Bob...
They are a PLC.
They are not a 'soccer' club.
It's simple really.
They are a PLC.
They are not a 'soccer' club.
It's simple really.
Yanks and football ...
- Thread starter Jens
- Start date
And I thought only scousers, gooners and bitters could come up with this kind of shite....
The reason why we are playing a Mexican team in Los Angeles is that 75,000 mexicans will buy tickets to watch the game versus the 20,000 who would watch the Galaxy. It's simple business.
Sent: Wed 12/11/2002 4:47 PM
To: Dure, Beau
Cc:
Subject: RE: are you smoking crack?
maybe you should start? you're venting your frustrations in the wrong place for a start; the players of man. united are easy targets and not the ones to be accused of ducking the opposition. they ARE NOT prize fighters. man.
united is a plc and the business makes the decisions in such matters. i'm sure the players would be only too eager to take on the best we've got, because they do it week in/week out in their own league and in europe. goodbye
from dure:
That's a fair point in the sense that there are several unseen powers that be
that are making the matchups. Some of the American folks involved deserve part
of the blame.
But if Man Utd wants a game with the Galaxy, I'm sure they can make it happen. I
hope I just gave them some incentive.
Thanks for writing,
Beau Dure
To: Dure, Beau
Cc:
Subject: RE: are you smoking crack?
maybe you should start? you're venting your frustrations in the wrong place for a start; the players of man. united are easy targets and not the ones to be accused of ducking the opposition. they ARE NOT prize fighters. man.
united is a plc and the business makes the decisions in such matters. i'm sure the players would be only too eager to take on the best we've got, because they do it week in/week out in their own league and in europe. goodbye
from dure:
That's a fair point in the sense that there are several unseen powers that be
that are making the matchups. Some of the American folks involved deserve part
of the blame.
But if Man Utd wants a game with the Galaxy, I'm sure they can make it happen. I
hope I just gave them some incentive.
Thanks for writing,
Beau Dure
I agree that United should play a team from the MLS. I for one would rather see United against the Galaxy then against Club America. Certainly a compromise could happen. Yes the matchups against Celtic and Juve are mouthwatering but they certainly are profit oriented with our large Irish and Italian populace. My first choice would be to have our national team play them in LA but no-one seems to want this to happen. BTW Soccer is an English term started in England not in the USA. Yes the rest of the world calls it football but it was you lot that coined the phrase SOCCER.
Don't all get carried away. Although this guy comes of as a real PRICK, he is simply trying to make a point which I have to agree with. I think it is extremely sad that Manchester United will be touring the United States, without taking on American opposition.
Yes i understand it's about making a profit and that it is more likely that by playing this mexican team there will be a larger crowd than if the fixture was against an MLS team. But frankly this is exactly what I don't like! Too much emphasis is put on making money. To be honest I would much rather watch MUFC take on the LA Galaxy. Why not play this mexican club on a tour of Mexico???
Besides, if we were to go up against the "Mighty" LA Galaxy, we could rub it in this dudes face when United win 6-0.
Yes i understand it's about making a profit and that it is more likely that by playing this mexican team there will be a larger crowd than if the fixture was against an MLS team. But frankly this is exactly what I don't like! Too much emphasis is put on making money. To be honest I would much rather watch MUFC take on the LA Galaxy. Why not play this mexican club on a tour of Mexico???
Besides, if we were to go up against the "Mighty" LA Galaxy, we could rub it in this dudes face when United win 6-0.
Its an obvious windup by someone who is pissed that Utd aren't playing any US opposition. Clearly an attempt to piss people off and get the balling rolling in the direction he wants. Don't fall for it.
I've sent the following
Dear Sir/Madam
I read your article accusing Manchester United of cowardice.
I must admit I am surprised that an American levels such a charge against the English.
