous]" />
 
Won't be around tomorrow so I'll say United by 2... <img src="graemlins/keano.gif" border="0" alt="[Keano]" />
 
Did anyone read about Sir Alex in the guardian. Anyway, I've posted it below.

Ferguson's Maccabi mix-up

Daniel Taylor
Wednesday September 18, 2002

It is the burning question in football: is Sir Alex Ferguson losing the plot? Mysterious team selections, puzzling signings and volcanic outbursts have all been a feature of Manchester United's worst start to a Premiership season and even his most ardent fans might waver after his extraordinary faux pas yesterday.
Before United's first ever match with Maccabi Haifa tonight Ferguson was holding a press briefing at Old Trafford when Lilach Sonin, presenter of the Israeli television channel Sports Five Plus, asked him his views on their opponents.

"We've watched their videos," said United's manager. "Israeli football has improved a lot and beating Lokomotiv Moscow, Parma and AC Milan last season was a big step up. We know we cannot underestimate them."

There was an awkward silence. "I think you are speaking about a different team now," said Sonin. "They've made changes?" asked Ferguson.

"No, you are talking about a different team - Hapoel Tel Aviv." Glowing the same colour as Peter Schmeichel's nose, Ferguson admitted he was confused: "I'm sorry, I've got it wrong."

He tried to laugh it off but the Israelis were not amused, especially as he had made the same mistake in a briefing for Sunday papers last Friday.

One visiting reporter told Ferguson at the start yesterday that it was a historic day for Israeli football and pointed out there were more United fans in his country than of their opponents. The game's live screening in Israel is expected to break ratings there for a sports event.

This briefing was also being televised in Israel. "I'm embarrassed for him," Sonin said later. "He didn't seem to know which team United were playing. Yet he's the manager, isn't he?

"Hapoel Tel Aviv finished second last season in the league and are Maccabi Haifa's main rivals. They beat Chelsea, Lokomotiv Moscow and Parma in the Uefa Cup last season and lost to AC Milan. But Mr Ferguson did not seem to know the difference. People back home will be very disappointed."

Until now Ferguson had been best known in Israel as a player. He broke the nose of their star, Mordechai Spiegler, in a Scotland game in Tel Aviv in 1967.
 
What I totally disagree on is the criticism on the signings. We signed Rio/Veron/Forlan - why on earth are those considered to be "puzzling signings" Rio was the best defender at the WC - Veron was at very least one of the top 5 midfielders in the world and Forlan always was though to be one of the top youngsters from South America. Doesnt make sense to me <img src="graemlins/houllier.gif" border="0" alt="[Houllier]" /> :mad:
 
But I think it's better to let G. Neville out in the pitch! At least he's better than P. Neville, although he just came out from the injury list.
 
Seeing as this is turning out to be the official thread well have the teams here.

-------------------Fab---------------------------

-Paddy Neville--Rio----Seán O Shea----Micky Silv--

Davo Beckham---Nickys Butt--Seánie Veron---Giggs--

-------Ruuds Van-----Baby faced assasin*----------


*"Diego Forlan" for all youse who still think that Olle is still baby faced ;)

If we play 451 id keep the same personell with Giggs or Veron in the hole with Forlan on the left wing or the right in the latter case with Davo moving central.
 
Originally posted by Murt:
<strong>Seeing as this is turning out to be the official thread well have the teams here.

-------------------Fab---------------------------

-Paddy Neville--Rio----Seán O Shea----Micky Silv--

Davo Beckham---Nickys Butt--Seánie Veron---Giggs--

-------Ruuds Van-----Baby faced assasin*----------


*"Diego Forlan" for all youse who still think that Olle is still baby faced ;)

</strong><hr></blockquote>

Bleedin' hell Murt - Diego is no assassin as yet, and I wouldn't want my baby to look like Sally Gunnell. No offence to Diego, but please!!
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Our manager isn't sure who it is we're playing.......a little embarassing to say the least!

Ferguson's Maccabi mix-up

See quality post by jmanu above.
 
Originally posted by jmanu:
<strong>Didnt I just post this ???? :confused: </strong><hr></blockquote>

Perhaps - but there's soooo many threads. You wanna stick to the self proclaimed unofficial threads mate.
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Originally posted by jmanu:
<strong>Didnt I just post this ???? :confused: </strong><hr></blockquote>

Hardly a "just" - 5 hours ago it was - it was time for a repeat posting.
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Well, I'm not disappointed by Fergie's gaff, just slightly amused. Probably shows what Israeli football is truley worth - nothing.

In all honestly, he's made his preperation with the tapes of their matches THIS season no doubt, so he got them slightly confused with the club who's done well last season.

Nothing major.
 
