Was Vidic a gamble? or Should Rio played in the UCL SFs?
-
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/manchester_united/s/1006/1006159_fergie_defends_rio_decision.html
Fergie defends Rio decision
3/ 5/2007
SIR Alex Ferguson has revealed he was taking a long-term view when he left Rio Ferdinand out of the Champions League semi-final defeat to AC Milan.
The Manchester United boss felt he could only name one of Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic in his starting line-up at the San Siro as both were badly lacking match fitness after recent absences from the Reds side.
In the end, Ferguson plumped for Vidic, who at least had been able to do some running while he recovered from the broken collarbone he suffered against Blackburn on March 31, in contrast to Ferdinand, who has been plagued by a groin problem for almost a month.
The move was condemned as “a disaster” by former United boss Tommy Docherty, who felt Vidic was partly responsible for a woeful defensive display which was a huge contributing factor in a 3-0 defeat that saw the Old Trafford outfit denied a meeting with Liverpool in Athens on May 23.
In contrast, Ferguson felt Vidic did okay on his reappearance, with the Scot certain he took the wisest choice by playing the Serbian instead of Ferdinand, whose assurance was badly missed.
“I have no complaints about Nemanja at all,” said Ferguson.
Risk
“There was an element of risk but I couldn’t play both him and Rio and the lesser risk, without question, was Vidic.
“I have to take the long view and hopefully we now have Rio available now for the rest of the season.”
Both men are expected to figure in SaturdayÂ’s Manchester derby at Eastlands, where victory would see United move to within a point of clinching the Premier League title.
Louis Saha is also likely to be involved after his substitutesÂ’ appearance in the San Siro, although the Frenchman may have to make do with a place on the bench as he continues his comeback from a long-standing hamstring problem.
Ryan Giggs is determined the side will bounce back quickly from the defeat.
“We cannot feel sorry for ourselves,” said Giggs.
“Of course, as soon as the final whistle goes you are really disappointed. But we also have to remember we still have so much to go for this season.
“Yes, we are greedy. We wanted to win everything this season. Now we are out of the Champions League, we have to try and win the double.”
Another minor piece of good news to emerge from what was a disastrous evening for the Red Devils is that Cristiano Ronaldo will be available for the start of next seasonÂ’s European campaign.
Ronaldo was among UnitedÂ’s biggest disappointments last night and capped off a poor evening by collecting a booking which would have ruled him out of the final if his team had gone through.
There was some suggestion the Portugal wingerÂ’s suspension would carry forward to next season.
However, UEFA have confirmed that is the case only with red card offences, leaving Ronaldo clear to make his re-appearance in the group stage next term, where UnitedÂ’s presence has already been assured. -
from the start, Milan went at Vidic, with Kaka almost scoring in the first attack.
Was it a big gamble? Cause for Milan's all 3 goals, it was almost "given". -
double? they should shut up and let their feet do the talking man.
-
Kaka is simply too good. -
I feel SAF has no choice but to gamble - the make-shift defense is crap and the fact that they are able to pull through the last few matches is becos they faced weak opponents / have home grnd advantage.
And I agree with his choice, Vidic hurt his shoulder but not his legs, so he can run whereas Ferdinand hurt his groin and won't even able to jog.
its just too bad that the injuries plagued - but reading the post-match report, i doubt if Man U can hold them back defending a 1 goal lead even if both Ferdinand & Vidic is fit. They lack a midfield lynchpin who can match Gattuso & Seedorf. Both Scholes & Carrick are attack / creative minded players, not some one who can hold and guard - like Viera / Keane.
They need to strengthen that in the coming transfer window to provide steel in midfield. -
thats why hargreaves is continually in the picture. is he really as good as his reputation?
-
Well, he will add some needed strength in the team... Carrick was never a DM in the first place... and they don't have one since Keane left... Hurry get him...
-
true, at this position, there are only a few, makelele, essien, seedorf, & gattuso.Originally posted by zocoss:Well, he will add some needed strength in the team... Carrick was never a DM in the first place... and they don't have one since Keane left... Hurry get him...
I think OwenH did well in the recent WC, and his stakes went up.
Furthermore, his experience in UCL and German League will help immensely.
well, we can't find another Keano anywhere. How we miss him in Milan?
if only the current captain can do the same heroic. -
I dont think its very wise to pay 20 million plus for a player who excel-ed at the world cup...i mean if possible with 20 million i would rather get a much more established guy like gattusso...Originally posted by iceFatboy:true, at this position, there are only a few, makelele, essien, seedorf, & gattuso.
I think OwenH did well in the recent WC, and his stakes went up.
Furthermore, his experience in UCL and German League will help immensely.
well, we can't find another Keano anywhere. How we miss him in Milan?
if only the current captain can do the same heroic.
Yea i agree with the Keano part...the Man Utd team in milan was...really not inspired and driven to comeback lor...When we hardly have any away fans in this type of situation we needed someone like Keano who really can rally his team on and drive them forward through real passion and tenacity... Keano's breed is extinct alrdy i would say..i cant see anyone in the same mould as him right now, maybe cept for Vieira... -
well.... Keano was one of the greatest captain for ManU, but due to his personality clash wif SAF, yeah out he goes.....how i miss the days when Keano marshal the midfield OWNING!