You waited until the later stages of World War 1 before joining the winning side. You only joined World War 2 after being attacked. Psychiatrists would, no doubt, argue that your current efforts to actually start World War 3 stem from problems caused by previous tardiness. But look at who you are attacking. Afghanistan! Iraq! Previous attempts include Somalia, Grenada, Panama and Cuba. Why don't you try some-one your own size? Why didn't you attack the Soviet Union during forty years of the cold war? I'll tell you. Cowardice, pure and simple.
Despite two world wars, the conflict that has claimed the most American lives is your civil war. You play World Series but no-one else turns up. Talk about insularity.
But it gets worse. Last time I looked Los Angeles was only a city. Now it's a galaxy. Enjoy your celestial series between LA Galaxy and Planet Hollywood or whoever. We'll settle for a local world cup with actual countries playing, about 180 of them.
Dear Sir/Madam
I read your article accusing Manchester United of cowardice.
I must admit I am surprised that an American levels such a charge against the English.
You waited until the later stages of World War 1 before joining the winning side. You only joined World War 2 after being attacked. Psychiatrists would, no doubt, argue that your current efforts to actually start World War 3 stem from problems caused by previous tardiness. But look at who you are attacking. Afghanistan! Iraq! Previous attempts include Somalia, Grenada, Panama and Cuba. Why don't you try some-one your own size? Why didn't you attack the Soviet Union during forty years of the cold war? I'll tell you. Cowardice, pure and simple.
Despite two world wars, the conflict that has claimed the most American lives is your civil war. You play World Series but no-one else turns up. Talk about insularity.
But it gets worse. Last time I looked Los Angeles was only a city. Now it's a galaxy. Enjoy your celestial series between LA Galaxy and Planet Hollywood or whoever. We'll settle for a local world cup with actual countries playing, about 180 of them.
What a tit! <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" />
I got this reply:
By "rest of the world," you mean parts of the world not including Ireland,
Australia, Canada, Italy and probably a few other places I don't know about.
Ireland and Australia have their own "football" games, while Italy's "calcio" is
not a direct translation of "football" as I understand it. In any case, "soccer"
is a word the English invented to distinguish the game from rugby football. Not
surprisingly, soccer became the dominant game in England, and it was no longer
necessary to use "soccer" as it became clear what one meant when referring to
"football."
Of the top of my head, I believe Manchester United has won the Premier League
title all but two of the past eight or nine seasons. They also won the Champions
League in thrilling fashion over Bayern Munich in 1999, which I remember well
because I was furious with my boss for not letting me watch it live.
What I hoped to achieve was this: I think Manchester United should play ONE game
against an MLS team while it's in the country. Hopefully, I've goaded them into
a change or two in their tour itinerary.
If they're playing near me, I'd be glad to go. Most of the United fans have been
good-natured in skewering me. The ones from England, anyway -- a lot of the
Americans (not referring to you) have potty mouths and underdeveloped
vocabularies.
Thanks for writing,
Beau Dure
<img src="graemlins/houllier.gif" border="0" alt="[Houllier]" />
So I'm an American now am I? I'm sure that everyone else born in Hope Hospital would love to know that Salford is now part of the USA
By "rest of the world," you mean parts of the world not including Ireland,
Australia, Canada, Italy and probably a few other places I don't know about.
Ireland and Australia have their own "football" games, while Italy's "calcio" is
not a direct translation of "football" as I understand it. In any case, "soccer"
is a word the English invented to distinguish the game from rugby football. Not
surprisingly, soccer became the dominant game in England, and it was no longer
necessary to use "soccer" as it became clear what one meant when referring to
"football."
Of the top of my head, I believe Manchester United has won the Premier League
title all but two of the past eight or nine seasons. They also won the Champions
League in thrilling fashion over Bayern Munich in 1999, which I remember well
because I was furious with my boss for not letting me watch it live.
What I hoped to achieve was this: I think Manchester United should play ONE game
against an MLS team while it's in the country. Hopefully, I've goaded them into
a change or two in their tour itinerary.