Originally posted by Dans:
<strong>

Hardly a "just" - 5 hours ago it was - it was time for a repeat posting.</strong><hr></blockquote>

;) was just quite weird reading it again especially with Fergie confusing 2 totally different clubs - :D
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Originally posted by Murt:
<strong>
-------------------Fab---------------------------

-Paddy Neville--Rio----Seán O Shea----Micky Silv--

Davo Beckham---Nickys Butt--Seánie Veron---Giggs--

-------Ruuds Van-----Baby faced assasin*----------


</strong><hr></blockquote>

you may have a problem with that one. Butt looked like he picked up a sore one against Leeds, ill be surprised if he plays. This is what id expect at least to start:

Barthez
oshea Ferdinand Blanc Silvestre
Beckham P Neville Veron Giggs
RVN Ole

if Butt is out id expect Fergie will play the younger neville in a similar role to the one at leeds, CM to get stuck in and break up attacks.

If Butt is fit, then i would expect neville to play RB instead with O'Shea dropping to the bench.
Click to expand...
 
Originally posted by jmanu:
<strong>Until now Ferguson had been best known in Israel as a player. He broke the nose of their star, Mordechai Spiegler, in a Scotland game in Tel Aviv in 1967.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Back in the days when Scottish football was a bit better than Israeli football <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" />
Click to expand...
 
Apparently, there are 4000 official Maccabi fans attending the game tonight, with an estimated 2000 more expected without tickets. It's a high security game, so expect delays at the turnstiles.
 
I think SAF will start 442 but this team can be dangerous and I'd prefer an all out assault. My preference would be 433:

-------------- Fab ---------------

OShea ---- Rio --- Blanc --- Micky

---- Becks --- Veron --- Giggs ---

---- Forlan --- RVN ---- Ole -----

(If Blancs out, OShea in the middle and Phil at RB).

No great width but with 3 targets and the passing ability of this middle 3 surely we can create a bag full of chances.
 
Haifa aren't a bad side actually. They are between suspect to weak in defence (in European level anyway) and do not have the discipline to sit tight at the back thoughout a match. So chances are there to be created.

I would not however start with a 4-3-3 as they are quite good technically and could exploit spaces if they are given. So start with a regular 4-4-2... With Phil in midfield unfortunately, and carry on from there.
 
Originally posted by Amir:
<strong>Haifa aren't a bad side actually. They are between suspect to weak in defence (in European level anyway) and do not have the discipline to sit tight at the back thoughout a match. So chances are there to be created.

I would not however start with a 4-3-3 as they are quite good technically and could exploit spaces if they are given. So start with a regular 4-4-2... With Phil in midfield unfortunately, and carry on from there.</strong><hr></blockquote>

I agree that's what SAF will do. I'm just of a mind, that with our limited options (certainly in terms of midfield ball winners) its a good chance to give all 3 strikers a start.

I know its cavalier but better that than Escort

;)
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Originally posted by MancFanFromManc:
<strong>I think SAF will start 442 but this team can be dangerous and I'd prefer an all out assault. My preference would be 433:

-------------- Fab ---------------

OShea ---- Rio --- Blanc --- Micky

---- Becks --- Veron --- Giggs ---

---- Forlan --- RVN ---- Ole -----

(If Blancs out, OShea in the middle and Phil at RB).

No great width but with 3 targets and the passing ability of this middle 3 surely we can create a bag full of chances.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Frankly that midfield doesn't inspire confidence. We shouldn't let the fact that they are Israelis in their first CL campaign promote complacency. I hate to say it, but anyone who reaches this stage (yes, even stage 1) is capable of playing decent football and getting a result.
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Originally posted by Dans:
<strong>

Frankly that midfield doesn't inspire confidence. We shouldn't let the fact that they are Israelis in their first CL campaign promote complacency. I hate to say it, but anyone who reaches this stage (yes, even stage 1) is capable of playing decent football and getting a result.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Not to worry, we'll pull this through. <img src="graemlins/devil.gif" border="0" alt="[Devil]" /> <img src="graemlins/devil.gif" border="0" alt="[Devil]" />
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Originally posted by Dans:
<strong>

Frankly that midfield doesn't inspire confidence. We shouldn't let the fact that they are Israelis in their first CL campaign promote complacency. I hate to say it, but anyone who reaches this stage (yes, even stage 1) is capable of playing decent football and getting a result.</strong><hr></blockquote>

As a Gooner,I agree all teams should be taken seriously at this stage.However,I just can't see Haifa (or is that Tel Aviv ?
;) )pose any real problem to your lot even without Keane.In any event,I always thought that Veron was only a logical signing if he was to be a long term replacement for Keane.At Lazio,Veron was very much the playmaker or pivot around which the team played.Like Keane he was the real drive behind the team .I just couldn't see both him and Keane effective together as they would both want to dominate.Veron has clearly learnt to play second fiddle and I think it has affected his confidence.Maybe with Keane facing a long time out it will allow Veron to perform the way he did for Lazio when they won Serie A.....or maybe he is waiting for their ex manager to take you guys over !? ;)
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