If they're playing near me, I'd be glad to go. Most of the United fans have been
good-natured in skewering me. The ones from England, anyway -- a lot of the
Americans (not referring to you) have potty mouths and underdeveloped
vocabularies.
Thanks for writing,
Beau Dure
<img src="graemlins/houllier.gif" border="0" alt="[Houllier]" />
So I'm an American now am I? I'm sure that everyone else born in Hope Hospital would love to know that Salford is now part of the USA
Originally said by cluesless yank #34596:
<strong>Can't blame them, I suppose, for ducking MLS opposition. Ruud van Nistelrooy knows he can't put any shots past Kevin Hartman and Adin Brown. These aren't the second-rate Scandinavian goalkeepers he faces in England, </strong><hr></blockquote>
<img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" /> <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" /> <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" /> <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" /> <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" /> <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" />
My mate just sent him one too:
> To: 'bdure@usatoday.com'
> Subject: A reaction to your recent article
>
> Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear Mr Dure,
>
> How mis-informed you are about world soccer. I dare say you've have never
actually been to game, but never mind, you can always get some information from
some journalists on the internet who actually know they are talking about.
>
> Everyone is entitled to have an opinion, but I wish to correct you on your
comical piece.
>
> I would first like to point out that Manchester United have been invited to
participate in this tournament along with other top European and South American
soccer clubs. The tournament is no doubt donating all cash from the games to
some worthy charity.
>
> Real Madrid played Roma in the summer to a sell-out 80,000 + crowd at the
Giants Stadium. That is because everyone know's who they are, who plays for the
team and how successful they have been. Would you get an 80,000 crowd watching
LA Galaxy vs Metrostars ? - I think not.
>
> You see, the public want to see a bit of quality on the field and be
entertained for 90 minutes. Alas, when I have seen a Metrostars game, I have
been bored to tears at times and I've sometimes laughed at how poor the play is,
not to mention how poor the poor attendance is at the games. I really want to
see the MLS be a success and I hope that one day it will become a league that
can make other soccer teams from South America and Europe respect.
>
> Manchester United (England) is known around the world, as are Barcelona
(Spain), Juventus (Italy) and Glasgow Celtic (Scotland) - I thought I'd point
out which country they are from, just in case you didn't know.
>
> There are plenty of soccer fans in the USA like me who will regularly watch a
live game from Europe in the early morning hours. You see the passion that is
displayed by each and every player on the field and the competitiveness their is
- not to mention, skill. The EPL, La Liga and Bundesliga games are regularly
shown live on Fox World Sports and they get a good audience in the USA.
>
> Following the good show by the USA national team in this year's World Cup, you
would have had high expectations for the MLS, seeing more people come to watch
the games. Sadly, I really don't think it has happened. Perhaps that is due to
the fact that the MLS has a format that is more akin to baseball and football,
than other soccer leagues around the world.
>
> UEFA, European soccer's governing organization, is responsible for laying now
the rules of the game in Europe. The 'UEFA Champions League' see's the top
European soccer teams battle it out in a tournament format that is successful.
It brings in revenue for the clubs and also captures the imagination of people
from all around the world. Why else would ESPN show the Champions League Games
live on a Wednesday afternoon ?
>
> The World Club Champions tournament pits the winners of the UEFA Champions
League against their counterparts in South America. You should ask yourself, why
this tournament (organized by FIFA) does not encompass the MLS.
>
> As I say, everyone is entitled to an opinion, but your article is going to
cause people to laugh at your credibility as a sports journalist. Maybe you
should stick to the World Series (err.....hang-on 'World Series' meaning just
baseball teams in the USA playing ?)
>
> Personally, I would love to see Manchester United, Barcelona, Celtic and
Juventus play against one of the teams from the MLS, but then again the people
in the know at the MLS probably have an idea how that would turn-out.......a
defeat for the MLS teams!>
>
> Anyway, I look forward to next year's tournament, along with 80,000 other
paying spectators.
>
> Good luck with your writing !
> To: 'bdure@usatoday.com'
> Subject: A reaction to your recent article
>
> Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear Mr Dure,
>
> How mis-informed you are about world soccer. I dare say you've have never
actually been to game, but never mind, you can always get some information from
some journalists on the internet who actually know they are talking about.
>
> Everyone is entitled to have an opinion, but I wish to correct you on your
comical piece.
>
> I would first like to point out that Manchester United have been invited to
participate in this tournament along with other top European and South American
soccer clubs. The tournament is no doubt donating all cash from the games to
some worthy charity.
>
> Real Madrid played Roma in the summer to a sell-out 80,000 + crowd at the
Giants Stadium. That is because everyone know's who they are, who plays for the
team and how successful they have been. Would you get an 80,000 crowd watching
LA Galaxy vs Metrostars ? - I think not.
>
> You see, the public want to see a bit of quality on the field and be
entertained for 90 minutes. Alas, when I have seen a Metrostars game, I have
been bored to tears at times and I've sometimes laughed at how poor the play is,
not to mention how poor the poor attendance is at the games. I really want to
see the MLS be a success and I hope that one day it will become a league that
can make other soccer teams from South America and Europe respect.
>
> Manchester United (England) is known around the world, as are Barcelona
(Spain), Juventus (Italy) and Glasgow Celtic (Scotland) - I thought I'd point
out which country they are from, just in case you didn't know.
>
> There are plenty of soccer fans in the USA like me who will regularly watch a
live game from Europe in the early morning hours. You see the passion that is
displayed by each and every player on the field and the competitiveness their is
- not to mention, skill. The EPL, La Liga and Bundesliga games are regularly
shown live on Fox World Sports and they get a good audience in the USA.
>
> Following the good show by the USA national team in this year's World Cup, you
would have had high expectations for the MLS, seeing more people come to watch
the games. Sadly, I really don't think it has happened. Perhaps that is due to
the fact that the MLS has a format that is more akin to baseball and football,
than other soccer leagues around the world.
>
> UEFA, European soccer's governing organization, is responsible for laying now
the rules of the game in Europe. The 'UEFA Champions League' see's the top
European soccer teams battle it out in a tournament format that is successful.
It brings in revenue for the clubs and also captures the imagination of people
from all around the world. Why else would ESPN show the Champions League Games
live on a Wednesday afternoon ?
>
> The World Club Champions tournament pits the winners of the UEFA Champions
League against their counterparts in South America. You should ask yourself, why
this tournament (organized by FIFA) does not encompass the MLS.
>
> As I say, everyone is entitled to an opinion, but your article is going to
cause people to laugh at your credibility as a sports journalist. Maybe you
should stick to the World Series (err.....hang-on 'World Series' meaning just
baseball teams in the USA playing ?)
>
> Personally, I would love to see Manchester United, Barcelona, Celtic and
Juventus play against one of the teams from the MLS, but then again the people
in the know at the MLS probably have an idea how that would turn-out.......a
defeat for the MLS teams!>
>
> Anyway, I look forward to next year's tournament, along with 80,000 other
paying spectators.
>
> Good luck with your writing !
The lads are all on at him now, here's another:
> Hello Mr Dure
>
> I have been forwarded your article, and having read it (with bemused
amusement), I'm somewhat confused as to whether the article was written as a bit
of a wind up, or whether it seriously reflects your expert opinion. I sincerely
hope its the former.
>
> Before we go on, I would like to explain that I support none of the teams
involved, especially not Manchester United, as I am Londoner who supports one of
the lesser known teams (does Millwall ring a bell. If you know anything about
english football, it should. Mainly for the wrong reasons unfortunately), but I
am a supporter of football.
>
> Firstly, I think to say that Man Utd are bringing there own opponents is
frankly absurd. No team is that big, plus the other teams involved are from
completely different leagues. They may play in the champions league (apart from
the mexican team of course), but they are all answerable to their own football
associations, not Man Utd. I believe you will find that they were invited to
play by the US football association. If you were any sort of football lover, you
would surely applaud this, rather than pouring enormous amounts of scorn on the
idea of top teams bringing full squads to play some good football to a packed
audience. Lets face it, the teams here are even worse than Millwall, and thats
saying something. I think we get bigger attendances. Come to think of it, your
women get bigger attendances (oh dear, how embarrasing). To suggest that Man Utd
or any of the top european sides would be scared to face an MLS team is
outrageous. This is not being a snob, it is a pure and simple fact. If United
were to play against MLS opponents, you wouldn't be able to sell out the
Meadowlands (which will happen).
>
> All this could be perhaps turned on your homeland. Remember when the NFL sent
a couple of teams a year in the late 80's early 90's to the American Bowl at
Wembley Stadium. Why couldn't the 49ers play the London Ravens at Wembley
(Outrageous behaviour, very patronising). I'll tell you why, cause who wants to
see that game. not me mate. So here we are in a 'pot calling the kettle black'
situation.
>
> What I would say to you Mr Dure, is brush that chip of your shoulder, and go
and watch some proper footie teams instead of dreaming that someone will leave
the American football markings on the pitch. Very petty mate, not a very
attractive feature........ Besides, I don't think you septics deserve to play
the top European sides until you call it by it's one and only name. FOOTBALL.
The true world game. The peoples game.
>
> I think the jist to this whole response is basically, 'WHO TOOK THE JAM OUT OF
YOUR DOUGHNUT'.
>
> Cheers
>
> Paul
>
> PS. What have ducks got to do with football
> Hello Mr Dure
>
> I have been forwarded your article, and having read it (with bemused
amusement), I'm somewhat confused as to whether the article was written as a bit
of a wind up, or whether it seriously reflects your expert opinion. I sincerely
hope its the former.
>
> Before we go on, I would like to explain that I support none of the teams
involved, especially not Manchester United, as I am Londoner who supports one of
the lesser known teams (does Millwall ring a bell. If you know anything about
english football, it should. Mainly for the wrong reasons unfortunately), but I
am a supporter of football.
>
> Firstly, I think to say that Man Utd are bringing there own opponents is
frankly absurd. No team is that big, plus the other teams involved are from
completely different leagues. They may play in the champions league (apart from
the mexican team of course), but they are all answerable to their own football
associations, not Man Utd. I believe you will find that they were invited to
play by the US football association. If you were any sort of football lover, you
would surely applaud this, rather than pouring enormous amounts of scorn on the
idea of top teams bringing full squads to play some good football to a packed
audience. Lets face it, the teams here are even worse than Millwall, and thats
saying something. I think we get bigger attendances. Come to think of it, your
women get bigger attendances (oh dear, how embarrasing). To suggest that Man Utd
or any of the top european sides would be scared to face an MLS team is
outrageous. This is not being a snob, it is a pure and simple fact. If United
were to play against MLS opponents, you wouldn't be able to sell out the
Meadowlands (which will happen).
>
> All this could be perhaps turned on your homeland. Remember when the NFL sent
a couple of teams a year in the late 80's early 90's to the American Bowl at
Wembley Stadium. Why couldn't the 49ers play the London Ravens at Wembley
(Outrageous behaviour, very patronising). I'll tell you why, cause who wants to
see that game. not me mate. So here we are in a 'pot calling the kettle black'
situation.
>
> What I would say to you Mr Dure, is brush that chip of your shoulder, and go
and watch some proper footie teams instead of dreaming that someone will leave
the American football markings on the pitch. Very petty mate, not a very
attractive feature........ Besides, I don't think you septics deserve to play
the top European sides until you call it by it's one and only name. FOOTBALL.
The true world game. The peoples game.
>
> I think the jist to this whole response is basically, 'WHO TOOK THE JAM OUT OF
YOUR DOUGHNUT'.
>
> Cheers
>
> Paul
>
> PS. What have ducks got to do with football
Those who think Manchester United should play US opposition on the tour of the ex-colonies ought to exclude the LA Galaxy from the equation. The US National team will not play Mexico in Southern California (including Fresno) because the crowd makes it a home game for Mexico. As was pointed out, Club America would outdraw the Galaxy at the Rose Bowl by about 50,000 fans. If the networks or USSoccer want the game, they should try for the MetroStars, Chicago Fire, or perhaps the Columbus Crew.
Have any of you written to Mr. Dure to suggest that the reason MU isn't playing an MLS side is the same reason that the New York Yankees don't schedule games against high school teams during spring training?
Have any of you written to Mr. Dure to suggest that the reason MU isn't playing an MLS side is the same reason that the New York Yankees don't schedule games against high school teams during spring training?
Maybe the guy has a point! He didnt really seem to be arguing bout the Celtic, Barca and Juve games, just one against that Mexican team I'd never heard of! Then again I'd never heard of Necaxa b4 they beat us in Brazil!
He does look like the geek who organised the "SOCCER" tournament on his Commadore 64 rather than playing in them when he was young!
By the way for those of you complaining bout the World Series, the "World" part of it came from the name of a newspaper, "The World" who came up with the idea (or sponsored it not quite sure)! As the paper became defunct the name just stuck. Hence the World Series! They do call the Superbowl winners the World Champions though!
He does look like the geek who organised the "SOCCER" tournament on his Commadore 64 rather than playing in them when he was young!
By the way for those of you complaining bout the World Series, the "World" part of it came from the name of a newspaper, "The World" who came up with the idea (or sponsored it not quite sure)! As the paper became defunct the name just stuck. Hence the World Series! They do call the Superbowl winners the World Champions though!
just got an e mail of this beau dure bloke claiming he's registered for the caf but waiting for his password.Should be interesting if he shows up.
Heard from him today. Seems like the mods are delaying the registration. <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" />
And he claims to be going on holiday on Monday so he won't be on for a while, even if they do approve his registration...
And he claims to be going on holiday on Monday so he won't be on for a while, even if they do approve his registration...
Emailed him to point out 2 things:
(1) if we played LA Galaxy, we wouldn't be very well prepared for the 2003/2004 season. Sort of like the poor preseason prep we had in South East Asia winning 7-0 every game.
(2) Heard a rumour that the Mexican match was arranged because we are tracking some Club America players. I think this is probably wrong, but we could be looking at forging links like we did with Sporting Lisbon and Antwerp.
He replied saying that it was more interesting than some of the people who had been lecturing him about the Champions League and Americans calling the game "soccer"....
And also admitted that in ignoring the MLS teams, the fault was probably not United's.
Which begs the question - why take the piss out of United in the article then? <img src="confused.gif" border="0">
(1) if we played LA Galaxy, we wouldn't be very well prepared for the 2003/2004 season. Sort of like the poor preseason prep we had in South East Asia winning 7-0 every game.
(2) Heard a rumour that the Mexican match was arranged because we are tracking some Club America players. I think this is probably wrong, but we could be looking at forging links like we did with Sporting Lisbon and Antwerp.
He replied saying that it was more interesting than some of the people who had been lecturing him about the Champions League and Americans calling the game "soccer"....
And also admitted that in ignoring the MLS teams, the fault was probably not United's.
Which begs the question - why take the piss out of United in the article then? <img src="confused.gif" border="0">
Bringing WWI into this question is of course absurd. Why cant our beloved United play our National team in LA? Frankly lads i want to see our boys play in this country with english being the prodimenent language in the crowd. I understand this is SOCAL but please 80,000 mexicans and 10 or 11000 reds i dont like those odds. Remember LA is the murder capital of the USA.
Registration approved. Hello everyone. (If you want to verify that this is indeed the USATODAY.com columnist, send a quick e-mail to bdure@usatoday.com. Sadly, I'm in the office until 2 a.m. Eastern time, so if you write before then, I'll send a quick response.)
Most of this looks familiar from the 100-plus e-mails I've received. I never doubted the strength of Manchester United's fan base, and I certainly won't in the future.
A couple of words of reply to those who haven't already corresponded with me:
- No, I don't honestly think Ruud van Nistelrooy lies awake at night in fear of MLS goalkeepers. I actually have the greatest respect for him, as he helped my fantasy team stay competitive last year. I was going for comical overstatement.
- Yes, there are political factors at play here. But honestly, would you read a column about that? Instead, I went for some harmless fun, and most of you got the joke -- and the legitimate point that United ought to think twice about playing a Mexican team when there's an equally legitimate team right there in Los Angeles.
- If you want to gauge my overall knowledge of or enthusiasm for the game, take a perusal through my previous columns. There's a link in the column that you've already read. I love this game, and that's not always a popular stance in this country. I also believe that we have a right to an indigenous professional league. We see tons of games from all over the world via satellite, but as you all know, nothing compares to being there in person.
- Other European powers such as Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen and Celtic have played MLS teams in preseason friendlies (and sometimes lost). And Man United have usually played local teams on their tours. (I was told by someone from your board that Sir Alex wanted to change this practice.)
- I'm not ... repeat, NOT ... some isolationist American. I woke up to watch the World Cup every day it was on, and the sports I cover (soccer, Olympic sports, hockey) are all international. I think it's deplorable that so many people in this country have no clue about life in the rest of the world.
- You don't know Adin Brown, but you might know the man he beat out to win the job -- Juergen Sommer. We have to apologize -- we don't always send you our best players. Work permits, family matters, international intrigue, etc.
Thanks for the feedback. So far, I've responded to everyone. I'll be gone for a few days, so my apologies if I don't get back to you for a while.
And check out some MLS games next summer when you're done celebrating the triple.
Beau Dure
Most of this looks familiar from the 100-plus e-mails I've received. I never doubted the strength of Manchester United's fan base, and I certainly won't in the future.
A couple of words of reply to those who haven't already corresponded with me:
- No, I don't honestly think Ruud van Nistelrooy lies awake at night in fear of MLS goalkeepers. I actually have the greatest respect for him, as he helped my fantasy team stay competitive last year. I was going for comical overstatement.
- Yes, there are political factors at play here. But honestly, would you read a column about that? Instead, I went for some harmless fun, and most of you got the joke -- and the legitimate point that United ought to think twice about playing a Mexican team when there's an equally legitimate team right there in Los Angeles.
- If you want to gauge my overall knowledge of or enthusiasm for the game, take a perusal through my previous columns. There's a link in the column that you've already read. I love this game, and that's not always a popular stance in this country. I also believe that we have a right to an indigenous professional league. We see tons of games from all over the world via satellite, but as you all know, nothing compares to being there in person.
- Other European powers such as Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen and Celtic have played MLS teams in preseason friendlies (and sometimes lost). And Man United have usually played local teams on their tours. (I was told by someone from your board that Sir Alex wanted to change this practice.)
- I'm not ... repeat, NOT ... some isolationist American. I woke up to watch the World Cup every day it was on, and the sports I cover (soccer, Olympic sports, hockey) are all international. I think it's deplorable that so many people in this country have no clue about life in the rest of the world.
- You don't know Adin Brown, but you might know the man he beat out to win the job -- Juergen Sommer. We have to apologize -- we don't always send you our best players. Work permits, family matters, international intrigue, etc.
Thanks for the feedback. So far, I've responded to everyone. I'll be gone for a few days, so my apologies if I don't get back to you for a while.
And check out some MLS games next summer when you're done celebrating the triple.
Beau Dure
Thanks for responding Mr. Dure. Not many people would have the guts to come here and confront his confronters
I can't believ anyone would take offence at the USA Today article. It was obviously written with a sense of humour that many seemed to miss. United's pre season tours inthe recent past have been more to do with global marketing and widening the "supporter base" than with football. It is only a matter of time before all United games will be on Pay per view MUTV, the United board are just prostituting the club to the highest bidders in a bid to increase poptential revenue.
I would rather see United play Bury or Bradford in a pre season game, God knows they could use the money that wopuld be generated.
Well done to the Mr Dure for joining the Caf, maybe we can educate him in all matters United. <img src="graemlins/keano.gif" border="0" alt="[Keano]" />
I would rather see United play Bury or Bradford in a pre season game, God knows they could use the money that wopuld be generated.
Well done to the Mr Dure for joining the Caf, maybe we can educate him in all matters United. <img src="graemlins/keano.gif" border="0" alt="[Keano]" />
Maybe he just got another column, about the passionate response from United fans over his last piece. That would be nice.
On a personal note Beau...
Are you slightly overwieght?
Are you slightly overwieght?
<img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" /> <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" /> <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" /> <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" /> this guys a dick
<img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" /> <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" /> <img src="graemlins/lol.gif" border="0" alt="[Laugh Out Loud]" />
You Mancs are pathetic. Some Yank writes a column that's a blatantly obvious wind-up and you all rise snapping and thrashing to the bait. Sanctimonious condemnations all round. Righteously indignant emails.
Prams emptied...
Dummies across the room...
Rather amusing to see how well it worked on you though.
You Mancs are pathetic. Some Yank writes a column that's a blatantly obvious wind-up and you all rise snapping and thrashing to the bait. Sanctimonious condemnations all round. Righteously indignant emails.
Prams emptied...
Dummies across the room...
Rather amusing to see how well it worked on you though.
Do you not agree that it is wrong for a team to come to a country and not play against at least one team from that country. From Mr. Beau Dure<hr></blockquote>
Now i get what u mean, juz like during the World Cup 2002, the English squad went to Japan for those matches, but they didn't compete with neither the Japanese national team nor the Korean national team...
in the same sense...um....why should Man Utd compete with..what's that clubs' name.. (whatsoever..no one cares
feck OFF! Doesn't make any sense...
FYI: The person signed on as "Beau-Dure" on the other thread is NOT, repeat NOT, me.
This is, to my knowledge, the first time anyone has ever posed as me on a message board. That's impressive, especially considering I was once responsible for monitoring a few of them!
I suppose I should report this?
Thanks,
The Real Beau Dure
(write to bdure@usatoday.com if you need confirmation. I think most of you have already heard from me!)
This is, to my knowledge, the first time anyone has ever posed as me on a message board. That's impressive, especially considering I was once responsible for monitoring a few of them!
I suppose I should report this?
Thanks,
The Real Beau Dure
(write to bdure@usatoday.com if you need confirmation. I think most of you have already heard from me!)
So how bout it the real Beau? Have we given you material for another column? Think it would be interesting. Like I said, you probably could get alot of material writing about the resurgance of Man United and their passionate fans.
I've sent a note to the mods. I think two threads devoted to me is quite enough -- I'm simply an American soccer devotee with a sense of humor and a job in what's left of the legitimate media.
I'll certainly have something to add in my next column! I'll also have to dig up my explanation of why we shouldn't be blamed for calling it "soccer."
<img src="graemlins/santa.gif" border="0" alt="[Santa]" />
I'll certainly have something to add in my next column! I'll also have to dig up my explanation of why we shouldn't be blamed for calling it "soccer."
<img src="graemlins/santa.gif" border="0" alt="[Santa]" />